Cool things to do IN croWn point, indiana
WI N T E R E DI T ION
JOHN DILLINGER
gypsies’ graveyard
CONTENTS
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WELCOME To the center of Crown Point, IN.
PLACES
618 28 Cool places to visit in CP.
East St.
Main St.
Court St.
Robinson Ct.
West St.
I-231
Clark St.
Parry Ct. Nichols St.
SIP COURTHOUSE
CHEMSHAW 13 I-55 Hack Ct.
crown brewing
Walnut St. Walnut St.
Old sheriff’s house
School Ct.
GYPSIES GRAVEYARD
JOHN DILLINGER
8 20 The Legend that’s sure to haunt you.
He escaped the jail that was built to be escape-proof.
WELCOME
Lake County Courthouse Preserving the Past for Future Generations
Front view of the Courthouse.
Welcome to Crown Point, IN Towering above the square in downtown Crown Point, Indiana, the Lake County Courthouse is still the focal point of this historical area. Today, instead of the Romanesque and Georgian style building being the center of the county government, the “Grand Old Lady” houses shops, Valentino’s Restaurant, the Maki Ballroom, professional offices including photography and architecture, Chamber of Commerce, City Court, and the Lake County Historical Society Museum. Noted by architects as one of the finest architectural expressions in Indiana, the interior as well as the exterior of this 125 year-old building has been faithfully restored to its original grandeur.
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One of the beautiful ceilings on the 3rd floor of the Courthouse.
Along the mall are quaint specialty shops featuring Art, books, stained glass, candles, quilts, children’s clothing, stationery, women’s apparel, clocks, antiques, candy, gifts, and home decor. The Grand Old Lady is the Jewel in the Crown of Crown Point, an historic town established in 1834. Around the square is an array of international dining experiences including Greek, Italian, Chinese, Mexican, and English, many in historically-preserved buildings.
One of the many shops located in the lower level of the Courthouse.
Located on the second floor, the museum houses many interesting exhibits that reflect the history of Lake County and its many communities. Within its four spacious rooms are documents, pictures, and artifacts representing such cities and towns as Gary, Hammond, Whiting, East Chicago, Munster, Griffith, Highland, Merrillville, Deep River, Ainsworth, Hobart, Lake Station, Crown Point, Lowell, Cedar Lake, Schererville, St. John, Winfield, and many more. The Lake County Court House Foundation continues to maintain and restore the building. Through the Foundation’s efforts and with the help of numerous people donating many work hours, the renewed Victorian, Romanesque, and Georgian-styled now attracts many visitors. We hope you’ll stop by and check it out.
2nd floor view of the Courthouse.
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PLACES
SIP COFFEE HOUSE & CAFE It’s More Than Just A Coffee House
Front View of Sip.
Article by Diane Poulton, NWI Times Correspondent. Sitting in the shadow of the Historic Old Lake County Courthouse on Crown Point’s downtown square on a warm morning, Sip Coffee House and Café customers drink their steaming hot coffee in ceramic mugs. They read the morning news, visiting with friends or people watching while enjoying a freshly-prepared breakfast. Local businessman and Sip regular Tim Fealy doesn’t drink coffee. “But then it’s more than just a coffee house,” Fealy said. “They serve a wonderful breakfast and it’s a fun place to meet someone for lunch. It’s a great place to meet a business client because you know they have something on the menu to appeal to everyone.” Fealy, an Indiana University alumnus, said Sip has a college town coffee house atmosphere.
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Come order a drink or some food at this eclectic front desk.
The independently-owned Sip Coffee House and Café has increasingly become a popular hangout for local business people and clubs including those interested in photography, paranormal activity and books, owner Rhonda Bloch said. It seats up to 50 indoors and is available for private parties. Sip’s popular outdoor seating is usually filled during early morning and lunch hours, Bloch said. The breakfast menu includes omelets, oatmeal, bagel and croissant sandwiches, wraps and quiche.
One of many handmade art pieces in the cafe.
