Editing Sweetser, Indiana

{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
| official_name      = Sweetser, Indiana
| settlement_type    = [[Town]]
| image_blank_emblem = Logo of Sweetser, Indiana.png
| blank_emblem_type  = Logo
| blank_emblem_size  = 120px
| nickname           = 
| motto              = <!-- Images -->
| image_skyline      = File:Sweetser sign.jpg
| imagesize          = 
| image_caption      = Welcome to Sweetser, Indiana.
| image_flag         = 
| image_seal         = <!-- Maps -->
| image_map          = File:Grant County Indiana Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Sweetser Highlighted 1874546.svg
| mapsize            = 250x200px
| map_caption        = Location of Sweetser in Grant County, Indiana.
| image_map1         = 
| mapsize1           = 
| map_caption1       = <!-- Location -->
| subdivision_type   = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name   = United States
| subdivision_type1  = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Indiana]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of counties in Indiana|County]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Grant County, Indiana|Grant]]
| subdivision_type3  = [[List of townships in Indiana|Township]]
| subdivision_name3  = [[Franklin Township, Grant County, Indiana|Franklin]], [[Pleasant Township, Grant County, Indiana|Pleasant]], [[Richland Township, Grant County, Indiana|Richland]]
| government_footnotes = 
| government_type    = 
| leader_title       = 
| leader_name        = 
| leader_title1      = 
| leader_name1       = 
| established_title  = 
| established_date   = <!-- Area -->
| unit_pref          = Imperial
| area_footnotes     = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web|title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_18.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=March 16, 2022}}</ref>
| area_magnitude     = 
| area_total_km2     = 2.62
| area_land_km2      = 2.61
| area_water_km2     = 0.01
| area_total_sq_mi   = 1.01
| area_land_sq_mi    = 1.01
| area_water_sq_mi   = 0.00

<!-- Population -->| population_as_of   = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
| population_est     = 
| pop_est_as_of      = 
| population_footnotes = 
| population_total   = 1075
| population_density_km2 = 411.67
| population_density_sq_mi = 1066.47
| timezone           = [[North American Eastern Time Zone|Eastern (EST)]]
| utc_offset         = -5
| timezone_DST       = EDT
| utc_offset_DST     = -4
| elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/>
| elevation_ft       = 846
| coordinates        = {{coord|40|34|07|N|85|45|30|W|region:US_type:city|display=inline,title}}
| postal_code_type   = [[ZIP code]]
| postal_code        = 46987
| area_code          = [[Area code 765|765]]
| blank_name         = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
| blank_info         = 18-74546<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|accessdate=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref>
| blank1_name        = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info        = 2397691<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2397691}}</ref>
| website            = {{URL|https://sweetserin.us/}}
| footnotes          = 
| pop_est_footnotes  = 
}}
'''Sweetser''' is a town in [[Franklin Township, Grant County, Indiana|Franklin]], [[Pleasant Township, Grant County, Indiana|Pleasant]] and [[Richland Township, Grant County, Indiana|Richland]] townships, [[Grant County, Indiana|Grant County]], [[Indiana]], United States. The population was 1,229 at the 2010 census.

== History ==
The [[Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad]] was built through the area in 1867. Around 1869, a half-mile long switch was built to haul wood to a train refueling station. This switch would become the nucleus of the town. Railroadmen began calling it "Switch" and soon thereafter, the area was known as "Switzer" and then "Sweetser".<ref name="The Sweetser Story">The Sweetser Story 1871-1971. Centennial Celebration insert (Sweetser, Indiana).</ref>

The original plat of town of Sweetser was entered on October 14, 1871, by Sanford Prater, John Hubert, James H. Vinson, Urich Mars and H.B. Bragg with the Grant County Recorder's office.<ref name="The Sweetser Story" /> The land which formed the original plat of Sweetser had been entered in the District Land Office in Fort Wayne, Indiana on May 22, 1848, by Samuel Blinn.

Additional plats to the town were Nuzum's in 1873, and the Wilcut's, McGee's, Bishop's and Nuzum's 2nd, all platted in 1874.<ref name="The Sweetser Story" />

The early business section was north of the railroad on the west side of Main Street. A sawmill was located at what is now the site of the Methodist church (413 N. Main).<ref name="The Sweetser Story" /> Sweetser had several dry goods stores, a blacksmith shop, a jeweler and a saloon.

