Instantly drawn to the history of local debating societies, Laura Whitcombe knew that had to be the first topic for her to write about for “200 Years of Tippecanoe County: A Community Tells Its Stories.” Whitcombe is an English teacher and speech team coach at McCutcheon High School, as well as an instructor for Tippecanoe Online Academy. Her research for the bicentennial book showed how early debate clubs at schools like Stockwell Collegiate Institute and Colfax High School helped shape the strong programs still thriving today.

Whitcombe also wrote about the area’s thespian societies, local preservationist Evelyn Ball and the Friends of Bob Live Music Co-op, which brought nationally known musicians to Lafayette.  She says each article in the book captures a thread of Tippecanoe County’s cultural history and helps archive its history for future generations. Retired TSC teacher Sarah Powley also contributed articles to the book, which features stories from dozens of community members.

The book commemorates two centuries of local history while looking ahead to the future. “Writing these articles helped me express why this is such a great place to live,” Whitcombe says.

Click here to learn more about the book or to order a copy.