Jan./Feb. 2011Our Brown County magazine

Jan. –Feb. 2011

The Magazine of Fun and Fact FREE Why Visitors Come Back for Good • www.OurBrownCounty.com

LarryCars Webb and Art

Holler Hoppin’

at Rawhide Ranch

Weaving Through Nature Davie Kean

Sweet Sounds

of the Dulcimer Society And: A Plea for More Holidays Mr. Brown of Brown County Uncle Charlie’s Store Right Thing to Do Pioneer Doctor of Brown County Sampler Says Dessert First

MAPS • CALENDAR • ARTICLES • PHOTOGRAPHS

WEED PATCH MUSIC COMPANY

HOME TO INDIANA’S FINEST INSTRUMENT BUILDERS

Give us 5 minutes and we'll teach you to play!

Huge selection of dulcimers, harps, and zithers!

Pictured: San Jacinto and Lexington by OC Bear, Doc Watson Signature Gallagher, Gallagher G-55.

In addition to our handmade OC Bear and Gallagher guitars we also carry the Morgan Monroe and Indiana lines.

Locally made mandolins, fiddles, and affordable imports.

Custom handmade banjos

by Ome and Russell, plus Recording King and others.

Weed Patch welcomes our newest team member, Joel Lensch, nationally touring musician and fiddle builder.

58 East Main Street Next to the Courthouse on Old School Way in Nashville, IN 812-988-1180 • www.weedpatchmusiccompany.com

Trafalgar

Nineveh Edinburgh Morgantown 31 37 135 I-65 46 Bloomington Columbus 46 NASHVILLE

6

Casa del Sol

iber

Rawhide Ranch

Abe Martin Lodge

Brown County State Park

ty R

d

ELKINSVILLE

Rinnie Seitz Rd

Country Mouse Weaving Studio

135

STONE HEAD

PIKES PEAK

The House at Stone Head

CHRISTIANSBURG

r

Spears Gallery STORY

Monroe Reservoir

GNAW BONE Mt. L

la Pop

Lodge on the Mountain T.C. Steele State Historic Site

46

Grv

Rd

46

Mike’s Music and Dance Barn

kidscommons to COLUMBUS

o.

BELMONT

to BL OO

MI

NG

TO N

NASHVILLE

Craftsman

y ire ner Co. T . Wi n o C w wn Bro Bro

C f Gol ood eek eaf t Cr & S Sal Steak BC

Knight’s Trash Removal

st

Artist and/or Gallery

ton Cr k

Helm

sburg

Donna ’s Custom Framin g Old SR 4

Green Valley Lodge Yellowwood Lake

Tim ber Cre

Faerie Hollow Studio

Rd

Oak Grove Pottery

Rd. Country Club Rd

Oak Grove

Al’s Paint & BodyAl’s Garage

Musical Entertainment

Rd

Rd.

Historical Society

Lodging

aum

Ow l Cr eek

Mike Nickels Log Homes

Hamil

135

Dining

Clay Lick Rd

Hilltop Cabins and Suites

Brah

BLOOMINGTON Dr. Lisa Baker, DDS Bloomingfoods Elegant Options Fireplace Center Bishop Accounting Services, LLC

GATESVILLE

.

Rd

Rd

Lan

ge

Rid

Doodles by Kara Barnard

Rd

TON to BL O

OMIN G

Wild Hair & Sun am

Cordry Lake

Flower and Herb Barn Farmhouse Café

Monroe Music Park & Campground BEAN BLOSSOM

nsburg

McDonald’s Shopworth

HELMSBURG

TRAFALGAR Appleworks

Fruitdale Market

Brownie’s Bean Blossom Inn

45

Sweetwater Lake

252

to MORGANTOWN

Lake Lemon

Franklin

Christia

N

Martinsville

Carmel Ridge Rd

NASHVILLE MAP ON PAGE 4

135

Sal t Cr eek

Brown County

MORGANTOWN Sheep Street Fibers Ady’s Fabric & Notions House of Clocks Olde Vault Bldg. Gift Shoppe

Indianapolis

Bob Allen Rd.

Homestead Weaving Studio Salem’s Good Nature Farm Elizabeth O’Rear Studio

HONEYSUCKLE LANE

Honeysuckle Hideaway

JEFFERSON STREET

The Bookloft

OLD HICKORY LANE

Miller’s Ice Cream

Brown Co Art Guild

Hobnob Corner

? info

VISITORS CENTER

ST SR 135 N

Ferrer Gallery

For Bare Feet

Pit Bull Leather Bedazzled Jewelry J Bob’s

Brown Co Winery

Head Over Heels

Nashville Candy Store Sports Etc. Artisans Emporium

Heritage Mall

Rings & Things Wishful Thinking

Main Street Shops

Foxfire

Masonic Lodge

SR 46 And D onn Cu a’s Fra stom min g

Ol d

IHA

Health for “U” Precise Books & Co Payroll, Inc. Re/Max Brown Art McGinley Insurance Realty Gallery

Redbud Terrace

FirstOffice Merchants Bank

County Offices

Brown Co Public Library

Gold &Old

Townhouse Touch of Silver Gifts

Old Brown McDurbin Co Craft Gold Gallery

Weed Patch Music Co. His Book Shop

Log Jail

Pioneer Village Museum

MAIN STREET That Reliable Sandwich Vintage Place

Nashville House

Courthouse

open M-F8-4

Copperhead Creek Gem Mine

Iris Garden Gallery and Cottages

Iris Garden Gallery

GOULD STREET

Brown County Historical Soc. Traditional Arts Building

LOCUST LANE

Village Green Bldg.

Tucker Bldg.

Granny’s Christmas Shop The Coca-Cola Shop Kim’s Corner Mercantile Store

MOLLY’S LANE

Common Colonial Bldg.

Grounds Men’s Toy Shop

Carmel Corn Cottage

One-of-a-Kind Gift Design

MOUND STREET

Hidden Valley Inn

OLD SCHOOL WAY

TO HELMSBURG - 6 MILES

Jane Gore Realty

The Woodlands Gallery

TO BEAN BLOSSOM & MORGANTOWN

Harvest Moon Pizzeria

Bright & Williamson Insurance

Hills O’Brown Realty

Muddy Boots Cafe

J.B. Goods/ Life is Good

Hotel Nashville

Nani’s Deli & Eatery

ARTIST DR

VAN BUREN

The Salvation Army

Austin Insurance Agency, Inc.

Michael’s Massage

Jack & Jill Nut Shop Melchior Marionettes

New Leaf Amy Greely

JEFFERSON STREET Hoosier Buddy

Artists Colony Inn Carol’s Crafts • Toy Chest

Artists Colony

Cathy’s Corner

Nashville Express

Male Instinct

The Ordinary

Bakery

Papertrix

Ole House

Coachlight Musical Theatre

Brown County IGA Brown Co Inn Harvest Dining Room Bear Hardware • Comfort Inn Corn Crib Lounge Willow Manor Apartments Eye Care of Brown County Brown Co Community YMCA

SR 46 TO COLUMBUS - 16 MILES

Chateau JoAnn’s Peg Ann’s Thomas Home Boutique Winery Elegance

Coachlight Sq

N

Salt Creek McDonald’s Inn Pine Room Tavern Pizza King

Casa del Sol

Seasons Lodge & Conference Center

Doodles by Kara Barnard

Salt Creek Park

Holy Cow

Theatre

Dining

Craftsman

Artist and/or Gallery Rest Room

Lodging

Musical Entertainment Parking

COUNTY MAP ON PAGE 3

map not to scale

Nashville Indiana

Nashville General Store & Bakery

Cornerstone Inn

WASHINGTON STREET Camelot Shoppes Bone Appetit Coachlight Sq

Nashville Fudge Kitchen

The Village Candlemaker

Sweetwater Gallery Grasshopper Flats

VAN BUREN ST SR 135 N

SR 46 TO BLOOMINGTON - 16 MILES

PAT REILLY DR

Madeline’s

Nashville BP

Daily Grind Abe’s Alley PITTMAN HOUSE LANE

Calzone Jones

White Sands Boutique

The Original Soup to Nuts

Franklin Sq

HONEYSUCKLE LANE

FRANKLIN STREET Life is Good Calvin Place JB Goods

Through the Looking Glass Wooden Wonders Nashville Image Old Time Photos For Bare Feet • The Purple Fig Nature’s Cabin Brown Co Weavery & Roots Paint Box Gallery • Poppins Tote K. Bellum Leather Brown Co. Pottery Johanna Lee Bathology Ferguson House

Antique Alley

OLD SCHOOL WAY

Our Brown County ANTIQUES Cathy’s Corner.....................................11 Elegant Options.................................44 Nashville General Store...................20 Townhouse Gifts................................19

ART, ART SUPPLIES, ART INSTRUCTION

Antique Alley Shops.........................15 Artisans Emporium...........................27 Bear Hardware....................................25 Brown Co Art Gallery........................57 Brown Co Art Guild...........................57 Brown Co Craft Gallery....................21 Cathy’s Corner.....................................11 Chateau Thomas Winery.................22 Elegant Options.................................44 Ferrer Gallery.......................................21 Iris Garden Gallery.............................17 JoAnn’s Home Elegance..................23 The Woodlands Gallery...................49

BOOKS

The Bookloft........................................45 His Book Shop.....................................62 The Olde Vault Bldg Gift Shoppe.41

CLOTHING

Antique Alley Shops.........................15 Bear Hardware....................................25 For Bare Feet.......................................63 Head Over Heels................................27 J.B. Goods/ Life is Good...................15 Male Instinct........................................59 Men’s Toy Shop...................................49 Peg Ann’s Boutique...........................23 Pit Bull Leather Co.............................25 Sports Etc.............................................27 White Sands Boutique.....................56

CRAFTS, POTTERY, GIFTS

Antique Alley Shops.........................15 Artisans Emporium...........................27 Bone Appetit Bakery........................45 Brown Co Craft Gallery....................21

Brown Co Rock & Fossil Shop........17 Brown Co Visitors Center................11 Carol’s Crafts........................................47 Cathy’s Corner.....................................11 Chateau Thomas Winery.................22 The Coca-Cola Shop.........................58 Common Grounds............................21 Elegant Options.................................44 Faerie Hollow Studio........................43 The Ferguson House........................13 Ferrer Gallery.......................................21 Foxfire....................................................13 Granny’s Christmas Shop................58 Head Over Heels................................27 Homestead Weaving Studio..........42 House of Clocks..................................41 Iris Garden Gallery.............................17 J Bob’s....................................................26 JoAnn’s Home Elegance..................23 K. Bellum Leather..............................18 Kim’s Corner.........................................58 Madeline’s............................................11 Male Instinct........................................59 Men’s Toy Shop...................................49 Mercantile Store.................................58 Nashville General Store...................20 New Leaf...............................................57 Oak Grove Pottery.............................42 One-of-a-Kind Gift Design.............48 The Olde Vault Bldg Gift Shoppe.41 Ole House.............................................29 Papertrix...............................................29 Pit Bull Leather Co.............................25 Ring’s and Things...............................27 Sheep Street Fibers...........................41 Spears Gallery.....................................43 Sports Etc.............................................27 Sweetwater Gallery...........................15 Townhouse Gifts................................19 The Toy Chest......................................47 The Village Candlemaker................30

Wishful Thinking................................59 The Woodlands Gallery...................49

ENTERTAINMENT

19th Hole Sports Bar & Grill...........19 Bean Blossom, Monroe Music Park and Campground..............................28 Coachlight Musical Theatre...........22 Chateau Thomas Winery.................22 Copperhead Creek Gem Mine......17 kidscommons.....................................19 Rawhide Ranch...................................55 Weed Patch Music Company........... 2

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Abe Martin Lodge.............................46 19th Hole Sports Bar & Grill...........19 Artists Colony Inn..............................47 Bloomingfoods...................................55 Brown Co IGA......................................24 Brown Co Inn...............................51, 59 Brown Co Steak & Seafood Co......19 Brown Co Winery...............................55 Brownie’s Bean Blossom Rest........48 Calzone Jones.....................................53 Carmel Corn Cottage.......................19 Casa del Sol..........................................14 Chateau Thomas Winery.................22 Common Grounds............................21 Daily Grind...........................................38 Harvest Moon Pizzeria.....................21 Hobnob Corner Restaurant...........11 Holy Cow..............................................23 Hoosier Buddy Liquors....................25 Hotel Nashville...................................33 J Bob’s....................................................26 McDonald’s..........................................38 McDonald’s Supermarket...............51 Miller’s Ice Cream...............................21 Muddy Boots Cafe.............................17 Nani’s Deli & Eatery...........................51 Nashville BP.........................................29 Nashville Candy Store......................27

Advertiser Index Nashville Fudge Kitchen.................64 Nashville General Store...................20 Nashville House.................................59 Ole House.............................................29 The Ordinary.......................................59 The Original Soup to Nuts..............45 Pine Room Tavern..............................25 Pizza King.............................................59 Seasons.................................................59 That Sandwich Place........................59

FURNITURE

The Ferguson House........................13 JoAnn’s Home Elegance..................23 The Woodlands Gallery...................49

HARDWARE

Bear Hardware....................................25

HATS

Comfort Inn.........................................49 Cornerstone Inn.................................45 Green Valley Lodge...........................29 Hidden Valley Inn..............................49 Hilltop Cabin & Suites Brown County Cabins......................57 Honeysuckle Hideaway...................45 Hotel Nashville...................................33 The House at Stone Head...............55 Iris Garden Cottages.........................17 Lodge on the Mountain..................54 The North House...............................33 Rawhide Ranch...................................55 Salt Creek Golf Retreat.....................19 Salt Creek Inn......................................21 Seasons.................................................59 Willow Manor Apartments.............31

Head Over Heels................................27 K. Bellum Leather..............................21

PET SERVICES/PRODUCTS

Antique Alley Shops.........................66 Cathy’s Corner.....................................18 Faerie Hollow Studio........................43 Ferguson House.................................13 Ferrer Gallery.......................................29 Foxfire....................................................13 Grasshopper Flats..............................15 J Bob’s/Bedazzled Jewelry..............26 New Leaf...............................................57 Old McDurbin Gold..........................21 The Olde Vault Bldg Gift Shoppe.41 Ole House.............................................19 Reliable Vintage.................................63 Rings & Things....................................27 Touch of Silver Gold & Old.............19 White Sands Boutique.....................56

Spears Gallery.....................................43

JEWELRY

LODGING / APARTMENTS

Abe Martin Lodge.............................46 Artists Colony Inn..............................47 The Brick Lodge.................................33 Brown Co Inn...............................51, 59

Bone Appetit Bakery........................45

PHOTOS

RECREATION

Rawhide Ranch...................................55 Salt Creek Golf Course.....................19

SERVICES (see also SERVICES DIRECTORY) Dr. Lisa Baker, DDS............................14 Brown Co Visitors Center................11 Michael’s Massage Therapy...........46 Nashville BP.........................................29

SERVICES DIRECTORY 60-61 Robert J. Adair Woodworking Al’s Paint & Body-Garage Austin Insurance Agency,Inc. Bishop Accounting Services LLC Bright & Williamson Insurance Brown Co Community YMCA Brown Co Tire & Auto Donna’s Custom Framing

Eye Care of Brown County Farmers Insurance—McGinley First Merchants Bank Fruitdale Market Health for “U” Hills o’ Brown Realty Jane Gore Realty Knight’s Trash Removal Precise Books and Payroll, Inc. Rick Patrick Tree Service Remax Team Wild Hair

SHOES Head Over Heels................................27 K. Bellum Leather..............................18

SPECIALTY SHOPS

Ady’s Fabric & Notions.....................41 Bone Appetit Bakery........................45 Carol’s Crafts........................................47 The Coca-Cola Shop.........................58 Fireplace Center.................................44 For Bare Feet.......................................63 Granny’s Christmas Shop................58 House of Clocks..................................41 K. Bellum Leather..............................18 Male Instinct........................................59 Men’s Toy Shop...................................49 Papertrix...............................................19 Pit Bull Leather Co.............................29 Sheep Street Fibers...........................41 Sports Etc.............................................27 The Toy Chest......................................47 Weed Patch Music Company........... 2 Wishful Thinking................................59

STAINED GLASS

Ferrer Gallery.......................................21 Sweetwater Gallery...........................15

WEDDINGS

Artists Colony Inn..............................47 Hotel Nashville...................................33

contributors

Bill Weaver is an author and radio personality currently living in Bloomington.

