Had it not been for the late William A. “Will” Koch Jr., the Lincoln Amphitheatre in Lincoln State Park would have been demolished.
That was the plan until the then CEO of Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari intervened.
According to Bud Schaaf, president of the Lincoln Boyhood Drama Association, it was “Will’s vision and tenacity. His dedication and love for Lincoln and Spencer County,” that saved the amphitheatre.
On Saturday, June 27, following the Celebration Singers’ America 250 concert and prior to the final performance of “Pioneer Song”, a plaque honored the late visionary was unveiled alongside plaques of others who dedicated their efforts to making the amphitheatre a reality.
Will’s wife, Lori and daughter, Leah Koch-Blumhardt were on hand, along with Leah’s husband, Matthew and their children, Theodore and Eleanor.
Leah spoke for the family, “Our dad was truly a visionary,” she said. “He believed in this area and believed Spencer County could be more than Holiday World.”
She thanked the Lincoln Boyhood Drama Association, Amphitheatre Director Marc Steczyk and his staff, as well as those in attendance for this recognition of her father.
Featured Image: Pictured from left: Matthew Blumhardt and his wife, Leah Koch-Blumhardt with their children, Eleanor and Theodore and Leah’s mother, Lori Koch. The plaque honoring Leah’s dad and Lori’s husband can be seen on the wall of Lincoln Amphitheatre.
– Photo by Kathy Tretter
