Nov./Dec. 2016 OUR BROWN COUNTY

FREE

Since 1995

Nov.–Dec. 2016

The Magazine of Fun and Fact

Bill Root’s Model Home Weed Patch Music The Art of M.K. Watkins

Rawhide Ranch Savored Moments

Christmas in a One-room Schoolhouse

Rocky Roads of County Brown Biology at the Bird Feeder Thanksgiving Holiday Events

MAPS • CALENDAR • ARTICLES • PHOTOGRAPHS

Village Green Building Celebrating over 100 years in nashville The Nashville you came to see and love…

Where you can see the work of local artists — whether it’s ice cream, candy and fruit preserves made the old fashioned way or the artwork of local artists and craftsmen. · first floor · Homemade Ice Cream Homemade Candies Homemade Fruit Preserves · second floor · Antiques · Art and Craft Galleries Working studios of local artists

V NA S H I L L E

INDIANA

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Fine Homemade Chocolate Candies and Fudge Gourmet Caramels Over 50 Flavors of Salt Water Taffy

812.988.0815

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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

2017 BUY YOUR HOLIDAY GIFT CERTIFICATE 10% OFF USE CODE GIFT 10

eXploreBrownCounty.com

Carmel Ridge Rd

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

Vaught Rd.

Cordry Lake

Sprunica Rd.

Monroe Music Park & Campground BEAN BLOSSOM

HELMSBURG

GTON

Rosey Bolte’s Uncommon Gourd Studio

FRUITDALE

Flower and Herb Barn Farmhouse Café

Plum Creek Antiques Market

Doodles by Kara Barnard

GATESVILLE

Rd .

Lightspinner Studio

6

46

NG

Brown County State Park

PIKES PEAK

STONE HEAD

ELKINSVILLE

CHRISTIANSBURG

Grv

Rd

r

STORY Monroe Reservoir

135

la Pop

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

Abe Martin Lodge

ton Cr k

46

eXplore Brown County

Rawhide Ranch

Rd

BELMONT

Mike’s Music and Dance Barn

als d ent ek R . Tire at R l l e n r a C o e M tio Salt rown Ce Retr ntique n Vaca Winery B ksid o. A row Co. Cree rown Cills o’ B Brown B H to COLUMBUS Mt kidscommons GNAW . Liber Deja Vu t y BONE Rd Art & Fine Bear Wallow Craft Show Distillery

nsburg

to BL OO

MI

Yellowwood Lake

TO N

Green Valley Lodge

Adventure

Rd.

Old SR 4

Craftsman

Annie Smith Rd.

ch

NASHVILLE

Artist and/or Gallery

yB ran

Rd.

Al’s Paint & BodyAl’s Garage

Country Club Rd

Oak Grove

Hamil

Rd.

Cox Creek Mill

Val le

Ow l Cr eek

Musical Entertainment

Christia

Butler Winery BLOOMINGTON Dr. Lisa Baker, DDS Fireplace Center Harley-Davidson of Bloomington

Lodging

Mike Nickels Log Homes Clay Lick Rd

Rd

Lan

135

to MORGANTOWN

Rid

ge

Dining

am

to BL O

OMIN

Trafalgar 252

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church Brownie’s Bean Blossom Restaurant

45

Franklin

sburg

Lake Lemon

Martinsville

Helm

NASHVILLE MAP ON PAGE 6

135

MORGANTOWN MARTINSVILLE TRAFALGAR Antiques Co-op Martinsville The Apple Works Art Beyond Crayons Candy Kitchen Sweetwater GMG Motors Lake Grandpa Jeff’s Trail Rides House of Clocks Las Chalupas

Upper Bean Blossom

Brown County N

Indianapolis

Bob Allen Rd.

Homestead Weaving Studio Salem’s Good Nature Farm

JEFFERSON STREET

Hoosier Artist

Fallen Leaf Books

HONEYSUCKLE LANE

OLD HICKORY LANE

B3 Gallery

Hobnob Corner

Brown County Art Guild

The Wild Olive

ST SR 135 N

Village Green

Brown Co Winery

Sweet Cozy Living

Head Over Heels

Sports Etc.

Heritage Mall

Spears Pottery Juls Etc.

The Sunshine Shack

House of Jerky

Main Street Shops

Foxfire

MAIN STREET That Sandwich Place

Nashville House

Courthouse

Gold &Old

Touch of Silver

Old McDurbin Gold & Gifts Brown Co Craft Gallery

Log JJail L il

Pioneer Village Museum

LOCUST LANE

Miller’s Ice Cream The Candy Dish The Harvest Preserve

? info

VISITORS CENTER

open M-F8-4

Downtown Cottages & Suites Copperhead Creek Gem Mine

Iris Garden Complex

2016 Quilt Show-Sept. 16-18

GOULD STREET Brown Co. Rock & Fossil Shop

Brown Co Public Library

Brown Co. History Center

MOUND STREET

Hidden Valley Inn

ROBERT “BUCK” STOGSDILL WAY

TO HELMSBURG - 6 MILES

The Emerald Pencil

Big Woods Village

MOLLY’S LANE

LaSha’s

Men’s Toy Shop

Colonial Bldg.

Carmel Corn Cottage

TO BEAN BLOSSOM & MORGANTOWN

Brozinni Pizzeria

Hills O’Brown Realty

J.B. Goods/ Life is Good

Hotel Nashville

Redbud Terrace

McGinley Insurance

Health For U

REMAX

Office

County Offices

6

IHA

Brown Co Art Gallery

Masonic Lodge

Old SR 4

ARTIST DR

VAN BUREN

Village Florist

The Salvation Army

JEFFERSON STREET Nashville BP

Toy Chest

Artists Colony Inn

Artists Colony

Cathy’s Corner

Cedar Creek Winery

Nashville Express

Male Instinct

Rhonda Kay’s

Out of the Ordinary

Coachlight Square

Brown Co Inn Hotel, Restaurant and Bar

Brown Co Community YMCA Brown Co Health & Living

Bear Hardware Comfort Inn

Brown County IGA

SR 46 TO COLUMBUS - 16 MILES

Tea Shop

N

Theatre

Dining

Salt Creek Park Salt Creek Inn People’s State Bank Pine Room Muddy Boots

Seasons Lodge & Conference Center

Doodles by Kara Barnard

Craftsman

Artist and/or Gallery Rest Room

Lodging

Musical Entertainment Parking

COUNTY MAP ON PAGE 5

map not to scale

Nashville Indiana

Casa Del Sol

Mercantile Store

Cornerstone Inn

WASHINGTON STREET

Gyros Food & Art Lorna’s Leather & Boutique

Papertrix

Bone Appetit Bakery Ethereal Day Spa and Salon Chateau Thomas Sweetea’s Winery

Camelot Shoppes

Hunter’s Electronics

Nashville Fudge Kitchen

Possum Trot Sq

Sweetwater Back to Back Yesteryear Gallery Old Time Photos Grasshopper Flats Wishful Simply 4 You Thinking

VAN BUREN ST SR 135 N

SR 46 TO BLOOMINGTON - 16 MILES

Hoosier Buddy

Thrift Shop Community Closet

PAT REILLY DR

Olde Magnolia House Inn 4th Sister Vintage Store

Calvin Place

Madeline’s

Schwab’s Fudge

New Leaf Amy Greely

Life is Good JB Goods

PITTMAN HOUSE LANE

Too Cute Abe’s Corner

Melchior Marionettes

Jack & Jill Nut Shop

Brown Co Playhouse

58 South Apparel

FRANKLIN STREET

HONEYSUCKLE LANE

Franklin Sq

Through the Looking Glass Wooden Wonders Nashville Image Old Time Photos For Bare Feet, Nashville Pickers N & R Woodworking Brown Co Weavery & Roots Paint Box Gallery, Primitive Spirit Rich Hill’s Magic & Fun Emporium K. Bellum Leather, My Sister’s Shop Brown Co. Pottery, Agape Pearls Ferguson House

Antique Alley

OLD SCHOOL WAY

Our Brown County ANTIQUES

Antiques Co-op.............................41 Brown Co Antique Mall................57 Cathy’s Corner...............................23 The Emerald Pencil.......................29 Plum Creek Antiques...................60

ART, ART SUPPLIES, ART INSTRUCTION

Antique Alley Shops.....................47 Antiques Co-op.............................41 Art Beyond Crayons.....................41 B3 Gallery.......................................28 Bear Hardware..............................14 Brown Co Antique Mall................57 Brown Co Art Gallery...................28 Brown Co Art Guild.......................29 Brown Co Craft Gallery................59 Cathy’s Corner...............................23 Deja Vu Art & Fine Craft Show....12 The Emerald Pencil.......................29 Hoosier Artist................................29 Lightspinner StudioMartha Sechler..............................58 Papertrix.........................................15 Spears Pottery...............................28 Rosey Bolte-Uncommon Gourd.28

BOOKS

Fallen Leaf Books..........................27

CHURCHES

Shepherd of the Hills Evangelical Luthern Church.......55

CLOTHING

58 South Apparel..........................36 Antique Alley Shops.....................47 Bear Hardware..............................14 Community Closet Thrift Shop...53 Harley-Davidson of Bloomington.................................23 Head Over Heels...........................31 J.B. Goods/ Life is Good...............22 Lorna’s Leather & Boutique........58 Male Instinct..................................59 Men’s Toy Shop..............................55

Mercantile Store...........................45 Sports Etc.......................................30 Sweet Cozy Living........................57 Village Florist Tuxedo Rental......45 Too Cute at Abe’s Corner.............58

CRAFTS, POTTERY, GIFTS

4th Sister Vintage Store...............50 Antique Alley Shops.....................47 Antiques Co-op.............................41 Appleworks....................................26 B3 Gallery.......................................28 Bone Appetit Bakery....................57 Brown Co Art Guild.......................29 Brown Co Craft Gallery................59 Brown Co Pottery..........................58 Brown Co Rock & Fossil Shop.....47 Brown Co Visitors Center.............18 Cathy’s Corner...............................23 Cox Creek’s Mill.............................22 Deja Vu Art & Fine Craft Show....12 The Emerald Pencil.......................29 The Ferguson House....................37 Foxfire.............................................37 Head Over Heels...........................31 Homestead Weaving Studio.......28 Hoosier Artist................................29 House of Clocks.............................41 K. Bellum Leather.........................29 Lightspinner StudioMartha Sechler..............................58 Lorna’s Leather & Boutique........58 Madeline’s......................................31 Male Instinct..................................59 Men’s Toy Shop..............................55 Mercantile Store...........................45 Mosaics by Cindy Steele..............57 New Leaf.........................................29 Papertrix.........................................15 Rhonda Kay’s.................................36 Simply 4 You..................................19 Spears Pottery...............................28 Sports Etc.......................................30 Sweet Cozy Living........................57

Sweetwater Gallery......................19 The Toy Chest................................45 Rosey Bolte-Uncommon Gourd.28 Too Cute at Abe’s Corner.............58 Village Florist Flowers & Gifts.....45 Wishful Thinking...........................19

ENTERTAINMENT/MUSIC

Brown County Playhouse............54 Copperhead Creek Gem Mine....47 kidscommons................................45 Pine Room–Muddy Boots...........51 Rawhide Ranch.............................27