He’s published The College of Beer: The Story of Nick’s English Hut, and numerous zines including ER, D’KNOW, and The New York Squid. He writes for Our Brown County, IntoArt, and the Bloomington Herald-Times Homes section. He maintains a website of short stories called The Liars Bunch at <www.liarsbunch.com>. He’s known as Gus Travers, the co-host of WFHB’s The Dark End of the Street.

M. Joanne Nesbit is a former newspaper reporter, author of three books on the early Brown County artists, and current student of the fascinating history of the Brown County Art Colony. Her books are available at local book stores and galleries. She raised her children on Possum Trot Road. She now lives in Michigan where she is retired after a career as a public information officer for Indiana University and the University of Michigan.

Joe Lee is an illustrator and writer. He is the author of The History of Clowns for Beginners and Dante for Beginners and illustrator of six other titles, including the forthcoming Dada and Surealism for Beginners in the ongoing “for Beginners” series. He is an award-winning editorial cartoonist for the Bloomington Herald Times, a graduate of Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Clown College, and a veteran circus performer. Joe lives with his wife Bess, son Brandon, George the cat, and his dogs, Jack and Max.

Henry “Hank” Swain moved to Brown County with his bride Mardi in 1947. He supported a family of five daughters by building homes. Hank’s books Leaves for the Raking, and Why Now? are bi-products of writing for Our Brown County. He has served the Chamber of Commerce, the Nashville United Methodist Green Room class, the Bloomington Society of Friends, League of Women Voters, and WRAPS (Writers, Readers and Poets Society). You will sometimes find him relaxing in his kayak on Salt Creek.

John Wm. Sisson (a.k.a. Gunther Flumm) is a nationally award-winning poet and artist. He is a professional photographer and deadly martial arts instructor. He lives on Less Traveled Road, feeds hawks on his porch, and hates Brown County and everything it stands for. He advises all city people not to move here and to stay where they are.

There are spiders, snakes, and hillbillies everywhere!

Karen E. Farley and her husband Ken live in Columbus, Indiana. She is mother of three, stepmom of four, and grandmother of nine. Karen’s passion for writing began in her twenties when she wrote poems to her daughters. Married for twenty years, she is currently working on a book about second marriages and contributes to several national magazines. Karen and her husband are also lay marriage counselors at Community Church of Columbus.

Mark Blackwell makes his home in an area of Brown County where “the roadway is rough and the slopes are seamed with ravines and present a meatless, barren, backbone effect.” He was born in the last century and still spends considerable time there. He plays music with the “Lost Shoe String Band” when he can get away with it, writes for Our Brown County, and works when he has to.

Jim Eagleman is a 33 year veteran of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources as an interpretive naturalist, first working at Turkey Run State Park for three years and for the last 30 at Brown County. He and his wife Kay have three sons, all graduates of Brown County High School. Kay and Jim enjoy all outdoor activities, especially kayaking. Jim is currently working on his memoirs.

Julia Pearson is the Museum Director for the Brown County Historical Society. She and her husband, Bruce, reside in Bloomington. Julia is human interest editor and writer for a Secular Franciscan magazine, and is currently writing a column entitled “Leaves of Brown” for the Brown County Democrat.

She loves traveling and visiting museums of all types and sizes worldwide, especially with her children and grandchildren.

Barney Quick’s first novel, High C at the Sunset Terrace, was recently published by AuthorHouse. He is a frequent contributor to Indie-music.com and an opinion columnist for The Republic newspaper in Columbus. He is also a jazz and blues musician, performing regularly in central Indiana venues. Additionally, he hosts Stirring Something Up, a food and dining talk show on WCSI-AM, and teaches jazz history and blues history at IUPUC.

Jeanette Menter moved to Columbus over eight years ago from California where she worked in the newspaper and magazine industry for 25 years. She writes a column for The Republic newspaper and calls herself, “An expert at nothing, observer of all.” An admitted “late bloomer’” she received her Liberal Arts degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. Her two grown daughters reside in California. She is working on a couple of book projects, is a volunteer lay counselor, and enjoys traveling with her husband.

Greg Clarke is a freelance photographer based out of Bloomington. He has a degree in Fine Art Photography from Towson University and has had work on display in several galleries. His photos have appeared in Bloom and The Ryder. He is a gentleman, a scholar and a Gemini. You can see more of his photos on the website GregClarkePhotography.com.

featured photographer Dana Skirvin was born in Oklahoma, is well-traveled, and has lived in Nashville for the past twenty years. She has a degree in painting and old-fashioned photography (before it all went digital). She runs a bed and breakfast and is a also professional masseuse (massage artiste). She and husband Marc are raising two Brown County daughters.

She writes poems, sings while driving, and participates in the Figtree Fellowship Radio Players productions.

Cindy Steele is the publisher of this magazine. She works out of her home in Helmsburg, producing most of the ads and layout herself. She started a second publication in 2004 called INto Art that focuses on fine arts and crafts in this region. She consults with her son Evan Markley on photo choices and ad designs. Her friend Otis hosts a jam session every Thursday where she pretends to play the banjo or guitar and sings.

Contents 12 Holler Hoppin’

by Barney Quick 16 Larry Webb, Cars and Art

by Bill Weaver 20 Sampler says Dessert First 30 Davie Kean, Weaving Nature

by Karen E. Farley

32

Sweet Sounds of Dulcimer Society

42

The Right Thing to Do

by Jeanette Menter

by Jim Eagleman

Romancing the Rodent

by Gunther Flumm 50 Uncle Charlie’s Store 46

by Henry Swain

52

A Plea for More Holidays

54

A.J. Ralphy, Pioneer Doctor

62

Mr. Brown of Brown County

38 39 8-9 10 34-35 36-37 40

by Mark Blackwell

by Julia Pearson

by Joanne Nesbit

Winter Hike Big Brothers/ Big Sisters Dinner Contributors Subscribe, Where Is It? Contest Photographs by Dana Skirvin Calendar of Entertainment/Events Coloring Contest

inc.

ine of Fun and

The Magaz

Jan. –Feb. 2011

Why Visit

ors Com

e Back

• www.Our for Good

BrownCou

This issue’s cover:

Fact

FREE

nty.com

Terri Hanlon takes off on the zip line at Rawhide Ranch as Elizabeth Snell with Team Effect, Inc. looks on. photo by Cindy Steele

b ebArt Ws and Larry Car

pin’

Holler Hop

at Rawhide

Ranch

gh ng Throu an Weavitur Na e Davie Ke

ds t Soun iety SweeDul cimer Soc of the

And: Holidays ty A Plea for More of Brown Coun Mr. Brown ie’s Store Uncle Charl to Do Right Thing r of Brown County Pioneer DoctoDessert First Sampler Says

CALENDA MAPS •

LES R • ARTIC

OG • PHOT

RAPHS

Cindy Steele, publisher P.O. Box 157 Helmsburg, IN 47435

812-988-8807 www.ourbrowncounty.com ourbrown@bluemarble.net copyright 2011 Thanks, Mom, for making it happen!

Subscriptions Make Great Gifts

SUBSCRIBE One Year’s Subscription for $12 —for postage and handling.

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WHERE IS IT?

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(812)988-8807 Be the first person to call and get the prize money.

Leave a message with the specific location of the Mystery Photo, your name, and phone number.

10 Our Brown County • Jan./Feb. 2011

Note from the Publisher

2011

will mark the sweet 16th birthday of Our Brown County magazine.

It is hard to believe that much time has passed. Maybe that explains all the gray hair.

Dillon Bustin wrote a book back in the 1980s called If You Don’t Outdie Me, The Legacy of Brown County featuring Frank Hohenberger photos of Brown County characters, the artists and natives. I fell in love with Brown County after reading the stories and studying the faces in the photographs.

I didn’t know beans about publishing a magazine or writing articles but I felt led (more like possessed) to tell more stories of Brown County’s past and present characters. I left a good-paying job to produce a publication from a low-end personal computer in the back room of my Helmsburg home. What a leap into the unknown.

In April of 1995 a delivery truck dropped off 5,000 copies of the first issue at my garage. I kept thinking, “What am I going to do with all these magazines?” I thought maybe I would have to recycle them all. Well, fortunately, someone did read them. And those Our Brown County contributors continue to make every issue worth reading.

Producing this magazine allows me to meet many interesting folks. When I photograph artists, musicians, and longtime residents, they give me a peek into their worlds. I have the best job ever, really, because I get to vicariously experience the talent, fun, and beauty of Brown County. And for this issue I didn’t just watch from afar, I experienced the zip line at Rawhide Ranch, too. What fun!

I want to thank Judy and Hank Berg of the Bookloft for sending me my own copy of the out-of-print Dillon Bustin book just before Christmas. That book has been on my wish list for many years.

The Bookloft, the Historical Society, and the Brown County Library have many books about Brown County.

My advice is to read every one you can get your hands on. You will be intrigued, too. But don’t start another magazine—just read this one.

—Cindy Steele 

LAST ISSUE’S CONTEST WINNERS: • Amber Fox guessed the trash can at Holy Cow Restaurant.

• Cameron Ketner won the Coloring Contest.

Restaurant Serving Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Soups • Salads Sandwiches • After Five Menu Fine Wines Available Breads, Pastries, and Danish Baked Here Daily Center of Nashville Main and Van Buren Streets Open Daily • (812) 988-4114

Estate Jewelry Antiques Paintingg

Things you can’t find anywhere else!

39 E. Franklin St. (next to train) in Nashville

Painting Lessons available, call for times 812-988-4091• cathyscorner@att.net Also buying estate and vintage jewelry gold and silver (will travel).

Gifts for home and happiness French Country Décor Locally Made Items • Quilts Byer’s Choice Carolers Brown County Redware Pottery Madeline’s Famous Soy Candles Calvin Place, Van Buren & Franklin Streets Nashville, IN 812.988.6301

www.madelinesfrenchcountry.com

Jan./Feb. 2011 • Our Brown County 11

Holler

Hoppin’

~by Barney Quick

“W

e concentrate on the bond.” That’s how Dan “Hoss” Cartwright, co-owner of Rawhide Ranch, characterizes the essence of the experience of a stay there. “That’s why Fritz and his business fit right in.” He’s speaking of Fritz Harbridge, team captain (yes, that’s his title) of Team Effect, Inc., which runs Holler Hoppin’, the zip line at the ranch.

Cartwright, Harbridge, ranch manager Derek Clifford, and the rest of the staff share several personality traits.

There’s a touch of ruggedness that comes from being outdoors much of the time. There’s a genuine delight in meeting people and the art of conversation. Most prominent, though, is a sense of humor that borders on off-the-wall, an underlying acknowledgement of life’s wackiness that humor helps one take in stride.

This attribute is on full display during Holler Hoppin’.

From the time a group of guests gets fitted into harnesses and helmets until the participants land after their last hop, the wisecracks and antics are nonstop.

The ranch and Team Effect chose the brand name Holler Hoppin’ for this zip line because, unlike high-wire zip lines situated in treetops, the way stations are on elevated ground between gulleys and valleys. “You start on your feet and you land on your feet,” say Harbridge.

“The demographic that visits this ranch is the same one that visits Brown County generally,” he observes.

“They aren’t inclined toward high adventure, but rather taking in the particular charms of the area. So Holler Hoppin’ is more about the interaction than the adrenaline Vicki Fahnestock, from Indianapolis, celebrates her 50th birthday on the zip line with her two sisters and mother. rush.”

Sister Patty Leech and mother Pat Gerth watch as she takes off.

The zip line is made of stainless steel airplane-grade photos by Cindy Steele cable with a breaking strength of 11,500 pounds. “In our A Holler Hoppin’ session is $30 for the general industry, things have to be overbuilt,” says Harbridge. public and $20 for ranch guests. Riders must be at It currently consists of four landing stations and least seven years old and weigh at least sixty pounds. approximately 600 feet of line. The entire course takes In the months since the ranch has been offering about an hour for a group to complete. The ranch plans Holler Hoppin’, over forty people over seventy years to double the length next year.

12 Our Brown County • Jan./Feb. 2011

Fritz Harbridge leads Patty Leech to a smooth landing. The Birthday Girl, Mom, and the other sister, Terri Hanlon, wait at the end of another stretch.

The Ferguson

House

Visit rooms of:

• Iron Decor

• Swan Creek Candles • Holiday Decor • Home Accessories

• Collegiate Gifts

• Fashion Jewelry

• Accent Tables

• Garden Accents

and more . . .

78 W. Franklin Street Nashville 812-988-7388

old have participated. Clifford calls them “bucket listers.” “The oneupmanship in that age group is hilarious,” observes Harbridge.

First-timers have constituted the majority of riders so far, but the staff is confident that it will see significant repeat business next year. “People get done and say, ‘I have to get my coworkers down here,’ or ‘I have to tell my family about this,’” Harbridge says.

A lot of people incorporate it into a special occasion. “If we know it’s someone’s birthday ahead of time, we’ll be prepared with silly hats,” says Harbridge. He recalls one couple who came out for a ride immediately after the wedding ceremony.

The offbeat humor is effective for putting riders at ease. “No one gets a straight answer to the question, ‘Has anyone ever fallen Continued on 14

Foxfire

59 E. Main St. in Nashville 812-988-8707

• Gifts and Home Decor • Willowtree Angels • Swan Creek Candles • Kitchen Accessories • Baby Gifts • Holiday Decor • Rhythm Clocks • Fashion Jewelry and Purses • Garden Decor Jan./Feb. 2011 • Our Brown County 13

HOPPIN’ continued from 13 doing this?’” says Clifford. “One of our favorite responses to that is, ‘You mean today?’”

