Pictured, sitting in front, from left, Ben Bolduc, Eagle Scout; and Sue Mock, Carlson’s daughter; Back row, from left, Jay Bolduc, Boy Scout charter organization representative; Carmen Elliott, Carlson’s granddaughter; Carrie Elliott, Carlson’s great-granddaughter; and Max Mock, Carlson’s son-in-law.

WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Historical Society held a dedication ceremony for the late Neal Carlson on Saturday, Oct. 13, at the Chinworth Bridge Trailhead on Old 30 West in Warsaw, featuring a memorial bench and commemorative plaque.

Approximately 25 people attended the ceremony, including several members of Carlson’s family. Carlson’s wife, Joy, was unable to attend the event due to health reasons.

The bench was an Eagle Scout project completed by Ben Bolduc of Warsaw. According to Boy Scout Charter Organization Representative Jay Bolduc, he and his four sons became acquainted with Carlson when Bolduc’s oldest son, Quinton, was looking for an Eagle Scout project to complete. Jay said a strong relationship was established between the Eagle Scout troop and Carlson. 

“I wold say that Neal found Eagle Scout projects for at least a dozen of our boys,” said Jay. “He had a very strong affection for the scouting program and for the youth who were going through the scouting program.” 

Carlson served as president of the Kosciusko County Historical Society from 1984-1987. He served on the Kosciusko County Community’s Foundation board of directors from 1972 to 1997 and as the first executive director from 1990 to 1995. His social affiliations included Kiwanis Club, Kosciusko Historical Society and Kosciusko Purdue Alumni Association. Other notable achievements include 1976 Warsaw Man of the Year, 1979 Silver Beaver Award, Anthony Wayne Council of Boy Scouts of America, the Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1997 and the creation of the Neal and Joy Carlson Legacy Society in 2017 through the Kosciusko County Community Foundation.

“Mr. Carlson was involved in many community functions,” said Kosciusko County Historical Society President Jerry Frush. “As a concerned member of the Kosciusko County Historical Society, he was worried about the condition of the Chinworth Bridge and the park area. He saw to the upkeep of the bridge and park for many years and we are very happy that he is being so honored.”

“What a tribute to my dad,” said  Carlson’s daughter, Sue Mock. “One of the things my dad did best was to bring people together.”

The Chinworth Bridge Trailhead area is located on Old 30 West in Warsaw.

Chinworth Bridge

Jay Bolduc cleans the area around Carlson’s memorial bench.