FREE
July–August 2016
The Magazine of Fun and Fact The
Thomas Treehouse Bobby Griffith and His Love of Horses
Artist
Diane Wigell Bledsoe
Indiana State Parks 100 Years of Making Memories
Preserving Cemeteries Rita Simon, Volunteer
Woodland Deck At Home in Brown County IN State Fingerstyle Guitar Competition
MAPS • CALENDAR • ARTICLES • PHOTOGRAPHS
Village Green Building Celebrating over 100 years in nashville The Nashville you came to see and love…
Where you can see the work of local artists — whether it’s ice cream, candy and fruit preserves made the old fashioned way or the artwork of local artists and craftsmen. · first floor · Homemade Ice Cream Homemade Candies Homemade Fruit Preserves · second floor · Antiques · Art and Craft Galleries Working studios of local artists
V NA S H I L L E
INDIANA
The Candy Dish
Yes, we really do make it ourselves!
Fine Homemade Chocolate Candies and Fudge Gourmet Caramels Over 50 Flavors of Salt Water Taffy
812.988.0815
812.988.7606
Homemade Ice Cream
Harvest Preserve the
Homemade Fruit Butter Gourmet Food Cookbooks · Cookie Cutters Postcards · Greeting Cards Kitchen Gadgets Galore Giftware · Tea and Teaware
812.988.7606
Functional and Fine Art Made in Indiana
812.988.6675
61 West Main street · nashville, indiana
Rated ★★★★★ on TripAdvisor!
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Brown County at Valley Branch Retreat
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Carmel Ridge Rd
Trafalgar
Nineveh Edinburgh Morgantown 31 37 135 I-65 46 Bloomington Columbus 46 NASHVILLE 252
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church Brownie’s Bean Blossom Restaurant
45
Monroe Music Park & Campground BEAN BLOSSOM
Flower and Herb Barn Farmhouse Café
Plum Creek Antiques Market
Doodles by Kara Barnard
GATESVILLE
Gatesville Store
Rd .
GTON
Cordry Lake
Sprunica Rd.
FRUITDALE
HELMSBURG Farmers’ Market at Lightspinner Studio St. Davids Rid
ge
Dining
NASHVILLE
TO N NG MI
Mike’s Music and Dance Barn Abe Martin Lodge
Brown County State Park
135 STONE HEAD
PIKES PEAK
ELKINSVILLE
Grv
Rd ton Cr k
CHRISTIANSBURG
r
STORY Monroe Reservoir
eXplore Brown County
Rawhide Ranch
la Pop
Lodge on the Mountain T.C. Steele State Historic Site
als d ent ek R . Tire at R l l e n r a n Co etre ue M catio ery alt C 46 S Breoewkside RCo. An’tBiqrown VnaCo. Win Cr rown ills o Brow B H Overlook O Mt lde T to COLUMBUS Lodge . Li im kidscommons ber e GNAW 19th Hole t y R Fle BONE Bar/Grille d aM kt Bear Wallow Distillery
Rd
46
Adventure
Tim ber Cres t
nsburg
to BL OO
BELMONT
Craftsman
Annie Smith Rd.
Rd.
6
Artist and/or Gallery
ch
Old SR 4
Green Valley Lodge Yellowwood Lake
Cox Creek Mill
yB ran
Rd.
Al’s Paint & BodyAl’s Garage
Country Club Rd
Oak Grove
Musical Entertainment
Hamil
Rd.
Lodging
Mike Nickels Log Homes
Christia
Ow l Cr eek
Helm
Butler Winery BLOOMINGTON Dr. Lisa Baker, DDS Fireplace Center Harley-Davidson of Bloomington 4th Street Festival
sburg
Rd
Lan
135
Val le
am
to BL O
OMIN
Vaught Rd.
Clay Lick Rd
Lake Lemon
Martinsville
Franklin
to MORGANTOWN
NASHVILLE MAP ON PAGE 6
135
MORGANTOWN TRAFALGAR Antiques Co-op The Apple Works Sweetwater Art Beyond Crayons Lake GMG Motors Grandpa Jeff’s Trail Rides House of Clocks Las Chalupas Rosey Bolte’s Uncommon Gourd Studio
Upper Bean Blossom
Brown County N
Indianapolis
Bob Allen Rd.
Homestead Weaving Studio Salem’s Good Nature Farm
JEFFERSON STREET
Hoosier Artist
Fallen Leaf Books
HONEYSUCKLE LANE
OLD HICKORY LANE
B3 Gallery
Hobnob Corner
Brown County Art Guild
The Wild Olive
ST SR 135 N
Village Green
Brown Co Winery
Sweet Cozy Living
Head Over Heels
Nashville Candy Store Sports Etc. Be My Guest
Heritage Mall
Spears Pottery Juls Etc.
The Sunshine Shack
House of Jerky
Main Street Shops
Foxfire
MAIN STREET That Sandwich Place
Nashville House
Courthouse
Gold &Old
Touch of Silver
Old McDurbin Gold & Gifts Brown Co Craft Gallery
Log JJail L il
Pioneer Village Museum
LOCUST LANE
Miller’s Ice Cream The Candy Dish The Harvest Preserve
? info
VISITORS CENTER
open M-F8-4
Downtown Cottages & Suites Copperhead Creek Gem Mine
Iris Garden Complex
2016 Quilt Show-Sept. 16-18
GOULD STREET Brown Co. Rock & Fossil Shop
Trolly’s
Brown Co Public Library
Brown Co. History Center
MOUND STREET
Hidden Valley Inn
ROBERT “BUCK” STOGSDILL WAY
TO HELMSBURG - 6 MILES
The Emerald Pencil
Big Woods Village
MOLLY’S LANE
LaSha’s
Men’s Toy Shop
Colonial Bldg.
Carmel Corn Cottage
State Farm Insurance-Bank
TO BEAN BLOSSOM & MORGANTOWN
Brozinni Pizzeria
Hills O’Brown Realty
J.B. Goods/ Life is Good
Hotel Nashville
Redbud Terrace
McGinley Insurance
Health For U
REMAX
First Merchants Office Bank
County Offices
6
IHA
Brown Co Art Gallery
Masonic Lodge
Old SR 4
ARTIST DR
VAN BUREN
Village Florist
The Salvation Army
JEFFERSON STREET Nashville BP
Toy Chest
Artists Colony Inn Carol’s Crafts
Artists Colony
Cathy’s Corner
Cedar Creek Winery
Nashville Express
Male Instinct
Rhonda Kay’s
Out of the Ordinary
Bearly Country
Coachlight Square
Brown Co Inn Hotel, Restaurant and Bar
Brown County IGA
Brown Co Community YMCA Brown Co Health & Living
Bear Hardware Comfort Inn
N
Theatre
Dining
Seasons Lodge & Conference Center
Doodles by Kara Barnard
Pine Room Muddy Boots
People’s State Bank
Salt Creek Park
Nashville General Store
Craftsman
Artist and/or Gallery Rest Room
Lodging
Musical Entertainment Parking
COUNTY MAP ON PAGE 5
map not to scale
Nashville Indiana
Casa Del Sol Apache Tactical
SR 46 TO COLUMBUS - 16 MILES
Tea Shop
Mercantile Store
Cornerstone Inn
WASHINGTON STREET
Gyros Food & Art Lorna’s Leather & Boutique
Papertrix Thomas Treehouse
Bone Appetit Bakery Ethereal Day Spa and Salon Chateau Thomas Sweetea’s Winery
Camelot Shoppes
Hunter’s Electronics
Nashville Fudge Kitchen
Possum Trot Sq
Sweetwater Back to Back Yesteryear Gallery Old Time Photos Grasshopper Flats Wishful Simply 4 You Thinking
VAN BUREN ST SR 135 N
SR 46 TO BLOOMINGTON - 16 MILES
Hoosier Buddy
Thrift Shop Community Closet
PAT REILLY DR
Olde Magnolia House Inn 4th Sister Vintage Store
Calvin Place
Madeline’s
Schwab’s Fudge
New Leaf Amy Greely
Life is Good JB Goods
PITTMAN HOUSE LANE
Too Cute Abe’s Corner
Melchior Marionettes
Jack & Jill Nut Shop
Brown Co Playhouse
58 South Apparel
FRANKLIN STREET
HONEYSUCKLE LANE
Franklin Sq
Through the Looking Glass Wooden Wonders Nashville Image Old Time Photos For Bare Feet, Nashville Pickers N & R Woodworking Brown Co Weavery & Roots Paint Box Gallery, Primitive Spirit Rich Hill’s Magic & Fun Emporium K. Bellum Leather, My Sister’s Shop Brown Co. Pottery, Agape Pearls Ferguson House
Antique Alley
OLD SCHOOL WAY
8 Our Brown County July/August 2016
ANTIQUES
Antiques Co-op.............................58 Be My Guest...................................49 Brown Co Antique Mall................37 Cathy’s Corner...............................23 The Emerald Pencil.......................29 Nashville General Store...............38 Plum Creek Antiques...................62
ART, ART SUPPLIES, ART INSTRUCTION
4th Street Festival Arts & Crafts.66 Antique Alley Shops.....................45 Antiques Co-op.............................58 Art Beyond Crayons.....................58 B3 Gallery.......................................28 Bear Hardware..............................18 Brown Co Antique Mall................37 Brown Co Art Gallery...................28 Brown Co Art Guild.......................29 Brown Co Craft Gallery................61 Cathy’s Corner...............................23 The Emerald Pencil.......................29 Hoosier Artist................................29 Lightspinner StudioMartha Sechler..............................60 Papertrix.........................................15 pARTake/ Art Walk........................37 Spears Pottery...............................28 Rosey Bolte-Uncommon Gourd.28
BOOKS
Fallen Leaf Books..........................25
CHURCHES
Shepherd of the Hills Evangelical Luthern Church.......33
CLOTHING
58 South Apparel..........................40 Antique Alley Shops.....................45 Apache Tactical.............................59 Bear Hardware..............................18 Community Closet Thrift Shop...46 Harley-Davidson of Bloomington.................................23 Head Over Heels...........................49 J.B. Goods/ Life is Good...............22 Lorna’s Leather & Boutique........60 Male Instinct..................................61 Men’s Toy Shop..............................52 Mercantile Store...........................48 Sports Etc.......................................49
Our Brown County
Village Florist Tuxedo Rental......48 Too Cute at Abe’s Corner.............37
CRAFTS, POTTERY, GIFTS
4th Sister Vintage Store...............54 4th Street Festival Arts & Crafts.66 Antique Alley Shops.....................45 Antiques Co-op.............................58 Apache Tactical.............................59 Appleworks....................................14 B3 Gallery.......................................28 Be My Guest...................................49 Bearly Country..............................14 Bone Appetit Bakery....................37 Brown Co Art Guild.......................29 Brown Co Craft Gallery................61 Brown Co Hist. Soc. Quilt Show..61 Brown Co Pottery..........................60 Brown Co Rock & Fossil Shop.....45 Brown Co Visitors Center.............21 Carol’s Crafts..................................59 Cathy’s Corner...............................23 Cox Creek’s Mill.............................22 The Emerald Pencil.......................29 The Ferguson House....................41 Foxfire.............................................41 Head Over Heels...........................49 Homestead Weaving Studio.......28 Hoosier Artist................................29 House of Clocks.............................58 K. Bellum Leather.........................29 Lightspinner StudioMartha Sechler..............................60 Lorna’s Leather & Boutique........60 Madeline’s......................................57 Male Instinct..................................61 Men’s Toy Shop..............................52 Mercantile Store...........................48 Nashville General Store...............38 New Leaf.........................................29 Papertrix.........................................15 Rhonda Kay’s.................................40 Simply 4 You..................................19 Spears Pottery...............................28 Sports Etc.......................................49 Sweet Cozy Living........................37 Sweetwater Gallery......................19 The Thomas Treehouse................31 The Toy Chest................................48 Rosey Bolte-Uncommon Gourd.28
Too Cute at Abe’s Corner.............37 Village Florist Flowers & Gifts.....48 Wishful Thinking...........................19
ENTERTAINMENT/MUSIC
4th Street Festival Arts & Crafts.66 19th Hole Bar & Grille..................52 Artists Colony Dinner Theater....36 Brown Co Hist. Soc. Quilt Show..61 Brown County Playhouse............32 Copperhead Creek Gem Mine....45 Hotel Nashville Gazebo Parties..57 kidscommons................................48 Melchior Marionettes..................60 Nashville Express Tour Rides......60 Pine Room–Muddy Boots...........55 Rawhide Ranch.............................25
FLEA MARKET
Olde Time Flea Market.................46
FOOD & BEVERAGE
19th Hole Bar & Grille..................52 Abe Martin Lodge.........................53 Appleworks....................................14 Artists Colony Inn.................. 23, 36 Bear Wallow Distillery..................23 Brown Co IGA................................32 Brown Co Inn.................................41 Brown Co Winery..........................53 Brownie’s Bean Blossom Rest.....38 Brozinni Pizzeria...........................25 Butler Winery.................................25 The Candy Dish...............................3 Carmel Corn Cottage...................48 Casa del Sol....................................38 Cedar Creek Winery......................37 Chateau Thomas Winery.............61 Darlene’s at Hotel Nashville........67 Farmers’ Market-St. Davids.........15 Farmhouse Cafe............................14 Gatesville Store.............................57 Gyros Food & Art Studios............61 The Harvest Preserve.....................3 Hobnob Corner Restaurant........18 Hoosier Buddy Liquors................55 Hotel Nashville..............................67 Hotel Nashville Gazebo Parties..57 House of Jerky...............................60 Jack and Jill Nut Shop..................61 Las Chalupas..................................58 Miller’s Ice Cream............................3
Advertiser Index
July/August 2016 • Our Brown County 9
SERVICES DIRECTORY 62-63
Bear Hardware..............................18
Creekside Retreat.........................54 eXplore Brown County..................4 Green Valley Lodge......................15 Hampton Inn.................................12 Hidden Valley Inn.........................24 Hills o’ Brown Vacation Rentals..18 Hilton Garden Inn.........................12 Holiday Inn Express......................12 Hotel Nashville..............................67 Lodge on the Mountain...............60 McGinley Vacation Cabins..........62 Monroe Music Park & Campground.................................62 Nickel’s Vacation Cabins..............14 The North House...........................67 Olde Magnolia House..................54 Overlook Lodge............................33 Rawhide Ranch.............................25 Seasons...........................................45
Head Over Heels...........................49 K. Bellum Leather.........................29
Brown County History Center....46 kidscommons................................48
Head Over Heels...........................49 K. Bellum Leather.........................29
Nashville BP...................................15 Nashville Candy Store..................49 Nashville Fudge Kitchen..............68 Nashville General Store...............38 Nashville House............................45 Pine Room–Muddy Boots...........55 Schwab’s Fudge.............................38 Seasons...........................................45 Sunshine Shack.............................61 Sweetea’s Tea Shop......................40 That Sandwich Place....................37 Trolly’s.............................................38 The Wild Olive.................................2
FURNITURE
Antiques Co-op.............................58 The Ferguson House....................41 Plum Creek Antiques...................62
HARDWARE HATS
JEWELRY
Antique Alley Shops.....................45 B3 Gallery.......................................28 Brown Co Antique Mall................37 Brown Co Art Guild.......................29 Brown Co Craft Gallery................61 Cathy’s Corner...............................23 Ferguson House............................41 Foxfire.............................................41 Grasshopper Flats.........................19 Hoosier Artist................................29 Juls Etc............................................24 LaSha’s............................................21 New Leaf.........................................29 Old McDurbin Gold & Gifts.........60 Rhonda Kay’s.................................40 Spears Pottery...............................28 Too Cute at Abe’s Corner.............37 Touch of Silver Gold & Old..........22
LODGING/CAMPGROUNDS
Abe Martin Lodge.........................53 Artists Colony Inn.........................23 The Brick Lodge............................67 Brown County Health & Living...22 Brown Co Inn.................................41 Comfort Inn...................................12 Cornerstone Inn............................39
MUSEUMS
PET SERVICES/PRODUCTS
Bone Appetit Bakery....................37
PHOTOS
B3 Gallery.......................................28 Spears Pottery...............................28 Yesteryear Old Time Photos........19
REAL ESTATE
Brown County Real Estate...........62 Hills o’ Brown Realty.....................63 ReMax Team...................................61 F.C. Tucker-Jennifer Gabriel........63
RECREATION
eXplore Brown County..................4 Grandpa Jeff’s Trail Rides............54 Rawhide Ranch.............................25
SERVICES (see also SERVICES DIRECTORY)
Dr. Lisa Baker, DDS.......................40 Brown County Health & Living...22 Ethereal Day Spa and Salon........55 Hunter’s Electronics.....................54 Nashville BP...................................15 Shepherd of the Hills Evangelical Luthern Church.......33 Village Florist Flowers & Gifts.....48 State Farm InsuranceBrandon Stiles...............................18
Al’s Garage/Paint & Body BETA Teen Center
Brown Co Community YMCA Brown Co Real Estate Brown Co Tire & Auto Farmers Insurance—McGinley First Merchants Bank Flower and Herb Barn GMG Motors Health For U Helmsburg Sawmill Hills o’ Brown Realty McGinley Vacation Cabins Monroe Park Campground People’s State Bank Plum Creek Antiques F.C. Tucker-Jennifer Gabriel Waltman Construction Co.
SHOES
SPECIALTY SHOPS
Apache Tactical.............................59 Bearly Country..............................15 Bone Appetit Bakery....................37 Carol’s Crafts..................................59 Fallen Leaf Books..........................25 Fireplace Center............................48 Harley-Davidson of Bloomington.................................23 House of Clocks.............................58 Hunter’s Electronics.....................54 K. Bellum Leather.........................29 Male Instinct..................................61 Men’s Toy Shop..............................52 Sports Etc.......................................49 The Toy Chest................................48 Wishful Thinking...........................19
STAINED GLASS
Sweetwater Gallery......................19
WEDDINGS
Artists Colony Inn.........................23 Hotel Nashville..............................67 Village Florist.................................48
OTHER
Mike Nickels Log Homes....... 47 Peace Rallies USA.................... 65
contents
13 Note from the Editor 16 Indiana State Parks at 100 ~by Julia Pearson 20 The Thomas Treehouse ~by Lee Edgren 26 Artist Diane Wigell Bledsoe ~by Paige Langenderfer 30 Bobby Griffith and His Love of Horses ~by Bob Gustin 34-35 Photos ~by Tracy Todd 36 5th Fingerstyle Guitar Festival ~by Paige Langenderfer 42-43 Calendar of Events 44 At Home in Brown County ~by Mark Blackwell 47 Art Gallery Special Exhibits 50 Preserving Our Cemeteries ~by Jeff Tryon 56 The Woodland Deck ~by Jim Eagleman 62-63 Services Directory 64 Rita Simon, Champion of Volunteers ~by Bob Gustin Cover: Lainy Clayton with daughter Thea at Brown Co. State Park ~by Cindy Steele
contributors
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 only works when he has to. Jeff Tryon is a former news editor of The Brown County Democrat, a former region reporter for The Republic, and a former bureau chief for The Huntsville Times. Born and raised in Brown County, he currently lives with his wife, Sue, in a log cabin on the edge of Brown County State Park. He is a Baptist minister.
Jim Eagleman recently retired from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources after 40 years as a naturalist at Brown County State Park. He hopes to finish his memoirs soon. He and his wife Kay have three sons, all graduates of Brown County High School. Kay and Jim enjoy all outdoor activities, especially kayaking. Julia Pearson wrote for a secular Franciscan magazine for ten years and served as its human interest editor. She and her husband Bruce have made Lake Woebegone Country their new homebase for life’s continuing adventures. Julie, Bruce, and four-footed Suki are adjusting well. Julia enjoys traveling and visiting museums of all types and sizes, with her children and grandchildren. 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 awardwinning 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. Paige Langenderfer is a freelance writer and communications consultant. She writes for numerous publications and is a featured columnist in The Republic. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in journalism from Indiana University and her Master’s degree in public relations management from IUPUI. Paige lives in Columbus with her husband and daughter Quincy. She can be contacted at <langenderferpaige@gmail.com>. 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. Bob Gustin worked as a reporter, photographer, managing editor, and editor for daily newspapers in Colorado, Nebraska, and Indiana before retiring in 2011. He and his wife, Chris, operate Homestead Weaving Studio in southern Brown County. She does the weaving while he gives studio tours, builds small looms, and expands his book and record collections.
featured photographs Tracy Todd is a local writer and photographer. She received a BA degree in Anthropology from Indiana University. She also completed four years of photography courses from the New York Institute of Photography and four years of writing courses from the Institute of Children’s Literature. She writes poetic reflections about Brown County and life’s spiritual nudgings. Her work appeared at the Hoosier Artist Gallery in Nashville and she has been a guest artist with the Backroads of Brown County Studio tour.
Win $20 Coloring Contest
OUR BROWN COUNTY P.O. Box 157 Helmsburg, IN 47435
(812) 988-8807 www.ourbrowncounty.com ourbrown@bluemarble.net
Publisher’s choice. Send to address below by August 20. Cindy Witsman won last issue’s coloring contest.
Cindy Steele is the publisher and editor of this magazine. She sells and designs ads, sometimes writes, takes photos, and creates the layout. For fun, she likes to play the guitar or banjo and sing. Her new hobby is making mosaic tables.
Also online at issuu.com/ourbrowncounty OR search in the mobile app ISSUU and on Facebook for OUR BROWN COUNTY
A Singing Pines Projects, Inc. publication • copyright 2016 • Thanks, Mom, for making it happen!
Enjoy Beautiful Brown County, Indiana and the village of Nashville!
NASHVILLE/BROWN COUNTY This award winning hotel is the perfect quiet getaway with its quaint and rustic lobby, free hot breakfast, complimentary wireless internet, indoor pool, fitness room and whirlpool suites. Trolley available to downtown Nashville.
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75 W Chestnut, St Rd 46
AWARD-WINNING HOTELS LOCATED NEARBY IN COLUMBUS/EDINBURGH:
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Newly renovated! Features a heated Indoor Pool, Elevator, Whirlpool Suites with Refrigerator & Microwaves, Flat Screen TVs, High Speed Internet, Fitness Room & free Comfort Sunshine Breakfast! Next to Edinburgh Premium Outlets and Exit 76 Antique Mall.
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US 31 & I-65, Exit 76B 812-526-9899 / 800-4CHOICE
US 31 & I-65, Exit 76B 812-526-4919 / 800-HOLIDAY
Visit these and other properties online at www.SpragueHotels.com for rates and special packages.
12 Our Brown County July/August 2016
Note from the Editor
Win $20 Guess Photo WHERE IS IT? Call (812) 988-8807
Be the first person to call and get the prize money. Leave a message with the specific location of the Mystery Photo, your name, and phone number.
Last issue’s photo was of the Foxfire Sign on East Main Street in Nashville. Sharon Wright guessed it.
T
he geography of our Brown County makes it difficult to socialize. We don’t have neighborhoods like most communities. Homes are spread out—some even miles apart. Visitors fill the streets of Nashville, our county seat, and locals don’t often congregate there in large numbers except for Sunday services. That, however, changes once a year when the county fair arrives. Folks of all ages come to see the exhibits, attend events, ride the rides, and, most importantly, to meet up with friends and family. Even teenagers like to make their rounds along the midway. This is an election year and the fair is the perfect place for political candidates to reach potential voters. I am running for office this year and you can be sure I will be putting my time in at the Democrat party’s booths. It is a great opportunity to meet and greet. My favorite part of fair week, of course, is the food. You have to eat a least one of everything. Forget about diets. See you at the fair the first week of August. —Cindy Steele
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Our Brown County P.O. Box 157 Helmsburg, IN 47435
July/August 2016 • Our Brown County 13
Nickels
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Reservations Suggested · 812-988-2004 LuNch: DAiLy · 11–4 Pm DiNNeR: TueSDAy–SATuRDAy · 5–8 Pm
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W hat a trip to the country is all about!
Melons, Tomatoes Sweet Corn, Green Beans Summer Apples, Peaches Blackberries Blueberries 8 57 S 250 W 8157 W. Trafalgar, IN • Fudge Shop and Ice Cream Parlor lor or • Baked Goods from scratch • Jams, Honey, and Gifts
All Uniquely Handcrafted by Deb James, owner/artist
•Bears •Barn Quilts •Raggedy Anns •Primitive Dolls
• Playground with Super Slide
Each with their own personality
317-878-9317 www.apple-works.com
<<Must see to appreciate the quality>>
Visit us on Facebook for the latest happenings
14 Our Brown County July/August 2016
62 E. Washington St. • Nashville, IN bearlycountrybydeb 317-464-9953
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812-988-1822
Nashville BP State Roads 46 & 135 270 S. Van Buren St. in Nashville
July/August 2016 • Our Brown County 15
INDIANA STATE PARKS 100 Years of Making Memories ~by Julia Pearson
Brown County State Park’s Abe Martin Lodge and Aquatic Center. photos by Cindy Steele
T
he year 2016 marks parallel Centennial celebrations of the National Park Service and the Indiana State Park System. The Antiquities Act was signed by President Theodore Roosevelt on June 8, 1906. It gave authorization to the President “to declare by public proclamation historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest” that existed on public lands in the United States. Sites were declared to be National Monuments and were administered by the Departments of Interior, Agriculture, and War. President Woodrow Wilson created the National Park Service on August 25, 1916, with twenty-seven natural areas and nine historical areas. 1916 marked the Centennial Celebration of Indiana, and also the establishment of the State Park System at the recommendation of Colonel Richard Lieber, an
Indianapolis businessman and German immigrant. McCormick’s Creek in Owen County was dedicated as the first state park at a July 4th picnic. The second park established was Turkey Run, and both were presented as a Centennial gift to all Hoosiers on December 16, 1916. The state park system now has 32 properties with visitors numbering 16 million
16 Our Brown County July/August 2016
each year, with user fees covering approximately 70% of daily operational costs. In 1915, Mr. Enos Mills, National Parks spokesman credited with initiating the movement to create Rocky Mountain National Park, stopped in Indianapolis and was interviewed by the Indianapolis News. He was quoted on November 17: “The state of Indiana should buy as much of Brown County as possible. It should acquire at least 1,000 acres in the wildest part of the county. The heart of Brown County is purely wild….From the scenic standpoint, Brown County is one of the best spots that ever existed in the great stretch between the Appalachians and the Rocky Mountains.” The largest and most visited Indiana State Park, Brown County State Park opened in 1929. But it was Lieber himself who envisioned a cabin community to honor Frank McKinney “Kin” Hubbard, the creator of the Abe
Postcard from the 1940s courtesy Noel Brown.
Brown County State Park Manager Doug Baird.
Martin characters that brought Brown County ways to the country through the Indianapolis News as well as 300 other newspaper outlets. Though Hubbard died in 1930, the lodge in Brown County State Park was named the “Abe Martin Lodge,” and the names of Abe’s neighbors graced the visitors’ cabins. By 1933 total park acreage was 3,821 acres, and a saddle barn was added to the park’s offerings. Spanning Salt Creek at the north entrance, a covered bridge was added. Originally erected in Putnam County by Henry Wolfe just a hundred years before, the bridge was moved and then reconstructed by the State Highway Department. Reclaiming the hillsides that were left barren by timbering and erosion, the Civilian Conservation Corps Battalion #1557 began work in June 1934. The CCC planted many of the pine, walnut, spruce, and locust trees. Records show that the steepest areas were planted in about 1,000,000 Scotch, white and red pine, and 21,450 Norway spruce. North of Hohen Point was the camp that housed the personnel of the CCC in several small barracks and a large mess hall. This area was the site of an old village called Kelp that had already ceased to exist. Property Manager of Brown County State Park since 1994, Doug Baird, has been with the park since 1978 when he came as the assistant property
manager. He started his career with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources in 1975 as a seasonal employee at Turkey Run State Park while a student at Purdue. When asked, “What is the part of the Park that is special to you?” Baird relied, “The lower shelter is special to me because my wife and I got married there. The covered bridge is special because of its age and its double-barreled uniqueness, and because where it was originally built was not far from where I grew up, and my dad could remember the bridge when he was a young boy. And wherever I find mushrooms becomes a special place to me, but I won’t be more specific than that.” Doug and his wife, Teresa, live at the park since houses are provided for the Property Managers and Assistants in Indiana State Parks. It’s a wonderful place for their daughter, Natalie, and son, Ethan to grow up. Doug has seen a lot of growth in the trees and vegetation in the park over the years. The views from the park’s scenic overlooks have changed as natural progression has gradually taken place. He notes the make-up of the park’s natural environment has been altered, unfortunately, as invasive species of plants and animals have been introduced, much to the detriment of the native flora and fauna. Diversity in visitors themselves mirrors the changing demographics of the general population. Over the years, Doug has seen major expansions, replacements, and renovations of facilities throughout the park. The Abe Martin Lodge has been expanded and renovated a number of times to include an indoor aquatic center, as well as more guest rooms and cabins. In the early 1980’s, the campgrounds were upgraded and expanded. The Nature Center was enlarged in the mid-‘80s, and is currently receiving upgrades to the public restrooms. The original pool was replaced in Continued on 24
Brown County’ State Park’s Lower Shelter.
July/August 2016 • Our Brown County 17
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• Soups • Salads • Sandwiches • After Five Menu • Fine Wines Breads, Pastries, and Danish Baked Here Daily
Center of Nashville Main and Van Buren Streets Open Daily • (812) 988-4114
Enjoy an outdoor hot tub or roaring fireplace...
Book your fall getaway today! Fully Furnished Log Cabins, Homes & Cottages
Vacation Rentals
Rates, Reservations & Weekday Specials Online
812.988.6429 · info@BrownCountyLogCabins.com 4118 East State Road 46 · 4.5 miles east of Nashville Office Hours 9 am–5 pm Monday–Saturday
BrownCountyLogCabins .com 18 Our Brown County July/August 2016
Back-to-Back Complex
145 South Van Buren Street
PLY 4 YOU SIM Handmade & Unique Gifts • Hand-painted Signs • Homemade Body Scrubs • Giant Scrabble Letters • Solar-Changing Finger Nail Polish • Biker Bracelets • Painted Ball Jars And much more...
145 S. Van Buren St. Nashville, IN 812-350-8806
145 S. Van Buren Street
Simply 4 You Gift Shop Simply_4_you@aol.com
Celebrating 15 Years
Sepia Old Time Color Color Black & White
OVER 200 BACKGROUNDS Wild West • Prairie • Civil War • Roaring 20s and more! FREE in-store demos!
145 S. Van Buren Nashville, IN
Old School Way and Pittman House Lane
(next to the Toy Chest, behind Sweetwater Gallery) Visit our website for class schedules www.wishfulthinking-in.com • 812-988-7009
Next to Artist Colony Inn, behind Sweetwater Gallery
Weekdays 10–6, Sat. 10–7, Sun. 10–6
812-988-7305
est. 1972
Doug Stoffer, Designer/Jeweler
Sweetwater Gallery featuring locally crafted:
Sterling Silver • Fine Diamonds Opals • Gemstones • Wedding Rings Titanium Bands • Austrian Lead Crystal For Quality and Price call 812-988-4037 Top Dollar Paid for Old Gold 150 S. Van Buren St. • Nashville
Stained Glass Paperweights Mosaic Mirrors Fabric Wallhangings 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
July/August 2016 • Our Brown County 19
The
Thomas Treehouse ~by Lee Edgren
H
ow far is it from a career in musical theaters from New York City, Los Angeles, and Branson, MIssouri (not to mention 13 other countries and many other states) to a light-filled woodworking shop and studio on Old School House Way? For Rhett Thomas, his wife and business partner Wendi, and their five (soon-to-be six) children, the opening of their shop as natural as the emergence of a leaf from a twig. Rhett and Wendi married when they were in their very early 20s. “I was a surfer and she was a mountain girl. We met on stage in Illinois and started our careers together. We had individual dreams, but we had a bond from the very beginning. Having children (Aleese, 19; Albany, 17; Olivia, 15; Ilana, 11; Dallin, 7— the only boy; and another girl on the way) only made us stronger.”
Rhett Thomas with his sculpture “Balance.”
Rhett and Wendi Thomas. courtesy photo
“Our whole life, we’ve been around music. I grew up watching Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. My parents were ballroom dancers. They were second to Bobby Burgess in the auditions for the Lawrence Welk Show. My grandmother was a radio singer and actress for MGM studios, and she was a dancer. I started performing with Sandy Duncan, Gavin McCloud, Nannette Fabray—the old school shows. It was a great time.” Rhett’s brother Rick, an illusionist, is a headliner at the Andy Williams Performing Arts Center in Branson, Missouri. His brother
20 Our Brown County July/August 2016
Ross, with whom he performed for years as The Thomas Brothers, is still touring as a solo musical act. The Thomas Brothers ended up headlining at a theater in Branson where The Osmonds were also headlining. “They were looking for guys to join their group and travel with them. We performed alongside the group…but not exactly part of the group. We did that for a few years.” As his life on the road became more and more centered in Branson, Rhett started carving seriously while working part-time in a shop owned by his mentor, nationally-known master woodcarver Peter Engler, who died in 2013. “I just fell in love with carving.”
Where are the nearest restrooms? How late do the shops stay open? Where can I take a beautiful scenic drive? Our friendly staff can answer all of these questions and more at the Brown County Visitors Center at the corner of Van Buren and Main Street. Stop by for advice, recommendations, and official souvenirs.
“Queen Esther” is the latest work in progress.
“I was on the road for years, traveling four to five months out of the year. I wanted to stop doing that. We started searching for places to live. While it was a fun life, it was also a lot of work. We lived in nine different states before we moved here. We felt like gypsies.” There comes a time when you need to find home, Rhett adds. Every time they visited Wendi’s sister, who lives in Columbus, Indiana, they came to Nashville. “Three years ago, we felt like we fit. It’s artsy, it has music, and there’s some future here that I’m excited for. I think having the shop has really grounded us. We’re going to make it work.” Rhett carves in the shop every day it is open. He is now at work on “Queen Esther,” and has recently finished “Balance,” which rises from a smooth stone base. The finely carved face is filled with bliss as she reaches skyward. Each finger is finely articulated as though Thomas’s medium were porcelain or bronze rather than wood. Continued on 24
BrownCounty.com 812.988.7303
Download the official Discover Brown County App today!
Sterling Designs by Sharon & Larry Anything But Or dinary
SBJ/LMJ Designs Opals by Larry • Pe n d a n t s • Earrings • Bracelets • Necklaces
812-988-0522 A variety of natural stones and colors N o r t h Va n B u r e n a n d M o l l y’s L a n e • N a s h v i l l e
Doing business for over 25 years
July/August 2016 • Our Brown County 21
Visit America’s First Store
COX CREEK MILL home of
The Iron Gate by Brad Cox
Unique Metal Art Studio
4705 Annie Smith Rd. Nashville
172 N. Van Buren Street in Nashville, IN Second Location in Calvin Place– (S. Van Buren and Franklin Streets)
www.JBGoods.com • 812-988-0900
Brad Cox and his wife Stephanie invite you to discover their studio and mill located along the banks of Salt Creek just 10 minutes from Nashville. Hours vary. Call ahead. theirongatebybradcox@yahoo.com
A member of the CarDon family.
d e s t i n at i o n Albert C. Drake
Goldsmith and Silversmith 42 years of quality service in Brown County
• 5 Star Rating
Visit www.medicare.gov for more information
• Private Suites
With private showers and WiFi
• Orthopedic & Neurologisy Specialtsts On-site and licensed
• Short Term Retreats
Private Suites and Respite services available
Yes !
Brown County Health and Living Community
is worth the drive! (812) 988-6666 www.browncountyhealth.us
55 East Willow St. Nashville, IN 47448 Located behind Salt Creek Plaza off of 46 East
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
22 Our Brown County July/August 2016
BC-NP-1013-1
Touch of Silver, Gold & Old 87 E. Main St. • Nashville, IN 47448 (812) 988-6990 • (800) 988-6994 Hours: 10am - 6pm • 7 days a week www.touchofsilvergoldandold.com
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 Serving Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast Buffet 7:30 am–10:30 am At the corner of Van Buren and Franklin Streets in Nashville, Indiana
812-988-0600 • 800-737-0255
artistscolonyinn.com
812-333-8300 Hwy 46 Bloomington
Open Mon.–Sat. 11–6, Sun. Noon–5 O
BEAR WALLOW DISTILLERY B Makers of Distilled Spirits using locally grown grains in an old-fashioned copper still
Come try a Mo Moonshine Shake-up Gnaw Bone Bourbon now available
Take a Tour
4484 E. Old State Road 46 (Look for the signs) (812) 657-4923 • www.bearwallowdistillery.com
July/August 2016 • Our Brown County 23
STATE PARKS AT 100 continued from 17 1980. Three small shelter houses have been built and all restrooms have been gutted and rehabbed. Utilities have been upgraded and expanded to meet demands. Trails for mountain biking have been established. Doug says, “I feel very fortunate to have spent my entire career, and most of my life, in a place as wonderful as Brown County State Park. Over the years I’ve had the pleasure of working with a lot of great people, all of whom have been important to the success and popularity of the park.” Brown County, along with all Indiana state parks, is marking this 100th birthday with a summer season of “100 Days for 100 Years.” The anniversary will be observed at the Brown County State Park on July 23 with the Centennial Celebration, “Smokey Safety Day, and M.C. Axe and the Fire Crew.” There is also the 2016 Centennial Geocaching Challenge. Find Centennial Geocaching Challenge caches at <www.geocaching.com>.
24 Our Brown County July/August 2016
THE THOMAS TREEHOUSE continued from 21 Even though he is committed to carving, he is not abandoning show business. He’s already collaborated with the Brown County Playhouse in facilitating Jimmy and Jay Osmond’s Moon River and Me tribute to Andy Williams which will be at the Playhouse August 10, 2016. And he will also perform in this year’s Christmas show. Although Rhett is the out-front presence, the shop is a family endeavor. His wife Wendi is his business partner and all of his five children had a hand in creating the shop space. It was his daughter that noticed the site of their current shop was empty on one of their visits to Nashville. All the items in the shop, representing 42 artists and craftspeople, are made in the USA, mostly from artists within an eight to ten hour radius from Nashville. “We don’t import and we like to keep it handcrafted. We think it’s important that the art continues. That’s one reason I love Nashville. The art continues here.” Rhett lists the items they have in stock: everything from wooden housewares, to pottery, to carvings, to painting, decorative items, and sculptures. Even now there are Christmas trees filled with ornaments and Halloween designs. “We try to keep it fun.” The Thomas Treehouse is located at 173 Old School Way, in Nashville. You can contact them through Facebook or call (812) 720-7077. <thethomastreehouse.com>is under construction.
Nashville’s
O N LY
Guest Ranch
al times are All adventures & me call ahead ! open to the public – ommended – – Reservations Rec
TR
rawhideranchusa.co
AI L RIDES
m
BUCK INN
INES ZIP L
MEAL TIME
Open 7 days a week, Year round
AMENITIES INCLUDE: Cowboy Hotel • Cabins • Tipis • Guest Discounted Zips & Rides 24/7 Coffee Station • Corporate Retreats • Team Building Programs Geocaching • Free Wifi • 54 Acres of Land • Nightly Campfires Hiking • Fishing • Swing Set & Sandbox • Half Court Basketball 1292 St Rd 135 S, Nashville
812.988.0085
www.butlerwinery.com
info@rawhideranchusa.com
Brown County
3.5 x 4.5 a wonderful mix ofSize: Old, New, Used and Rare Cost: $667.00 Runs: April 2016 - April 2017
NEW NASHVILLE LOCATION
A family-friendly pizza place Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
PIZZA • SALADS • CALZONES
20% off all Pre-Orders
140 W. Main Street • (812) 988-8800
Book release Sunday, July 31 · 12:01 am
45 S. Jefferson Street · Nashville, IN 812.988.0202 · fallenleafbookstore.com ·
FLBStore
monday-Saturday 10 am – 5 pm | Sunday 11 am – 5 pm
In the heart of Nashville by the Village Green area at the intersection of Main and Jefferson Streets.
Dine-In or Carry-Out
Sun.–Thurs. 11am–9:30pm; Fri. & Sat. 11am–10:30pm
July/August 2016 • Our Brown County 25
Artist
Diane Wigell Bledsoe
~story and photo by Paige Langenderfer
D
iane Wigell Bledsoe has taken a lot of hits in life, but there are two things that have always kept her going: her faith in God and her love of art. After beating breast cancer twice, Bledsoe now suffers from heart failure as a result of the chemotherapy. She said art is her escape from the pain. “The chemo destroyed my heart muscle and forced me to quit working,” she said. “I have to take it easy, but I can still do my art. It takes me away.” Bledsoe said she has loved art for as long as she can remember. She describes herself as mostly self-taught. “I took a semester at the Herron School of Art and quickly realized that school wasn’t for me,” she said. Her first projects were pen and ink. She quickly mastered the commercial art world, producing logos and promotional materials for various companies in Indianapolis. While successful, Bledsoe knew something was missing. She wanted to reconnect with her two childhood passions of animals and art. A move to Brown County was just what she needed.
26 Our Brown County July/August 2016
Once settled in her new home, Bledsoe began her career in the fine arts industry by learning a new craft of painting. “There’s a big difference between drawing and painting,” she said. “I had a lot to learn, but loved seeing the finished pieces.” Pen and ink gave her work fascinating detail, but painting made her work come alive. Details as small as a twinkle in an eye jumped from the canvas. Her first paintings focused on objects in her life, her horse named Blue and a neighbor’s cow. She worked tirelessly, learning how to perfect the shadows on a face and the curve of bodies. Not long into her Brown County career, people began to take notice of her expertise with animals. She painted countless pet paintings, often as a memorial to the animal. A moment in a local frame shop solidified her spot in the Brown County art world. As she stood at the counter waiting to get a painting of her horse framed, a local artist spoke up from behind her. He told Bledsoe, “Those are the best eyes I’ve ever seen.”
Today, Bledsoe sells her work through word of mouth and through Etsy, an online store. She has sold paintings to customers from Maine to New Mexico, and even in Australia. Prominent photographers from around the globe contact her and ask her to create a painting based on their photos. “It’s really neat to think of my work being in all of these places,” she said. She also still does commercial work, including the Brown County Winery bottle labels, the Indianapolis Fire Department Logo, and drawings for the National Institute of Fitness and Sports. Her paintings are hanging in Brown County schools, the Brown County government buildings, and numerous local businesses. Sherry Poore Roberson displays Bledsoe’s work in her two Nashville stores, J Bob’s and Main Street Images. “Diane’s art is exceptional. She is truly gifted and talented,” Roberson said. “She has done many pieces for us and our stores in Nashville. We value her as an artist and a great friend.”
“Eagle Landing.”
“Wagler Farm.”
“Bean Blossom Covered Bridge.”
Bledsoe recently learned a new medium. While browsing the website Pinterest one day, Bledsoe stumbled across a figure of a chicken made from a gourd. “I thought to myself, ‘That’s really boring. I can definitely do better,’” she said. With the help of a little clay and just the right paint, Bledsoe transforms simple gourds into chickens, whales, and flamingos. She can make just about anything out of a gourd now. “People love them. They are sold before I even start them,” Bledsoe said. The most recent project involves creating a personal oasis for herself. A place she can go to relax with her dog Dee and her cats Louis and Max. She has painted the room to feel as though she is at the ocean. She reupholstered a large, old arm chair with painters canvas and painted the sand and sea on the seat and a pelican perched on a dock post on the back. “One of my friends always asks me where I come up with these ideas,” Bledsoe said. “And I always say, ‘It has to be a God thing.’”
July/August 2016 • Our Brown County 27
90
HOMESTEAD WEAVING STUDIO Quality Handwovens by Chris Gustin
Years of Indiana
Art
EST. 1926
Brown County Art Gallery
Yarn • Looms • Supplies Open 11 to 5 most days
Southeastern Brown County 6285 Hamilton Creek Road
www.HomesteadWeaver.com • 812-988-8622
Brown County’s Original Art Gallery July 18-22
Garden Art
Children’s Summer Art Camp August 6 – september 10
Gustave Baumann and the Indiana Printmakers
Opening Reception August 6 · 6:00 pm $25 per person · Get tickets online
Locally Crafted Pottery • Jewelry • Photography • Wood • Fiber • More... Downtown Nashville (beside the Nashville House) • Open Daily www.spearspottery.com • 812.988.1286 • Spears Gallery on Facebook
28 Our Brown County July/August 2016
Galleries · Permanent Collections Art Education Studio · Consignment Art Open Daily 10 am – 5 pm · Sunday Noon – 5 pm Free Admission · Free Parking Corner of Main & Artist Drive · Nashville, IN
812.988.4609 · BrownCountyArtGallery.org
et
ist.n
rArt
sie Hoo
S. 45
, IN 888 HVILLE 8-6 S -98 » NA 2 1 8 ST. SON FER
JEF
NEW LEAF An eclectic mix of creative items from local, regional, and global artists
Fine Leather Goods odds • Handbags • Belts • Hats • Accessories Featuring Leather Go G Goods o s od made by
Brown County Craftsmen
Leather, Tools, Dye, and Supplies Featuring locally handcrafted jewelry by owner Amy Greely
Calvin Place, Franklin & Van Buren • Nashville
(812) 988-1058 • www.amygreely.com
Also Selling Shoes: Sandals, Haflinger, Arcopedico,
Moccasins and Sheepskin Slippers
812-988-4513 • www.kbellum.com 92 W. Franklin, Antique Alley in Nashville, IN
July/August 2016 • Our Brown County 29
Bobby Griffith
and His Love of Horses
~story and photos by Bob Gustin
W
hen you start a conversation with Bob Griffith, it’s hard to tell where it might wind up. You might start talking about auctioneering school, for instance, and wend your way through Texas saddle makers, New York snowstorms, nuns on golf carts, Willie Nelson, medicine, politics, yard sales, high school sports, NASCAR, boyhood memories, Halloween, truck drivers, fishing, various state fairs, firewood, poker, old rodeo posters, and dogs. He’ll also tell you about negative folks he calls “professional againsters.” In between will be some advice on where to find a good restaurant and some insight on your neighbors. But always, a constant theme will be his love of horses. Griffith, 71, runs Bobby G’s Tack and Saddlery at 3872 State Road 135 South in Brown County, but that’s just the latest incarnation of a long and varied career.
30 Our Brown County July/August 2016
He was born in Whiteland, Indiana and grew up on a dairy and beef cattle farm in Johnson County. “I was always interested in animals. Before I could walk, Dad bought me a pony. He bought my first horse when I was six,” he said. “One time I had 19 of them. “Horses are just like people. If you treat them right, they’ll treat you right.” After high school (graduating class, ten boys and three girls), he went to auctioneer school in Kansas, and a cattle school in Missouri. He was a fast-talking smooth-selling auctioneer for a few years, and showed some cattle at state fairs. He did some odd jobs, and spent some time as a horse trainer in New York and Oklahoma. Along the way, he says he did “every job there is” in the horse racing business, from cleaning stalls to being a valet and groom. “I worked my way up from the bottom,” he said, at racetracks from California to New York.
He met and married his wife Donna in the 1980s, and the two of them worked on opening new apartment complexes in Arizona and elsewhere. And though he once made thousands of dollars at the horse track (bought a used Cadillac with some of the money), he said he hasn’t placed a bet of more than $50 since then. “But wherever I was, I sold lots of horse supplies,” he said, including medication for race horses. Griffith met a Texas saddle maker along the way, and made a business deal with him to produce fancy horse saddles. He treats horses plagued with joint and muscle problems. He once had a small factory turning out horse gear, and produced a liniment of his own recipe called PDQ because that’s how it worked—pretty darn quick. He returned to Indiana in 1989 when his father was ill, and opened a tack and saddle shop in Greenwood called Griffith’s Wild Horse Junction. And he won some races with a horse named Bandito Buck. He also opened a shop called Trails End in the Story area, and spent part of the 1990s travelling across the state with a mechanical bull similar to the one shown in the Urban Cowboy movie, sponsoring contests and participating in charity events. He sold the Trails End store in 1994, and began selling tack and saddles from his current location in about 2000. In the barn next to his house on Indiana 135, you’ll find a sample of his dazzling saddles, along with blankets, lead ropes, and an array of colorful horse equipment. And, of course, the PDQ liniment, which Griffith points out is cool to the skin, not hot. He also sells firewood and ice, and is a drop-off point for trash collection. PDQ is the result of reading books on veterinary medicine, listening closely to relatives and friends who knew horses, and consulting with a woman who owned an herb farm. He makes the tincture at his Brown County business and sells it all over the country. A series of health problems put him in a mobility scooter instead of astride a horse in recent years, and his faithful dog Pup keeps an eye on the shop when he and Donna are away. One of the places you might find him is at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, or at its nearby museum and restaurant. “There’s lots of history right in our own back yard,” he said.
Why the life-long love of horses? It’s pretty simple. Horses are therapeutic, he said, and make you feel better just by being around them. Bobby G subscribes to the quote which has been attributed to everybody from Winston Churchill to Will Rogers: “The best thing for the inside of a man is the outside of a horse.” Bobby G’s Tack and Saddlery can be reached at (812) 988-0424.
July/August 2016 • Our Brown County 31
BROWN COUNTY
Hometown Proud Local Grocery Store Serving Beautiful Brown County Since 1975! • Certified Angus Beef • Large Beer and Wine Sections • Organic Grocery • Dairy • Picnic Supplies • Produce • Full Service Bakery/Deli • Frozen • Custom Cake Decorating • Wine • Custom Deli Trays, Veggie Trays, Fruit Baskets, and Gift Baskets Ever-Growing Selection of Gluten-Free Products 30 Hawthorne Dr. • Nashville • East SR 46 at light • 812-988-4546
Y e a r ro u n d l i v e S h ow S & Mov i e S Saturdays, July 2 & 9
Saturday, July 16
Saturday, July 30
Saturday, August 13
5th Annual
Outlaws & Honkytonks Live country music returns to little Nashville! | $16.50 & $17.50
Barney Fife Fully Loaded The antics of Barney Fife to original stand-up routines, opening performance Hamilton Creek Bluegrass. All ages show | $22.50
Competition & Concert
Ol’ Blue Eyes An Evening of Cool
Competition – 11 am Evening concert – 7:30 pm $22.50 all-day pass | $17.50 concert
Russell Moss backed by a live jazz orchestra. Benefit for the Shriners Hospitals for Children | $15 & $16
August 19 & 20 and 26 & 27 Wednesday, August 10
Moon River and Me!
by
AR Gurney
A Tribute to Andy Williams Full of award winning music, nostalgic footage and special memories, featuring Jimmy and Jay Osmond with special guests | $45
Movie Events
and the latest releases
Jimmy Osmond in
Brown County Community Theatre Comedy Play – about a very bad, but lovable doggy “Sylvia.” Some adult doggy behavior and language. Directed by Jill Tasker | $14.50 & $15.50
BROWN COUNTY
P E R F O R M I N G A R T 812.988.6555 · BrownCountyPlayhouse.org
S
Every weekend except for special events · Sunday 7 pm closed captioned Adults $5 | Child or Student $4
October 29 The Rocky Horror Picture Show r December 31 Love Actually r
C E N T E R
Showtimes 7:30 pm · Tickets & schedule online · Beer, wine & concessions available | Box Office: Thursday–Sunday | 70 S. Van Buren · Nashville, IN
32 Our Brown County July/August 2016
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church 812-988-8057 www.shepherdofthehills.org.in
St. Rd. 135 N. half mile north of Bean Blossom (5802 Old Settlers Rd. Morgantown, IN) next to Brownie’s Restaurant
“We Preach Christ Crucified.”
Excellent accessibility for handicapped
• SUNDAY DIVINE SERVICE 10:15 a.m. • SUNDAY SCHOOL 9 a.m.—All children welcome • ADULT BIBLE STUDY 9 a.m.—All welcome FOOD PANTRY last Wednesday of the month 9–11 a.m.
Get away in comfort
The Overlook Lodge Full size living room, dining area, kitchen and a deck or patio
Every room has an outstanding view of the golf course and Brown County State Park
One or two bedroom units with the luxuries of home Great rates
A Condominium-Style Hotel
Golf packages available
2359 State Road 46 East 2.5 miles east of Nashville
Stay one night or long term
812.988.7888 SaltCreekGolf.com
Seasonal outdoor pool & hot tub 18 hole golf course Driving range & pro shop 19th Hole Sports Bar & Grille
Visit us at Facebook/SaltCreekGolf
July/August 2016 • Our Brown County 33
photos by Tracy Todd
July 29–31, 2016 courtesy photo
T
~by Paige Langenderfer
he fifth annual Indiana State Fingerstyle Guitar Festival will take place July 29 through 31, 2016 and will feature a Friday evening open mic night at the Brown County Inn and a competition and concert on Saturday at the Brown County Playhouse. In 2012, Chuck Wills cofounded the event with fellow musician Kara Barnard. The competition is open to only 40 competitors and appeals to fingerstyle guitar musicians from around the globe. Musicians have traveled from as far away as Italy, Japan, Spain, and Turkey to compete. Wills describes fingerstyle as the most challenging form of guitar playing. “It’s like the Olympics. The player is creating both rhythm and melody with their thumb and fingers. Fingerstyle can sound traditional like Chet Atkins, or more contemporary like Andy McKee,” he said. “All of our players train and practice intensely. Not just to play each note the best they can, but to create their own song arrangements. Part of their score is on originality and arrangement of their piece.”
36 Our Brown County July/August 2016
Most serious players will practice anywhere from six to eight hours a day to get in shape for a competition, Wills said. The style of music played by the musicians runs the gamut of musical categories, from classical guitar to modern new age to flamenco. Wills said there are many ways of playing fingerstyle as well, such as fingerpicking, Travis picking, new age fingerstyle, slackkey guitar, classical, and flamenco. “At the competition, you will find fingerstyle guitarists playing jazz, classical, country, rock, and nearly every type of music out there,” Wills said. The competition is intense, Wills said, as players are competing for a grand prize $5,000 guitar built by Thomas Roeger, of Tom’s Guitars and Ukuleles in Bloomington. The winner will also win a $1,500 recording package from FretMonkey Records. New to the competition this year will be the addition of “The People’s Choice Award.” Audience members will get to vote for their favorite player and the winner will go home with a Telecaster-style electric guitar. Following the competition, the finalists will take the stage for a celebration concert at the Brown County Playhouse. “The concert is a celebration, with the best of the best taking the stage,” Wills said. “The show includes more than just fingerstyle guitar. Tim and Myles Thompson bring the mandolin and harmony vocals, and our headliner Michael Kelsey always puts on a riveting show that seems like part music, part magic.” Tickets to the competition and the concert are open to the public and can be purchased at the Brown County Playhouse or online at <browncountyplayhouse.org>. For more information about the Indiana State Fingerstyle Guitar Festival, visit <indianastringfest.com>.
Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre at the Artists Colony Inn
“Let’s Have Us a Weddin’” This arranged marriage has some challenges with family on the groom side from London and on the bride’s side from Paris, KY. Will you hear the vows or will a murder stop the ceremony?
Menu:
5th Annual
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July 23, Aug. 27, Sept. 24, Oct. 1, 15, 29, Nov. 12
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Nashville’s Unique Dining Experience (1800s Cabin)
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Nashville General Store & Bakery Sun.–Thurs. 9–5, Fri. 9–6, Sat. 9–7
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38 Our Brown County July/August 2016
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July/August 2016 • Our Brown County 41
Calendar Brown County Playhouse
• July 2 & 9 Outlaws & Honkytonks Live contry music in Little Nashville • July 16 Barney Fife Fully Loaded The antics of Barney Fife to original standup routines, Hamilton Creek opens show • July 30 5th Indiana State Fingerstyle Guitar Competition & Concert Competition 11 am, Concert 7:30 pm • Aug. 10 Jimmy Osmond, Moon River & Me A Tribute to Andy Williams • Aug. 13 Ol’ Blue Eyes, an Evening of Cool Russell Moss backed by jazz orchestra Benefit for Shriners Hospitals for Children • Aug. 19, 20, 26, 27 Sylvia Brown Co Community Theatre MOVIES –THE LATEST RELEASES See schedule online Most performances at 7:30 70 S. Van Buren St. in Nashville 812-988-6555 BrownCountyPlayhouse.org
Melchior Marionettes “Comedy Cabaret on Strings” July 2, 30 (closed August) Saturdays at 1:00 and 3:00 Free Popcorn! Tickets $5 Westside of S. Van Buren St. Downtown Nashville
Pine Room - Muddy Boots Music most days—Not all dates were booked at time of publication July1 Kade Puckett 6:00 Blues by Dave 9:00 July 2 Brown Mollies 8:00 July 3 Chris Dollar Bluegrass Jam 7:00 July 5 Travers Marks 7:00 July 6 Open Mic w/ Coot Crabtree 8:00 July 7 Chuck Wills & Friends 8:00 July 8 Kade Puckett 6:00 July 9 Edison July 10 Jeff Morgan 7:00 July 11 Bonz 8:00 July 12 Jason Blankenship 8:00 July 13 Open Mic w/ Dave Sisson 8:00 July 14 Avocado Chic 7:00 July 15 Kade Puckett 6:00
The schedule can change. Please check before making a trip. July 17 Dave Sisson 8:00 July 18 Steve Plessinger (Warm Bloods) 8:00 July 19 Bonz 8:00 July 20 Open mic w/ Jason Blankenship 8:00 July 21 Silver Sparrow 8:00 July 22 Kade Puckett 6:00 July 23 Joe “Rollin” Porter 6:00 July 24 Coot Crabtree 8:00 July 25 Craig Thurston 8:00 July 26 Lilley Meister 8:00 July 27 Open mic w/ Joe Bolinger 8:00 July 28 Hillbilly Hippies 8:00 July 29 Kade Puckett 6:00 Wade Water & Friends a night of music from John Prine 9:00 July 30 The Lean & The Plenty 9:00 Aug. 2 Travers Marks 7:00 Aug. 3 Open mic w/ Coot Crabtree 8:00 Aug. 4 Chuck Wills & Friends 8:00 Aug. 5 Kade Puckett 6:00 Aug. 6 Will Scott 5:00 Stella & Friends 8:00 Aug. 7 Chris Dollar Bluegrass Jam 7:00 Aug. 8 Honeywise 8:00 Aug. 9 Roger Banister 8:00 Aug. 10 Open mic w/ Dave Sisson 8:00 Aug. 11 Jason Blankenship 7:00 Aug. 12 Kade Puckett 6:00 Aug. 13 Blankenship Band 8:00 Aug. 14 Jeff Morgan 7:00 Aug. 16 The Steel Wheels 8:00 Aug. 17 Open mic w/ Jason Blankenship 8:00 Aug. 18 Silver Sparrow 8:00 Aug. 19 Kade Puckett 6:00 The McGuires 9:00 Aug. 20 Hoosier Darlings 8:00 Aug. 21 Dave Sisson 8:00 Aug. 22 Roger Banister 8:00 Aug. 24 Open mic w/ Joe Bolinger 8:00 Aug. 25 Jamie Nichole 8:00 Aug. 26 Kade Puckett 6:00 Wade Water & Friends a night of music from Bill Monroe 9:00 Aug. 27 South Central IN Blues Society Benefit Night 6:00 - 11:55 812-988-0236 and on Facebook
42 Our Brown County July/August 2016
Chateau Thomas Winery July 1 Mesa Rain July 2 Steve Fulton Cari Ray Band July 8 Barry Johnson July 9 Gary Applegate July 15 Dave Miller July 16 Fistful of Bacon July 22 Two for the Show July 23 Impasse July 29 Smokestack Lightning July 30 Jeff Foster McGuires Aug. 5 Mesa Rain Aug. 6 Gary Applegate Aug. 12 Luke Carol Project Aug. 13 Steve Fulton Impasse Aug. 19 Dave Miller Aug. 20 Jeff Foster Warrior Kings Aug. 26 Marlinaires Aug. 27 Barry Johnson Music 7:00-10:00 Fri. and Sat. 812-988-8500 ChateauThomas.com
Outdoor Gazebo Parties Hotel Nashville July 8 John Allen July 22 Barry Johnson Aug. 5 Scott Strange Aug. 26 Dave Miller 6:00-9:00 812-988-8400 hotelnashville.com
Abe Martin Lodge Music Saturdays 6:00-8:00
Salt Creek 19th Hole Bar Live Music Fridays and Saturdays
Brown County Inn Lounge Music Fridays and Saturdays 9:00
Seasons Lodge Music Fridays and Saturdays 9:00
Big Woods Music Fridays, Saturdays + more
Mike’s Music & Dance Barn Mondays dance lessons 6:30 (Not July 4) July 2 Private High School Reunion Saturdays Smooth Country house band July 8 Terry Lee & Rockaboogie Band July 15 Marlinaires Aug. 19 Marlinaires Aug. 20 Motorcycle Rally for Ovarian Cancer Research during day Evening with Smooth Country 812-988-8636 mikesmusicbarn.com
FREE Concert Pavilion Music Series
7th Bean Blossom Southern Gospel Jubilee July 7-9 at Monroe Music Park in Bean Blossom hosted by the Perrys www.billbaileyconcerts.com 800-414-4677 www.beanblossom.us
Gnawbrew July 22, 23 at Explore Brown County at Valley Branch Retreat, noon to midnight Bringing together home-brewers, regional breweries, beer distributors, artists/musicians for a fun-filled event. 812-988-7750 www.GnawBrew.com
5th Indiana State Aug. 20 Kenan Rainwater Band 4:30-6:00 Fingerstyle Guitar Festival Corner of Main & Jefferson Streets Sponsored by the Johnson Family
SPECIAL EVENTS: Village Art Walk Second Saturdays, 4:00-8:00 Free self-guided walking tour of downtown Nashville art galleries
Farmers’ Market St. David’s May 13–Sept. 30, Fridays, 4:00-7:00 pm Intersection of SR 135 and SR 45 in Bean Blossom. Produce, live music, jams, baked goods, herbs/plants, artisan crafts
pARTake 4th Saturday of the month Chateau Thomas Winery, 3:00-5:00 Drink wine as you learn from an artist. $40 per person; includes glass of wine, refreshments, instruction, and materials. • July 23 Watercolor Impressions with Martha Sechler • Aug. 27 Sunset Landscape with Cheryl Duckworth artalliancebrowncounty.com
Brown County Lions Club’s Fireworks July 4 at the High School athletic field
July-29-31 at various venues Fri. Open Mic at Brown County Inn Sat. Competition and Concert at Brown County Playhouse Top musicians from across the USA Sat. Competition at 11:00, concert at 7:30 http://indianastringfest.com
Brown County 4-H Fair July 30-Aug. 6, at fairgrounds
18th Bean Blossom Blues Fest Aug 25-27, 9:00 am to 11:00 pm at Monroe Music Park in Bean Blossom Award-winning National Artists Festival kickoff—party/jam on Thursday. Workshops offered on harmonica, guitar, and spoons. www.beanblossomblues.com
OTHER ACTIVITIES: Brown County Art Guild Features the Marie Goth Estate Collection and contemporary art by more than 40 award-winning member artists. July: Jeanne McLeish & Mark Burkett Aug.: Zhen Zhong Duan & Charlene Marsh 48 S. Van Buren St. in Nashville 812-988-6185 browncountyartguild.org
Brown County Art Gallery Features works by 60 contemporary artists and early Indiana masters Thru July 2 Indiana Heritage Arts Show July 18-22 “Garden Art” Children’s Art Camp w/ Amanda Mathis July 9-24 “Brown Co. Artists Go Coastal” July 9 Reception 6:00 Aug. 6-Sept. 10 Gustave Baumann and the Indiana Printmakers Aug. 6 Reception 6:00 Corner of Main St. & Artist Dr. in Nashville 812-988-4609 browncountyartgallery.org
Olde Time Flea Market Every Saturday, Sunday, and Holiday Weekends, 9:00-5:00 State Road 46 East in Gnaw Bone
Bucks & Does Square Dances July 1 and Aug. 5, at YMCA, 8:00-10:00 located at 105 Willow Street July 15, at Abe Martin Lodge, 8:00-10:00 Brown County State Park
Brown Co. History Center Open Thurs.-Sun. 11-4 Archives: Tues. and Fri. 1-4 Displays and exhibits North of the courthouse Donations welcome
Indiana Raptor Center Live birds of prey, tours by appt. only. Wed.-Sun. 11:00-5:00 Group programs available. Closed January and August. 812-988-8990 indianaraptorcenter.org
Brown County Dragway Gatesville Road in Bean Blossom Racing every Sunday thru October 812-988-1505 or 812-988-6103
WRAPS Writers, Readers, and Poets Society Meets first, third, and fifth Thursdays 7 to 9 p.m., Brown County Public Library
July/August 2016 • Our Brown County 43
At Home in Brown County “Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in.” —Robert Frost “Home is where the heart is.” —Anonymous “Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home.” —John Howard Payne
~by Mark Blackwell
H
ome is something pretty important to almost everybody. Most folks will say home is where they come from. Sometimes home is where they are residing at the present time. Sometimes, home is a house and sometimes it is a parcel of land. For some folks it’s a state, a town or a city, or a country. And sometimes it’s a county like Brown. Hardly anybody who lives here says they are from Nashville. We all tend to say we’re from Brown County. That’s not because Nashville isn’t a great little town. Brown County is a unique area of Indiana that many people know about. It is rough and hilly, not wellwatered, and for a long time, not easy to travel. One could make the claim that sleepy old Brown County was awakened from its indifference to the outside world in 1905. That is the year that the railroad came through and made the county accessible. In1907 a painter named Theodore Clement Steele purchased some acreage down by Belmont leading to the development of an artist colony. T.C. Steele was an artist of some renown and had studied and painted in Europe. He had a good reputation among fellow artists in Chicago and extended an invitation for them to come and experience the unsullied atmosphere of a preindustrial Brown County. They came and some stayed. And in time Nashville and Brown County became home to them. I have found that, historically, some people like to name their homes. George Washington had “Mount Vernon.” “Monticello” is what Thomas Jefferson named his home. And so, too, a lot of the artists in Brown County did the same. T.C. Steele called his Brown County home “The House of the Singing Winds.” The first artists around Nashville referred to the area as
44 Our Brown County July/August 2016
“Peaceful Valley.” But for the natives, whose art was just getting a living, home was called by whatever ridge or holler where it was located. And those homes were most generally log cabins and a few acres. For the old settlers and their progeny, home was everything. It was the place where you grew your food and raised your kids and livestock. It was the place that kept you warm(er) in the cold weather, dry(er) in the rain, and cool(er) in the shade of big old spreading maple trees on hot summer days. Home was where the relatives and neighbors gathered for impromptu play-parties, quilting bees, corn-shuckings, and for all labor that could be made lighter with many hands. Home was a sacred place, a place of Bible readings, meal time grace saying, births, deaths, wakes, and funerals. More than a few homesteads here come with little graveyards where the only commemoration is a flat creek stone and an annual decoration of daffodils. I have a book titled The Indiana Home by Logan Esarey, published by the Indiana University Press. It is probably the best little book on the subject of the Continued on 46
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July/August 2016 • Our Brown County 45
HOME continued from 44 evolution of homesteading in southern Indiana. Esarey was born in 1873 and grew up around first and second generation pioneers. He worked at home doing the various chores common to all residents of small farmsteads in the 19th and early 20th century. Esarey was well acquainted with the axe and hoe, mule-powered plow, and the other implements of farm life. But he did not become trapped by them nor did he abhor the manual drudgery that was life on the early family farm. What he hated was what he perceived to be an eastern elitist snobbery towards Hoosiers and so he set about to explain the life of selfsufficiency that the pioneers led. In doing this he also demonstrated how these folks, with very little in the way of material possessions, produced a living and a culture and made homes out of the Midwest wilderness. I recommend this book for anybody who wants to understand the settlement and social history of Indiana. That is the story of home in the not too distant past of Brown County. The ridge that I live on is a constant reminder of that past. I cannot hike a quarter of a mile without coming across the abandoned remains of early homesteads. They are readily recognizable by the hundred and fifty year old maple or oak trees that mark the road frontage and the beds of crocuses and daffodils that come up every spring. You can still find the corner stones and foundation stones of log cabins that have decomposed or burned long ago. Up here, where there is now a second coming of wilderness, there used to be people and communities. I find their old canning jars and bits and pieces of dishes and crockery. I have learned to steer clear of the old cisterns that once caught and held precious rain water and now dry, shelter rattlesnakes. And when I close my eyes and pay close attention I can sometimes hear the whispers of children singing rhymes, mothers reciting Bible verses, and the sound of fiddles. There are places that are easier to get to than Brown County. There are places that have better access to water. There are places that are flatter and more agreeable to raising crops. And yet Brown County calls to certain folks. It casts a net woven of whispered promises, the beauty of nature, peacefulness, and contentment. Folks feel at home here.
46 Our Brown County July/August 2016
Brown County
History Center Displays and Exhibits
Pioneer Village Museum
Bringing Brown County’s Past to Life
Looking for event space? or more info 812-988-2899 Open Thurs.–Sun. 11–4, Archives: Tues. and Fri. 1–4 North of the courthouse • Donations welcome
Olde Time
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Every Saturday, Sunday, and Holiday Weekends
April–October
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1st and 3rd Saturdays 10:00 to 1:00
THRIFT SHOP South Van Buren in Nashville (behind Subway) (812) 988-6003 Proceeds go to local charities
Art Gallery Goes “Coastal” and Highlights Baumann Prints
A
Bohm painting “Just Waiting.”
~by Lyn Letsinger-Miller and Doug Runyan
celebration of early Indiana Art this summer will coincide with the Gallery’s 90th Anniversary and the State Bicentennial. One exhibit takes you on a summer vacation to the ocean and the second into the world of Gustave Baumann. Opening with a reception on July 9, “Brown County Artists Go Coastal”, explores our early artists leaving Peaceful Valley and its hills, woods, and meadows for coastal regions of the United States. L.O. Griffith and Anthony Buchta traveled to New Orleans with its busy streets and harbors. Adolph Shulz, considered the founder of the Brown County Art Colony, spent time in Florida along with his second wife Alberta. They found the surroundings that featured orange groves, beaches, palms trees, and the Gulf waters to be great subjects. They also met a young Fred Rigley who eventually followed the Shulzs to Nashville, but not before a detour to the East Coast. Rigley exhibited in Cape Ann in the late 1930s and served as President of the prestigious North Shore Art Association. Other visitors to Cape Ann included C. Curry Bohm, and Gianni Cilfone. In return, East Coast artists Ken Gore and Marian Williams Steele, made their way to Nashville at the invitation of Rigley. Glen Cooper Henshaw, whose permanent collection resides in the Brown County Art Gallery, spent many years painting up and down the East Coast. The exhibit will feature 50 paintings that give Indiana art lovers a look into the “traveling” lives of our early artists. The exhibit closes on July 30. Next up is “Gustave Baumann and the Brown County Printmakers,” which opens with a reception on August 6 and will premiere a major acquisition by the
Gallery from the Baumann Estate. Currently, “Gustave Baumann: the Indiana Collection” has its home in the new Dr. Robert Sexton Gallery. It is home to a major collection of Indiana works by Baumann, who began his artistic career in Brown County in the early 1900s. He went on to International fame in New Mexico but never forgot his Indiana roots. He was also joined by a corps of Indiana printmakers including L.O. Griffith, Adolph Shulz, Will Vawter, and Arthur Humpal. Visitors will see the major Baumann exhibit along with the work of his colleagues. The opening reception will feature author Marty Krause and woodcut printmaker Mark Burkett, who will demonstrate the process in the Art Education Studio. The exhibit remains open until September 10. New works have been added to the Collection including the gift from the Baumann estate which is called a Progression. It includes the original tempra which Baumann would paint in the field, and then use as a guide for carving his wood blocks used in the printmaking. The progression includes the tempra, 7 woodblocks, and 12 prints which culminated into his famous Indiana piece called, “The Road of a Morning.” The gift is valued at $150,000. There is a $25 admission charge to both opening receptions which feature food, wine, and music along with the special programs and a souvenir brochure. Then the exhibits open to the public free of charge. For more information and to make reception reservations, visit the Gallery website <www.browncountyartgallery.org> or follow us on Facebook, “The historic Brown County Art Gallery.” You can also call the Gallery at (812) 988-4609.
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July/August 2016 • Our Brown County 47
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July/August 2016 • Our Brown County 49
Preserving Our Cemeteries ~story and photos by Jeff Tryon
P
eaceful Valley Heritage and Preservation has been focusing efforts on some of the endangered parts of Brown County’s rich historical heritage— its dozens of small pioneer cemeteries. That effort is also shedding some historical light on the artists of Brown County. Henry Cross, a farmer and carver of tombstones, was probably the county’s first resident artist. “One big thing we’re trying to work on is the Henry Cross tombstones,” said Vivian Wolff of Peaceful Valley Heritage and Preservation. “We are literally trying to save them—getting them up and out of the dirt and trying to preserve them. And we want to educate people.” Cross, an early settler in Van Buren Township in southern Brown County, carved the iconic “Stone Head” marker at the intersection of State Road 135 South and Bellsville Pike, which depicts a man’s head on a
rectangular block with directions and mileage carved below to direct visitors. It was one of three such markers Cross made in lieu of road maintenance work. “He also carved tombstones, and they were beautiful,” said Wolff. Peaceful Valley Heritage has pledged $1,000 in seed money to work towards the repair and restoration of the Cross stones located in Van Buren township area cemeteries. “His stones are in the dirt, some are broken some are standing up,” Wolff said. “A few of them have the face sloughed off from weather and the quality of the stone. You can imagine very intricate work all done by hand—a little girl, a little lamb. There are some that are symbolic, like a tree stump signifying a life cut short, and weeping willows. He did a lot of those. “I think as far as heritage goes, if we don’t do something to save these cemeteries that are 150 to
50 Our Brown County July/August 2016
170 years old, do some research and know the stories that go with them, we are really missing the boat.” How many cemeteries are there in Brown County? Wolff admits she has “no idea.” Hamblen Township alone has around 30 cemeteries, and some of them are very small, like the six-grave Richardson Cemetery where one of Brown County’s earliest judges is buried. With so many cemeteries, many in neglect and disrepair, Peaceful Valley Heritage first picked the Sprunica church and cemetery as a project because it is close to the road and gets a lot of traffic from nearby Sprunica Elementary school. There was once a small but thriving community where only the church and cemetery remain. For many years the county fair was held there. “There was a whole little community there, the one room church, a one room schoolhouse, the cemetery,
Stone Head road marker.
Cross stones in Van Buren Township’s Melott Cemetery.
a store, and a Redman’s lodge. The church is still standing and the cemetery surrounds it. It’s over 150 years old,” she said. “There’s a lot of heritage there.” Many volunteers including employees of Indiana Oxygen and South Central Indiana REMC, Sherriff Scott Southerland and his family, and surviving ancestors of people buried there, such as Max Scrougham and his son Bruce, have spent hours removing fallen limbs and trees, mowing, pruning, and straightening tombstones. The township trustee is finding funds to help clean and repair stones. “We have tried to assess all of the cemeteries in Brown County, but we haven’t gotten to all of them yet,” Wolff said. “There’s a committee in the county that is trying to bring the cemetery information up to date and correct some of the information.” The group is working to bring up to date the work of legendary Brown County genealogists Ken and Helen Reeves.
“The Reeves’ work on cemeteries was extensive and there is a cemetery book, but nothing has been done to bring the book up to date,” she said. “The desire is to preserve some of the stories and some of the history and heritage of Brown County.” Peaceful Valley Heritage helped support the restoration of the Old Log Jail and is trying to get other projects off the ground, including preservation of the Dickey and Neff houses and the historical marker for the State Park. The recently acquired state historical marker for the Brown County Bluegrass Music in Bean Blossom is a result of their efforts. The cemetery committee meets once a month on the third Thursday of the month at one o’clock at the public library in Nashville. At a special public meeting scheduled for August, an Indiana Department of Natural Resources archeologist will talk about who is responsible for what in old cemeteries, what can and cannot be done. Wolff is hoping more people who are interested in old Brown County cemeteries will get involved in many different ways. “Because I’ve tried to get some of this work done, people think, ‘Oh, you have a passion for cemeteries!’ but I don’t. I just think there’s some heritage there and I do think we ought to save as much as we can,” said Wolff. A booklet In search of Henry Cross by W. Douglas Hartley and a DVD with the late Jack Weddle talking about the Henry Cross stones are available at the Brown County Public Library.
July/August 2016 • Our Brown County 51
Fine Pipes and Tobaccos Premium Cigars
Knives by Benchmade, Kershaw, Microtech, Esee, Tops, Protech, Zero Tolerance and many more
Variety of T-Shirts
Things you can live without ... but who wants to!
’ Luminox Watches (used by Navy Seals)
Old Colonial Bldg. 60 N. Van Buren St. Nashville, Indiana•812.988.6590 menstoyshop@yahoo.com•Visit us on Facebook
Maxpedition Hard-use Gear
Wooden Signs made in Southern Indiana
Guns and Ammo for Competition, Hunting, Sport, and Home Defense
Open 7 days a weekk ffor llunch, O h dinner, and late night • FLAT SCREEN TVs to watch your favorite sports • GREAT MENU: sandwiches, appetizers, and salads • FULL BAR with GREAT DRINK SPECIALS every day • LIVE ENTERTAINMENT most Friday and Saturday nights • KIDS always welcome until 9 pm • KIDS menu • Outdoor seating Located on the lower level at Salt Creek Golf Course 2359 State Road 46 East, Nashville 812-988-4323 • View full menu and entertainment schedule at www.saltcreekgolf.com 52 Our Brown County July/August 2016
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... Our full service restaurant is open daily.
We have the room for you!
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!
· ESTABLISHED 1985 ·
Brown County Winery Award-winning Indiana Wines
Free Wine Tasting at both locations VILLAGE OF NASHVILLE
East Main St. and Old School Way
WINERY IN GNAWBONE
4520 State Road 46 East · Nashville
OPEN DAILY
Monday–Thursday 10 AM-5 PM | Friday & Saturday 10 AM-5:30 PM Sunday · 11 AM-5 PM Shipping available to select states
Indiana Uplands Wine Trail Passports Stamped Here!
BROWNCOUNTYWINERY.COM · 812-988-6144 · 812-988-8646 July/August 2016 • Our Brown County 53
All New Guest Rooms and Suites with Kitchenettes
Hunter’s Your Local, Small Box, Tech Store • Gadgets • Cell Phone Accessories
Book Your Meeting, Banquet, or Reception at our Conference Center
• Unique Electronics • Computer Support • LARGE Format Printing • UPS Shipping
2450 State Road 46 East, Nashville, IN Close to Salt Creek Golf Course, Brown County State Park www.creeksideretreat.net Toll free 844-4RETREAT (844-473-8732)
4th Sister
Vintage Store
Repurposed home décor, memorabilia & collectibles
Olde Magnolia House Inn 3 large, private overnight rooms above 4th Sister Vintage store filled with vintage items, extra blankets, quilts, pillows, games, smart cable TVs BOOK ONLINE! 614.638.8849 • 213 South Jefferson • OldeMagnoliaHouseInn.com
54 Our Brown County July/August 2016
30 E. Washington St., Nashville, IN (Across from the Circle K) 317.498.9982 hunterselectronics.com
GRANDPA JEFF’S
Trail Rides Relax on a journey with Grandpa Jeff. ff. Take in the scenery and wildlife. No two rides will ever be the same —sunny summer days, fall colors, winter snowfalls, spring blossoms. Trail Rides, Pony Rides, Hay Rides Cattle Drives, and Custom Excursions
At least one hour notice. Trail Ride Reservations can be made by phone, e-mail, or through our website.
Grandpa Jeff personally trained our horses to take exceptional care of your family and friends of all ages.
call or text www.GrandpaJeffsTrailRides.com cell (812)272-0702 info@GrandpaJeffsTrailRides.com 5889 S. Skinner Rd. Morgantown, Indiana
Ethereal
Day spa & Salon
PINE ROOM MUDDY BOOTS Candlelight $185 Couples Massage Hot tub soak, Massage & Rainforest Shower
Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
25% Off Spa Packages · Tuesdays & Sundays · Appointment Required
812.720.9009 · EtherealDaySpaAndSalon.com Village of Nashville · Van Buren & Washington, 2nd floor Monday–Saturday 10 to 7 · Sundays by appointment
Book Online!
Hoosier Buddy Liquors Cold Beer, Fine Wines & Select Spirits Cold Beer:
Hoosier Buddy offers more than 150 different beers, including more than 80 craft, micro, and imports. We proudly offer a wide variety of beers from Indiana’s finest brewers.
Fine Wines:
Hoosier Buddy is a wine-lovers type of store. With more than 200 wines to choose from, we’ve got something for everyone. Check out our “Affordable Imports” and “90+ Point” selections.
Select Spirits:
Hoosier Buddy offers an ever expanding array of top-notch spirits. Our whiskey category alone includes more than 75 different choices. Whether you’re looking for a Single Barrel Bourbon or a Single Malt from Islay— we stock them.
284 South Van Buren (next to Subway) Nashville, IN 812-988-2267
Follow us on Twitter @HoosierBuddy1 As always, Hoosier Buddy Liquors A reminds you to celebrate safe —don’t drink and drive.
Open Every Day 8 am–Midnight View our menu at PineRoomTavern.net
All Ages Welcome • Kids Menu •E Espresso D Drinks i k • Homemade Desserts • Breakfast until 5:00 pm • Pool P l Tables T bl • Dart Boards • Craft ft B Beer/Wine /Wi & S Spirits
Live Music 7 Nights a Week (812) 988-0236 51 E. Chestnut St. • (behind Salt Creek Inn) State Road 46, Nashville Free Parking
July/August 2016 • Our Brown County 55
The Woodland Deck
~story and photo by Jim Eagleman
“A
new day is a promise to do something new and exciting,” my mom used to say. An early riser and domestic engineer, she had wash flapping on the line and garden produce ready for the day’s meals by the time I staggered to breakfast. Years later, I am reminded of this mantra, now nearly a pledge—“Do something new and exciting.” I scan the sky above me on this summer day. There is no need to check the weather app. Blue sky is visible thru the tree tops. Large white oaks and pignut hickories, Brown County trademarks, tower overhead. What promise do they hold? For some, lying on one’s back, prone and on a soft mat may be a strange way to start the day. But if you are a new convert to yoga and enjoy birds and early mornings, an isolated wooden deck in the woods is a quiet and safe place to feel accepted. Among other things, it is here I recall my days at my college field station and early ornithology and botany classes. Looking skyward I recalled what a professor
56 Our Brown County July/August 2016
said about summer leaves—“too numerous to count.” Thankfully we were spared that assignment. During the course of a summer day, each clump can twist to expose as much of the surface to the sun as possible, even the lower ones. Growth occurred earlier, a short 30–40 day period from mid-May to mid-June, with another annular ring added and more height. Arboreal plumbing systems now work at full capacity as roots take up nutrients and moisture evaporates nightly from leaf surfaces. The “chick-burr” of a scarlet tanager and an unmated wood thrush punctuate the cool air where I lay. Slow, gradual winds move top branches in wide oval sweeps. The forest has another day to continue its destiny. If you ever doubted trees produce a lot of stuff, inspect a place you swept clean the day before. Leaves, small branches, webbing, insect egg cases, bark particles, frass, and pollen rained down throughout the night. It should be a good year for acorns. The oaks had a bumper crop of flowers this spring. The forest floor acts as a trash basket. It is here all debris and accumulated material collects. To some, it is a cemetery. Dead insects, animals, snake skins, bones, antlers, and insect bodies decay, decompose, and rot into the soil. It can also assume the role of nursery. New plants arise from maturing seeds and spores, new generations of insects, birds, and animals are reared here. Life can start up and end here. We Brown Countians are engulfed in, and are lucky to be a part of, this dynamic system of trees, plants, and animals. It’s all around us, altering our lives. Downed trees cause power outages and storm debris block roads. High water causes detours. On the plus side, undulating seas of green, glorious, refreshing, and far-reaching greet us at every curve. Bedrock sandstone beautifies patios and walls. Woodland streams flow through ravines into pristine lakes. Roadside flora color changes weekly—lush and vibrant this spring into summer. Then a predictable, crispy-dry mid-August, seasonal change in the forest is part of the dynamic of this southern Indiana ecosystem. “How will you ever learn all of it, Mr. Eagleman?” a hiker once asked me after we keyed out a plant. “There’s a lot out there.” Did he mean just the plant community, or all of nature? “You can’t,” I replied, recalling my professors who hinted as much.
After years of teaching local ecologic concepts and principles, I am heartened to know the more we learn, the better we are able to live with, appreciate, and manage our important, life-sustaining natural resources. Einstein said it best: “The more I learn, the more I realize I don’t know.” My mom’s suggestion I use each day to learn something new and exciting began my life of curiosity and observation. And day-dreams from a yoga mat help it continue. New nature word: Scansorial refers to any organism—plant or animal—that has adaptations for climbing; i.e. Virginia Creeper, opossum.
Gifts for home and happiness
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Not pretentious. Not fancy. JUST REAL GOOD FOOD. GATESVILLE COUNTRY STORE. It’s one of those places that you are excited to tell your friends about—a best-kept secret that’s too good to keep. A place where the people are real and friendly, and they’re likely to know your name before long. The food is good, honest food that’s tasty and genuine. Made with heart and soul. We’re located off the beaten path, and maybe a bit hard to find—but worth the effort. It’s where the local folks go. So, if you’re interested in finding a place that’s a little old-school and truly authentic Americana, come see us at Gatesville Country Store. Enjoy browsing the antiques, panning for gold in Salt Creek (behind the store), or just relaxing with a good meal or a piece of pie and some conversation. 4525 Salt Creek Rd. Nashville, IN 47448
(812) 988-0788
Cookout Buffet (menu varies) • Cash Bar • Live Music May/June
(6–9 pm)
Friday, 5:(6–10Strange” pm) Friday, MayJune 27 “Scott Sunday, May 25: (5–9 Friday, June 24 “Fistful ofpm) Bacon” July
Friday, July 8 “John Allen” Friday, July 22 “Barry Johnson” August
Friday, Aug. 5 “Scott Strange” Friday, Aug. 26 “Dave Miller” September
Friday, Sept. 16 “The McGuires” Friday, Sept. 30 “Dave Miller” Dates subject to change
245 N. Jefferson Street in Nashville, IN 812-988-8400 • www.hotelnashville.com
July/August 2016 • Our Brown County 57
Visit
Morgantown Serving Central Indiana since 1971
10 miles north of Nashville on scenic State Road 135
Visit our website
www.theclockconnection.com And Facebook
at House of Clocks
Lay-a-way and Gift Certificates available 75 W. Washington St. P.O. Box 29 Morgantown, IN 46160-0029 812-597-5414 Tues.–Sat. 11–5 pm (closed Sun. & Mon.)
ANTIQUES CO-OP 129 W. Washington St. • Morgantown, IN 46160 (In the old hardware store building)
Country Primitives Advertising Antique Garden Old Paint Early Smalls Open 6 Days (Closed Mon.)
Furniture, Art Architectural Elements Pottery The Odd and Unusual and A General Line Like us on Facebook
(812) 597-4530
Layaway Available
ART Beyond Crayons Creativity beyond the classroom Pick your • Art Lessons for All Ages Palette: • Group Painting Parties
• Birthday Paint Parties • Home Schooled Instruction
Judy D. Wells • owner, K–12 Licensed Educator • judydenisewells@gmail.com 79 S. Marion St. • Morgantown, IN • (317) 403-7147 Flexible hours including weekends and evenings
58 Our Brown County July/August 2016
C Check out our new full bar f Sunday Special: Bucket of Bud Light or Miller Light $9.99
Breakfast• Lunch • Dinner Open Mon.–Sat. 7 am–9 pm • Sun. 7 am–8 pm Breakfast served 7–10:30 am
329 S. SR 135 Morgantown (812) 597-5900 • www.LasChalupas.com
MY
The largest tactical gear store with the most affordable prices
Full line of Firearm Accessories & Holsters Ammo · Knives Camping & Survival Gear for men and women
Coachlight Square · Washington & Van Buren |
812.720.7031 · ApacheTactical.us ·
ApacheTacticalNashville
The Lang Company · Mud Pie Bea’s Wees · Jim Shore Lenox · Lilliput Cottages Disney · Lori Mitchell Open Daily · 125 South Van Buren Street in the Artists Colony Shops 812.988.6388 · Carol’s Crafts Nashville July/August 2016 • Our Brown County 59
Melchior Marionette Theatre “Comedy Cabaret on Strings”
“Affordable Fashion”
LEATHER
•Men’s and Women’s Jewelry •Leather Wallets and Purses •Leather Accessories •Custom-sized Leather Belts •Women’s Clothing
40 Washington Street • Nashville, Indiana • (812)988-1825
Summer Schedule: May 28 June 4, 11, 18, 25 July 2, 30 Closed August Sept. 3, 17, 24
Saturdays at 1:00 and 3:00 Free Popcorn! Tickets $5
(sold 15 min. before show) Westside of S. Van Buren St. Downtown Nashville
Halloween shows every Sat. & Sun. in Oct. 800-849-4853 • www.melchiormarionettes.com
Lightspinner STUDIO
Martha Sechler Unique Watercolors Mixed Media Gourd Art
4460 Helmsburg Rd. Nashville, IN • 812-988-7379 Open whenever home. Call ahead.
Nashville Express
Dawn’s Nashville H of J
Beef, Turkey, Pork, Buffalo, Venison, Elk, Kangaroo, Wild Boar, and more
Nashville, IN (812) 988-1592
Main Street Shops Old School Way alley
Old McDurbin % Gold & 50 Gifts
OFFLRY E JEW
Customized
• Anklets • Bracelets • Necklaces
Watches Sterling Silver 1000’s of Pendants Rings 58 E. Main Street (next to courthouse)
60 Our Brown County July/August 2016
Sightseeing Tours
2 1/2 mile scenic tour of Nashville Board at Fearrin’s Ice Cream • Franklin & Van Buren also service to Seasons, Brown County Inn, Comfort Inn
May – October • $5 per person • 812-988-6690 available for field trips, business functions, private tours 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. longer on weekends (ask the driver)
LODGE on the MOUNTAIN 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.)