“Each facilitator has his or her own style,” says Harbridge. “We each have developed the knack of seeing what kind of group mood we’re encountering. It’s great when they’re already kidding and laughing when they arrive, so there’s not so much loosening up to do. You adjust your schtick to the clientele.”

The entire experience of a stay at Rawhide Ranch is, like Holler Hoppin’, designed to bring people together. The Buck Inn, the hotel on the property, is on the second story of a sixteen-stall horse barn. The lower level also houses banquet and meeting facilities. The hotel has two common lounging areas with fireplaces to encourage socializing.

The ranch offers campfires at day’s end where guests can unwind after Holler Hoppin’, horseback riding, hiking and fishing. Occasionally, the ranch offers murder mysteries, in which guests are assigned characters to play and given a loosely scripted scenario.

“In this industry, there’s a trend away from the use of the word ‘dude,’ which has connotations of a skittish city slicker,” says Clifford.

“Like a lot of places, we call this a guest ranch.”

“One recent weekend, we hosted two ladies with kids and two couples without kids,” Clifford recalls. “We wondered if their differing expectations would cause tension, but by their last night, they were all playing charades together.”

Harbridge and his Team Effect crewmates have an array of relationship-building services they offer separately from their association with the ranch, but

they are very much part of the fabric of ranch life. “Given what Rawhide Ranch is about and what Team Effect is about, it makes for a great cross-promotional effort,” says Harbridge.

Harbridge says that no one ever fails to overcome any nervousness by the time he or she lands after one hop. “I’ve never had anyone complete the course and say, ‘I’ll never do that again.’”

For more information on Rawhide Ranch, visit <www. rawhideranchusa.com> For more information on Team Effect, visit <www.teameffectinc.com>. 

Family Cosmetic Preventive Dentistry 812-332-2000 www.drlisabaker.net

Lisa J. Baker, DDS 4217 E. 3rd Street • Bloomington, IN 47401

14 Our Brown County • Jan./Feb. 2011

Friendly Service 812-988-4535 Carry Out Available 1 Mile East of Downtown Nashville St. Rd. 46

Sweetwater Gallery featuring locally crafted:

Stained Glass Paperweights Mosaic Mirrors also offering:

Pottery Kaleidoscopes Metal Sculpture Owners, Ron and Penny Schuster

145 S. Van Buren Nashville located in the Back-to-Back Complex

812-988-0449 www.schusterglass.com

Two Nashville Locations: The Original – 172 N. Van Buren Life is Good Kids – Calvin Place (S. Van Buren & Franklin)

est. 1972

Doug Stoffer, Designer/Jeweler Sterling Silver • Fine Diamonds Opals • Gemstones • Wedding Rings Titanium Bands • Austrian Lead Crystal

Antique Alley Shoppes

Brown County Playhouse

VAN BUREN ST

Top Dollar Paid for Old Gold 150 S. Van Buren St. • Nashville

JEFFERSON ST

For Quality and Price call 812-988-4037

Antique A ti Alley All on the West Side The Ordinary

Brown County Pottery Brown County Weavery and Roots For Bare Feet For the Birds Ferguson House Johanna’s Soaps and Bathology K. Bellum Leather Nashville Image Old Time Photography Nature’s Cabin Paint Box Art Gallery Poppins Tote The Purple Fig Through the Looking Glass Wooden Wonders

FRANKLIN ST

Jan./Feb. 2011 • Our Brown County 15

Larry Webb

Passion for Cars and Art

“I

don’t like flat land,” says Larry Webb of how he ended up in Brown County.

As a boy, making art came easily to Webb, so when he was offered a full scholarship at the Herron School of Art and Design he took them up on it. He didn’t quite make it to graduation, though. “Everybody else was trying to find themselves,” he says of those times. “I was looking for someone to tell me where to go.”

He taught vocational art at Camp Atterbury. “We had students who couldn’t even read,” he remembers, “training to be functional in a trade, get their GED, or both.” That was when Larry first picked up an airbrush, teaching himself by

~by Bill Weaver studying illustration of machinery by Alberto Vargas, known for his lush Rubenesque airbrush painting in Esquire and Playboy magazines.

Noticing the trend for scenic painting on vans, Webb tried his luck on his own vehicle. Popular designs at that time were of water falls and covered bridges, moose standing in water, cat tales, dinosaurs, NASCAR racing, and sailing ships.

One day, while passing through Connersville—a growing center for the new industry—Larry saw a dealership with painted vans for sale. The rest, as they say, is history.

“The guy asked me about my van and I said I’d done it myself. ‘Do you want to do that for a living?’ he

16 Our Brown County • Jan./Feb. 2011

photo by Greg Clarke

asked. ‘I can give you more work than you can do.’ I made lots of money.

“Two years later the Herron School asked if I wanted to teach.

They were getting calls from car dealerships needing air brush artists—the school I didn’t finish wanted me to come back and teach.

I thought that was pretty weird!

“I ended up in automotive paint because I’ve always loved cars.” he continues. “Most automotive body guys cannot draw a straight line, and most artists know nothing about the air brush—they know oil or water painting. John Herron made me a decent offer but it was nowhere near what I was making painting.”

Larry illustrated over 6,000 vans in the twelve years the style was popular. “What happened was that paint shops were gouging the insurance companies. They would charge three or four times more than they got for the original job. I said to them, ‘This is not good, you’re cutting your own throats.’” Eventually the insurance companies stopped covering airbrushed vans altogether.

Larry considered moving to England, or California, where there was still work, but “I wanted to raise a family in the Midwest so I did automotive repair and collision work.” Today Webb’s Restoration in Gnaw Bone is run by Larry’s sons, leaving him time to paint. “My boys all went to college and I didn’t think they had any interest, but they said they wanted the business. They put up this building for me and called it The Pasture,” he laughs. “I’m real lucky. I couldn’t have planned it better.”

Larry paints custom cars and motorcycles, as well as restoring collectable cars. “People get extremely artsy on them now,” he says, thanks to television programs featuring Jesse James, the Teutul family, and Billy Lane.

Patriotic themes are popular, along with the grim reaper, native-Americans, traditional flame jobs, and “bomber art—like the pin-up girl on the nose of a WWII plane.

“I still have passion for cars and art,” he continues.

“Even though it died out I had a feeling it would come back. That’s America for you! They like flash and blingbling.”

Webb uses his skill to help customers realize their vision for the vehicle. “People come to me with ideas,” Continued on 18

Muddy Boots

Café Scrumptious Entrees Handmade Desserts Specialty Coffee Drinks

Breakfast Served All Day Sunday

Live Music Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Evenings 812-988-6911 muddybootscafe@gmail.com Hours: Mon.–Thurs. 8 am–8 pm; Fri. and Sat. 8 am–9 pm; Sun. 9 am–8 pm

136 N. Van Buren Street • Nashville

Art Gallery • Lodging Gem Mine • Rock Shop On the North side of the Courthouse

Iris Garden Gallery

Local and national artists • Over 75 artists

• Paintings Paint tings • Po Pottery • Blown Glass• Metal Work

Copperhead Creek Creek MINING COMPANY

PAN FOR GEMS, FOSSILS, OR ARROWHEADS!

Just North of Courthouse

Downtown Cottages & Suites Lodging in the middle of Historic Nashville’s downtown shops, restaurants, theaters

www.visitbrowncounty.com Office in the Iris Garden Gallery

(812) 988-2422

office@visitbrowncounty.com Jan./Feb. 2011 • Our Brown County 17

Larry’s paint job on this 1961 Bubble Top Olds Cutless won numerous awards for its owner Norman Noe. photo by Greg Clarke

WEBB continued from 17 he says, opening his scrapbook. “Here’s a motorcycle I did after the twin towers burned—very patriotic. It’s still on the show circuit because it does so well. From a distance the bike looks like an American flag. The fender starts out as crumbled concrete, showing the destruction. The back of the bike is Bin Laden and his vision of what he was doing. The very back shows his

Fine Leather Goods ds Handbags, Belts, Hats, Accessories Also selling shoes:

Island Slipper, Haflinger, Arcopedico, Sanita, moccasins and sheepskin slippers

Featuring Leather Goods made by Brown County Craftsmen Also leather, tools, dye, and supplies

812-988-4513 • www.kbellum.com 92 W. Franklin, Antique Alley in Nashville, IN

18 Our Brown County • Jan./Feb. 2011

head roasting over the Statue of Liberty’s torch. Even the kick starter is an eagle’s talon—these are ideas its owner threw at me.”

Webb also enjoys painting murals, as at New Life Community Church in Nashville, where the walls of the children’s rooms display prosaic forest and jungle themes. “I’m fascinated with the airbrush, always have been,” he says. “I can do a mural in a couple hours. I just take off.”

Larry was thinking of moving to North Carolina when he found two acres in Brown County for $500. “I grew up in Greenfield and was always trying to make it to North Carolina,” he says. “This isn’t North Carolina, but it also isn’t flat.”

He’s glad he stayed. “There seems to be no status or prejudice in this county. At a school board meeting you’ll have a man on welfare and the man who owns the building sit and talk and communicate and get things done together. Everybody is supportive of each other,” he adds, remembering the fire that destroyed his home in 1984. “I couldn’t believe how people offered us food, clothing, money, and places to live.

“There may be a lot of communities like this but I don’t want to go looking for them,” he adds laughing. 

in Downtown Columbus, a short drive from Nashville

• Carmel Corn • Double-Dipped Carmel Corn • Cheese Corn • Kettle Corn • Chicago Style Carmel/Cheese Mix x • Flavored Corns • Carmel Apples • Carmel Delights

(No hard kernels or hulls) s) s)

• Pooch corn

Three floors of learning and Fun!

Slide down our giant toilet

NEW! NEW! NEW! Lightspace Play Wall & 3 Exer-gaming Bikes

• Specialty Drinks

N. Van Buren St. Life’s too short not to have the best!

812-988-6011 • www.carmelcorncottage.com

Hands-on Exhibits & Activities for Families with Toddlers to Early Teens

2OFF

$

with ad up to 4 people exp. 4-30-2011

Bubbleology Our House Japan Kids at Art

www.kidscommons.org

309 Washington St. Columbus, IN • 812-378-3046 Tues.–Sat. 10–5,Sun. 1–5 and also Mondays June 7 – Aug. 9

Townhouse Gifts

Sterling, Gold, Custom, and Antique JEWELRY

Fil Filled F with Fun, Unique Gifts for Everyone!

Custom Designs by

Albert C. Drake, Jr.

Open 10 am – 6 pm Every Day

Mention Ad for IN-STORE DISCOUNT

Goldsmith & Silversmith

87 E. Main • Box 604 Nashville, IN 47448

812-988-6990 800-988-6994

Call for Winter Hours 87 E. Main St. • Nashville 812-988-2229 • www.townhouse-gifts.com

Come see what all the talk is about!

dinner hours: Wednesday & Thursday 5–9 pm Friday & Saturday 5–10 pm open for breakfast Sunday 8–1 specials: Wed. –half price mixed drinks half price bottles of wine Thurs.–$4.00 martinis Fri.–Kids eat free!

Golf

FINE FOOD • GOLF • LODGING 2359 S.R. 46 East • Nashville, IN

Call for Reservations and Tee Times (812) 988-7888 www.saltcreekgolf.com

19th Hole Sports Bar & Grille outstanding food selections 5 HD-TVs, pool table entertainment Fri. & Sat. nights

18-Hole Championship Course complete with GPS navigation on every cart

Overlook l k Lodge d overnight rooms accommodating 2-4 people outdoor pool and hot tub all rooms overlooking golf course full amenities in every room

Banquet & Conference Center for groups of 10–200

Jan./Feb. 2011 • Our Brown County 19

Dessert First The Sampler

O

nce again comes that time of year when we must examine ourselves, make a few honest assessments about the terrain of our lives and, when necessary, implement certain life course corrections as may be indicated to be prudent according to the prevailing data.

We can call them “resolutions.”

I resolve to somehow alter my innate pattern of feeding—but that sounds so pretentious. I prefer to think of them merely as goals.

Add to this, the ever increasing weight of the mounting years, the simple long term wear on the human machine, the curse of sentience; to understand that one has entered into the latter quarters of one’s sojourn on this good green earth….

Nashville General Store & Bakery

Accordingly, I enter this good new year with a plan and a purpose: I hereby resolve to eat dessert first at every meal.

Dessert First!

For years, it has bothered me, nagged at the edges of my sensibilities, just how overlooked and under appreciated is the everyday dessert—the simple pie, a charming slice of cake, the common cobbler. How fit for a prince they are with a scoop of that almost heavenly concoction, ice cream. The fudge brownie, the cherry turnover, and yes—I’m not afraid to say it—cheesecake! How have all of these nearly unearthly delights been shoved so insensitively all these years to the very end of the meal, Continued on 24

Step Back in Time...

Pumpkin, Banana, and Cinnamon Breads Homemade Pies and Cakes Cinnamon Rolls Caramel Apple Nut Pie Hot Apple Dumplings Muffins, Persimmon Pudding Variety of Ice cream Flavors Shakes, Sodas, and Floats

Gift Baskets filled with Jams, Jellies, Fried Biscuits with Apple Butter Chicken Salad full of Grapes and Pecans w/ Pumpkin Bread. Sandwiches on Baked Breads or Kaiser Rolls. Smoked Turkey w/Cranberry Mustard, Pit Hams. Pulled Pork BBQ marinated in our own Vidalia BBQ sauce. Mama Marie’s Meatloaf.

Beans and Cornbread.

Antiques, Quilts, Kitchen Curtains, Lamps, Shades, Rugs Keeper of the Light Candles

Visit our shop next door.

812-988-6362 The yellow building 118 E. Washington St. • Nashville • Have lunch indoors or outdoors by the creek 20 Our Brown County • Jan./Feb. 2011

escape and be transported

COMMON GROUNDS NEW LOCATION

•PIZZA •PASTA •SANDWICHES • SALADS

not just a coffee bar …an experience Our menu features: great espresso drinks, award-winning coffee, and exceptional teas.

We offer unique gift, garden, and vintage wares.

66 N. Van Buren

Dine in or Carry Out

Old Colonial Bldg.

Nashville 812-988-6449

988-6565

open daily 10–5 • 812-988-7058

140 W. Main next to the Gazebo

58 East Main Street Nashville, Indiana

Sun.–Thurs. 11–9 • Fri. & Sat. 11–10

Old McDurbin % Gold & 50 Gifts

OFFLRY E JEW

(next to Brown County Courthouse) www.browncountycraftgallery.com

Customized

• Anklets • Bracelets • Necklaces

Watches Sterling Silver 1000’s of Pendants Rings 58 E. Main Street (next to courthouse)

Sunday thru Thursday Discounts Complimentary Coffee

the HISTORIC VILLAGE GREEN BUILDING

V NA S H I L L E

INDIANA

REPRESENTING OVER 40 LOCAL & REGIONAL ARTISTS Also the working studios of

Yes, we really make it right here!

