March-April 2011Our Brown County Magazine

Page 1

March –April 2011

The Magazine of Fun and Fact FREE

Why Visitors Come Back for Good • www.OurBrownCounty.com

Timothy Carter-East Botanical Artistry

The Freedom of

Needmore

The O’Donnell Classical Institute And: Theatre Changes Name Lonesome Town CD The Return of the Tenderloin The March of Nature Cyclorama Artist Painted Here The Mailbox March and April Events

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

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

kidscommons to COLUMBUS

Grv

Rd

46

Mike’s Music and Dance Barn

tals

o.

BELMONT

to BL OO

MI

NG

TO N

NASHVILLE

Craftsman

Ren ion t e a r c i n Va ery Co. T wn o’ Brow Co. Win o r B s Hill Brown

6

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

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

Silas Andrews

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

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

GOULD STREET

Brown County Historical Soc. Traditional Arts Building

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

ARTIST DR

VAN BUREN


The Salvation Army

Austin Insurance Agency, Inc.

Linda Thomas Massage

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

Ole House

Ethereal Day Spa and Salon Chateau JoAnn’s Home Peg Ann’s Thomas Boutique Winery Elegance

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

map not to scale

Theatre

Dining

Salt Creek McDonald’s Inn Pine Room Tavern Pizza King

Salt Creek Park

Casa del Sol

Seasons Lodge & Conference Center

Doodles by Kara Barnard

Craftsman

Artist and/or Gallery Rest Room

Lodging

Musical Entertainment Parking

COUNTY MAP ON PAGE 3

The Palace Holy Cow Theatre of Brown County

SR 46 TO COLUMBUS - 16 MILES

Coachlight Sq

N

Nashville Indiana

Nashville General Store & Bakery

Cornerstone Inn

WASHINGTON STREET Appetit Camelot Shoppes Bone Coachlight Sq Bakery

Nashville Fudge Kitchen

Papertrix

Sweetwater River Light Yoga Gallery Grasshopper Flats

VAN BUREN ST SR 135 N

SR 46 TO BLOOMINGTON - 16 MILES

PAT REILLY DR

Madeline’s

Nashville BP

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.....................................56 Elegant Options.................................52 Nashville General Store...................20 Reliable Vintage.................................39 Silas Andrews......................................14 Townhouse Gifts................................19

ART, ART SUPPLIES, ART INSTRUCTION

Antique Alley Shops.........................15 Artisans Emporium...........................27 Bear Hardware....................................25 Brown Co Art Gallery........................59 Brown Co Art Guild...........................59 Brown Co Craft Gallery....................21 Cathy’s Corner.....................................56 Chateau Thomas Winery.................22 Elegant Options.................................52 Experience the Arts..........................61 Ferrer Gallery.......................................21 Iris Garden Gallery.............................17 JoAnn’s Home Elegance..................23 Reliable Vintage.................................39 The Woodlands Gallery...................51

BOOKS

The Bookloft........................................45 His Book Shop.....................................66 Reliable Vintage.................................39

CLOTHING

Antique Alley Shops.........................15 Bear Hardware....................................25 For Bare Feet.......................................67 Head Over Heels................................27 J.B. Goods/ Life is Good...................15 Male Instinct........................................44 Men’s Toy Shop...................................51 Peg Ann’s Boutique...........................23 Pit Bull Leather Co.............................25 Sports Etc.............................................27 White Sands Boutique.....................26

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........................................49 Cathy’s Corner.....................................56 Chateau Thomas Winery.................22 The Coca-Cola Shop.........................62 Common Grounds............................21 Country Mouse Weaving................53 Elegant Options.................................52 Experience the Arts..........................61 Faerie Hollow Studio........................43 The Ferguson House........................13 Ferrer Gallery.......................................21 Foxfire....................................................13 Granny’s Christmas Shop................62 Head Over Heels................................27 Homestead Weaving Studio..........42 House of Clocks..................................44 Iris Garden Gallery.............................17 J Bob’s....................................................10 JoAnn’s Home Elegance..................23 K. Bellum Leather..............................42 Kim’s Corner.........................................62 Madeline’s............................................63 Male Instinct........................................44 Men’s Toy Shop...................................51 Mercantile Store.................................62 Nashville General Store...................20 New Leaf...............................................59 Oak Grove Pottery.............................18 Ole House.............................................29 Papertrix...............................................29 Pit Bull Leather Co.............................25 Reliable Vintage.................................39 Ring’s and Things...............................27 Sheep Street Fibers...........................44 Silas Andrews......................................14 Spears Gallery.....................................43 Sports Etc.............................................27 Sweetwater Gallery...........................15 Townhouse Gifts................................19 The Toy Chest......................................49

Wishful Thinking................................38 The Woodlands Gallery...................51

ENTERTAINMENT

19th Hole Sports Bar & Grill...........61 Bean Blossom, Monroe Music Park and Campground..............................28 The Palace Theatre of Brown Co...22 Chateau Thomas Winery.................22 Copperhead Creek Gem Mine......17 kidscommons.....................................19 Log Cabin Tour...................................50 Rawhide Ranch...................................57 Weed Patch Music Company........... 2

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Abe Martin Lodge.............................11 19th Hole Sports Bar & Grill...........61 Artists Colony Inn..............................49 Bloomingfoods...................................57 Brown Co IGA......................................24 Brown Co Inn........................41, 55, 63 Brown Co Steak & Seafood Co......61 Brown Co Winery...............................57 Brownie’s Bean Blossom Rest........53 Calzone Jones.....................................63 Carmel Corn Cottage.......................19 Casa del Sol..........................................18 Chateau Thomas Winery.................22 Common Grounds............................21 Farmhouse Cafe.................................56 Harvest Moon Pizzeria.....................21 Hobnob Corner Restaurant...........60 Holy Cow..............................................23 Hoosier Buddy Liquors....................25 Hotel Nashville...................................31 J Bob’s....................................................10 Jack & Jill Nut Shop...........................39 McDonald’s..........................................38 McDonald’s Supermarket...............53 Miller’s Ice Cream...............................21 Muddy Boots Cafe.............................53 Nashville BP.........................................29 Nashville Candy Store......................27 Nashville Fudge Kitchen.................68


Advertiser Index Nashville General Store...................20 Nashville House.................................63 Ole House.............................................29 The Ordinary.......................................63 The Original Soup to Nuts..............21 Pine Room Tavern..............................25 Pizza King.............................................44 Seasons.................................................63 That Sandwich Place........................66

FURNITURE

The Ferguson House........................13 JoAnn’s Home Elegance..................23 The Woodlands Gallery...................51

HARDWARE

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

HATS

Hills o’ Brown Vacation Rentals.....61 Hilltop Cabin & Suites Brown County Cabins......................59 Honeysuckle Hideaway...................45 Hotel Nashville...................................31 The House at Stone Head...............57 Iris Garden Cottages.........................17 Lodge on the Mountain..................45 The North House...............................31 Rawhide Ranch...................................57 Salt Creek Golf Retreat.....................61 Salt Creek Inn......................................45 Seasons.................................................63 Willow Manor Apartments.............33

PET SERVICES/PRODUCTS Bone Appetit Bakery........................45

Head Over Heels................................27 K. Bellum Leather..............................42

PHOTOS

Antique Alley Shops.........................15 Cathy’s Corner.....................................56 Faerie Hollow Studio........................43 Ferguson House.................................13 Ferrer Gallery.......................................21 Foxfire....................................................13 Grasshopper Flats..............................15 J Bob’s/Bedazzled Jewelry..............10 New Leaf...............................................59 Old McDurbin Gold..........................21 Ole House.............................................29 Reliable Vintage.................................39 Rings & Things....................................27 Touch of Silver Gold & Old.............19 White Sands Boutique.....................26

RECREATION

JEWELRY

LODGING / APARTMENTS

Abe Martin Lodge.............................11 Artists Colony Inn..............................49 The Brick Lodge.................................31 Brown Co Inn........................41, 55, 63 Comfort Inn.........................................51 Cornerstone Inn.................................47 Green Valley Lodge...........................29 Hidden Valley Inn..............................51

Reliable Vintage.................................39 Spears Gallery.....................................43 Rawhide Ranch...................................57 Salt Creek Golf Course.....................61

SERVICES (see also SERVICES DIRECTORY) Dr. Lisa Baker, DDS............................14 Brown Co Visitors Center................11 Ethereal Day Spa and Salon...........61 Michael’s Massage Therapy...........49 Nashville BP.........................................29 Linda Thomas Massage...................56 Reliable Vintage.................................39 River Light Yoga.................................56

SERVICES DIRECTORY 64-65 Adirondac Style Furniture 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 Mike Nickels Log Homes Precise Books and Payroll, Inc. Remax Team Wild Hair

SHOES Head Over Heels................................27 K. Bellum Leather..............................42

SPECIALTY SHOPS

Ady’s Fabric & Notions.....................44 Bone Appetit Bakery........................45 Carol’s Crafts........................................49 The Coca-Cola Shop.........................62 Fireplace Center.................................52 For Bare Feet.......................................67 Granny’s Christmas Shop................62 House of Clocks..................................44 K. Bellum Leather..............................42 Male Instinct........................................44 Men’s Toy Shop...................................51 Papertrix...............................................29 Pit Bull Leather Co.............................25 Reliable Vintage.................................39 Sheep Street Fibers...........................44 Sports Etc.............................................27 The Toy Chest......................................49 Weed Patch Music Company........... 2 Wishful Thinking................................38

STAINED GLASS

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

WEDDINGS

Artists Colony Inn..............................49 Hotel Nashville...................................31

OTHER

Flower and Herb Barn......................56


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!

Lee Edgren, writing since kindergarten, attended journalism school at the University of Michigan. Her career includes writing for a newspaper, for a government agency, and for UM Medical Center. She became seriously interested in yoga during the late 1980s and traveled widely. Lee has a master’s degree in Wellness Management from Ball State University. She lives in both in Brown County and in northern Michigan and owns River Light Yoga studio.

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 <www.GregClarkePhotography. com>.

Cover: Why Visito

rs Co

for Go me Back

w.OurB od • ww

rownCou

FREE

nty.com

Old-Timer

42

Ways of Looking in March

46

The O’Donnell Classical Institute

onnellitute The O’D st Classical In

TICLES AR • AR

GR • PHOTO

APHS

Greg Clarke took this photo of Brown County “Botanical” Artist Timothy Carter-East.

