Orange County REMC - July 2024 Indiana Connection

JULY 2024

Experience a bygone era with visits to five grand homes across Indiana PAGES 20-25

Smart homeowners around the world have scrapped their old furnaces and air conditioners and replaced them with a WaterFurnace geothermal comfort system. That’s because geothermal comfort systems use the free, renewable energy found in your own backyard to save up to 70% on heating, cooling and hot water. You won’t need that old inefficient furnace or that unsightly outdoor air conditioner because a WaterFurnace system provides complete comfort for your home with a single unit. And because the system doesn’t burn fossil fuels, there are no fumes or carbon monoxide concerns. Make the smart switch to geothermal. Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today to learn more.

Contact Your Local WaterFurnace Dealer

Delphi

Blue Fox Htg & Clg (765) 822-2200 bluefoxhvac.com

Farmersburg

Heady Htg & Clg (812) 696-2396

Flora

Camflo Htg & Clg (574) 967-4200 camfloheatingandcooling.com

Fort Wayne

Masters Htg & Clg, Inc. (866) 824-4328 mastersingeothermal.com

Greensburg

Wallpe Htg & Clg (812) 663-7252 wallpegeothermal.net

Indianapolis

Masters Htg & Clg by Van Valer, Inc. (317) 881-9074 mastersingeothermal.com

Jasper Hulsman Refrigeration, Inc. (812) 634-1492 hulsmanrefrigeration.com

Laotto

T&T Plbg, Htg, A/C & Geothermal (260) 200-4003 tt-ph.com

Lebanon

Blue Fox Htg & Clg (765) 859-0880 bluefoxhvac.com

North Vernon

Air One Htg & Clg, Inc. (888) 346-1790 aironehvac.com

Ossian Collier’s Comfort Services (260) 622-6622 collierscomfort.com

Warsaw

Colliers Htg & Air Conditioning (574) 203-2492 trustcolliers.com

Waterloo Gibson’s Htg & Plbg, Inc. (888) 754-1668 gibsonsgeothermal.com

Westfield

Precision Comfort Systems, Inc. (317) 867-2665 precisioncomfort.com

West Lafayette

Blue Fox Htg & Clg (765) 252-0051 bluefoxhvac.com

Don’t forget to contact your local electric utility provider for rebates and incentives!

visit waterfurnace.com

from the editor

July 4th memories

For the past couple of months, we asked readers to submit their Fourth of July traditions and memories. Some of the submissions are featured on pages 26 and 27. Reading about other people’s celebrations and cherished memories with their families was fun.

For my family, July 4th was always a day to get together and eat a lot of food. When I was little, my grandpa would buy a ton of fireworks, and my dad and uncle would help him light them. Watching them try to run away as fast as they could back to safety was so funny. My two cousins and I loved to play with sparklers. Almost 30 years later, my family still makes fun of me for accidentally poking my grandpa in the belly with a sparkler and lighting his shirt on fire.

When we got a little older, our family would watch the fireworks show at our local high school. We parked our cars in the same viewing spot every year, so it was easy for my friends, my cousins’ friends, and anyone else we knew in the community to come by and say hello. By the time the show started, we usually gained almost double the amount of people in our spot. It might have been because we had a good place to see the show, but it could have also been the brownies my mom made every year.

Now that I live in Indianapolis, it’s harder to go down and watch the fireworks with my family. It doesn’t get dark until almost 10 p.m., which makes for a long night driving home. Luckily for my husband, Brooks, and I, we don’t have to leave our house to see a great show. A family who lives one neighborhood over sells fireworks in the summer. They put on an impressive show from their front yard. If we look out the window from my upstairs office, we can see the display without having to go outside. That’s my kind of fireworks show.

Britt Davis Editor bdavis@indianaec.org

On the menu: October: Submit your favorite breakfast recipes, deadline Aug. 1. If we publish your recipe on our food pages, we’ll send you a $10 gift card.

Giveaway: Enter to win an ice cream kit. Visit indianaconnection.org/talk-to-us/contests or send your contact information to the address below. The deadline to enter is July 31.

Three ways to contact us: To send us recipes, photos, letters and entries for gift drawings, please use the forms on our website indianaconnection.org; email info@indianaconnection.org; or send to Indiana Connection, 11805 Pennsylvania Street, Carmel, IN 46032.

VOLUME 74 • NUMBER 1 ISSN 0745-4651 • USPS 262-340

Published monthly by Indiana Electric Cooperatives

Indiana Connection is for and about members of Indiana’s locally-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives. It helps consumers use electricity safely and efficiently; understand energy issues; connect with their co-op; and celebrate life in Indiana. Over 311,000 residents and businesses receive the magazine as part of their electric co-op membership. The average printed and mailed cost per issue is 54 cents.

CONTACT US: 11805 Pennsylvania Street Carmel, IN 46032 317-487-2220 info@indianaconnection.org

IndianaConnection.org

INDIANA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OFFICERS: Steve McMichael President Dr. Richard Leeper Vice President

Jamey Marcum Secretary/Treasurer John Cassady CEO

EDITORIAL STAFF: Britt Davis Editor

Holly Huffman Communication Support Specialist

Lauren Carman Communication Manager

Kiley Lipps Graphic Designer

Ashley Curry Production and Design Coordinator

Amber Knight Creative Manager

Mandy Barth Vice President of Communication

ADVERTISING:

American MainStreet Publications

Cheryl Solomon, local ad representative; 512-441-5200; amp.coop Crosshair Media 502-216-8537; crosshairmedia.net

Paid advertisements are not endorsements by any electric cooperative or this publication.

UNSOLICITED MATERIAL: Indiana Connection does not use unsolicited freelance manuscripts or photographs and assumes no responsibility for the safekeeping or return of unsolicited material.

SUBSCRIPTIONS:

$12 for individuals not subscribing through participating REMCs/RECs.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS:

If you receive Indiana Connection through your electric co-op membership, report address changes to your local co-op.

POSTAGE:

Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, Indiana, and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send change of address to: Indiana Connection, 11805 Pennsylvania Street, Carmel, IN 46032. Include key number.

No portion of Indiana Connection may be reproduced without permission of the editor.

This month’s recipes come from past issues in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.

Give your feline an outlet for scratching that’s pet parent-approved

Experience a bygone era with visits to five historic Hoosier mansions

Reader-submitted celebrations highlight the spirit of July 4th

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Indiana’s nature preserves (NOT IN ALL EDITIONS)

Enhance your garden with scents from these aromatic plants

IN ALL EDITIONS)

This month’s cover feature highlights five historic mansions scattered across the state that give public tours, including Lanier Mansion in Madison, Indiana. The 13,500-square-foot National Historic Landmark rises majestically above the Ohio River shoreline, fronted by four 30-foot columns that reflect its Greek Revival influence. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRENT SPRY

www.myremc.coop www.myremc.coop/internet

CONTACT US

Office: 812-865-2229

Toll-Free: 888-337-5900

Bill Payments: 833-890-7734

EMAIL

orangecoremc@myremc.coop

OFFICE HOURS

7 a.m.–4 p.m., Monday-Friday

MAIN OFFICE

BUILDING 1

7133 N. State Road 337 Orleans, IN 47452

OPERATIONS/MATERIALS

BUILDINGS 2 AND 3

8390 N. State Road 37 Orleans, IN 47452

MAILING ADDRESS

P.O. Box 208, Orleans, IN 47452

TO REPORT SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS, PLEASE CALL 855-865-2229, (OPTION 1) DAY OR NIGHT. Have the phone number associated with your account ready when reporting outages. Please limit after-hours calls to emergencies and outage situations.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Daniel Houchin, District 1

Randy Roberts, District 2 Carl Anderson, District 3 District 4, Pending Ben Lindsey, District 5

Brian Hawkins, District 6 George Key, District 7

REMC SENIOR STAFF

Matthew C. Deaton, General Manager/CEO

Marcy Bennett, Office Manager

Misty Tincher, Accountant

Mark Belcher, Member Services Manager

Billy Chastain, Operations Manager

Charlie Rollins, Fiber Construction Manager

ANNUAL MEETING recap

Each year, we host the Annual Membership Meeting as a way to say “thank you” to our members. It is also an opportunity to conduct important cooperative business, including financial updates and director elections. As an electric cooperative, our business model is unique. We are not owned by a group of investors, we are owned by every person who receives electric service from Orange County REMC. That’s why we refer to you as “members” and not “customers.” The Annual Meeting really is an event for you! We enjoy meeting you face-to-face and helping you understand how decisions are made at the REMC, as well as for Orange County Fiber.