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Abe Martin Lodge.........................49 Appleworks....................................26 Artists Colony Inn.........................23 Bear Wallow Distillery..................23 Brown Co IGA................................54 Brown Co Inn.................................37 Brown Co Winery..........................49 Brownie’s Bean Blossom Rest.....31 Brozinni Pizzeria...........................27 Butler Winery.................................27 The Candy Dish...............................3 Carmel Corn Cottage...................45 Casa del Sol....................................18 Cedar Creek Winery......................57 Chateau Thomas Winery.............59 Darlene’s at Hotel Nashville........63 Farmhouse Cafe............................14 Gyros Food & Art Studios............59 The Harvest Preserve.....................3 Hobnob Corner Restaurant........15 Hoosier Buddy Liquors................51 Hotel Nashville..............................63 House of Jerky...............................58 Jack and Jill Nut Shop..................59 Las Chalupas..................................41 Martinsville Candy Kitchen.........58 Miller’s Ice Cream............................3 Nashville BP...................................15 Nashville Fudge Kitchen..............64 Nashville House............................47

Advertiser Index Pine Room–Muddy Boots...........51 Schwab’s Fudge.............................31 Seasons...........................................47 Sunshine Shack.............................59 Sweetea’s Tea Shop......................36 That Sandwich Place....................57 The Wild Olive.................................2

FURNITURE

Antiques Co-op.............................41 The Ferguson House....................37 Plum Creek Antiques...................60

HARDWARE

Bear Hardware..............................14

HATS

Head Over Heels...........................31 K. Bellum Leather.........................29

JEWELRY

Antique Alley Shops.....................47 B3 Gallery.......................................28 Brown Co Antique Mall................57 Brown Co Art Guild.......................29 Brown Co Craft Gallery................59 Cathy’s Corner...............................23 Deja Vu Art & Fine Craft Show....12 Ferguson House............................37 Foxfire.............................................37 Grasshopper Flats.........................19 Hoosier Artist................................29 Juls Etc............................................26 LaSha’s............................................18 New Leaf.........................................29 Old McDurbin Gold & Gifts.........58 Rhonda Kay’s.................................36 Spears Pottery...............................28 Sweet Cozy Living........................57 Too Cute at Abe’s Corner.............58 Touch of Silver Gold & Old..........22

LODGING/CAMPGROUNDS

Abe Martin Lodge.........................49 Artists Colony Inn.........................23 The Brick Lodge............................63 Brown County Health & Living...22 Brown Co Inn.................................37

Cornerstone Inn............................53 Creekside Retreat.........................50 eXplore Brown County..................4 Green Valley Lodge......................15 Hidden Valley Inn.........................26 Hills o’ Brown Vacation Rentals..14 Hotel Nashville..............................63 Lodge on the Mountain...............58 Monroe Music Park & Campground.................................60 Nickel’s Vacation Cabins..............14 The North House...........................63 Olde Magnolia House..................50 Rawhide Ranch.............................27 Salt Creek Inn................................50 Seasons...........................................57

SERVICES DIRECTORY 60-61

kidscommons................................45

SHOES

MUSEUMS

PET SERVICES/PRODUCTS

Bone Appetit Bakery....................57

PHOTOS

B3 Gallery.......................................28 Spears Pottery...............................28 Yesteryear Old Time Photos........19

REAL ESTATE

Brown County Real Estate...........61 Hills o’ Brown Realty.....................61 ReMax Team...................................59

RECREATION

eXplore Brown County..................4 Grandpa Jeff’s Trail Rides............50 Rawhide Ranch.............................27

SERVICES (see also SERVICES DIRECTORY)

Dr. Lisa Baker, DDS.......................36 Brown County Health & Living...22 Ethereal Day Spa and Salon........51 Hunter’s Electronics.....................59 Mainstream Fiber Networks.......30 Nashville BP...................................15 Shepherd of the Hills Evangelical Luthern Church.......55 Village Florist Flowers & Gifts.....45

Al’s Garage/Paint & Body Brown Co Community YMCA Brown Co Real Estate Brown Co Tire & Auto Delivery by Guff Farmers Insurance—McGinley Flower and Herb Barn GMG Motors Health For U Helmsburg Sawmill Hills o’ Brown Realty Monroe Park Campground People’s State Bank Plum Creek Antiques Dana Skirvin, Reflexologist Waltman Construction Co. Head Over Heels...........................31 K. Bellum Leather.........................29

SPECIALTY SHOPS

Bone Appetit Bakery....................57 Fallen Leaf Books..........................27 Fireplace Center............................45 Harley-Davidson of Bloomington.................................23 House of Clocks.............................41 Hunter’s Electronics.....................59 K. Bellum Leather.........................29 Male Instinct..................................59 Men’s Toy Shop..............................55 Sports Etc.......................................30 The Toy Chest................................45 Wishful Thinking...........................19

STAINED GLASS

Sweetwater Gallery......................19

WEDDINGS

Artists Colony Inn.........................23 Hotel Nashville..............................63 Village Florist.................................45

OTHER

Mike Nickels Log Homes....... 18 New Song Mission.................. 18

contents 16 Rawhide Ranch ~by Chrissy Alspaugh 20 Bill Root’s Family Home Model ~by Bob Gustin 24 Weed Patch Music Company ~by Paige Langenderfer 32 Christmas in Brown County ~by Chrissy Alspaugh 34-35 Photos ~by Monique Cagle 40 Christmas in a One-room School ~by Julia Pearson 38-39 Calendar of Events 42 The Art of MK Watkins ~by Paige Langenderfer 44 The Rocky Roads ~by Mark Blackwell

48 Biology at the Bird Feeder ~by Jim Eagleman 56 Thanksgiving Memories ~by Jeff Tryon 60-61 Services Directory Cover: Derek Clifford at Rawhide Ranch ~by Kathy Jo Rondomanski

contributors

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

Jeff Tryon is a former news editor of The Brown County Democrat, a former region reporter for The Republic, and a former bureau chief for The Huntsville Times. Born and raised in Brown County, he currently lives with his wife, Sue, in a log cabin on the edge of Brown County State Park. He is a Baptist minister.

Jim Eagleman recently retired from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources after 40 years as a naturalist at Brown County State Park. He hopes to finish his memoirs soon. He and his wife Kay have three sons, all graduates of Brown County High School. Kay and Jim enjoy all outdoor activities, especially kayaking.

Julia Pearson wrote for a secular Franciscan magazine for ten years and served as its human interest editor. She and her husband Bruce have made Lake Woebegone Country their new homebase for life’s continuing adventures. Julie, Bruce, and four-footed Suki are adjusting well. Julia enjoys traveling and visiting museums of all types and sizes, with her children and grandchildren.

Joe Lee is an illustrator and writer. He is the author of The History of Clowns for Beginners and Dante for Beginners and illustrator of six other titles, including the forthcoming Dada and Surealism for Beginners in the ongoing “for Beginners” series. He is an awardwinning editorial cartoonist for the Bloomington Herald Times, a graduate of Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Clown College, and a veteran circus performer. Joe lives with his wife Bess, son Brandon, George the cat, and his dogs, Jack and Max. Chrissy Alspaugh is a freelance writer and owner of Christina Alspaugh Photography. She lives in Bartholomew County with her husband, Matt and two children. She can be reached at <christina_alspaugh@yahoo.com>. View her work at <ChristinaAlspaughPhotography.com> or on Facebook.

Paige Langenderfer is a freelance writer and communications consultant. She writes for numerous publications and is a featured columnist in The Republic. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in journalism from Indiana University and her Master’s degree in public relations management from IUPUI. Paige lives in Columbus with her husband and daughter Quincy. She can be contacted at <langenderferpaige@gmail.com>.

Bob Gustin worked as a reporter, photographer, managing editor, and editor for daily newspapers in Colorado, Nebraska, and Indiana before retiring in 2011. He and his wife, Chris, operate Homestead Weaving Studio in southern Brown County. She does the weaving while he gives studio tours, builds small looms, and expands his book and record collections.

featured photographs Monique Cagle, a Brown County artist, lives near Yellowwood State Forest, an area where she finds inspiration for her many branches of art. She began taking photos of the landscape around her to use the images for her paintings, and as her photographic eye improved, she went on to capture the story of her life in the country- the seasons, the animals, and the farm where she lives.

Some of her art can be seen at <www.sleepycatstudio.com>.

Win $20 Coloring Contest

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

(812) 988-8807 www.ourbrowncounty.com ourbrown@bluemarble.net

Publisher’s choice. Send to address below by Dec. 20.

Ruth Anne Fritts won last issue’s coloring contest.

Cindy Steele is the publisher and editor of this magazine.

She sells and designs ads, sometimes writes, takes photos, and creates the layout. For fun, she likes to play the guitar or banjo and sing. Her new hobby is making mosaic tables.

Also online at issuu.com/ourbrowncounty OR search in the mobile app ISSUU and on Facebook for OUR BROWN COUNTY

A Singing Pines Projects, Inc. publication • copyright 2016 • Thanks, Mom, for making it happen!

Win $20 Guess Photo WHERE IS IT? Call (812) 988-8807

Be the first person to call and get the prize money.

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

Note From the Publisher

T

he American Psychological Association surveyed a sample of the country this fall and found that more than half of our population is experiencing major stress due to this year’s election. Do we need a survey to know this? The election has left me with the desire for a long hot shower to wash off all the mud slung by both sides.

As we try to recover from the trauma of exposure to such a large degree of negativity let’s embrace the idea that Brown County is a haven of creativity and beauty.

Millions of people flock to this area every year to get a glimpse of small town life and to take in the abundance of nature.

Some of us are lucky enough to live here.

You can make a living here by doing something creative, like publishing a magazine, writing a book, making whiskey, or making pottery. The beauty that surrounds us, inspires us.

Brown County embodies what is good about this country. It is a small community that comes together to help flood victims or homeless teens, and raises money so students can attend competitions or so families can relocate after a fire. Living here assures me that humans, by nature, are decent creatures.

During this Holiday Season I hope you take the time to savor some slow food downtown and buy some presents that were made here. Make some memories by sharing experiences like the Stuff a Stocking event, or visit the Santa Train in Helmsburg.

Hug your kids often and remind them how much you love them. Love is the only thing that really matters and it is the only thing that lingers after you are gone.

—Cindy Steele

Last issue’s photo was of the metal fireplace screen at the Village Green Pavilion in Nashville.

Tristen Brancamp guessed it first.

Subscriptions make great gifts

SUBSCRIBE One Year’s Subscription for $15 —for postage and handling.

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Our Brown County P.O. Box 157 Helmsburg, IN 47435

Nov./Dec. 2016 • Our Brown County 13

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Log Cabins, Homes and Cottages 14 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2016

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• Soups • Salads • Sandwiches • After Five Menu • Fine Wines Breads, Pastries, and Danish Baked Here Daily

Center of Nashville Main and Van Buren Streets Open Daily • (812) 988-4114 HobnobCornerRestaurant.com

(With coupon) Only one coupon a day allowed for each customer

812-988-1822

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

Nov./Dec. 2016 • Our Brown County 15

Rawhide Ranch Savored Moments

Rex Runion leads a trail ride.