Cindy Steele is the publisher and editor 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.

by Henry Swain

by Jim Eagleman by Julia Pearson

America’s First Leprechaun by Gunther Flumm 52 The Mailbox 50

by Henry Swain

54

Reel Tyme String Band’s New CD

58

Palace Theatre of Brown County

66

Early Artist Joseph Birren

Needmo

by Jeanette Menter

41

om of The Freed re

CALEND MAPS •

y Timotha st Carter-AE rtistry al Botanic

And: nges Name Theatre Cha n CD Tow Lonesome the Tenderloin of The Return Nature of The March ist Painted Here Art Cyclorama x The Mailbo il Events Apr and March

12 Artist Timothy Carter-East by Lee Edgren 16 Needmore, Freedom of the Day by Bill Weaver 20 The Gnaw Bone Tenderloin is Back 30 The Opera Comes to Brown County

d Fact

ine of Fun an

The Magaz

March –April 2011

Contents

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

by Mark Blackwell by Barney Quick

by Joanne Nesbit

Wildflower Foray Earth Day / Flavors of Mardi Gras Contributors Subscribe, Where Is It? Contest Photographs from 16 OBC years Calendar of Entertainment/Events Coloring Contest

inc.

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

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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.

Knives Swords Sling Shots Blow Guns

LAST ISSUE’S CONTEST WINNERS: • Kathryn Richardson guessed the bike rack at the Village Green in Nashville. • Charity Sassano won the Coloring Contest. 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

10 Our Brown County • March/April 2011


Flavors of Mardi Gras

Spring Blossom Parade

Wildflower Foray

Spring Blossom Arts Festival

Taste of Brown County Indiana Wine Fair

$ave money while in Brown County! Purchase your Valued Visitors Card for valuable discounts.

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!

March/April 2011 • Our Brown County 11


Timothy Botanical Artistry Carter-East

“T

he meaning of life is to see,” said artist Frederick Franck, who encouraged his students to establish a mystical connection with their subjects. This, it seems, is the principle that underlies the work of Timothy Carter-East, an innovative Brown County artist who creates pieces he calls, “Botanical Artistry.” While he does press flowers, grasses, and leaves, and incorporates them into his pieces, his sophisticated collages are unlike any other approach to art with plants that he has been able to find in his computerized research. One unique aspect is the incorporation of plant pigments, obtained by careful pounding of the leaf or petal or stem. Pansies are a frequent contributor. “Shifting quality of light, diversity of textures, and negative spaces, are the primary elements of my work,” Carter-East states. “My art usually builds from the awareness of space, then gradually becomes…as paper, ink, and botanicals make their contributions.” Older artwork featuring splitwindow VW vans—one filled with swimming koi—reveals Carter-East’s sense of playfulness and humor. Because the natural plant colors fade fairly quickly, each piece is soon photographed. Originals are archived and occasionally sold, but the

12 Our Brown County • March/April 2011

~by Lee Edgren

photos by Greg Clarke


photographs are turned into affordable images of varying sizes. The most popular are his greeting cards, which are typically 5” x 7” giclée prints on watercolor paper. Much of his work is saturated with strong color, a gift from his “muse” and wife Rebecca Carter-East, owner of Rebecca and Me in Bloomington, where Carter-East’s work is sold and where the artist can often be found on Saturdays. “When I met Rebecca, everything was earthy—a variety of browns and greens. A little way into our relationship she said, ‘Why don’t you add some color?’ So I did,” he laughs. Inspiration lurks everywhere, and he is constantly alert to his environment and its subtleties. He is capable of incorporating the most delicate of flowers that bloom for only one week in early May or the cartoon pink-mouseimages on a Chinese calendar from The Year of the Rat. Carter-East was deeply influenced by Bill Moyer’s conversations with Joseph Campbell in the PBS series “The Power of Myth.” Campbell suggested that religion is software to reconnect us with our source. “That really got me going,” Carter-East states. “To get to where the observer becomes the observed is a very special moment,” adding that it has come to him in many ways, more and more often as a runner and a hiker of Brown County trails. “My sanctuary is the woods.” Continued on 14

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

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 March/April 2011 • Our Brown County 13


CARTER-EAST continued from 13 Carter-East reads widely and keeps journals of favorite phrases that can be added to his cards. The greeting card quotations “match up” with the designs after completion. He is currently building a Quotations section for his website that will allow buyers to match their choice of quotations to their choice of cards. Among the quotes now in use: “Meet me on the equinox” —Death Cab for Cutie “Go forth and set the world on fire” —St. Ignatius “Evermore thanks” —Shakespeare “The sun shines not on us, but in us” —John Muir “In each moment, I am filled with gratitude” —Thich Nhat Hanh

And his personal favorite is from Hugh MacLeod, “Everybody is given a box of crayons in kindergarten,” which appears on the outside of the card, while inside it says, “I’d like to have my crayons back, please.” As long as he can remember, Carter-East has loved art, the natural world, and paper. As a child, after school, “I’d go into the garage to spatter coffee and turpentine on

“…the awareness of space, then gradually becomes… as paper, ink, and botanicals make their contributions.” brown paper, because it needed to be done.” His love of reusing and repurposing led to winning honors in the sixth annual Columbus, Indiana “Déjà Vu” show of objects recycled into art. His entry was purchased and now hangs in the Columbus Recycling Center. He credits his early art classes at Anderson High School with his understanding of space and the discipline. New York artist Mark Brown wound up teaching in Anderson, staying with the same class from their ninth to twelfth grade years. “I have embedded in me artistic techniques that I

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 • March/April 2011

learned at that time.” After college at Anderson University, where he had an art minor, he entered the financial world and has had “a day job” ever since. His art changed form to allow for family and work responsibilities, but art remained central. “I will create. I’m almost channeling. I do my job eight hours a day, but I think about art 24 hours a day. Artists need to know it’s okay to have a job.” He participated in 26 art fairs last summer, working in his booth to the delight of show sponsors, children and buyers. Works went to New York, Chicago, Rocky Top, China, Japan, Ireland, as well as Nashville, Columbus, Indianapolis, and Bloomington. “Art is a way for me to meet myself…one step at a time. My focus is to take a creative step each day. My goal is to be larger today than yesterday…to become is really quite a sensation.” Carter-East’s work can be seen on his website <www. timothycartereast. com>. 

Silas Andrews

Main Street Shops Old School Way Nashville, IN

A Mix of Antiques, Americana, and All Things Inspiring Pewter Measuring Scoops as seen on Paula Deen Candleberry Candles

812-988-6255 visit our blog at SilasAndrews.com Hours vary until May


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

March/April 2011 • Our Brown County 15


Needmore

Freedom of the Day

photos courtesy of Bill Land

~by Bill Weaver

A

car carefully negotiates a narrow winding lane in western Brown County one dark and foggy night in 1975. It’s full of teenagers who, on a dare, have invaded the heart of this hippie stronghold along Plum Creek. The fog is thick and eerie, ghosts roam in the mist, and trees malevolently reach out for them. Suddenly, a massive dark creature looms out of the murk, blocking their escape. As they sit breathlessly in their immobile vehicle the creature languidly approaches, snorts wetly against the windshield, laying its massive head onto the hood of their car with a deep sigh.

Students from Indianapolis bicycled down to the Needmore community building for a class in “Visiting Planet Earth” taught by Bill Land in the early 1980s.

“We had bees, ducks and chickens, dairy goats and horses. We had gardens, plowed with horses, and planted fruit trees. We were attracted by self reliance and self sufficiency. “

16 Our Brown County • March/April 2011

Welcome to Needmore. “A lot of people needed diapers after that experience,” Bill Land chuckles, remembering the gentle old buffalo that often escaped her pasture. The legend of the Needmore community still haunts this part of Brown County, much as the ghost of Dove Bill watches over nearby Pine Bluff. “I was there in 1970,” Land remembers from his home on Bloomington’s westside. “I lived there from 1975 through ’85 and was part of the leadership council. I went back to live about seven years ago and it still has some of the same qualities.”


Originally, the Needmore community ranged over 2000 acres stretching along Plum Creek Road to Lanam Ridge and then back to SR 45. The property was owned by Kathy and Larry Canada, who lived on Lanam Ridge. Their original intention was to sponsor a commune there but after several years their dream faded. They sold half of the property, giving the rest to the residents—about 18 houses and 75 people. “We’re talking now about the middle-’70s,” Bill remembers. “By then it was a community, not a commune.” Land and his wife, Joan, were attracted to Needmore after reading articles Kathy had written about homesteading, self reliance, and organic food. “I was teaching at Butler University. We sold our home and moved to do what Kathy was talking about. We had bees, ducks and chickens, dairy goats and horses. We had gardens, plowed with horses, and planted fruit trees. We were attracted by self reliance and self sufficiency. “There were privies and no water—we had drive a half mile every day to get 75 gallons to water our animals,” he remembers. “We didn’t have power for the first year and a half. We were living off the grid and experimenting with simple living. We heated with wood, made our own cheese and bread, and educated our children. “The atmosphere was wonderful because it matched up with the movements of the day, the youth of the day. We sat around the campfire at Indian Mound—a small plateau overlooking the creek—and played music.” Legends of Needmore describe the hippies, the drugs, and the anarchic sense of freedom, but Land disputes these notions. “There was a big difference between those who homesteaded and those who came out from Bloomington to party,” he relates. “There were married couples and children—it was a community. We had a good relationship with the sheriff; it wasn’t as wild as people made it out to be. “We did have a good time,” he admits, chuckling. “And there were a lot of good parties.” For a long time the land was owned collectively but that changed. “We had a vote when we decided to sell some of the properties on contract,” he says. “There were strings attached to the land’s resale but it was still a big change in the community—from free-form to something more organized. Some consider it the way it was ruined. They forget that it was the only way to Continued on 18

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 March/April 2011 • Our Brown County 17


NEEDMORE continued from 17 raise capital. It gave us the money to finish the community building and for land conservation.” Bill and his wife bought 20 acres creating their own sub-community called Chrysalis. It was their effort to try communal living, like Twin Oaks in Virginia, Sand Hill and East Wind in Missouri, and Dandelion in Canada. From 1975 to 1985 they raised state champion dairy goats while Bill taught at IUPUI Columbus and Butler. Joan was general manager of Bloomingfoods. “We had a foot in both worlds,” he says. “It was one of the more enjoyable times in my whole life, going horseback riding and helping people build their homes.” Bill used the Needmore community as a classroom. “The class was called ‘Visiting Planet Earth’ and students came from Indianapolis. They would spend the weekend and camp out in our community building. They’d learn how to use a chainsaw, about rabbits and organic farming, how to milk goats and build log homes—it was the first time those city kids had used a privy!” Every week the community would gather in the large hexagonal community building. “Everybody got a chance to speak, to be The Tall House. Photo taken in the mid 70s.

