July/August 2022 OUR BROWN COUNTY

July/August 2022 FREE

The Iris Garden Grays

Family Business that Rocks

Hoosier Artist Gallery Ricky Skaggs Interview FIELD NOTES MUSINGS Blackberrying

Brown County Artist

James Tracy

Salt Creek Trail

fresh & delicious!

The best fresh fruit of summer, even better!

wild & tasty

TIP

Jazz up your summer fruit salad by drizzling one of our white balsamics over it. Some of our favorites for this are our Watermelon Strawberry White Balsamic, Coconut White Balsamic, and our 25 Star White Balsamic. Or try mixing together 2 Tbsp Watermelon Strawberry White Balsamic, 2 Tbsp honey, juice from one fresh squeezed lime, and 2 Tbsp chopped fresh mint. Refreshing, sweet and delicious!

We’ve been bringing great taste to you since 2012 from our inviting little shop in the heart of Brown County, Indiana.

We have curated a flavorful collection for your tasting pleasure with plenty to offer for foodies, the experienced cook, or the novice. It goes well beyond the high-quality olive oils and balsamics we built our reputation on. We’ve added jams, pastas, dipping oils, salsas, sauces, and much more. Come in for a tour of tastes and let us be your guide. You’ll be wild about our shop.

Shop us online from anywhere, anytime at www.thewildolive.com

www.thewildolive.com | 37 W Main Street, Nashville, Indiana 47448 | (812) 988-9453

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

Nineveh Edinburgh Morgantown 31 37 135 I-65 46 Bloomington Columbus 46 NASHVILLE 252

Vaught Rd.

HELMSBURG

BEAN BLOSSOM

Helmsburg General Store Lightspinner Studio

Dining

135

Country Club Rd

Rd.

NASHVILLE

Craftsman

Cox Creek Mill

Recreation

kR

d

Annie Smith Rd.

Hard Truth Distillery Old S Snyder Rd. R 46

Kelp G rove R d.

lley Rd.

ls KOA nta Co. all ion Re y Tire M wn . o o e t r C B iner aca tiqu wn . An rown V n Co. W BONE Bro o C w ’B wn W Bro Bro Hills O GNA 19th Hole Mt Sports Bar Marie’s Heartland . Li ber Home Tattoo Friends O’ Mine ty R Decor Campground d Bear Wallow Distillery

NG

TON

46

Brown County State Park

T.C. Steele State Historic Site

135

Val le

yB

eXplore Brown County

ran ch

Abe Martin Lodge

Mike’s Music and Dance Barn

Rd.

MI

PIKES PEAK Rd

ELKINSVILLE

CHRISTIANSBURG

k Rd ton Cr

Christi

ansbu rg

ove r Gr

STORY Monroe Reservoir

la Pop

STONE HEAD

Hamil

to BLO O

Yellowwood Rd

Musical Entertainment

Sal tC ree

Brick Lodge

Green Va

46

Lodging/ Camping

Mike Nickels Log Homes

Artist and/or Gallery

Amanda W. Mathis

BELMONT

Hoover Rd

Rd sburg Rd.

Oak Grove

Yellowwood State Forest

GATESVILLE

Helm

Ow l Cr eek

Doodles by Kara Barnard

Flower and Herb Barn Farmhouse Café

Plum Creek Antiques

BLOOMINGTON

Dr. Lisa Baker, DDS Fireplace Center

Cordry Lake

Sprunica Rd.

Monroe Music Park & Campground

to MORGANTOWN

MINGT ON

45

Sweetwater Lake

Rosey Bolte’s Uncommon Gourd Studio

Brownie’s Bean Blossom Family Restaruant Helmsburg Sawmill Pool Enterprises

The Apple Works

Antiques Co-op Art Beyond Crayons Grandpa Jeff’s Trail Rides

Trafalgar

to BLO O

to Porthole Inn

Franklin

Clay Lick Rd

Lake Lemon South Shore Dr.

Martinsville

Carmel Ridge Rd

NASHVILLE MAP ON PAGE 6

135

TRAFALGAR MORGANTOWN

Upper Bean Blossom

Brown N County

Indianapolis

to COLUMBUS

JEFFERSON STREET

HONEYSUCKLE LANE

OLD HICKORY LANE

Hoosier Artist Gallery

Fallen Leaf Books

Brown Co. Art Guild

Moonshine Leather

ST SR 135 N

Miller’s Ice Cream The Candy Dish The Harvest Preserve B3 Gallery

The Wild Olive

Head Over Heels

Heritage Candy Store

Heritage Mall

Juls Etc.

Spears Gallery

Weed Patch Music Company

New Harmony Soap

Homes on a Limb

Main Street Shops

Foxfire Woodlands Gift & Home Gallery Foxfire Boutique

Log JJail L il

Pioneer Village Museum

MAIN STREET Brown Co. Winery

The Nashville House

Courthouse

Copperhead Creek Gem Mine

Iris Garden Cottages & Suites

Complex Brown Co. Rock & Fossil Shop

Iris Garden

GOULD STREET

Brown Co. History Center

Brown Co Public Library

Gold &Old

Redbud Ter.

Health For U

Fai to 4rgr H oun ds

IHA

Brown Co Art Gallery

Masonic Lodge

Old to H SR 4 6 ar Disd Trut tille h ry

RE/MAX Team

Office

County Offices

Touch of Silver

LOCUST LANE

Village Green

Big Woods Pizza

MOLLY’S LANE Big Woods Village

Men’s Toy Shop Common Grounds Coffee Bar

Colonial Bldg.

Carmel Corn Cottage

Trolly’s

Heavenly Biscuit

MOUND STREET

ROBERT “BUCK” STOGSDILL WAY

TO HELMSBURG - 6 MILES

Michael’s Flowers

Zieg LeDoux & Associates

J.B. Goods/ Life is Good

TO BEAN BLOSSOM & MORGANTOWN

Brozinni Pizzeria

Carpenter Hills O’Brown Realty

North House

Hotel Nashville

ARTIST DR

VAN BUREN

The Salvation Army

Precise Books & Payroll

Brown Co Massage

The Totem Post

Jack & Jill Nut Shop

Brown Co Playhouse

58 South Apparel

JEFFERSON STREET Hoosier Buddy

Thrift Shop Community Closet

Nashville BP

PITTMAN HOUSE LANE

PAT REILLY DR

Calvin Place

Schwab’s Fudge

New Leaf Amy Greely

Life is Good JB Goods

VAN BUREN ST SR 135 N

SR 46 TO BLOOMINGTON - 16 MILES

McGinley Insurance

Franklin Square

HONEYSUCKLE LANE

FRANKLIN STREET

The Ferguson House Bistro & Bar

Clay Purl Brown Co Pottery

Antique Alley

Old McDurbin Gold & Gifts

Brown Co Model Trains

Brown Co Craft Gallery

Nashville Spice Co.

Brown County Inn

map not to scale

Theatre

Dining

Casa Del Sol

Brown Co Community YMCA

Brown County Eye Care Blue Elk Family Clinic

Bear Hardware Quality Inn

Brown Co Health & Living

Larry Sanchez • Misty Sanchez

Salt Creek Park Brown County IGA

Rafters

Brown Co Music Center

Seasons Hotel & Event Center

Doodles by Kara Barnard

Craftsman

Artist and/or Gallery Rest Room

Lodging

Musical Entertainment Parking

COUNTY MAP ON PAGE 5

Coachlight Square

SR 46 TO COLUMBUS - 16 MILES

Country Heritage Winery

Visitors Redhead Bone Appetit Center Apothecary Bakery

N

Nashville Indiana

Nashville General Store & Bakery

Cornerstone Inn

WASHINGTON STREET

Brown Co Moondance T-Shirt Shop Vacation Homes

Gyros

Healing Hearts & Memory Making Nashville Fudge Kitchen

Sweetwater Gallery

Possum Trot Square

Back to Back

Yesteryear Old Time Photos

The Toy Chest House of Jerky

Artists Colony Inn

Moon Acres

Artists Colony

Nashville Express

Rhonda Kay’s

Out of the Ordinary and Hickory Bar

OLD SCHOOL WAY

8 Our Brown County • July/August 2022

ADVERTISER

ANTIQUES Antiques Co-op................................. 61 Brown Co Antique Mall.................... 18 Marie’s Home Decor/Country Str... 62 Michael’s Flowers.............................. 18 Nashville General Store & Bakery.. 50 Plum Creek Antiques....................... 68 ART, ART SUPPLIES-INSTRUCTION Back Roads Studio Tour................... 21 Antiques Co-op................................. 61 Art Beyond Crayons......................... 61 Art Walk.............................................. 24 B3 Gallery............................................. 3 Bear Hardware............................57, 68 Brown Co Antique Mall.................... 18 Brown Co Art Gallery....................... 18 Brown Co Art Guild........................... 19 Brown Co Craft Gallery.................... 63 Hoosier Artist Gallery...................... 21 Lightspinner Studio-M. Sechler..... 12 Amanda Wallace Mathis.................. 19 Rhoden Art at eXplore Brown co..... 4 Spears Gallery................................... 24 C. Steele Art....................................... 68 Uncommon Gourd-Rosey Bolte..... 18 BOOKS Fallen Leaf Books.............................. 62 Restaurant Sampler Collection...... 46 CLOTHING 58 South Apparel.............................. 56 Bear Hardware............................57, 68 Brown Co T-Shirt Shop..................... 54 Community Closet Thrift Shop....... 51 Foxfire Boutique............................... 53 Head Over Heels............................... 51 J.B. Goods/ Life is Good................... 28 Men’s Toy Shop.................................. 50 CRAFTS, POTTERY, GIFTS Antiques Co-op................................. 61 The Apple Works............................... 47 Art Walk.............................................. 24 B3 Gallery............................................. 3 Back Roads Studio Tour................... 21

Country Heritage Winery................ 48 Hard Truth Distillery......................... 23 Nashville Express.............................. 54 The Nashville House......................... 24 Porthole Inn....................................... 49 FOOD & BEVERAGE 19th Hole Sports Bar........................ 49 Abe Martin Lodge............................. 62 The Apple Works............................... 21 Artists Colony Inn............................. 29 Bear Wallow Distillery...................... 48 Big Woods Pizza................................ 23 Brown Co IGA.................................... 58 Brown Co Inn..................................... 14 Brown Co Winery.............................. 28 Brownie’s Bean Blossom Rest......... 59 Brozinni Pizzeria............................... 56 The Candy Dish................................... 3 Carmel Corn Cottage....................... 59 Casa del Sol........................................ 59 Cedar Creek Winery.......................... 13 Common Grounds Coffee Bar........ 13 Country Heritage Winery................ 48 Farmhouse Cafe................................ 34 The Ferguson House Bistro & Bar.. 24 Gyros Food is Art.............................. 63 Hard Truth Distillery......................... 23 The Harvest Preserve......................... 3 Heavenly Biscuit............................... 60 Helmsburg General Store............... 19 Heritage Candy Store....................... 50 Hoosier Buddy Liquors.................... 29 Hotel Nashville.................................. 31 House of Jerky................................... 51 Jack and Jill Nut Shop...................... 13 Miller’s Ice Cream................................ 3 Nashville BP....................................... 60 Nashville General Store & Bakery.. 50 The Nashville House......................... 24 Nashville Fudge Kitchen.................. 72 Nashville Spice Co............................. 71 Out of the Ordinary & Hickory Bar.57 Porthole Inn....................................... 49

Bone Appetit Bakery........................ 13 Brown Co Antique Machinery A.... 67 Brown Co Antique Mall.................... 18 Brown Co Art Guild........................... 19 Brown Co Craft Gallery.................... 63 Brown Co Model Trains.................... 62 Brown Co Pottery.............................. 12 Brown Co Rock & Fossil Shop......... 45 Clay Purl............................................. 25 Cox Creek Mill.................................... 25 Foxfire Gift & Home.......................... 53 Head Over Heels............................... 51 Healing Hearts &Memory Making.21 Homes on a Limb.............................. 37 Hoosier Artist Gallery...................... 21 Lightspinner Studio-M. Sechler..... 12 Marie’s Home Decor/Country Str... 62 Men’s Toy Shop.................................. 50 Michael’s Flowers.............................. 18 Moon Acres........................................ 67 Moonshine Leather.......................... 18 Nashville General Store & Bakery.. 50 Nashville Spice Co............................. 71 New Harmony Soap......................... 33 New Leaf............................................. 19 Redhead Apothecary....................... 34 Rhonda Kay’s..................................... 56 Spears Gallery................................... 24 C. Steele Art....................................... 68 Sweetwater Gallery.......................... 62 The Totem Post.................................. 63 The Toy Chest.................................... 58 Uncommon Gourd-Rosey Bolte..... 18 Woodlands Gallery........................... 59 ENTERTAINMENT/MUSIC 19th Hole Sports Bar........................ 49 Big Woods Pizza................................ 23 Brown Co Antique Machinery A.... 67 Brown Co Inn..................................... 14 Brown Co History Center................. 54 Brown Co Music Center................... 31 Brown Co Playhouse........................ 30 Copperhead Creek Gem Mine........ 45

