It began with an idea in 1915.
In June 1915, Stanley W Hayes - an inventor and founder of Hayes Track Appliance - began purchasing tracts of land to build his estate after moving his company to Richmond, Indiana. He realized that much of the Old Growth Forest that he was familiar with from his childhood was becoming scarce as natural areas were being developed into farmland, business, and residential spaces. Having a vision differing from those who had the land before him, Stanley began reforesting the land in 1922 with thousands of native trees and creating experimental plots. In the early 1930s, Stanley purchased the Hill’s Dairy Farm which included a homestead log cabin, dated 1815, and a Dairy Barn, dated 1833.
Stanley had a desire to preserve and restore the land as it was when the first pioneers pushed through this area. He wanted to re-create and protect the natural heritage that this land had to offer.
The Foundation is established.
With the help of his employees - like Paul C McClure - and the expertise of Charles Deam - Indiana’s first State Forester, Stanley W Hayes’ estate was blossoming with native trees and shrubs while the Old Growth Forests were protected from commercial development. In his wisdom, Stanley established a Foundation to manage the assets of his estate, including the land that he had so carefully assembled in the past four decades. That Foundation, known as the Stanley W Hayes Research Foundation, Inc was chartered on December 5, 1959. His eldest son Brice - an entrepreneur, inventor, and owner - was selected to be the chief executive of both Hayes Track Appliance and the newly-formed Foundation. Brice would lead the Foundation until his death in 1980. Other members included Paul C McClure and Herbert Mayer who served as the Sales Manager for Hayes Track Appliance.
Opened to the public.
Stanley’s estate, known then as Hayes Arboretum, had a very successful "Grand Opening" on April 28, 1963. More than 1,000 cars traveled over the gravel roads within the Arboretum to see the native spring. A month later, in May 1963, Stanley passed away at the age of 97.
In Summer 1964, the first set of children’s summer classes were held in the Hayes House, allowing 98 students to connect to nature on property. Mildred Hayes, wife to Brice Hayes, inspired the staff and board to convert the former 1833 Dairy Barn into a nature center. This building was remodeled and opened in 1966, offering a place of learning with nature exhibits to the public.
Dedicated staff and experts led many programs open to the public, from field trips to seminars to hands-on hikes through the property. The basis of nature education started in these formative years persist today in Hayes Arboretum’s mission and every day operations.
The idea continues today.
Today, Hayes Arboretum continues to connect people to nature through instruction, experiences, and amenities. People from around the world visit to see forests that are 500 years of age, acres of pollinator prairies, and over 100 tagged specimen trees. Thousands of people visit the Nature Center and Nature Playscape to interact with exhibits and play in nature. From the original land that Stanley purchased to the natural spaces donated by those in the community, Hayes Arboretum is comprised of 466 acres of protected forests, prairies, wetlands, and more.
The Hayes Family continues to be involved with Hayes Arboretum and the Foundation today. Brice’s son Stephen Hayes Sr became involved with the Arboretum and Foundation in 1970 and continues to work with both groups today. Our current Executive Director of the Arboretum - Steve Hayes Jr - is the great grandson of Stanley W Hayes. The McClure Family also continues to volunteer their time, continuing the legacy of Paul C McClure, a former employee of Stanley that physically collected and planted many of the trees that are here on property today. Additionally, the Mayer Family continues the precedence set by Herbert and his daughter Pat’s combined 100 years of service to the Hayes Family and Arboretum.
Although Stanley is no longer here, Hayes Arboretum continues his idea and legacy on property today, now and for future generations.