R

~story and photos by Chrissy Alspaugh

awhide Ranch specializes in slow and savored moments. No televisions. No alarm clocks. Just 54 acres of fresh air, horseback riding, relaxed zip lining, and, of course, campfires.

Those looking for an adrenaline rush, limitless cable options, or accommodations free of an errant spiderweb best steer clear.

“We’re not about being in competition with others,” said Derek Clifford, ranch manager and operating partner. “We’re about the human connection—dropping the technology, getting outside, and sharing stories.”

Nestled near the northeast corner of Brown County State Park, Rawhide Ranch was started in 2001 by land developer Dan Cartwright and attorney David Stirsman. The longtime friends dreamed of bringing the Old West to the Midwest by creating an affordable horseman’s destination ranch. And recreating a taste of the West, they have.

16 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2016

Guests have lodging options galore: the 11room hotel that sits atop a 16-stall horse barn, a 3-bedroom ranch-style vacation house, a private cabin escape for two, and primitive tipis. Open to overnight guests and the public, the ranch offers year-round guided horseback trail rides, 1,100 feet of seasonal zip lines, summer kids’ camps, as well as family, group, and corporate retreats. The ranch boasts two fishing ponds, horseshoe pits, a basketball court, hiking and biking trails, playground equipment, and corn hole.

Clifford said the ranch never was intended to be the most extreme in Indiana, as many attractions are. Instead, it aims to foster memories with activities that individuals of all ages can enjoy.

This summer, Indianapolis resident Frank Koller made his first trip to the ranch for a day of corporate team building. He quickly returned with his family. “It’s just so peaceful and relaxing

”We’re about the human connection—dropping the technology, getting outside, and sharing stories.”

—Derek Clifford

Rawhide Ranch wrangler Rex Runion, Shivika Jain, Colton Baty, and Rawhide employee Amy Nivens.

here,” said Koller, surrounded by a string of children giggling about their zip lining experience. “It’s the perfect place to get away from the city.”

In spring 2013, the ranch transformed the inn’s main-level horse barn into The Banded Rooster restaurant. Clifford said having a commercial kitchen on site has lowered the ranch’s cost to provide catering for corporate events and makes planning easier for those hosting wedding receptions at the ranch.

Westfield resident Eleisia Van Mol said she and her husband, Scott, couldn’t have been more thrilled with their September wedding and reception at the ranch. The couple stumbled upon the venue online after discovering the astronomical costs of other locations. Van Mol said their wedding at Rawhide Ranch not only was elegant and unique, they pulled it off for less than a third of the cost compared to their other options.

“The food was phenomenal, and the staff was absolutely amazing and on-point from our planning right until the wedding day,” she said. “They were accommodating with whatever we were hoping to do.”

Indiana University assistant professor Ankur Dalia has taken his microbiology group to the ranch for two retreats and agreed that the staff’s above-and-beyond

service, combined with the site’s exceptional cuisine, sets Rawhide Ranch apart. “It is an unconventional location for giving a research presentation and holding a retreat, but it totally works,” he said. “We certainly plan on returning next year.”

Like most cowboys, Clifford relies more on word-ofmouth recommendations than traditional advertising.

And it’s working. Fifteen years after opening, the ranch stays busier than ever but remains a “blank canvas” as far as Clifford is concerned.

“We love delivering one heck of a product and being a place where guests know us by name,” he said. “The best part is watching folks have an incredible experience and knowing they’ll be back.”

Rawhide Ranch is located at 1292 State Road 135 South southeast of Nashville, Indiana. Visit <rawhideranchusa.com> or call (812) 988-0085 for more information. 

Nov./Dec. 2016 • Our Brown County 17

Equipping children for life...through the love of Christ Jesus

In Beautiful Brown County!

(812) 372-1004 NewSongMission.org A nurturing, educational non-profit campus for at-risk kids

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

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

Where are the nearest restrooms? How late do the shops stay open? Where can I take a beautiful scenic drive?

Our friendly staff can answer all of these questions and more at the Brown County Visitors Center at the corner of Van Buren and Main Street. Stop by for advice, recommendations, and official souvenirs.

BrownCounty.com 812.988.7303

Download the official Discover Brown County App today!

Sterling Designs

by Sharon & Larry

AAuthentic Mexican Cuisine 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

18 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2016

Anything But Or dinary

SBJ/LMJ Designs Opals by Larry • Pe n d a n t s • Earrings • Bracelets • Necklaces

812-988-0522 A variety of natural stones and colors N o r t h Va n B u r e n a n d M o l l y’s L a n e • N a s h v i l l e

Doing business for over 25 years

Back-to-Back Complex

145 South Van Buren Street

PLY 4 YOU SIM Handmade & Unique Gifts • Hand-painted Signs • Homemade Body Scrubs • Giant Scrabble Letters • Solar-Changing Finger Nail Polish • Biker Bracelets • Painted Ball Jars And much more...

145 S. Van Buren St. Nashville, IN 812-350-8806

145 S. Van Buren Street

Simply 4 You Gift Shop Simply_4_you@aol.com

Celebrating 15 Years

Sepia Old Time Color Color Black & White

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

FREE in-store demos!

145 S. Van Buren Nashville, IN

Old School Way and Pittman House Lane

(next to the Toy Chest, behind Sweetwater Gallery) Visit our website for class schedules www.wishfulthinking-in.com • 812-988-7009

Next to Artist Colony Inn, behind Sweetwater Gallery

Weekdays 10–6, Sat. 10–7, Sun. 10–6

812-988-7305

est. 1972

Doug Stoffer, Designer/Jeweler

Sweetwater Gallery featuring locally crafted:

Sterling Silver • Fine Diamonds Opals • Gemstones • Wedding Rings Titanium Bands • Austrian Lead Crystal For Quality and Price call 812-988-4037 Top Dollar Paid for Old Gold 150 S. Van Buren St. • Nashville

Stained Glass Paperweights Mosaic Mirrors Fabric Wallhangings also offering:

Pottery Kaleidoscopes Metal Sculpture Owners, Ron and Penny Schuster

145 S. Van Buren Nashville located in the Back-to-Back Complex 812-988-0449 www.schusterglass.com

Nov./Dec. 2016 • Our Brown County 19

”Every farm had a catfish pond, beehives, apple orchards. It was a ‘Charlotte’s Web’-type atmosphere.”

—Bill Root

photo courtesy of Alice Lorenz

photo by Bob Gustin

~by Bob Gustin he house that Bill Root was born in, and lived in until he was married in 1967, is on display for all to see at the Brown County History Center in Nashville. But this is a scale model where one inch represents one foot, and the accoutrements take you back a century or so.

For nearly 200 years, the big white farmhouse near Frichton, Indiana, has been owned by the Root family. Now, one member of the family, Brown County artist Bill Root, has made a painstakingly accurate model of the historic house which is on semi-permanent display at the History Center.

The story of the Knox County home, which still stands, goes back to a time before Indiana was a state. It was a time, in fact, when Knox County encompassed not only what is now known as Brown County, but the whole of what is now Indiana, as well as parts of Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio.

T

20 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2016

Bill Root knows the history well.

The story begins with Revolutionary War hero George Rogers Clark, who defeated the British in Vincennes and captured Fort Sackville. One of Clark’s allies was Francis Vigo, who received a large land grant after the war. Part of that tract was bought by a pioneer named David Snyder, who sold it to Simeon Root, great-great-grandfather of Bill Root, in 1825. The family has owned the house since, and Bill’s oldest brother lives there now.

Simeon was a peddler selling buttons, cloth, and other items.

He was living in Farmington, Connecticut, when he decided to go west and wound up in the little

Bill Root’s Family Home Model river town of Vincennes, then in the middle of the wilderness.

The original house was one story, about 16 by 30 feet, and was built around 1790. Its rafters and floor joists are made of logs. Bill’s great-grandfather built a two-story 24-by-32 addition onto the house in 1870.

Bill knows the dimensions well, since his model is a 1:12 ratio replica of the actual house. The house and all of its furnishings— from the grand piano to the rolltop desk and the cowboy boots at the foot of the bed—were built or carved by Bill. The detail is exquisite, down to the portrait of Abraham Lincoln on one of the walls.

Bill conservatively estimates he has 500 hours in the project, which includes 11,000 hand-cut cedar shingles on the roof (which, he notes, if stacked end to end, would reach almost to the top of the Eiffel Tower). Patience and discipline, he said, were the keys to building the model, which includes cedar, poplar, walnut, cherry, oak, pine, and other woods.

A Brown County resident since 1981, Bill has been a woodworker all his life, dating back to the wooden toys he made for his brothers and himself as a child, through sculptures of carousel horses which won acclaim in recent years, to the scale model of his childhood home. The model recently won first place in the professional woodcarver’s division of the 2016 Indiana State Fair. He

photo by Bob Gustin

also works in clay and does pen and ink drawings, and works construction.

He says the model was not built for competition, but began as a demonstration project. The outside of the home is a 95-pecent accurate replica of the house, with some frills added, but Bill admits there is some “artistic interpretation” in the furnishings inside, made to represent life in the 1870s.

The excitement of the 1870s, and its simpler lifestyle, appeals to Bill. He longs to see the huge walnut and oak trees— some with a six-foot diameter—which graced the land before clearcutting.

“Every farm had a catfish pond, beehives, apple orchards,” he said.

“It was a ‘Charlotte’s Web’-type atmosphere.”

“If I could take my dentist, I’d go back there in a heartbeat,” he said. “But I wouldn’t want somebody to take my teeth with a pair of pliers.”

Alice Lorenz, treasurer of the Brown County Historical Society, says the model is one of the center’s popular attractions.

“Everybody is fascinated to look inside and see the detail and craftsmanship,” she said.

“It’s such a remarkable piece of artwork.”

Work on the house began three years ago while Bill was demonstrating woodworking at Pioneer Village, and continued at the Indiana State Fair and during his spare time at home.

“I always wanted to build a model of the house so my cousins and others could see what it looked like in the 1800s,” he said.

The pioneer Roots knew William Henry Harrison, the ninth president of the United States and former governor of the Indiana Territory. One of the Root family stories tells of a time Harrison had breakfast with them.

The Brown County History Center is located at 90 E. Gould St., downhill from the Brown County Public Library. It is open 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday most of the year, but on Tuesdays and Fridays during winter months.

Group tours by reservation are available at other times.

For more information, call (812) 988-2899. 

Nov./Dec. 2016 • Our Brown County 21

Visit America’s First Store

COX CREEK MILL home of

The Iron Gate

by Brad Cox

Unique Metal Art Studio

4705 Annie Smith Rd. Nashville

172 N. Van Buren Street in Nashville, IN Second Location in Calvin Place– (S. Van Buren and Franklin Streets)

www.JBGoods.com • 812-988-0900

Brad Cox and his wife Stephanie invite you to discover their studio and mill located along the banks of Salt Creek just 10 minutes from Nashville.

Hours vary.

Call ahead. theirongatebybradcox@yahoo.com

A member of the CarDon family.

d e s t i n at i o n Albert C. Drake

Goldsmith and Silversmith 42 years of quality service in Brown County

• 5 Star Rating

Visit www.medicare.gov for more information

• Private Suites

With private showers and WiFi

• Orthopedic & Neurologisy Specialtsts On-site and licensed

• Short Term Retreats

Private Suites and Respite services available

Yes !