DIRECTORY Rafters................................................. 30 Schwab’s Fudge................................. 51 Seasons Hotel & Event Center........ 15 Trolly’s................................................. 59 The Wild Olive..................................... 2 FURNITURE Antiques Co-op................................. 61 Brown Co Antique Mall.................... 18 Plum Creek Antiques....................... 68 C. Steele Art....................................... 68 HARDWARE Bear Hardware............................57, 68 HATS Head Over Heels............................... 51 Moonshine Leather.......................... 18 JEWELRY Art Walk.............................................. 24 B3 Gallery............................................. 3 Back Roads Studio Tour................... 21 Brown Co Antique Mall.................... 18 Brown Co Craft Gallery.................... 63 Foxfire Boutique............................... 53 Hoosier Artist Gallery...................... 21 Juls Etc................................................ 28 New Leaf............................................. 19 Old McDurbin Gold & Gifts............. 13 Rhonda Kay’s..................................... 56 Spears Gallery................................... 24 The Totem Post.................................. 63 Touch of Silver Gold & Old.............. 28 LODGING/CAMPGROUNDS Abe Martin Lodge............................. 62 Artists Colony Inn............................. 29 Brick Lodge........................................ 31 Brown Co Health & Living............... 69 Brown Co Inn..................................... 14 Brown Co KOA................................... 59 Cornerstone Inn................................ 15 eXplore Brown Co............................... 4 Friends O’ Mine Campground........ 63 Hills O’ Brown Vacation Rentals..... 57 Hotel Nashville.................................. 31 Iris GardenCottages & Suites.......... 45

July/August 2022 • Our Brown County 9

Moondance Vacation Homes......... 60 North House...................................... 31 Quality Inn......................................... 54 Seasons Hotel & Event Center........ 15 MUSEUMS Brown Co History Center................. 54 PET PRODUCTS Bone Appetit Bakery........................ 13 PHOTOS Art Walk.............................................. 24 B3 Gallery............................................. 3 Hoosier Artist Gallery...................... 21 Spears Gallery................................... 24 Yesteryear Old Time Photos............ 63 REAL ESTATE Carpenter Hills o’ Brown Realty..... 67 RE/MAX Team.................................... 70 RECREATION eXplore Brown Co............................... 4 Grandpa Jeff’s Trail Rides................ 61 SERVICES Amish Roofers................................... 29 Dr. Lisa Baker, DDS........................... 56 Kara Barnard Lessons....................... 63 Bear Hardware’s Bagged Trash....... 68 Blitz Builders...................................... 60 Blue Elk Family Clinic: Dr. Larry Sanchez........................... 69 Misty Sanchez- Mental Health..... 70 Brown Co Convention & Visitors Bureau.................................. 35 Brown Co Eye Care............................ 68 Brown Co Health & Living............... 69 Brown Co Massage........................... 57 Brown Co Tire & Auto....................... 68 Brown Co Community YMCA.......... 70 Heartland Tattoo............................... 69 Healing Hearts &Memory Making.21 Helmsburg Sawmill Inc/ Pool Enterprises Inc.......................... 69 IN Seamless Guttering..................... 69 McGinley Insurance (Farmers)........ 69 Michael’s Flowers.............................. 18

Nashville BP....................................... 60 Mike Nickels Log Homes................. 54 Precise Books & Payroll.................... 68 Rainwater Studios............................ 70 Rambling Dog Design - SIGNS....... 70 Zieg LeDoux & Assoc........................ 68 SHOES Head Over Heels............................... 51 Moonshine Leather.......................... 18 The Totem Post.................................. 63 SPECIALTY SHOPS Bone Appetit Bakery........................ 13 Brown Co Model Trains.................... 62 Brown Co T-Shirt Shop..................... 54 Clay Purl............................................. 25 Cox Creek Mill.................................... 25 Fireplace Center................................ 51 Head Over Heels............................... 51 Healing Hearts &Memory Making.21 Health For U....................................... 69 Homes on a Limb.............................. 37 House of Jerky................................... 51 Men’s Toy Shop.................................. 50 Michael’s Flowers.............................. 18 Moonshine Leather.......................... 18 Nashville Spice Co............................. 71 Redhead Apothecary....................... 34 Sweetwater Gallery.......................... 62 Weed Patch Music Company.......... 19 The Wild Olive..................................... 2 WEDDINGS Artists Colony Inn............................. 29 Hotel Nashville.................................. 31 OTHER Amish Roofers................................... 29 Blitz Builders...................................... 60 Brown Co Antique Machinery A.... 67 Health For U....................................... 69 Flower and Herb Barn...................... 69 Mike Nickels Log Homes................. 54 WFHB Radio....................................... 70 WFIU Radio........................................ 70

Contents 12 13 16

22

25 26

32

36

38-39 40-41 42

45 46

52

55 64

68-70

WHERE IS IT? SUBSCRIBE The Iris Garden Grays ~by Evan Markley

ChamberFest Brown County

Contributors Jeff Tryon is a former news editor of The Brown County Democrat, and a former region reporter for The Republic. 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.

Mark Blackwell no longer makes his home in Brown County where “the roadway is rough and the slopes are seamed with ravines” He now resides within sight of the sixth green of an undisclosed golf course. He was born in the middle of the last century and still spends considerable time there.

Joe Lee is an illustrator and writer. He is the author of Forgiveness: The Eva Kor Story, The History of Clowns for Beginners, and Dante for Beginners. He is an editorial cartoonist for the Bloomington Herald Times, a graduate of Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Clown College, and a veteran circus performer.

Julia Pearson wrote for a Franciscan magazine for ten years and served as its human interest editor. She now resides in Lake Woebegone Country for life’s continuing adventures.

Julia enjoys traveling and visiting museums of all types and sizes, with her children and grandchildren.

~by Chrissy Alspaugh

Kara Barnard Cartoon The Salt Creek Trail ~by Julia Pearson

Ricky Skaggs

~by Ryan Stacy

Musings: Bad Dream ~by Mark Blackwell

Chrissy Alspaugh is a freelance writer and owner of Christina Alspaugh Photography. View her work at <ChristinaAlspaughPhotography. com>.She lives in Bartholomew County with her husband, Matt and three boys.

Photos by Mike Briner* CALENDAR Artist James Tracy

~by Rachel Berenson Perry

IN Fingerstyle Guitar Fest Blackberrying ~by Jeff Tryon

Field Notes: Pygmy Shrew ~by Jim Eagleman

Michele Pollock Poem Hoosier Artist Gallery

~by Paige Langenderfer

Jim Eagleman is a 40-year veteran naturalist with the IN DNR. In retirement, he is now a consultant. His program “Nature Ramblings” can be heard on WFHB radio, the Brown County Hour. He serves on the Sycamore Land Trust board. He enjoys reading, hiking, music, and birding. Jim and his wife Kay have lived here for more than 40 years.

INFO PAGES

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.

Cover: Tanner and Josie Gray

at Copperhead Creek Mine and Brown County Rock Shop

~by Evan Markley

Paige Langenderfer is a freelance writer and consultant. 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 daughters.

Ryan Stacy and his wife recently moved to Pennsylvania and continues to stay connected with our Brown County. He appreciates good movies, good food, and enjoys cultural events. His other interests include reading, photography, and playing music.

Rachel Berenson Perry is fine arts curator emerita at the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites. She lives in Brown County, where she hikes in the woods, makes ceramic creatures, and writes books about Indiana artists.

copyright 2022 ourbrowncounty.com ourbrown@bluemarble.net Also online at issuu.com/ourbrowncounty OR search in the mobile app ISSUU and on Facebook for OUR BROWN COUNTY

P.O. Box 157 Helmsburg, IN 47435 (812) 988-8807

Evan Markley was raised in Brown County. He has been a zipline guide at eXplore Brown County and a lifeguard at area pools. He graduated from Indiana University in 2019.

He ushers for Pacers Sports and Marketing at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. He enjoys hiking and following NBA basketball. He plans to start his own podcast.

*Mike Briner is a Columbus native that became interested in photography as a high school yearbook photographer. With a love of travel and the great outdoors and inspired by the natural beauty of nature, Mike’s photography quickly moved from the school to the out of doors. In 1998 he founded Mike Briner Photography and started his professional career as a travel and nature photographer. Mike now has well over 55,000 film as well as over 30,000 digital images in his library.

Thanks, Mom, for making it happen!

10 Our Brown County • July/August 2022

Thanks to Kara Barnard for the cartoon and Michele Pollock for the poem.

Coloring Contest Win $20

Publisher’s choice. Send to this address by August 20.

OUR BROWN COUNTY P.O. Box 157 Helmsburg, IN 47435

July/August 2022 • Our Brown County 11

WIN $20

WHERE IS IT? CONTEST FIRST to leave a message identifying photo location along with your name and phone number WINS!

812-988-8807

Last issue’s was a chainsaw carving in front of Wooden Wonders in Nashville’s Antique Alley.

Lightspinner Studio Martha Sechler Unique Watercolors Mixed Media Gourd Art

4460 Helmsburg Rd. Nashville, IN • 812-703-3129 Open June thru December — Call Ahead

12 Our Brown County • July/August 2022

C Cinnamon Salted Roasted Nuts Almonds R d Roasted & Pecans Daily Cashews, Fancy Mi Mix, P Pepitas, it Peanuts Delicious Candies - Homemade Fudge Mail Orders - 812-988-7480

SUBSCRIBE!

SUBSCRIBE

One Year’s Subscription for $20 (six issues)

S.Van Buren (Shopper's Lane) Nashville

Old McDurbin Gold & Gifts 50%

Customized

• Anklets • Bracelets • Necklaces OFFLRY E Watches JEW Sterling Silver Rings 1000’s of Pendants

Name: N

Blue building in Antique Alley S. Jefferson St. • Nashville, IN

Address:

Mail with check or money order to:

Our Brown County P.O. Box 157 • Helmsburg, IN 47435 38 Franklin St. E. | Nashville, IN | drinkatthecreek.com | Open Every Day

COMMON GROUNDS

BONE APPETIT BAKERY For Dogs

COFFEE BAR It’s like a coffee shop in a living room

• Premium, all-natural treats since 1997 • Over 20 varieties from low-fat to grain-free • Gourmet and seasonal snacks, too

(with things to amuse you)

Hot, Cold & Frozen Drinks • Selection of Teas Froothies (our fruit smoothies) Famous for Cheesy Eggs & Toast • Pastries • Quiche 66 N. Van Buren, Nashville (Molly’s Lane behind the red door) Opens 8:00 am M-Sat; 9:00 am Sun (Closed Wed) 812-988-6449

Get a FREE Sampler bag of natural dog treats with $10 purchase and this ad.

DOGS WELCOME! (812) 988-0305

Open 7 days 211 S. Van Buren St. (behind Visitor Center)

www.barkingood.com

July/August 2022 • Our Brown County 13

brown County Inn HOTEL, RESTAURANT & BAR

On the corner of 135 & 46 just 3 blocks of downtown with free parking

Serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week

8am to 9pm Sunday to Thursday

8am to 10pm Friday & Saturday

www.browncountyinn.com

14 Our Brown County • July/August 2022

(812) 988-2291

new Suites Coming Soon!

Hotel & Event Center Across from the Brown County Music Center

New Restaurant, Bar, Patio

Balcony Rooms

including our Vacation Homes

Tudie’s Cottage, The Lodge, The LOFT and Cabin 360 CornErStonEInn.Com Conference facility–up to 500 560 State Road 46 East, Nashville, IN 812-988-2284 • SeasonsLodge.com

812-988-0300 • 54 E. Franklin St. Downtown Nashville July/August 2022 • Our Brown County 15

The Iris Garden Grays

Family Business that Rocks ~story and photos by Evan Markley

“S

Tanner and Josie Gray at the Iris Garden Complex.

mack dab” in the heart of Nashville lies a not so hidden gem. Matt and Amy Gray are the proprietors of two businesses: Iris Garden Cottages & Suites, and the Brown County Rock Shop. Both are located next to each other on North Van Buren Street, in the middle of Nashville’s shopping district. Along with their offspring, Josie and Tanner Gray, Matt and Amy specialize in creating memorable experiences for guests visiting our one-of-akind town.

16 Our Brown County • July/August 2022

Matt and Josie run the lodging accommodations, and Amy and Tanner run the rock shop.

This is true for the most part, but everyone in the family is interchangeable. Together, with side-by-side encouragement, they go above and beyond for their guests.

After owning and operating several art galleries across the country, Matt and Amy Gray moved to Brown County with their kids in 2003. That is when they bought the complex and opened the Iris Garden Art Gallery. They also offered lodging on their property.

As Nashville changed over the years, so did the Gray’s business.

In 2007, they opened Copperhead Creek Gem Mine, and in 2008, they opened the Brown County Rock Shop to accompany it.

After managing art for more than a decade, the Gray’s closed down the gallery in 2016. They then transitioned the gallery into lodging and an office space for Iris Garden Cottages & Suites.

While Matt and Amy are still heavily involved in the businesses, Josie and Tanner are “paving the way” towards their parents’ retirement. The Grays have been in business here for almost twenty years and hope to see the legacy potentially last another twenty.

With a little less responsibility, Matt has been able to improve the aesthetics and atmosphere of the property.

Growing up in this beautiful place, you either take it for granted, or you have an overwhelming appreciation for it. Josie, age 26, and Tanner, age 24, belong to the latter camp.

Tanner and Josie feel the best part of the job is getting to know their customers. They get travelers from all different walks of life and everyday is different. From repeats to new faces, the diversity of conversation keeps every day interesting.

Josie graduated from Brown County High School, and then Indiana Wesleyan University. After college, she worked in the corporate world, traveling out of state as a marketer for an RV dealership for several years, before returning home to help run the business.

She is knowledgeable about the area and her recommendations are golden. You can ask her about anything, and she can find an answer. Josie is reliable, relatable, and always smiling. Repeat customers remember her kindness and care, and she remembers them right back.

Josie is an avid traveler and when she’s not working, you can find her out on Sweetwater Lake, or kicking someone’s butt on the tennis courts.