As the population grew, the sawmill was torn down and a new schoolhouse was built where it once stood. The old schoolhouse by the railroad (104 N. Meridian) was replaced by a grain elevator built by Gilbert and William Baum.<ref name="The Sweetser Story" />

When natural gas was struck around Sweetser in 1885, the town was ready for development. The Brickner Window Glass Company, established in 1893, attracted many people not only living nearby but from other states to come to work and live here. The glass factory was located on the west side of town, being situated just west of what is now 319 W. Hubert Street. The factory was also known as Schick & Hawkins Window Glass Company.<ref name="The Sweetser Story" />

From 1884 to 1894 there were five additions platted to Sweetser, namely Thompson's, Sherron's, Sherron's 2nd, Sherron's 3rd and Hawkins.<ref name="The Sweetser Story" />

A hotel, known as the Vardaman Hotel, was located at 103 Main Street in lots number 27-29 of the original plat. This hotel was built to accommodate the number of persons working at the glass factory.<ref name="The Sweetser Story" />

The Friermood Tile Factory was started in 1888 and was located at the end of Walnut Street. It made tile for draining the lands around Sweetser into Pipe Creek.<ref name="The Sweetser Story" />

==Geography==
Sweetser is located on [[Indiana State Road 18|State Road 18]] between the town of [[Converse, Indiana|Converse]] and the city of [[Marion, Indiana|Marion]]. According to the 2010 census, Sweetser has a total area of {{convert|1.013|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{convert|1.01|sqmi|sqkm|2}} (or 99.7%) is land and {{convert|0.003|sqmi|sqkm|2}} (or 0.3%) is water.<ref name="census-g001">{{cite web
  |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/G001/1600000US1874546
  |title=G001 - Geographic Identifiers - 2010 Census Summary File 1
  |accessdate=July 25, 2015
  |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]
  |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213044851/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/G001/1600000US1874546
  |archive-date=February 13, 2020
  |url-status=dead
  }}</ref>

Running through the edge of Sweetser is a small body of water, or creek, known as Pipe Creek. Pipe Creek is one of the sites that can be seen from the Sweetser Switch Trail. Known as one of Sweetser's main attractions, the trail is a walking trail that stretches throughout the whole town and is expanded three miles outside of the town's outer limits. Although this trail is intended for walking, there are signs posted that allow bicyclists, cross country skiers, runners, wheelchairs and various other ways of exercise permitted on the trail. A new addition to the trail is a statue of one of Grant County's celebrities, Garfield.

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1880= 246
|1960= 896
|1970= 1076
|1980= 944
|1990= 924
|2000= 906
|2010= 1229
|2020= 1075
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|accessdate=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
}}

===2010 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name ="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|accessdate=December 11, 2012}}</ref> of 2010, there were 1,229 people, 494 households, and 364 families residing in the town. The [[population density]] was {{convert|1216.8|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 532 housing units at an average density of {{convert|526.7|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the town was 95.2% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.4% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.7% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.3% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 2.0% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 1.5% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 4.5% of the population.

There were 494 households, of which 32.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.5% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 26.3% were non-families. 22.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.91.

The median age in the town was 40.5 years. 25.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.2% were from 25 to 44; 29.1% were from 45 to 64; and 16.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 47.7% male and 52.3% female.

===2000 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2" /> of 2000, there were 906 people, 357 households, and 269 families residing in the town. The population density was {{convert|929.2|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 371 housing units at an average density of {{convert|380.5|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the town was 97.68% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.44% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.11% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.33% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.43% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 2.10% of the population.

There were 357 households, out of which 33.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.7% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.4% were non-families. 22.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 2.97.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.5% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 26.3% from 25 to 44, 24.7% from 45 to 64, and 16.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.5 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $39,722, and the median income for a family was $49,327. Males had a median income of $43,542 versus $22,054 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the town was $19,907. About 3.9% of families and 5.0% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 6.1% of those under age 18 and 5.7% of those age 65 or over.

==Media==
The first newspaper to be published in Sweetser was the Sun Sentinel, which began operations sometime before 1894. The editor was James Pinkerton.<ref name="The Sweetser Story" />

Currently, residents are served by the daily Marion ''Chronicle-Tribune'' and the weekly ''Oak Hill Times''.

==Churches==
The Lutheran church which pre-dated the establishment of the town first met in 1865 under the name of St. Paul's under the pastorage of Rev. T.E. Sharah with twenty-three charter members. For thirty years, the meetings were held in private homes, the Jalapa school, Cart Creek school and the Mark school house. In 1896, the members furnished materials and labor to construct a church building at 301 West Delphi Road. In 1947, this church was abandoned, and it was converted into a two-story duplex residence.<ref name="The Sweetser Story" />

The Cart Creek Church of the Brethren began in 1893 in a new church house erected on land donated by Joseph Winger Sr. at 500W & 400N, three miles north of Sweetser. This church was the nucleus of the Sweetser Church of the Brethren which was organized in 1959.<ref name="The Sweetser Story" />

First mention of Sweetser in the Methodist Church conference minutes was in 1875. Local preachers mentioned were John Hubert, Allen Meek, Andrew Green and Joseph Leazenby. The first Methodist church was located on the northwest corner of Main Street and State Road 18.<ref name="The Sweetser Story" /> 

Currently, the town is served by the Sweetser United Methodist Church, the Sweetser Wesleyan Church, and Liberty Baptist Church.

