Endangered Structures

Lawrie Library at the Indiana Veterans Home State Historic District

The building originally functioned as the commissary for the Indiana Veterans Home and later was converted into a library. In the recent past the Lawrie Library housed the paintings done by Alexander Lawrie, who, as a resident of the the home, painted many large portraits of Civil War Generals and Abraham Lincoln. Before coming to live at the home, Lawrie lived and painted in Philadelphia. His style was similar to that of the Hudson Valley School, although he was never a member of that group.

These valuable paintings have been removed for safekeeping. The building now faces an uncertain future. The roof has been stabilized, but the rest of the structure is in dire need of restoration.

In 2008, oversight of the Indiana Veterans Home changed from the Department of Health to Department of Veterans Affairs. A master plan is being developed for the IVH campus and the historic building were deeded back to the state in 2009.