There is a full luncheon menu with grilled sandwiches, gourmet salads and five daily soup choices. Along with free Wi-Fi, Sip offers delivery service and has a deli section which includes chicken, tuna, egg, four vegetable and pasta salads to go - European style, Bloch said. Offering a large variety of organic Metropolis coffees, 42 different teas and signature lattes, smoothies and frappes, the current favorite is big bubble tea which is made with tapioca bubble pearls that have a gummy like taste. Fealy said Bloch goes above and beyond in meeting her customer’s needs. “My friend Sarah is a strict vegan,” Fealy said. “When I told Rhonda about Sarah’s diet, Rhonda researched what a vegan can and cannot eat and made a specially-prepared breakfast just for Sarah that morning. Where else could you go that the owner would care so much about their customer?” Friday night at Sip is open mike night for music, comedy and poetry from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sip opens at 7 a.m. daily, closing at 6 p.m. during the week and at 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Sip is adjacent to the Victorian-style Tiffany’s Tea Room which Bloch opened 15 years ago. “My goal personally is to make it an allcoffee house,” Bloch said. “It has become so popular. A coffee house is a hot urban style.” “Come in and give it a try and you will be back for sure,” Bloch said. “Once you are here you are just wowed.”
A cozy place to drink, eat, study, or just mingle.
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FEATURE
GYPSIES’ GRAVEYARD
The Legend That’s Sure to Haunt You
Entrance into the graveyard. The actual name is Southeast Grove Cemetery and it is located at 155th and South Grove Rd.
Excerpt from the book Haunted Indiana by Mark Marimen.
A
t first glance, the cemetery outside of Crown Point is like many other cemeteries. The tall iron fence that surrounds part of the grounds is rusted and tilted. The ancient markers are in disrepair, many broken by age and vandalism. Beneath a full October moon, however, the white tombstones seem to glow with a sullen light and the trees surround the fence reach for the sky like barren skeletons. It is in this setting then that residents tell the legend of the ‘Gypsies’ Graveyard. It is a story of tragedy born of human intolerance and hatred that ends with a macabre reminder that hatred can bring consequences beyond human understanding.
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“ The tall iron fence is rusted and tilted. it is in this setting that residents tell the legend of the gypsies’ graveyard.”
Long despised and persecuted in their native Europe, the Romany, or gypsies, began arriving in America in the early nineteenth century. Unfortunately, despite the ‘melting pot’ reputation of the United States, gypsies in America often found themselves singled out for the same sort of rebuff they had suffered in their native lands. In the early 1800s, gypsy bands in caravans of brightly-colored wagons began to traverse the country. Typically such a band consisted of five or six wagons and about thirty men, women and children. They would camp in an unoccupied spot and stay for several weeks before moving on.
East view of the cemetery.
Though essentially benign and reserved by nature, the appearance of gypsies was sometimes met with aversion and outright enmity by the local population who considered the gypsies to be thieves, witches - and worse. It is said this was apparently the case when a band of gypsies appeared near Crown Point. Wary and fearful, the residents of the area kept a safe distance from the strange newcomers. Fantastic tales quickly spread from farmhouse to farmhouse about pagan rituals conducted around gypsy campfires, and of cattle and domestic animals that had reportedly begun to disappear from farms.
“ they considered the gypsies to be thieves, witches — and worse.”
Police investigated the camp more than once and found no purloined livestock but the collective mind of the community was made up. When a group of the gypsies appeared on the town square and attempted to sell jewelry and herbs they were quickly run off by the local sheriff. Perhaps the entire unpleasant episode might have passed with the gypsies pulling up stakes and moving on had not nature and illness taken a hand. Winter came early that year and in early November the weather turned cold. Then, just as today the advent of winter also brought with it sickness - a particularly virulent strain of influenza.
South-east view of the cemetery.
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Back (West) view of the cemetery. Locals say the unmarked gypsy graves lie in the forest behind the gates. North-East view of the cemetery.
Soon many in the gypsy band fell deathly ill. The situation was made much worse because food was scarce and medicine nonexistent in the camp. The old legend states that when word leaked out of the influenza outbreak an informal quarantine was placed upon the gypsy camp. No one from the neighboring farms was allowed to approach the camp and the town’s only physician refused to come and treat the sick. What had previously been ostracism on the part of the community now turned to open hostility. Finally one night, according to the tale, a group of men from the neighborhood rode silently into the gypsy camp.
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“ what had previously been ostracism on the part of the community now turned to open hostility.”
Dismounting a safe distance from the wagons, the men shouted that they wish to speak with the leader if the gypsy band. An aged man of dark complexion and wearing bright clothing appeared by the fire and announced he would speak for his people. In no uncertain terms the men spoke their mind. The gypsies were told to leave immediately. They were no longer welcome - if they had ever been welcome. With guns at their sides, the men warned ominously of ‘trouble’ if the gypsies chose to stay. Humbly the gypsy leader protested that many in his group were too sick to travel, particularly the women and children who were weak from the influenza and lack of food.
