If you get a chance to reread the "Opening Poem", pay close attention to the line that says ...
It was his own dreams for this place and efforts to make it shine.That line, although simple in its form, summed up the entire purpose for creating Dufour's Keys. I knew Switzerland County had great people. It was time to share their "efforts to make it shine."
Paul W. Ogle
Paul William Ogle was born June 18, 1907, in Vevay, Indiana to William and Minnie Ogle. Growing up on Seminary St, his father was an attorney and had served as mayor of the city back when Vevay employed one. After graduating from Vevay High School, Paul had dreams of attending college to study dentistry. His family, it is said, fell on hard economic times, and he was unable to follow these dreams.
The Royal Dictators - Switzerland County Historical Society
Despite being a difficult economic time for many people, the 1920's represented the Golden Age for American music and jazz. This likely played into Paul's decision to form an orchestra and pursue a career as a professional musician. The Royal Dictators, as they were called, played on riverboats for many years up and down the Ohio River.
Along with his music career, Paul simultaneously operated an appliance business beginning in the early 30's. After an "Aha Moment" with a local boat captain, he began selling the propane needed to fuel the appliances he was selling.
Silgas Trademark 1941
In 1934, Mr. Ogle started (S)outhern (I)ndiana (L)iquid Gas or Silgas, making its beginnings in Vevay. Silgas prospered with Ogle as its leader, but was just creating a firm foundation when Ogle heard his country's call. Leaving his business behind in 1943, and at the age of 36, he enlisted in the Army and served during WWII.
In 1947, with his service complete, Mr. Ogle moved Silgas to Jeffersonville, Indiana. Combining his hard work, valuable employees and the right product for the right time, Paul Ogle made Silgas into a prosperous Indiana company and it made him into a multimillionaire.
That part of the story could be added to any of the "great American Dreams" books, but here is where it begins to take the shape of a legacy.
Paul's experiences of watching his family lose property shaped his personal aspirations. As his business prospered, he sought to help both employees and customers as well as encourage aspiring college students by supporting higher education since he could not go himself.
Paul returned to Vevay upon his retirement and focused on giving back to the community in which he so dearly loved.
He founded the Vevay-Switzerland County Foundation in 1980 with the goal of funding various county projects and enhancing tourism in the small, serene, historic county. Acreage that Ogle owned as well as money he donated allowed for the building of the Ogle Haus Inn and reconstruction of old Swiss grape terraces along the west end of town. During the same year, he also established the Ogle Foundation whose purpose is to "directly improve the lives of the citizens in Southern Indiana." So buildings have been built or renovated, parks have been created, historical societies and tourism departments have been funded and beautification projects are ongoing all through the giving of his foundations.
Ironically or tragically, Mr. Ogle died in his beloved Ogle Haus on March 22, 1989. By that time, his foundations had donated nearly $10 million. By 2020, that amount had risen to an astonishing $100,000,000.
Paul Ogle was an ordinary man from Vevay, Indiana who did extra-ordinary giving. He found great financial success in southern Indiana, but never lost touch with his roots or humble beginnings. He used the power of giving to make Southern Indiana, its people and its places "shine." Maybe I should have called this treasure hunt Paul's Keys!
Video courtesy of IVY Tech Community College. Paul W. Ogle Gala Celebration - September 2010
His orchestra was the "Royal Dicatators". "ranges, fuel" obviously was his appliance and Silgas company. "before his house title changes" is a reference to the Ogle Haus and how the ownership has changed since his death in 1989. The background image information will be shared later. Stay tuned.
The location of Key#19 was placed at the base of the Ogle Haus sign at the west end of Vevay, Indiana.