Sigs Unveil George Ade Memorial Plaque at Hazelden

As part of the ribbon cutting ceremony for the restored gardens at George Ade’s Hazelden home in Brook, IN, held on October 12, 2025, a group of Delta Delta alumni unveiled a plaque highlighting Ade’s contributions to Sigma Chi Fraternity.

L-R: Tom Leslie ’68, Brian Dawson ’77, Bob Kaley ’68 and Phil Steele ’77 at the unveiling of the George Ade Memorial plaque.

Bob Kaley ’68, who led the effort to obtain the plaque, made the presentation.  He was joined by Tom Leslie ’68, Brian Dawson ’77 and Phil Steele ’77.  Brother Kaley remarked on Ade’s life-long involvement with Sigma Chi and spoke about Ade’s thoughts as he wrote the Sigma Chi Creed that was adopted by the Fraternity in 1929.

The Sigma Chi plaque was set near the bronze statue of George Ade in the newly recreated Hazelden garden. The Indiana-shaped garden, a unique and symbolic feature of the original Hazelden landscape, has been carefully restored with support from community donors, a number of Delta Delta brothers, and a grant from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority. The restoration marks the first completed phase in a broader effort to return the estate to its former grandeur.  Hazelden has been recognized as a Sigma Chi National Historic Site.

Honorary Sweetheart Honored

L-R: Bob Kaley ’68 with Honorary Sweetheart Krissy Wright at Hazelden.

The Class of ’68 took this opportunity to recognize Krissy Wright, President of the George Ade Historic Preservation Commission, as an honorary Sweetheart of Sigma Chi. Krissy has been actively engaged in supporting several Sigma Chi alumni in their endeavors to preserve and restore Hazelden as part of George Ade’s legacy.  She also helped coordinate at least seven reunion dinners held at Hazelden by the Class of ’68.  Bob Kaley in presenting this award thanked Krissy for being so gracious to all Sigma Chis and leading the restoration effort.

Future Plans for Hazelden

In addition to celebrating the restoration of the Hazelden garden at the 2nd Hazelden Festival, the Preservation Commission shared its plans to fully renovate Ade’s home as an historic museum, transform the west wing of the home into a Newton County Visitor’s Center, and renovate the Carriage House into a flexible indoor/outdoor event venue suitable for weddings, reunions, and community functions.  For full details go to Ade’s Historic Hazelden Home.