Brown County Health and Living Community

is worth the drive!

(812) 988-6666 www.browncountyhealth.us

55 East Willow St. Nashville, IN 47448 Located behind Salt Creek Plaza off of 46 East

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

22 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2016

BC-NP-1013-1

Touch of Silver, Gold & Old 87 E. Main St. • Nashville, IN 47448 (812) 988-6990 • (800) 988-6994 Hours: 10am - 6pm • 7 days a week www.touchofsilvergoldandold.com

the

Inn & Restaurant

A Charming 19th Century Style Inn and Restaurant

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

Breakfast Buffet 7:30 am–10:30 am At the corner of Van Buren and Franklin Streets in Nashville, Indiana

812-988-0600 • 800-737-0255

artistscolonyinn.com

812-333-8300 Hwy 46 Bloomington

Open Mon.–Sat. 11–6, Sun. Noon–5 O

BEAR WALLOW DISTILLERY B Makers of Distilled Spirits using locally grown grains in an old-fashioned copper still

Come try a Mo Moonshine Shake-up Gnaw Bone Bourbon now available

Take a Tour

4484 E. Old State Road 46 (Look for the signs) (812) 657-4923 • www.bearwallowdistillery.com

Nov./Dec. 2016 • Our Brown County 23

Weed Patch Music Company

K

~photos and story by Paige Langenderfer

ara Barnard has done a lot in her career. She is known as one of the best fingerstyle guitarists in the country, and a top ranked mandolinist and dulcimer player. She has seven CDs, has toured the country with her sister as the Barnard Sisters, and has even given workshops at international conventions.

But, the thing she is most excited to talk about is teaching others and giving people an up-close experience with instruments at the store she coowns with Kristin Thompson, The Weed Patch Music Company. The store is located just east of the Brown County Courthouse. It is known for the big banjo on the front of the building.

“When you hold an instrument, there is a vibration that puts you in direct contact with your spirituality,” Barnard said. “This is the kind of store that can change a person’s life overnight.”

Barnard originally opened the store 10 years ago with a previous co-owner. A few years later, she sold out to her partner, but when she heard that he was

24 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2016

going to close the store, she stepped up to take another shot at ownership.

“I thought it was really important that we keep the store open. I have always thought this town needs an up close experience with instruments. There is a vibration in these hills. It’s a magical place with a pull to music,” she said. “There are some incredibly talented musicians in this town and some people who have never played an instrument before. We’re here for all of them.”

Barnard said second-time-around ownership would not have been possible without new partner Kristin Thompson.

“Kristin brings a youthful passion and can relate to children in a way that they are able to immediately trust her,” Barnard said. “She is very passionate about teaching kids and even made the suggestion for our brand new “just for kids” section. She is going to do a fantastic job empowering and building confidence in kids as they learn a new instrument.”

”There are some incredibly talented musicians in this town and some people who have never played an instrument before. We’re here for all of them. ” —Kara Barnard Kara Barnard and Kristin Thompson.

Thompson and Barnard met about six years ago, when Thompson bought her first banjo and began taking lessons from Barnard.

“Kara is an incredible musician and teacher,” Thompson said. “When this opportunity came up it was just something I could not turn down.”

Thompson said she plans to start offering Kindermusik classes for young children.

“I feel like it’s really important to get kids started with music early,” she said. “Music helps with all sorts of things—with development like dedication, focus, patience, etc. It is a good way to express emotions and can be very therapeutic.”

Another area of focus for the Weed Patch Music Company will be selling locally crafted instruments. Approximately 80 percent of the instruments sold in the store are made by Indiana artisans.

“There’s nothing more amazing than someone sitting in a studio and making something that makes sounds that move people,” Barnard said.

“This store gives them a voice. We’re introducing people to these incredibly talented craftsmen.”

Barnard said there is no comparison between hand-built and mass-built instruments.

“An artisan will spend hours and hours making sure that every piece of wood resonates with each other,” she said. “If the connection is sloppy, you Continued on 30

Nov./Dec. 2016 • Our Brown County 25

For the Holidays

Apples are our specialty, but we also offer a wide variety of preserves, honey, baking mixes, and delicious condiments.

• Quality fresh Christmas trees • Apples shipped anywhere in USA • Unique gifts and Holiday decor • Customized fruit and gift baskets • Special order Holiday baked goods

Enjoy our fresh, from scratch, homemade baked goods. Cozy up to a warm apple dumpling la mode near our fireplace.

Visit our Fudge Shop and Ice Cream Parlor.

317-878-9317 8157 S. 250 W. Trafalgar, IN www.apple-works.com Open Daily 9 am to 6 pm thru Dec. 23

26 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2016

Nashville’s

O N LY

Guest Ranch

al times are All adventures & me call ahead ! open to the public – ommended – – Reservations Rec

TR

rawhideranchusa.co

AI L RIDES

m

BUCK INN

INES ZIP L

MEAL TIME

Open 7 days a week, Year round

AMENITIES INCLUDE: Cowboy Hotel • Cabins • Tipis • Guest Discounted Zips & Rides 24/7 Coffee Station • Corporate Retreats • Team Building Programs Geocaching • Free Wifi • 54 Acres of Land • Nightly Campfires Hiking • Fishing • Swing Set & Sandbox • Half Court Basketball 1292 St Rd 135 S, Nashville

812.988.0085

www.butlerwinery.com

info@rawhideranchusa.com

Brown County

3.5 x 4.5 A wonderful mix ofSize: Old, New, Used and Rare Cost: $667.00 Runs: April 2016 - April 2017

NEW NASHVILLE LOCATION

A family-friendly pizza place PIZZA • SALADS • CALZONES

Not your usual bookstore…

Check out our new selection of journals and sketchbooks, and handmade greeting cards

140 W. Main Street • (812) 988-8800

45 S. Jefferson Street · Nashville, IN 812.988.0202 · fallenleafbookstore.com ·

FLBStore

Monday-Saturday 10 am – 5 pm | Sunday 11 am – 5 pm

In the heart of Nashville by the Village Green area at the intersection of Main and Jefferson Streets.

Dine-In or Carry-Out

Sun.–Thurs. 11am–9:30pm; Fri. & Sat. 11am–10:30pm

Nov./Dec. 2016 • Our Brown County 27

90

HOMESTEAD WEAVING STUDIO Quality Handwovens

by Chris Gustin

Years of Indiana

Art

EST. 1926

Brown County Art Gallery

Yarn • Looms • Supplies Open 11 to 5 most days

Southeastern Brown County 6285 Hamilton Creek Road

www.HomesteadWeaver.com • 812-988-8622

Brown County’s Original Art Gallery November 12-27

IPAPA Member Show and Sale November 16 · Preview November 19 · Sale

Family Treasures: A Time to Share December 1 – JaNuary 29

“The Nature of Art – Painted Parks” by artist Rick Wilson

Bicentennial Project to paint all of Indiana’s State Parks

Locally Crafted Pottery • Jewelry • Photography • Wood • Fiber • More...

Downtown Nashville (beside the Nashville House) • Open Daily www.spearspottery.com • 812.988.1286 • Spears Gallery on Facebook

28 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2016

Galleries · Permanent Collections Art Education Studio · Consignment Art Open Daily 10 am – 5 pm · Sunday Noon – 5 pm Free Admission · Free Parking Corner of Main & Artist Drive · Nashville, IN

812.988.4609 · BrownCountyArtGallery.org

et

ist.n

rArt

sie Hoo

S. 45

, IN 888 HVILLE 8-6 S -98 » NA 2 1 8 ST. SON FER

JEF

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

Featuring Leather Goods Made in Brown County

Fine Leather Goods

• Handbags • Belts • Hats • Accessories • Holsters • Leather • Tools • Dye •Supplies

Featuring handcrafted jewelry by owner Amy Greely

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

And Shoes: Haflinger, Arcopedico, Moccasins, Sheepskin Slippers 92 W. Franklin, Antique Alley, Nashville, IN 812-988-4513

Nov./Dec. 2016 • Our Brown County 29

WEED PATCH continued from 25

Barnard personally adjust every instrument before it goes out the door.

“We’re very proud of our affordable, good quality, beginner instruments. We set them up so that they play easily and the customer has a good experience,” Barnard said. “We want this to be a place for musicians of all skill levels to come and share in their love of music.”

The Weed Patch Music Company is located at 58 East Main Street in Nashville, Indiana, next to the courthouse. They are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. They are closed on Monday.

You can reach Weed Patch at (812) 200-3300 or visit <www.weedpatchmusiccompany.com>. 

Want High Speed Internet in Your Neighborhood?

Our goal to bring exceptional Internet speed, reliability, and customer service to Brown County.

lose some of that vibration and sound. So much more care goes into each hand-built instrument.”

There are more than 100 instruments for sale at the Weed Patch, each one hanging on the wall like a piece of art. Instruments include banjos, guitars, mandolins, dulcimers, fiddles, native american flutes, harps, ukuleles, and more.

The walls feature six local guitar builders, two mandolin builders, and two violin makers. The store also sells videos, books and accessories. Thompson and

SPORTS ETC. Your Team Headquarters for Licensed Sports Novelties and Collectibles

• Collegiate • NFL • MLB • NHL

41 S. Van Buren St. Heritage Mall • Nashville, IN

812-988-6809

Visit our website www.browncountysports.com 30 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2016

Help us determine where to expand next.

Complete our 2-Minute Survey msfiber.servicezones.net/brown Enter your address then click: “Take me to the survey”

This does not commit you to anything, only shows interest

Why Mainstream’s Fiber Optics?

• Greater bandwidth than traditional copper wires —no reduction in speeds when neighbors are online • Unlimited data—no caps or speed reductions • Fiber all the way into your home or business • Reliable hard-wired service with no interference from devices • Ready for the future—TV, phone, security systems, etc.

• Live customer support during business hours, 24 hour support line • Expedited support for all business plans • Local business that supports the community

Mainstream Fiber Networks (formerly BG Broadband) Providing high speed fiber Internet to rural Indiana communities, branching out from our Brown County roots

(812) 720-9423 • msfiber.net

BEAN BLOSSOM Restaurant Good Food, Good Service, Good Prices

All-You-Can-Eat

Catfish on Friday Nights

B

rown County Humane Society’s Chocolate Walk is on Saturday, November 12, 2016 (10 a.m.–5 p.m.) in Nashville, Indiana. “Chocolate walkers” will be able to sample different chocolates by visiting participating retailers. Local chocolate-makers and premier Indiana chocolatiers will be handing out chocolate to each chocolate walker. For the price of a ticket, a person can stop at as many shops as they wish, sample the delectable creations, all while seeing the beautiful town of Nashville at the start of the holiday season. All proceeds go directly to the animals.

Tickets are $25 and may be purchased through the Brown County Humane Society’s website <www.bchumane.org>, by phone (812) 327-3016 (9 a.m.–6 p.m.), or in Nashville at Brown County Humane Society, 128 SR135 S. 