Tanner also graduated from Brown County High School and went on to be a white-water rafting guide in Kentucky for several years. He has experience in the food service industry, and has worked in art studios in D.C. and Gatlinburg before returning to Brown County.

Tanner is laid back and outdoorsy. He has an extensive knowledge of geology and searches for geodes in local creeks. He is funny and is always striking up an interesting conversation. When Tanner is not in the shops, he can be found hiking, longboarding, or making jewelry. If you visit the shop at the right time, you might get to meet his dog, Guide.

Iris Garden Cottages & Suites offers accommodations for visitors wanting to be as close to heart of Nashville as possible. All the shops, restaurants, and art galleries are within walking distance, allowing travelers the chance to ditch their cars for their entire stay. If lodgers do wish to do a little driving, Brown County State Park, the Brown Continued on 20

July/August 2022 • Our Brown County 17

Brown County Antique Mall Antique Store since 1972

Over 10,000 square feet in three buildings

Brown County Art Gallery

Filled with antiques, jewelry, pottery, china, glass, furniture, artifacts, primitives, books, collectibles, and home decor.

More than 76 dealers • We buy and sell

3288 State Road 46 East 3 miles east of Nashville, IN • 13 miles west of I-65 Open 7 Days a week till 5:30 • 812-988-1025

JULY 23 –AUGUST 21

Flowers

Exhibit of Works by Contemporary Printmakers from across Indiana UPC OMING EVENTS Nancy Noël: Indiana Artist, Pioneer, Superstar Collectors’ Showcase 2022: “Snowfall”

8/ 27 – 9/25 10/ 1 – 11/ 13

Complete schedule of events and workshops online at

BROWNCOUNTYARTGALLERY.ORG F d

CORNER OF MAIN STREET & ARTIST DRIVE · NASHVILLE, IN 812.988.4609 · OPEN DAILY · FREE ADMISSION · FREE PARKING shop online: bcartgalleryonline.org

MOONSHINE LEATHER C

O

M

P

A

N

Y

Handcrafted Leather Goods · Made in the USA 812.988.1326 · moonshineleather.com

38 SOUTH VAN BUREN · NASHVILLE, IN 18 Our Brown County • July/August 2022

Helmsburg GENERAL STORE

Weed Patch Music Company Your favorite lil’ music store in Brown County, Indiana

58 E. Main St. Nashville (by courthouse) 812-200-3300 www.weedpatchmusicshop.com

Owners: Sharon & Leonard Richey

Pizza & Wings, Groceries, Ice Large Selection Domestic/Craft Beer & Wine LOTTERY, Tobacco Products Camping Supplies, Live Bait & Tackle Hunting & Fishing Licenses Check Station, Firewood State Road 45 and Helmsburg Road Intersection • (812) 929-7797

Musical instruments for all ages and skill levels

Offering affordable instruments to inspire the beginner and locally handcrafted beauties to awe the professional

Lessons, workshops, and more...

NEW LEAF An eclectic mix of creative items by local, regional, and global artists

Amanda W. Mathis

The Guild.

Fine Art by Fine Artists.

GALLERY AND MUSEUM

Originals, Prints, Cards • Art Lessons • Private Painting Parties Open 11–5 Mon.–Sat.; Every day in October • 812-320-0747 220 Kelp Grove Rd. • Nashville, IN • amandamathisart.com Also represented by Spears Gallery and the Brown County Art Gallery in Nashville © 2022 Brown County Art Guild, Inc.

Featuring handcrafted jewelry by owner Amy Greely

Calvin Place Franklin & Van Buren Streets Nashville, IN • (812) 988-1058 www.amygreely.com

photo by Michele Wedel

48 S. Van Buren Street Nashville, IN 47448

Fields of Green

812 988-6185 BrownCountyArtGuild.org

July 15 – September 4, 2022

A Historic Collection Exhibition DETAIL OF SORGHUM MILL BY CARL GRAF

July/August 2022 • Our Brown County 19

THE GRAYS continued from 17 County Music Center, and Bill Monroe’s Music Park are short drives away. Guests can expect clean, cozy rooms, and kind, caring staff.

The Gray’s own eight different lodging locations, all within their complex’s vicinity.

Prices are dynamic and seasonal, but generally range from $99-160 a night. Most of them can house two to five people, but one sleeps up to seven. Twenty-six people is max capacity for their lodging.

More information can be found at <irisgardenlodging.com>. You can contact them anytime at 812-988-2422. The best way to book is directly through them.

I had the pleasure of staying in the “Chipmunk Junction” cottage with my significant other for our “first date” anniversary, and it was one of the best getaways I have experienced.

The Brown County Rock Shop sells a variety of rocks, fossils, and gemstones. Matt and Amy have been hand picking minerals from venders across the world for over a decade. This has allowed them to build up one of the most unique inventories of rocks and minerals in all of Indiana. Pieces range from large, rare, expensive

20 Our Brown County • July/August 2022

gemstones, to cool rocks kids can spend their allowance on. Everything in the shop is fun to look at and you’ll want to come back again to see it all.

Along with all the beautiful items for sale, the Brown County Rock Shop also sells mining bags.

Visitors can pan for gems and fossils themselves with these bags at the Copperhead Creek Gem Mine located right outside the shop. There’s a process to mining for gems: place only a handful from the bag at a time in the pan, then dunk the pan in the water and wash the sand away, and lastly pick out the gems that are left.

Families have a blast in the summer panning away in the cool water, finding surprises along the way. Bags range from $9–$50 depending on the size and contents of the bag. The most popular is the “Motherload” bag at $30, but no matter the bag, the gems inside collectively will be worth more than the purchase price of the bag. You can find more information on the rock shop at <browncountyrockshop.com>.

Guests keep coming back year after year to the Iris Garden complex because of the family that runs the place. You can follow the Grays on social media on Instagram and Facebook through their business names. They sometimes offer giveaways and announce sales. 

Handcrafted

Fine Art & Crafts

Discover handcrafted fine art and crafts by talented local artists perfect for wearing, collecting, gifts, home or office decor.

45 S O U T H J E F F E RS O N ST R E E T N A S H V I L L E , I N 4 74 4 8 / 8 1 2 - 9 8 8 - 6 8 8 8 HoosierArtist.com

In Times of Celebration and Healing

"We can craft it for you or help you do it."

173 S. Van Buren St. ~ Possum Trot Square Behind Nashville Fudge Kitchen and across from Old School Way restrooms

July/August 2022 • Our Brown County 21

Lincoln String Quartet. courtesy photo

ChamberFest

Brown County

S

~by Chrissy Alspaugh

ome of the highest-quality musicians from around the world will gather in Nashville from August 14 to 22, 2022, for the second annual ChamberFest Brown County.

“No other music festival in Indiana will surpass the talent that we are bringing to Nashville this summer,” said Annie Hawk, president of the ChamberFest board of directors. “We want to be a destination event for music lovers in Indiana and beyond.”

As a way to encourage all attendees, the majority of concerts will be held with the option to attend free of charge.

This year’s ChamberFest will feature the Lincoln String Quartet, comprised of members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, including its principal cellist, John Sharp; baroque violinist and Avery Fisher Career Grant winner Rachell Wong; and esteemed IU Jacobs School of Music professors Mark Kaplan, violin, and Peter Stumpf, cello.

The festival will feature interdisciplinary events highlighting contrasting styles of music and artistic

experience. Performances will be held at various Nashville locations and showcase: Fry Street Quartet, hailed as “a triumph of ensemble playing” by The New York Times; Classical guitar soloist and chamber musician Jordan Dodson, called “one of the top young guitarists of his generation” by Performance Today; Pianist Andreas Ioannides, who has received enthusiastic reviews by the Boston Globe and whose performances have been broadcast on television and radio across three continents; Catherine Bowman, whose poems have appeared in several editions of Best American Poetry and editor of Word of Mouth: Poems Featured on NPR’s “All Things Considered”; Aleksey Artemyev, award-winning piano soloist and chamber musician throughout his native Uzbekistan and the U.S.; David Belkovski, international competition winner for his artistry on historical and modern keyboards; American violinist Madalyn Parnas Möller, an active soloist, recitalist, chamber musician, and educator who has been enthusiastically endorsed by The New York Times; On the final night of the festival, the Lincoln String Quartet will be joined by members of IU’s professional quartet-in-residence, Pacifica, a Grammy Award-winning group that over the past 26 years has achieved international recognition as one of the finest performing chamber ensembles.

Other performers throughout ChamberFest will include internationally-known pianist Elisabeth Pridonoff, opera soprano Catherine Compton, adjunct associate clarinet professor Andrea Levine, 24-year-old internationallyacclaimed cellist Gabriel Martins, Japanese pianist and recording musician Futaba Niekawa, baritone Bruno Sandes, award winning classical guitar artist John Marcel Williams, the Volante Continued on 25

22 Our Brown County • July/August 2022

PRIVATE EVENT SPACE AVAILABLE

LIVE MUSIC EVERY TUESDAY

FOR RESERVATIONS, VISIT US AT BIGWOODSRESTAURANTS.COM

44 N VAN BUREN ST. NASHVILLE, IN 47448

• D I ST I L L E RY • TO U R S • R E STAU R A NT • EVE NTS • L IVE M U SIC Visit Hard Truth Distilling Co. at 418 Old State Road 46 | Nashville, IN

Book a tour or make a reservation today at hardtruth.com

July/August 2022 • Our Brown County 23

EST 1927

Brown County’s Most Historic Restaurant Serving our famous fried biscuits and apple butter, fried chicken and other traditional favorites all made in our own kitchen from scratch.

Come check out our Old Country Store, beautiful new patio, expanded menu and HOHENBERGER BAR 15 South Van Buren Street 812-988-4554 www.nashvillehousebc.com

24 Our Brown County • July/August 2022

LOCALLY HANDMADE FINE CRAFTS

Over a Decade in Downtown Nashville BESIDE THE NASHVILLE HOUSE RESTAURANT

812.988.1286 • Spearspottery.com • facebook.com/Spears-Gallery

COX CREEK MILL Unique Metal Art Studio 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.

home of

The Iron Gate

by Brad Cox

4705 Annie Smith Rd. Nashville theirongatebybradcox@yahoo.com

Hours vary.

Call ahead.

CHAMBERFEST continued from 22 Winds Quintet that has performed in competitions and festivals throughout the world, and music theory lecturer Roman Ivanovitch.

For reserve seats or a full schedule of events and locations, visit <ChamberFestBrownCounty.com>.

Admission is free for performances at the Nashville United Methodist Church, the Brown County Presbyterian Fellowship, and the St. Agnes Catholic Church. Donations are much appreciated.

If you wish to ensure your seat you, may reserve it for a fee of $20.

Tickets for the August 20 Lincoln String Quartet performance are available for purchase through the Brown County Playhouse website <BrownCountyPlayhouse.org>.

“I heard a comment at a recent concert we held in Nashville, that they had always imagined chamber music would be stuffy and boring, but what they had heard was anything but,” said Lisa Thompson, festival board secretary. “That summarizes our goal at ChamberFest—to bring the enjoyment of world-class music to all.” 

92 w franklin st • nashville, in • 812.988.0336

sunday 12-4, tuesday—saturday 11-5, Tuesday evening 6:30-8:30 come see us in antique alley, next to brown county pottery online store: claypurl.com

July/August 2022 • Our Brown County 25

~by Julia Pearson

T

The Salt Creek Trail

photos by Cindy Steele

26 Our Brown County • July/August 2022

he Salt Creek Trail is a pedestrian pathway for everyone wishing to exercise their legs and imaginations. It is the perfect saunter for walking meditation, catching photographs of birds and small critters, or soothing a child to sleep in a stroller, with ample room for power walkers to get by. The first paved trail in Brown County, it is available to everyone from dawn till dusk and most folks say it is an easy trek “out and back” of less than an hour.

The Salt Creek Trail was first opened on November 8, 2013 and was three quarters of a mile long, with two trail heads located at the southeast corner of the Nashville CVS or south of the YMCA parking lot.

The Salt Creek Trail provides a taste of the wilderness that continues to draw visitors to Brown County. Along North Fork Salt Creek, the trail ambles through the woods with oak trees, tulip poplar, hickory, and basswood, and conveniently connects to Van Buren/State Route 135 in downtown Nashville. The internet website, Tripadvisor, has multiple reviews citing how safe and clean the Salt Creek Trail is.

A real treat for those staying at the Comfort Inn and Brown County Inn, there is also a small playground near the YMCA and picnic tables. Families will especially like the Story Walk, a partnership project of the Brown County Public Library and the Brown County Parks and Recreation that had its grand

opening on April 2. Early literacy elements and movement activities are featured on 18 panels on posts. The Story Walks are selfguided, with a total of three books highlighted this year.

From the beginning, maintenance of the trail has been provided by Brown County Parks and Recreation. Mark Shields, a native son of neighboring Monroe County and who studied Outdoor Recreation, Resource Management and Park Administration at Indiana University (Bloomington), has been director of Parks and Recreation for 13 years.

Shields also notes that a second phase of the trail will be paved later this fall. It runs from the Brown County State Park to the Red Barn Jamboree property.

A detail that will interest history buffs is that an iron bridge was split into two sections for use on the next phase of the trail. The Indiana Department of Transportation retires bridges of significant age and/or design to a “bone yard” when structures need to be replaced for upgrading safety and current traffic needs.

This single iron bridge from Clay County, now two pieces, services where the Salt Creek crosses the trail. It was installed by INDOT and painted a bright red. Brown County will assume responsibility for repainting the bridges every 25 years and make sure they are inspected.