This year, we set an attendance record at the event with 534 registered guests and a total of 1,352 in attendance. As usual, our guests enjoyed a fantastic meal served by Schnizelbank Catering. Our youngest members stayed busy in the kids’ area that featured high-energy bounce houses, crafts and temporary air-brush art by our talented employees. Kirby Stailey provided entertainment before the business meeting, while guests enjoyed their meal.

During the business meeting, Director Brian Hawkins was re-

elected to serve another term as the representative for District 6.

This Annual Meeting marked the end of an era for Danny Easterday, who chose not to seek re-election after 33 years of service on the board of directors.

Three REMC members submitted petitions of nomination to run for the open seat. All three were excellent candidates and Carl Anderson was elected by the members to serve as the new director for District 3 (you can read his bio on the next page). Several photos from the event are also featured on pages 6 and 7. We wrapped up the meeting with our prize drawings. Every registered member who attended the meeting, and stayed for the duration of the event was eligible to win. The two top cash prize winners were Mary Russell who won $500 and Doris Sneed who won $1,000.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members who attended the meeting and express my appreciation to the directors and employees who worked so hard to make the event such a success.

MATTHEW DEATON General Manager/CEO

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/ orangecountyremc

Rate schedule

How to compute your monthly electric bill:

Use this information to figure your bill for electric use in July, August, and September.

scenes from

Charge Off-Peak

Randy Roberts, Marcy Bennett and Matt Deaton conduct the prize drawings.

More than 1,300 members, employees and guests attended the event.

Anderson Elected REMC Director

Carl Anderson has been elected to the Orange County REMC board representing District 3.

Anderson has lived in Orange County his entire life and is a 1989 graduate of Paoli Community Schools. He married Melissa Fleenor from Orleans in 1994. The couple have three children and two grandchildren — daughters Rio and Rali, son Raine (Bailey), and their grandchildren, Blue and Spade.

Anderson has worked for the Orange County Highway Department for

over 19 years, currently as its superintendent, and is an Orange County Solid Waste director. He is a member of the Region 15 Planning Commission board, as well as the Orange County Rural Fire Board.

Anderson also serves as Orleans Township Trustee, and is a past six-year member of Orleans Community Schools Board of Directors.

Local favorite, Kirby Stailey, provides musical entertainment before the business meeting.

CARL ANDERSON

the annual meeting

Guests of all ages enjoyed the 2024 Annual Meeting.

Orange County REMC members always enjoy the meal served by Schnizelbank Catering.

Orange County Fiber’s Josh Frank applies temporary air-brush art for a young member.

REMC employees offered members a ride from the parking area to the event location.

REMC Director Brian Hawkins visits with a member prior to the business meeting.

The bounce houses were a hub of fast-paced activity for the younger members.

REMC employees Misty Tincher and Sarah Jenkins assist members in registering for the event.

REMC Fiber’s Charlie Rollins applies a wristband to a young member entering the kids’ activity area.

Michael Newlin was hired by Orange County REMC on July 20, 2009, as an apprentice lineman. He earned his journeyman lineman status and is now line foreman. Prior to his REMC employment, he received an associate degree in culinary arts from Sullivan University in 2002 and later earned his associate degree in applied science from Ivy Tech Community College. He celebrates 15 years of service at the REMC.

Orange County REMC members can save on admission tickets and season passes at Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari. Visit this URL to get details from our website:

www.myremc.coop/holiday-world-fun-club

Will This Strange Antarctic Squid Solve America’s Memory Crisis?

New Deep Sea Discovery Proven to Be The #1 Natural Enhancer of Memory and Focus

Half a mile beneath the icy waters off the coast of Argentina lives one of the most remarkable creatures in the world.

Fully grown, they’re less than 2 feet long and weigh under 10 pounds…

But despite their small size, this strange little squid can have a bigger positive impact on your brain health than any other species on the planet.

They are the single richest source of a vital “brain food” that 250 million Americans are starving for, according to a study published in the British Medical Journal.

It’s a safe, natural compound called DHA – one of the building blocks of your brain. It helps children grow their brains significantly bigger during development. And in adults, it protects brain cells from dying as they get older.

Because DHA is so important, lacking enough of it is not only dangerous to your overall health but could be directly related to your brain shrinking with age.

With more than 16 million Americans suffering from ageassociated cognitive impairment, it’s clear to a top US doctor that’s where the problem lies.

Regenerative medicine specialist Dr. Al Sears, says thankfully, “there’s still hope for seniors. Getting more of this vital brain food can make a life changing difference for your mental clarity, focus, and memory.”

Dr. Sears, a highly-acclaimed, board-certified doctor— who has published more than 500 studies and written 4 bestselling books — says we should be able to get enough DHA in our diets… but we don’t anymore.

“For thousands of years, fish were a great natural source of DHA. But due to industrial fish farming practices, the fish we eat and the fish oils you see at the store are no longer as nutrient-dense as they once were,” he explains.

DHA is backed by hundreds of studies for supporting razor sharp focus, extraordinary mental clarity, and a lightning quick memory… especially in seniors.

So, if you’re struggling with focus, mental clarity, or memory as you get older…

Dr. Sears recommends a different approach.

THE SECRET TO A LASTING MEMORY

Research has shown that our paleo ancestors were able to grow bigger and smarter brains by eating foods rich in one ingredient — DHA.

“Our hippocampus thrives off DHA and grows because of it,” explains Dr. Sears. “Without DHA, our brains would shrink, and our memories would quickly fade.”

A groundbreaking study from the University of Alberta confirmed this. Animals given a diet rich in DHA saw a 29% boost in their hippocampus — the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory. As a result, these animals became smarter.

Another study on more than 1,500 seniors found that those whose brains were deficient in DHA had significantly smaller brains — a characteristic of accelerated aging and weakened memory.

PEOPLE’S BRAINS ARE SHRINKING AND THEY DON’T EVEN KNOW IT

Dr. Sears uncovered that sometime during the 1990s, fish farmers stopped giving their animals a natural, DHA-rich diet and began feeding them a diet that was 70% vegetarian.

“It became expensive for farmers to feed fish what they’d eat in the wild,” explains Dr. Sears. “But in order to produce DHA, fish need to eat a natural, marine diet, like the one they’d eat in the wild.”

“Since fish farmers are depriving these animals of their natural diet, DHA is almost nonexistent in the oils they produce.”

“And since more than 80% of fish oil comes from farms, it’s no wonder the country is experiencing a memory crisis. Most people’s brains are shrinking and they don’t even know it.”

So, what can people do to improve their memory and brain function in the most effective way possible?

MEMORY-RESTORING SENSATION: The memory-saving oil in this Antarctic squid restores decades of lost brain power starting in just 24 hours.

Dr. Sears says, “Find a quality DHA supplement that doesn’t come from a farmed source. That will protect your brain cells and the functions they serve well into old age.”