Wednesday – Saturday 10 AM–5 PM

Studio & Gallery

for other times, please call

Judy and Tom Prichard Functional terra cotta and stoneware, sawdust-fired and decorative pottery 942 Oak Grove Road Studio and gallery only 3.3 miles west of Nashville (see map on page 3)

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

18 Our Brown County • March/April 2011

812-344-4186

OakGrovePottery.com


in Downtown Columbus, a short drive from Nashville

Three floors of learning and Fun!

Slide down our giant toilet

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309 Washington St. Columbus, IN • 812-378-3046

Bill Land with grandson Sasha.

listened to—and everybody was outrageous. The power was very horizontal. There was no leader. The council, which was six to eight people, made sure the taxes were paid.” Bill left the community in 1985 after his divorce and the loss of his parents. “It was a bad time,” he says. “People left the community not because they were pushed away but because they were pulled away.” Today he’s teaching classes at the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center in Bloomington on Fung Shui, Tao, I Ching and the Yin of simplicity; Yang of abundance. “You had to be young,” he smiles wistfully. “I’d do it again in a heartbeat.” 

Tues.–Sat. 10–5,Sun. 1–5 and also Mondays June 7 – Aug. 9

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March/April 2011 • Our Brown County 19


The Return of the

Gnaw Bone Tenderloin

T

The Sampler

here had been some rumors—a few little tremors on the grapevine, whispered speculations—“The tenderloin is coming back to Gnaw Bone.” It was all true. The Gnaw Bone tenderloin was back, and, I was reliably informed by my able researcher, it was bigger and better than ever. “It’s the real Gnaw Bone tenderloin,” she said in hushed excitement. “What does that even mean, real?” I shot back in a worldweary tone. “It’s The Original Gnaw Bone Tenderloin,” she insisted. “They all say that. What do you expect them to say?” I asked sardonically. “It’s the original guy in the original place.” Early that evening, I gathered up my beautiful kitchen companion

Nashville General Store & Bakery

and we made the journey out to Gnaw Bone. In its own weird way, Gnaw Bone is sort of the industrial section of Brown County, but one which now seems on the boom with new housing and other developments. I knew there must be something to all the talk when I pulled into the “Gnaw Mart” and saw all the cars. The placed was packed—I could barely find a parking spot. This is always a good sign in the restaurant sampling biz—a little thrill goes through your cholesterol-addled heart—where a crowd of people is gathered around an eatery, something good is to be had. And there it was, posted proudly on one of those little flashy advertising signs: “Home of the Original Gnaw Bone Tenderloin.” 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 • March/April 2011


escape and be transported

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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

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• Anklets • Bracelets • Necklaces

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

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Hey, we’re Back!

• Soups • Salads • Sandwiches Franklin St. & Honeysuckle Ln. next to Acorn Cottage in Nashville 812-988-4411

the HISTORIC VILLAGE GREEN BUILDING

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

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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 March/April 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

www.PalaceTheatreobc.com “Featuring professional performers, The Palace Theatre offers musical comedy and performance at its finest in the friendly, comfortable confines of a state-of-the-art theatrical environment. With its wide variety of original shows being staged regularly, The Palace Theatre is becoming a national theatre destination for theatre-goers of all ages.”

Home of Original Musical Shows like: Platinum Girls!, Cowboy Sweethearts, Tumbleweed, It's Only Temporary, Brown County Christmas, and Forever Vegas.

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 I entered with a sense of eager anticipation and restrained hope. There were people milling around, awaiting the steady stream of fresh, hot tenderloins and other goodies emerging from behind a little counter where you placed your order. All the cooking and order assembly is done from a little stainless steel line in front of the all-important industrial-strength fryer; “in sight it must be right.” There are other menu choices, of course: chicken tenders, fish, nice, home-cut, golden brown potato wedges, jalapeno poppers, cheese sticks, and even something called “squealers,” which I hesitate to presume to speculate what exactly might consist of. But we have come for the tenderloin, and the tenderloin we must have. Now, here is the dirty little secret of the fried, breaded tenderloin; the very idea of breading it was to conceal the thickness of the meat within. I would venture to say that most of the breaded tenderloins one inevitably encounters along the highways and byways of American life are pounded out to make them look larger. Sometimes, the cook gets a little carried away, and you end up with a wafer thin, mostly

fried-breading sandwich, although, admittedly, as big as your whole head. Not so the Gnaw Mart Tenderloin. It is a generous, thick-cut, hunk of pork tenderloin, more than capable of standing up to the tasty, crispy breading. We received ours piping fresh, “deluxe” with onion and pickle and lettuce. And it probably would have held up to the traditional white bread bun better if we had waited a few minutes for it to cool, but that proved impossible as the delectable morsel irresistibly demanded immediate attention. It was delicious. Crisp, crunchy, meaty, juicy; it was, as my kitchen companion pointed out, “un-put-downable.” I have to stop thinking about it, or I’ll be back in Gnaw Bone again before you know it. The sandwich came with the thinnest little fried potato slices—they reminded me of the “ribbon fries” at the State Fair, only better, really. Add salt and ketchup and gobble them down while they’re still steaming hot, no matter what kind of a look your adoring mate might shoot you from across the table. 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 • March/April 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 •

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

March/April 2011 • Our Brown County 25


White Sands Boutique

SAMPLER continued from 24

“A Caché of Fabulous Stuff”

HOT • NEW • STYLISH

“Dahling, You’ Love this Shop! You’ll I a Fabulous It’s L Boutique” Little

White Sands Boutique

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

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

26 Our Brown County • March/April 2011

You don’t actually have to put the sandwich down to accomplish this—the good Lord, in His infinite wisdom, gave you two hands and condiments in squeeze bottles. Throw in a glass of iced tea and it’s a feast worthy of, well, a convenience store snack bar—which is what the Gnaw Mart is, after all—complete with the glassfronted coolers and wire racks loaded with every thing from fix-a-flat to twinkies. I had advised my beloved that we might have to just grab our sandwiches and go— although she knows how much I detest take-out, how I prefer to be seated and dawdle over my meal, to cogitate and marinate, to observe and learn. That’s when we noticed the back room, a kind of storage room filled with tables and people, and live music in downtown Gnaw Bone on a Friday night. I swear I’m not making it up. A trio of two men and a woman sang folk songs and old hymns in a plain, old fashioned way, accompanying themselves on two guitars as the small crowd, often as not, joined in on the choruses. We found a couple of seats and started our two-handed tenderloin feast. I tried to restrain myself, but I wolfed down the sandwich and the potato chips with abandon. The trio sang of heartbreak and loss; of failure and redemption; of wrong roads and bad choices. The crowd nodded knowingly, munched contentedly, applauded enthusiastically. In the post-tenderloin glow, I considered society and culture on a human scale, a Gnaw Bone scale. The singers recalled again the awful fate of Muhlenberg County; “Mr. Peabody’s coal train has hauled it away” and sang of that beautiful mansion “just over the hilltop.” And I was profoundly satisfied. 


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

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

Rings & Things

Fine Art Glass and Jewelry 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

March/April 2011 • Our Brown County 27


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28 Our Brown County • March/April 2011

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988-1822 March/April 2011 • Our Brown County 29


The Opera Comes to Brown County

~by Jeanette Menter

U

Scene from The Mikado performed last April at the Brown Couty High School auditorium. photos by Cindy Steele

ntil four years ago opera being performed in Brown County wasn’t on anybody’s mind. That changed when Jan Spears, owner of the Nashville Dance Studio (and considered the ‘face of dance’ in Brown County), along with Howard Hughes, a local supporter of the arts, shared the vision and “flipped the switch” to make it a reality.

“I’ve never seen anything as inclusive ….. Brown County is the star of this huge program.” —Lynn Webster Howard recalls being at performances of both the Indianapolis Opera (IO) and Dance Kaleidoscope feeling disappointed that no one from Brown County ever attended. So he decided to find a way to bring the performance IU student Laura Hunter begins working on the Daughters of the Regiment dances with the fourth grade Van Buren Elementary boys on a Friday in February.

30 Our Brown County • March/April 2011


Melody Cutsinger is working with the fourth grade Van Buren Elementary girls.

arts to Brown County instead. What happened next was nothing short of a logistical miracle. As part of their commitment to education, the IO already had opera scores re-written for children and ready to rent to school systems. Hughes stepped up and underwrote the cost in order for

the Brown County school system to have this opportunity, including all the bus transportation necessary to get students to and from rehearsals and performances. Jan Spears oversaw the production process with the high school students for the first three years. Part of what the IO included

in their offering was four singers and a pianist who participated in the rehearsals and performances. Every aspect of putting on a performance was taught to the children by both IO and Dance Kaleidoscope including props, lighting, sound, and costumes. For the first three years, this was a unique collaborative effort in which one high school student was assigned a job and paired up with an elementary student. IO also designed lesson plans in geography, science, math, English, and social studies for teachers to use relating to the upcoming opera. Since Dance Kaleidoscope’s mission (where Hughes is on the Board of Trustees), is to “Inspire, educate, and entertain through the experience of outstanding contemporary dance,” they worked along side the IO and created their Continued on 32

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March/April 2011 • Our Brown County 31


OPERA continued from 31 own mentorship. According to Lynn Webster, Education Director, one of their choreographers held a master class with the high school students. These students then created their own choreography and in turn taught that to the fourth graders of the selected elementary school. This year, because of the high school’s schedule change, two modern dance majors from IU, Laura Hunter and Melody Cutsinger, will be working with the fourth graders—one for the girls and one for boys. In the second grade classrooms, Dance Kaleidoscope brought in their marketing and production managers to teach the value of

Howard Hughes. photo by Jeanette Menter

Of course, none of this could have happened without the support of the Brown County School Superintendent David Shaffer who, according to everyone involved, has been superb. The

Scene from Carmen, Brown County’s first production.

good marketing in a simple way the students understood. Each was then given their own poster board and taught how to create an ad that prompted people to come see the performance the older students would be putting on. They were encouraged to take their unique posters out into the community for display. Press releases were explained to fifth and sixth graders by writer/bookmaker (and artist) Michele Pollock. She helped the students create and publish the opera’s publicity.

logistics, time, and effort offered have been a result of his full blown support of this project. “You could not ask for a better environment,” said Hughes about the entire school’s participation and enthusiasm from the top down. But this commitment went beyond the school system. Out in the community, the local library devoted time to have the actual story of the opera read to children of all ages so that they understood what they would be seeing. This too

32 Our Brown County • March/April 2011

was the result of Howard Hughes’s efforts, according to Lynn Webster. Finally, “An Introduction to Opera” class was offered to the public which explained what the production was about. To date, the students of Brown County have performed Carmen with Helmsburg students, Pirates of Penzance with Nashville, and The Mikado with Sprunica elementary children. This year the whole process begins again. Van Buren Elementary will present Daughters of the Regiment, a lighthearted love story that takes place in the Austrian mountains in 1815. Performances will be on April 15 at 1 pm and 7 pm at the high school auditorium. None of this could have been possible without the vision and generosity of Howard Hughes and the tireless effort of Jan Spears which got this program off and running. The project also received support from the Brown County Community Foundation, PSI IOTA XI, Indiana Arts Commission, and the Bloomington Area Arts Council. “I’ve never seen anything as inclusive of everyone as this is. Brown County is the star of this huge program,” adds Lynn. It really does take a village to perform an opera in Brown County. From Howard’s perspective, the end result has been an increase in the number of Brown County residents attending an Indianapolis Opera or Dance Kaleidoscope performance. “It is my great pleasure to be involved,” he says with a smile. Because of the efforts of so many, residents in Brown County now have the opportunity to be involved in the performing arts in a way they never have before. Bravo! 