It is claimed that when walking out of the cemetery, your pant bottoms will be stained red - the color of blood.
This suggestions was met with derision. The gypsies were given two days to be gone. With this, the men mounted their horses and were gone. No one ventured near the camp for two days. Finally, a nearby farmer reported that he had seen the gypsy caravan traveling past his farmhouse late at night. When word of this exodus spread, several men from the community rode out to the camp. They found it deserted with only one trace left of the gypsies presence. As they walked through the tall grass of the former campsite, they spotted several small mounds of earth among the trees at the back of the small meadow. They were graves in which the gypsies had left behind their dead. Satisfied, the men rode back to their homes. However, upon arriving at their farmhouses each of the men found that, not unreasonably, their trousers were damp from the dew from the grass they had walked through to examine the graves. But they were amazed to find that this their trousers were stained a bright crimson - the color of blood. As one wife put it, the gypsies had placed a curse on the place, to remind local inhabitants of their inhospitality. The story is disputed by many who know the history of the area. A search of local historical records shoes no official mention of a visit by gypsies to the area in 1820 or any other time. However, the story has been passed down from generation to generation in Crown Point.
Front view of the cemetery from the street.
“ their trousers were stained a bright crimson — the color of blood.”
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Statue on the North side of the cemetery. The only spot to park your car is on the right side of the road by the woods. Don’t get out of your car on this side or else...
The legend also states that the site of the gypsy camp is now the locale of the small country cemetery that is known as the ‘Gypsies’ Graveyard.’ In the rural southeast section of Crown Point the stories persist. Local resident Larry Wirtz went to the eerie burial ground one evening with a friend. A lifelong resident of Crown Point, Mr. Wirtz entertained his friend by telling him the old legend of the Gypsies’ Graveyard as they walked among the tombstones. “It was sort of uneventful,” Mr. Wirtz now remembers. “But when we got back into the car, my friend looked down at his pants and his eyes got big. The bottom of his legs were stained red - just like blood. What is even stranger is that mine were not. But then again, I have some gypsy blood in me. I guess they took it easy on me!”
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“ it is said that If you touch the statue it cries tears of blood.”
Locals say the unmarked gypsy graves lie in the forest behind the gates of the cemetery. They also talk of a statue that exists on the property. It is said that if you touch the statue, it cries tears of blood. People claim that as soon as you enter the location of the graveyard, you will lose all cell phone service. Also, if you visit they graveyard you may not want to get out of your car on the side of the street by the forest or else it is said that an entity will grab a hold of you. The story of the Gypsies’ Graveyard lives on, but the historical authenticity of this tale is in question. And who knows but that such evil, born in the hearts of men, might have ramifications in places like the Gypsies’ Graveyard.
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PLACES
CHEMSHAW 13 DONUTz Where Comic Books and Donuts Collide
Sit and relax with your donut in this charming seating area.
Once Upon A Time... Located in the heart of the Crown Point Square, in the historic former People’s Bank building is Chemshaw 13 DonutZ & Comics, a new pop culture Donut Shop and Comic Book Store. The owners are local Crown Point residents, husband and wife Jason and Lynette Sullivan. The idea of a Bakery inside of a comic book store is a very original idea, and Jason tells of the occasion that sparked that idea. Kevin Smith, the American screen writer and actor, was speaking at a questions and answers panel at the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2), sharing some antics and stories. One story was he would walk almost 2 miles to a local doughnut shop and buy three dozen peanut butter and jelly doughnuts.
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Chemshaw’s famous Applewood Smoked Bacon Vanilla Bean Glazed Long John.
Knowing he has one of the most successful comics shops in the country, Lynette jokingly quipped that if there were a bakery inside of Kevin’s comic book store he wouldn’t have to walk so far. What was simply an innocent joke was a light bulb in both of their heads. Soon after, Lynette proposed the idea to Jason of such an establishment and there was no one better to operate it than them. Lynette was a pastry & pantry chef at the Mirage in Las Vegas, Nevada for 10 years and trained under 5 star chefs. Jason, who is a pop culture enthusiast and table top gamer, knew he could cover the games, novelties and comics. “When I first saw the Crown Point square I was in awe. It reminded me of the movie ‘Back to the Future’ with the giant clock tower [Old Lake County Courthouse], I thought ‘You have to be kidding me, this is… amazing... Where’s the Delorean’.