812-988-6429 www.browncountylogcabins.com
Male Instinct “A Different Spin on a Man’s Store”
Gifts Apparel
• Northern Sportswear • Hats, Gloves, Billfolds Accessories • Ultimo Fragrance • Old Guys Rule • Knives • Themed items Hot Stuff • Military the maleinstinct.com
75 S. Van Buren St. • Nashville • (812) 988-1964
The Sunshine Shack
* REFRESH Something to “hit the spot” as you shop * REBOOT •Hot Dogs •Beer-soaked Brats * RE-ENERGIZE •Baked Beans •Tiny Pies •Slushees •Homemade Soft Drinks •Snow Cones •Floats •Tea •Coffee •Water •Homemade Ice Cream and Popsicles •Shakes and Sundaes • Smoothies •Fresh Squeezed Lemonade & Orangeade
Served with a smile Little shack on S. Van Buren Street near the stoplight in Nashville
The Marg and Brenda Team
Salted Nuts R d Roasted Daily Marg DeGlandon CSSS, CDPR
10 Artist Drive, P.O. Box 1609 Nashville, IN 47448
812-988-4485
Brenda Longtin CSSS, CDPR
Associate Broker Broker/Owner Cell: 812-360-4083 www.MargAndBrendaTeam.com Cell: 812-360-3889 margd@remax.net Your Brown County Team shaht@mibor.net
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
Our own Tzatziki sauce recipe, made from scratch
Wine Bar and Gift Shoppe Open Daily
Wine Tastings
• Cheeses and Gourmet Foods • Unique Wine Gifts • Comfortable Seating Live Music Fri. and Sat. 7-10 pm Coachlight Square • S. Van Buren and Washington, Nashville, IN
812-988-8500 • www.ChateauThomas.com
Over 100 Quilts
Delicious! Free samples • Local Delivery Available <Most items under $10> gyrofoodnashville.com • Gyros Food
S. Van Buren & Old School Way • Possum Trot Sq. Look for the sidewalk signs • (812) 318-0840
Brown County Historical Society Pioneer Women’s Club
Quilt Show September 16, 17, 18
Fri. & Sat. 10–5 • Sun. 10–3 Hand-quilting, Spinning, and Weaving Demos Lunch Cafe: Sandwiches, Salads, and Homemade Pies Music • Vendors • Quilt Drawing Sunday at 3
Brown County History Center 90 E. Gould St. • Nashville, IN
58 East Main Street Nashville, Indiana (next to Brown County Courthouse) www.browncountycraftgallery.com
open daily 10–5 • 812-988-7058
Application at www.browncountyhistorycenter.org
July/August 2016 • Our Brown County 61
62 Our Brown County July/August 2016
Our Brown County AUTO SALES
AUTO - TIRE, REPAIR, TOW
BUY HERE • PAY HERE • CASH SALES
24-Hour Towing
ANTIQUES
Plum Creek Antiques Open-Air Market Bean Blossom
• Fruit Jars • Garden Art • Furniture • Iron Things, • Lots of Junk and more 5 minutes north of Nashville (intersection of SR 135 & SR 45)
(812) 988-6268 BANKING
The Strength of Big, The Service of Small 189 Commercial Drive, Nashville, IN 47448 812.988.1200
Serving our home town area since 1981
Low down payments / interest rates We help you find the vehicle that suits you the best, without all the pressure and hassle.
50 N. Marion St. (SR 135 & 252 junction) Morgantown, IN 46160
(812) 597-5020 www.GMGMOTORS.com
Garage
Full Mechanical Garage Brakes, Engine, Transmission 2 & 4 Wheel Alignment “Big to Small, We Do it All!”
1814 N. St. Rd. 135 • Nashville
812-988-7518
AUTO - TIRE, REPAIR, TOW
BANKING NAME YOUR CATEGORY
Serving the Community for over 100 years
Paint & Body
$5 OFF Alignment Full Collision Repair
TIRE & Auto Repair
Brown County Tire 24 hr. Wrecker Service
812-988-8473 27 Salt Creek Rd (Intersection SR 46) Nashville
Contact us today for all your banking needs
www.peoples-bank.com 41 S. Hawthorne Dr. Nashville, IN 47448 (812) 988-6633 CABIN VACATION RENTALS
CAMPGROUND
Bill Monroe Music Park and Campground Just five miles from Nashville, IN One of Southern Indiana's largest campgrounds
• Over 55 acres with walking trails • Over 300 water/electric sites • 30 amp and 50 amp hookups • Over 300 tent sites General camping May thru October • Camping cabin rentals
• 2 dump stations • Wi-Fi • Heated/AC showerhouse • Laundry facility • Stocked fishing lake
CONSTRUCTION
WALTMAN CONSTRUCTION CO. Owens-Corning Preferred Contractor
Great on line SPECIALS!
• Sun.–Thurs.—Buy 2 get third consecutive night FREE • Check out our Last Minute Special
(812) 988-7337 • www.browncountyin.com P.O. Box 386 • Nashville, IN 47448
LLicensed and Insured • 15 years total replacement warranty for roofs available
Don Waltman
Roof Coatings, Metal/Shingle Roofs, Remodels, Ro Power Washing and Sealing, Barns, (812) 327-1994 Garages, Decks, Siding, Windows and Doors, waltmanconst@aol.com G and all construction needs and services! References Available
Services Directory YOUR AD HERE
July/August 2016 • Our Brown County 63 HEALTH
VALUABLE COUPON
Services Directory Rates published every other month
146 E. Main St., Nashville
Single Block $50 Double Block $70 2 or more 5% OFF
annual 15%OFF
Call Cindy 812-988-8807
HEALTH FOR “U” H 812-988-9890 Mon.–Sat. 10–5
facebook.com/healthforu1604
Limit 3.
(4, 16, or 32 oz.) Save $ S $2.00 2 00 on R Roll-On, ll O Gel, G l Spray S Indiana Amish Natural Chickens and Indiana Raw Honey sold here! Also, Bison and Elk.
INSURANCE
Christy McGinley-Hughes
Must have coupon for discount. Expires 08/31/16.
LANDSCAPING
AUTO HOME LIFE BUSINESS
• Mulching - Seeding NEED HELP? • Weeding - Pruning • Tree / Shrub Planting • Fences - Walkways • Retaining Walls • Mowing / Trimming (812) 988-7232 • Flower / Herb Beds
We Can Do It All!
146 E. Main St. Redbud Terrace Nashville, IN
812-988-6399
cmcginley@farmersagent.com
Complete Landscaping/ Design Services
REAL ESTATE
TEEN CENTER NAME YOUR CATEGORY
center REAL ESTATE
After School Program
SAWMILL
(and June Can-Do Camp)
Helmsburg Sawmill Inc.
TUESDAYS 3:00 to 6:30 At the intersection of two downtown alleys behind Miller’s Ice Cream and the Brown County Art Guild
Pool Enterprises, Inc.
Property Sales & Management
www.browncountyhomes.com
Logging to Lumber Custom Log Home Lumber Packages ~ Posts ~ Beams Rafters ~ Barn Siding ~ Board & Batten ~ Firewood Mulch ~ Sawdust ~ Buyers of Standing Timber 812-988-6161 • helmsburgsawmill@gmail.com
812-418-8522 Jennifer Gabriel, Broker Associate 812-345-6811 cell • jennifer@fctucker-lynchgroup.com F.C. Tucker/ Scott Lynch Group • fctucker-lynchgroup.com
812-988-8807 for details
Funded in part by a grant from the Brown County Community Foundation and the Local Coordinating Council
www.helmsburgsawmill.com • facebook.com/helmsburgsawmillinc
REAL ESTATE
For Exceptional Service Call Jennifer Gabriel
Facebook.com/BETATeenCenter
WELLNESS
Brown County YMCA FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FOR HEALTHY LIVING FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The Brown County YMCA is located behind the Comfort Inn Now open at 5:30 a.m. Mon.–Fri.
812-988-9622 • www.browncountyymca.org
Brayden Olmsted and Rita Simon at the Brown County Library.
Rita Simon Champion of Volunteers
~story and photo by Bob Gustin
R
ita Simon is one of Brown County’s most active volunteers, a familiar sight at fundraisers and charity events for a wide variety of causes. Her generosity comes naturally. Growing up north of Terre Haute, she says her family was poor, but her father, a farmer, stressed the importance of sharing. “If we had extra garden produce and flowers, he would give it to people. If people came and couldn’t afford to buy the flowers, we were instructed to just let them have them,” she said. A registered nurse, Rita got her master’s degree in public health education from Indiana University, and moved with her husband Lyle to Nashville in 1972, after he got a job at Cummins Engine Company in Columbus. She worked as a school nurse in parochial schools and ran a clinic for the Brown County Health Department before
” I believe and I know from reading the research that happier people are volunteers. They live longer and are healthier. ” becoming a public school nurse in 1982. “I grew up in a small community pretty supportive of children’s activities,” Rita said. As a public health nurse, her niche was working with children and promoting health, rather than treating disease. Her husband died unexpectedly in 1995 and Rita retired from the school position in 2002. She set up a scholarship fund at the Brown County Community Foundation in Lyle’s honor, and has been active tutoring children through the
64 Our Brown County July/August 2016
Literacy Coalition, where she is a past president. “I guess my priority is to give back some of what I’ve been able to receive,” she said, listing among her blessings the scholarships she received in college, a good marriage, two “really good” children, and many good friends. “Rita has a huge heart for children,” said retired Nashville Elementary School Principal Carolyn Emmert. “When I first met her she was the school nurse for Brown County schools. She was never shy about advocating for a child, whether to me, the teachers, or the parents. The welfare of the children was always her first concern. “After I retired, Rita and I worked together on the board of the Brown County Literacy Coalition. I can easily say that she was the hardest working member of the board. Wherever there was a Literacy activity, Rita was there. She is totally committed to the children of Brown County and one of the most unselfish people I have known,” she said. Since retiring, Rita’s community activities have increased, and she has been an active traveler, going across the U.S. in her RV. Her daughter, Beth, lives in San Diego, California where she is on the faculty of the computer science department of the University of California. Her son, David, lives in Nashville and works as a materials planner for production at Cummins Emissions Solutions. “Rita is the champion of volunteers,” said Linda Todd, who is also very active in improving
Brown County. “It seems that anywhere you go in town, Rita is there volunteering.” She cites Rita’s fundraising work with the Literacy Coalition and the Tri Kappa philanthropic sorority. “She has been president of our United Methodist Women’s group at church and is currently chairman of the mission work area,” Linda said. “She started the sock and underwear campaign at church and provides many of the items herself. She also volunteers to fill backpacks for the BC Weekend Backpack Program. She was second vice president of the Historical Society and, in that position, found volunteers to man the Pioneer Village.” And some days it was Rita. Though she recently left the Literacy Coalition’s board of directors after serving for about 12
years, including a term as president, Rita Simon’s charity and Rita continues to help children learn volunteer work has included: through the coalition’s free afterschool tutoring program. Girl Scouts “Rita’s service to the community Nashville United Methodist Church goes beyond all the agencies and Brown Co. Literacy Coalition groups that she helps,” said her Brown Co. Historical Society friend Carol Birkemeier. “She is Tri-Kappa sorority never too busy to say ‘yes’ to a need League of Women Voters for a helping hand. She gives of Brown Co. Community Foundation herself, never seeking recognition Pioneer Village or acknowledgement. Her impact Lutheran Food Pantry on our community will be a lasting Mother’s Cupboard legacy, and life in Brown County is Brown Co. Backpack Program better for everyone because of her.” After-school tutoring But Rita says her activities are not Love Chapel in Columbus entirely fueled by altruism. YMCA “I believe and I know from Habitat for Humanity reading the research that happier We Care Gang people are volunteers. They live Salvation Army longer and are healthier. Many St. Vincent DePaul things I do in conjunction with Fabulous 50 Women’s Circle of Care friends, so there’s a social aspect to American Cancer Society it too,” she said.
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July/August 2016 • Our Brown County 65
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