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Call Today (812) 720-9400 March/April 2011 • Our Brown County 33


Celebrating 16 Years of Our Brown County • A Random Sample of Photos



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

April 15 Gary Applegate April 16 The Gooden Plenty Project April 22 Impasse April 23 Barry Johnson April 30 Fire in the Dawn Music 7:00-10:00 Fri. and Sat. Info 812-988-8500 www.ChateauThomas.com

March 11 Bo and Mary March 12 Karaoke March 18 Brian Fortner March 19 TOG March 25 Bart Fortner March 26 Karaoke Info 812-988-7888 www.saltcreekgolf.com

Muddy Boots Cafe

Abe Martin Lodge Little Gem Restaurant

Live music: Monday-Thurs. 6:00-8:00 Friday and Saturday 7:00-9:00 Info 812-988-6911 North end of Van Buren Street in Nashville

Pine Room Tavern

The Palace Theatre “It’s Only Temporary” March 4-5, 11-12, 18, 25 April 8, 15, 22, 29 “Platinum Girls” March 19, 26 “Forever Vegas” April 1-2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Coachlight Square • Van Buren and Washington Streets in Nashville Info 812-988-2101 www.palacetheatreobc.com

Chateau Thomas Winery March 4 Acoustic Catfish March 5 Mark LaPointe March 11 The Richmonds March 12 Lazy Saints March 18 Bloodshot Moon March 19 Barry Johnson March 25 Greg Zeisemer/Kriss Luckett March 26 Fire in the Dawn April 1 The Richmonds April 2 Mark LaPointe April 8 Barry Johnson April 9 Lazy Saints

Saturdays Live music starting at 8:00 Sundays Jazz musicians 7:00-9:00 Wednesdays Ryder Film Series Info 812-988-0236 www.pineroomtavern.com

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

Music Saturdays Dave Miller 6:00-8:00 Info 812-988-4418

SPECIAL EVENTS: Flavors of Mardi Gras March 5, Village of Nashville and Brown County Inn “family friendly” parade 3:00-6:00 Dixieland jazz music at Coachlight Square Zydeco Dance, Brown County Inn 8:00 Proceeds benefit Literacy Coalition Info 812-988-6960

Seasons Lodge Music Fridays and Saturdays 9:00

Mike’s Music & Dance Barn Mondays Country Dance Lessons Saturdays Mike’s Smooth Country Band Special Events: Second Fridays - Ballroom Dance March 4 Terry Lee - Rock-a-boogie March 18 Ryan Spear Band March 25 Sincerely Elvis (Travis Albertson) Starting in April: First and Third Fridays Singles Dance Info 812-988-8636 www.thedancebarn.com

Salt Creek Golf Retreat 19th Hole Bar Music Fridays and Saturdays March 4 JD Dunfee March 5 Rubber Revolver Beatles Tribute Band

36 Our Brown County • March/April 2011

Medieval St. Patrick’s Day March 12, FigTree Gallery and Coffee Shop in Helmsburg, 11:00-4:00 Soc. for Creative Anachronism. Bagpiping with Kevin Konetzka and Friends Irish Music by Maria Olohan and Friends Archery Contest / Haggis Toss Medieval Dancing Fighting Demonstrations, Fiber Arts and more. Murray Sword and Knife Exhibit Serving Irish Coddle Stew and Soda Bread


OTHER ACTIVITIES:

Admission is Free Info 812-988-1375 www.figtreegallery.com

Brown County Art Guild Info (812) 988-6185 bcartguild@sbcglobal.net bcartguild.com

Fire House Bazaar March 19-20, Jackson Twp Fire Dept. Helmsburg, Sat. 9:00-3:00, Sun. Noon-4:00 Vendors, gifts, arts, crafts, food and more.

17th Annual Victorian Tea April 10, Brown County Art Gallery, 2:00-4:30 Authentic Victorian Tea fundraiser Door prizes, raffle items, and favors By reservation only (due April 6) Info 812-988-4609 www.browncountyartgallery.org

Daughters of the Regiment Opera April 15, High School Auditorium 1:00 and 7:00 Production by Indianapolis Opera Ensemble, Dance Kaleidoscope, and Van Buren Elementary students.

26th Annual Wildflower Foray April 22-24, Special hikes, identifications, art, and fun! This annual event focuses on wildflower census in a variety of settings. Hikes vary in length and difficulty. Info www.tcsteele.org click on wildflower foray link. Park’s Nature Center 812-988-5240 or T.C. Steele Site 812-988-2785

Moment by Moment, Breath by Breath Yoga Retreat April 28-May 1, Abe Martin Lodge River Light Yoga and Amanda McMaine Info 812-988-YOGA (9642)

Bucks & Does Square Dance 23rd Annual Antique Tractor and Farm Machinery Show April 29-May 1, 4-H Fairgrounds Over 100 vintage antique tractors, farm machines, lawn and garden tractors on display. See a working sawmill powered by a steam engine, burr mill grinding corn meal and other demonstrations. Country music, flea market, arts and crafts. Children’s activities include: · Free pedal tractor pull at 3:00 Sat. Free Power Ranger Jump House Sat. Free Barrel Rides throughout the day on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Info 317-534-7753

Historical Society Building SR 135 N March 18, 8:00-10:30 April 1 and 15, 8:00-10:30 Abe Martin Lodge in the State Park March 11, 8:00-10:00 April 22, 8:00-10:00

Brown County Art Gallery Now-June 4 Artists Assoc. Spring Exhibit April featured artist: Chris Ardelean April 10 Victorian Tea April 16-May 1 Mabl B. Annis Student Art Exhibit with reception April 17, 2:00-3:30 Info 812-988-4609 www.browncountyartgallery.org

Taste of Brown County April 29 & 30, Downtown Nashville Offers a sampling of the many delicious restaurants in Brown County

Indiana Wine Fair April 30, Story, Indiana Largest wine event in Southern Indiana. More than 30 Indiana Wineries represented. 12:30-7:00 Info: 800-881-1183, www.storyinn.com

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

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

March/April 2011 • Our Brown County 37


Wildflower Foray April 22–24, 2011

S

~by Andrea deTarnowsky

pring is always a treat in Brown County, but the annual Wildflower Foray provides a special incentive to get outdoors and smell the flowers—literally and figuratively. Best of all, participants get to enjoy themselves and do a good deed at the same time. The Wildflower Foray is always held on the first full weekend in April. In 2011, those dates—April 22–24—coincide with Easter weekend, a time when many families get together. The Wildflower Foray is a three-day, family-oriented celebration of natural history and the arrival of spring. Wildflowers are the stars of the seasonal show, but birdwatchers and others are not left out. Activities this year will include wildflower hikes and programs, birding, an evening program with owls, a boat trip on Lake Monroe, “wildflower yoga,” a nature photography workshop for kids, and much more.

courtesy photo

About that good deed…Fun as it is, the Foray has a serious underlying purpose. Participants on wildflower hikes help create a spring wildflower census. Everything in bloom is counted and identified, and the data collected helps build a database to monitor wildflowers and habitat. The wildflower census began in 1983, so now there is nearly three decades of information to give a broad view of change over time. The event has grown from a one-day count to a three-day event designed to mix pleasure and education with the serious business of monitoring and documenting the area’s wonderful natural areas. Hikes have spread out from Brown County to include parts of Monroe County as well. Hike and program leaders, many of them respected professionals in their fields, donate their services. For information about the Wildflower foray, contact T.C. Steele State Historic Site, (812) 988-2785, or email <tcsteele@bloomington.in.us> . 

Serving Brown County FREE in-store demos!

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

38 Our Brown County • March/April 2011

McDonald’s ®

501 E. SR 46 Nashville, IN.


Earth Day

Celebration

April 30, 2011

B

rown County residents can enjoy a local celebration of Earth Day 2011 on April 30. Several local organizations working in partnership will provide a variety of activities for the whole family. Brown County Solid Waste (our local recycle center) will be open from 8 am through 2 pm and offer, in addition to its usual services, shredding, disposal of old medicines, and electronic recycling. Brown County Soil and Water Conservation, Purdue Extension, Brown County Parks and Recreation, Brown County YMCA, and St. David’s Green team will help to provide children activities, information displays from local environmental groups as well as solar energy demonstrations at the YMCA from 10 am to 4 pm. For more information contact Solid Waste at (812) 988-0140 Soil and Water (812) 988-2211 Purdue Extension at (812) 988-5495 

Salted Nuts R d Roasted Daily

C Cinnamon Roasted Almonds & Pecans

C ashe ncy Mix epitas Peanuts Cashews, Fancy Mix, P Pepitas, Delicious Candies - Homemade Fudge Mail Orders - 812-988-7480

S.Van Buren (Shopper's Lane) Nashville

Flavors of MARDI GRAS (Brown County Style)

“N

March 5, 2011

o need to hop a plan or train to New Orleans this year,” said event chair Janice Cassiday at a recent planning meeting. Brown County Literacy Coalition invites you to Let the good times roll in beautiful downtown Nashville, Indiana on March 5. From 3-6 pm participate in a “family friendly” parade and enjoy Cajun foods, southern-style beverages, Dixieland jazz music at Coachlight Theater, and seek your good fortune all downtown. At 8 pm, come to a Zydeco Dance Party at Brown County Inn with music by Mojo Gumbo, where Kings Cakes, coffees, a cash bar, silent auction, prizes and spirited dancing will complete your Mardi Gras experience. Costumes are encouraged! Contact Brown County Literacy Coalition for tickets (988-6960 or literacy_coalition@yahoo.com) Tickets are priced at $20 for entry to daytime events, $25 for the Zydeco Dance Party. Proceeds from this event benefit Brown County Literacy Coalition. We are an organization of volunteers providing free tutoring services for children and adults in reading, writing, language arts, math and GED preparation. 