Dr. Sears and his team worked tirelessly for over 2 years developing a unique brain-boosting formula called Omega Rejuvenol It’s made from the most powerful source of DHA in the ocean, squid and krill — two species that cannot be farmed.

According to Dr. Sears, these are the purest and most potent sources of DHA in the world, because they haven’t been tampered with. “Omega Rejuvenol is sourced from the most sustainable fishery in Antarctica. You won’t find this oil in any stores.”

MORE IMPRESSIVE RESULTS

Already, the formula has sold more than 850,000 bottles. And for a good reason, too. Satisfied customers can’t stop raving about the memory-boosting benefits of quality-sourced DHA oil.

“The first time I took it, I was amazed. The brain fog I struggled with for years was gone within 24 hours. The next day, I woke up with the energy and mental clarity of a new man,” says Owen R.

“I remember what it was like before I started taking Omega Rejuvenol… the lack of focus… the dull moods… the slippery memory… but now my mind is as clear as it’s ever been,” says Estelle H.

“My mood and focus are at an

all-time high. I’ve always had trouble concentrating, and now I think I know why,” raves Bernice J. “The difference that Omega Rejuvenol makes couldn’t be more noticeable.”

And 70-year-old Mark K. says, “My focus and memory are back to age-30 levels.”

These are just a handful of the thousands of reviews Dr. Sears regularly receives thanks to his breakthrough memory formula, Omega Rejuvenol. WHERE TO FIND OMEGA REJUVENOL

To secure bottles of this brainbooster, buyers should contact the Sears Health Hotline at 1-800-4406286. “It takes time to manufacture these bottles,” says Dr. Sears. “The Hotline allows us to ship the product directly to customers who need it most.”

Dr. Sears feels so strongly about this product, he is offering a 100%, money-back guarantee on every order. “Send back any used or unused bottles within 90 days and I’ll rush you a refund,” says Dr. Sears.

The Hotline is taking orders for the next 48 hours. After that, the phone number may be shut down to allow for inventory restocking. Call 1-800-440-6286 to secure your limited supply of Omega Rejuvenol. Readers of this publication immediately qualify for a steep discount, but supplies are limited. To take advantage of this great offer use Promo Code ICOM724 when you call.

WHAT IS Akilowatt

Learn more about the unit of measurement for energy consumption

Energy providers and electric bills often reference kilowatts and the cost per kilowatt hour used. While those terms might be familiar, you might occasionally wonder just what is a kilowatt?

The first and perhaps most obvious thing to know is that a kilowatt is a metric unit of power used to measure the rate of energy production or consumption.

One kilowatt is equal to 1,000 watts. As a point of reference, the most common wattage for a light bulb in your living room lamp is 60 watts. Kilo means a thousand and the watt was named after Scottish inventor James Watt, most famous for his work creating a steam engine in the 1760s and 1770s.

Within the electric industry, the kilowatt is used in three key places. The first is in electrical power generation, where power plants convert fuels from coal to natural gas to nuclear power into electrical energy. The plant’s output is usually measured in megawatts, which is 1,000 kilowatts.

Secondly, residential and commercial energy consumption relies on the kilowatt as the unit of measurement to calculate the cost of energy production or consumption.

Thirdly, the kilowatt can be used to compare the energy efficiency of devices. For example, a pair of electric water heaters may have the same power rating, but by comparing the amount of heat generated per kilowatt consumed, we can determine which one is more efficient and cost-effective.

For the consumer, the most relevant aspect of the kilowatt is knowing how it will translate on their monthly bill. That’s where kilowatt hours come in. If a home uses one kilowatt of power in an hour, that is a kilowatt hour.

According to the Energy Information Administration, the average amount of electricity purchased by a U.S. residential electric utility customer was 899 kilowatt hours per month in 2022. In the state of Indiana, the average cost of electricity that year

was 11.66 cents per kilowatt hour, a number that has only gone up since.

You can figure out the cost of household appliances with a simple formula — watts multiplied by time divided by 1,000 equals kilowatt hour. In practical terms, a 1,000watt microwave used 15 minutes per day would be about 7.5 kilowatt hours per month. In other words, that will cost about a dollar on your monthly electric bill.

by Rob Powell Director of Systems Operations Daviess-Martin County REMC

Takes 10 Years Off Your Face in as Little as 10 Minutes

Women are raving about the life-changing effects of this powerful formula.

There’s no denying that people — mostly women — are on a mission to discover the best way to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles permanently. The $14 billion dollars spent on aesthetic procedures in 2021 alone is a clear indication of that fact.

But now science appears to be offering a simpler solution. It’s a special delivery technology adapted for skincare that gets superior results.

Known as advanced liposome technology, this powerful distribution system ensures that vital nutrients are delivered exactly where your skin needs them the most, providing your skin with maximum anti-aging benefits.

New Age-Defying ‘Dermal Filler’ Cream in High Demand

Al Sears, MD, of Palm Beach, Florida, recently released an anti-aging cream that adapts this breakthrough medical technology into the realm of skincare, and he’s struggling to keep up with consumer demand.

Dr. Sears is South Florida’s leading anti-aging pioneer. He has authored over 500 reports, scientific papers, and books on anti-aging. A frequent lecturer at global anti-aging conferences, Dr. Sears spoke at the WPBF 25 Health & Wellness Festival featuring Dr. Oz, along with special guest, Suzanne Somers. Thousands of people were in attendance as Dr. Sears discussed his latest anti-aging breakthroughs.

This powerful cream, known as Restore, keeps selling out faster than it’s produced — and people are raving about the effect it’s having on their skin.

“Within a few minutes of applying the cream, it visibly plumps out the under-eye area and my cheeks as well as those annoying lines that deepen as we age between the nose

and lips. It also felt like it was tightening and smoothing my skin at the same time. I definitely feel I look younger whenever I use it,” said Amy B., of Montville, New Jersey.

“The lines around my mouth and eyes are filled in and my skin is tightened. I love having younger-looking skin, so I will continue using Restore” raves Cathy C., of Florida.

The best part is that this cream has no adverse side effects, doesn’t require a doctor’s visit or prescription, and is 100% natural.

“Advanced liposome technology ensures that vital nutrients are delivered exactly where your skin needs them the most.”

Powerful Delivery System Ensures Nutrients Penetrate Deep into Your Skin

The dermis is the underlying layer of skin that supplies nourishment and oxygen, and removes waste. In other words, it’s responsible for keeping your outer layer of skin healthy. Liposome technology is designed to support and nourish this deeper layer of skin by delivering nutrients directly to it.

“All of Restore’s powerful ingredients are encapsulated in a liposome shell — an organic container that carries the beautifying agents deep into the skin cells,” explained Dr. Sears.

“Restore’s liposome shell is composed of phosphatidylcholine or PC for short. While cell membranes repel water, they absorb PC because they’re actually made of it. As a result, Restore is delivered deep into the cell for maximum firming and

volume.”

When you apply liposome cream to your face, the liposomes in the skin cream work their way inside your skin, fuse with the skin cell membranes and then release their contents directly to the cells. Regular skin creams don’t have this capability.

A Formula Designed to Take Years off Your Face in Minutes

Once it’s penetrated the deeper layer of skin, Restore releases a unique blend of botanicals, vitamins and essential oils that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, gives skin a more even tone, and moisturizes the interior layers of your dermal cells, firming and plumping your skin.

Restore’s first skin-enhancing agent is Madonna lily leaf stem cell extract. It helps produce an even-toned complexion. In a clinical study reported in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, participants treated with this extract for 28 days showed improvements in skin luminance and tone around the eyes.

