Cromwell: The little town that keeps getting better

The small town of Cromwell will be celebrating it’s 150th anniversary of the town’s founding this year. It continues to upgrade and expand its services to its residents, in the way of improved water and sewer lines.

The town continues to be a safe place for families to grow and an attractive location for businesses of all kinds, from antique stores to restaurants to factories.

Located in the heart of the western half of the county, Cromwell has a population of just under 500 residents.

The town of Cromwell is benefitting from a massive water system project that was completed last year. A new water treatment plant and two new wellfields in the town are up and running.

Plans are under way to expand the city’s water lines to the Shady Acres Mobile Home Park.

Improved tornado warning sirens were in the process of being put in Cromwell and Kimmell in the first part of 2003.

HISTORY: Surveyor Harrison Wood platted Cromwell in June 1853 on the site where Abel Mullen had built a cabin in 1849 for manufacturing black salt from ashes. Mullen’s business was unprofitable, but he did become the town’s first postmaster.

Disastrous fires in 1909 and 1911 burned much of the town.

The first street was paved in 1925 and the last one was paved in 1991.

An industrial park was built in 1971 and has brought in four factories.

Cromwell has a reserve police unit and a full-time town marshal.

POPULATION: 472 (2000 census. Figure is being contested by city.)

GOVERNMENT: A three-member town council meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the town hall.

TOWN COUNCIL: Gary Lawrence (R), Cromwell, phone 856-4129; Dennis Brewer 856-4332; Bob Warren (R), West Orange Street, 856-4433. The clerk-treasurer is Robert Leamon (R), 235 Olive St. 856-2108; fax 856-3609. Clark Reed is superintendent of utilities.

SERVICES: Water and sewer are provided by the town, garbage services are contracted and a volunteer fire department serves the town.

EDUCATION: Students of all ages attend West Noble School Corp. at the West Noble campus a few miles from Cromwell, although some attend Ligonier Elementary in Ligonier.

RECREATION: Cromwell has a large park, created in 1980, and the former Cromwell School has been turned into a community center. The park receives constant upgrades from volunteers.

FESTIVAL: In 1987, the town began celebrating the Cromwell Festival, held the last weekend in July. It features parades, talent show, Kiddie King and Queen and many other fun-filled events.

SHOPPING: Most of the downtown storefronts offer a variety of shopping opportunities. Hursey’s Garage, along with Town and Country Mercantile, both have convenience stores. There are several restaurants including Daniel's Cafe, Jus Dance and Jacobs Pizzeria, a car dealership, a bank, feed mill, print shop and lumber yard.

ACCESS: S.R. 5 passes through the center of town.

TAXES: The rate for 2002 was on $1.1366 per $100 of property value, based on total assessed valuation of $11,362,000 (100 percent.) The advertised levy for 2003 was $128,733.

POLICE: Cromwell Police Department, 856-3838; or Noble County Sheriff’s Department, 636-2182 or 911. Shawn Cox is marshal.

FIRE: Sparta Township Fire Department, 856-2211. (Non-Emergency number is 856-4555.)

CLERK TREASURER: 856-2108. Hours: Saturday 9 a.m. - noon or evening by appointment.

TOWN ENGINEER: Dodzik Engineering of Fort Wayne

TOWN ATTORNEY: Robert Kirsch.

LIBRARY: A branch of the Noble County Public Library is located on Jefferson Street, 856-2119.

POST OFFICE: Jefferson Street, 856-2512. Karen Luehrs is postmaster.

TOWN HALL: Water Street, 856-2108. Fax: 856-3609.