Ida P. (Hagan) Whitaker
- Program
- Subject
- Location
- Lat/Long
- Grant Recipient
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Indiana Historical Bureau
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People
- 1150 Main St, Ferdinand, IN 47532, USA
- 38.225283685375, -86.861555603173
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Indiana Historical Bureau
Ida P. (Hagan) Whitaker
Inscription
Ida P. (Hagan) WhitakerSide One: Ida P. (Hagan) Whitaker, 1888-1978
Ida Hagan grew up in the Pinkston Settlement, a free Black community west of Ferdinand. In 1904, local physician Dr. Alois Wollenmann appointed her deputy postmaster of the Ferdinand Post Office at age 16, at a time when few professional opportunities existed for Black women. This drew intense local resistance and national attention. She became acting postmaster in 1912.
Side Two: Ida P. (Hagan) Whitaker
After completing Winona Technical Institutes’ pharmacy course, Hagan earned her license in 1909, practicing in Ferdinand, Indianapolis, and Gary. She married and moved to Detroit by 1930. There, she participated in many organizations, most notably serving as president of the city’s Ladies Auxiliary of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, a leading Black labor union.
Installed 2025 Indiana Historical Bureau, William G. Pomeroy Foundation, and Ferdinand Historical Society