Restore is also loaded with vitamin C, which British researchers have found reduces both wrinkles and dryness. “In Restore we use magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, a more stable form of vitamin C that

doesn’t break down in liquid as does ordinary C,” explains Dr. Sears. “That means the antioxidant molecules stay intact within your skin cells where they can prevent damage from dangerous free radicals.”

This powerful formula also features guarana seed extract, coenzyme Q10, and avocado oil. Japanese researchers have also found that coenzyme Q10 supports production of the thin membrane that separates layers of your skin, and French studies have shown that avocado oil improves skin cell metabolism and enhances skin thickness.

Where To Get Restore

To secure the hot, new Restore formula, buyers should contact the Sears Health Hotline at 1-800-6755561 TODAY. “It’s not available in retail stores yet,” says Dr. Sears. “The Hotline allows us to ship directly to the customer.” Dr. Sears feels so strongly about Restore, all orders are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee. “Just send me back the bottle and any unused product within 90 days from purchase date, and I’ll send you all your money back.”

Call NOW at 1-800-675-5561 to secure your supply of Restore. Use Promo Code ICRS724 when you call. Lines are frequently busy, but all calls will be answered!

Revolutionary Formula Reduces the Appearance of Wrinkles in Minutes

Indiana eats

The coolest licks

Celebrate National Ice Cream Day at some of Indiana’s best shops

In honor of National Ice Cream Day on July 21, 2024, we have gathered some of the gooiest, sweetest, and most delectable places for local treats that will cool you down and turn up your taste buds.

Some local shops have decades of history, while others offer photo-worthy, shareable snacks. All of the shops offer handmade treats made with love by local families.

Get your tiny spoon ready for a sampling of Indiana’s best!

SCOOP SHACK

scoopshackindy.com

7002 Lake Plaza Dr., Suite B, Indianapolis, IN 46220

Scoop Shack is a local business with a passion for bringing neighbors together through delicious food. Its owners, Sonja Schaeckenbach and Nicole Eslinger, were good friends who noticed a need for a scoop shop that helped nurture and build community. From that dream and with lots of help from friends, family, and neighbors, Scoop Shack was born.

The shop offers 32 rotating flavors, including banana brownie, lemon custard, red velvet, and chocolate cinnamon churro. They also offer take-home pints, special orders, and ice cream pies (24-hour notice required).

Scoop Shack’s owners’ high standards yield locally sourced and deliberately crafted products.

TAYLOR’S CEREAL BOWL KITCHEN

Find Taylor’s on Instagram at @ TAYLORSCEREALBOWLKITCHEN 438 Spring St., Jeffersonville, IN 47130

Taylor’s serves ice cream with a crunchy twist in a playful, sensoryfriendly environment suited for children of all ages. Interactive play includes Draw Alive, which makes kids’ drawings come to life on a screen, and interactive games projected onto the floors.

Taylor’s brings hungry diners mashups of ice cream and their favorite cereals.

Order a cup or cone or delve into your childhood dreams with cereal shakers like the Chips Ahoy Shaker, featuring Chips Ahoy cereal, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate syrup, topped with a Chips Ahoy cookie.

Taylor’s also offers oat-based vegan flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.

ZAX CREAMERY

zaxcreamery.com

2603 N Newton St., Jasper, IN 47546 120 Main St., Montgomery, IN 47558

Zax Creamery features homemade ice cream, gluten- and dairy-free alternatives, and tasty no-sugaradded flavors. It also boasts an enviable selection of coffees ranging from Americanos to lattes to hot chocolates. Their House Blend coffee offers a lively but smooth blend of coffees from Thailand and Nicaragua.

Signature items include the Hoosier Mocha Frappe, featuring white chocolate and caramel, and Atomic Blonde ice cream, loaded with white chocolate, toffee bits, and golden Oreos.

Zax’s Jasper location also offers a selection of homemade muffins to pair with their complex and inventive coffees.

IVANHOE’S

ivanhoes.info

959 South Main St., Upland, IN 46989

Ivanhoe’s, a family-owned shop run by Ivan, Carol, and Mark Slain since 1965, is known for its extensive menu, which offers 100 different shakes and sundaes. The shop even offers a ‘100 Club’ for diners who have tried all 100 flavors. Diners receive cards stamped with each flavor they order (by number). Once they have ordered all 100 flavors, they receive an Ivanhoe’s 100 Club T-shirt and have their names added to a 100 Club plaque displayed in its dining room.

Some exciting shake flavors include Coconut Willy, based in vanilla, with coconut and bananas; German Chocolate Cake, based in chocolate, topped with pecans, coconut, shortbread cookies, and caramel; and the Time Out, based in vanilla with a Twix bar and a dip of chocolate ice cream. And their sundaes are even more exciting!

The restaurant also features a full menu, including sandwiches and salads.

CHILLZ ICE CREAM

chillzdelights.com

902 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, IN 46962

Chillz is a 50s-style scoop shop with dine-in and drive-thru options. It serves hand-dipped ice cream with a nearly endless selection of toppings. Entrepreneur Janzin Cripe founded Chillz in 2018 out of a converted shed. He used his social media prowess to build his brand and today runs a bustling business while helping to inspire and motivate other young entrepreneurs.

In addition to its dessert offerings, Chillz offers sandwiches and snacks, including the Toasty Joe, a homemade sloppy joe between two premium, garlic-and-herb grilled cheese sandwiches, “totz” featuring signature dipping sauces, and madefrom-scratch mini donuts.

A few of Chillz’s standout offerings include the Bacon Sundae, the Cuban Sandwich, and the Frenchie, a hamburger bun filled with Coney hot dog sauce. Chillz also offers vegan ice cream, shakes, and sundaes.

Stephanie Bernaba is a freelancer with national reach who thrives on topics like food and entertainment

Indiana eats

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SHIPSHEWANA FLEA MARKET OPEN NOW THROUGH SEPT. 25

Midwest’s Largest Flea Market

Every Tuesday & Wednesday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; rain or shine (Special Weekend Market Aug. 2 & 3)

Weekly Antique Auction Every Wednesday, year-round ShipshewanaFleaMarket.com

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Our Marketplace offers maximum exposure for your business or organization at a minimal cost.

Please contact Cheryl Solomon, 847-749-4875 or cheryl@amp.coop, for other small business advertising opportunities in Indiana Connection.

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Shelby County is home to several of Central Indiana’s firsts, like St. Vincent DePaul, one of the first Catholic churches built in the area in 1839. Indiana’s first railroad, built in the 1830s, passed through the county’s seat, Shelbyville, to connect Madison — the largest city along the Ohio River — to Indianapolis.

LAW BOOKS TO LEGACY

Shelby County COUNTY FACTS

Ovid Butler, the namesake of Butler University, studied law and practiced as an attorney in Shelby County from 1825 to 1836. An abolitionist and newspaper publisher, Butler was also a member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), which led him to want to establish a university founded on his Christian beliefs. The Indiana General Assembly approved his proposal for a new Christian university in Indianapolis, and North-Western Christian University opened in 1855. It was the second university in Indiana and third in the U.S. to admit both men and women. Butler served as the university’s president of its board of directors until 1871. The university changed its name to Butler University in 1877.

ROOTED IN HISTORY

Meltzer Woods in Shelbyville is one of Indiana’s last remaining old-growth forests with trees over 150 years old. The woods are named after the Meltzer Family. John Meltzer originally purchased 160 acres of farmland in Shelby County in 1857. In 1920, his son, Brady, purchased an additional 120 acres. Forty-eight acres of the Meltzer’s farmland were never cleared, so Brady registered this land with Indiana’s Classified Forest program in 1928. The woods have been designated as a National Natural Landmark since 1973, recognizing the old-growth forest as an outstanding example of geological history in the United States. The woods feature small creeks, a mile-long hiking trail open year-round, and blooming wildflowers each spring.