==Government==
[[File:Sweetser Town Hall.jpg|thumb|Sweetser Town Hall]]
Sweetser is governed by a five-member town council, all of whom serve at-large and by tradition run as independents.<ref name="New Sweetser">New Sweetser Town Council Fairly Certain", ''Marion Chronicle-Tribune'', Marion, Indiana, November 4, 2011, p. C5.</ref>

Current council members are President Kyle Taylor, Vice-President Travis Lemaster, Warren Daily, Tyler Wineinger and one vacant seat.<ref name="New Sweetser" />

==Police and fire protection==
Police protection is provided by the Town Marshal and his deputies and reserve officers.

Fire protection is provided by the all-volunteer Pleasant Township Volunteer Fire Department, which operates from the fire station located at the corner of State Road 18 and Main Street.

==Utilities==
Water is provided to residents of Sweetser through individual household wells.

Sewage is piped to nearby Marion for treatment. In 2011, the town announced plans to build its own $2.4 million wastewater treatment plant.

The incumbent landline telephone provider is the Sweetest Telephone Company, formerly known as the Sweetest Rural Telephone Company. It is one of Indiana's larger independent telephone companies.

==Parks and recreation==
Sweetser is home of the Sweetser Switch Trail, a three-mile asphalt trail located in the center of town. The trailhead features two restored railcars and a statue of [[Garfield]]. Restrooms, parking and water are available at the trailhead. The trail connects one mile east of Main Street with the [[Cardinal Greenway]] in Marion.{{cite web |url = http://www.traillink.com/trail/sweetser-switch-trail.aspx |title = Sweetser Switch Trail |accessdate = August 5, 2012}}

Pawadise Park,<ref>"Pawadise Park opens with ribbon cutting", ''Marion Chronicle-Tribune'', Marion, Indiana, July 30, 2012.</ref> is a unique feature along the Sweetser Switch Trail. Completed in July 2012, the park is located one-quarter mile west of Main Street next to the trail. The park was funded totally by donations.<ref>"Marion, Sweetser compete for dog parks", ''Marion Chronicle-Tribune'', Marion, Indiana, June 13, 2012.</ref> Dogs of all sizes can run unleashed here. The park has two separate areas, one for large dogs and one for small, and will include a small area for pet owners to memorialize their pets.<ref>"Dog park coming to Grant County", ''Marion Chronicle-Tribune'', Marion, Indiana, May 28, 2012.</ref>

===Gallery===
<gallery widths="180px" class="center">
File:Restored rail cars and statue of Garfield on the Sweetser Switch Trail.jpg|Restored rail cars and statue of Garfield on the Sweetser Switch Trail
File:Veteran's Memorial on Sweetser Switch Trail.jpg|Veteran's Memorial on Sweetser Switch Trail
File:Sweetser Cafe.jpg|Sweetser Cafe
File:Sweetser Garfield and train cars.jpg|Sweetser Garfield and train cars</gallery>

==Education==
Sweetser is part of the Oak Hill School District and home to the Sweetser Elementary school.

Sweetser residents may obtain a free library card from the [[Converse-Jackson Township Public Library]] in Converse.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.converselib.org/library-card-fees--circulation-policy.html | title=Library card fees | publisher=Converse-Jackson Township Public Library | accessdate=March 10, 2018}}</ref>

==Festivals and events==
Sweetser is home to the annual Pumpkin Walk, a community-wide parade down Main Street held near Halloween, which features costume judging contests and pumpkin carving contests.<ref>"Sweetser Switch Trail Pumpkin Walk Results", ''Marion Chronicle-Tribune'', Marion, Indiana, October 15, 2011."</ref>

The Sweetser's Farmers Market runs from June through September on Saturdays at the Sweetser Elementary School.<ref>"Local farmers' markets kick off", ''Marion Chronicle-Tribune'', Marion, Indiana, June 7, 2012.</ref>

==Notable people==
* [[Keith O'Conner Murphy]], [[Rockabilly Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rockabillyhall.com/KeithOConnerMurphy.html |title=Keith O'Connor Murphy |publisher=Rockabillyhall.com |date= |accessdate=April 30, 2013}}</ref> Singer-songwriter, Stacy, [[Polydor Records]], and [[King Records (United States)]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rockhall.com/education/outside-the-classroom/landmark-series/ |title=Landmark Series :: Outside the Classroom |publisher=The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum |date= |accessdate=April 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130506173626/http://rockhall.com/education/outside-the-classroom/landmark-series/ |archive-date=May 6, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==References==
<references />

==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.sweetserin.us/}}
{{Grant County, Indiana}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Towns in Grant County, Indiana]]
[[Category:Towns in Indiana]]