Photo provided by Indiana State Police
The Indiana State Police post in Jasper is the only original post in the state that is still functioning. Those at the post are hoping to raise enough money to erect a historical marker at the location on Newton Street.

By CHRISTINE STEPHENSON
cstephenson@dcherald.com

JASPER — Out of all eight Indiana State Police posts created when ISP was formed in the 1930s, the Jasper post is the only one still functioning as a district headquarters.

The post on Newton Street was erected in 1937 by the Works Progress Administration during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency. At the time, it stood tall on a hill away from the city, out by itself.

Now, all the other posts throughout the state have either been torn down or used for other functions.

Retired Major Danny Price, who was the district commander for Jasper for a decade, said he has always had a soft spot for the Jasper facility. Those who have worked for the state police know and appreciate the historical significance of the post, too, he said.

But besides them, not many people understand the post’s important place in history, Price said. Some even want it gone.

“I had heard people for years ask why we don't tear that down and build a new building,” he said. “To me, it's not an eyesore. To me, it's a beautiful testament to the people who've worked there and served the people of Indiana for so long.”

Although it’s particularly well built, Price said, he knows the post may come down some day. That’s why the police want to erect a historical marker that will serve as a reminder of where the longest-serving state police post stood.

“I think everybody who has worked there will tell you that ... everything is like it was back in the day, and it just means a lot to us,” he said.

With the help of Lauren Baker, the ISP museum curator, the application for the marker was approved by the Indiana Historical Bureau. No public funds can be used for the purchase, so the ISP Alliance is fundraising to raise the $3,000 needed.

Baker started a GoFundMe for the marker, and a little over $1,000 was raised as of Thursday morning, mostly by current and previous ISP officers and their families.

Price said he wants the Jasper community to know about the fundraiser, too. The fundraiser can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/f/jasper-post-historic-marker.

If the money is raised, the marker will be erected in 2021.

“That’s the goal,” Price said. “I’m confident that it won’t take us long to get it going.”