HOOSIER HOOFBEATS

Horseshoe Indianapolis in Shelbyville hosts the state’s only live Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred racing. Previously known as Indiana Downs, the racetrack’s signature race is the Indiana Derby, a horse race held annually in July for three-year-old Thoroughbreds. American Thoroughbred racehorse Misremembered has held the 1-1/16-mile-long dirt racetrack’s speed record since 2009 at 1:40:80. The Indiana Derby welcomed American Thoroughbred racehorse Lookin At Lucky in 2010 as the first-ever Triple Crown winner to participate in an Indiana horse race. In 2023, 3,000 spectators attended the Indiana Derby’s 29th running.

FOUNDED: 1821

NAMED FOR:

General Isaac Shelby, the first governor of Kentucky

POPULATION: 45,055

COUNTY SEAT: Shelbyville

INDIANA COUNTY NUMBER: 73

Shelbyville

Nicole Thomas is a freelance writer from Indianapolis.

Photo courtesy of Lisa Andres

Photo courtesy of Central Indiana Land Trust

What Stauer Clients Are Saying About Our Knives

“The feel of this knife is unbelievable... this is an incredibly fine instrument.” — H., Arvada, CO

It was a perfect late autumn day in the northern Rockies. Not a cloud in the sky, and just enough cool in the air to stir up nostalgic memories of my trip into the backwoods. is year, though, was di erent. I was going it solo. My two buddies, pleading work responsibilities, backed out at the last minute. So, armed with my trusty knife, I set out for adventure. Well, what I found was a whole lot of trouble. As in 8 feet and 800-pounds of trouble in the form of a grizzly bear. Mr. Grizzly saw me, stood up to his entire 8 feet of ferocity and let out a roar that made my blood turn to ice and my hair stand up. Unsnapping my leather sheath, I felt for my hefty, trusty knife and felt emboldened. I then showed the massive grizzly over 6 inches of 420 surgical grade stainless steel, raised my hands and yelled, “Whoa bear! Whoa bear!” I must have made my point, as he gave me an almost admiring grunt before turning tail and heading back into the woods.

“This knife is beautiful!” — J., La Crescent, MN Join more than 322,000 sharp people who collect stauer knives

I was pretty shaken, but otherwise ne. Once the adrenaline high subsided, I decided I had some work to do back home too. at was more than enough adventure for one day.

Our Grizzly Hunting Knife pays tribute to the call of the wild. Featuring stick-tang construction, you can feel con dent in the strength and durability of this knife. And the hand carved, natural bone handle ensures you won’t lose your grip even in the most dire of circumstances. I also made certain to give it a great

price. After all, you should be able to get your point across without getting stuck with a high price.

But we don’t stop there. While supplies last, we’ll include a pair of $99 8x21 power compact binoculars FREE when you purchase the Grizzly Hunting Knife.

Stauer 8x21 Compact Binoculars -a $99 valuewith your purchase of the Grizzly Hunting Knife

Make sure to act quickly. The Grizzly Hunting Knife has been such a hit that we’re having trouble keeping it in stock. After months of waiting on our artisans, we've finally gotten some knives back in stock. Only 1,337 are available at this price, and half of them have already sold!

Knife Speci cations:

• Stick tang 420 surgical stainless steel blade; 7 ¼" blade; 12" overall

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The Grizzly Hunting Knife $249 $79* + S&P Save $170

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*Special price only for customers using the offer code. 1-800-333-2045

Your Insider Offer Code: GHK313-02 Stauer, 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. GHK313-02, Burnsville, MN 55337 | www.stauer.com

ELECTRIC CO-OPS DO MORE THAN ‘KNOCK ON WOOD’ TO TEST

POLE SAFETY

An estimated 150 million wood poles form the backbone of the nation’s electric grid, supporting the delivery of electricity and telecommunications across America, says Osmose, a nationwide utilities services company. Wood remains the preferred material for poles because of its durability, strength, low cost, and availability.

But like most things, wood can weather and weaken. That’s why Indiana’s electric cooperatives periodically assess each wooden pole bringing power to consumers.

“Pole testing is really a piece of a co-op’s hazard recognition program,” said Jon Elkins, vice president of safety, training and compliance at Indiana Electric Cooperatives. “We need to know if poles are bad, so we can replace them. You never want a pole to break and fall on someone or bring down live power lines. Along with safety, inspection helps maintain reliability.”

While some signs of pole damage are obvious, and lineworkers are trained to always knock on a pole with a large hammer or mallet to test for its soundness before climbing, Elkins noted that utilities often have third-party contractors perform methodical inspections. If the contractors find something, they have the expertise to repair and maintain the pole to prolong its life or will recommend replacement.

Consumers, especially where rightsof-way and poles may be remote, should be aware that, on occasion, they may see a crew digging around and knocking on poles. Crews working for a co-op will always have identification on their truck or on themselves and wear hard hats and vests or similar gear. If in doubt, the consumer should call the co-op office to confirm the work in their area. If a consumer sees a group of individuals not wearing logo gear or acting suspiciously around poles, the group actually might be copper

or metal thieves stealing wire from the side of the pole. Co-ops warn consumers never to confront these individuals but to call the police.

Elkins said the expected lifespan of a pole is about 20 years. “If you get 30 or 40 out of it, that's great.” He also noted that consumers can help by letting the co-op know if a pole serving their home or farm is showing signs of damage. “They might notice big woodpecker holes, or if there’s an animal condominium in the pole — that’s never good. Or if the pole is leaning when it didn’t used to — that's an indication it’s compromised at ground level or just below.”

“A pole is there to keep electricity and the infrastructure away from the public,” added Elkins. “And when that pole is compromised, you run the risk of the public and electricity coming in contact with each other. That’s something we want to prevent at all costs.”

Photo courtesy of Marshall County REMC

CAT SCRATCH NO MORE

Give your favorite feline an outlet for scratching that’s pet parent-approved

A cat’s inclination to scratch might be natural, but when it reduces your favorite pillow to shreds, you’re ready to do anything to put it to a stop.

OFFER APPROPRIATE SCRATCHING SURFACES

Without a designated scratching spot, cats will find something suitable to meet their needs, sometimes to the detriment of your decor. Don’t take it personally — cats need to scratch to maintain their claws, communicate with other cats, and stretch their muscles.

“Owners should provide different materials for scratching like twine-wrapped columns, old carpet squares, and cardboard scratchers, as well as both vertical and horizontal surfaces, as individual cat preferences vary,” advised Jami Heying, board president of the Independent Cat Society, a non-profit, no-kill feline shelter serving Northwest Indiana.

ENCOURAGE SCRATCHING SPOTS AND DETER OTHERS

Make your new scratching spots attractive by spritzing catnip spray on them. Do your best to stay on target, as a misguided spray might give your cat the wrong idea. Cover furniture and other tempting surfaces with aluminum foil or double-sided tape — the noise and feeling when scratched can help turn cats away. While retraining your cat, apply nail caps to their nails to provide a buffer between their nails and your surfaces.

FEED FELINE CURIOSITY

A bored cat often means a destructive cat, and while cats are seemingly comfortable solo, it doesn’t mean they don’t need stimulation. Provide an enriching environment that keeps your cat busy, making scratching less attractive. Stock your cat’s stash with interactive toys and puzzle feeders, and make sure family members take time to play with them. Outfit their space with cat trees and shelves, which give them a place to perch and observe things from a new vantage point. The climbing action of scaling a cat tree can help feed their need to work their claws, further reducing the risk of unwanted scratching. Be consistent and patient as your cat learns new behaviors, and use positive reinforcement to redirect their attention toward appropriate scratching surfaces. When you do, your cat will be able to fulfill their natural instincts and you can enjoy a home with less destructive scratching.