Chemshaw’s large selection of comic books. Some, very rare.
And when we were looking for a location for our store, I knew it had to be in Crown Point. This is where we live.” Jason says. The name of their donut shop / comic book store is “Chemshaw 13 DonutZ & Comics”. Chemshaw 13 was named after a Magic shop in a role playing game Jason wrote himself, that is now known nationwide. The doughnuts are all made daily on site in the bakery. Make sure to look at their sign which sports a comic book adaptation of Jason and Lynette as their favorite comic book characters. Stop in to experience an atmosphere which is like no other, decorated in original art from your favorite comic book series. There are delicious DonutZ unlike anything you have ever seen or tasted, board and card games, and the latest and greatest in comics...you better have an appetite!
Chemshaw’s front sign. It features a comic book adaptation of the owners.
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FEATURE
John dillinger The Man Who Escaped the “Escape-Proof” Jail
Front view of the Old Lake County Sheriff ’s House/Jail.
Excerpt from the book Dillinger, The Untold Story by G. Russell Girardin & William J. Helmer.
E
ighty years ago John Dillinger passed from the world of the living into history and folklore. Many called him a modern Jesse James, an appropriate analogy and doubtless flattering to Dillinger, who like many boys of his time grew up reading dime novels about Jesse. Like his idol, Dillinger was a Midwest farmboy who became a bandit. Not just a bandit but a world-famous celebrity with a wide popular following - just like Jesse. Two farmboys a generation apart who became legends in their own brief lifetimes by robbing Midwestern banks. B oth robbed with style and imagination, captured the public’s fancy and defied and eluded the law at every
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“Dillinger captured the public’s fancy and defied and eluded the law at every turn.”
turn, and were brought down in the end through the treachery of supposed allies. This assured immortality to both: Jesse assassinated for reward by a member of his own gang and Dillinger led to his doom by the duplicitous “Lady in Red.” He might not have chose to be shot in the back, but if such a death was inevitable, we can only imagine that John woulda wanted it that way! After getting away with countless bank robberies and murders, Dillinger was finally captured and eventually taken to the Lake County Jail in Crown Point, IN. Just what happened that eventful morning of Saturday, March 3. 1934?
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The safe that was used at the jail.
Saturday, March 3, was a chill rainy day of early spring. About 9:15 a.m., Sam Cahoon, turnkey and handyman, entered with an armful of soap as Dillinger and fourteen other prisoners were exercising in the corridor outside of the lower tier of cells. As he passed Dillinger, the prisoner thrust the wooden gun into his side at the waist. “Do as I tell you or I’ll blow you apart. Call Deputy Ernest Blunk,” the outlaw commanded. Cahoon obeyed, and Blunk responded without delay. He likewise found an object thrust into his ribs. Dillinger turned to Blunk. “Now call Baker,” he ordered.
“dillinger thrust the wooden gun into his side at the waist.”
Blunk called Warden Lou Baker. As Baker ascended the ramp to the new section of the jail, he became the third of the wooden-gun prisoners. The siren voice of Blunk was again pressed into service. One by one he called guards Kenneth Houk, Marshall Keithlet, and Mack Brown, and as each man appeared he found himself a prisoner. Di l linger c a l le d to Herb er t Youngblood, a prisoner, to accompany him, while Blunk locked the other inmates in their cells. Youngblood, awaiting trial on a charge of murdering a Gary fruit peddler, was a likely candidate for the electric chair, and Dillinger knew he could be depended on to stake his all on an escape.
Main stairway of the jail. The cages were placed after the jail was built because of a few “accidents.”
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Neck plate with Dillinger’s prisoner number. Doorway that leads to the jail blocks. This hallways is also currently claimed to be extremely haunted.
Outside of the cell tiers the first p erson encountered was John Kowaliszyn, who, though merely a trusty, had been given a full set of keys. He was quickly cowed and the keys were taken from him. Dillinger and his supporting cast now proceeded to the office of the jail, where the guns and ammunition were kept. One of the guards, a machine gun on his lap, sat half-dozing in a chair in the jail office with his back to the door. Walking up behind him, Dillinger pressed the barrel of the wooden gun into the back of his head, while with his other hand he lifted a machine gun from the rack. “This is Dillinger,” he curtly informed him. “If you move a muscle, I’m going to blow your head off your shoulders.”