Head over

Heels

• Minnetonka • Stetson n • Tilleyy Hats • Merrell

HATS HA ATS • FOOTWEAR • ACCESSORIES 49 S. Van Buren St. in Nashville • 812-988-6535 headoverheels@switched.com • fax: 812-988-6505

Daily Specials Breakfast Served All Day

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

Gifts for home and happiness

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or more French Country Décor $20purchase Locally Made Items • Quilts Unique Gifts • Mona-B Handbags Madeline’s Famous Soy Candles

Van Buren & Franklin Streets Nashville • 812.988.6301 Vicki@MadelinesFrenchCountryShop.com www.MadelinesFrenchCountryShop.com

Nov./Dec. 2016 • Our Brown County 31

Christmas in Brown County ~by Chrissy Alspaugh

I

t’s the most wonderful time of the year in Brown County. The shops are aglow with twinkle lights, visitors rekindle childhood memories while sampling hand-made treats, and Santa might be just around any corner.

Here are some of the holiday festivities not to miss: Tree Lighting Ceremony Begins at 6 p.m. Nov. 25 at the Brown County History Center.

“Believe, A Brown County Christmas” This live holiday show at the Brown County Playhouse will feature Christmas songs, along with Broadway classics, and some comedy. Show times are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Show dates are Nov. 25–27 and Dec. 2–4, 9–11 and 16–18. Tickets cost $20.50 general admission or $18.50 for seniors, students, and active or veteran military. Children 10 and under are free.

Beer, wine, and holiday drinks for sale. Tickets are available at <www.browncountyplayhouse.org>.

Holiday at the Farm Take a lighted wagon ride to Shireman Homestead’s holiday village or visit Santa, the holiday treat house and the holiday workshop. Have letters ready for Santa’s mailbox and receive a letter back.

Holiday hours are 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 26–27 and Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, and 18.

Children’s Christmas Benefit Auction This auction ensures that children in need have a new clothing item for Christmas. The auction will begin at 6 p.m. Dec. 2 at Out of the Ordinary.

32 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2016

Santa Train The Indiana Rail Road Company will present the Santa Train in Helmsburg on Dec. 2, arriving around 8:30 p.m.

Breakfast with Santa Enjoy the Brown County Inn’s hearty breakfast buffet, while the kids visit good ol’ Saint Nick. Also available will be drawings for gifts, a hot chocolate bar, and more. Breakfasts are from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Dec. 3 and 4 at the Brown County Inn. Holiday Lights Parade and Toy Drive The Christmas Light Parade offers a variety of unique and brightly lighted floats traveling through the Village of Nashville. Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided along the parade route. The parade will begin at 6 p.m. Dec. 3 in downtown Nashville.

Stuff a Stocking Children are invited to follow a map to more than 25 local Brown County merchants to gather treats, ornaments, toys and more to stuff their stocking.

The event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 3

in downtown Nashville, is sponsored by the Brown County Community Foundation. Included in the event, the movie “Polar Express” will begin at 1 p.m. at the Brown County Playhouse. Movie tickets are $6 general admission and $5 for seniors, students, and active or veteran military.

Steele’s Country Christmas Step back in time to the early 1920s, when artist T.C. Steele’s family celebrated the holidays at the House of the Singing Winds. Visit with St. Nick and Belsnickel, and enjoy a live concert of Christmas songs. The event is planned from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 4 at the T.C. Steele State Historic Site.

Creekside Holiday Open House Ride the Nashville Express Holiday Train, visit Santa and the Grinch, decorate cookies, enjoy s’mores over fire pits, and enjoy tasty refreshments. Creekside Retreat has partnered with Brown County Weekend Backpacks program and the Brown County Schools to collect food donations at the event. Attendees are asked to donate nonperishable food items. The event is from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 9 at Creekside Retreat.

Christmas Music Sing-Along Come sing along to your favorite holiday tunes beginning at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Brown County Inn. Christmas Bird Count Attendees will canvas Brown County State Park’s natural areas, trails, lakes, and shores to estimate the numbers and kinds of birds spending their holidays in Brown County. Attendees should meet at the park’s nature center and are encouraged to bring binoculars.

The count will begin at 8 a.m. Dec. 17.

Santa’s Zip & Sip Santa will be at eXplore Brown County to zip with holiday adventurers. Santa zips will take place during regular business hours on Dec. 1-5, 7-12, 14-19 and 2123.

Additional Santa Visits and Free Train Rides Bring your camera and take advantage of free picture opportunities with Santa. Don’t forget to take a free ride on the Nashville Express Tour Train.

Some Santa locations and train ride times are to be announced. Times are subject to change: Nov. 25–Noon to 5 p.m., Santa at the Visitors Center patio and free train rides.

Nov. 26–Noon to 5 p.m., Santa and free train rides.

Dec. 2–Free train rides.

Dec. 3–Noon to 5 p.m., Santa and free train rides.

Dec. 4–Free train rides.

Dec. 10–Noon to 5 p.m. Santa.

Dec. 17–Noon to 2 p.m., Santa at Bear Hardware.

New Year’s Eve Bash The British holiday classic film “Love Actually,” to be shown at 7 p.m. at Brown County Playhouse with adult beverages for sale, is part of a New Year’s Eve package in Nashville. Beginning at 9 p.m., participants can cross the street to Out of the Ordinary restaurant for an appetizer buffet, midnight toast, and cash bar. The Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra with guest vocalists will entertain. Tickets for the restaurant event cost $52.50 per person and are available at <www.browncountyplayhouse.org>. 

Nov./Dec. 2016 • Our Brown County 33

photos by Monique Cagle

BUY ONE GET ONE FREE DRINK L e t’ s meet at Sweetea’s

Lowest price drink free Must present ad Expires 12/31/16

*Bubble Tea *Sassafras Tea *Lunch Served Daily

South South o end of Nashvil le ju f the in Coac Shell Gas Statist hlight S quare on (81

225 S.

2) 988-

Van Bu re

6515

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FREE WiFi Find us on the web at: www.SweeteasTeaShop.com

36 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2016

The Ferguson

House

BROWN COUNTY INN HOTEL, RESTAURANT & BAR

78 W. Franklin Street Nashville 812-988-7388

Visit rooms of:

• Swan Creek Candles • Iron Decor • Home Accessories

• Holiday Decor

• Fashion Jewelry

• Man Cave

• Garden Accents

and more . . .

https://foxfire-fergusonhouse.com

1-800-772-5249 www.browncountyinn.com

Foxfire...

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

51 State Road 46 East Nashville, Indiana 47448

Renovated rooms!

• Fashion Apparel, Jewelry and Purses • Gifts and Home Decor • Personalized and Memoriam Gifts • Swan Creek Candles • Kitchen Accessories • Baby Gifts • Holiday Decor • Garden Decor facebook.com/Foxfire.TheFergusonHouse.FoxfireII

Nov./Dec. 2016 • Our Brown County 37

calendar Brown County Playhouse

Comedian Heywood Banks Nov. 5 Equal parts genius and buffoon, this songwriter-comic-singer-poetmusician has become a cult hero and a pop icon, with a show that appeals to college students, businessmen, or your grandmother.

40 Years of College “Beagles” Tribute Nov. 19 The “Docs Who Rock” from Columbus, Indiana take the stage to perform the songs of the Beatles and Eagles. Classic rock of the sixties and seventies.

“Believe, A Brown County Christmas” Every Weekend Black Friday to Sunday before Christmas Fri. & Sat. 7:30, Sun. 2:00 The Curt Miller Magic & Comedy Show Dec. 27, 2:00 and 7:30 New Year’s Eve Celebration “Love Actually” movie 4:00 & 7:00 Party across the street at Out of the Ordinary with entertainment and snacks Most performances at 7:30 70 S. Van Buren St. 812-988-6555 BrownCountyPlayhouse.org

Pine Room - Muddy Boots Music most days—Not all dates were booked at time of publication Nov. 1 Travers Marks, 7:00 Nov. 2 Open mic-Coot Crabtree 8:00 Nov. 3 Chuck Wills & Friends 8:00 Nov. 4 Kade Puckett 6:00

Patti Otto & Friends 9:00 Nov. 5 Hoosier Darlings 8:00 Nov. 8 Roger Banister 8:00 Nov. 9 Open mic-Dave Sisson 8:00 Nov. 11 Kade Puckett 6:00

Indiana Boys 9:00 Nov. 12 The Lean & The Plenty 6:00

The Warm Bloods 9:00 Nov. 13 Alan Long 7:00 Nov. 16 Open mic-Jason Blankenship 8:00 Nov. 17 Silver Sparrow 8:00 Nov. 18 Kade Puckett 6:00

Wade Waters & Friends-

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

Neil Young Songs 9:00 Nov. 19 Roger Banister & Palo Eroli 5:00

Blankenship Band 8:00 Nov. 20 Dave Sisson 8:00 Nov. 21 Tom Shinness 8:00 Nov. 22 Roger Banister 8:00 Nov. 23 Open mic-Joe Bolinger Nov. 25 Kade Puckett 6:00 Nov. 26 Sarah Kenny & Angela White 6:00

Flatland Harmony Experiment 9:00 Dec. 1 Chuck Wills & Friends 8:00 Dec. 2 Kade Puckett 6:00 Dec. 3 Stella & Friends 3:00 Dec. 4 Chris Dollar Bluegrass Jam 7:00 Dec. 6 Travers Marks 7:00 Dec. 7 Open mic-Coot Crabtree 8:00 Dec. 9 Kade Puckett 6:00 Dec. 10 Will Scott 8:00 Dec. 11 Alan Long 7:00 Dec. 13 Roger Banister 8:00 Dec. 14 Open mic-Dave Sisson 8:00 Dec. 15 Silver Sparrow 8:00 Dec. 16 Kade Puckett 6:00 Dec. 17 Elias McDermott Sipe

Youth Blues 8:00 Dec. 18 Dave Sisson 8:00 Dec. 21 Open mic-Jason Blankenship 8:00 Dec. 23 Kade Puckett 6:00 Dec. 27 Roger Banister 8:00 Dec. 28 Open mic-Joe Bolinger 8:00 Dec. 30 Kade Puckett 6:00 812-988-0236 and on Facebook

Chateau Thomas Winery Nov. 4 Nov. 5 Nov. 11 Nov. 12 Nov. 18 Nov. 19 Nov. 25 Nov. 26 Dec. 2 Dec. 3 Dec. 9 Dec. 10 Dec. 16

Smokestack Lightning Fistful of Bacon Impasse Craig Thurston Gary Applegate The McGuires Jeff Foster/Mesa Rain Barry Johnson Luke Carol Project Smokestack Lightning Retro Bros Impasse Cari Ray Band

Dec. 17 Jeff Foster Dec. 30 Paul Bertsch Band Dec. 31 Barry Johnson

Music till midnight

$10 cover/snacks provided Music 7:00-10:00 Fri. and Sat. 812-988-8500 ChateauThomas.com

Indiana RedBarn Nov. 4 & 5 Willie Nelson Tribute with Dan Andersn & Jon Lortz 8:00 71 Parkview Rd.