Natalie Derrickson is a freelance writer from Indianapolis.

blast FROM THE A

Indiana Connection’s first edition was published in July 1951 as Indiana Rural News. Although many columns and segments of the magazine have come and gone over the years, the recipe section has been a pillar of the magazine since the beginning and continues to be our most popular. Here we celebrate over 70 years of recipes with selections from that first issue, 1967, and 1970.

⁄ 2 cup fresh orange juice

1⁄4 cup water

2 tsp vanilla

1 cup egg whites (7 or 8)

1⁄ 2 tsp cream of tartar

1 lb. confectioners' sugar

Combine yolks with enough juice to yield 1⁄ 3 cup. Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Beat until smooth and of spreading consistency.

Sift together dry ingredients in a large bowl. Make a well in the center; add oil, egg yolks, orange and lemon peel, orange juice, water, and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Beat egg whites until frothy; add cream of tartar. Continue beating until whites hold very stiff peaks but are not dry. Carefully fold in the egg yolk mixture until just blended. Pour into a 10-inch tube pan. Bake at 325 F for 50 to 55 minutes; increase heat to 350 F and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and invert immediately on a wire rack. Cool completely before removing from the pan. Spread with the citrus frosting.

July 1967

CHIFFON DESSERTS FOR SUMMER

CHEESE AND VEGETABLE CASSEROLE

BISCUIT SWIRLS

COFFEE CAKELETS

2 cups sifted flour

1 Tbsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

2 ⁄ 3 cup sugar

1⁄ 2 cup shortening (half butter or margarine)

RAISIN PEANUT FILLING

1 tsp grated lemon peel

2 eggs, beaten

2 ⁄ 3 cup milk

1⁄ 2 cup chopped seedless raisins

Feb. 1970

RAISIN DELECTABLES ANY TIME OF DAY!

Blend together 1⁄ 2 cup peanut butter, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1⁄4 cup chopped or whole raisins, and 1 tablespoon melted butter. If the mixture is too cold or stiff to swirl easily, heat over low heat or hot water for a few minutes.

Resift flour with baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add shortening and lemon peel. Cut in with a pastry blender until shortening is finely divided and mixed with dry ingredients. Add beaten eggs, milk, and raisins. Stir only until blended. Spoon into wellgreased large muffin cups (2 1⁄ 2 to 3 inches in diameter) or 5 oz. custard cups. Fill cups about two-thirds full. Drop a spoonful of raisin peanut filling on top of the batter and swirl through with a knife. Bake in the oven at 425 F for 20 to 25 minutes. Serve hot. Makes seven or eight coffee cakelets.

July 1951

ONE DISH MEALS

8 small carrots, cooked

1 onion, cooked

1½ cups cooked green beans

1 cup cooked peas

4 Tbsp butter

4 Tbsp flour

2 cups milk

½ lb. cheddar cheese, shredded

Salt and pepper to taste

Put the well-drained vegetables in a casserole. Make a cream sauce with butter, flour, and milk. Add shredded cheese and stir until melted. Season to taste and pour over vegetables. Cover with biscuit swirls and cook in the oven at 425 F for 20 minutes or until the biscuits are light brown.

2 cups flour

3 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

4 Tbsp butter

3⁄4 cup milk

1⁄4 cup melted butter

Sift dry ingredients together. Cut in 4 tablespoons butter with a pastry blender or with two knives until it is the consistency of coarse cornmeal. Stir in milk to make a smoother dough. Turn out on a floured surface, knead for 30 seconds, then roll lightly to ¼-inch thickness. Spread with melted butter and roll up like a jelly roll. Cut off 1-inch slices and lay on top of the casserole.

Historic Hoosier MANSIONS

It’s hard to envision Indiana’s history from old films and photographs. Did our ancestors really inhabit a colorless world, like Dorothy before she opened the door to the Technicolor land of Oz?

Obviously not, but the old days are more relatable when we experience them firsthand instead of just reading about them or viewing them in blackand-white imagery.

It’s time for a field trip — and not the kind you once shared with carsick classmates. Let’s trek to the homes of Indiana’s rich and famous: Five historic mansions scattered across the state that give public tours.

“We always say about historic preservation that it’s a tangible link to history,” said Suzanne Stanis, vice

president of education for Indiana Landmarks. “It connects you to that time and place.”

Historical connections abound in the backstories of the sprawling homes on our list. One mansion initially appeared in the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. Another endured a disastrous fire less than a year after completion. Then there’s the U.S. president’s home that was almost razed for a water tank.

Just remember that these historic residences open for limited hours — sometimes only 3 hours a day — and are typically closed on Mondays, Sundays, and Tuesdays. So check the schedule before departing for the mansion of your choice.

Experience a bygone era with visits to five grand homes across Indiana

By Brian D. Smith

The Haan Museum of Indiana Art Lafayette thehaan.org | 765-742-6449

It’s not that unusual to move a family home across town in 2024. Yet imagine relocating a house in 1904 — and not just any house, but a threestory, six-bedroom mansion. And not just across town but from the St. Louis World’s Fair to Lafayette, Indiana… in pieces.

The drawing room at The Haan Museum of Indiana Art

The Haan Museum of Indiana Art

That’s how the Haan mansion, officially known as the Haan Museum of Indiana Art, found a place on Hoosier soil. Originally the Connecticut pavilion at the World’s Fair, it was sold afterward for $3,000 to Lafayette attorney William Potter then disassembled, transported in 22 rail cars, and reassembled at its current spot near downtown Lafayette.

Robert and Ellen Haan took ownership of the Colonial Revivalstyle residence in 1984 and called it home until 2015 when they donated their 5-acre property and much of their enviable art collection to their newly established art museum. Today, self-guided tours provide a peek at T.C. Steele oil paintings, world’s fair vases, and antique furniture, including perhaps the quirkiest item of all, a 1910 grandfather clock carved from an unearthed log that was carbon-dated to 2100 B.C.

A stroll behind the 15,000-squarefoot residence finds a sculpture garden with 27 creations, along with 3 wooded acres encompassing a nature trail and, unexpectedly, a mountain bike course that’s open to the public.

Tippecanoe Place

South Bend tippe.com | 574-234-9077

In 1884, Clement Studebaker, president of the world’s largest manufacturer of horse-drawn vehicles, decided he needed a home befitting his lofty station in life. So he hired a Chicago architect who favored the Richardson Romanesque style, which incorporates rough-hewn stone, and settled on a 2.6-acre spot west of downtown South Bend.

Five years later, Studebaker got his new digs, bearing dimensions that

defied belief — nearly 24,000 square feet, four stories, 40 rooms, 20 fireplaces, and a price tag of $250,000, the equivalent of $8.5 million in 2024. Art and furnishings added $100,000 ($3.5 million) to the total.

“The house, in its proportions and appointments, probably surpasses anything in Indiana,” declared the South Bend Times and Tribune. But only eight months later, a disastrous fire necessitated $100,000 in repairs.

Today, you can not only take guided and self-guided tours of the house that Studebaker built; you can also dine at its upscale restaurant, Tippecanoe Place, or grab a hot meal and a cold one at its casual in-house microbrewery, Studebaker Brewing Co.

Must-sees on the self-guided tour include the original elevator — said to

be Indiana’s first — the solarium, the grand hall, the grand staircase, and the former art gallery (now a ballroom).