A similar arrangement brought the “double barrel” bridge at the north entrance of

the Brown County State Park.

It was built in the late 1830s from hand-hewn timbers for around $300 at the time, carrying the old New AlbanyLafayette turnpike across Ramp Creek in Putnam County, one of Indiana’s oldest spans. It was moved from Fincastle in 1932, after the Indiana Department of Conservation had it taken down. Each timber was numbered so that it could be reconstructed across Salt Creek in its current Brown County location.

Some more interesting history notes: Salt springs located along the creek banks in the western part of Washington Township gave Salt Creek its name. Long before settlers made Brown County home, deer were known to come to the “licks” for their salt. Old-timers told how after a “well was sunk,” there would be flowing brine. It was boiled down in iron kettles until a hard cake of salt remained. The salt cakes were pulverized and sold to settlers who traveled as far as 50 miles to purchase the salt.

And looking at the timeline for paved roadways in Brown County: though the first cars appeared in 1913, county roads were gradually improved.

State Road 135 from Nashville to Morgantown was built and hard-surfaced by 1935. State Road 46 between Nashville and Bloomington was considered one of the best roads in Indiana when it was paved. 

July/August 2022 • Our Brown County 27

in Nashville, IN

172 N. Van Buren Street AND

102 S. Van Buren Street (Calvin Place)

www.JBGoods.com • 812-988-0900

Brown County

WINERY WINER WINE RY RY

· AWARD WINNING QUALITY WINES SINCE 1986 ·

50 YEARS

Complimentary Tastings · Two Tasting Rooms WINERY IN GNAWBONE

4520 State Road 46 East · Nashville 812.988.6144

VILLAGE OF NASHVILLE

East Main & Old School Way 812.988.8646

OPEN DAILY

Monday-Thursday 10 – 5 · Friday & Saturday 10 – 5:30 · Sunday 11 – 5

Wine & Wine-related Gifts · Gourmet Foods Outdoor Seating · Gift Cards · Online Ordering

BrownCountyWinery.com 28 Our Brown County • July/August 2022

Touch of Silver, Gold & Old

87 E. Main St. • Nashville, IN 47448 (812) 988-6990 • (800) 988-6994 Hours: 10am – 5pm • 7 days a week www.touchofsilvergoldandold.com

www.amish-roofers.com

AMISH ROOFERS

TM

Metal & Shingles

“Best Quality, Best Price Roofers in Town!”

812-650-2475

Hoosier Buddy Liquors

the

Inn & Restaurant

A Charming 19th Century Style Inn and Restaurant

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.

• 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 Monthly Dinner Theatre Shows At the corner of Van Buren and Franklin Streets in Nashville, Indiana

812-988-0600 • 800-737-0255

artistscolonyinn.com

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 S. Van Buren • Nashville, IN (next to Subway) 812-988-2267 M-Th 8am-10pm • Fri. & Sat. 8am-11pm NOW OPEN SUNDAYS Noon-6pm Follow us on Twitter @HoosierBuddy1

As always, Hoosier Buddy Liquors reminds you to celebrate safe—don’t drink and drive.

July/August 2022 • Our Brown County 29

UPCOMING EVENTS

An evening with

One Pulse: Wastin’ Away in Margaritaville

Keillor &Co.

JULY 8 at 7:30pm

One Pulse: The King: A Tribute to Elvis Presley JULY 9 at 7:30pm

Rainwater Studios Summer Showcase JULY 16 at 7:30pm

Letters From Home

Featuring Garrison Keillor, Prudence Johnson and Dan Chouinard

Patriotic tap dance and music

JULY 29 at 7:30pm

Fingerstyle Guitar Competition JULY 30 at 11:00am

Fingerstyle Guitar Evening Concert

JULY 25 | 7:30pm

JULY 30 at 7:30pm

Casablanca: Live Retro Radio Show AUGUST 5 & 6 at 7:30pm

ChamberFest Presents The Lincoln String Quartet AUGUST 20 at 7:00pm

812.988.6555 | BrownCountyPlayhouse.org Showtimes, tickets & schedule online

Across from the entrance to the BROWN COUNTY MUSIC CENTER located inside

Hotel & Event Center

30 Our Brown County • July/August 2022

www.seasonslodge.com w.seasonslodge.c 812-988-2284

Brown County Music Center July 2 July 23 July 30 July 31

Killer Queen Little Feat Gladys Knight Blackberry Smoke with Elizabeth Cook Aug. 26 Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder

Sept. 9 Emmylou Harris Sept. 16 Easton Corbin Sept. 22 Tracy Byrd Oct. 1 Menopause The Musical® Oct. 20 Lee Greenwood Oct. 23 Joe Satriani Dec. 7 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

For additional shows and tickets visit: www.BrownCountyMusicCenter.com

Brown County Getaways

HOTEL NASHVILLE

BRICK LODGE

NORTH HOUSE

Suites, Studios, Restaurant & Bar Hot Tubs, Indoor Pool, Whirlpool Weddings & Receptions, Special Getaway Packages

Accommodates 8 Guests, 2 Bedrooms & 2 Baths Game Room w/Pool Table, Cable TV, DVD Player Full Equipped Kitchen, Central Heat & Air Gas Fireplace, Outdoor Hot Tub, Gas Grill

Accommodates 8 Guests, 3 Bedrooms & 2 1/2 Baths Cable TV, DVD Player, Fully Equipped Kitchen Central Heat & Air, Electric Fireplace Secluded Hot Tub, Gas Grill

245 N. Jefferson St. | 812-988-8400 |800-848-6274 www.hotelnashville.com

1878 N. State Rd. 135 | 812-988-6429 www.bricklodge.com

194 N. Van Buren St. | 812-988-6429 www.northhousegetaway.com

July/August 2022 • Our Brown County 31

Ricky Skaggs

Coming to Brown County

~by Ryan Stacy

T

o call Ricky Skaggs an icon would be accurate, but a little misleading. Icons—in cathedrals and on desktops—are stationary and fixed. They’re powerful, but they just sit there.

Ricky Skaggs, however, is anything but unmoving.

He’s a picking, fiddling force of nature who changes every musical landscape he touches.

By the time he was old enough to hold a mandolin, Ricky was playing with the greats. He joined Bill Monroe onstage at age six; he was on TV with Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs by seven. By 1980, he’d played with Ralph Stanley, Emmylou Harris, and J.D. Crowe & the New South. Then he launched a solo career that’s now spanned over four decades and three musical genres.

Fans and critics responded, and to date Ricky’s taken home more than a dozen Grammys and

32 Our Brown County • July/August 2022

courtesy photo

eight CMAs, and he’s been inducted into the Country Music, Bluegrass, Gospel, Musicians, and National Fiddler Halls of Fame. Then in 2020, his genre-defining, chart-topping, industry-sweeping musical career was recognized with a National Medal of Arts.

Fun fact: Ricky Skaggs may admire Brown County as much as Brown County admires him. As a kid, he’d listen to Bill Monroe on the Grand Ole Opry’s radio show on Saturday nights. “I remember Mr. Monroe talking about his bluegrass festival in Bean Blossom, Indiana, and he was so excited about it,” Ricky says. “It made me want to go.” He did eventually go—in 1971, as a member of bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley’s band. “Man, that was such an eye Continued on 34

July/August 2022 • Our Brown County 33

Farmhouse Cafe ...a country drive to an unexpected dining pleasure · LUNCH ·

Homemade Soups, Salads and Garden Sandwiches

· DINNER ·

Steak · Salmon · Pork Chicken · Pasta R Garden and Fruit Salads Soups · Desserts Herbal Teas · Cool Drinks Beer & Wine

5171 Bean Blossom Road · Just 15 minutes from Nashville

A small, intimate restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating

Reservations Suggested · 812-988-2004 LUNCH: DAILY · 11–4 PM DINNER: TUESDAY–SATURDAY · 5–8 PM

farmhousecafeandtearoom.com · Like us on

Ethically sourced & handcrafted Ethica

Personal Care Products made from natural ingredients

Pamper Yourself with Mother Nature’s Gifts Naturally balanced with natural products

Redhead Apothecary 211 S. Van Buren St. Nashville, IN • Next to Visitors Center 812-720-7018 • RedheadApothecary.com A female veteran owned company supporting other female and veteran suppliers

34 Our Brown County • July/August 2022

SKAGGS continued from 32 opener, seeing all these musicians that I’d grown up listening to,” he recalls. The Bean Blossom Festival (now the Bill Monroe Memorial Festival) was where he finally met Monroe, and it’s where his wife-to-be Sharon, of the bluegrass group the Whites, first saw Ricky perform.

He’s been back several times since then, and even besides the Bill Monroe connection to southern Indiana, Ricky feels a connection here to his original home in Kentucky. “The [Ohio] River’s about the only difference, the people are much the same,” he relates. “People have farms, raise their families, go to church. Just reallife America. We love playing Indiana because there’s lots of like-minded people that come out to see us, and that love bluegrass, and gospel, and country.”

Now Ricky’s playing for us again, this time at the Brown County Music Center on August 26. This tour features Kentucky Thunder, whom Ricky’s played with for over twenty years.

Although their lineup’s changed over time, he promises that this iteration of the band is the best one yet. “They’re just really unbelievable,” he says. “Just the highest quality players that I’ve been around. I don’t know anybody that’s their equal. I’m just so thankful.” (If you’ve ever seen Ricky Skaggs play the mandolin, that kind of praise should cause your heart to skip a beat.)

The BCMC show promises to be as good a showcase of Ricky’s music as ever—which should surprise no one. All the songs on this tour, which incorporate bluegrass, gospel, and country, are performed acoustically, with no amplifiers on stage. “I let the band play a lot, because I came up out of a bluegrass band, where people took solos,” explains Ricky. Those familiar with his past work with Kentucky Thunder will recognize some of their bestknown instrumental numbers. “But,” he teases, “we also have quite a few new ones that we haven’t recorded yet.” New songs or old, though, “People are not gonna go away disappointed, I guarantee it,” he says.

For more information on Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder at the Brown County Music Center, please contact the box office at 812-9885323 or visit <browncountymusiccenter.com>. 

Ready to explore?

Looking for fun outdoor activities this summer? Paddle into the Visitors Center and pick up our free Outdoor Adventure Guide for the best ways to explore the Great Outdoors of Brown County.

Or visit BrownCounty.com/Email to get the best of Brown County delivered to your inbox.

Let’s be friends @ILoveBrownCounty @ILoveBrownCounty Brown County Visitors Center. 211 South Van Buren Street. Downtown Nashville.

@ILuvBrownCounty

July/August 2022 • Our Brown County 35

Musings

~by Mark Blackwell

Bad Dream, Daydreaming I

am not prone to outlandish dreams, but I recently had a real doozy of a dream that veered into the path of an on-coming nightmare. I can’t say for sure what brought it on, but I am suspicious of the salami and onion on rye with Dijon mustard sandwich I had for a bedtime snack.

Whatever the engine was, I’m reasonably sure the inspiration for it was a quote I read from Kin Hubbard (you know, that “Abe Martin” guy). Kin was quoting one of his Brown County characters, Tipton Bud, who said, “It is only a question o’ few years till… great chains o’ stores o’ one sort or another are managed by one head, an’ it is only a question o’ time till there’ll be an automatic chain store manager invented.”

Well, that certainly is a thought to ponder, but not before bed, and not after a

36 Our Brown County • July/August 2022

salami sandwich. My thoughts that evening reminded me of an idea that arises in Brown County from time to time.

That is the idea of coaxing one of those big box stores to put down roots outside of Nashville.

That quote got me to thinking about how even littler stores have been competing, not so much with pricing, but with convenience. You know you can’t go down to the grocery store for a gallon of milk without seeing a rack with socks and small appliances and patio furniture. And you can’t go to a drugstore without seeing racks of snacks, and beach balls, and other assorted “seasonal items.”

Seems like every kind of retail establishment is trying to stock whatever they think customers will want any time any time they want it. Of course, the big box stores just about took over everything: clothes, auto supplies, prescriptions, and groceries. Wal-E-World or Cost-Lots or Big Bullseye probably has it. If they don’t, now you can get it online and have it delivered from the “cloud.”

Back to my dream. I was all over the place.

I was in a town council meeting, and a county council meeting. I was out where there was surveying going on and at a meeting of Nashville shop owners and artists. There were folks giving speeches everywhere. Groups were being formed. Tension permeated the village.

I was at a meeting where the local merchants were trying come up with ideas for out-competing the proposed Wal-E-World store.

There was much discussion, some gnashing of teeth, and one or two cases of champingat-the-bit. In my dream, the chairman of the outfit started rapping a gavel made of beautiful walnut burl, hand turned on an antique treadle lathe by a local craftsperson. He announced that there was a motion on the floor and a feller stood up to launch his idea for putting a big roof or a dome of some kind over the whole village and re-naming it “Nash-Mart.”

That was when I woke up. I have been in a relationship with Brown County for more than 50 years and the idea of a Nash-Mart chills me to my marrow. I know in my heart that that can’t happen, because Brown County in general, and Nashville in specific, knows what it is and why and that’s why people love to come here.

I think Brown County has about everything a body could wish for. If you can’t get everything you need at the I.G.A., Bear Hardware, and Hoosier Buddy; and then what you want everywhere else in town, then you might want to seriously re-think your priorities.

But I would like to see an addition to our little county. The kind of store I’m daydreaming about is the kind that sells moon pies and pickled bologna. The kind that might have a couple of gas pumps outside and a step or two

up to a covered porch. There might be one or two screen doors with push bars made from enameled steel that said, “Bunny Bread.” Flanking the entryway would be a pop machine stocked with five different flavors of Nehi soda and there would be a secondhand church pew to sit on. And somewhere, on an outside wall would hang a thermometer, probably advertising RC cola.

