P.E. MacAllister and Marge Tarplee receive highly esteemed Whistler Award
The Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee presented P.E. MacAllister and Marge Tarplee with the Charles L. Whistler Award. The annual award recognizes one or two individuals who, outside the regular duties of their chosen professions, have brought together the public and private sectors for civic improvement in Indianapolis.
P.E. MacAllister joined MacAllister Machinery Co., Inc., in 1945, became its President in 1952 and managed the company for 40 years. Today he remains active as its Chairman. Through his knowledge, talent, and philanthropic gifts MacAllister has worked tirelessly to improve both the public and private sectors of Indianapolis. He has produced more than 1,000 programs in 25 years for public broadcasting in Central Indiana on every subject imaginable. In doing so, he has created an oral history of Indianapolis and Indiana that is second to none.
MadAllister served on the Capital Improvement Board for 17 years, 11 of which were as Chair. During this period, the CIB engineered the purchase of the Pacers by the Simon brothers, built the RCA Dome in conjunction with an expansion of the Convention Center, and secured the Colts from Baltimore as Indianapolis’ National Football League team. MacAllister also founded and led the Indianapolis Parks Department Foundation. His philanthropic generosity provided for the renovation of Garfield Park and its amphitheatre. He also leads the park’s annual Independence Day celebration.
MacAllister is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and continues his service to his fellow citizens of Indianapolis through Gleaners Food Bank, Northminster Presbyterian Church, and The Church Federation of Greater Indianapolis. With his wife, Fran, whom he wed in 2003, he enjoys world travel, studying the Old Testament, art, music, and golf.
As a businesswoman, Marge Tarplee served as the president of the Central Newspaper Foundation and Corporate Secretary of Central Newspapers, Inc., but what distinguishes her are her 50-plus years of dedicated service to the community and fellow citizens of Indianapolis. Throughout her career she put thought into action through service to numerous nonprofit organizations throughout the city.
A member of the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association Board of Directors for more than 30 years, Tarplee helped to implement the annual Rose Awards that recognize front-line workers within Indianapolis’ hospitality industry. Tarplee also established a beautification committee and fund to raise Downtown’s beautification standards and to assure that downtown maintained an attractive ambiance.
As the first woman to chair the 500 Festival Board of Directors, Tarplee’s tenacious spirit and energy encouraged local residents’ involvement in making this worldwide event memorable every year. Her recent role in creating the 500 Festival Foundation strengthens statewide education programs and leaves a new public art legacy to commemorate this year’s 50th anniversary.
Tarplee also serves with distinction on the Board of Directors of The Skyline Club, Women’s Fund of Central Indiana, Methodist Health Foundation, Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis Woman Magazine, and the Indiana University School of Nursing’s Board of Advisors. She has been honored as a Sagamore of the Wabash by Governors Whitcomb, Bowen, and Bayh.