Clement Studebaker died before he saw his company’s transition to automaking, for which his family name is best remembered. But he also didn’t have to witness the Depression-era bankruptcy that forced his family to relinquish his dream home. It sat empty from 1933 to 1941 when a South Bend businessman purchased it for the cut-rate price of $20,000.

continued on page 22

Tippecanoe Place

State Room at Tippecanoe Place

continued from page 21

William Henry Harrison’s Grouseland

Vincennes grouseland.org | 812-882-2096

When completed in 1804, William Henry Harrison’s brick mansion — dubbed Grouseland for the locally abundant game bird — became the home and office of the future ninth president, then the 27-year-old governor of the Indiana Territory. In 2024, his restored residence is a National Historic Landmark. But during the intervening years, the Harrison home endured disrespect, disrepair, and a near disappearance.

Built on a knoll overlooking the Wabash River, the Federal-style

mansion was also a social hub and a place where Harrison conducted official business and entertained prominent guests such as Lewis and Clark and Aaron Burr. “This was the birthplace of Hoosier Hospitality,” said Lisa Ice-Jones, executive director of the Grouseland Foundation. And in case life got inhospitable, the building featured 28-inch-thick walls, an indoor well, and a stockpile of guns and gunpowder in the basement.

Harrison left Grouseland in 1812, and it remained in the hands of relatives until about 1850. Subsequent owners neglected it to the point where it was used as a barn, with grain stored upstairs and livestock populating the basement.

Worse yet, in 1909, the Vincennes Water Supply Co. planned to replace the mansion with a water storage tank — until the local Daughters of the American Revolution chapter raised enough money to buy the home.

William Henry Harrison’s Grouseland

Staircase at William Henry Harrison’s Grouseland

Tours of the mansion’s three levels provide a look at family artifacts, including the president’s writing desk, a campaign trunk, and three original portraits of Harrison. But Harrison’s presidency was the shortest ever, as he died 31 days after his inauguration. Historians had long blamed pneumonia, but a 2014 study pointed the finger at an unsanitary water supply.

The Seiberling Mansion Kokomo

howardcountymuseum.org 765-452-4314

Many people loathe their jobs, but in 1876, coal miners in Eaton, Indiana, thought their working conditions were literally hell. While digging 600 feet deep, they heard a bang, smelled a foul odor, and concluded that they had breached the ceiling of Hades — so they plugged it up. Only after the discovery of natural gas in Ohio did locals realize there were more than lost souls beneath their feet.

Thus began the Indiana gas boom, which prompted many east central Indiana communities to offer free land and free natural gas as an economic incentive. Akron, Ohio, industrialist Monroe Seiberling got in early, relocating to Kokomo in 1887 and opening several factories, including Diamond Plate Glass Co., the nation’s largest plate-glass manufacturer.

His entrepreneurial success prompted him to build a suitably opulent residence, and his Queen Anne/Richardsonian Romanesque Revival-style home was completed in 1891. Highlights include a Victorian staircase, hand-carved woodwork, stained glass, and a grand ballroom.

But Seiberling, whose nephew founded the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., didn’t spend much time enjoying his new place. Four years later, as the Indiana gas boom waned, he bolted for Illinois. Later owners included a Methodist minister, the developer of the Model T carburetor, and Indiana University, which made the mansion part of its Kokomo campus and held classes there from 1946 to 1965. Now listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the Seiberling is owned by Howard County and hosts the county museum.

continued on page 24

Warming kitchen at William Henry Harrison’s Grouseland

The Seiberling Mansion

First floor of Lanier Mansion

Lanier Mansion

Madison indianamuseum.org/historic-sites/ lanier-mansion 812-265-3526

In a community whose entire 133-block downtown is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, it’s tough for any mid-19th-century building to stand out from the crowd.

But there’s no danger of the Lanier Mansion blending into the background. Dubbed the crown jewel of Madison’s historic district, the 13,500-squarefoot National Historic Landmark rises majestically above the Ohio River shoreline, fronted by four 30-foot columns that reflect its Greek Revival influence. Another Greek Revival characteristic is symmetry, said Site Manager Marnie Leist, “and there are actually faux doors just to implement symmetry.”

Especially eye-catching is its mustard-colored exterior, which strikes some modernday visitors as garish. Known as yellow ochre, it was the first paint hue applied to the exterior and a popular shade in its day.

Inside the mansion, a spiral staircase winds all the way to the third floor, and if you stand at the bottom and look up, you can see all the way into the cupola. Leist said the cupola had a functional as well as decorative purpose, venting hot air from the mansion on sultry days.

The state historic site, which spans 9 acres, was built in 1844 by James Franklin Doughty Lanier. He made his fortune as a bank president and a major investor in Indiana’s first

railroad. But his most generous contribution to Indiana was his financial generosity during the Civil War — a million-dollar unsecured loan that outfitted Hoosier troops and helped the state avoid bankruptcy.

Lanier Mansion

Dining room at Lanier Mansion

Fourth of July memories

Responses edited for clarity

Sparkling Independence Day memories

Reader-submitted celebrations and traditions highlight the spirit of the Fourth of July

We asked readers to submit their favorite Fourth of July memories and traditions throughout the years. Here are some of their responses.

Our Fourth of July traditions include celebrating with family, grilling out, making s'mores, and setting off fireworks. We also take plenty of photos and make lots of memories each year.

— CHRISTINA HUCKELBERRY, SOUTHEASTERN INDIANA REMC

The Fourth of July has always been special in my family. My father, Edward Franke, was born on July 4, 1917, on the Franke homestead. My dad had two brothers and one sister. I am the second of eight children of my parents, Edward and Dorothy Franke. We have many cousins and every July 4th

we had a big celebration for my dad’s birthday and the birthday of our nation.

We had a 50-gallon oil drum cut in half that held the charcoal for grilling chicken, and my dad had special stainless steel racks made to hold the cut-up chicken pieces. A second rack went on top and wired at the corners to hold the chicken in place. Every 10 minutes or so, the racks would be flipped so each side of the chicken would cook and get nice and brown. We had a special sauce we slathered on the chicken each time it was turned. The sauce was made with vinegar, butter, and salt. We put eight chickens on the grill every July 4th to feed about 30 people.

Aunts, uncles, and cousins would come and spend the day playing games, eating, and visiting. It was a potluck, and there was always more food than anyone could devour. The big treat for us kids was

homemade ice cream and, of course, Dad’s birthday cake. At the end of the day, we watched fireworks, and the kids had sparklers.

My dad lived to be 92. The family farm has been handed down through five generations and still produces corn and soybeans. When we have our Franke cousin reunion every couple of years at the farm, we always have our famous Franke chicken on the barrel.

— JANET (FRANKE) ZELT, PAULDING PUTNAM ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

I am 34 years old, and ever since I was a small child, my family and I have celebrated the Fourth of July at the Redkey Ballpark. Every year, the ballpark hosts their "Firecracker Tournament". A crane hangs a huge flag, and baseball and softball are played all day and night on the holiday weekend. When my daughter was going through their softball program, I was a member of the Park Board, and the amount of volunteer hours from numerous people and companies was tremendous. The volunteer fire department of Redkey raises money throughout the year for the fireworks show, which is let off at the conclusion of the tournament. It's a well-loved community and family tradition.

— BRIANA BLANTON, JAY COUNTY REMC

My Fourth of July memory is a tradition from my childhood. My dad worked third shift, so we never had the chance to attend the fireworks shows. So, my younger sister and I would put on a sparkler show. We set up the sparklers in the ground in different shapes, lit them, and enjoyed ourselves.

After the ground sparklers, we would do an aerial presentation. We performed a routine to patriotic music. We did this all right before our dad had to leave for work. My dad passed in 1979, and we never got to attend a real fireworks show with him. Now, I enjoy some sparklers with the kids and grandkids before the big fireworks show.

