Ferdinand, Indiana · Dubois County · The Monastery · 16th Street corridor
Harding, Shymanski & Company, P.S.C. serves Ferdinand’s unique community — from the Monastery grounds to the agricultural operations along the 164 corridor — from its Evansville headquarters at 21 SE Third Street, Suite 500. That’s a straight shot west on I‑64, about 50 minutes. No local office, but over 30 years of expertise working with Ferdinand’s small manufacturers, family farms, and the religious and civic organizations that make this town unlike any other in southern Indiana. We know the difference between the businesses near the Christ of the Diocesan Shrine and the machine shops tucked into the industrial pockets off 16th Street.
Ferdinand’s Fabric: Monastery Hill, 16th Street Commerce, and the State Forest Edge
Ferdinand isn’t a typical small town. Drive into town from the east on State Road 164 and the first thing you notice is the Monastery Immaculate Conception — the Benedictine monastery that has anchored Ferdinand since 1867. The sisters and the sprawling campus (including the Christ the King Shrine and the Monastery Gift Shop) are not just historic; they’re an economic and spiritual engine. Anyone who’s lived here thirty years knows that the monastery draws visitors from across the Midwest, supporting local hospitality and small retail.
The commercial core runs along 16th Street (the main drag between 164 and the industrial fringe). Here you’ll find the Ferdinand Branch Library, Ferdinand Elementary, the Ferdinand Community Center, and a scattering of family-owned businesses — hardware, auto parts, a pharmacy, and a handful of restaurants that have been feeding locals for decades. The residential streets just north and south of 16th hold a mix of well-kept ranch homes, older two-stories with deep porches, and newer subdivisions pushing toward the Ferdinand State Forest boundary.
What sets Ferdinand apart is its quiet self-sufficiency. The Ferdinand State Forest (a 7,000-acre wooded recreational area) sits just south of town, providing hiking, fishing, and a bass lake that draws weekenders from Jasper and Evansville. But the real economic backbone is agriculture — corn, soybeans, and livestock operations — plus a surprising number of small manufacturers and machine shops serving the RV and automotive supply chains. These are generational businesses with complex tax needs, and they’ve learned to rely on a CPA firm that understands the rhythm of rural Dubois County.
- Monastery Immaculate Conception
- Christ the King Shrine
- Ferdinand State Forest
- 16th Street commercial district
- Habig Center / Community Center
- Ferdinand Branch Library
- St. Ferdinand Catholic Church
- Ferdinand Park & Lake
The Ferdinand Advantage: Agriculture, Light Manufacturing, and Nonprofit Stewardship
Family farms and agri-business. The rolling land around Ferdinand supports row crops and livestock operations that have been in the same families for generations. These aren’t hobby farms — they’re commercial enterprises requiring tax planning for equipment depreciation, commodity hedging, farm program compliance, and in many cases transition planning to the next generation. Our team works with Ferdinand farmers on form 4835, Schedule F, and the unique rules around like-kind exchanges for agricultural land.
Small-batch manufacturers and machine shops. Tucked along 16th Street and into the industrial pockets near the railway, you’ll find precision machining, tool and die shops, and component suppliers for the broader Indiana manufacturing ecosystem. These owners face inventory accounting choices, R&D tax credit eligibility (often overlooked by small shops), and succession planning — we’ve guided several through sales to employee stock ownership plans or third-party acquirers.
Monastery, church, and civic organizations. Ferdinand has an unusually high density of religious and community nonprofits: the Monastery itself, affiliated retreat centers, parish organizations, and local foundations. These entities require audited financial statements, IRS Form 990 preparation, and governance consulting. We’ve served as auditors for Catholic diocesan entities and small-town foundations for decades — we understand the scrutiny and the mission.
Small business owners on 16th Street. From the hardware store to the insurance agency to the coffee shop, Ferdinand’s main street businesses need bookkeeping, payroll, and proactive tax planning. The owners are often stretched thin — they want a CPA who answers the phone and knows the local context. That’s us.
📍 Ferdinand insider note: The drive from the 16th Street/164 junction to our Evansville office is about 52 minutes — take 164 west to I‑64 west, then exit at US‑41 north. Most Ferdinand clients schedule in‑person meetings for mid‑morning or use our secure client portal for document exchange. And yes, we know the quickest route that avoids the Jasper traffic near the 231 intersection.
Full-Service Accounting & Advisory for Ferdinand’s Diverse Economy
All services are performed from the Evansville office at 21 SE Third Street, with virtual collaboration tools and in‑person appointments available for Dubois County clients.
Office Directions from Ferdinand, IN to Our Evansville CPA Office
Our only office is located at 21 SE Third Street, Suite 500, Evansville, IN 47708. Below is the exact Google Maps embed with driving directions from the Ferdinand Monastery area and the 16th Street commercial district.
Driving from Ferdinand (expert local route)
From the Monastery area (164 & 16th Street): Head west on State Road 164 for approximately 8 miles to the interchange with I‑64. Merge onto I‑64 West toward Evansville (about 34 miles). Take exit 29A for US‑41 North into downtown Evansville. Follow signs for SE 3rd Street. Total driving time: 50–55 minutes depending on traffic.
From Ferdinand State Forest (south edge of town): Take Forest Road north to 16th Street, then west to 164, same route. Ample street parking and garages available at 21 SE Third Street.
Ferdinand insider tip: The I‑64 stretch near the Huntingburg exit can have occasional construction — allow an extra 10 minutes during summer months. Early morning or after‑lunch appointments are smoothest.
Harding, Shymanski & Company — Serving Ferdinand from Evansville, IN
We are a full-service CPA and advisory firm with deep experience in Dubois County’s unique rural economy — from family farms to the Monastery’s nonprofit accounting to small manufacturers. Our Ferdinand clients receive the same level of responsive, expert service as our Evansville neighbors, just a 50‑minute drive west on I‑64.
📍 Main Office (All services)
Harding, Shymanski & Company, P.S.C. 21 SE Third Street, Suite 500Evansville, IN 47708
Phone: (812) 464-9161
Fax: (812) 465-7811
Website: hsccpa.com
| Monday – Friday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday & Sunday | Closed |
Ferdinand‑specific resources & links
🌽 Agricultural & farm services: Agricultural Accounting — Schedule F, farm equipment depreciation, and succession planning.
⚙️ Manufacturing & machine shop support: Manufacturing & Wholesale Distribution — cost accounting, R&D credits, inventory management.
⛪ Nonprofit & religious organization accounting: Audit and 990 preparation for Ferdinand’s Monastery and civic groups — we understand the unique governance needs.
📊 Full service catalog: Accounting & Auditing · Tax Consulting · Wealth Management
🏛️ Proudly serving Ferdinand’s unique community — from the Monastery Hill and the 16th Street corridor to the farms and forest edge. Whether you run a fourth‑generation grain operation, a machine shop near the railway, or one of the small businesses that make Ferdinand special, we understand this town’s quiet strength. We’ve been working with Ferdinand professionals for over 30 years — and we’re just down the road on I‑64.