Reliable Vintage Everything You Want • Nothing You Need

• Photography • Fine Cameras • Estate Jewelry • Pre-1984 Audio • Vintage Watches • Antique Curiosities

Home of Harriet the Cat

Est. 1908

49 E. Main St. • Nashville, IN 812-988-1199 • reliablevintage@gmail.com

March/April 2011 • Our Brown County 39


40 Our Brown County • March/April 2011


Old-Timer

Y

~by Henry Swain

ou are an “old-timer” if you remember when:

• Bread first came sliced and wrapped. • Any food that got frozen was thrown out. • You could buy a new Chevy for $450. • Radio and movies were our principal entertainment. You went to the double feature movie on Wednesday nights for 15 cents and the coupon from the monthly program listings. • Almost all drugstores had soda fountains with round topped stools at the bar. • Cars had cranks on them for starting if the battery was low. • Cities had street cars powered by overhead electrical wires that would spark in bad weather. How the coming of World War II ended city trolleys and the cars were sold for scrap metal as well as the rails. How streetcars were replaced by busses powered by the wires. They were called trackless trolleys. • You heard an airplane you ran outside to look at it. • Women and girls bought new Easter outfits as their rite of spring. • Horses began to be replaced with tractors. • In cities and towns milk, groceries and ice were delivered to your door. • Most local blacksmiths and buggy whip manufacturers went out of business. • If you were a farmer, you welcomed the joy of getting electricity and retiring the Coleman lantern. • Newspapers were read, then saved to be used in birdcages, to start fires, to be spread under the parlor rug, or used as wallpaper to keep out the cold. • Only the state and national highways were paved • 3.2 beer came in after prohibition was nullified. • In small towns you could park on the wrong side of the street facing on-coming traffic. • Women had limited occupational choices: teacher, nurse, store clerk, secretary, librarian, seamstress or beautician. • Stores were closed on Sunday while the churches were open. Continued on 45

in Brown County

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$159* (2 nights/ Sun.–Wed. arrival) $199* (2 nights/ Friday arrival) $189* (2 nights/ Thurs. or Sat. arrival) indoor pool board games playground miniature golf basketball On-site: game room tennis courts volleyball horseshoes shuffleboard bocce ping-pong Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge 3 blocks to Nashville’s 200+Shops,

Nearby: Galleries, Restaurants and Theaters

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

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)

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March/April 2011 • Our Brown County 41


Ways of Looking in March

~by Jim Eagleman

It was evening all afternoon, it was snowing and it was going to snow; the blackbird sat in the cedar limbs.

Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird—Wallace Stevens

M

arch is that in-between time flanked by severe cold and balmy winds—it could rain, snow, storm, or be pleasant. Keep the extra clothes and boots handy, and be on the lookout. A Hoosier poet once claimed he missed spring when he went to the movies one afternoon. Abe Martin says, “Spring is the time o’ year a young man’s thoughts turn to love, and his father’s to planting.” Wallace Stevens anticipates one more snow storm as he scans the skies for blackbirds.

In class, a meticulous professor once told us that spring is the “real decider.” He had just lectured on Limiting Factors, things that determine if wildlife will live or die. Starvation, disease, predation, accidents, hunting, and cold weather can have an effect and limit a species, be it cardinals, deer, or snails. “By the time spring gets here,” he said, “it’s only the strongest that make it.” Harsh winter and prolonged cold, coupled with little food, will decrease surplus populations. “…if they can last til ‘green-up’, they may have a chance.” With every trip to the wood pile this winter, I disturbed more mice

Homestead

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42 Our Brown County • March/April 2011

Open 11 to 5 most days

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nests of bark and wood shavings than usual. Now they’ll get amnesty and less hassle from me as weather warms. I watched a few mother mice nursing and they moved about with babies still attached; it made me recall the white-footed mouse is active all winter, and one of the most prolific of rodent breeders. With large eyes, ears, and a long tail, the white-footed is found in brushy places, log piles, and protected leaf litter. This tiny creature climbs, gallops, and tunnels in the snow to reach its caches of seeds and nuts. It jumps and shows all four foot prints, like a miniature rabbit track in the snow with no tail marks. When walking, a dragging tail mark connects the tracks. Researchers tell us they tap their feet, perhaps to announce territory, and make a buzzing “song” and an occasional whistle. A close cousin, the deer mouse in the same genus, Peromyscus, is now named the prairie deer mouse in some texts. My newest field guide, Mammals of Indiana is written by mammalogist and good friend,

John O. Whitaker, Jr. John further differentiates mice by comparing skull sizes and teeth. “Both species of Peromyscus can be separated from other Indiana mice by having two rows of cusps on the grinding surfaces of the cheek teeth and no grooves on the anterior surface of the incisors,” he says. This should help in your next inspection of the mice in your woodpile. (When you’re lucky to have them side-byside, ask them to say “ahhhh….!”) John’s guide made me realize how exact and perceptive biologists have to be when identifying similar species. I spent time with some “hotshot” birders recently and learned a few things. As I suspected, they were determined to get proper identification of an unknown specie before moving on. Attention to detail is a similar trait shown by my college professor, Dr. Whitaker, and many nature lovers. Not wanting to make a wrong call, my birder friends adjusted their binoculars and yelled out field marks while one in the group consulted field guides. After identification, the discussion eventually included many sightings

of winter hawks perched along roadways where they scanned the ground for mice. The Red-tailed is by far the largest and most commonly seen. It “decides” if the mouse lives or dies. Upon spotting the hawk, and sure of their i.d., they simply yelled out “Tail!” I asked if there were thirteen ways to look at a Red-Tailed and got puzzled looks. Since December 22, the shortest day of the year, we notice a slow warming trend and more daylight. Wild creatures adjusting to cold now get a reprieve and respond to new stimuli. On-going and often undetected, the natural world proceeds around us, influenced by weather, environments, and limiting factors. We notice (and enjoy) the change, either with eager anticipation or gradual acceptance. The “muddy month of March” is here and we can put away snow shovels. Enjoy this “in-between time”—there’s a lot to see! Go to: <www.in.gov/dnr/ parklake/2420.htm> and click under Brown County Events for upcoming spring activities at Brown County State Park. 

Pottery by Larry Spears

Original designs in precious metal clays accented with lampwork beads and semi-precious stones Classes available year-round in: PMC Clays, Jewelry Techniques and Wire Wrapping OPEN ALL YEAR · TUESDAY–SUNDAY · 10 –5 1650 Salt Creek Rd · Nashville, IN 47448 · 812-988-8378

ARTISTS – CHERI and DALLAS PLATTER

www.cheriplatter.com

Open Daily 10–5

5110 St. Rd. 135 S. • Nashville, IN 47448 (on your way to Story) • 812.988.1287 Shop on-line, too, at www.spearsgallery.com

March/April 2011 • Our Brown County 43


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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

44 Our Brown County • March/April 2011

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)


BONE APPETIT BAKERY For Dogs

• Quality all-natural treats since 1997 • Over 20 wholesome varieties from low-fat to wheat and corn free • Fancy Gourmet and Seasonal Snacks • Barkingood Boutique

Bring this ad get a FREE bag of DOGS WELCOME! (812) 988-0305 natural dog treats 211 S. Van Buren St. (behind Shell station) with your $10 purchase www.barkingood.com

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

Sunday thru Thursday Discounts Complimentary Coffee

OLD-TIMER continued from 41 • Saturday night was the main shopping time of the week. • Telegrams usually bought bad news. • Rural telephones were usually four-party lines and the most knowledgeable person in the community was the telephone operator. • Space travel was a comic strip called Buck Rogers. • Your doctor made house calls. • We partnered radio entertainment with our imaginations. • The greatest sporting event was the state high school basketball tournament. • Gasoline was ten cents a gallon. • The service station owner would check your oil and wash your windshield while he filled your tank and if you weren’t in a hurry he would check your tires. • World Fairs were destinations for long planned family vacations. • Prosperity was “Just around the corner.” • Teenagers actually talked with the town marshal. • Discipline was not much of a problem in schools. • Air conditioning was an opened window or a hand fan with funeral parlor advertising on it waiting for you on the church pew. • Women’s swimsuits were all one piece. • People would stop to pick up a penny left on the sidewalk. • Neon signs were the newest thing in electric advertising. • Many business contracts were made with a handshake as collateral. It is good to put some these recollections in perspective. Day labor wages were $ .60 cents to $1.25 an hour. If you were to make a list such as this, 100 years from now, what would you put in it? 

LODGE on the MOUNTAIN Cottage Accommodations in the Heart of Nashville

Innkeeper 812-720-0222

Bob & Chris Kirlin 26 Honeysuckle Ln. • Nashville, IN

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Two Secluded Guest Rooms Overlooking a Private Lake

Convenient to Nashville/Bloomington

LS

A SPECI

FRI.&SAT.—BUY ONE get 2nd 1/2 OFF SUN.–THURS.—BUY ONE get ONE FREE (Excludes Sept.–Nov.)

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March/April 2011 • Our Brown County 45


Lost in Wood:

The O’Donnell Classical Institute Ryan Bishop is studying under the Institute’s two year Full Time Apprenticeship Program. photos by Greg Clarke

R

~by Julia Pearson

andall O’Donnell, a nationally known master craftsman of Early American furniture reproductions, has worked with wood for the past 35 years and currently makes his home in Nashville. His work includes some of the finest examples of furniture in Baroque and early Rococo style. Studying form and details of original pieces in museums and private collections, O’Donnell learned from the 18th Century masters. He has contributed to books and magazines on the subject of fine furniture making. A video exhibit of his woodworking techniques is currently on display at the Milwaukee Art Museum and several of his chairs can be found in the museum’s Chair Park.