Mike’s Music & Dance Barn Nov. 4 Terry Lee/Rock-a-billy Band Nov. 5 Mike’s house band - no cover No.v 11 Country DJ w/ Josh Dodds Nov. 12 Mike’s house band - no cover Nov. 19 Ballroom Dance Nov. 26 Mike’s house band - no cover Dec. 3 Mike’s house band - no cover Dec. 10 Mike’s house band - no cover Closing Dec. 11 for winter season 812-988-8636 mikesmusicbarn.com

Other Friday and Saturday Night Music Venues: Salt Creek’s 19th Hole Brown County Inn Seasons Lodge Big Woods

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

SPECIAL EVENTS: Village Art Walk Nov. 12, 4:00-8:00

pARTake Nov. 12 Branching Out in Acrylics

with MK Watkins Chateau Thomas Winery, 3:00-5:00 Includes glass of wine, refreshments, instruction, and materials. $40 artalliancebrowncounty.com

Annual Chocolate Walk Nov. 12, Downtown Nashville 10:00-5:00 Sample yummy chocolate treats while strolling through the village of Nashville.

Proceeds go to Brown County Humane Society. Tickets $25 available in Nashville: Brown County Humane Society animal shelter: 128 State Road 135 S. 812-327-3016 bchumane.org

Tree Lighting Ceremony with Santa Nov. 25, 6:00 at the Brown County History Center

Believe, A Brown County Christmas Nov. 25-27, Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18 at the Brown County Playhouse. A one-of-a-kind holiday show featuring Christmas songs and Broadway classics. browncountyplayhouse.org

Visits with Santa and Free Train Rides See the list of dates and times on page 33.

Holiday at the Farm 5:00-7:00 on Nov. 26-27, Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18. Holiday activities at the Shireman Homestead

Holiday Lights Parade and Toy Drive Dec. 3, 6:00 Floats travel through the Village of Nashville. Hot chocolate and cookies offered at various sites. Bring a new unwrapped toy to donate to the local Salvation Army for distribution to needy Brown County families.

Stuff a Stocking Dec. 3 11:00-5:00 Children receive a stocking and collect treats from Nashville merchants.

Movie “Polar Express” at Playhouse will show at 1:00.

Breakfast with Santa at the Brown County Inn Dec. 3 and 4, 8:30-11:00 Enjoy the Inn’s hearty breakfast buffet while the kids visit with Santa. Drawings for gifts, a hot chocolate bar, and more.

Steele’s Country Christmas Dec. 4, T.C. Steele’s State Historic Site 1:00 to 4:00

Creekside Holiday Open House

Dec. 1-5, 7-12, 14-19, 21-23 at eXplore Brown County

Dec. 9 at Creekside Retreat, 5:00-7:00 Ride the Nashville Express Train, visit Santa and the Grinch, enjoy refreshments. Donate food items for the Backpacks program.

Santa Train

Christmas Sing-a-Long

Santa’s Zip & Sip

Dec. 2, around 8:30 in Helmsburg Santa arrives by train via the Indiana Railroad. Children and adults are invited to board the train and visit with Santa.

Also, many other Christmas and cartoon characters. Fun for the whole family.

Children’s Christmas Benefit Auction Dec. 2, 6:00, at Out of the Ordinary Restaurant. Proceeds from auction items ensure that children in need that live in our community have a new item for Christmas.

Dec. 10, Brown County Inn, 7:30

Christmas Bird Count Dec. 17, Brown County State Park Nature Center, 8:00-3:00. Estimate the numbers and kinds of birds.

New Year’s Eve Bash

OTHER ACTIVITIES: Brown County Art Guild Nov. 7 Guild 16 Annual Fundraiser 6:00-8:30 Premier retrospective exhibit of early Brown County Art Colony artists on loan from private collections.

Also featuring new generation of artists.

Live and collaborative painting. Silent and live auctions. Ralph & Ava’s fine catering. Music by Ron Kadish Quartet.

48 S. Van Buren St. in Nashville Nov. 12 Village Art Walk

Artists reception 5:00-8:00 812-988-6185 browncountyartguild.org

Brown County Art Gallery Nov. 12 IPAPA Member Show

Opening Night Reception 6:00 Over 50 works will go on exhibit and all are for sale. This is a judged show and prizes will be awarded that evening.

Nov. 13 Second Sundays w/ Artists Dec. 1 The Nature of Art-Painter Parks 10:00-5:00 Celebrating Indiana’s bicentennial and the 100 anniversary of the State Parks System in Indiana with 70 paintings, documentary, and exhibition catalog.

Dec. 11 Second Sundays w/ Artists Corner of Main St. & Artist Dr. in Nashville 812-988-4609 browncountyartgallery.org

Bucks & Does Square Dances Nov. 4 State Convention Nov. 25 Brown County State Park

Abe Martin Lodge 8:00

Brown Co. History Center Open Thurs.-Sun. 11-4 Archives: Tues. and Fri. 1-4, North of the courthouse, Donations welcome

Indiana Raptor Center

Live birds of prey, tours by appt. only.

“Love Actually” movie at Playhouse and Wed.-Sun. 11:00-5:00 Group programs then entertainment/refreshments at Out available. Closed January and August.

812-988-8990 indianaraptorcenter.org of the Ordinary. browncountyplayhouse.org

Christmas in a One-Room Schoolhouse

~by Julia Pearson hristmas traditions in America were not always so universally practiced.

In present-day December, winter can be expected to throw its first weather tantrum on interstate highways and airline schedules, when holiday migrations of family and friends cross the travelling landscape. A Visit From Saint Nicholas, known more commonly to many as The Night Before Christmas, and accredited to Clement C. Moore, was anonymously first published in 1823. It is one poem by an American writer that is widely known, and did much to elevate Christmas to a major civic holiday and to center its focus on children and the ideas of gift-giving.

Indiana became the 19th state to join the Union on December 11, 1816.

Brown County was established in 1836 from sections of surrounding counties— western Bartholomew, eastern Monroe, and northern Jackson. Putting these dates on a timeline with Moore’s verses, it’s easy to see that early Hoosiers had some differing yuletide traditions.

C

40 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2016

Many of Brown County’s earliest settlers hailed from Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and the Carolinas. It’s understandable that some holiday traditions of English-origin came with these pioneers. Their communities were centered in villages with a gristmill, sawmill, general store, blacksmith, doctor, a church (Methodist, United Brethren, Baptist, Christian, and Presbyterian), and the one-room school house. The early schools were buildings of log, which gave way in time to oneroom frame buildings. Transportation between settlements was severely limited by the rocky roads with deep ruts. Local practices of celebration remained insulated from the traditions of other religions and ethnic groups.

In an article titled “The Early Schools of Indiana,” published in the Indiana Magazine of History, December 1906, an interesting tidbit of Brown County Christmas observance is recorded. Christmas was not a day for closing down the commerce of the villages or heading to a place of worship.

But “barring out”—a practice passed along through the early English threads of many Appalachian traditions— was observed. It was a Christmas habit of many Hoosier schoolhouses. Students, especially the strapping older boys who could be as tall and strong as their teachers, arrived on Christmas mornings to their schools. They barred the front door, and any other entrance to the building, to bar the teacher from entering. The teacher in turn was supposed to agree to provide a treat for the students in order to gain admittance for the day’s lessons.

The story handed down tells us that in Nashville one particular year, a teacher decided not to go along with the custom. He had arrived at school on the morning of December 25th, only to find himself barred from entering. His students demanded treats, and when the teacher refused, several older boys were joined by several of the parents wanting to join the “fun.” They picked up the teacher after tying him up and proceeded to carry their instructor down to the nearby stream.

There he was given a final chance to change his mind before being pitched into the freezing water.

Continued on 52

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~story and photos by Paige Langenderfer

M

K Watkins has loved art for as long as she can remember. Even the smell of crayons makes her smile.

In October, she displayed more than 100 of her own paintings in her Brown County home for her first year participating in the Back Roads of Brown County Studio Tour.

While she has been a professional artist most of her life, Watkins didn’t always imagine a career in art.

“I loved everything about art.

It was love at first sight,” she said.

“I loved the way it looked, I loved the way it felt, I loved the way it smelled, but I just didn’t think you could make a career out of doing

what you loved. I thought art was going to be my life’s hobby, not my life’s work.”

Watkins took her very first art class at the John Herron School of Art when she was in eighth grade. She had won the opportunity to take the class by participating in an art contest. Students met weekly and used charcoal to recreate famous works of art.

“I looked forward to that class all week,” Watkins said. “I loved learning the techniques and it left me wanting to learn so much more.”

At Holy Cross School in Indianapolis, Watkins and her fellow students did not have art class. The only thing that resembled art was a short time of drawing with crayons if there happened to be extra time at the end of the day on Fridays.

“All I wanted to do was art, so every Friday I would anxiously wait to see if we were going to be allowed to color,” Watkins said. “It didn’t happen very many Fridays.”

While she continued to create in her free time, Watkins was focused on a career in business by the time she entered high school. After graduating from college, she took a job with the Chicago White Sox.

42 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2016

The Art of MK Watkins During the first year of her career, Watkins took a class in oil painting.

“It was a whole new world. I was just amazed that you could take a brush full of goo and create something so beautiful,” she said. “I realized that paint doesn’t go on with technical skill, it goes on with emotion. I’ve been painting ever since.”

Even after the painting class, Watkins only imagined art as a hobby. She continued with her job with the White Sox until a friend called asking if she could fill in for a fellow teacher’s maternity leave while Watkins had time in the White Sox off season.

“I never imagined I would have loved it as much as I did. I loved seeing the students when they finally figured something out,” she said. “I loved it so much that I quit my job and went back to school to become a teacher.”

While teaching her class of 47 first graders, Watkins met her husband, who taught eighth grade at the same school. The two married and three years later, Watkins quit teaching to raise their first child.

“When the fourth child arrived, I set up a studio in our two-car garage,” she said. “I painted every day with the goal of entering my work in competitions.”

In 1997, when all of her children were grown, Watkins began accepting work from Indianapolis area school. She painted murals on school walls for the next 14 years, painting everything from waterfalls, parks, endangered animals, and more, on walls up to 100-feet long and 10-feet high.

“I had every kid in the school helping me. I would ask the kids to draw what they wanted to see in the murals and then I would tweak them,” she said. “It was a great way to combine my love for painting and my love for working with kids.”

Her murals are featured at numerous schools and public buildings including

Anderson High School, First Presbyterian Church in Anderson, the Alexandria Public Library and many more. During that time, she also taught art classes to children at the Anderson Center for the Arts.

“I love working with kids,” Watkins said. “They are just so anxious to learn.”

Watkins and her husband Jim moved to Nashville three years ago where she began working in her studio full time.

“I still sometimes feel guilty because I get paid to do what I love,” she said. “I don’t even care if people don’t buy the paintings because I’m painting what I want and I like them.

Usually my favorite painting is the one I just finished.”

Watkins is a member of the Art Alliance of Brown County; a resident artist for Arthrogyposis Multiples Congenital Support Inc.; a resident artist and board member for Gateway Association, Inc. in Anderson; a teaching artist at the Madison Continued on 62

Nov./Dec. 2016 • Our Brown County 43

The Rocky Roads ~by Mark Blackwell

T

he Term “rocky road” has been used as a metaphor, a simile, and an analogy for everything from marriage, ice cream, and life itself. It conveys a picture of a rough, unimproved, unpaved pathway. A lot of the roads in Brown County are like that. The road I live on was described in a 1920s guide book as “a succession of serpentine twists and turns… and has many bare rocks and ruts.” But, like many of the roads in the County, my road is more gravely than rocky now.

