A preservation easement is a legal agreement giving a qualified nonprofit organization like Indiana Landmarks the right and obligation to protect a structure’s exterior from changes that would compromise its historical, architectural or natural character.

The Markle House on Dam Mill Road is one of the oldest intact historic houses in Vigo County. It sits across from the ruins of the old Markle Mill.

Built in 1848 by Frederick and Sarah Markle, the house originally served as the Markles’ residence, as well as Frederick’s office for the mill operation across the road on Otter Creek, and a stagecoach stop on the line he operated between Terre Haute and Lafayette. The Markles’ mill burned in 1938; the remains consist of stone and concrete foundations and dam. The house and mill site are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Sallie Cox donated the preservation easement before selling the house to Ben and Rachel Porter in mid-March. Sallie and her husband Don bought the property in 1983 and embarked on a complete rehabilitation of the Markle House. After Don passed away in 2011, Sallie continued stewardship of the house.

“I wanted to help prevent the Markle House and the land from ever being destroyed by an unsympathetic future owner and donating a preservation easement to Indiana Landmarks was the best way to ensure this,” says Sallie. “The new owners understand that, which gave me greater comfort selling the landmark to them,” she adds.

The Porters will make the Markle House their home.

“We are excited to see our dream of preserving a historic home become a reality, and we’re honored to carry the responsibility for this important Terre Haute treasure,” says Rachel. “We want to carry on the work Don and Sallie did for so many years to protect and cherish it.”

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Mindi Woolman, Director of Communication and Marketing, Indiana Landmarks, 317-639-4534,  mwoolman@indianalandmarks.org

Tommy Kleckner, Director, Indiana Landmarks’ Western Regional Office, 812-284-4534, tkleckner@indianalandmarks.org

Sallie Cox, 812-241-4769

Ben & Rachel Porter, rbporter15@gmail.com

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Indiana Landmarks revitalizes communities, reconnects us to our heritage, and saves meaningful places. With nine offices located throughout the state, Indiana Landmarks helps people rescue endangered landmarks and restore historic neighborhoods and downtowns. People who join Indiana Landmarks receive its bimonthly magazine, Indiana Preservation. For more information on the not-for-profit organization, call 317-639-4534, 800-450-4534, or visit www.indianalandmarks.org.