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In our December newsletter we conclude our year-long “Crown Series” by sharing the life of Larry Conrad, a public servant buried on the slopes of Crown Hill. We also discuss the ongoing work of historic preservation at Crown Hill and highlight the beautiful trees associated with the holiday season – Evergreens – which also have symbolism appropriate for a cemetery.
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As a conclusion to our year-long series highlighting people buried on The Crown, we feature Larry A. Conrad, a politician, city and state leader, and businessman.
Larry Allyn Conrad
(February 8, 1935-July 7, 1990)
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Photo credit: Ray Hafsten
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Larry Conrad was born in his grandfather’s house in the tiny town of Laconia in southern Indiana, south of Corydon. While a teen, the family moved to Muncie, and Conrad graduated from Muncie Central High School and Ball State University. While studying for the bar exam in March 1961, he met Birch Bayh, a meeting that changed his life. Though already a leader in the Indiana House of Representatives, Bayh was also studying for the bar and planning to run for United States Senate against three-term incumbent Homer Capehart. At age 26, in 1962, Conrad became Bayh’s campaign manager and when Bayh narrowly won the election, Conrad, his wife, Mary Lou, and their three children moved to Washington, D.C., where he served as Bayh’s legislative assistant.
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Historic Preservation at Crown Hill
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The Caleb B. Smith was erected in 1864, the first private family mausoleum in Crown Hill.
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The historic preservation at Crown Hill Cemetery is a cornerstone of the mission of the Crown Hill Heritage Foundation. With over 159 years’ worth of structures, the preservation of the cemetery is more important than ever. It ensures that the past is preserved for many generations to come. In 2022, we focused on a variety of tasks, including inventorying, restoration and cleaning.
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Tree of the Month – Evergreens
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As the winter blankets the cemetery, the natural environment changes. Trees lose their leaves, the annuals are removed from their vases, and plants start their long dormant cycle. But some trees stay green — evergreen. Over the generations, society has taken inspiration from these types of trees and attached symbolism to them. Based in religion, the trees have come to signify immortality and everlasting life. Because of this, evergreen trees have become synonymous with death, faith and cemeteries. Planted in cemeteries around the country, evergreen trees are meant to remind us of something after life on earth.
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Thanks to our corporate partners!
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