Cammack, Indiana

Cammack is an unincorporated community in Mount Pleasant Township, Delaware County, Indiana.

History

Cammack was originally called "Switch A" in relation to the Erie and Western Railroad. It was renamed after David Cammack, a lumber dealer from Cambridge City. In 1879, Cammack promised to establish a sawmill in the area if the community adopted his name. Following through on this promise, he arrived in 1879 and played a central role in the town's early development, including funding its first and second additions during the 1880s. Cammack was founded in 1882 and a sawmill was constructed the same year, contributing to the town's economic growth. However, this sawmill was destroyed by fire one year later in 1883, rebuilt, and then destroyed in a fire again in 1898. A post office was established at Cammack in 1882, and remained in operation until it was discontinued in 1907.

Economy & Social Life

Railroads also contributed to Cammack's growth. The Norfolk & Western and Erie & Western Railroad lines, constructed in 1872, enhanced trade and transportation, particularly for grain and coal businesses. In the late 19th century, Cammack experienced significant industrial activity, having a lumber mill and a canning facility.

A key community landmark is the Cammack United Methodist Church, founded in 1893. The church originated from Tuesday night prayer meetings, started by a local man known as "Long Joe" Reed in 1839, who started a Sunday School that same year. As religious interest grew, a formal congregation was established, and land was donated by Betty S. Dragoo and Sam H. Dragoo to construct a church.

The town was also home to the " White Feather Tribe No. 78 of the Improved Order of Red Men," an important social and fraternal organization during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1900, the dedication of the White Feather Tribe's new hall in Cammack was a significant event. The ceremony was marked by a large crowd and a series of speeches, including an address by D.F. White, the Great Prophet of the state. His speech focused on freedom and the history of the order. The hall, built at a cost of $5,000, was a brick structure that was 70 feet long, 40 feet wide, and 30 feet high, and it served as a gathering place for the lodge. The Pocahontas Lodge, the women's branch of the organization, was also active in Cammack and nearby Reed Station and boasted a membership of about 100 at the time of the dedication.

Cammack has long been a hub for local businesses and industry. The Reed Brothers Feed and Coal store, operated by Mike and Robert Reed, served the community until 1970. Before the feed store, the location was home to a grain elevator originally built on the site of David Cammack's sawmill. Over time, industries shifted, and by the 1970s, a fishing lure company occupied the old elevator space.

One of the most well-known establishments in Cammack is Pete's Grocery, which has been a gathering place for locals since it was built in 1931. Owned by Pete Davis since 1959, the store remains largely unchanged and maintains a nostalgic atmosphere. It serves as an informal town center, where residents gather to discuss local events and reminisce about the past. Davis was even named honorary mayor by the late Gib Fuller, a former Delaware County official.

In 1902, Cammack became a focal point for political gatherings. A newspaper article reported preparations for a large Republican meeting and the event was set to feature speeches by prominent figures, indicating the town's active participation in regional political affairs.

Despite the decline of some businesses such as mills and blacksmith shops, Cammack has seen continued investment. Dick Howe, a former resident, has restored several key buildings, including the old grocery store, which he converted into a diner called Cammack Station. This diner serves sandwiches and ice cream and aims to attract more visitors to the area. Howe has also undertaken the restoration of Carpenter's Hardware and several other business buildings, working to modernize the town while preserving its historic charm. Cammack also continues to host businesses like a shoe repair shop and a salon.

Though Cammack has evolved over time, though its residents remain dedicated to preserving its heritage. The Cammack Days Festival, held annually in August, celebrates the town's history and serves as a reminder of its past.

Disasters

Cammack has faced multiple fires and disasters that significantly impacted its growth and development. In 1883, a fire destroyed Cammack's sawmill, believed to be incendiary, resulting in a loss of $6,000, with only $2,000 in insurance. Another fire struck the sawmill in 1898, destroying the mill and machinery, with damages again totaling $6,000. Cammack chose not to rebuild after this loss.

A major fire in 1888 destroyed part of the Cammack lumber mill, which had been instrumental in the town's economy. The fire, believed to have been sparked by smoldering ashes, threatened to destroy the entire town and caused injuries to nearby children but was eventually brought under control by the swift efforts of the community and firefighters.

In 1971, a major fire devastated the local landscaping company, highlighting the town's limited fire protection. The newspaper at the time called it "the worst fire in the little community's history." Residents of the nearby towns flocked to the area to witness the fire. The 1981 explosion and fire at the BIC Inc. warehouse destroyed the building and posed challenges due to a lack of municipal water supply. A fire in 2000 destroyed another warehouse, with explosions complicating firefighting efforts.

In 2024, a rare land spout caused significant damage, though no injuries were reported. The storm, initially not predicted as a threat, led to what was immediately believed to have been a tornado. The land spout caused the collapse of a local warehouse.

References

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Unincorporated communities in Delaware County, Indiana
Unincorporated communities in Indiana