From the roar of the race track to the clanging of the machine shops, the sights
and sounds of Winchester reflect a city on the move - a city which could be just
the place your business needs to reach higher productivity levels - a city which
can supply the quality of life many families desire - a city which reaches out
and welcomes you.
In the highly competitive manufacturing world of the 1990's, Winchester's industries
have won state awards as well as national acclaim for their productivity and
innovation. Glass, as well as the related fields of mould-making, machining and
shipping make up the foundation of our manufacturing base. Not to be outdone by
multinational corporations, several local entrepreneurs make Winchester synonymous
with precious metal, coins, sugar creme pies, NASCAR and USAC racing, and quality
automotive technology.
Award winning schools and faculties highlight an exciting and progressive educational system.
The Winchester Community High School band is recognized as one of the outstanding marching
and playing units in the nation with appearances in New York's Macys' Thanksgiving Day parade
as well as 17 years of award winning performances at state and national competitions.
A Nobel prize winner and the producer of the movie, "The Sound of Music", have been raised
and educated here.
The Quaker movement and other religious denominations are strongly rooted in Winchester's life
and heritage. Dr. Earl Marlett world renowned theologian and author of the hymn, "Are Ye Able",
spent his retirement years here. Community concerts, the annual 4-H Fair, and several community
festivals fill the calendar of events for Winchester's citizens throughout the year.
A new YMCA Facility serves almost 1,400 participants in Randolph County through its programs for
youth, senior citizens and corporation employees. A new 18 hole golf course and new library addition
are further indications that Winchester, Indiana is a city on the move.
In addition to Winchester being the home of a new 18 hole golf course and clubhouse, there
is one other 18 hole course and one country club located within Randolph County.
Winchester contains several public parks for the enjoyment of its citizens. The main
park includes 97 acres of rolling land with tennis counts, horseshoe courts,
basketball courts, a restored croquet court, three ball diamonds, an Olympic-sized
swimming pool, a variety of playground equipment and several shelter houses.
Other recreational facilities include a 16 lane bowling center, a roller skating rink,
the Circle X Ranch Horse Club, and Winchester Speedway.
Winchester is home to many festivals throughout the summer months while celebrating traditional small
town values. Fair on the Square, Mardi Gras, and the 4-H Fair highlight locally planned
entertainment.
Winchester Speedway - Drawing over 100,000 visitors to Winchester each year, the historic
Winchester Speedway is Indiana's sanctioned NASCAR facility. This nationally known
speedway began as a half-mile dirt track in 1917. Today the 34 degree banked racing track
has been the site of stock car, sprint car and midget events which draw participants and
visitors from coast to coast and the Canadian provinces. Consistently featured on ESPN,
the Winchester Speedway continues to feature the biggest names in automobile racing today.
Population - Winchester, as county seat, is the social and commercial hub of Randolph
County, Indiana. The city has a population of 5,200 and the county boasts over 27,000
citizens.
Climate - Four well defined seasons are apparent in Winchester each year. Prevailing
winds come from the Southwest. Average temperature in July, the hottest month, is 73.2
degrees F. Average temperature in January, the coldest month is 22.5 F. Average annual
precipitation is 40.17 inches. The mean annual degree days total 5,600.
Churches - Most denominations of Protestant churches from Lutheran to Friends and Nazarene
to Baptist and Methodists are represented in Winchester as well as the Catholic faith.
Arts and Entertainment - Winchester has a long tradition of supporting the arts.
A Community Concert Series has been held at the Winchester Community High School
auditorium for over 25 years and boasts of entertainment from dance and ballet troupes,
jazz, Broadway, to the symphonic. The Art Associate of Randolph County has a 40 year
tradition of promoting the arts including outreach exhibits and concerts in Winchester.
The Randolph County Historical Society Museum has preserved much of the history of
Winchester and the surrounding area and the Art Association has restored a turn of the
century train depot for use as an exhibit hall.
The Randolph County courthouse square has the second tallest war monument in Indiana.
One of the largest murals in the state depicts the history of Winchester and the county
and is located in the main downstairs hallway of the courthouse. A local foundation
funds community and high school band performances for the benefit of the Winchester
audiences.
Housing/Construction - Building costs are generally lower because of Winchester's
location in a rural community. Brick and concrete are manufactured in nearby areas and
lumber is readily available. Construction wage levels compare favorably with those in
the Midwest region. Winchester's housing market is active and competitive.
For prospective homeowners the list of realty firms includes many respected and
long-standing local businesses. You will find prices far below those in most of the
nation and a variety of homes from which to choose. You can be confident of finding
just the home you are looking for in Winchester or within a few minutes drive of any
area plant. There are a variety of apartment complexes and rentals within the Winchester
area with rates varying with size and location.