News Democrat & Leader - June 6, 2006

Stained Glass Window Created, Dedicated to Ellsworth Strickler at Auburn Museum

By Jim Turner-Editor edit_ndl@bellsouth.net

A beautiful stained glass window with pictures of the founder of one of Auburn's best-known businessmen inside was dedicated Sunday in a ceremony at the Auburn Museum.

The late Ellsworth Strickler's associates at Strickler Stained Glass created the window, which includes three likenesses of Strickler along with the old Auburn School and the old L&N Depot. The vertical window now hangs near the entrance of the museum, which is located on Main Street at the rear of the Auburn Library.

Eloise Hadden, the guiding force behind the museum, gave those attending a brief oral history of the Auburn Historical Society and the museum.

She said it originated from trying to get Auburn designated as a Kentucky Certified City in the early 90s. The team studying the application suggested documenting the town's rich history, including getting some of the downtown area included in the National Register of Historic Places.

With Hadden leading the way, the city got National Register designation along with an historical society, a museum, and an outdoor history area in the 90s.

Now the main building is filled with items which show a wide variety of the community's heritage.

Ellsworth Strickler was a farmer, conservationist, businessman, sports enthusiast, and magistrate. He founded Strickler Stained Glass along with Joyce Britton and Marvin Jarboe. Britton, whose daughter, Pam Pitts, is now part of the firm, spoke during the ceremony.

She said if you spent any time with Ellsworth you became more than an acquaintance, you became a friend. “He had a very liberal adoption policy in moving you from friend to family,” she said.

“I wasn't surprised his heart was enlarged. He had the largest heart I've known,” she said.

Also on the program were Tabitha Oberhausen, who sang “My Old Kentucky Home,” and Helen Jordan, who led prayer.

Refreshments were provided by Auburn Historical Society members and directors, led by Bobbie Peters.

Involved in preparing the program were Bell Wylie, Judy Baggett, Marie and Dermot Foley, Hadden and Peters.

Several family members were present, including Mr. Strickler's wife, Sally Ann Strickler, and one of his sons, Stanley Strickler.

Officials present included Representative Sheldon Baugh, District Judge Sue Carol Browning, Mayor Dewey Roche and Councilman Ron McGee.

Photos taken at the Dedication of the Strickler Stain Glass Window - June 4, 2006