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 Did you know that Murdock Park was once an official bird sanctuary in our state?


In honor of Women’s History Month, we would like to highlight a few lives of forgotten women leaders from Tippecanoe County’s past. One such woman was Eliza Dana Weigle, whose accomplishments were so vast that it would be impossible to list them via this forum. During the early and mid-part of the 20th century, Weigle was a well-known poetess, highly honored author, award-winning artist, and an avid bird-lover. In addition, Weigle was a founding member of the General de Lafayette DAR Chapter and served two terms as the organization’s regent as well as chaplain for the state DAR society, and she wrote articles and poetry that were published in various books and magazines throughout the country.
Weigle served as president of the Indiana Audubon Society for many years and was appointed official reporter for the government on spring and fall migration of birds. Weigle and her husband, Charles, owned a beautiful home located at 1021 N. 21st Street where she created a bird sanctuary and splendid flower garden that she called “Bird Acres.” The couple also owned a home at 725 Highland Avenue as well as the Twin Lodge Farms located near Buck Creek, Indiana. They were well-known in the community and were known for hosting grand parties and events in their various homes.
In 1921, Weigle spearheaded a movement to create an official bird sanctuary at Murdock Park. She
accomplished that goal, and Mayor George R. Durgan formally presented the park to the Tippecanoe County Fish, Game and Bird Protective Association, to be used for a bird refuge for the benefit of the city.
School-aged boys built 92 bluebird and wren houses to contribute to Weigle’s dream and they were placed throughout the wooded area in Murdock Park. Plans were also made to create bird sanctuaries within the Tenth Street Hollow, Highland Park, and Happy Hollow.
Born in 1862 in Brandon, Vermont, Mrs. Weigle was descended from John Winthrop, the first man ever elected to public office in America, and 16 times chosen governor of Massachusetts in colonial days. She died on April 6, 1947, in Lafayette, Indiana at the age of 85.

Note: As of March 27, 2026, the historic Weigle home is listed for sale. You can see photographs of the incredible home at this link: 1021 N 21st St, Lafayette, IN 47904 | MLS #22091317 | Zillow

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