— DAWN LEWIS, MARSHALL COUNTY REMC

Fourth of July memories

I loved our usual Fourth of July family tradition of devouring plenty of hamburgers, potato salad, and cherry popsicles. Dad would purchase a variety of fireworks for my brother and me. Our celebration was just for the four of us. In 2018, I knew my family’s Fourth of July tradition would be different, but I didn’t anticipate how much grander our celebration would turn out to be. When my mom, Geneva White, lost her ability to speak through a series of strokes and entered a senior living facility, I knew our holiday would never be the same.

In June, the activities director sent me a newsletter with information about the upcoming carnival and fireworks display. Later, I discovered the event was sponsored by the family of Corrie Talken, a former staff member who passed away at 25 and loved “her little senior citizens.”

l traveled from my home in Indiana to Missouri that weekend to check out the fun. I brought along matching USA T-shirts for Mom and me. We still had all the traditional foods, but Mom didn’t cook or clean up this time. We enjoyed the live music and anticipated the grand fireworks display from our lawn chairs. This time we were not alone but surrounded by more than 150 senior citizens and families. Our celebration wasn’t just our little family. We were now a part of a much larger and loving community. I hold on to the priceless memory of my mom smiling and pointing at the colorful fireworks on what turned out to be her last Independence Day. As the sky lit up my mom’s face, I knew this would be my favorite Fourth of July ever.

— GLENDA FERGUSON, ORANGE COUNTY REMC

Hoosier Energy news

HOOSIER ENERGY GIVES BACK WITH

Community Impact Week

Hoosier Energy held its second annual Community Impact Week this spring, which was bigger and better than the first.

Hoosier Energy employees’ participation increased by 11 percent, and they also saw increased opportunities to participate.

The week kicked off with Monroe County Community Kitchen’s Backpack Buddies, which distributes backpacks with food items for distribution to low-income children so they have meals over the weekend when school is not in session. It took just 90 minutes to prepare approximately 500 bags of food for the backpacks, an increase of 20 percent over 2023.

That was followed by the first-ever Community Impact Week event in Owen County at the Garrard Chapel Food Pantry, where a handful of employees helped pack approximately four pallets (160 boxes) of food on Tuesday, and others helped load those and other items on Wednesday. Volunteers also helped sort food in bins, break down cardboard boxes for recycling, and fill bags with applesauce and baby food.

Also on Wednesday, an eight-person team packed boxes for the Hoosier Hills Food Bank and its mobile pantry, which delivers to some of the community’s most marginalized and needy. The team packed 241 boxes this year, surpassing the mark of 210 set last year.

On Thursday, Hoosier Energy employees participated in a build with Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County, putting siding on a house alongside a Habitat team and one of the homeowners.

In addition, numerous employees chose opportunities independently, such as Chief Administrative Officer Chris Blunk, who participated in Top Chefs 2024, a fundraiser for the Terre Haute Children’s Museum.

Some Hoosier Energy employees also utilized a link provided by the American Red Cross to schedule a time and location to donate blood.

Things wrapped up on Friday with a week-long initiative at the Hoosier Energy Power Delivery Operations Center in Spencer and at Headquarters in Bloomington to Fill the Truck. Bags were stacked with food items, baby items, cleaning supplies, and personal hygiene items, with contributions given to Monroe County United Ministries and the Salvation Army.

Monroe County Community Kitchen’s Backpack Buddies

Hoosier Hills Food Bank

PRISTINE preserves

Summer is in full swing, which means more time spent outside. When it’s time to take a break from the pool, look no further than one of Indiana’s shady, serene, and sacred natural spaces.

Indiana boasts a wide variety of nature preserves, each offering unique landscapes and opportunities for outdoor exploration. Here are some notable nature preserves:

White River Woods Selma

Step into 25 acres of wooded wonderland at White River Woods and enjoy the half-mile hiking trail that gives visitors a glimpse of the wildlife habitat along the White River corridor. With parking, boardwalks, and seating available, a visit to White River Woods is among the most accessible to explorers of all ages.

McVey Memorial Forest Farmland

Diverse habitats span this preserve’s 249 acres, featuring hardwood forest, river bottom, prairie, and wetlands, with over 3 miles of trail covering it all. McVey’s amenities make it a must-visit, with shelters suited for a snack break and river access plus pond viewing space satisfying one’s desire for waterside serenity.

Dutro-Ernst Woods

Muncie

Witness prairie restoration firsthand at Dutro-Ernst Woods, a preserve on the former Ernst Nursery site, whose young forest, older trees, and wetland are putting on a show thanks to preservation efforts from its conservators, Red-tail Land Conservancy. Children can run free and wild on Dutro-Ernst’s nature playground, while everyone can marvel at the thriving native plants and wildlife that call the preserve home.

Fall Creek Woods Middletown

Gain an appreciation for nature’s perseverance under the incredible canopy of oldgrowth trees at Fall Creek Woods within Smith-Crisler State Dedicated Nature Preserve. Challenge yourself and marvel at the not-so-flat Hoosier terrain within the woods, among meandering creeks, to the glacially carved bluff, and view the spectacular overlook.

Natalie Derrickson is a freelancer from Indianapolis.

Photos courtesy of Red-tail Land Conservancy. White River Woods photo courtesy of Jessica Poiry.

Fragrant flora

Enhance your garden with scents from these aromatic plants

I have a small urban yard, and I’m picky about the plants I put there. Because space is limited, I look for fragrant plants. Here are some of my favorites.

ANNUALS

Flowering tobacco

I especially like Nicotiana alata and N. sylvestris , the latter of which releases its fragrance at night. These are among the best plants in the tobacco family because they not only beautify our gardens but are also visited regularly by pollinators, including hummingbirds and hummingbird moths. A North American native, it is easy to grow from seed. Transplants may be available at garden centers.

Four o’clock

This old-fashioned seed-grown annual seems to be enjoying an upswing in popularity. True to its name, sun-loving four o’clocks ( Mirabilis jalapa ) bloom in the late afternoon. Hummers and other pollinators visit the fragrant multicolor, striped, white, pink, or yellow trumpet-shaped flowers.

PERENNIALS

Garden phlox

This native perennial can be found in the Indiana wilds. Even better,

Jo

there are beautiful varieties on the market, ranging in pink, white, bi-color, red, and purple. Besides their summer fragrance, sunloving garden phlox is prized as a cut flower. Butterflies and other pollinators visit the plant. Readily available at garden centers and online retailers, look for plants labeled as disease-resistant. Garden phlox is susceptible to powdery mildew, a leaf fungus disease.

Hosta

What would a shade garden be without hostas? These perennials are appreciated for their leaf size, form, color, variegation or splotching. One of the most fragrant hostas is sometimes called August lily ( H. plantaginea ). August is when this hosta sends up its fragrant, white, trumpet-shaped flowers that bees, hummers, and other pollinators visit. Hostas are readily available at garden centers and online retailers. The genetics of this plant are used to get fragrance into other hostas. Stems (called scapes) with white or purple flowers can be cut for indoor enjoyment.

SHRUBS

Viburnum

You can hardly go wrong with a viburnum, including many that fall into the native category. If you have a small yard, pay attention to the mature size of the viburnum you’re interested in. I planted the spring-blooming ‘Judd’ viburnum ( V. x juddii ) outside my bedroom window. What a wonderful fragrance from waxy, white-pink flowers. Cut a stem or two of the sun-lover to enjoy indoors.

Lilac

Everyone loves lilacs and their fragrance in the spring garden. I have a couple of ‘Miss Kim’ ( Syringa pubescens subsp. patula ), Korean lilacs that bloom a bit later than regular lilacs. This shrub is smaller than most regular lilacs, and its winning characteristic is that it does not get powdery mildew, which is common on many other lilacs. It grows in full sun and, like the fragrant viburnum, you can cut a few branches for indoor enjoyment.

Ellen Meyers Sharp, who writes and speaks about gardening, blogs at hoosiergardener.com