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STORY INDEX Introduction Population of Indiana's northeast counties grew by 81 percent this century Tracking railroads: Since 1900, number of local lines reduced from five to two Longtime area auto dealers have 'seen it all' Amish continue long-held traditions - except on safety issues Cars accelerate lives of Noble County residents The price of cars: How much did it cost to drive one off the lot? Electric Interurban connected area to Fort Wayne, beyond LaGrange residents rally to save historic brick streets U.S. 6, Ind. 3: Kendallville's routes to growth Agriculture ever-changing, advancing in Noble County Comparisons: How far did the dollar stretch? Growing onions, peppermint made 'scents' in early 1900s The Gaby farm: Family-owned and celebrating over 150 years A changing culture impacts 4-H County fair continues to be a big social event Thriving through the times: Downtown Kendallville adapts to a century of changes Dekko's philanthropy remains a 'valuable resource' Rinkel family still at the wheel of Greenfield Hills Commerce nothing new to Shipshewana: Town thrives as one of fastest-growing tourist areas in state Making do during the Great Depression: Retired hatchery owner recalls tough times, bright moments Mill a 'Star' business in Ligonier: Firm has been grinding wheat into flour for 113 years Elmer E. McCray had a major impact on Kendallville Richard R. Cole has long legacy Female executive has seen many changes in workforce Working women: From assisting war effort to competing in global markets Wolcottville a center of commerce, industry in 1800s Mongoquinong area was early LaGrange County commercial center 'The cheapest hired hand we ever had.' Electricity made life brighter, easier down on the farm Monument company's history set in stone Historic Corn School dates back to 1906 Monument company's history set in stone By NATALIE HESS The News-Sun LIGONIER - The most notable change in the monument business since 1856, the year the Ligonier Monument Co. began, has been the technology. In days gone by, stencils had to be cut by hand. Now computers design the stencils and print them onto rubber mats. Paul Roerig, owner of the Ligonier Monument Co., grew up in the monument business. His family ran one in Montpelier, Ohio. As a child he used to carve letters using small hand tools. "Rutters, lasers and diamond saws can now cut any shape through computerized stencils," says Roerig. "We used to use hammers and chisels and do it all by hand." Because of the speed and design capabilities of computers, Roerig has noticed that roughly 75-80 percent of tombstones are personalized now. Today people can order one-of-a-kind shapes, epitaphs, laser etchings or etched photographs. Even a tombstone with a completely polished finish can be done without much effort due to technology. Because of such changes, Roerig mentions that smaller monument businesses are finding it difficult to compete with big companies who have awesome facilities and the most up-to-date equipment. "It would be like a local hardware store trying to compete with Wal-Mart," says Roerig. For that reason Ligonier Monument Co. was sold out in February and will become Ligonier Wearly Monument Co. Roerig says the most gratifying experience of the business is placing a monument in the cemetery and visually seeing it. According to Roerig once families of the deceased see the monument, they are better able to grieve. Roerig finds his work part of their healing process. The service offered by the Ligonier Monument Co. is one that people need. The expanding technology within the monument industry will continue to allow more personalized designs, inscriptions and presentations.