Before she was a world-renowned modernist poet, Marianne Moore was a Carlisle native and a teacher at the Carlisle Indian School. The borough erected a historical marker outside her house at 343 N. Hanover Street in 2002 – but are Carlisle motorists honoring her legacy?

According to Jeff Wood, owner of Whistlestop Bookshop on High Street, the historical marker commemorating Moore’s old home at 343 has been knocked off its pole twice now by motorists. Wood, a former president of the Carlisle Historical Society, said that no one seems to know or care that the sign has yet to be restored to its place.

“[Moore] was a poet who lived here for 20 years and went on to shape 20th century poetry,” Wood said. “She also was an arts award winner at Dickinson College in the 60s. She crisscrossed town history, Indian School History, and Dickinson College history. All of those factors, combined with [her] standing internationally, make her a great figure to celebrate locally.”

He noted that in an area where historical markers commemorate battles and military events, Moore’s sign is distinct because it’s the only one dedicated to a literary figure. Wood wrote the text for the plaque and spoke at its unveiling in April 2002.

Wood said that the sign has been damaged once before and was immediately repaired by Borough personnel. The sign pole was again struck by a car three months ago, and Wood says that the marker has yet to be restored to its place.

Carlisle officials are responding, but not urgently.

“The Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission has said that they will take care of it,” Wood said.

Wood said that the sign is now in possession of the borough, and is being housed in a maintenance garage. He is unsure whether or not it will be returned to its place on Hanover St.