Dick & Dixie Ferrer · Fine Art Barb Brooke Davis · Textile Art

Homemade Ice Cream since 1977 812-988-0815 · www.millericecream.com

www.ferrergallery.com · 812·988·1994

Classes Available · Gallery on the 2nd level

61 WEST MAIN STREET · NASHVILLE INDIANA Jan./Feb. 2011 • Our Brown County 21

Spend Your Day in Brown County • Five Places in One Location

Van Buren and Washington Streets in Downtown Nashville, Indiana

Coming Soon...

New Exciting Changes!

Season Opens in March

www.coachlightmusicals.com

A professional theatre showcasing local Indiana talent

227 S. Van Buren Coachlight Square • Nashville, IN • (812) 988-2101

We’re more Than Just International Award-winning Wines!

Wine Bar and Gift Shoppe Open Daily Wine Tastings • Live Music Friday and Saturday 7-10 pm Cheeses and Gourmet Foods • Unique Wine Gifts • Comfortable Seating 812-988-8500 • 888-761-WINE (6463) • www.chateauthomas.com

Coachlight Square • Shop, Dine, Sip some Wine, and Enjoy a Show

Fresh-cut Steaks Chicken BBQ Ribs Seafood Sun.–Thurs. 11–9 Fri. & Sat. 11–10

Non-Smoking

Dine Inside or on the Patio Call Ahead Seating Available

812-988-0444 Tour Groups Welcome

A Menu for the Whole Family ily Salads • Sandwiches • Kids Menu nu Beer, Wine, & Spirits

Classically Whimsical

Peg Ann’s Boutique Brown County’s “Unique Boutique” Thoughtfully bought for your every event, Tastefully selected for your every whim!

Next to Chateau Thomas Winery 812-988-7950 • Open 7 days a week

Accent Furniture ELEGANCE

Wall Decor Mirrors

Call for Winter Hours

812-988-2400

Lamps Unique Gifts

In-Home Consultations Available ble

SAMPLER continued from 20 relegated to the ignominy of the back of the menu, a cart or a case, or, more often, a mere afterthought.

All too often the salad, the soup, the massive entrée laden with sides, all conspire to overstuff the worldweary diner, to brutishly force him to mouth words he knows in his heart he does not mean: “I don’t really want any dessert,” “Not just now, thanks….” Well, life is short.

I’ve got news for you—you might not even MAKE it to the end of the meal.

Don’t set your sights too high. START with dessert, and if you get to the vegetables, fine.

Fortunately, I am uniquely skilled at seeking out and finding the dessert in any setting (Like those Dove bars and Krispy Kremes down at the gas station, or the caramel corn, caramel apples, and other delights over at the Carmel Corn Cottage). And, I am happy to report, there’s a lot more going on dessert-wise in the Peaceful Valley than you might imagine at first sniff.

There are the hotels, of course; The Seasons, The Brown County Inn, The Artist’s Colony Inn. The traditional restaurants; The Nashville House and the Ordinary. You can definitely find desserts there. Apple

crisps or pecan pies or chocolate fudge cakes or fruit cobblers, I’d imagine, although usually, as my regular readers will know, I go for the cheesecake.

The Hobnob Corner always has a first-rate pastry and dessert selection featured, for the most part, in the big glass case near the front door (easy in, easy out).

A little mini-mecca for dessert lovers is Nashville General Store and Bakery, tucked away at 118 east Washington Street. Homemade pies and cakes; pumpkin, banana and cinnamon breads; hot apple dumplings; and caramel apple nut pie await you there plus a variety of ice cream flavors.

And then there’s good, old fashioned, persimmon pudding. What could be more Brown County than that?

I do not mean to relegate ice cream to some kind of second-class, topping status. For the full on ice cream effect, you can’t beat Miller’s Ice Cream House for a couple of “Yes, we make it right here!” scoops (try butter pecan and pralines and cream) on a freshly-made waffle cone. Ahhh!

Or, there’s the Ice Cream Cottage in the Iris Garden Complex (79 N Van Buren), which features Blue Bell Ice Cream, and Fearrin’s Ice Cream at the corner of Franklin and Van Buren streets, with eleven hundred different Continued on 26

BROWN COUNTY

Hometown Proud Local Grocery Store Serving Beautiful Brown County Since 1975!

Competitive Pricing No Cards or Membership Everyone Pays the Same Price

Organic Grocery • Dairy • Produce • Frozen Organically Grown Wines and Olive Oil

• Certified Ang us Beef • Large Beer an d Wine Section s • Picnic Suppli es • Full Service B akery/Deli • Custom Cake Decorating • Custom Deli T rays, Veggie Tra ys, Fruit Baskets, and Gift Baske ts

30 Hawthorne Dr. • Nashville • East SR 46 at light • 812-988-4546 • www.browncountyiga.com 24 Our Brown County • Jan./Feb. 2011

Visit our Morgantown Location

Your Headquarters for the Great Outdoors • Camping Supplies: • Fishing Tackle Tents, Camping Lights, • Horse Tack Sleeping Bags, Grills, • RV Replacement Parts Fire Starters, Coleman Heaters and Lanterns, Cooking Utensils • Huge Selection of Carhartt Clothing • Lodge Cast Iron Cookware Salt Creek Plaza • Nashville

(812) 988-8888

www.BearHardware.com Mon.–Sat. 7:30am–7:00pm Sun 10:00am–4:00pm

We Fill Propane Tanks

Pit Bull L EATHER CO. Fierce gear for bikers... and anyone along for the ride!

HOOSIER BUDDY offers more than 100

different kinds of ice cold beer, a large selection of domestic and imported wines (from Boone's Farm to Dom Perignon), and all your favorite spirits. Plus, we carry ice, snacks, and other party supplies.

Located at the Junction of HWYs 46 and 135 in Nashville

Motorcycle Apparel: •Jackets •Saddle Bags •Chaps •Fork Bags •Vests •T-Bags •Gloves

Handbags & Wallets T-Shirts: •Biker •Music

Sunglasses & Goggles

•Colts •Attitude, etc.

Hours: Mon.–Thurs. 8–10, Fri. and Sat. 8–11

20 N. Van Buren (across from courthouse) P.O. Box 398 • Nashville IN 47448 812-988-6007 • e-mail: pbl101@sbcglobal.net

(812) 988-2267

Sponsor Miracle Ride for Riley Hospital for Children

Hoosier Buddy reminds you to drink responsibly • Don't Drink and Drive •

www.pitbullleather.com

Become our Facebook fan and learn about NEW ARRIVALS and WEEKLY SPECIALS

Jan./Feb. 2011 • Our Brown County 25

SAMPLER continued from 24 flavors of ice cream. OK, maybe not that many, but there’s a lot.

We may not immediately think of nuts as a dessert, but how about the cinnamon roasted almonds and pecans, delicious candies, and fudge available along with the salted nuts roasted daily at the Jack and Jill Nut Shop on Van Buren Street?

Perhaps we don’t always think of candy as a dessert, but certainly a little something for the sweet tooth could be homemade fudge or peanut brittle from the Nashville Candy Store in the Heritage Mall, or the dual candy stores on either side of West Main Street: The Candy Emporium and The Candy Dish, or down on South Van Buren, the Nashville Fudge Kitchen and Schwab’s Fudge.

I mean, there’s dessert everywhere. Holy Cow has desserts (I guess; I always have the cheesecake…), Harvest Moon has desserts, and the Pine Room has desserts.

Nani’s Deli and Eatery, across from the Hotel Nashville and next to Hidden Valley, has good-ashome-made pies and baked goods.

Knives Swords Sling Shots Blow Guns OPEN ALL YEAR

(Sample Tasting)

Large Selection of Nostalgic Metal Signs Peace Frogs Merchandise

Things are Hoppin’ at J Bob’s

Purses

BEDAZZLED JEWELRY Quality Jewelry at Affordable Prices Large Selection of Rings and Necklace Sets Glass Necklace and Earring Sets 16 N. Van Buren Street (812) 988-6844 Nashville North of stoplight downtown

26 Our Brown County • Jan./Feb. 2011

Now, we’re starting to get in deep. There are a couple of places where you can get real, actual, madeby-our-grandmother desserts on a need-to-know basis, if you know what I mean. You’ll spot them here and there: under a cake dome on the counter, or stuck in a display case; these are the ultimate dessert trophies; get them and eat them.

A couple of good places to hunt this sort of fare are Calzone Jones in Abe’s Alley (145 S Jefferson) and Soup to Nuts hidden down off of Honeysuckle Lane.

There’re a few others I could mention, but I can’t tell you everything right now. Maybe later.

You know what’s good with dessert? Coffee.

Most of the several great coffee places in town also offer a little something for the diligent dessert devotee.

Common Grounds down near Molly’s Lane offers a plethora of baked delights; fruit danishes, cakes, and even cranberry scones.

The Daily Grind has Belgian waffles, cinnamon rolls, and a whole case of other treats; and that little espresso and dessert bar in the Eucalyptus Tree down by the Village Green has snickerdoodles, muffins, and shortbread with icing and little drizzles of chocolate.

Muddy Boots Café has a whole case of the most wonderful pastries, pies, and cakes, including a pineapple upside down cake, and they’re all pretty darned tasty.

The years roll by apace….

What really satisfies you in life?

I’m not against a little exercise, fresh air. I like vegetables (not beets). Still, I like a little dessert, maybe some banana pudding with those vanilla wafers, or that fruit salad with the whipped cream dressing, or a cookie—a simple, healthy, cookie.

And maybe a good cup of coffee. 

HERITAGE MALL Shops South Van Buren Street Nashville, Indiana

SPORTS etc.

Head over

Your Team Headquarters for Y Licensed Sports Novelties and Collectibles

Heels • Minnetonka • Stetson • Tilley Hats

• Collegiate • NFL • MLB • NBA • NASCAR

HATS • FOOTWEAR • ACCESSORIES 49 South Van Buren Street

in Nashville • 812-988-6535 headoverheels@switched.com • fax: 812-988-6505

Rings & Things

Fine Art Glass and Jewelry proprietor Betsy Arnold 35 S. Van Buren St. Nashville 812-988-7210

Visit our website

www.browncountysports.com 41 S. Van Buren St. Heritage Mall Nashville, Indiana

812-988-6809

• Memorabilia • Apparel • T-Shirts by The Mountain • Vintage Photos • Postcards

Nashville Candy Store Old-Fashioned Candy Homemade Fudge Peanut Brittle

Heritage Mall 41 S. Van Buren (3 doors south of Nashville House) www.nashvillecandy.com (812)988-8745 toll free (877)735-8657

Buy a pound of FUDGE Get a half pound FREE

Artisans Emporium Handcrafted Artistic Creations Unique Brown County Gifts Tropical & Nautical Decor

~ Inside the Heritage Mall ~ 41 S. Van Buren - Nashville, IN - 812.988.4107 www.TheArtisansEmporium.com ww

Jan./Feb. 2011 • Our Brown County 27

MECCA OF BLUEGRASS MUSIC • JAMMIN’ • FRIENDS• FAMILY • FUN WWW.BEANBLOSSOM.US

BEAN BLOSSOM • 2011

45TH ANNUAL BILL MONROE MEMORIAL BEAN BLOSSOM BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL JUNE 11-18, 2011 THE OLDEST, CONTINUOUS RUNNING BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL IN THE WORLD. FOR TICKETS: WWW.BEANBLOSSOM.US OR (800)414-4677 JOHN HARTFORD MEMORIAL FESTIVAL JUNE 2-4, 2011 WWW.JOHNHARTFORDMEMFEST.COM 2ND ANNUAL BEAN BLOSSOM SOUTHERN GOSPEL JUBILEE JULY 7-9, 2011 FOR TICKETS: WWW.BEANBLOSSOM.US OR (800)414-4677 13TH ANNUAL BEAN BLOSSOM GOSPEL JUBILEE HOSTED BY THE SULLIVAN FAMILY AUGUST 4-6, 2011 FOR TICKETS: WWW.BEANBLOSSOM.US OR (800)414-4677 BEAN BLOSSOM BLUES, BREW & BBQ AUGUST 25-27, 2011 FOR TICKETS: WWW.BEANBLOSSOM.US OR (812)988-8200 BROWN COUNTRY OLD SETTLERS REUNION SEPTEMBER 2-3, 2011 DONATIONS ACCEPTED. FOR INFO CALL (812)597-5636 BEAN BLOSSOM BIKER FEST SEPTEMBER 8-10, 2011 FOR TICKETS: WWW.BALLSBIKER.COM OR (812)988-2116 37TH ANNUAL UNCLE PEN DAYS FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 21-24, 2011 FOR TICKETS: WWW.BEANBLOSSOM.US OR (800)414-4677 BENTLEY'S HILLBILLY WAGON TRAIN SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 1, 2011 FOR TICKETS: WWW.BEANBLOSSOM.US OR (800)414-4677

28 Our Brown County • Jan./Feb. 2011

BILL MONROE MUSIC PARK & CAMPGROUND 5163 STATE ROAD 135 N, BEAN BLOSSOM, IN 46160 FOR MORE INFORMATION (800)414-4677 OR (812)988-6422 EMAIL: BEANBLOSSOMBG@HOTMAIL.COM

WWW.BEANBLOSSOM.US

5 Ye

GREEN VALLEY LODGE

$10

OFF*

• FREE Wireless Internet • Super Clean Rooms • Peaceful Valley Setting • 1 mile to Nashville and Brown County State Park

“in room” hot tub suite

*With this ad. First night of stay only.

Must present coupon at check in.

Not valid with any other discounts.

Excludes October. Expires Feb. 28, 2011

Reserve at www.greenvalleylodge.com or 812-988-0231 toll free 1-800-205-8369 692 St. Rd. 46 W Nashville, IN 47448

Ole House

62 E. Washington St. Nashville, IN across from Coachlight Square/Circle K Indiana Salsa • Jams (free samples) H d ft d W d k Handcrafted Woodwork Magnetic Mailbox Covers Sports Items Custom Glass-Bead Jewelry Goose Clothes Indiana Blacksmith Ironworks Concrete Decorative Items www.ole-house.com • 812-988-4770

Flags•Flags•Flags•Flags Largest FLAG Inventory in Indiana

10% OFF any FLAG

with coupon • not valid with other discounts • expires 03-31-2011

Exclusive FLAG Designs

ar Annivers

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ar y

Dynamic classes and demo table.

Artistic Rubber Stamps FFor cardmaking, d k g & Scrapbooking collage & altered art The newest items and techniques!

Receive

5 FREE SHEETS OF 8 1/2 ” X 11” CARDSTOCK with this coupon.

Try our new Coordinations paper.

