HCPL - Virtual Tour - Wiseman Meeting Room

Main Library

Youth Services

Genealogy

Search Catalog
FAQ
Contact Us
Ask a Librarian
Site Map

The Blaine H. Wiseman Community Room

The Blaine H. Wiseman Community Room has a large meeting table for 12 people.

The Blaine H. Wiseman Community Room is a public meeting space that comfortably seats up to 12. It includes a kitchenette, podium, recessed lighting, a television, VCR, private bathroom access, and a multi-purpose whiteboard. The Wiseman Room is located on the second floor of the Harrison County Public Library, off a balcony from the upstairs foyer. The Wiseman room is easily accessible by elevator.

Blaine H. Wiseman was born on November 26, 1911 in Corydon, Indiana. He was the son of Alva H. and Rose E. Wiseman. His grandfather, W.H.P. (Shorty) Wiseman, was instrumental in forming Old Capitol Bank in 1922. Blaine's father Alva was active in promoting the farm community in addition to serving as president of the bank before Blaine took the helm in 1946. Both WHP and Alva introduced Blaine to community involvement at an early age. They also taught him that hard work combined with persistence and determination was the key to success.

During high school Blaine was active in Hurley Conrad's scout band, playing trumpet at school and community functions and marching in many holiday parades. Blaine later graduated from Indiana University in 1933 with a degree in business after spending two years at Indiana Central College. After graduating, at the direction of Herman B. Wells, a mentor Blaine had met at Indiana Univerity, Blaine joined the newly formed Indiana Department of Financial Insitutions. He eventually rose to the position of senior examiner.

Blaine's strong sense for serving the community later led him to join the Navy in 1942 and serve his country in World War II. He made several trips across both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and eventually achieved the rank of Lt. Commander. When the War concluded, Blaine felt it was time to return to his hometown as president of Old Capitol Bank.

The kitchenette contains such amenities as a mini-fridge, a microwave, a coffeemaker, and a sink.

The televison, and whiteboard store away in unobtrusive cabinets.

Blaine believed that for a bank to be successful, the community around it must also be successful. But his love for this community went well beyond the success of the bank. Whether it was running sewer lines to empty farmland that would someday become a prosperous industrial park, or building a park system that would benefit many generations still to come, Blaine quickly became involved in all community activities. Sometimes this involved a leadership role, but often Blaine's activities took place behind the scenes because he believed there was no limit to what could be achieved if you didn't care who got the credit.

In 1986, Blaine retired from 10 years as president of Old Capitol Bank and became a full-time ambassador of this community. He was personally involved with the restoration of numerous activties in the community including the contribution of the current Library building from the bank to the Corydon Public Library (now the Harrison County Public Library). He would be extremely proud that the room where he led many board meetings now honors his memory and will be used for the benefit of this community.

It is because of Blaine's efforts that historic Downtown Corydon is as beautiful as it is today. At age 84 he was still actively involved in promoting the area and could be seen taking a stroll around the town and checking in on various merchants. Blaine remained a positive thinker throughout his lifetime. He believed that when the sky is darkest, that's when you begin to see the stars. Blaine renewed a fight with the disease Myasthenia Gravis in 1996 and passed away in March of 1998 at the age of 86. His spirit, however, can still be felt throughout the downtown and the entire community.

Blaine H. Wiseman

<< Go Back || Continue Tour >>

Hours:
Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Friday - Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

105 North Capitol Avenue, Corydon, IN 47112
812-738-4110