46 Our Brown County • March/April 2011

His eyes twinkle as he relates how his grandparents would give him a hammer and nails and let him pound to his three-year-old heart’s content in a closet. The closet’s floor ended up covered in nail heads. For two years of “total bliss,” he lost himself in the wood to create a rare Chippendale mahogany card table—finishing it in 2000. Known as the Thomas Willing table after its first owner, the original 1759 table was commissioned in Philadelphia by the furniture maker Garvan Carver. Auctioned at Sotheby’s New York and bought by the Chipstone Foundation in 1991, the Thomas Willing card table brought worldwide recognition to this American artist/craftsman. When visiting O’Donnell’s workshop, a striking quality is the quiet. Hand tools are used to make pieces


using the same techniques as the finest American urban shops of the 18th Century. All lumber handling, from choosing and sawing the lumber to kiln drying, is done by the craftsman. All surfaces are hand-scraped; mortise and tenon joints and dovetails are all hand-cut; and hand-carving is employed for each shell, leg, ball, and claw foot. The O’Donnell Classical Institute was recently formed to continue the art and skills of fine furniture making. It is located in the woodworking shop in the back of 46 East Gould Street. Classical woodworking techniques are integral to all the programs. Groundwork for contemporary or traditional woodworking is provided in the categories of joinery, carving, and turning. Study of furniture history, finishing, and design aesthetics are included and an extensive library is available. The Institute offers several courses of study. The Full Time Apprenticeship Program lasts two years and takes the student to a higher level of furniture making by providing the necessary skills for a career in woodworking. It appeals to students who are passionate about the skills and materials that create the highest quality furniture/objects. The curriculum includes: the use of hand tools; proper machinery use; carving—bas relief, intaglio, in the round, and sculpting; turning—spindle and face plate; furniture construction and finish restoration; and design and drafting skills. There is also a less intensive Ten Month Master Course accommodating students who have their own woodworking shops and can make frequent trips to the Institute for one-on-one guidance. Applications for both courses are available on-line at the O’Donnell Classical Institute website <www.furnitureclasses. com>. There is also a portfolio of O’Donnell’s work and links to woodworking video demonstrations. Ryan Bishop, a young man from Valliant, Oklahoma, came to Nashville right out of high school two years ago to enter the apprentice program. From the time he was five years old, Ryan was hanging out in the woodshop of his grandfather, Floyd Bishop. Ryan watched his grandfather turn out moldings, kitchen cabinets, and some furniture. Ryan knew his career compass was pointing to learning 18th Century furniture making. He researched available school programs that providing dedication to excellence and precision. He applied and was accepted Continued on 48

Downtown Nashville

Gift Cards and Custom Printed Gift Certificates

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Ask about our Spring Specials 812-988-0300 or 888-383-0300

CornerstoneInn.com March/April 2011 • Our Brown County 47


INSTITUTE continued from 47 into the equally prestigious programs at the Furniture Institute of Massachusetts located in Beverly, Massachusetts, and the North Bennett Street School in Boston, Massachusetts. Ryan remarks that he called every school in North America. He selected the Classical Institute’s two-year program because of the finer detail he recognized in Randall O’Donnell’s work. Ryan credits his parents, Billy and Tammy Bishop, for their support to embark on such an in-depth program over 800 miles from home. His day starts when he rises at six in the morning and his mind is already filled with fine furniture details. A fitness buff, he runs several miles a day and returns to the shop for hands-on work, or travels with O’Donnell to study close-up examples of fine pieces in museums and private collections. On display in the Traditional Arts Building is Bishop’s “final exam”—a “valuables chest” inspired by an antique made in the “blockfront style.” Incorporated in the design are many of the details of its ancestor: exposed fine dovetailing,

the use of mahogany for drawer sides and back (instead of the more common pine or poplar), hand-carved beaded dovetailed drawer blades and molding, the undulating drawer front façade, and the Newport style shells capping the vertical elements. The wood is Amazonian mahogany and the brasses are English hand-made. Visitors are welcome to visit the O’Donnell Classical Institute, talk to Ryan Bishop and other students, and see work in progress. To see more of O’Donnell’s work and for further information, visit the website <www.randallodonnell.com>.  Ryan Bishop’s final exam is on display at the Historical Society’s Traditional Arts Building on Gould Street in Nashville.

48 Our Brown County • March/April 2011


Michael’s Massage Michael Rebman, Certified Therapist

the

Inn & Restaurant

A Charming 19th Century Style Inn and Restaurant

• 20 Guest Rooms, 3 Suites with Whirlpool Baths • Banquet and Conference Rooms for Retreats or Parties • Gift Certificates Available • Free Guest Parking Serving Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

104 South Jefferson St. • Nashville by appointment only

812-371-6311, 317-501-3645 www.michaels-massage.com

Since 1981 • Open 362 Days a Year

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

Quality Gifts & Collectibles including distinctive hand-painted Brown County ornaments

Breakfast Buffet 7:30 am–10:30 am “Early Bird” Specials Mon.–Thurs. 3–5 pm At the corner of Van Buren and Franklin Streets in Nashville, Indiana

812-988-0600 • 800-737-0255

artistscolonyinn.com

Artists Colony Shops Featuri toys on ASTRA’s Featuring 2010 B Best Toys for Kids List

Friendly, knowledgeable staff We ship every day Visit our website www.CarolsCrafts.com E-mail: Sales@CarolsCrafts.com 800-345-6388

Artists Colony Shops, S. Van Buren St., Nashville

AB Brown County Tradition Bro Located in the Artists Colony Shops 125 S. Van Buren St. – Nashville, IN www.browncountytoychest.com

Since 1972

March/April 2011 • Our Brown County 49


America’s First Leprechaun ~by Gunther Flumm

T

he first leprechaun to ever step foot on North American soil was Flannigan O’Flumm with the St. Brendan expedition in 900 A.D. Better known as Flanny Flumm, he was a stowaway, of course, and planted his first pot of gold in what is now the state of Indiana in Brown County near Nebo Ridge on top of Browning Mountain, or under Lake Monroe, or out by Bean Blossom, Trevlac, Helmsburg, or Bellsville. The Rune records ain’t all that clear on the particulars. Pots of Flanny’s could be in all them places and probably are according to my tourist treasure maps I sell. Back in Ireland Flanny had been a snake-oil salesman by profession. It was St. Patty himself who ruined O’Flumm’s career by removing the serpents supply leaving him little choice but immigration. Although

discovered on board the ship soon after leaving the Emerald Isle, he was a leprechaun and with his ability to produce pots of gold at the end of rainbows he could finance the entire expediton. Of course, if there were no rainbows in America, he was a goner. Unless there were snakes. Many undecipherable Runes found throughout our Brown County describe vividly Flanny’s adventures and can be seen scratched on our hills and valleys. He was Nashville’s first in our long unbroken line of snake-oil salesmen and the first to introduce green alcohol to the Indians. He etched instructions for makin’ apple butter and deep fried biscuits for Johnny Appleseed and Abe Martin in that order. Salt Creek and the State Park were originally his ideas and Gnaw

Bone and Stonehead were based on several of his peculiarities. Although some claim as a Flumm he went native, the pot of Wannabe Indians can trace their philosophical lineage to his unfulfillable aspirations. Why there’s no limit to our indebtedness to his influences both small and wide. There are even rumors around that he turned sunshine into moonshine. March 17th is celebrated hereabouts as the day O’Flumm vanished or was banished depending how them Runes are read. But the question often asked the Flumm family is how did he get to Brown County in the first place and why? Well he found it, of course, the same way all them famous artists did centuries later. Our Brown County is the other end of the rainbow! 

June 4 & 5, 2011, 10 am to 4 pm

Brown County Log Cabin & Country Home Tour Tickets: $15 for adults; $7 for children under 12; free under age 2

Rain or Shine!

Sponsored by Brown County Psi Iota Xi philanthropic sorority. All proceeds benefit local speech and hearing, art, literacy, and music projects and college scholarships.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Brown County Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 753-3255. For complete details, see our web site at www.logcabintour.com 50 Our Brown County • March/April 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!

Fine Pipes and Tobaccos Themed T-Shirts Premium Cigars Great Gifts for Guys

The Comfort Inn Beautiful Nashville, Indiana Gold Award Hotel 75 Chestnut Street

Spring fling Spring g is here h and d you should be too! Nestled in Brown own County minutes from downtow downtown. Call for your Spring Fling stay.

(812) 988-6118 • 800-4-choice • www.SpragueHotels.com Whirlpool Rooms Available Free Internet Hot Breakfast

Old Colonial Bldg. North Van Buren St. in Nashville 812.988.6590

March/April 2011 • Our Brown County 51


The Mailbox

~by Henry Swain

M

ost people who live in rural America get their mail via a mailbox. In earlier times the mailbox was a social connection with the outside world. Patrons would often wait at the box to chat with the carrier and perhaps buy stamps. The carriers had to be frugal in their conversations without being impolite, lest they not be able to complete their rounds in the allotted time. Some mailboxes have on the inside wall, a small lidless container slightly larger than a matchbox in which coins can be placed for buying stamps. It was fastened so that it swiveled allowing the carrier to invert it so that the coins fell into the carrier’s hand. My memory goes back to a time when a three cent stamp would mail a letter and postcards cost a penny.

THE FIREPLACE CENTER

Complete line of: • Wood Stoves and Inserts • Gas Stoves and Inserts • Fireplaces

Did Franklin Roosevelt foresee how expensive the hobby of stamp collecting might become? Stamps once got some kids interested in geography. The cost of collecting those stamps may be more expensive than purchasing a new Global Positioning System. There are federal regulations regarding the placing of your mailbox. It should be 38 to 42 inches from the roadway to the bottom of the box with the box number showing on the box or on the post. It is often difficult to maintain the height distance for the daily track-wear of the tires tends to alter the original height. Spring thaw is often the culprit. If the distance becomes too great the carrier can ask you to add stone to the track. After many years of yanking on the lid, some boxes develop a serious lean forward. So coins won’t stay in the box. One carrier finally requested a remedy after the patron started putting a small rock under the edge of a plate to level it for the coins. The dish would sometimes come out with the yank on the lid. The carrier registered a complaint and the patron had to re-set the box to level. Compliance to a request to make changes to your

Antiques and Fine Gifts Discover a Casual Elegance

Your first step to Energy INDEPENDENT LIVING 812-336-2053 1-800-344-3967 1210 W. 2nd St. Bloomington TheFireplaceCenter.net

52 Our Brown County • March/April 2011

Home of the Unique and Unusual

4741 E. SR 46 Bloomington • 812-332-5662 20 minutes from Brown County “Your friends in the house by the side of the road”


mailbox is not a problem because the Post Office will hold your mail until it is fixed. A few years ago we created a road that served several dwellings. I suggested to the postmaster that it would be a saving to the carrier to have the route changed to include this new road because it created a loop with another road that paralleled it. Doing so would eliminate two re-traces and shorten the route. He investigated and denied the change because the new road at one point crested a steep hill leaving an unsafe blind spot for oncoming traffic. I had a dozer come and lower the road so that it conformed. It was then accepted. There are now available vertical green signs with illuminated white numbers that can be attached to the posts and are especially helpful at night in locating your house in case of emergency fire or ambulance runs. Many rural carriers have four wheel drive vehicles and some with right-hand drive steering. What are some of the hazards they face? Probably most serious is the merging into traffic on heavily traveled state highways. There are seasonal hazards like mushy roads during spring thaw, and winter snow-drifts left by the snow plows. When we first came to Brown County our carrier had accumulated thirty years of experience. He recalled delivering mail in Model T Fords and by horse and buggy. Many back roads lacked bridges and crossing streams in high water were gambles in judgment. There are still a few creek crossings without bridges, but our carriers now are better equipped to deal with them. 