Cardmakers’ cardstock sale now in progress.

Buy any 10 sheets, get 5 more sheets free!

160 Old School Way in Nashville behind Village Candlemaker

(812) 988-2002 www.papertrix.com

Nashville BP 14 ” PIZZA $9.98 from 4:00–7:00 pm State Roads 46 & 135 270 S. Van Buren St. in Nashville

988-1822 Jan./Feb. 2011 • Our Brown County 29

Davie Kean

Weaving Through Nature

D

photo by Karen E. Farley

avie Kean spent twenty-one years connected to nature through encounters with wildlife and the beauty of Brown County. Her role as a naturalist in Brown County State Park promoted connections between the environment and the community, and helped others to explore nature. She conducted research, designed artistic displays, and created the interpretive gardens located in the park’s nature center.

Her passion for nature and art comes from a creative family heritage—both parents are successful writers and her grandfather was an amateur naturalist. They

The Village Candlemaker 157 S. Van Buren St. Nashville, Indiana (812) 988-7201

30 Our Brown County • Jan./Feb. 2011

~by Karen E. Farley

encouraged her interest in art and inspired Davie and her four sisters to create and appreciate the natural beauty of the land. “My mom always had a craft project going on,” Davie says. “And my dad designed custom homes.” She continues to encourage her own daughters in nature and art.

About four years ago Davie picked up a book on needleweaving at the local library, Beads and Threads—A new Technique for Fiber Jewelry by Diane Fitzgerald and Helen Banes. Both her father and older sister were weavers and the idea of weaving on a smaller scale intrigued her. The authors’ work inspired her and she decided to give it a try. Following the book’s techniques she created a piece of her own design.

Beaded needleweaving, like tapestry, produces interesting intricate patterns. “The work can be really tedious, but it allows freedom in the design,” she explains. Davie creates each piece of jewelry from sketches. Needleweaving is ideal for making handcrafted necklaces, but the versatile technique is also used to create framed art, wall hangings, and Continued on 48

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Call Today (812) 720-9400 Jan./Feb. 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ Our Brown County 31

The Sweet Sounds of

The Brown County Dulcimer Society

J

~by Jeanette Menter

The Dulcimer Society at the Halladay house. photo by Jeanette Menter

an and Richard Halladay were concerned that after both retired, they would loose their mental sharpness due to lack of stimulation. Neither one played a musical instrument so taking one up seemed like a perfect and fun solution. Their instructor, Kara Barnard, an internationally competing musician and teacher of many instruments, suggested forming a dulcimer group.

Some of the dulcimers at Weed Patch in Nashville.

On November 13, 2003 several folks gathered at the Halladay home and thus was born the Brown County Dulcimer Society. There are now approximately 12 to 23 musicians who meet the second and fourth Thursdays of each month (except during Christmas holiday season.) They come not only from around Brown County but surrounding counties as

32 Our Brown County â&#x20AC;˘ Jan./Feb. 2011

well. Not all play the traditional dulcimer. In fact, this group is known for the many different instruments they play including mandolin, upright bass, octave mandolin, auto harp, bowed dulcimer, harmonica, violin, guitar, spoons, and surprises. The type of music they play is also varied. They enjoy folk, gospel, fiddle-tunes, holiday favorites, and even a Beach Boy tune now and then.

The main goal of this multigenerational group is to have fun while learning, practicing, and playing good music. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of laughter, some instruction, singing, and even a little dancing while practicing their art and passion. All this takes place in the spacious, yet cozy home of the Halladays which is tucked peacefully in the hills of Brown County.

The dulcimer has its origins in

Richard and Jan Halladay. photo by Jeanette Menter

the Appalachians. According to the Appalachian Cultural Museum’s website, the word ‘dulcimer’ comes from the Latin word dulcis meaning sweet and the Greek word melos meaning sound: dulcimer = sweet sound.

Although no one knows the origin of the instrument, it’s believed its evolution began

with the Pennsylvania Germans who migrated into southwestern Virginia and West Virginia in the early 1700s. Rural mountain craftsmen used whatever tools they had, including old cigar and shoe boxes. It was designed to be played while resting on the lap. “This was because the women wanted to join in the music making, but it was considered inappropriate for them to stand. They had to play an instrument sitting down,” commented one of the Society members.

The dulcimer almost faded into obscurity until the resurgence of folk music in the 50s and 60s. It was folk legend Pete Seeger’s father, Charles Seeger, who wrote an article about the instrument in 1958 which turned out to be a turning point in the dulcimer’s history.

Now, dulcimer groups are popping up all over the country.

Several members of the Brown County Dulcimer Society own dulcimers made by local craftsman Bill Berg, who has been creating these works of art for over thirty years.

Rich Greeno, who works at The Weed Patch Music Company in downtown Nashville (owned by Kara Barnard and Jess Russell) is a Society member and says he can teach anyone to play the dulcimer in Continued on 44

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Jan./Feb. 2011 • Our Brown County 33

Brown County as Dana Skirvin sees it.

Calendar

Feb. 24 Whipstitch Sallies Feb. 25 Steven Dunn Feb. 26 Shelf Life Feb. 28 TBA Info 812-988-6911 North end of Van Buren Street in Nashville

The schedule could change. Always check if planning a special trip.

Pine Room Tavern

Chateau Thomas Winery Jan. 7 The Richmonds Jan. 8 The Gooden Plenty Project Jan. 14 Greg Zeisemer and Kriss Luckett Jan. 15 Bloodshot Moon Jan. 21 Bomar and Ritter Jan. 22 Mark LaPointe Jan. 28 Davis and Devitt Jan. 29 Fire in the Dawn Feb. 4 The Richmonds Feb. 5 Mark LaPointe Feb. 11 Gary Applegate Feb. 12 Lazy Saints Feb. 18 The Gooden Plenty Project Feb. 19 Fire in the Dawn Feb. 25 Barry Johnson Feb. 26 Impasse Music 7:00-10:00 Fri. and Sat. Info 812-988-8500 ChateauThomas.com

The Barnstormers Jan. 21 Jan. 22 Jan. 24 Jan. 25 Jan. 26 Jan. 27 Jan. 28 Jan. 29 Jan. 31 Feb. 1 Feb. 2 Feb. 3

Feb. 4 Feb. 5

The Mizfits Dishpan Pie The Porch Rockers Dave Miller TBA Brian Johnson & the Acquitted The Riccis The Lost Shoestring Band TBA Matthew Rust TBA Ghosttown Settlers and Chinese New Year Party Travis Creek The Barnstormers

Feb. 7 Feb. 8 Feb. 9 Feb. 10 Feb. 11 Feb. 12 Feb. 14 Feb. 15 Feb. 16 Feb. 17 Feb. 18 Feb. 19 Feb. 21 Feb. 22 Feb. 23

Barney Quick Megan Maudlin Ken Wilson Dan Cantwell Entwyned The Mizfits Feb Brester and Friends Valentines Dinner Lou Stant Brian Johnson & the Acquitted Barney Quick The Riccis Philadelphia Phil TBA The Porch Rockers and LUAU TBA

Muddy Boots Cafe Live music: Weekday 6:00-8:00 Tuesday is Music and Craft Night Friday and Saturday 7:00-9:00 Jan. 1 TBA Jan. 3 TBA Jan. 4 Matthew Rust Jan. 5 TBA Jan. 6 HippyGnosis with Chuck Wills

and Kara Barnard Jan. 7 Travis Creek Jan. 8 The Barnstormers Jan. 10 Ghosttown Settlers Jan. 11 Ken Wilson and 1-11-11 Party Jan. 12 Dan Cantwell Jan. 13 Whipstitch Sallies Jan. 14 Matt and Alyssa Stanley Jan. 15 Jeb Brester and Friends Jan. 20 Barney Quick

36 Our Brown County • Jan./Feb. 2011

Saturdays Live music starting at 8:00 Sundays Jazz musicians 7:00-9:00 Info 812-988-0236

Brown County Inn Corn Crib Music Fridays, Saturdays 9:00

Seasons Lodge Music Fridays and Saturdays 9:00

Mike’s Music & Dance Barn Info 812-988-8636 thedancebarn.com Mondays Country Dance Lessons Saturdays Mike’s Smooth Country Band Special Events: Jan. 1 14th Anniversary Party

3 Bluegrass or Country bands

Open House, Kitchen open Jan. 7 Ralph Eads 8:00 Jan. 14 Brown County’s High School

Homecoming Dance Jan. 21 Ballroom Dance 8:00 Jan. 29 Chamber of Commerce

Corn Hole Tournament

11:00 sign in 12:00 starts

$50 team, includes all you can

eat buffet and your chance to

win $200 1st place, $100 2nd,

and $30 rd. $3 spectators.

Info Kim 812-988-0234

ktiner@browncounty.org Feb. 11 Ballroom Dance Feb. 15 Chamber of Commerce

Trade Show 5:00-8:00

All architects, contractors,

builders, electricians, etc.

invited to show work

no charge

Info Kim 812-988-0234

ktiner@browncounty.org

Salt Creek Golf Retreat 19th Hole Bar Music Fridays and Saturdays Info 812-988-7888 saltcreekgolf.com

Abe Martin Lodge Little Gem Restaurant Music Saturdays Dave Miller 6:00-8:00 Info 812-988-4418

SPECIAL EVENTS: State of the Chamber Town Meeting Jan. 6, County Annex Building 6:00-8:00 Town Meeting to discuss needs of the business community. Need not be a member of the Brown County Chamber of Commerce. All voices are welcome and appreciated.

14th Annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Charity Dinner

Brown County Art Gallery

Jan. 21, Hotel Nashville Wine auction at 6:30 Dinner starts at 7:30 Reservations required.

There is limited seating for this gourmet dinner so call the BBBS office 812-9888170 or the Hotel Nashville 812-988-8400 for reservations soon.

Jan. 29, Mike’s Dance Barn 11:00 sign in 12:00 starts $50 team, includes all you can eat buffet and your chance to win $200 1st place, $100 2nd, and $30 3rd. $3 spectators.

Info Kim 812-988-0234 ktiner@browncounty.org

Open on weekends and by appointment in January and February Info (812) 988-6185 bcartguild@sbcglobal.net bcartguild.com

Return to the Wild Raptor Center Live birds of prey, tours by appointment only.Wed.-Sun. 11:00-5:00 Group programs available at your location Info: 812-988-8990 returntothewild.org

Feb. 15, Mike’s Dance Barn, 5:00-8:00 All architects, contractors, builders, electricians, etc. invited to show work no charge Info Kim 812-988-0234 ktiner@browncounty.org

Jan. 15, Brown County State Park Enjoy the beauty of winter in Brown County State Park during the annual Winter Hike. Two self-guided trails take you through some of Brown County’s most picturesque scenery. Invite your family, friends, and neighbors, or meet new friends along the way. Various activities available before and after the hike. Breakfast with the Naturalists at the Abe Martin Lodge at 7:00 am. Hiker’s Buffet Luncheon also at the Abe Martin Lodge. Hike begins around 9:00 am.

Brown County Art Guild

Brown County Chamber of Commerce Corn Hole Tournament

Brown County Chamber of Commerce Trade Show

Winter Hike

Now-Feb Artists Assoc. Fall/Winter Show Info 812-988-4609 browncountyartgallery.org

Weed Patch Music Company Monthly Jams are 3:00-5:00 Fiddle Tune Jam 2nd Saturday Gospel Jam 3rd Saturday Info 812-988-1180 weedpatchmusiccompany.com

OTHER ACTIVITIES: Bucks & Does Square Dance Historical Society Building SR 135 N Jan. 7, Jan. 21, 8:00-10:30 Feb. 4, Feb. 18, 8:00-10:30 Abe Martin Lodge in the State Park Jan. 14, Feb. 11, 8:00-10:00

Jan./Feb. 2011 • Our Brown County 37

Winter Hike January 15, 2011

T

he 9th Annual Winter Hike will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2011, starting at 9 am.

Two routes will take hikers through the rugged and scenic beauty of Brown County State Park. The Southern Loop Hike, 3.5 miles, begins and ends at the Nature Center. The Woodland Hike, 2.75 miles, begins and ends at the park’s Recreation Building.

Parking is available at both buildings. The Hike will be held regardless of weather.

A Winter Hike user fee of $1 per hiker (children under five free) is assessed at park gates as you enter.

Normal entry fees also apply. Hikers should plan for about 2 hours hiking time, longer if you are a slow walker or photograph items along the way.

Park interpreters along each trail will relate winter wildlife facts. Troop 190 boy scouts will serve hot drinks and S’mores at each lake shelterhouse. Heated restrooms are located at the park office, Nature Center

Something is always brewing at the Daily Grind.

We offer a fine selection of sandwiches and desserts, and a full breakfast menu including egg dishes, bagelwiches, and delicious Belgian waffles.

Call us for takeout, too.

CALVIN PLACE Nashville, Indiana

Open 8 am daily • (812) 988-4808 Closed Tues. (except in Sept. & Oct.) Seasonal closing hours

38 Our Brown County • Jan./Feb. 2011

and at the new winterized showerhouse near the Country Store.

Abe Martin Lodge will serve “Breakfast with the Naturalists” at 7 am, a chance to visit with staff to learn what can be seen, and a “Hiker’s Buffet” starting at 11 am. For meal information, please call the Abe Martin Lodge at (812) 988-4418.

The Friends of Brown County State Park will sell a commemorative Winter Hike patch and yearly chevron starting at 11 am at the Abe Martin Lodge.

What a beautiful time of year to experience quiet backcountry stillness and winter beauty. Dress appropriately and join us.

For more information on the Winter Hike, go to <www. browncounty.com> and see the Winter Events link, or call Brown County State Park Nature Center at (812) 988-5240. 

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Big Brothers Big Sisters Charity Dinner January 21, 2011

T

he Brown County Big Brothers Big Sisters 14th Annual Charity Wine Dinner will be held on Friday, January 21, 2011 at the Hotel Nashville dining room at 7:30 pm (black tie optional). A silent auction of rare and unusual wines will be conducted downstairs at 6:30. The donation to enjoy a fabulous gourmet meal is $100 per person. You will not want to miss the opportunity to enjoy this incredible meal, a few surprises,

Josh and Big Brother Gary Huett.

and an evening with friends of our community’s Big Brothers Big Sisters organization.

The Charity Wine Dinner started in 1998 by Warren Cole as a fundraiser for the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization in Brown County. It was held at the Hobnob Corner restaurant until 2008. In 2009 and 2010 it was held at the Historical Society building. And in January 2011 it will be held in a more centrally located venue, the

Adara and Big Sister Jinny Thompson.