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“as baker ascended the ramp to the new section of the jail, he became the third of the wooden-gun prisoners.”
Youngblood, at Dillinger’s command, stepped forward and took the machine gun from the guard’s lap. With a machine gun in his hand and one in that of his companion, Dillinger now was truly dangerous. Marching his prisoners before him, he made a tour of the first floor. Warden Hiles of the Indiana National Guard happened along and was disarmed of his pistol. The escort was now becoming too numerous for comfort, and Dillinger marched his prisoners back to the cells, taking only Youngblood and Blunk as he resumed his adventure. The next stop was the kitchen, where three more guards fell into the bag, along with Mrs. Lou Baker and her mother, Mrs. Mary Linton.
PLACES
Row of cells on the second floor. The last one on the left was home to Dillinger.
“Don’t be frightened, Mrs. Baker,” Dillinger reassured her. “We’re not going to hurt anybody. You two be good girls, and nothing will happen to you.” The desperado locked them in the basement laundry. The guards were taken back up the ramp, and added to the collection in the cell block.” Dillinger, taking care to lock all the doors as he went out, emerged with Blunk.,Youngblood, and three trusties through the kitchen door of the jail and traversed the side yard. They then entered the Main Street Garage. The garage was currently in charge of Edwin J. Saager, the mechanic who was to have the getaway car in readiness. “What’s the fastest car in the joint?” Dillinger asked. Saager pointed to Mrs. Holley’s Ford, which now was all primed to go. Dillinger climbed into the rear seat with Youngblood. “You drive,” Dillinger told Blunk. The car swung out of the garage and started down the streets of Crown Point. Blunk and Saager were let out of the car at a rural crossroads. Dillinger had successfully made his escape. John Dillinger, in escaping from the Crown Point jail, left in his wake a storm that shook the nation. Dillinger’s escape made headlines not for its violence but for his audacity and cleverness in outwitting the superior forces of the law. On July 22, 1934, Police shot and killed Dillinger on his way to the movies with, Anna Sage, “The Woman in Red” who set him up.
Inside Dillinger’s cell. It is completely dark inside, making it very difficult to see the surroundings.
“This is dillinger. If you move a muscle, i’m going to blow your head off your shoulders!”
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PLACES
Crown Brewing
Award Winning Beer Comes to the Crown Point Community
When the weather is nice, sit outside and enjoy your brew.
A Locally Minded Brewery That Values Their Community. Crown Brewing was founded in 2008 by Tim Walsh and Dave Bryan of Crown Point, IN. They both wanted to see great craft beer in their local community! The City of Crown Point was home to a large regional brewery(Crown Brewing) that closed in 1916. They brought back the Crown Brewing name and the brewery has grown and become a part of the Crown Point community again. The brewery participates in community events and has teamed up with the City of Crown Point to host an annual Oktoberfest celebration! The brewery is now owned by Dave Bryan.
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Inside the bar at Crown Brewing.
Crown Brewing is partnered with Carriage Court Pizza, a local restaurant. Conveniently located under the same roof, you can pair any of your Carriage Court Favorites with an ice cold draft brew. With both long standing favorites and new brews cycled into the mix, you can’t run out of delicious combinations!
Crown Brewing makes a wide variety of award winning beers.
Crown Brewery is a locally minded brewery that values their relationship with their community, both in and outside of the bar. They host a variety of local festivals throughout the year, which allows them to give them to give back to their local community. If you are thirsty for some award winning beer, stop in for a few pints at the Crown. Their friendly beer loving staff will assist you in finding your favorite beer. The bar is cozy, quaint and offers a view of the brewery. They do their best to offer a diverse selection of their delicious beers. They are always trying new recipes but make sure to keep a few favorites on tap on a regular basis. Crown Brewing has weekly specials including Stein Night on Mondays, $8 Growler Refill Wednesday and Half Price Pints on Thursdays. Also, they can sell beer to go on Sundays!
Crown Brewing is located in the tiny square of Crown, Point.
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Thanks. EDITOR
DESIGNER
PHOTOGRAPHER
MEGAN SAWA
MEGAN SAWA
MEGAN SAWA
ARTICLES BY
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diane poulton zombiedonutz.com blurb.com cpcourthouse.com mark marimen Russell girardin crownbrewing.com william j. helmer