Muddy Boots

- 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

Bean Blossom • 988-4629

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

Country Mouse Weaving Studio

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

Joan Haab Hand Woven Chenille Designer Garments 7965 Rinnie Seitz Road • Nashville, IN • (812) 988-7920 Open Weds., Thurs., Fri. and by appointment

March/April 2011 • Our Brown County 53


Reel Tyme String Band’s New CD

Re e l Tyme Lonesome Town Lone some Town

1. The Railroad Days

Norman Blake: Flying Fish Publishing 3:05

2. There Ain't No Train

Jann Browne / Pat Gallagher: Sony/ATV Publishing / Joe Moore Music

3. Lonesome Town

Chris Bryan: Rusty Galoot Music 2:53

4. You Ain't Down Home

B

Jamie O'Hara: Sony / ATV Cross Keys Publishing 3:21

2:48

S t r i n g B a n d

Chris Bryan - Guitar, Vocals ~by MarkDan Blackwell Harden - Banjo, Vocals Ric Hedrick - Guitar Brandon Lee - Mandolin, Guitar, Fiddle Loretta Vinson - Bass, Vocals Special Guest: Carolyn Dutton - Fiddle

5. Away From You County has been home to and rown Chris Bryan: Rusty Galoot Music 2:53

Re e l Tyme S t r i n g B a n d

inspired a lot of musicians down through 6. Pine Mountain

Airtimeamong Recording Studio the years. I can well imagine that © 2010 Rusty Galoot Music Produced By Reel Tyme String Band the necessities carted here by the first settlers Bobby Charles: WB Music Corp. OBO Street People Songs 3:39 Recorded at Airtime Recording Studio 8275 N. Fishand Road, Bloomington, IN you would find more than a few fiddles 8. Mental Breakdown Recording Engineers: David Weber & Chip Reardin Brandon Lee: Lee Boy Music 3:47 Photography Used By Permission: maybe even a banjo or two. WeCover have accounts of 9. I Can't Find Your Love Anymore Karl Martz Gallery / Photographer Unknown Artwork and Layout by Jeff & Doug Harden music being played at the Old Settlers Reunions. Hazel Dickens: Happy Valley Music 2:56 10. Risen Grave ThereFrom areThe photographs and newspaper accounts Chris Bryan, Daniel Harden, Joe Henderson: Rusty Galoot Music 2:56 of Doc and Diner Biesel, a musical duo who 11. Heaven Jason Wilber: Bugit Music/ Music 4:24 made allEveryday theRainway to the Vaudeville circuit. In 12. Take My Hand the 1930s the Brown County Jamboree barn was Chris Bryan: Rusty Galoot Music 2:35 up and For running with first rate country music acts. More Information: http://www.reeltymestringband.com Weber Harden Jr., Douglas Harden: Bridge Builder Music 2:39

7. Tennessee Blues

prod. master: sales order: acct mgr: artist: bus. rel.: contact: ofa date:

Dan Harden, Chris Bryan, Loretta Vinson, Brandon Lee, and Rick Hedrick. courtesy photo

Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys played there many times and in the 1950s Bill bought the park and continued the tradition of square dances and live concerts. In 1967 he started the Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival and established Brown County as a destination for Bluegrass fans and musicians from all over the world. And when you combine the expertise of professional Bluegrass bands past and present with native Brown County talent you get some mighty tasty homegrown Bluegrass bands.

54 Our Brown County • March/April 2011

One very notable example is the “Reel Tyme String Band” and they have a new CD entitled; “Lonesome Town”. The band consists of Chris Bryan on guitar and vocals (he also wrote four of the songs on the album). Dan Harden does the banjo pickin’ and vocals. Rick Hedrick lays down the rhythm line on guitar. Brandon Lee appears to be the “utility” man, playing mandolin, guitar, and fiddle. Loretta Vinson plays bass and keeps the vocals on firm country footing. And special guest Carolyn Dutton adds great bluesy/jazzy fiddle licks. They have been together now for about six years but the members report that they have all been playin’ music since Moses was in third grade. “Lonesome Town” consists of twelve songs, five of which are original tunes—the other seven are masterful covers of songs


written by folks such as Jann Browne, Hazel Dickens, Norman Blake, and Jason Wilbur. They kick things off with a Norman Blake song—“The Railroad Days”, a beautiful lament for times past. Staying in the train vein the band jumps right into “There Ain’t No Train” with good vocals by Loretta Vinson with some great train inspired fiddle work. The third tune is the title track “Lonesome Town”, a rousing song about finding the nerve to deal with an adverse domestic situation. Loretta takes the vocals again on “You Ain’t Down Home” a cautionary tale about getting above your raisin’. Number five is a bluesy song that would be right at home in Johnny Cash’s repertoire. I especially liked the unhurried instrumental breaks by Carolyn on fiddle and Dan Harden on banjo. Dan tells me that his dad wrote track six, “Pine Mountain” but I could believe it if he had told me John Prine or John Hartford had written it. It’s a great song about the travesty of coal mining by mountain top removal. Things slow down a little bit on track seven with a pretty waltz called “Tennessee Blues”. I like the title of the instrumental on track eight, “Mental Breakdown”, it puts me in mind of what the Bluegrass Boys called Bill Monroe’s tour bus—the Bluegrass Breakdown. A great Hazel Dickens song, “I Can’t Find Your Love Anymore”, is rendered by Loretta on track nine. The albums ends up with a couple of gospel songs and a Jason Wilbur (Jason backed up John Prine forever) song that sounds like it was written for this band. Track number ten is “Risen From The Grave” written by band member Chris Bryan. It’s as good a gospel tune as you could want (Doyle Lawson eat your heart out). Number eleven, “Heaven” is the Jason Wilbur tune. It’s a real pretty song about what Heaven might really be like. The album ends on a strong note with a song that Bill and Charlie Monroe could have done but it’s another Chris Bryan song called “Take My Hand”. Generally speaking, all it takes to put together a great album is good, strong musicianship, catchy songs and heartfelt vocals. The “Reel Tyme String Band” definitely satisfies the criteria and they have a great album. I don’t have any information about upcoming shows but you can catch the band at various venues around the county, just keep checking “Our Brown County”. In the mean time you can pick up their album “Lonesome Town” at Weed Patch Music, Eden Outfitters, and the Bill Monroe Memorial Music Park Museum. 

The Harvest Dining Room

EASTER SUNDAY in Brown County

Sunday, April 24 Breakfast Buffet

8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Adults $12, Children (5 to 11) $7 Home-Baked Biscuits and Gravy Fluffy Scrambled Eggs with Toppings Bar Bacon Strips, Sausage Links Home-Fried Potatoes w/ sweet onions & peppers Banana-Maple French Bread Toast Giant Belgian Waffles with Fruit Toppings Robin’s HomeBaked Bread Pudding Hot Oatmeal, Dry Cereals, Bagels and Muffins Sliced Fresh Fruits & Melons,Tropical Fruits Compote Cinnamon Rolls and Danish Pastries

Brunch Buffet

11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Adults $19, Children (5 to 11) $8 Chuckwagon Soup & Salad Bar Fried Biscuits and Apple Butter Carved Baked Hoosier Hams and Roast Beef au jus Homebaked Spinach, Swiss and Bacon Quiche Our Famous Fried Chicken, Real Mashed Potatoes Country Style Green Beans, Baked Vegetable Lasagna Grilled Fresh Atlantic Salmon Fresh Mixed Vegetable Stir-Fry Robin’s HomeBaked Bread Pudding Fruit Cobbler, Fresh Strawberry Shortcake Chocolate Obsession Cake

Colored Eggs and Easter Candies

Drawings for Giant Easter Baskets and Stuffed Animals (for children up to age 12) Single table seating for up to 15 persons

Reservations: 812-988-2291 or 800-772-5249 or e-mail info@browncountyinn.com

Brown County Inn

Two Blocks South of Downtown Nashville, IN S.R. 46 East

March/April 2011 • Our Brown County 55


Massage • Intuitive • Healer

Estate Jewelry Antiques Paintingg

Linda Thomas

Licensed Massage Therapist Over 20 Years of Experience

Couples Massage • Readings Girlfriends Weekend Specials

Things you can’t find anywhere else! 39 E. Franklin St. (next to train) in Nashville

812-988-6707 • 812-327-3791

Painting Lessons available, call for times

www.browncountymassage.com

812-988-4091• cathyscorner@att.net

104 South Jefferson Street in Nashville

Also buying estate and vintage jewelry gold and silver (will travel).

If you like us for Lunch you’ll love us for Dinner Lee Edgren MS, ERYT-500

• Vegetarian Specials • Homemade Soups, etc. • From the Grille–Sizzling Steaks, Chops, Salmon • Herbed Baked Chicken • Fresh, Delicious Healthy Garden & Spinach Salads • Homemade Cheesecake & other Scrumptious Desserts • Flavored Ice Teas • Fruit Pizzas • Kiwi & Mango Coolers • Herb Barn Lemonade • Sassafras Tea • Iced Creamy Mochas

Trish Rieke RYT-200 Classes Private Appointments Groups 145 Van Buren Street South Nashville, Indiana

Behind Sweetwater Gallery

812-988-YOGA (9642) riverlightyoga.com

56 Our Brown County • March/April 2011

Serving outstanding evening fare on the patio or inside Tuesday – Saturday • 5 PM – 8 PM

Lunch Every Day •11 AM – 4 PM

Opening in April 812-988-2004


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

www.houseatstonehead.com

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

1292 State Road 135 South Three miles east of Nashville

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

Perfect for group outings!

www.rawhideranchusa.com

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.

812-333-7312 BLOOMINGTON IN BLOOMINGFOODS.COOP

Join now for member-owner savings March/April 2011 • Our Brown County 57


Brown County’s Musical Theater Changes Name ~by Barney Quick

T

he theater in Coachlight Square, an anchor space in Nashville’s night life, will soon have a new name and identity, “The Palace Theatre of Brown County.” Brown County has had musical comedy theater in varying degrees over the years. The core group of Brad Zumwalt, Russell Moss, and Julie Powers have been presenting original shows for the past three years under the Coachlight Theatre name that a previous company had also used for productions. “It just made sense that we would create our own identity,” says Zumwalt. Moss adds that the new name will eliminate any confusion over whether visitors would see “old Coachlight” or “new Coachlight” productions. “The theater had been run by people who did this as a side project,” explains Zumwalt. “We do this as our living. We’re also taking a different view of the talent pool in this area. Every single person working for us has a degree in his or her area of expertise.” Two shows from last year, Platinum Girls and Cowboy Sweethearts, will be presented

58 Our Brown County • March/April 2011

again, and two new shows, It’s Only Temporary, and Forever Vegas, will be presented as well. Zumwalt, Powers, and Moss conceived and developed them all. “We brought the two from last year back because tour bus groups requested it,” says Zumwalt. Those shows have evolved from their original conceptions. “When Platinum Girls opened, it had seven people,” Zumwalt recalls. “We quickly realized we could not maintain shows that large. Downsizing it allowed us to flesh out the characters more. We based their traits on those of the actors and the chemistry has really intensified.” He describes it as “a very physical comedy.” The team is having a great deal of fun developing It’s Only Temporary. “It’s based on an idea some of our actors had,” says Powers. The theme is the outsized aspirations of two young women working as temps in a New York office. One dreams of being a beauty queen and the other wants to star in a reality show. Their attempts to help each other Continued on 60


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.

