CLARKSVILLE, IN (September 29, 2021) – The Clarksville Historic Preservation Commission will be celebrating the historic visit of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. On Thursday, October 7th at 4:00pm, the Commission will unveil a special historical marker at Clarksville High School on Dr. Dot Lewis Drive.
On June 16, 1958, Mrs. Roosevelt paid a visit to Clarksville High School to attend the annual dinner of the Clark County Chamber of Commerce. Nearly 1000 people attended the dinner, held in the new gymnasium, including Supreme Court Justice Sherman Minton, a New Albany native. The meal was prepared by the Clarksville HS cafeteria staff, and was served by the Clarksville High School band parents. Mrs. Roosevelt, who had returned the previous year from an extensive tour of Russia, spoke for an hour about Russia. During that speech, she called upon the American people to study and understand Russia in order to meet the Communist challenge. She cautioned Americans not to underestimate the foreign power.
The October 7th event will be held at the “D Lobby” entrance to Clarksville High School. The short event will feature several speakers including Historical Society President Michaelia Gilbert, whose grandfather was one of the police officers who escorted Mrs. Roosevelt into the school. The event is open to the media, and members of the public are welcome.