44 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2016

But, going back to that metaphor for life itself, I can testify that life is much like my road. It has certainly been a series of twists and turns and has had some seriously “rocky” patches. One of those patches came up about ten years ago or so. I was going through one of my post-mid-life crises and came up with an amazing solution to a problem concerning the thirty-six mile commute I was driving to Bloomington and back to the ridge.

This was back when gasoline was running about $4.00 a gallon and my wages were stagnating.

I studied on the problem of my eroding income for a good bit and then it hit me. Being a more or less prudent individual I set about working my hypothesis out on paper.

It would take an initial outlay of capital but the payback would be substantial and ongoing. I gathered up my calculations and went to talk to my wife about it. I explained that my plan, while not necessarily generating income, would result in a net savings of a substantial amount.

She patiently listened to my plan and was remarkably reasonable and understanding right up to the point where she said, “You are not getting a motorcycle.”

I was stunned. I thought that my argument was irresistibly persuasive.

My pickup truck was running at about Continued on 46

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ROCKY ROADS continued from 44 22 miles per gallon. Gasoline was costing about $4.00 a gallon, like I said. Bloomington was about 18 miles away. This made for a 36 mile commute. Therefore, it was costing me in the neighborhood of $7.00 a day for the privilege of going to work. My plan, in my humble opinion, a win-win scenario—not only would I save money but I would gain a motorcycle. But, in the end, it still added up to “You are not getting a motorcycle.”

That was some years back and gas prices have gone down and my commuter situation is a moot point because I retired from work...but I still haven’t retired from good ideas or post-mid-life crises. In fact, being a frugal sort of individual, I hate to waste a good borderline personality disorder. So, this year I shifted my brain into “D” (that’s for Devious) and started moving forward with a new plan to get myself on two wheels.

Over the years I have done some good things and some bad things for/to my overall health. One of the good things was that I quit smoking. But that caused a bad thing, I gained a few/many pounds. And then there was a small problem with my back, but that was taken care of with some surgery and a few months of recovery and I gained a few more pounds. And this is where the deviousness kicks in—I need to lose the weight. And to lose weight I need to get some exercise.

It’s an indisputable fact. But how do I go about shedding this extra poundage? My “bad back” precludes any twisting, jerking, bending, etc. so I won’t be doing any “Sweatin’ to the Oldies.” Besides, I don’t want to wind up looking like Richard Simmons anyhow.

Running or jogging is out, unless I am being chased by something that is more than likely to bite me.

I could do water exercise but that would mean goin’ into town to the “Y” and changing into a bathing suit and jumping into the swimming pool and then probably getting all embarrassed about being yelled at for displacing too much pool water. Nope, I’m not going there. I am going bicycling.

Yep, bicycles have two wheels. They are customizable. And it would be an introduction to just how safe and responsible I can be on two wheels. But, this is where the plan gets bogged down a little. “What kind of bike do I get?”

46 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2016

Things have changed since I was young.

There used to be bicycles and 3-speed English Racers. The real choices in bikes were more cosmetic. You could get built-in headlights and/ or a horn or a tank built on the cross bar. The bike could be dressed up with streamers on the hand grips and/ or mud-flaps. That was just about it. But, when I started looking for the right bike for me, I discovered a close-to-infinite array of choices.

Now-a-days there are Cruisers, Road bikes, Mountain bikes, Commuter bikes, Hybrids, and E-bikes. They come in all colors and sizes and speeds from 0 to 50. I was stunned. I didn’t know what I wanted. But, I knew for sure that I didn’t want any bike that would force me to wear some kind of outfit that looked like a Spandex sausage-casing.

I did like the sound of the E-bike, though.

The “E” stands for electric which powers a motor and the motor can be engaged to assist in pedaling or just zipping along. I could definitely see how an E-bike would be very satisfying to ride. But when I checked into the prices of said conveyance my wallet got a serious case of the cramps. What I was still impressed with is the fact that some of the E-bikes sported 4” tires.

Now, I live some miles down a “rocky road,” which is a good thing because it keeps me from even trying to ride one of those road bikes with ¾” tires and required sausage-casing suits. But a bicycle with 4” tires is a whole ’nuther thing. It would be perfect for getting around, not only on my road, but half the roads in the county. So, I started looking for plain “Fat Tire” bikes.

And that is just what I got. It is not real plain, in that it has 18 speeds and disc brakes. Its name is Boris. I didn’t name it, it came that way. It’s a big bike with tires that look like they belong on a 250cc dirt bike. But instead of a 250cc motor, “Boris” is powered by a 225 pound retiree. I’m thinkin’ that after I have demonstrated my trustworthiness on “Boris,” I just might graduate to an E-bike and from there…who knows? Right now, though, I think I might ride over to the little store at Needmore and see if they might have any “Rocky Road.” 

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Biology at the Bird Feeder ~by Jim Eagleman

I

t’s time to inspect, repair, and stock the bird feeders. I’m not alone. Millions of Americans maintain bird feeders, putting out one billion pounds of bird seed each year. This nearly year ’round pastime puts bird feeding on the chart as the second most popular outdoor pursuit we, as Americans, enjoy. What’s the first? Gardening.

Most gardeners, home landscapers, and backyard growers agree, while tending to plants, they enjoy the sights and sounds of our feathered friends.

To ornithologists—scientists who study birds— feeders are a significant wildlife management tool helping in the study of bird behavior. Most homeowners provide seed as an act of benevolence and enjoyment. We simply get satisfaction from watching birds.

When things get tough this coming winter— and they will—it seems obvious bird feeders will play a vital role in bird survival. But little scientific study has been done on the precise role winter feeders play in bird ecology and behavior. It is suspected that encouraging birds to collect at feeder sites may increase predation by accipiters such as the Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks.

Citizen science—us amateurs feeding, watching, and reporting what we see—adds to survival data. Having an ornithologist friend doesn’t hurt, either. Even after retirement, I still confer with my DNR colleagues on matters of their specialties, new rules and laws, and just to catch up.

If I check the feeders, I’ll bet at least a few chickadees have already made a visit. This year

48 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2016

’round Indiana resident, a feisty, energetic songster, (“chicka-dee-dee-dee”) is sure to be a regular—the Carolina typically here in the southern part, the Blackcapped further north. Researchers at the University of Vermont report that during long winter nights, chickadees lower their body temperatures by as much as eighteen degrees Fahrenheit, and keep their muscular heat generators running by shivering. To maintain that level of heat, they burn the equivalent of slightly more than one gram of body fat per day.

They have to eat every day, or die. If they don’t sit out a storm in some sheltered brush pile, there is evidence they can fall into a deep sleep, or torpor, to conserve energy when rough conditions make it too harsh for foraging. Staying dry and out of wind is of paramount importance.

An insect and spider consumer in summer, I once observed a flock of “chicks” picking out fat in a deer carcass along a stream in our woods. In fall, they Continued on 52

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50 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2016

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Nov./Dec. 2016 • Our Brown County 51

BIRD FEEDER continued from 48 consume poison ivy, spicebush, and dogwood berries, and pluck seeds from goldenrod, ragweed, and sumac. In winter, they switch over to half-animal, half-plant foods. They can visit the cones of evergreens, especially eastern hemlock, and they’ll eat the frozen, sweet sap from the tips of broken sugar maple branches.

They store foods—insect bodies—in crevices of tree bark. To increase survival, they flock with others. It seems you never see them without white-breasted nuthatches and downy woodpeckers. Woodpecker holes can act as overnight refuges where they can collectively conserve body heat. The habit of sharing in the search for food aids in the chance for survival.

How often and how far do chickadees travel to feed? One winter study in Wisconsin involved feeding 348 wild chickadees (all banded) on black oil sunflower seeds. The researchers estimated the average bird took 30 to 40 seeds a day regardless of weather, traveled less than one-half kilometer (~1640 feet) from perch to feeder, arrived three hours after sunrise and departed two hours before sunset. Surprisingly, researchers found that the birds got only about one-fifth of their daily food energy requirement from feeders. The bulk of their nutrition came from foraging on usual winter fare: wild seeds, insects stored in tree bark, and insect egg cases.

Normally, wild birds have to forage widely in winter and they can never be sure any given location will yield food reliably. Since missing a meal in winter is serious business, it might be in the best interest of chickadees, and other winter birds, to stay in the habit of moving on to other feeding sites. Recent studies suggest that some chicks do have a marked preference for “low risk” foods supplied at our feeders. I suppose this means that we should keep the feeders wellfilled at all times. But winter birds are inherently resourceful, well-steeped after millennia in the act of survival. If I fail to fill my feeders daily, I don’t believe it will cause more than a momentary stressful event.

As I sip my morning coffee I do see them in full winter plumage, surviving the cold temps, and stopping by to grab a bite. 

52 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2016

Stuff a Stocking Nashville, Indiana

December 3, 2016 11 am - 5 pm Ticket Prices: Online Presale $20 Day of Event $25

presented by

Children will visit participating businesses in downtown Nashville, Indiana to fill their commemorative Christmas Stocking with treats ranging from candy, toys, ornaments, etc.

For more information & Tickets contact: Brown County Community Foundation 812-988-4882 www.browncountygives.org

SCHOOLHOUSE continued from 40 Not giving in to the threats, the teacher was about to be soaked in the stream, when a more serious citizen stepped to his aid. The intervention caused the teacher to reconsider, and soon the entire crowd of students, parents, and teacher proceeded to the general store.

There the teacher purchased Christmas treats of candy and apples for everyone.

In Morgan County another teacher was similarly barred from his schoolhouse by the older teenage boys. His story ends on a different note since this teacher instead headed to the local store where he purchased a gallon jug of whiskey. The older boys readily admitted him upon his return, and accepted the plenteous “treats” poured for them. Years later, one of the boys shared the memory of staggering home at the end of the day. His father promptly gave the son “a dressing that he remembers to the present.”

Nashville now twinkles like a fairyland with lights, ornaments, and sounds during the Christmas season, which lasts for many days. And teachers no longer expect students lying in wait for them on the morning of December 25. No one thinks of lessons till after New Year celebrations. 

#1 Rated on TripAdvisor Custom gift certificates available for the holidays

New Look and Expanded Hours

Women’s boutique, kids and teen clothing, men’s clothing, and household items Designer Labels: Anne Klein Chico Stone Mountain Duluth Coldwater Creek Eddie Bauer Coach

Talbot’s Gloria Vanderbilt Tommy Hilfiger Harley Davidson Calvin Klein Vera Wang Liz Claiborne and many others

Selling gently used items to benefit Brown County.

Accepting clothing and household item donations.

Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00 to 4:00 Fridays noon to 4:00 1st and 3rd Saturdays 10:00 to 1:00

Visit our website for best deals and availability: corn erstoneinn .com

Look for the signs Like us on Facebook at Brown County Community Closet, Inc.