48 South Van Buren • PO Box 324 • Nashville, IN 47448 (812) 988-6185 • www.BCArtGuild.com

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

March/April 2011 • Our Brown County 59


THE PALACE continued from 58 make for a lot of outrageous situations. One of them designs costumes made out of recycled office supplies. Costumes include a coffee filter dress, a post-it note dress, and a garbage-bag evening gown.

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 60 Our Brown County • March/April 2011

The three owners are delighted with the level of dedication and experience their company players bring to the table. “We’re not students, and we are definitely a for-profit organization. We pay everyone here,” says Zumwalt. “How tight we are as a company is demonstrated by the fact that no cast members have understudies.” The team’s aim is to get visitors to stay in Nashville for extended weekends. “That started happening last year,” Zumwalt says. “People saw one of our shows on Thursday night, and wanted to see our other shows on Friday and Saturday.” The lobby will sport a palace-type feel, and its atmosphere will invite people to have interactive fun, such as taking a turn at the love tester, an old carnival novelty, or listening to a player piano. The box office will open at 2 pm on show days. In addition to its own four shows, the Palace will be the new home for Robert Shaw’s Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash tributes, which have been popular with Brown County visitors. “Robert has a musical theater background, and his band is impeccably tight,” says Zumwalt. “They came to see our new sound system and were blown away. We’ve let him know that this can be his home base.” The Palace team sees its niche as that of a workshop theater. “We have a broader vision than just presenting shows here,” explains Zumwalt. “They may debut here, but we craft them so that they can be done in several cities.” Community involvement is important to the Palace Theatre team. In the past year, it has participated in the Humane Society’s Chocolate Walk, the We Care Gang’s outhouse race, and Christmas caroling. On March 5, it is hosting the Literacy Coalition’s Mardi Gras-themed fundraiser. Education is another aspect of the Palace’s activity. It is partnering with the Literacy Coalition on a program for children that is still being developed. Since the company also operates the BC Supper Club in Boggstown, Indiana, its three guiding forces stay busy. As Moss puts it, “Our social life is our public.” The Palace Theatre of Brown County is located in Coachlight Square at 227 S. Van Buren Street in Nashville, Indiana. Tickets can be purchased on-line at <www.palacetheatreobc.com> or by calling the box office at (812) 988-2101. 


Y��� h��� �w�� �r�� h��� �� S�u����� In�i�n�

• Fully furnished cottages, vacation homes and log cabins – many with hot tubs, seasonal fireplaces, game rooms, outdoor activities, fishing, some pet friendly • Guest Ranch and Lodge accommodates large groups • Families welcome, cozy romantic retreats

• Locations include: views of Brown County State Park and Lake Monroe, in the Village of Nashville, near IU, or secluded in the woods • Weekday specials available online

Vacation Rentals browncountylogcabins.com

812-988-6429 · RATES AND RESERVATIONS ONLINE AT

BrownCountyLogCabins .com

4118 State Road 46 East · 4.5 miles east of the Village of Nashville Office Hours 9 AM–5 PM · Monday through Saturday

Spring Special

y la p & t ou y e m o c , a w Get a

Free 15 minute Sugar Scrub exfoliation back treatment with any 1 hour massage Our newest service — Facial Toning Light Therapy Treatments We pamper each guest in a relaxing atmosphere with our spa treatments and salon services. Our welcoming staff enhances your vacation stay. Gift Cards available · Walk-ins based on availability, tours welcome Save 40% on any spa package Sundays only by appointment

Ethereal E thereal DAY SPA and SALON · IN THE VILLAGE OF NASHVILLE ·

211 S. Van Buren · Camelot Building · 2nd floor Open 6 days a week · 10 am to 7 pm · Sundays by appointment

812.720.9009 · EtherealVillage.com

18 Hole Championship Golf Course Golf Carts with GPS Navigation Systems Driving Range and Fully Stocked Pro Shop

Beautiful on-site lodging

89

$

Overlook Lodge Condominiums Seasonal Outdoor Pool & Hot Tub Brown County Steak & Seafood Company 19th Hole Sports Bar & Grille Conference Facility

weekday rate

Sunday–Thursday with mention of this ad

2359 State Road 46 East 2½ miles east of Nashville

812.988.7888 SaltCreekGolf.com

March/April 2011 • Our Brown County 61


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

62 Our Brown County • March/April 2011


“This is a Nice Place.”

Lunch and Dinner

11 am–7 pm Tues.,Wed.,Thurs. 11 am–8 pm Fri. & Sat. Closed Sun. and Mon.

• Calzones • Gourmet Pizzas • Deli Sandwiches • Speciality Salads • Homemade Soups • Desserts • Carry Out Items For Lodging, Dining, Great Food, Great Service, Meeting Facilities, Indoor Pool

(812) 988-8884 • calzonejones.com Abe’s Alley 145 S. Jefferson, Nashville

Hotels:

Brown County Inn

812-988-2291 • BrownCountyInn.com

The Seasons Lodge

812-988-2284 • SeasonsLodge.com

Restaurants:

The Harvest

at Brown County Inn

Accent Dining

at The Seasons

Nashville House

812-988-4554

The Ordinary

812-988-6166

Also Shop at Antique Alley

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

March/April 2011 • Our Brown County 63


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

$5 OFF ANY SERVICE

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

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TIRE

Brown County Tire 24 hr. Wrecker Service

&

812-988-8473

Auto Repair

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

27 Salt Creek Rd (Intersection SR 46) Nashville BANKING

Big Selection of Ready-Made Frames

Works by Many Area Artists Prints, Originals, and Sculptures

HAIR

GAS / CONVENIENCE

Wild Hair

8461 N. SR 135

The Strength of Big, The Service of Small 189 Commercial Drive, Nashville, IN 47448 812.988.1200

GAS & DIESEL

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

Fountain Drinks Fishing Bait & Equipment Convenience Items

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

EYE CARE

EYE CARE of Brown County

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

HEALTH

VALUABLE COUPON

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

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 04/30/11.

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


Services Directory FURNITURE MAKING NAME YOUR CATEGORY

INSURANCE

ADIRONDACK

Style Furniture

AUSTIN INSURANCE

CRAIG D. AUSTIN Certified Insurance Counselor

by

SR Made to Last

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

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

Right Here in Brown County

BRIGHT & WILLIAMSON

Chairs Rockers Side Tables Footstools

Insurance Agency Auto • Home • Business Health • Life • Bonds

For Info: 812-988-9267

24 N. Jefferson St. • P.O. Box 698 • Nashville, IN 47448

Bob Gredy Sr. (812) 988-2275 fax: 988-7670 home: 988-7185

INSURANCE

LOG HOME SERVICES

AUTO • HOME • LIFE BUSINESS Christy McGinley

146 E. Main St. Redbud Terrace Nashville, Indiana

812-988-6399

cmcginley@farmersagent.com

3497 Clay Lick Rd. • Nashville

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

Jane Gore Realty

Brown County Property Management Locally Established / Internationally Recognized

877-988-4485 Email: margd@remax.net MargAndBrendaTeam.com

Serving Brown County Since 1982 (812) 988-6512 cell: (812) 325-5419

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

www.browncountyhomes.com

Trash Removal

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

Corner of E. Main Street and Artist Dr. in Nashville, IN 47448

WELLNESS

TRASH REMOVAL

Knight’s

(812) 988-2689

RE/MAX Team

“Personalized, Not Franchised”

jane.gore@sbcglobal.net www.janegorerealty.com

• Log Cabin Repairs • Chinking & Repair • New Construction • Cabin Inspections

Brown County YMCA 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


Cyclorama Artist Joseph Birren Spent Time Painting in Brown County

D

uring the late 1800s, long before the Internet and television were even a thought, people still had a desire to “see” history. A creative solution for those times was the cyclorama, the Gettysburg Cyclorama being one of the most famous. A cyclorama is a panoramic painting on the inside of a cylindrical platform, designed to provide a viewer standing in the middle of the cylinder with a 360° view of the painting. The intended effect is to make a viewer feel as if he were standing in the midst of the historic event or famous place. This was a popular form of entertainment in the late 1800s. These massive oil-on canvas paintings were displayed in special auditoriums and often enhanced with landscaped foregrounds sometimes featuring trees, grasses, fences, and even life-sized

~by Joanne Nesbit

Detail of Gettysburg Cyclorama

figures. Viewers stood on a central platform placing them in the center of the scene. In 1885 a French painter with a professional background in cycloramas was hired to paint the Gettysburg battle scene working from sketches and photographs. This was a project too big for a single artist to tackle. Many associates were hired and among those was Joseph Birren, a Chicago native who spent time painting in Brown County. Some were chosen because their expertise was in landscape or skies, or trees. But Birren was chosen because it was said he could make a dead soldier look dead better than any one else. Oddly enough Birren was

born in May of 1864, during the Civil War. And in 1886, due to his reputation, he was commissioned to work on yet another large cyclorama, nearly 365 feet in circumference. More commission work on cycloramas came his way allowing him to work in Australia and Paris. His skills and reputation had grown substantially. As a teen Birren began work in the studio of a Chicago crayon portrait painter as a general handy-boy but there gained experience in doing portrait work from photographs. It was in 1885 that Birren was hired to assist in both the creation and execution of the Gettysburg Cyclorama. After his work on cycloramas he joined the Art Staff of the Chicago Graphic for the entire period of the Chicago World’s Fair and then went into business for himself in 1899, establishing the Graphic Arts Company with Sears, Roebuck as one of his clients. Birren continued in this work until 1916 when he retired from commercial art and began traveling the country producing “art for arts sake.” 

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

66 Our Brown County • March/April 2011

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


March/April 2011 • Our Brown County 67


Our shop is bursting with flavor!

Watch us make… Free box of popcorn with mention of this ad

· Over 20 flavors of our Creamy Fudge · 50 flavors of Gourmet Popcorn · All-natural Gelato and Ice Cream

175 South Van Buren in Possum Trot Complex

812-988-0709 · nashvillefudgekitchen.com


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