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Crown Point Resident Profiles
|
The attractive buildings, festive events, and rich
history are not the only treasures in Crown Point; there are also the people.
Resident Profiles takes a closer look at some of Crown Point’s cherished
citizens. |
This month's resident
feature:
Wilbur Heidbreder |
|
| Few people have more attachment
and involvement with Crown Point than Wilbur Heidbreder. This constant resident of Crown
Point was born to the city in 1907 and continues as a vital member of the Crown Point
community. Numerous people have Wilbur Heidbreder to thank. They may not be aware of
what he’s done for the city, but he’s certainly one to be credited for the
preservation of Crown Point’s greatest landmark and the historic nature of the city. |
Imagine all the people who have visited Crown
Point and remarked on what a treasure The Old Lake
County Courthouse is. Surely every one of these people who has laid eyes on the grand structure
would be surprised that at one time there was a real threat
to have the courthouse torn down and replaced by a parking lot.
|
The Old Lake County Courthouse |
| Wilbur Heidbreder was President
of the Lake Court House Foundation, Inc., and though the threat of losing the historic
courthouse has passed, certainly many can thank this man and others foundation members for
their constant work toward saving The Old Courthouse. Heidbreder’s
parents came to Crown Point, Indiana in 1905. Hired as teacher of religion, the two made a
home in the residential portion (downstairs and lower level) of Trinity Evangelical
Lutheran Church. (This building no longer stands. A new Lutheran Church was built at
another location.)
|
Wilbur’s family immigrated
from Germany. He recalls overcoming difficulty with language barriers as a youth. He made
friends, he jokes "through some type of sign language" until he acquired the
English language.
|
| There is also, on
Heidbreder’s part, a deep appreciation of his growing-up years. He had one brother
who was born five years after his birth and a sister who was born during the year he
graduated from high school (see photo of school). |
The Old Crown Point High School |
| Times especially endearing to him
were the extended visits at his maternal grandfather’s home in Quincy, Illinois. He
still reminisces about his admiration of his grandfather’s activity with politics and
work as editor of the German Daily paper. Also,
Heidbreder is glad to reminisce about his years of service at The First National Bank of
Crown Point. Long time serving as the Vice President of the bank, Heidbreder began his
service as a part-time employee. He explains of his being hired that he "just did his
banking there" and was one day "button-holed" for employment by Paul Brown.
That event in1944 led to service until1974, the 100th anniversary of the bank.
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| If you know
a Crown Point resident who would be ideal to feature on crownpoint.net, please contact mail@crownpoint.net. |