I can easily imagine myself sitting on that church pew on a warm summer afternoon with an ice-cold grape soda. I would watch the needle on the old RC thermometer creeping up with the heat of the day and listen to the grasshoppers, and katydids, and mourning doves.

A few of our stores remind me of those times, namely Nashville General Store and Bakery, Helmsburg General Store, and the Gatesville Country Store.

Even without my imagined country store trip back in time, Brown County is still a great place to slow down, sit on a bench with an ice cream cone, and remember. 

Arts Village Brown County ART VENUE

Every item in our store is

HANDMADE IN NASHVILLE Specializing in:

• Live Edge Hardwood Benches • Candles • Tables • Sun Catchers • Custom Signs • Cutting Boards • Serving Trays • Soap Many other beautiful items Digitally Carved Signage Custom Work Available Customized Wedding Gifts

Hand-poured Candles Made in our store 59 East Main Street (Old School Way Alley) Nashville, IN 812-322-3120 • homesonalimb@gmail.com

July/August 2022 • Our Brown County 37

photos by Mike Briner

Calendar

Brown County Playhouse July 8 July 9 July 16 July 29 July 30

Wastin’ Away in Margaritaville Tribute to Elvis Presley Rainwater Summer Showcase Letters from Home Fingerstyle Guitar Competition 11:00, Concert at 7:30 Aug. 5, 6 Casablanca: Live Radio Show Aug. 20 ChamberFest - Lincoln Quartet 70 S. Van Buren Street 812-988-6555 www.browncountyplayhouse.org

Brown County Music Center July 2 July 23 July 30 July 31

Killer Queen Little Feat Gladys Knight Blackberry Smoke with Elizabeth Cook Aug. 26 Rick Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder 812-988-5323 www.browncountymusiccenter.com

Brown County Inn Open Mic Nights Wed. 6:00-9:00 Hill Folk Series Thurs. 7:00-9:00 Fri. & Sat. Live Music 8:00-11:00 Acoustic Brunch Sat. Noon-3:00 July 1 Steve Fulton July 2 Roger Banister & Denise Kocur -Noon Jack Whittle Trio - 8:00 July 8 Sean Lamb & Janet Miller July 9 Stant & Moore with Carolyn Dutton - Noon Amanda Webb Band 8:00 July 15 Will Scott & Chuck Wills with guest Carolyn Dutton July 16 Wayne Pennington - Noon Piney Woods & The Strip Mall Wonder Band - 8:00 July 22 Kade Puckett July 23 Zion Crossroads - Noon J.C. Clements Band - 8:00 July 29 TBD July 30 LeAnn Stutler - Noon The 1-4-5’s - 8:00 Aug. 5 Steve Fulton Aug. 6 Ciara Haskett - Noon The Acre Brothers - 8:00

The schedule can change. Please check before making a trip.

Aug. 12 Sean Lamb & Janet Miller Aug. 13 Frank Jones - Noon Thee Vatos Supreme - 8:00 Aug. 19 Jan Bell & Opal Fly Aug. 20 John Whitcomb - Noon Homemade Jam - 8:00 Aug. 26 Kade Puckett Aug. 27 Ruben Guthrie - Noon Andra Faye & Scott Ballantine 8:00 51 State Road 46 East 812-988-2291 www.browncountyinn.com

Country Heritage Winery Music Fri. & Sat. 6:00-9:00 July 1 Clearwater Band July 2 Live Music July 8 Live Music July 9 Will Certain July 15 Open Mic Night July 16 Bakersfield Bound July 22 Tony Hopkins July 23 Ryan Paul Wilson July 29 Steve Hickman July 30 Kit Haymond Aug. 5 Homemade Jam Aug. 6 Gary Applegate & Joe Rock Aug. 12 Paul Bertsch Band Aug. 13 Damon Mitchell Coner Berry Band Aug. 19 Open Mic Night Aug. 20 Jerrod Bolt Aug. 26 Steve Fulton Aug. 27 Dan Kirk Band 225 S. Van Buren Street 812-988-8500 www.countryheritagewinery.com

Nashville House Music Fri. & Sat. 6:00-9:00, Sun. 1:00-4:00 July 1 Kit Haymond July 2 Ciara Haskett July 3 Steve Plessinger July 8 Jan Bell July 9 Jess Jones July 10 Matt Lundquist July 15 Buck Knawe July 16 The Blankenships July 17 Edward Fry July 22 Dave Sisson July 23 The Hammer & The Hatchet

40 Our Brown County • July/August 2022

July 24 Ivory Carnival July 29 Malachi Jaggers July 30 Steve Smith July 31 Travers Marks Aug. 5 The Hammer & The Hatchet Aug. 6 Will Scott Aug. 7 Dakota Muckey Aug. 12 Gene Gillham Aug. 13 Cody Nelson Williams Aug. 14 Kit Haymond Aug. 19 Wayne Pennington Aug. 20 Austin James Aug. 21 Wayne Pennington Aug. 26 Coot Crabtree Aug. 27 Will Scott Aug. 28 Buck Knawe 15 S. Van Buren Street 812-988-4554 www.nashvillehousebc.com

Ferguson House Beer Garden Music Fri. & Sat. 6:00-9:00, Sun. 1:00-4:00 July 1 Live Music July 2 Travers Marks July 3 Austin James July 8 Lexi Lynn July 9 Coot Crabtree July 10 Wayne Pennington July 15 The Hammer & The Hatchet July 16 Frank Jones July 17 Robert Federson July 22 Live Music July 23 Laura Cannallon July 24 The Hammer & The Hatchet July 29 Live Music July 30 Will Scott July 31 Ruben Guthrie Aug. 5 Dave Sisson Aug. 6 The Hammer & The Hatchet Aug. 7 Jess Jones Aug. 12 Steve Hickman Aug. 13 Buck Knawe Aug. 14 Tabitha White Aug. 19 The Blankenships Aug. 20 Common Ground Aug. 21 Frank Jones Aug. 26 Richard Groner Aug. 27 Edward Fry Aug. 28 Robert Federson 78 Franklin Street 812-988-4042

Big Woods Pizza Music Tue. & Fri. 5:00-8:00 July 1 Wayne Pennington July 5 Rich Hardesty July 8 Tyler Poe July 15 Coot Crabtree July 19 Justyn Underwood July 22 Scott Gould July 26 Roger Osburn July 29 Kit Haymond Aug. 2 RichHardesty Aug. 5 Shane Scarazzini Aug. 9 Breanna Faith Aug. 12 Scotter Hanes Aug. 16 Justyn Underwood Aug. 19 Coot Crabtree Aug. 23 Nick Ivanovich Aug. 26 Scott Coner Aug. 30 Mark Sweetman 44 N. Van Buren Street www.bigwoodsrestaurants.com

Hard Truth Hills July 1 July 2 July 3 July 4 July 8 July 9 July 10 July 15 July 16 July 17 July 22 July 23 July 24 July 29 July 30 July 31

Jack Whittle Trio 7-10 David Ackerman Duo 11-2 Gary Applegate & Joe Rock 3-6 She Loves Horses 7-10 Gabe Sigler 11-2 Current Entertainment 2-5 Kickitlester 6-9 Scrapper and Blackwell 11-2 Moonshine Mary 7-10 Frank Bradford 11-2 The Lost Highway 3-6 Vinyl Escape Band 7-10 Scott Gould 12-3 Mikey Goode & the Junkyard Dogs 7-10 Kara Cole 11-2 Fake ID 3-6 90s Night XGeneration 7-10 Gina and Joel Duo 12-3 Lisa Frank, Trapper Keepers 7-10 Coot Crabtree 11-2 Paul Bertsch Band 3-6 Rough Draft 7-10 Mark Sweetman 12-3 Strawbury Jam Band 7-10 Juan Douglas Trio 3-6 Jayne Bond, Pink Martinis 7-10 Tracy Thompson 12-3

Aug. 5 Aug. 6 Aug. 7 Aug. 12 Aug. 13

OCD Band Toasted Coconut Rum Luau 4-10 Keith Scott Blues 12-3 Doug Henthorn and the LLC Mark Sweetman 11-2 The Friends Band 3-6 Karma 6-9 Aug. 14 Gina and Joel Duo 12-3 Aug. 19 Poor Man’s Version 6-9 Aug. 20 Scooter Hanes 11-2 Acoustic Edge 3-6 Vinyl Escape Band 6-9 Aug. 21 Shane Scarazzini 12-3 Aug. 26 Paradigm Aug. 27 Kit Haymond 11-2 John Ryan Music 3-6 Bonita 6-9 Aug. 28 Tracy Thompson 12-3 418 Old State Road 46 812-720-4840 www.hardtruthhills.com

19th Hole Sports Bar Music 8:00-11:00 | Karaoke nights till 12 July 2 Karaoke July 9 Past Tense July 16 Clint Zimmerman July 23 South of 44 July 30 Two for the Show Aug. 6 Karaoke Aug. 13 Ruben Guthrie Aug. 20 Mitch Ellis Aug. 27 Bev Bay Roberts Karaoke 2359 East State Road 46 812-988-4323 www.saltcreekgolf.com

Line Dancing with Billy Mon. 6:30, Mike’s Music & Dance Barn 2277 State Road 46 812-988-8636

Village Art Walk

Brown Co. 4-H Fair July 25-30 | Brown Co. Fairgrounds 802 Memorial Drive

Hippy Hill Festival July 28-30 | Bill Monroe’s Music Park Music, food, vendors 5163 N. SR 135 812-988-6422 https://billmonroemusicpark.com/

Fingerstyle Guitar Festival July 29-30 | Fri. Party at BCI 7:00 Sat. Competition starts 11:00 am Concert 7:30 at Brown Co. Playhouse www.indianastringfest.com www.browncountyplayhouse.org

Humane Society Barn Sale Aug. 11-13 | 8-4 | BC Humane Soc. Fundraiser Away A Day RV Campground in Gnaw Bone 5515 State Road 46, Nashville

ChamberFest Brown Co. Aug. 14-20 at various locations Aug. 14 Guitar Duo 7:00 Brown Co. Presbyterian Fellowship Aug. 15 Early Music Duo 7:00 St. Agnes Catholic Church Aug. 16 Open Mic Poetry 7:00 Country Heritage Winery Aug. 17 Clarinet, Piano, Voice, Strings 7:00 Aug. 18 Piano and Strings 7:00 Aug. 19 Piano Trio 7:00 Nashville United Methodist Church Aug. 20 Lincoln String Quartet Concert Brown Co. Playhouse www.chamberfestbrowncounty.com

Southern Indiana Blues Fest

Fourth Fridays, 4:00-7:00 April-October Free self-guided tour of Nashville art galleries. Free Concert at Playhouse 6:30

Aug. 25-27 | Bill Monroe’s Music Park Music, food, vendors 5163 N. SR 135 812-988-6422 https://billmonroemusicpark.com/

Nashville Farmer’s Market

Firetower 15.3 Duathlon & 5k

Sundays 11:00-2:00, Brown Co. Inn parking Aug. 28 | Brown Co. State Park, at Firetower field. Presented by Brown Co. YMCA, 5k road lot at State Road 135 & 46 intersection run, 10 mile road bike ride, 2.2 mile trail run

Fireworks

July 3 | Brown Co. High School 10:00 Brown Co. Lions Club

July/August 2022 • Our Brown County 41

Brown County Artist

James Tracy

Rural Americana to Contemporary Serigraphs

~story and photo by Rachel Berenson Perry

“I

t’s always been nature, with me,” artist James Tracy responds to a question about his inspiration. And it’s no wonder. A native Brown Countian, he spent his formative years roaming in the woods during all seasons, from spring’s blooming redbuds, to fall forest tapestries of saturated color.

Growing up in the 1950s, his timing was conducive to learning about painting from seasoned landscape painters—the last of Brown County’s original art colony. “From my earliest

42 Our Brown County • July/August 2022

memories I was captivated by the natural beauty of this place,” Tracy said. “This love of nature and my exposure to art and artists led to an awakening of whatever natural ability I may have had. I had a sense I was part of something unique, very special….I knew from an early age [that] art was my calling.”

Starting with individual instruction from artist Kaye Pool at age eight, Tracy went on to study printmaking and photography at the University of New Mexico, followed by classes in drawing, painting, printmaking, and art history at Indiana University Southeast as well as Indiana University.

After working various graphic design jobs in New Mexico and Los Angeles, Tracy returned to his hometown roots in the early 1990s. “I wanted to spend whatever time I have left in the county. It is home to me,” he stated.

James Tracy has studied and admired painters in every genre from surrealist and abstract to Pop Art and photorealists. One of his current preferred artists is John Fabian Carlson (1875–1945). A Swedish-born American who specialized in winter scenes and became a leader of the Woodstock School of Landscape Painting, he was also a teacher of the late Brown County artist Fred Rigley. Tracy also expressed appreciation for the recent Brown County Art Gallery exhibition of paintings created in the State Park by Tim Greatbatch. “I admire his ambition and focus,” Tracy said. “If you want to do something well, you need to do it every day.”

Despite his comfort and familiarity in his old stomping grounds, Tracy carries a torch for the landscape, culture, and people in northern New Mexico. When the ubiquitous summer green of

of Painting and Sculpture at the Salmagundi Club in New York City, the annual Hoosier Salon (including “Best Traditional Painting in any Medium” in 1997) and Indiana Heritage Arts, where he received three merit awards in an early 2000s exhibition.