Hotel Nashville on North Van Buren Street in Nashville. The seating is limited to 48 people. Haley O’Neil will play the piano during the silent wine auction in the front lobby of the Hotel Nashville. The four course gourmet meal will be in the dining room upstairs starting at 7:30. The entrees will be Tournedos of Beef Tenderloin with Cabernet and Bearnaise sauces or Mediterranean grilled Artic Char accompanied by fine wine.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) organization was started in Brown County in 1978 and was a satellite office of the Bartholomew County agency. It became a fully affiliated BBBS agency in 1989. The BBBS agency serves at-risk children ages 6 to 17 by matching them with an adult mentor. The mentor is not a surrogate parent, but a caring friend with whom they can just have some fun or talk to about their lives. The mentors go through a rigorous background check and interview process. It is a voluntary program between the child, parent, and mentor.

There is limited seating for this gourmet dinner so call the BBBS office (812) 988-8170 or the Hotel Nashville (812) 988-8400 for reservations soon. For more information about the event or if you are interested in becoming a Big Brother/ Big Sister, e-mail <bcbbbs@att.net> or call (812) 988-8170. 

Jan./Feb. 2011 • Our Brown County 39

40 Our Brown County • Jan./Feb. 2011

Visit

10 miles north of Nashville on scenic State Road 135

Morgantown Since 1971

Visit our website www.theclockconnection.com Lay-a-way and Gift Certificates available 69 W. Washington St. P.O. Box 29 • Morgantown, IN 46160-0029 Tues.–Sat. 11–5 pm (closed Sun. & Mon.)

812-597-5414

Fabric & Notions s ‛ y d A 79 W. Washington St. Morgantown, IN

812.597.0578 • www.adysfabrics.com Learn a Special Project by Request BOMs, Retreats and Monthly Clubs Fabrics • Threads • Classes • Kits • Notions Patterns • Quilting • Sewing • Redwork Embroidery • Long Arm Quilting Available Hours: Mon.–Sat. 10 to 5 • open Weds. till 8:00pm

Unique Gifts in a Relaxing Atmosphere Christian Books and Gifts • Willow Tree Angels • Jewelry Jim Shore Collections • McCalls and Yankee Candles Home Decor • Ladies Accessories • Handbags • Baby Gifts 170 West Washington St. • Morgantown • 812-597-0650

Morgantown celebrates Colonel Vawter Day every September. The festivities are in honor of Colonel John Vawter, Morgantown’s most colorful resident.

Born January 8, 1782, he was a colonel of the militia, a magistrate, sheriff, United States marshall, frontier ranger, surveyor, merchant and Baptist minister.

The fun includes food, musical acts, craft displays, plus kids games and activities.

Shoppers can find great buys at the businesses that line Washington Street and at booths. Free parking, handicap accessibility, public restrooms.

The event is sponsored by the Morgantown Merchants Association.

Knitting, Weaving, Spinning

Classes, Yarns, Fleeces, Books, Equipment Weds. 6-8:30; Thurs, Fri., Sat. 10–5; Sun. 1–5; Closed Mon. & Tues.

2.5 miles west of Morgantown SR 252 (now at the farm)

Jan./Feb. 2011 • Our Brown County 41

The Right Thing to Do ~by Jim Eagleman

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

—Margaret Mead

B

y now the holiday gifts have been put to use, wrappers discarded or recycled, and the tree—that “lasting symbol of growth renewed”—has been cast outside as cover by the bird feeders. The holidays bring us together and provide time to recollect times of our youth when family children took center stage or when we spent time with a loved one. It’s also a time, albeit a slow and sluggish one, to look forward and plan for a better year, a better life, and yes, a better world.

It may be a bit industrious to think one or a few individuals

can do much, yet we often hear the environmental message, “YOU can make a difference.” Truthfully, it took me awhile to realize this lofty statement. It’s claimed that if one person begins, others might follow, and soon it may be a trend. But I

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812-344-4186

OakGrovePottery.com 42 Our Brown County • Jan./Feb. 2011

wondered, will one person make that much difference? Maybe. So I take account of all I do and the impacts I make, good or bad, and agree, yes, maybe if I start, or I do this, or I change that, it WILL matter.

Not one for New Year’s resolutions, I hesitate to list what I hope to accomplish. But the beginning of a new year does allow a fresh start.

With a New Year’s Day reminder to change the smoke alarm battery and a few other mundane tasks, I say this is as good a time as any.

What will I do differently to be a better environmental steward in the new year?

As an educator, the answer is easy: I can do my best with

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each program and make sure it is relevant and timely. I can present the facts, mention a unique feature or two, and culminate with an environmental message. Maybe this way, I can make a difference.

But I can also make a difference as an adult, a parent with children or a member of a committee. I can model good “environmental manners” by showing respect for all living things, wonder out loud how a bird or animal can perform a task, or simply suggest no Styrofoam coffee cups are used at a meeting.

Awareness and appreciation of the natural world should be everyone’s responsibility. We are all accountable. We can all make a difference.

Have you met the fine folks at the Brown County Solid Waste Management District? I try and commend this staff with every delivery from my office, the park, and home. Now “trained” to separate my colored glass and paper goods, they happily take all my recyclables (even if I fail to sort).

And when I look at the quantity of materials we personally generate as a staff or family over the course

of a few weeks, I am amazed.

Now with a small reduction in operating hours, I plan to continue to utilize this wonderful community recycling center in the coming year.

I hope you can, too.

I’m reminded how insulation performs every time I enter the park nature center. A new, insulated roof last summer now retains snow longer and tells me it’s cozy inside. A new, home heating plant with programmable thermostat allowed me to take advantage of a tax credit at the end of 2010 while performing more efficiently.

And a tune-up in my old Jeep lets it purr along. I ask myself if everything I own is efficient and necessary. Being a collector of stuff doesn’t help matters. But my stuff can help someone who needs it.

My consumer behavior is closely scrutinized, I pull back, and feel better on the way to Good Will or the Community Closet.

To be a good land steward it helps to know what we have to appreciate. In this column I’ve mentioned the wonderful array of natural areas to visit. In 2011 I plan to hike areas within a short drive:

the Bean Blossum Bottoms, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) local natural areas, Sycamore Land Trust holdings, and Lilly-Dickey Woods, an IU property on Bear Wallow Hill Road, in addition to the many state and federal lands close-by. There are many great hiking opportunities for the family. As always, calling ahead to secure permission and directions is a must, and plan to dress appropriately. An hour walk can easily turn into two; the better equipped and dressed you are, the more you enjoy.

I am heartened by the increased awareness with every program on Nature, The Discovery Channel, and NOVA. But with every report comes a realization that an animal, natural community, or land parcel is in peril, if action isn’t taken. At the forefront of every environmental victory an individual or a small group stood out. They made a difference. When asked if they thought themselves important, or as “collective heros,” they all claimed, “No. It was just the right thing to do.”

That’s a good theme for me and all of us in the coming year. 

Spears Gallery Pottery by Larry Spears Open Daily 10–5

Shop on-line, too, at www.spearsgallery.com 5110 St. Rd. 135 S. • Nashville, IN 47448 (on your way to Story) • 812.988.1287 Jan./Feb. 2011 • Our Brown County 43

DULCIMER continued from 33

In December the Brown County Dulcimer Society performed Christmas carols at the DSI facility in Columbus to a most appreciative audience that sang along. photo by Cindy Steele

five minutes, “If they pay attention!” was his caveat.

“It’s true!” says Jan. Neither she nor her husband read musical notes, and yet now they are members of three groups. He plays the upright bass and she enjoys the octave mandolin.

“Each one of our members has an interesting history, story, and life. When they all come together to play, all their lights shine in a beautiful harmony to play one song,” observed Jan. Upon watching The Brown County Dulcimer Society enjoying their time together to make music it easy to understand what Jan was saying. Whether it’s for

Antiques and Fine Gifts Discover a Casual Elegance

their own enjoyment at one of their jam sessions, or a performance for various organizations in the area, their love of music is what motivates each one.

At the heart of it all is the simple mountain dulcimer, a very personal instrument with its sweet sound that keeps the peace and beauty of mountain living as fresh today as it was hundreds of years ago.

For more information on The Brown County Dulcimer Society, contact Jan or Richard Halladay at (812) 988-6566. A huge selection of dulcimers can be found at Weed Patch Music Company at 58 E. Main Street next to the courthouse in Nashville. 

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44 Our Brown County • Jan./Feb. 2011

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Gift Cards and Custom Printed Gift Certificates

Regional Au Authors and Subjects Brown County Books Br Nature Guides Cookbooks Fiction Non-fiction Open All Year Genealogy 45 S. Jefferson Nashville Children’s Books 812-988-0202

BOOK STORE

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Jan./Feb. 2011 • Our Brown County 45

Romancing the Rodent ~by Gunther Flumm

N

ow February 2nd, Groundhog Day, might not mean a whole lot to a whole lot of you, but we take it serious here in our Brown County. Well, all right, we don’t take nothin’ serious here in Brown County but we do honor groundhogs. Baked, basted, or barbequed, we love them fat little furry rodents. Best of all we like them on sticks, battered like a corndog.

My brother Fred Flumm and me used to call them “Woodchuck Wieners” but they never was a big seller using that name. Afterall it ain’t “Woodchuck Day.” So now we use “Ground Round Groundhog Dogs” and sales have steadily increased. Admittedly some

folks don’t know what to do with groundhog no matter how they dish it up. We always suggest adding some of our zesty possum sauce.

You city folks buy your food from grocery stores and we country folk grow ours in a garden. I have never seen a groundhog in the aisle of any big city grocery store.

I think it is hard for you all to truly understand our situation here in Brown County.

Groundhog Day is one of our favorite holidays. We believe it should be a national American holiday (see Mark Blackwell’s story).

Name one other country that honors the groundhog with its own day. Why isn’t there a Groundhog Day stamp?

Why don’t workers get the day off and kids get out of school?

Canada and Mexico wouldn’t dare give goundhogs their due on the same day we do, and Greenland knows better than to even try. We are the “Groundhog Capital of the World.”

Monuments to their shadows should be built everywhere. Right next to the “Ground Round Groundhog Dog” franchises that me and my brother own. 

el Slide ter Chann Wa ns ets tai Foun ump Buck l D re rfal Wate and mo

There is always something to do in Indiana’s largest State Park: Aquatic Center, Horse Back Riding, Mountain Bike Trails, Fishing, Tennis...

We have the room for you!

Our full service restaurant is open daily.

Brown County State Park 160 accommodations: P.O. Box 547 Nashville, IN 47448 Abe Martin Lodge and guest rooms, two-story cabins, 1-877-Lodges-1 • (812) 988-4418 the Little Gem Restaurant and historic cabins. www.indianainns.com We have the perfect setting for any event, Corporate Retreats, Weddings, Getaways and Family Reunions and More!

46 Our Brown County • Jan./Feb. 2011

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the

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Find something special for you and your loved-ones from our selection of

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Since 1972

Jan./Feb. 2011 • Our Brown County 47

KEAN continued from 30 sculptural pieces. The needlework can also be placed in shadowboxes for display.

The weaving process is fairly simple but requires patience. Davie uses a needleweaving foam core board. Bank pins and graph paper serve as a loom for her designs.

The pieces are created without any additional equipment—a beading needle and thread is all that is needed.

Last spring, she participated in the Brown County Art Alliance Artful Dining Gala with her family.

She designed small needleweaved sculptures for the annual fundraising event. Nashville artist Dixie Ferrer noticed the unique necklace she wore that evening. In June, Davie placed her jewelry on consignment at the Ferrer Gallery on Main Street. Her original pieces are currently on sale at the gallery.

Davie is a member of the Art Alliance and Brown County Artisans. She gives workshops on needleweaving. Students design and create their own jewelry from fiber and beads. They learn color theory and pattern design. “I enjoy

sharing the techniques and passing on what I have learned,” she says.

In November, she offered a holiday ornament mini-workshop. Each participant learned the basics of needleweaving and took home a project to finish.

She recently joined Stitchin Fingers, an online community for anyone interested in textiles and fiber art. The group shares photos, stories, and helpful ideas. It also has a monthly swap of 2 ½ x 3 ½ Artist Trading Cards, or ATCs. The trading cards are similar to baseball trading cards and are handmade miniature works of art. Artists build a miniature art collection for a minimal shipping fee to the exchange recipient. Davie’s recent contribution to the swap was a depiction of T.C.Steele’s painting Selma in the Garden. The only rules of the card swap are that the creations must be original work signed by the artists and not offered for sale. Her daughter held card swaps years ago at the Brown County Public library.

She hopes to start up the swap there again someday.

For Davie Kean, nature provides a starting point. Fiber and beads offer creativity that allows her to

One of a Kind Gift Design

Custom Candy Bouquets Custom Gift Baskets Handmade Items Country Crafts • Candles

Free Local Delivery

179 North Van Buren Street • Nashville (across from Muddy Boots Café) www.oneofakindgiftdesign.com 812-988-6811

capture natural and commercial materials. Her passion to recreate objects transforms her ideas into artful reminders of the good in nature and human nature. “There is so much out there to observe—we just all do it differently,” she says.

When Davie is not busy weaving she is an active member in Friends of Brown County State Park, Friends of T.C. Steele, and the Brown County Historical Society.

She remains in touch with nature and the community for inspiration and a new perspective on the world. “Joining area organizations helped me learn from, and share with others—both artists and art supporters.”

She continues to give advice to those waiting to try something new.

“Don’t wait until retirement to start something, do it now!” she adds.

Future plans include a retail shop on her website and mini-tapestry weaving added to her designs. Last spring, she took a class from pastel artist Corinne Hull, and plans to continue her painting classes.

Davie can be reached at <info@dayidadesigns.com> or visit her website at <www.dayidadesigns.com>. 

BEAN BLOSSOM Restaurant Good Food, Good Service, Good Prices

All-You-Can-Eat

Catfish on Friday Nights Daily Specials Breakfast Served All Day

Bean Blossom SR 135 North • 988-1147 Open 7 days a week

48 Our Brown County • Jan./Feb. 2011

Hidden Valley Inn

Escape to Country Elegance. Warm and inviting all suite hotel with fully equipped kitchenettes. Located in the heart of historic downtown Nashville. HVI provides exceptional service and affordable value in an atmosphere that is conducive to peace of mind and relaxation for our guests.

Call today for our weekday specials.

201 North Van Buren Street • Nashville, IN (812) 988-9000 or (877) 988-9099 www.hiddenvalleyinn.net

Men’s Toy Shop Things you can live without ... but who wants to!

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www.SpragueHotels.com Gold Award Hotel 75 Chestnut Street Beautiful Nashville, Indiana

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Jan./Feb. 2011 • Our Brown County 49

Uncle Charlie’s Store

Y

~by Henry Swain

ou may have observed when looking at an Indiana map that towns appear about every ten miles. Primitive transportation caused this spacing. Time was figured at horse and buggy pace when going to town to shop. Town merchants made their living serving the village and the surrounding farming neighborhood.

Some of these communities, for whatever reason, never grew beyond the status of crossroad towns of perhaps a hundred to two hundred people.

My uncle Charlie had a general store at the business intersection in the village of Markleville. A bank, hardware-farm implement store, and a service station occupied the other three corners. His was a two story building set close to the street. A long visitor’s bench backed up to one of the display windows. On the day before the fourth of July I sat on the bench and watched some boys celebrating the day a little early with some fire crackers. They placed a ten gallon milk can on the lot next to the service station. They would light a firecracker, drop it in the can and set the lid on it. The fun came from seeing how high the lid would fly when the cracker went off. One of the boys had a fiveincher which sent the lid thirty feet toward the sky.

On Saturday nights farmers from the area would come to shop for supplies to last the coming week. They would bring eggs and sometimes chickens to barter for grocery supplies.

The eggs had to be “candled” to insure their freshness. A spring setting hen would often wander to some secret place in the barn and lay a number of eggs to be hatched. When discovered they would be taken in to the store to see if embryos had begun. Those eggs were discarded. Eggs were placed on a device where a light shown through the shell would determine its freshness. Before electricity I presume candles supplied the light.

50 Our Brown County • Jan./Feb. 2011

Charlie was short in stature, wore glasses and always had a pencil behind each ear for figuring the total of purchases. He would greet customers with a friendly heyoo, his way of saying hello. His one employee named Ob, did much of the packaging. Flour, sugar, and other items came in barrels and were put in paper sacks for the customers. Above the counter hung a large spool of string always at hand to tie the sacks.

The totals of purchases were often figured on the wrapping of one of the parcels. That way the customer could check for any mathematical errors.

Printed receipts were not available from the huge cash register that stood about five feet tall with a lot of drawers below a rounded top with rows of keys on it. Punching different keys would open different drawers.

One wall had a sliding ladder that could be moved along the wall to access a bank of small drawers that held small necessities. The yard goods section had a large table for measuring cloth which came in three foot bolts. Many housewives made their work dresses and had one storebought dress for Sunday and funerals.

My aunt Verna, Charlie’s wife, chose the patterns to be purchased.

The parlors and bedrooms of farm houses usually had 12 x 12 carpets both for show and warmth.

One of the back rooms in the store displayed a dozen or so carpets hung from pivoting arms above that could be moved to display each one. My brother and I would sometimes play hide and seek among them. I always enjoyed my Saturday night visits.

The numerous display cases and the variety of them was like a treasure hunt without being able the have the treasure. There seemed to be endless places to hide behind and watch the adults making their purchases.

My favorite memory of those visits was the small sack of candies Uncle Charlie would give us when Dad settled the bill. He knew my favorite was the small square chocolate covered caramels. The sack always had a plentiful supply. Ah, the simple pleasures of childhood.

Some long-time Brown County residents may remember Bonnie’s Leader Store across the alley from the Masonic Building. At that time a creek ran between the Masonic Building and Bonnie’s store. Her clothing, bolt fabric and shoe items were quite similar to what I remember from Uncle Charlie’s store. Little did we imagine then that Wal-Mart would come and put an end to many small stores like these. 

Nani’s Deli and Eatery We Make Everything!

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812-988-6330

Open for Breakfast and Lunch 8:00 to 2:00 Mon.–Sat., Sun. 9:00 to 2:00

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(Across from Hotel Nashville and next to Hidden Valley)

in Brown County

Arrival March 1 to June 11, 2011*

The Incredible 2-Night FAMILY PACKAGE 2-day/2-night overnight stay, plus Includes: a $30 Harvest Restaurant voucher, plus a $10 Harvest breakfast coupon

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2 miles to Brown County State Park *NOT available May 5, 6, or 7, 2011

- established 1891

Oldest family owned business in Brown County

One Stop Grocery Shopping

Grocery • Meat • Deli • Beer/Wine Produce • Lottery • BUFFET PIZZAS Visa • Discover • MasterCard accepted Open Daily 8 - 8, 8 - 6 Sunday

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Advance reservation and deposit required. Limited number packages available per arrival date. Not valid for group bookings beyond 4 rooms/stay. Above offers valid based on availability, arrival MARCH 1 thru JUNE 11, 2011 (NOT available May 5, 6, or 7, 2011). Children (up to age 17) stay free with parents—Max occ. per room is 2 adults + 2 child. * Add 12% sales tax to all rates (food vouchers are not taxable)

Reserve on-line www.browncountyinn.com

800-772-5249

SR 46 East in Nashville, IN

Jan./Feb. 2011 • Our Brown County 51

A Plea for More Holidays ~by Mark Blackwell

W

ell, here we are in the dark days of winter. And, after the big trio of holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years, the months of January and February seem even darker. This is a recipe for gloom, misery, and despair. It is no wonder that folks who live in the north, who can afford it, take off for Florida. I would head down to Miami myself, if for no other reason, than to be one of the youngest people in town. But I think the real problem is that we don’t have enough holidays.

There is nothing to look forward to except limited sunlight and cold weather for months. When I was a kid

52 Our Brown County • Jan./Feb. 2011

we still had George Washington’s Birthday in February—school was closed, banks were closed, sales were held. It was a day off in the middle of the dreariest part of the year. But then it got consolidated and downgraded into President’s Day. Now we honor James K. Polk and Chester A. Arthur, and a lot of other losers, along with Washington. I suspect that’s why the day just gets ignored by everybody except bankers and Federal employees.

It seems to me, that as time goes on, we are getting stingier with our holidays. Even back in the Dark Ages they had a lot more days of celebration. Its true there was a lot of squalor, disease, and ignorance but Christmas used to last a full twelve days. There used to be a Saint’s day every whipstitch and folks held on to the old pagan festivals. Nobody celebrates Beltane, Lammas, or Candlemas anymore. Actually, Candlemas was celebrated on February 2nd and somehow, morphed into Groundhog Day. We need another holiday to break up the long winter stretch from New Year’s Day to Easter and Groundhog Day is perfectly situated for the purpose. But nobody, except some folks in Pennsylvania, takes it seriously. I think it is time to elevate the celebration to national prominence.

I propose that Groundhog Day be declared a national holiday.

Everybody already knows about Groundhog Day—there’s even a movie about it. It celebrates a positive human attribute—hopefulness. It recognizes a benign mammal, common to the Eastern United States. Nobody is required to give gifts. According to The Penguin Dictionary of American Folklore “…its observance consists of watching a groundhog (woodchuck) come out of its burrow, presumably to check the weather. If the sun is shining and the groundhog sees its shadow, one can be sure of six more weeks of winter.”

So far, so good. This would be a seriously low stress day off. But that doesn’t mean it couldn’t

be fun. Outdoor types could organize expeditions to rural areas to seek out groundhog dens. On college campuses political folks could hold groundhog teach-ins. There could be family, neighborhood, and/ or village celebrations. People could dress-up in groundhog costumes. Shadow-puppet shows would be appropriate. We could organize wood chucking contests. Newspapers could sponsor essay and poetry competitions. It could be a great opportunity for nonpartisan political oration.

Some folks still cling to the outdated notion that the groundhog is a varmint. However, these benighted few are living in the past. They dwell in a time when the American economy had an agricultural base and a surplus population of groundhogs could do some measurable crop damage. But our nation has moved on to the twenty-first century and we now have an information economy. And I can’t see groundhogs posing any concrete threat to information.

We must begin to reappraise the groundhog in the light of modernity. I venture to say that there are many young people who have never had an encounter with one of these shy, sensitive creatures. Groundhogs, unlike rats, deer, coyotes, skunks, and raccoons do not seek urban environments. They prefer their humble rural burrows, living much like marmot versions of Hobbits.

It is a puzzlement as to why the groundhog has not been employed as a character in a fable or two because they are the very embodiment of virtue—they mind their own business, they are not aggressive, and they

do not proselytize their religious or political views to others. They are quiet and dignified. And they have much to teach us about how to handle winter. If we would only follow the groundhog in learning how to hibernate, we could solve many problems.

If humans learned to hibernate we could cut carbon emissions by at least a third. Heart attacks from shoveling snow would be a thing of the past. States and municipalities could save money now spent on sand and salt for roads. And it wouldn’t matter if we set our clocks back or not.

So, there you have it, my humble plea for people to come to their senses and elevate Groundhog Day to the status it deserves. I know that it won’t happen overnight. It will take time and energy. We will need to lobby our politicians. We will have to mobilize, organize, and demonstrate. Nothing great was ever gained without a struggle. And we must not waver lest some sleazy politico proposes to make Groundhog Day the first Monday in February. “The 2nd of February or fight,” must be our motto.

I can conceive of no better place to begin the campaign for National Groundhog Day than right here in Brown County. For our county is home to countless groundhogs. And I can think of no better people to press this cause of liberty than the folks who live here.

So, let’s make Groundhog Day special this year and keep it in our hearts all year long.

Note: Please don’t refer to groundhogs as woodchucks. They don’t chuck wood and they find the term demeaning. 

“This is a Nice Place.”

Lunch and Dinner

• Calzones • Gourmet Pizzas • Deli Sandwiches • Speciality Salads • Homemade Soups • Desserts

Abe’s Alley 145 S. Jefferson, Nashville 11 am–7 pm Tues.,Wed.,Thurs.

11 am–8 pm Fri. & Sat. Closed Sun. and Mon.

• Dinner Specials after 4:00 pm • “Take & Bake” Pizzas & Calzones “Take” 10% OFF and “Bake” at Home • Carry Out Items

(812) 988-8884 calzonejones.com

Jan./Feb. 2011 • Our Brown County 53

Pioneer Doctor of Brown County

I

n a small white clapboard building located on the northeast corner of the Pioneer Village museum complex are housed some of the artifacts of the unique life of Brown County native son, Dr. Alfred J. Ralphy. His daughter, Gladys Ralphy Whitaker, gave her father’s office to Dr. Robert M. Seibel of Nashville, who in turn gave it to the Brown County Historical Society. Moved from New Bellsville in 1976, and restored to its original condition with medical books, instruments, and furniture, Dr. A.J. Ralphy’s medical office gives today’s visitors a glimpse of the medical arts as they existed during Ralphy’s era. Ledgers and records of accounts in the doctor’s own elegant hand are preserved in the Brown County Historical Society archives, along with his medical books and personal records.

Born to English immigrants, John and Sara Jones Ralphy, Alfred J. Ralphy was born in Nashville, Indiana on March 28, 1854. Always having a hard-working spirit, Alfred got a job in a printing office at age 12 working between school terms. At age 16, he began teaching school, completing one term in the vicinity of Nashville. When the regular teacher in Story “was run out” by the older boys, Ralphy stepped into the resulting vacancy. He walked from Nashville, at least on weekends, a distance of 8 or 10 miles over Weed Patch Hill, now the Brown County State Park.

Between school terms, he clerked in a drugstore. It was also at this time that he began studying medicine in the office of his brother-in-law, Dr. Arnold S. Griffith, and was in partnership with Dr. Griffith for a year before establishing his own practice in the early 1870s.

~by Julia Pearson

A. J. Ralphy

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54 Our Brown County • Jan./Feb. 2011

1878 was a noteworthy year in Ralphy’s life. He graduated from the Cincinnati School of Medicine and Surgery. He married Adeline Keller, also of Nashville. Adeline, too, was the child of immigrants.

Her parents, Michael and Kathryn Keller, came to the United States from Germany. Adeline stepped down from a teaching job to care for the orphaned infant daughter of her sister, Julia. Little Alpha Taggart became a member of the new household when Dr. Ralphy and his new bride set up housekeeping.

Ralphy continued his training and graduated from the Kentucky School of Medicine in Louisville, Kentucky in 1884.

At the time when his practice consisted of many house calls, roads in Brown County were little more than paths, passable only by horseback. Dr. Ralphy carried medicines in a bag made to set just in front of the saddle. During treacherous winter conditions, he was often lifted from the saddle, with hands and feet warmed before he could minister to his patients. As roads improved, he used a horsedrawn, two-wheeled cart with a place to rest his feet. Eventually, he kept two drivers and teams for a buggy and a sleigh when snow was well packed.

A curly haired water spaniel, Prince, would go with him and lie on his feet and keep them from freezing.

Continued on 56

Brown County Winery

7 Days a Week Year Round

2 Locations:

Winery and Tasting Room in Gnaw Bone

Downtown Nashville le Tasting Room

5 minutes East of Nashville 4520 State Road 46 East 812-988-6144 • 888-298-2984

Corner of Main Street and Old School Way 812-988-8646

Complimentary Wine Tasting

Gift Shop • Cheese • Gourmet Food Items

www.browncountywinery.com Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

The House

at Stone Head

Catering to those fascinated by life.

R this Rent hi hi historic i ffarmhouse h id ideally ll suited for up to three couples, families, or friends’ getaways.

Explore and discover secrets of nature along private hiking trails in the adjacent Zimmerman Wetland Bird Habitat and upland forest. e-mail: houseatstonehead@aol.com • 812-988-9848

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Nashville’s only guest ranch 11-room inn 1 vacation home Public trail rides Family reunions Women’s retreats Kids’ horse retreats Murder mysteries Lighted basketball court ...because a campfire Playground equipment helps you see things Hiking and relaxation in a different light. TM

Fishing Nightly campfires Hayrides Team building Low ropes course Weddings Church events Guest horse stalling Riding area 54 acres of land

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812-988-0085 888-94-RANCH (79624)

Perfect for group outings!

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Absolutely anyone can shop here, but a co-op grocery is nothing without its members. Literally!

3220 EAST THIRD ST.

812-336-5400 419 EAST KIRKWOOD

812-336-5300 316 WEST 6TH ST.

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Join now for member-owner savings Jan./Feb. 2011 • Our Brown County 55

RALPHY continued from 54 In time, Prince was replaced by an actual footwarmer which utilized hot charcoal to provide warmth.

The Brown County Historical Society has in its Ralphy collection a clipping found in Dr. Ralphy’s wallet stating his fees. Listed are: 50 cents for a house call in town, exclusive of a medicine; outside Nashville, was $1 for the first mile and 50 cents each additional mile.

Office prescriptions were $1; emetics 25 cents; tonics 10 cents per dose; blistering plaster 50 cents; and bloodletting 50 cents.

Dentistry charges were 50 cents to $2.50.

Charges for amputation ranged from $25 to $100. His wife, Adeline, was known for assisting in a hand amputation required after a shooting incident.

Charges for obstetrics were $5 in town, increased by 50 cents for every mile outside of Nashville. Dr. Ralphy delivered probably more than the recorded 2,049 babies and lost no mothers. His wife, Adeline, would assist during difficult deliveries.

Since money was scarce in many of the patients’ households, the Ralphys were compensated with corn and hay for the horses, meat, produce, and cordwood for heating. Others paid in kind with services such as plowing the garden, painting home or office, carpentering, and even leaf raking in season.

White Sands Boutique “Dahling, You’ll Love this Shop!

It’s a Fabulous Little Boutique”

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HOT • NEW • STYLISH A Fun Place to Shop Women’s Apparel, Handbags, Jewelry, Hats, and more!

In the courtyard of Franklin Place on West Franklin St. (behind Daily Grind) Nashville, IN (812) 988-6980

56 Our Brown County • Jan./Feb. 2011

Dr. Ralphy was a naturalist and collector throughout his life. A golden eagle which was killed on the same Weed Patch Hill where he walked as a young schoolmaster was presented to Dr. Ralphy. He mounted the bird with its wing span open and measuring six feet, and hung it in his office with a hundred other Brown County birds of his own mounting. In October 23, 1879, Dr. Ralphy helped organize and was secretary of the Brown County Medical Society.

He was a charter member of the Knights of Pythias and in 1882 he joined the Masonic order. He was elected several terms as coroner of Brown County and secretary of the Board of Health. He was a board member of the pension examiners for Civil War, and later, World War I veterans.

In 1891, the family moved New Bellsville, located in Van Buren Township, to a house across from the Baptist Church. In 1892, they moved to a larger home, where they lived for the rest of their lives. The family eventually included three daughters: Grace, Gladys, Eva; and son, Clifford.

Another son died in infancy. The medical office was built next door to the house in 1898, constructed by well-known carpenter, John Eddy. In 1902, when telephones came to that section of the county, a switchboard was put in the Ralphy home. They were paid a small sum, but someone was always there to take calls for the doctor.

On the night of January 19, 1907, Dr. Ralphy was returning from a call to Christiansburg in his buggy, driven by Bess and Fred, a team of horses known to everyone. While crossing Salt Creek near Pike’s Peak, a flash flood upset the buggy. Treading the icy water for a mile, Dr. Ralphy finally crawled onto the bank near a house. The swift current carried the horses a mile further to Stone Head, where they washed ashore.

The town came together for the burial of the beloved horses. Dr. Ralphy never owned an automobile.

Dr. Ralphy died on August 28, 1928. His obituary read: “With the passing of Dr. Ralphy this community has lost the last of its pioneer country physicians and one who was faithful to the duties of his profession regardless of any attendant hardships which were so numerous in the early development of this county.” 

Treat Your Family

BROWN COUNTY

Enjoy the Vistas The Art and Soul of Nashville • SINCE 1954 •

Stay the Night

812-988-0984 www.hilltopsuites.com www.browncountycabins.com

Featuring the Marie Goth Collection and the works of over 50 contemporary artists Open Daily March–Dec. • Weekends or by appt. in Jan. and Feb.

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Amy Greely

NEW LEAF in Nashville, IN NEW LEAF

Featuring locally handcrafted jewelry by owner Amy Greely.

An eclectic mix of creative items from local, regional, and global artists.

Located in Calvin Place, Franklin & Van Buren (812) 988-1058 • www.amygreely.com

art gallery Quiet of Eventide · Adolph Shulz

Jewelry Designs

the Historic

Monday–Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Sunday Noon to 5:00 pm Free Parking and Admission

Brown County’s original art gallery, established in 1926, offers works for sale by Gallery Association members in the Main Hall, plus consigned old Indiana art. The newly remodeled exhibition space now includes the Indiana Heritage Arts Gallery, featuring many of Indiana’s top professional artists. Browse our gallery where you will find the work of the early art colony masters, many of whom founded the Gallery and the original art association.

Main Street and Artist Drive · Two blocks east of the Courthouse

812-988-4609 · www.browncountyartgallery.org

Jan./Feb. 2011 • Our Brown County 57

No visit to Nashville is complete without a visit to

George G g C Tucker Tucke k Building

44 N. Van Buren St. Half block north of Nashville stoplight Elevator equipped Across from Brown County Courthouse

The Coca-Cola Shop Collectibles:

• Coca-Cola® • Pepsi® • Indianapolis Colts (812) 988-8330 thecocacolashop@sbcglobal.net second floor

MERCANTILE STORE “Old and Young Love this Shop!”

Brown County

• T-Shirts • Toys • Gifts • Collectibles • Brown County Souvenirs (812) 988-2725

Granny’s Christmas & Gift Shop

• Santa • Snowmen • Precious Moments • Dept. 56® • Snow Village • Dickens • Nutcrackers and much more!

(812) 988-6208 • second floor

KIM’S CORNER Primitives • Tinware Soy Candles and Tarts Handcrafts • Original Artwork (812) 988-4215 second floor

58 Our Brown County • Jan./Feb. 2011

WE NOW DELIVER!

PIZZA KING

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988-8887

51 E. Chestnut St. • Salt Creek Plaza • Nashville, IN AND 7 Trafalgar Square • Trafalgar, IN • 317-878-9333

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For Lodging, Dining, Great Food, Great Service, Meeting Facilities, Indoor Pool

Main Street Shoppes Old School Way & Main Visit our website for class schedules www.wishfulthinking-in.com • 812-988-7009

Hotels:

Brown County Inn

812-988-2291 • BrownCountyInn.com

The Seasons Lodge

812-988-2284 • SeasonsLodge.com

Restaurants:

The Harvest

Largest Collection of Bobby Knight Memorabilia Breakfast 8:30 - 11 a.m.

Sandwiches & Salads 11 a.m. - ?

At the corner of Main & Van Buren Streets (underneath the Nashville House) - 988-2355

at Brown County Inn

Accent Dining

at The Seasons

Nashville House

812-988-4554

The Ordinary

812-988-6166

Also Shop at Antique Alley

Male Instinct “A Different Spin on a Man’s Store”

• Northern Sportswear • Premier Garden • Ultimo Fragrance • Life is Crap Tees • Knives • Military 75 South Van Buren St. • Nashville, IN • (812) 988-1964

Jan./Feb. 2011 • Our Brown County 59

Single Block $50 per issue • Double Block $72 per issue, 20% off pre-pay year, 10% off pre-pay 6 months

Our Brown County

ACCOUNTING SERVICES

BISHOP ACCOUNTING SERVICES, LLC

AUTO - TIRE, REPAIR, TOW NAME YOUR CATEGORY

Paint & Body

Salutes all the Artists and Entrepreneurs of Nashville and Brown County for their service to the community.

The Right Move

(812) 336-2901 Small Business Accounting Specialists

Full Collision Repair

1840 South Walnut St. Suite 1 • Bloomington, IN 47401 www.bishopaccountingservices.com

24-Hour Towing Bring in this ad get

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BOOKKEEPING & PAYROLL

PRECISE BOOKS AND PAYROLL INC.

Garage

Offering Small Business Bookkeeping and Payroll Services

Full Mechanical Garage

• Bank Reconciliation • Financial Statements • Payroll Taxes • BUSINESS AND INDIVIDUAL TAX RETURN SERVICES 146 E. Main St. Redbud Terrace P.O. Box 953 Nashville, IN 47448

(812) 988-4031 1-877-988-4031

Brakes, Engine, Transmission “Big to Small, We Do it All!”

1814 N. St. Rd. 135 • Nashville

www.precisebooksandpayroll.com • e-mail: kterrill941@yahoo.com Kristina Terrill “My goal is to exceed your expectations providing you with friendly, accurate and fast service.”

812-988-7518

AUTO - TIRE, REPAIR, TOW

BANKING

TIRE

Brown County Tire 24 hr. Wrecker Service

&

The Strength of Big, The Service of Small

812-988-8473

Auto Repair

189 Commercial Drive, Nashville, IN 47448 812.988.1200

27 Salt Creek Rd (Intersection SR 46) Nashville EYE CARE

FRAMING

GAS / CONVENIENCE

EYE CARE of Brown County

Dr. David Gerchak O.D. (812) 988-3963 Emergency Eye Care

Evening and Weekend Appointments Available

Medical Building at Nashville YMCA (Behind Comfort Inn)103 Willow Street

HAIR

Wild Hair

8461 N. SR 135

GAS & DIESEL

Big Selection of Ready-Made Frames

Fountain Drinks Fishing Bait & Equipment Convenience Items

Works by Many Area Artists Prints, Originals, and Sculptures

812-988-0775 e-mail: framesbydonna@aol.com 1156 Old SR 46 Next to Holistic Vet and Nature Conservancy in Nashville, Indiana

812-597-4623 • Open 7 Days/Week Owners Ray and Debbie Guffey

HEALTH

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Walk-Ins Welcome stylist: Tabitha Davis stylist/owner: Susie Woodall

812-988-4599 4933 N. SR 135 Nashville (Bean Blossom) Mon. – Fri. 9 – 5; Sat. 9 to Noon; Evenings by appt.

HEALTH FOR “U”

146 E. Main St. Nashville 812-988-9890 Mon.–Sat. 9 am to 4 pm Limit 3.

Must have coupon for discount.

Expires 02/28/11.

Save $2.00 on Gel, Roll-On, Spray, or Wipes “Ask about our Brown County Soap”

Services Directory

Single Block $50 per issue • Double Block $72 per issue, 20% off pre-pay year, 10% off pre-pay 6 months

INSURANCE

AUSTIN INSURANCE

CRAIG D. AUSTIN Certified Insurance Counselor 138 S. Jefferson P.O. Box 517 • Nashville, IN 47448

AUTO • HOME • LIFE • HEALTH • BUSINESS

Integrity • Security • Stability • Service

(812) ((8 812 12)) 98 988 988-6642 8 66 6642 42 • ffax: (8 (812 (812) 12)) 98 12 988 988-0829 8 08 0829 29 • craig@carlaustininsurance.com i l tii i INSURANCE

Knight’s

Trash Removal

Residential • Commercial 15 yd Roll-Off Service (812) 988-8000 TREE SERVICE

BRIGHT & WILLIAMSON Insurance Agency Auto • Home • Business Health • Life • Bonds 24 N. Jefferson St. • P.O. Box 698 • Nashville, IN 47448 Bob Gredy Sr. (812) 988-2275 fax: 988-7670 home: 988-7185 INSURANCE

Rick Patrick Tree Care

Quality Pruning and Removals 812-988-8755 ISA CERTIFIED ARBORISTS

Rick Patrick WC - 1513

Matt Baldwin IN - 3202A

REAL ESTATE

AUTO • HOME • LIFE BUSINESS Christy McGinley

146 E. Main St. Redbud Terrace Nashville, Indiana

812-988-6399

cmcginley@farmersagent.com

REAL ESTATE

Jane Gore Realty “Personalized, Not Franchised” Serving Brown County Since 1982 jane.gore@sbcglobal.net www.janegorerealty.com

(812) 988-6512 cell: (812) 325-5419

91 W. Gould St. P.O. Box 9 • Nashville, IN 47448

REAL ESTATE The Brown County Property Experts

158 N. Jefferson • P.O. Box 206 Nashville, IN 47448

TRASH REMOVAL

812-988-2227

WELLNESS

RE/MAX Team

Brown County Property Management Locally Established / Internationally Recognized

877-988-4485 Email: margd@remax.net MargAndBrendaTeam.com Corner of E. Main Street and Artist Dr. in Nashville, IN 47448

WOODWORKING

ROBERT J. ADAIR

Brown County YMCA

FINE WOODWORKING

FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FOR HEALTHY LIVING FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

The Brown County YMCA is located behind the Comfort Inn

812-988-9622 • www.browncountyymca.org

Handmade Doors and Furniture and High-end Carpentry

30 years experience 812.837.9363 812.360.5236 SHOP/OFFICE

MOBILE

Brown County Francis Clark Brown K

nown to many as Mr. Brown of Brown County, Francis Clark Brown was a prolific artist and permanent resident of Nashville. Brown could often be found working at his easel in the neighboring countryside or on the sidewalks of Nashville itself.

In 1967 Brown and his wife moved his studio to Nashville where visitors and locals alike visited to view his works and chat with the artist. Sometimes those chats brought out the artist’s humor. Other times near anger appeared. “People have a lot of nerve asking if I have ever had a lesson or how much money I make in a year,” he wrote in Brown County Remembers. “Some will look over the town and buy a copy of a painting on a postcard, walk right in with it and stand in front of my painting I had in the National Show at the Corcoran Gallery in Washington DC, and say, ‘Not bad.’”

Many visitors to the gallery asked Brown how long it takes to paint a picture. He usually told them it took any where from a day or in one case twenty years to get a painting the way he wanted it. “In the field of esthetics, he wrote, “time is not a factor, only quality and achievement.” While the artist was on location applying his skills, a visitor to the gallery asked his wife Helen how he had painted a Gloucester seascape during a trip to Massachusetts. “How did Mr. Brown get the water to stand still long enough to paint it,” she asked. Helen told her it wasn’t easy.

Gallery visitors often brought in swatches of cloth from draperies, pillows or carpet. “They are not really

HIS BOOK SHOP Specializing in New, Used, and Rare Christian Books

We Buy Christian Books Across alley from Courthouse (812) 988-4873 58 East Main St. P.O. Box 365 www.hisbookshop.com Nashville, Indiana 47448

62 Our Brown County • Jan./Feb. 2011

Fall scene hanging at Nashville public building.

Mr. Brown of

~by Joanne Nesbit

interested in the quality of a painting,” Brown said, “but whether it matches Aunt Emma’s pillow on the sofa.” One gentleman wanted to see some of Brown’s oldest works. He kept only a few and showed them to the visitor who wondered why, if they were old, they wouldn’t be cheaper. “I explained that price depended on quality and not on age,” Brown wrote. “But there are a lot of people who don’t understand, no matter how many times you explain it.”

And some visitors have even had the courage to ask if Mr. Brown painted saws. And his answer, “No, I don’t paint saws, milk cans, or old chairs. That is not art, but a craft—so find a craftsman.”

Brown, a native of Iowa, was born in 1908 and was one of two male cheerleaders at the high school in Marion, Indiana. He retired from work as a Quaker minister and lived in the back of his Nashville gallery with his wife Helen.

In 1986 the Chronicle-Tribune of Marion, Indiana, wrote that “Brown has created 2,689 paintings in 62 years. He’s sold more than 2,000 and one for $1,600.

He has 300 paintings on the walls and stacked on the floor in his gallery, with price tags ranging from $50 to $2,000.

“And old buildings are Brown’s favorite subjects, whether it be a log cabin in Nashville, or an old, isolated farm house in Brown County.

“Some of his paintings are never seen by the public.

‘My wife and I have an agreement. If she wants one real bad, I don’t sell it,’ Brown said. ‘We have 27 hanging in our bedroom.’”

Francis Clark Brown died in Bloomington, Indiana, in 1992. 

Jan./Feb. 2011 • Our Brown County 63

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Now Se

Nashville Fudge Kitchen

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Ice Crea

Over 50 Flavors of Gourmet Popcorn

Over 20 Flavors of Fudge made fresh in our shop!

SPECIAL 3 bags of Gourmet Popcorn $10 5 bags for $16

Gelato made fresh daily

Watch us make it!

Caramel Apples –slow-cooked caramel made from scratch on apples from a local orchard

Try our German Roasted Almonds and Homemade Carmel Corn.

South Van Buren, Possum Trot Complex in Nashville, IN between Circle K and Artists Colony Inn We Ship • 812-988-0709 • www.nashvillefudgekitchen.com