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

888-383-0300 • 54 e. franklin st. downtown nashville

Nov./Dec. 2016 • Our Brown County 53

BROWN COUNTY

Big Variety of Fruit Baskets

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

Fruit and Veggie Trays Made to Order

See us for Thanksgiving and Christmas TURKEY DINNERS with all the sides

• Certified Ang

us Beef • Large Beer an d Wine Sections • Picnic Suppli es • Full Service B akery/Deli • Custom Cake Decorating

Organic Grocery • Dairy • Produce • Frozen Ever-Growing Selection of Gluten-Free Products

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

Y e a r ro u n d l i v e S h ow S & Mov i e S November 5

Comedian Heywood Banks

November 19

Every Weekend · Black Friday to Sunday December before Christmas 3 · 1 pm Fri & Sat 7:30 pm Sunday 2 pm

40 Years of College “Beagles” Tribute Bob and Tom Show regular, singercomic-songwriter-poet-musician and and pop icon | $27.50

The Docs Who Rock take the stage to perform the songs of the Beatles and Eagles | $16.50 & $17.50

December 27 · 2 & 7:30 pm

December 31

$19.50 & The Polar Express $20.50

Holiday Classic Movie — Tom Hanks 10of & aunder free plays the train conductor magical adult train heading for the with Northpaid Pole A Stuff A Stocking Event | $6 & $5

January 28

New Year’s Eve Celebration Movie, food, music, dancing, toasting!

Magic! Clean Comedy! Illusions!

Dazzling magic, sleight-of-hand, clean comedy and audience interaction $21.50 & $22.50

Begin the night at the Playhouse watching “Love Actually” | 4 & 7 pm $7 movie only Continue the party across the street at Out of the Ordinary | 9 pm · $52.50

February 11 Valentine’s Saturday

IU Jacobs School of Music Guitar Ensemble

40 Years of College

Enjoy a unique performance by 12 guitarists using a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional instruments | $12 & $5

Your favorite romantic songs with “The Docs Who Rock”! Available for sale: wine, beer, champagne, fingerfood buffet | $19.50 & $20.50

BROWN COUNTY

P E R F O R M I N G A R T 812.988.6555 · BrownCountyPlayhouse.org

S

C E N T E R

Showtimes 7:30 pm · Tickets & schedule online · Beer, wine & concessions available | Box Office: Thursday–Sunday | 70 S. Van Buren · Nashville, IN

54 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2016

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church St. Rd. 135 N. half mile north of Bean Blossom (5802 Old Settlers Rd. Morgantown, IN) next to Brownie’s Restaurant

812-988-8057 www.shepherdofthehills.org.in

“We Preach Christ Crucified.”

Excellent accessibility for handicapped Fine Pipes and Tobaccos Premium Cigars

• SUNDAY DIVINE SERVICE 10:15 a.m.

• SUNDAY SCHOOL 9 a.m.—All children welcome • ADULT BIBLE STUDY 9 a.m.—All welcome FOOD PANTRY last Wednesday of the month 9–11 a.m.

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

Variety of T-Shirts

Things you can live without ... but who wants to!

’ Luminox Watches (used by Navy Seals)

Maxpedition Hard-use Gear

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

Wooden Signs made in Southern Indiana

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

Nov./Dec. 2016 • Our Brown County 55

Thanksgivng Memories

I

~by Jeff Tryon

guess our traditions are just ritual codifications of our own sense memories. When it comes to holidays, our childhood recollections are the touchstone of authentic celebrations.

I’m old, but I’m not ancient. When I think back on Thanksgivings of my childhood, it is less like a vintage Currier and Ives print and more like a 1960s sitcom. The TV was there then, of course, and it still is.

The first thing I do on Thanksgiving morning is to get the Thanksgiving Day parades on the old boob tube. Usually, I’m too busy to actually watch it much, but it is part of the traditional background soundtrack for my Thanksgiving morning.

These days, I’m in the kitchen or dining room, trying to help get the feast ready, but in the Thanksgivings of my childhood, that was the province of the moms, and the kids and adult men were free to amuse themselves as they wished while savory aromas filled the house with the promise of delectable delights.

My family didn’t eat turkey that often, and if we did it was cold, sliced, and on white bread with mayonnaise. The mouthwatering fragrance of roasting turkey was probably something I only encountered once a year.

We usually spent Thanksgiving with our cousins, and while the adults prepared the feast, the children were sent “out to play,” to keep us from underfoot in the kitchen, until it was time for the Norman Rockwell moment.

56 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2016

That meant out to play in glorious autumnal Brown County. The late fall weather was crisp and sharp, the skies an ethereal blue. Multicolored fallen leaves crunched underfoot as my brothers and cousins and I shrieked and giggled and ran and wheeled, playing tag and hide-and-seek, and sometimes even throwing a football around or playing “horse” on some rusty, wobbling old hoop.

It didn’t really matter, we just had fun. Life was less complicated then.

Finally, it was time. The children were called and we ran in chilled numb, red-nosed, and flushed with play into the small warm house, crowded with relatives and the intoxicating odor of the impending feast.

Everyone found a spot around the table, Dad, “asked the blessing,” and then the large roasted bird made its grand entrance, pushing onto a table already groaning with holiday victuals.

Everybody eats today.

My mother was a wonderful cook, although she once confided she learned everything she knew from the backs of boxes and labels on cans (“When I married, I couldn’t cook a lick…”). So mother was not reenacting Thanksgivings of her youth so much as trying to recreate that mythical TV “Betty Crocker” Thanksgiving.

There was turkey, of course, but what I liked best was the chicken and dumplings and cornbread dressing.

Also, those little brown and serve rolls. These days, you can get all kinds of fancy rolls and breads for the Thanksgiving table, but I still feel Continued on 62

Brown County Art Gallery Events

F Mosaics by Cindy Steele

Available at Spears Pottery in Nashville, IN (beside the Nashville House on South Van Buren Street)

SWEET COZY LIVING in Nashville, Brown County •Home Decor •Accessories •Unique Clothing

•Brown County Shirts •Many Locally-made Items •Custom Chess Sets •and more...

47 E. Main St. Old School Way Behind Brown County Winery (812)360-1230 • Facebook.com/SweetCozyLivingLLC

all events wrap up the Brown County Art Gallery’s 90th Anniversary Celebration. A free reception on November 12 at 6 p.m. will open the IPAPA Member Show. This group represents Indiana’s top pleinair painters. There will be an awards ceremony and all the art work is for sale. Exhibit continues through Nov. 27.

The Brown County Art Gallery will open it’s annual Family Treasures Exhibition and Sale. The preview begins November 16 and the paintings go on sale November 19. Two important paintings, one by T.C. Steele and another by Will Vawter, are among the paintings offered. Partial proceeds benefit the Gallery Foundation. “ The Nature of Art, Painted Parks,” will open on December 1. Artist Rick Wilson has painted each of Indiana’s State Park in a special Bicentennial Project.

Over 70 paintings are for sale. Exhibit runs through January 2017.

Learn more visiting the website at <browncountyartallery.org> or our Facebook page, “the historic Brown County Art Gallery.” 

BONE APPETIT BAKERY

OVER 7,000 square feet!

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

Antique Mall

Brown County

For Dogs

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 Shell station)

www.barkingood.com

Open all year–7 days a week Mon.–Sat. 9 to 5:30 Sun. 11 to 5:30

We Buy and Sell

Since 1995

13 miles west of I-65 3 miles east of Nashville, IN

812-988-1025 3288 State Rd 46 East www.bcantique.com

There’s a wine for any palette!

Free tasting of our locally made wines.

You can choose from bold dry reds to refreshing whites and sweet fruit wines.

38 Franklin St. E. (Near the train) Nashville, IN (812) 988-1111 • cedarcreekwine.com Open 7 days a week 12 pm to 5 pm

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

Sandwiches & Salads 11 a.m. - ?

At the corner of Main & Van Buren Streets (underneath the Nashville House) - 988-2355 Nov./Dec. 2016 • Our Brown County 57

“Affordable Fashion”

LEATHER

•Men’s and Women’s Jewelry •Leather Wallets and Purses •Leather Accessories •Custom-sized Leather Belts •Women’s Clothing

40 Washington Street • Nashville, Indiana • (812)988-1825

Lightspinner STUDIO

Martinsville Candy Kitchen Home-made Candies • Sugar-free Candies • Hand-dipped Ice Cream

“The sweetest place in town”

Martha Sechler Unique Watercolors Mixed Media Gourd Art

On the Rural Routes to Main Street

4460 Helmsburg Rd. Nashville, IN • 812-988-7379 Open whenever home. Call ahead.

Dawn’s Nashville H of J

Beef, Turkey, Pork, Buffalo, Venison, Elk, Kangaroo, Wild Boar, and more

Nashville, IN (812) 988-1592

Main Street Shops Old School Way alley

Old McDurbin % Gold & 50 Gifts

OFFLRY E JEW

Customized

• Anklets • Bracelets • Necklaces

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

58 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2016

Watch us make Candy andy Canes Sat Saturdays rda s in Nov. No and D Dec. Look on Facebook for pouring times. 765-342-6390

46 North Main in Downtown Martinsville, IN

Too Cute at Abe’s Corner

Open daily 9:00 - 7:00 Free Parking

Large selection

Women’s Women’s and and Children’s Children’s Clothing Clothing Handmade Handmade Purses Purses

145 S. Jefferson Nashville in the little white house

LODGE on the MOUNTAIN Two Secluded Guest Rooms Overlooking a Private Lake

Convenient to Nashville/Bloomington

LS

A SPECI

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

812-988-6429 www.browncountylogcabins.com

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

Gifts Apparel

• Northern Sportswear • Hats, Gloves, Billfolds Accessories • Ultimo Fragrance • Old Guys Rule • Knives • Themed items Hot Stuff • Military the maleinstinct.com

75 S. Van Buren St. • Nashville • (812) 988-1964

The Sunshine Shack

* REFRESH Something to “hit the spot” as you shop * REBOOT •Hot Dogs •Beer-soaked Brats * RE-ENERGIZE •Baked Beans •Tiny Pies •Slushees •Homemade Soft Drinks •Snow Cones •Floats •Tea •Coffee •Water •Homemade Ice Cream and Popsicles •Shakes and Sundaes • Smoothies •Fresh Squeezed Lemonade & Orangeade

Served with a smile Little shack on S. Van Buren Street near the stoplight in Nashville

The Marg and Brenda Team

Salted Nuts R d Roasted Daily Marg DeGlandon CSSS, CDPR

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

812-988-4485

Brenda Longtin CSSS, CDPR

Associate Broker Broker/Owner Cell: 812-360-4083 www.MargAndBrendaTeam.com Cell: 812-360-3889 margd@remax.net Your Brown County Team shaht@mibor.net

C Cinnamon Roasted Almonds & Pecans

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

S.Van Buren (Shopper's Lane) Nashville

Our own Tzatziki sauce recipe, made from scratch

Wine Bar and Gift Shoppe Open Daily

Wine Tastings

• Cheeses and Gourmet Foods • Unique Wine Gifts • Comfortable Seating Live Music Fri. and Sat. 7-10 pm Coachlight Square • S. Van Buren and Washington, Nashville, IN

812-988-8500 • www.ChateauThomas.com

Delicious!

Free samples • