There is no abstract available for this thesis.

This thesis has explored the diffusion of tile drainage in Delaware County, Indiana. The study discussed some of the deterrents that hampered agricultural development in the county. These obstacles included the presence of thick forests, vast areas of swampy lands, poor transportation facilities and the absence of local markets. Methods of overcoming some of these problems were then discussed. These included the clearing of forests to prepare land for cultivation, and the use of open ditches and clay tiles to drain the marshes.In addition, the introduction of new drainage techniques such as the laser beam, plow drain, and plastic tile were also discussed. The rate of adoption of plastic tile was then tested statistically to find out if it followed any pattern of distribution. Data obtained through interviews with selected farmers revealed that such an innovation will tend to approximate a growth or "S"-curve in about 1980. The study concluded that the majority of Delaware County farmers are still using clay or concrete tiles.

Since Mounds State Park contains one of the best preserved Woodland earthwork complexes in the State of Indiana, any plans for development and improvements to the park facilities must take into account the need for conservation and interpretation of these archaeological resources. This thesis discusses and describes, the archaeological resources and their context and makes suggestions for their investigation, interpretation, and care.

This creative project includes 30 images that were selected from a body of work to present to you The Suburbanessence. This study of the suburban housing concentration in and around Fort Wayne, Indiana, (SMSA), illustrates the emphasis placed on the suburban ethic within this region over the last 75 years. The Fort Wayne area was selected due to the median classification on the list of Standard Metropolitan Statistical Areas.The photographic observations of the socioenvironmental application of the suburban ethic is posed to interpret the physical evidence of a chronological growth within these housing tracts, using architectural style classifications as a reference point. The subsequent photographs are not directed to formulate a specific judgment on this type of environment. Photographed over a six month period, several disturbing irregularities are in evidence. Deciding if these irregularities actually exist, or whether an individual's taste just leans in that direction is my challenge.

There currently exist no usable criteria that planners and park designers can use when evaluating whether a particular parcel of land is well suited for park uses vis a vis its susceptibility to criminal activity. Previous crime/environment studies have primarily focused on residential and commercial areas. Furthermore, these studies have not given consistent results. Studies by Moran and Dolphin (1986) and Samdahl and Christensen (1985) have, however, established the importance of context when determining a particular feature's influence on criminal activity.This study examined the relationship between the design features of two Indianapolis parks and incidences of crime in an attempt to identify facilitating or. inhibiting environmental influences on crime. Documentation of the site features and any potential these two parks and the areas immediately surrounding them as a method of identifying these factors. Documentation of the respective site features revealed that the two parks were similar enough that their differences could be isolated and related to the available crime data. The results indicated that bordering streets exerted a facilitating influence on crime while the existence of bordering homes had an inhibiting effect. / Department of Landscape Architecture

The objective of this creative project is to investigate the process and principles of designing within and for the downtowns of small, Midwestern towns of the United States. The main focus is the definition of urban character and identity of “place”, as well as exploring ways to preserve and enhance the character and the identity of these downtowns. It uses Greensburg, Indiana as a case study to illustrate possible implementation of these processes and principles.With its focus on urban character and “identity of place”, this study investigates the different characteristics that exist in downtown Greensburg, and applies established urban design principles in order to preserve the town’s historic character while improving its vitality.This study generates beautification and development guidelines, as well as recommendations that will help in process of the redevelopment of downtown Greensburg. This study also offers examples of how these guidelines can be applied in different local contexts, and buildings in the downtown. / Department of Architecture

The industrial era in East Central Indiana began largely due to the discovery of gas, which in turn brought in many of the industries that would sustain the area during the gas boom and those years following the end of gas supplies. This thesis documents several surviving industrial buildings from the gas boom, including their history, the industrial processes that occurred in these buildings, the general factory layout, and finally the current status of the factories. Studying the industrial buildings from this period in Indiana history helps to shed light on the important role that these industries play in the development of the cities and towns in the gas belt. In addition to this, the thesis gives a documentation of one of Indiana’s rapidly disappearing resources. / Department of Architecture

This project explains the differences in available financing techniques for wastewater treatment plants and sewers and describes the experiences of Indiana communities that have used the various techniques. The results of the study are presented in a form that other communities can use to make informed fiscal and administrative decisions. While both the traditional and new financing techniques can be used to pay for the needed wastewater improvements of a community, they are not interchangeable. These techniques differ along legal, political, administrative and fiscal lines. Not all techniques are legally available to Indiana communities. Those that are available differ in the ways that they are established, work and provide funds. Individual communities also vary in their experiences with these techniques. Indiana communities need to understand these different financing techniques if they are going to address the problems of wastewater financing.This project examines the new financing methods and loan and grant programs that are now available for communities to finance needed infrastructure improvements. Not all of these methods are available to or appropriate for every community.Communities need to understand how these programs differ and the issues involved with each one. While this thesis can not be a substitute for the advice of an attorney, grant writer, accountant or engineer, it can provide valuable information to local officials. By understanding how these methods work and knowing about the experiences of communities that have used them, other communities can make informed decisions. / Department of Urban Planning

In this study, the writer will attempt to further the work done by the students of truancy. The approach is somewhat different from that in general use. In the research which has been done in this area, the emphasis has been upon objective comparison of truants with non-truants. The reader will find here an approach which attempts to discover the feelings and attitudes of truants toward the situation in which they find themselves. By this method, it is hoped that a better understanding of these attitudes will result in more effective action by the parents, teachers, and agency workers who contact them.

There is no abstract available for this thesis.