Tracy is equally at home with oils, woodblock and linocut printmaking, and illustration using a combination of hand-rendering and technology.

His mastery of accurate drawing skills, particularly wildlife, sets him apart from many landscape artists.

For his latest work he’s been experimenting with a laser engraver as well as large format serigraphs, or silkscreens, on heavy paper.

The latter process involves several steps and requires an assistant when handling sizeable prints.

Tracy’s recent pieces use stylized images of ravens and owls, sometimes repeated, in flat bright colors with contrasting backgrounds. Resulting artwork is bold and contemporary.

“I still love painting,” he said, “but I want them to be more unique, my own voice.” Unlike the neoimpressionistic style popular with current plein air (on location) artists, Tracy tends to apply many thin layers of paint to create his desired effect.

His landscapes, which he calls “Rural Americana,” often include closely rendered farmhouses and outbuildings using nuanced lighting. Conveying the Continued on 44 “Approaching Storm,” oil on panel.

Indiana becomes tedious, he often returns to the visual relief of big skies and desert mesas near Taos. “As soon as summer comes, I want to be in New Mexico,” he remarked. “These guys out west doing cowboy realist art are doing phenomenal work—they are killer landscape painters.”

As a professional fine artist for more than three decades, James Tracy has won accolades and awards from juried exhibits including the National Exhibition

July/August 2022 • Our Brown County 43

“Moonlit Cabin,” oil on panel.

TRACY continued from 43 effect of quiet solitude, they harken back to depression-era American scenes “to create a hopeful view of life amidst economic turmoil” encouraged by Works Progress Administration programs like the Federal Art Project to sustain working artists.

A long-time bachelor, Tracy married Debbie Kent in 2020 and they have settled into a wooded homestead in eastern Brown County.

A major project to build a new studio/ barn is consuming much of his time and energy, not the least of which includes employment as a graphic artist once again. The studio building began last spring and he estimated that finishing the interior will take another month. Earning money to pay off the new construction, Tracy is focused on his goals for the future.

44 Our Brown County • July/August 2022

“Farm Truck,” oil on panel.

“By fall everything should be set up. Who knows how much time is left?” he asked. “I feel fortunate to be here. I want to devote the rest of my life to painting.”

The artwork of James Tracy can be found at the Brown County Art Gallery or on his website <jamestracyarts.com>. 

Nashville, Indiana’s #1 Fun Attraction

COPPERHEAD CREEK

GEM MINE Pan for Gems Fossils Arrowheads

July 29 and 30, 2022

T

his July guitarists will converge on Nashville, Indiana for the 11th Annual Indiana State Fingerstyle Guitar Festival. The only event of its kind in the Midwest, it will bring together 30 of the finest fingerstyle guitar players from around the world.

The musicians will compete for prize guitars from Thomas Roeger Guitars, SDC Guitars, and Sweetwater Music, as well as the opportunity to play during an evening concert that will feature International Championship winner Christie Lenée, Kade Puckett, Adam Cantor, and Bill Russell.

The competition and concert will be live streamed on Facebook Live, thanks to sponsorship from Nashville Spice Company.

Friday, July 29 will feature the Friday Night Party at Brown County Inn, from 7–11 p.m. Nationally-ranked guitarists will perform, including previous winners of the competition. This event is free to the public thanks to the WFHB Community Radio sponsorship.

The Fingerstyle Competition begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 30 at the Brown County Playhouse. Top winners will be announced at 2 p.m. and the evening concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

The Indiana State Fingerstyle Competition is one of only eight competitions worldwide to be accredited by the Walnut Valley Festival, which has been honoring acoustic musicians for the past 50 years during its national competition.

Tickets are available online at <indianastringfest. com> or <browncountyplayhouse.org> and at the Brown County Playhouse, 812-988-6555. 

Fun and Educational for All Ages

BROWN COUNTY

ROCK and FOSSIL SHOP

8000 lbs. of NEW Beautiful & Unique Specimens for 2022

Just North of the Courthouse 79 N. Van Buren ~ (812) 988-2422 www.BrownCountyRockShop.com

“Smack Dab in the Heart of the Village” Nashville, Indiana

Located just North of the Courthouse across from Big Woods Restaurant and Brewery

www.IrisGardenLodging.com

(812) 988-2422

The Iris Garden rests comfortably in the heart of the village of Nashville.

Simply walk out of your door to explore the wonderful shops, restaurants, wineries, and breweries without having to drive anywhere.

July/August 2022 • Our Brown County 45

Blackberrying ~by Jeff Tryon

H

ere in beautiful Brown County, we are blessed not only with the majestic procession of seasons—each glorious in its own aspect—but also certain micro-seasons within the grand pattern.

Weather seems to be scrambled up like a walking taco these days, but when I was a kid, there were two very specific cold snaps in the spring and early summer.

The first, arriving in late April or early May, was called “Dogwood Winter,” and somehow figured in to help the dogwood trees bloom at the right time.

Dad would pull up his coat collar and say, “Dogwood Winter.”

Then, early in May, when things were really starting to warm up, there would be another short cold snap Dad called “Blackberry Winter” which also, theoretically,

Looking for a good place to eat?

Curious about the dining scene?

The

Restaurant Sampler Collection Now on sale at:

Fallen Leaf Books Brown County Visitors Center Also available on

Amazon.com

Support local business

46 Our Brown County • July/August 2022

had something to do with helping the blackberries multiply.

After they cut down a massive amount of Brown County trees in the early settler days, bushes and shrubberies of every kind took over the landscape.

Some were not at all helpful, but others, like huge thickets of blackberry vines, had their uses.

There would come a time, “long about knee deep in June” as James Whitcomb Riley said, when we would rise early, dress carefully, and go blackberrying.

It was important to cover as much bare skin as possible, because the overburdened blackberry vines were also loaded with briars—big, sharp stickers that would gouge you and draw blood if you weren’t careful.

This usually meant wearing long sleeved flannel shirts and bib overalls—even though temperatures would climb swiftly as the morning wore on. Mom would put rubber bands around the pant legs and cuffs to keep the insect hordes from getting in there and devouring us alive.

Chiggers belong to the same class of insects as scorpions and ticks. They cause most of the itchy, summertime bites that occur after walking outdoors through grassy or brushy areas. They grab onto shoes or clothing and typically explore a host for several hours before choosing a place to feed. Bites are most common at sites around sock lines on the ankles, around the waist, and near the groin. Bites also may occur in other areas, including behind the knee, and under the armpit.

When I was a small boy, I seemed to be the ideal host for armies of these annoying pests. They found

me perfectly delectable. After these blackberrying outings I would be covered in every private area by tons of bites.

Between the bees, the mosquitoes, the ticks, and the rest, I was pretty much an insect banquet for most of the summer. We were children of nature. The woods were our wonderland and constant companion.

After bath time, Dad would dab calamine lotion on all the little itchy red spots and he would recite a little poem: “If a chigger were bigger, say as big as a cow, “And his digger were bigger, as big as a plow, “Oh where oh where would Jeffrey be now?”

Not far from our house on Hornettown Road was a huge overgrown brushy brake, at the edge of the woods, by a field. It was full of blackberry briars, huge canes of luscious, plump fruit defended only by the sharp prehistoric claws of the blackberry briars.

With the patience of age, adults usually did pretty well at getting the fruit without getting hurt. But greedy, overeager boys often paid in blood for the luscious prize.

We collected the berries in big two-and-a-half gallon galvanized pails. Between my parents and brothers and I, we picked a lot of berries. Of course, we boys were probably eating as many as we were putting in the pail. That was our rule.

Standing in the blackberry thicket as a summer morning quickly warmed to summer day, we

What What a trip trip toto the the country country isis all all about! about!

Fruits and Veggies

Melo Melons, ons Tomatoes T Sweet Corn, Green Beans Summer Apples, Peaches Blackberries, Blueberries • Fudge Shop & Ice Cream Parlor • Baked Goods from scratch • Jams, Honey, and Gifts

317-878-9317 www.apple-works.com 8157 S 250 W. Trafalgar, IN Visit us on Facebook for Happenings

encountered a seemingly inexhaustible supply of big, fat, ripe blackberries—buckets and buckets of them— free for the taking.

The tangible reward for the adversities of wild berry gathering was considerable: Mom’s blackberry cobbler.

I guess most people think their mother was the best cook ever, but I have to tell you, my mother was a real wonder in the kitchen.

A few years back on the family thread, someone posted a query, “How did grandma make her cobbler?”

This seemingly simple question exploded into a long, involved debate with many theories, including internet searches on just what exactly constitutes a cobbler.

Nobody could ever exactly duplicate that fabulous blackberry cobbler, not even me, the greatest known expert on Mom’s cooking. Unlike her peach cobbler, it had layers of strips of pastry within the cobbler. She would dish it hot into a bowl and dribble just a bit of milk over the top.

And so, the blackberry cobbler remains, hanging in our memories; the perfect product of an earthy encounter with nature. 

July/August 2022 • Our Brown County 47

Wine Tasting Daily Choose from multiple Award Winning Wines!

Patio & Indoor Seating Gift Shop Live Music Every Friday & Saturday 6-9 pm S. Van Buren & Washington, Nashville IN 48 Our Brown County • July/August 2022

812.988.8500

countryheritagewinery.com

Celebrating 65 Years Southern Indiana’s Oldest Live Music Venue Family Friendly Dining Room

Fried Catfish • Pizza Steaks • Chicken Ribs • Full Bar Just 10 minutes from Brown County J

LAKE L AKE L LEMON EMO ON 8939 E. South Shore Dr., Unionville, IN Portholeinn.com • 812-339-1856

port hole inn

July/August 2022 • Our Brown County 49

Nashville’s Unique Dining Experience (1800s Cabin) BREAKFAST & LUNCH

Jams, Jellies, Preserves, Specialty BBQ, Chicken Salad, Soups, Pit Ham 118 E. Washington St. Nashville, IN Linen, Rugs, Candles, Curtains, Stitcheries Cinnamon Rolls, Cobblers, Cookies, Brownies 812-988-6362 • Open daily 9 to 5 Gluten Free Items, Coffees and Cappuccino Antiques, Billy Jacobs Prints nashville general store and bakery nashgenstore812

’

Variety of T-Shirts

Things you can live Thi li without... ih but b who h wants to!

Old Colonial Bldg. 60 N. Van Buren St. Nashville, Indiana•812.988.6590 menstoyshop@yahoo.com•Visit us on Facebook

Tobaccos and Premium Cigars

Knives by Benchmade, Kershaw, Microtech, Esee, Tops, Protech, Zero Tolerance and more

Guns and Ammo for Competition, Hunting, Sport, and Home Defense

Luminox Watches (used by Navy Seals)

41 S. Van Buren St. Nashville, IN (in the Heritage Mall) 812.200.1077 HeritageCandyStore@gmail.com

We ship everywhere!

Fresh Homemade Fudge Old-Fashioned Candies Candy by the Pound Cream Filberts/Mothballs Rock Candy • Jelly Belly Chocolates/Turtles Pucker Powder Sugar Free 50 Our Brown County • July/August 2022

Ask about our Wedding Favors and Fundraising with Fudge

11 flavors of BEEF 3 flavors of TURKEY 3 flavors of BEEF BRISKET 4 flavors of BEEF STICKS 2 flavors of PORK 2 flavors of BACON Also: Elk, Boar, Buffalo, Venison, Gator, Rabbit, Salmon, Kangaroo, Turtle, Ostrich, Trout, Camel, Python, Ahi

Jerky Seasonings & Dips • Peanuts

125 S. Van Buren St. Artists Colony Shops (Between Toy Chest and Carol’s Gifts)

Nashville, IN • (812) 988-1592

houseofjerkybrownco.com

HABERDASHERY From fedoras and stingy brims to ivy caps and hiking hats —we’ve got you covered

onka and Acorn Also comfort footwear from Minnetonka including slippers for the entire family 49 S. Van Buren St. in Nashville • 812-988-6535 Find us on Facebook • OPEN DAILY 11–5

Women’s boutique, kids and teen clothing, men’s clothing, and household items Selling gently used items to benefit Brown County.

Accepting clothing and household item donations.

Look for the sign

s

Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00 to 5:00 Fridays 9:00 to 2:00

Like us on Facebook at Brown County Community Closet, New

South Van Buren in Nashville (near stoplight, behind Subway) (812) 988-6003

THE FIREPLACE CENTER

Complete line of: • Wood Stoves and Inserts • Gas Stoves and Inserts • Fireplaces Your first step to Energy INDEPENDENT LIVING 812-336-2053 1-800-344-3967

1210 W. 2nd St. Bloomington BloomingtonFireplaces.com

July/August 2022 • Our Brown County 51

Pygmy Shrew Field Notes

~by Jim Eagleman

I

t wasn’t long after I was hired as a seasonal employee at Brown County State Park in the mid-70s, that I heard of a research project.

Some workers told me it was in a remote location, so I went searching.

I learned it was conducted by a professor and some students from an Indiana university.

When I arrived, they stumbled out of university cars, sleepy, stretching, and complaining. They were carrying trash bags full of large cans—the kind used in a commercial kitchen— and disappeared in the woods.

I must have appeared official in my uniform and was greeted suspiciously. The professor admitted later that he had not applied for a DNR collecting permit allowing him to collect in the protected state park. He quickly had the students go about their work and got busy himself. I was more interested in learning what they were doing than if they had the proper permit.

“Shrews,” the professor finally said. “We’re looking for different shrews.”

Many pitfall traps, the cans, were buried at ground level to capture the small mammals. The students came back several times to monitor what

52 Our Brown County • July/August 2022

was caught and record their findings. Trap lines were installed along moisture gradients, starting at the top of a dry ridge, and descending into moist ravines.

I knew shrews were insect eaters, and unlike mice and other rodents, lived a nervous life scurrying through the forest herbal layer, looking for beetles and worms. But I didn’t know different shrews had a preference for where they lived, or that there were several different species.

A few years later, and now as the park’s full-time naturalist, I was soon entrenched in the property’s most controversial and pressing issue: an over-sized deer herd. Historically, Indiana state parks had been established as nature preserves since their conception in 1916. No management of plants or animals had been conducted since those early days, nor had it been necessary.

With no hunting of the property’s chief herbivore and protected within its boundaries, deer numbers at Brown County had grown over time to huge levels, with the forest’s understory badly damaged. Wildflowers and grasses, flowering shrubs, and young trees—colorful each spring and attractive and food to many insects—had virtually disappeared, eaten to near oblivion by hungry deer.

A biologist friend called me one day and asked if I had heard of a study that might help me with the deer debate. “You’re the public relations guy, aren’t you? You might like to read it,” he said.

“It deals with shrews, and they can be considered an indicator species.”

The ecologic upset of species with which deer coexist would Continued on 55

Fashion Apparel •Jewelry and Purses 59 East Main Street, Suite B • Nashville, IN • 812-988-8707

Foxfire

Gift & Home • Gifts and Home Decor • Memoriam Gifts • Swan Creek Candles • Kitchen Accessories • Baby Gifts • Holiday Decor • Garden Decor 59 East Main Street, Suite A • Nashville, IN • 812-988-7388 July/August 2022 • Our Brown County 53

Brown County

History Center Displays and Exhibits

Pioneer Village Museum

Design Your Own or choose from Ready Made Garments Hundreds of choices! • Something for all ages and sizes • T-Shirts • Hoodies • LS Tees • Hats

• Tanks • Jackets • Jerseys • Tye Dye

• Night Shirts • Swim Shorts • Beach Towels • Flip Flops

Corner of Washington and Van Buren Street (Across from Visitors Center) Nashville, IN • 812-988-6939

Bringing Brown County’s Past to Life

North of the courthouse • Donations welcome Looking for event space? or more info 812-988-2899

NASHVILLE EXPRESS

Historical His Hi st tor oric ical al Sight-seeing Sig igh ht t-s -see ee ein iin ng Tours To T our urs of of Nashville Na as sh shv hv vill ille il le

Building Fine Log Homes for over 40 Years HONESTY • INTEGRITY • HANDCRAFTED QUALITY

3497 Clay Lick Road • Nashville, IN • (812) 988-2689 mikenickelslogcabins.com

Kiid K ds s 5 & Under Un nd de er r Ride Ride ide FREE id FR F REE EE d! Kids All aboar

25 minute narrated historical and informational tour with a scenic loop along Old State Road 46

also service to Seasons, Brown County Inn, Quality Inn Board at Fearrin’s Ice Cream Depot Corner of Van Buren & Franklin Streets

Relax in Beautiful

Brown County, Indiana

This award-winning hotel offers a quiet getaway with free breakfast, complimentary high-speed Internet, heated indoor pool, fitness room, and whirlpool suites.

Walking distance to Brown County Music Center. Trolley available to downtown Nashville.

51 W. Chestnut St. • State Road 46 • Nashville, IN 812.988.6118 • 800.4CHOICE www.choicehotels.com 54 Our Brown County • July/August 2022

812-988-6690

Available for field trips, business functions, private tours

PYGMY SHREW continued from 52 be an appropriate and important message to use, he reasoned. And as an educator, I had hoped to show the public, and some doubting legislators, an example of how deer can impact other species. The professor’s earlier research project needed an update. So my staff and I set out to replicate the investigation.

The initial base-line data showed five species of shrews existed in the 1970s: the smokey, southeastern, short-tailed, masked, and pygmy.

Our research conducted during the peak of high deer numbers, on the same trap lines with the same number of traps, revealed only two species, the short-tailed and southeastern. Total number of all shrews sampled had declined significantly. It wasn’t difficult to see that if the herbal layer where insects live was nearly gone, the shrews that depend on them would disappear. And that’s what happened.

As is sometimes the case, research can reveal more than anticipated outcomes. The park study we conducted allowed us an up-close inspection of the trapped shrews. The one most unusual to us was the pygmy. The second smallest shrew in the world, it had been living in the moist ravines of Brown County State Park’s young forest.

While the world’s smallest mammal is the bumble bee bat, by mass, the smallest shrew next in line is the Etruscan shrew. It lives in Eurasia. The next smallest, the pygmy shrew, inhabits these Brown County woods.

Seemingly insignificant and unnoticed as we enjoy this natural place, small and less dynamic relationships exist, and plants and animals go about their jobs, in their niche.

Ecological relationships are so interconnected and dependent on one another we often don’t realize it until something is missing.

A “keystone specie,” the white-tailed deer can exert tremendous impact, influencing forest ecosystems. A miniature pygmy shrew, so small we may not see it on the forest floor, is akin to other insect-eating, burying, scurrying shrews, and lives its quiet life in the hills. It’s certainly a part of this living system. And among this tiny claim to fame, it simply comes in second. 

Reading Poetry In The Shade The green leaves of trees quiver.

Swallowtail follows the air toward the lakeshore – buttonbush flowers on water’s edge.

I think this afternoon is a poem.

In this line, the hummingbirds fight at the feeder, in this one, the cat dozes under the rocking chair.

These lines don’t quite rhyme, but then another swallowtail, another – a jet stream of butterflies over the house and down the hill.

I am just sitting here, inside this poem, inside this shady late summer afternoon.

I tend to prefer late afternoons to mornings, cannot wake up for any kind of sunrise. Not even a poem as beautiful as a river of butterflies will lure me from my dreams.

—Michele Pollock

July/August 2022 • Our Brown County 55

Established in 2005 — Always a trendsetter

You will find traffic stopping items at 58 South!

Today’s fashion

AUTHENTIC NEW YORK STYLE PIZZA

A family-friendly pizza place PIZZA • SALADS • CALZONES

wearable every day or for special occasions Our accessories, hats, and comfort shoes complete the outfit or add new fresh looks to your wardrobe.

Fit and affordability for missy and younger-thinking shoppers.

58 South Apparel 58 S. Van Buren St. • Nashville, IN

Located in downtown Nashville next to the Brown County Playhouse 812-988-8440 • fiftyeightsouth@gmail.com

140 W. Main Street • (812) 988-8800 In the heart of Nashville by the Village Green area at the intersection of Main and Jefferson Streets.

Dine-In or Carry-Out

Open 11am–9:00pm • Closed Mondays

We appreciate our loyal customers!

Our market fresh product selections are the result of your requests.

Flags, Yard, & Porch Decor Woodstock Chimes • Spinfinity ..

Tervis Tumbler • BruMate Swan Creek • Dixie Belle Paint Willow Tree • Sharon Nolan Melissa & Doug • Ty Plush Jeeps T’s • Simply Southern Bobble Heads • Boglins!

Located in the heart of downtown Nashville next to Out of The Ordinary and across from the Brown County Playhouse

Did we mention all the hats, scarves, and fashion jewelry?

Rhonda Kay’s 69 S. Van Buren St. • Nashville, IN 812-988-2050 • rhondakays@msn.com

56 Our Brown County • July/August 2022

Brown County Michael Rebman Certified Therapist

Open Daily at 11 a.m.

Open Year-Round for Lunch & Dinner

Fresh made to order starters, salads, sandwiches and house specialties

Brown County’s only “Husband Day Care”

Guinness on tap • Full bar • Specialty drinks • Bloody Mary • Islander • Margarita

Full menu available in Bar • Large TV Chair Massage: $25 • Table Massage: $75

104 S. Jefferson St. • Nashville, IN 47448 browncomassage.com

812-988-4447

Out of the Ordinary Restaurant & Hickory Sports Bar

61 South Van Buren St. • Nashville, IN Across the street from the Brown County Playhouse

(812) 200-1999 •

OutOfTheOrdinaryRestaurant

Saturday, August 20th 7:30am – 7:00pm

www.browncountylogcabins.com

Excludes Stihl power tools • Other restrictions may apply Offer good for one day only and while supplies last Hardware • Camping Supplies • Fishing Tackle • We Fill Propane Tanks

75 Chestnut St. Salt Creek Plaza • Nashville (812) 988-8888 www.BearHardware.com Mon.–Sat. 7:30am–7:00pm • Sun. 10:00am–4:00pm

July/August 2022 • Our Brown County 57

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 Ever-Growing Selection of Gluten-Free Products

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK TO GET THE WEEKLY AD Brown County IGA

text NA SHV

t

990o0

ILLE

0

30 Hawthorne Dr. • Nashville • East SR 46 at light • 812-988-4546

Indiana’s Oldest Toy Store

Play for All Ages • 10,000+ items in the store All the best in games, puzzles, dolls, crafts, science kits, and more.

125 S. Van Buren St • Nashville, IN (in the Artists Colony Shops Complex) (812) 988-2817 • www.BrownCountyToyChest.com $5 flat rate shipping on $50+ orders

58 Our Brown County • July/August 2022

CARMEL CORN COTTAGE Assorted Ice Cream Bars New Popcorn Flavors

Double Dipped Bacon Popcorn Pickle Popcorn

Sweet Treats

Butter Toffee Chocolate Delites Chocolate Coated Bacon Strips Carmel Coated Bacon Strips

Free Samples

Show this ad & receive a FREE small drink with popcorn purchase.

Look for the red & white building at the north end of town

812-988-6011 • CarmelCornCottage.com

AAuthentic Mexican Cuisine

Lemon Shake-ups Hot Dogs • Sausages •Brats Hickory-Smoked Pork BBQ COUPON

Buy One BBQ Meal Deal Get One HALF OFF North Van Buren and Gould Streets in Nashville Indiana • 812-988-4273

Accepting Visa, Mastercard & Discover cards

Bring the Woodlands into your home

Family Owned and Operated •Daily Specials •Kid’s Menu

FULL BAR AVAILABLE 812-988-4535 Carry Out Available COACHLIGHT SQUARE 101 E. Washington St. one block east of S. Van Buren St. (in front of the high school) in downtown Nashville

Brownie’s Featuring some of your old favorites and some tasty new ones Dine In or Carry Out

87 East Main Street Nashville, Indiana 812-988-6080

Brown County

KOA

>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<< Open April–October Cable TV Cabin Rentals 50 Max Amp Pool (5/25-9/4) 60' Max Length Firewood ($) Dog Park Wi-Fi

2248 State Road 46 East • Nashville, IN 5730 N State Rd 135 • Bean Blossom • 812-720-3743 Daily Specials • Breakfast till 2:00 7 am to 8 pm • closed Thursdays Owners Paul and Tania Lattimore

Minutes away from fine dining, shopping, museums, live entertainment, and theater

A mile from the new Brown County Music Center

Info: 812-988-4675 • Reservations: 800-562-9132 koa.com/campgrounds/brown-county/

July/August 2022 • Our Brown County 59

“A Lil’ Taste of Heaven”

Serving Breakfast and Lunch

Redwood Lake Cabin

Featuring Fabulous:

Biscuit Sandwiches Homemade Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Cinnamon and Pecan Rolls Full Breakfast Menu Including:

Omelettes and Pancakes Bottomless Coffee and Ice Tea

165 N. Van Buren St. • Nashville, IN • 812-720-3440 CHECK OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR HOURS

Find us on Facebook at Heavenly Biscuit Inc. Delivery within a mile radius when available Pet-friendly patio

Fresh In-Store Donuts

2 bedrooms, 1 bath | 8 acre fishing pond small pontoon for guests | pet friendly (small dogs only) Wifi | firepit | charcoal grill | full kitchen * Log Cabins * Game Rooms * Pet Friendly * Hot Tubs * Private Pools * Lake Fronts

Call, Book Online, or Stop in!

812.988.6554 • 30 Washington St. • Nashville, IN Like and Follow Us! MoonDanceVacationHomes.com

“Where Quality is Affordable” www.blitzbuilders.com 800-628-1324

Family owned for over 30 years!

WE DO IT ALL!

Broasted Chicken 812-988-1822

Nashville BP State Roads 46 & 135 270 S. Van Buren St. in Nashville

60 Our Brown County • July/August 2022

Custom Horse Barns • Garages • Homes • Workshops Commercial Buildings • Metal Roofing Discount Code: Quality

Your Post Frame Specialists

Visit

Morgantown 10 miles north of Nashville on scenic State Road 135

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

Grandpa Jeff’s Trail Rides

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 59 S. Marion St. • Morgantown, IN • (317) 403-7147 Flexible hours including weekends and evenings

Relax on a journey with Grandpa Jeff.

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, & Custom Excursions Grandpa Jeff trained our horses to take exceptional care of your family and friends of all ages.

Reservations by phone or thru website AT LEAST TWO HOUR NOTICE call or text (812) 272-0702 5889 S. Skinner Rd. Morgantown, IN

www.GrandpaJeffsTrailRides.com • info@GrandpaJeffsTrailRides.com

July/August 2022 • Our Brown County 61

Sweetwater Gallery “FINAL YEAR” Clearance Sale Ongoing 158 Old School Way in Nashville • 812-988-0449

Home Decor, Garden Items, Gift Items, Clothing, Antiques, All Natural, and Recycled Products

4359 State Road 46 East • Nashville (Gnaw Bone) Sat. 9 to 6 , Sun. 11 to 6 ~ Starting June 2 open Thurs.–Sun.

812-200-8274 marieshomedecorandcountrystore@yahoo.com

Brown County Model Trains

Trains: Electric, Wooden, and Christmas Indiana-Made Ornaments • Kid-Friendly 75 S. Jefferson St. • Antique Alley • 317-783-6726

Unplug with a Good Book Old, New, Used and Rare Books Journals • Sketchbooks Handmade Greeting Cards Local Postcards 45 S. Jefferson St. • Nashville, IN 812.988.0202 • fallenleafbooks.com

Open 7 days a week 10 am to 5 pm

62 Our Brown County • July/August 2022

created by hand

local artisans

E S T

1 9 7 8

BROWN COUNTY

Fine arts and crafts by local and area artists View their work on Facebook & Instagram See something you want?

Message us!

Open Daily 10 to 5 812.988.7058

Sepia Old Time Color Color Black & White

OVER 200 BACKGROUNDS Wild West • Prairie • Civil War • Roaring 20s and more!

812-988-7305 • 145 S. Van Buren Nashville, IN Next to Artist Colony Inn, Back-to-Back Complex

OPEN 11 to 5, sat. to 6 • closed MONDAY & tuesday 62 E. Washington · Nashville, IN · BrownCountyCraftGallery.com

The Totem Post ~Since 1952~

• Genuine Native American Jewelry • Zuni Fetishes • Sterling Silver Jewelry • Copper Jewelry 78 S. Van Buren St. • Minnetonka Moccasins Nashville , IN • Pendleton • Knives 812-988-2511 ~Open all year~ TheTotemPost.com

Stay safe and here’s to a great reemergence.

IS

Delicious!

Our own Tzatziki sauce recipe, made from scratch 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

July/August 2022 • Our Brown County 63

Hoosier Artist M

Ruth Wert, Beth Parrock, and Anabel Hopkins.

~story and photos by Paige Langenderfer

64 Our Brown County • July/August 2022

ore than a decade ago Anabel Hopkins had a dream of creating an artist-owned art gallery in downtown Nashville. With her dream in hand, Anabel attended an Art Alliance meeting and pitched the idea to longtime friend Ruth Wert.

“We passed the word around and before long we had our founding eight member/owners,” Ruth said. “With eight members, we knew we could afford the lease, so we signed on our first location and opened the gallery.”

The first location of the Hoosier Artist Gallery in Nashville, which opened in 2007, was cramped and didn’t have a bathroom or a closet— but Ruth and Anabel were delighted to have made their dreams a reality.

“Several artists came to us and wanted to join, but the space wasn’t big enough,” Anabel said. “Before very long at all we knew we were going to need to find a bigger space.”

In 2009, the gallery moved to its current location, 45 South Jefferson Street.

“The space is wonderful. We can feature more than 20 artist/members,” said Anabel, a painter who specializes in landscapes as well as abstract and expressionism.

To become a member of the cooperative gallery, an artist must be juried in. They must bring in the work they would like to sell and must answer questions from current members. The current members then vote on whether they will accept the potential member.

“We are looking for artists whose work does not duplicate current member art,” Anabel said.

“We want to represent as many mediums of art as we can.”

As a member, each artist must work a full day in the gallery at least once a month. They must also join a committee.

“One of the really nice things about a cooperative gallery is that every time you visit you will meet one of the artists,” said Beth Parrock, who became a member in 2009. “It’s also nice as an artist because we share the responsibility of running the business.”

Beth, who makes bead- and wire-weaving jewelry, said one of her favorite things about joining the gallery has been learning from other artists.

“We all have to learn about each other’s work so that when a customer comes in we can explain each item,” said Beth, who also works with precious metal clay and glass fusing. “A lot of our customers are artists as well, and I enjoy talking to them and learning from them.”

Offering art at prices everyone can afford is very important to Anabel.

“We always want to have something for everyone’s tastes and price range,” she said. “We have gift options like jewelry and small paintings and sculptures, but we also have pieces that cost thousands of dollars.”

One of the most unique displays in the gallery features sculptures made from stone shipped from Africa.

“The artist, Peter Rujuwa, is originally from Zimbabwe and came here as a political refugee,” Beth said. “He and his family had to flee from Africa. His work is extraordinary.”

Anabel said she is proud to be a founding member of the gallery.

“Our quality has definitely improved over the years,” she said. “But more than anything, these artists are my friends. I’ve always wanted a place I could go when I’m downtown. The gallery is like my headquarters.”

Ruth Wert, also a founding member, said people often miss the gallery because it is not on Continued on 66

July/August 2022 • Our Brown County 65

photographer. The August featured artists are Don Wood and Della Wood.

Don builds beautifully crafted wooden furniture and woodworking artistry. Della is a sculptor, who breathes life into her one-of-a-kind art pieces. These artists are featured on the Gallery’s website <HoosierArtist.com>.

Hoosier Artist also participates in the monthly Village Art Walks, a self-guided tour of many downtown Nashville art galleries featuring original local and regional art and crafts, plus complimentary refreshments, entertainment, and specials at participating restaurants.

On July 22, Sandy Vanover will lead a painting class and on August 26 Beth Parrock will lead a jewelry making class. 

HOOSIER ARTIST continued from 65 the main street. Ruth uses antique pieces to create natural stone jewelry.

She also works with dyed silk, and glass, and makes Nantucket baskets.

“The advice I would give anyone visiting Nashville is that local art is often off of the main street,” she said.

Even so, Ruth said she has seen many repeat customers, and customers from all over the world.

“We have the same people coming back every year and it is fun to talk with them,” she said. “I think it is really neat to know that art from our gallery has gone to places as far away as Tibet and Switzerland.”

Each month, the gallery features member artists. The July featured artists are Tom Lowe and Tom Duffy.

Lowe designs intricate wooden art, pendants, puzzles, and more.

Duffy is a fine art and documentary

66 Our Brown County • July/August 2022

An Eclectic Shop

36 E. Franklin St.

Hand-poured Soy Candles

in Nashville

VINTAGE Furniture

Harry Potter

DECOR

Moon Acres Candles

Unique Finds

Kathryn Richardson

Debbie Fleetwood

Annette Hardin

Kathryn & Donna Team

Bob Kirlin

Luke Morrow

Phil Shively Team

The Scroggins Team

Brooke Zavela

Libby Zeigler

812-327-7462

812-327-6862

812-321-2048

812-327-7462 317-418-2320

812-720-0222

812-583-0055

812-325-2290 812-322-0378

812-327-3865

317-665-4763

812-345-8979

Branch Manager

REALTOR®

REALTOR®

REALTORS®

REALTOR®

REALTOR®

REALTORS®

The weather may be getting warmer but the real estate market is already Buyers are looking! We need listings!

Call us TODAY! Hills O’ Brown Realty

REALTORS®

REALTOR®

H OT !

REALTOR®

812-988-2227 • 158 N. Jefferson St., Nashville, IN • callcarpenter.com

Brown County Antique Machinery Association 2022–23 Events @ Brown County 4H Fairgrounds Free Admission to Events

2022 Sept. 16–17 Annual Show 2022 Oct. 29 Fall Swap Meet 2023 May 6 Spring Swap Meet 2023 Sept. 15–16 Annual Show 2023 Oct. 28 Fall Swap Meet New Members Always Welcome

Facebook: Brown County Antique Machinery Association

Randy Barrett 812-325-6722, rbarret1967@gmail.com • Craig Weinstock 812-799-6890, nasincew@hotmail.com July/August 2022 • Our Brown County 67

INFO PAGES

• Individual Income and Business Taxes • Business Set Up • Business Financial Statements • Payroll Preparation and Payroll Taxes

Locally owned since 2010 138 S. Jefferson St. Suite C • P.O. Box 953 Nashville, IN 47448

ACCOUNTING / TAX PREP

ACCOUNTING & PAYROLL

68 Our Brown County • July/August 2022

Reach thousands of readers for just $70 an issue (6 a year)

(discounts for multiple issues)

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

$2 Bag • Salt Creek Plaza • Nashville Mon.–Sat. 7:30 am–7:00 pm, Sun 10:00 am–4:00 pm

Tax Preparation, Tax Planning, Bookkeeping, and Payroll

(812) 988-2865

bruce1040@sbcglobal.net 64 W. Gould St. • P.O. Box 565 • Nashville, IN

Brown County Tire TIRE &

AUTO Repair

24 hr. Wrecker Service

812-988-8473

27 Salt Creek Rd (Intersection SR 46) Nashville

One-of-a-kind Designs

Available at Spears Gallery in Nashville, IN South Van Buren Street next to the Nashville House 812-988-1286

EYE CARE

BAGGED TRASH DROP OFF

ANTIQUES

Contact Cindy at ourbrown@bluemarble.net or call 812-988-8807

AUTO - TIRE, REPAIR, TOW

Your Ad Can Appear Here

& ASSOCIATES INC.

ART

YOUR CATEGORY

(812) 988-4031 • www.precisebooksandpayroll.com

ZIEG LeDOUX

Checking eyes in Brown County for over 50 years!

50 Willow Street • Nashville, IN 812-988-4937

INFO PAGES

July/August 2022 • Our Brown County 69 Continued on 70

Indiana Seamless Free Estimates

Gutter Cleaning and Leaf Cover Available

Matt Hunter

HEALTH

GUTTERING

GUTTERING 812-344-4167

Quality Workmanship since 1992 Fully Insured

Board Certified Family Practice Behavioral Health Services

Accepting new patients. Same day appointments.

Pay with cash/credit card/debit card/insurance

LANDSCAPING

HEALTH CARE

Lawrence Sanchez, MD

Nashville, IN • 812-200-8265

• 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!

Complete Landscaping/ Design Services

www.blueelkfamilyclinic.com • Check us out on Facebook

• Are you on Medicaid & Medicare?

• Do you have a chronic condition and need better coverage?

INSURANCE

HEALTH & LIVING

You do not have to wait until the Annual Enrollment period to enroll.

Call Christy today to see how she can help!

Call/Text 812-988-6399 Medicare Supplement Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans McGinley Insurance Agency, Inc. 947 2nd St. Columbus, IN 47201

christy@mcginleyinsurance.com • www.mcginleyinsurance.com

(812) 988-4054 TIM RUPP • More than 25 years experience

4413 State Road 46 East Nashville, IN (Gnaw Bone) Next to House of Thunder

LOGGING - LUMBER

TATTOO

Helmsburg Sawmill Inc. Pool Enterprises, Inc.

Logging to Lumber

812-988-6161

~ Custom Log Home Lumber Packages ~ Posts ~ Beams ~ Rafters ~ Barn Siding ~ Board & Batten ~ Mulch ~ Sawdust ~ Buyers of Standing Timber www.helmsburgsawmill.com

helmsburgsawmill@gmail.com • facebook.com/helmsburgsawmillinc

Continued from 69

INFO PAGES

BLUE ELK FAMILY CLINIC Mental Health Counseling

Misty Sanchez LMHC-A and Mr. Bojangles

REAL ESTATE

The RE/MAX Team is Your Brown County Team

RADIO

Listen at 103.7 FM or stream at wfiu.org

YOUR CATEGORY

91.3 FM South Central Indiana • 98.1 FM downtown Bloomington 100.7 FM Nashville • 106.3 FM Ellettsville Also stream wfhb.org • 812-323-1200

CSSS, CDPR

Broker/Owner Cell: 812-360-4083 margd@remax.net

10 Artist Drive, P.O. Box 1609 • Nashville, IN 47448

www.blueelkfamilyclinic.com • Check us out on Facebook

Tune in to your community!

Marg DeGlandon

812-988-4485 www.2LiveInBrownCounty.com

Call or walk in to schedule appt. • 812-200-8265

Your Ad Can Appear Here

Reach thousands of readers for just $70 an issue (6 a year)

(discounts for multiple issues)

Contact Cindy at ourbrown@bluemarble.net or call 812-988-8807

RECORDING - STREAMING

RADIO

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING

70 Our Brown County • July/August 2022

Home of The Stream each Wednesday night on Facebook and YouTube

Full service content creation and live streaming studio

RainwaterRecordingCompany.com RainwaterRecordingCompany@gmail.com

All Types of SIGNS by CHRIS A. SHUSTER

BROWN COUNTY YMCA FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FOR HEALTHY LIVING FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

BUY 1 GUEST PASS, GET 1 FREE 1 per person, expires 12/31/22

Swimming Pool Fitness Center Gymnasium Exercise Classes

Personal Training Swim Lessons Day Camp Climbing Wall

812-988-9622 • www.browncountyymca.org

SIGN MAKER

WELLNESS

Open at 5:30 a.m. Mon.–Fri.

• HOMES • BANNERS • BILLBOARDS • STORE FRONTS

BOATS • TRUCKS • MURALS • LOGO DESIGN •

SIGNS THAT DELIVER: Digital Print & Vinyl to Hand Lettered, Carved & Gilded

812-822-2933 • RamblinDogDesign@gmail.com

SPICE UP YOUR

SUMMER

Explore over 500 hand-mixed spice blends, rubs, & seasonings in-store and online.

Gourmet Jams & Sauces • Mustards • Hot Sauces Artisan Salts & Sugars • Beekman 1802 • Kitchen Gifts & Accessories Scan to Shop! nashvillespicecompany.com In Coachlight Square • 227 S. Van Buren St. • Nashville, IN 47448 • 812.200.1069

Ice Cream • Gelato • Lemon Shake-Ups Old Fashioned Fudge • Gourmet Popcorn • More!

Scan to shop!

175 S. Van Buren St. • Nashville 812.988.0709 • nashvillefudgekitchen.com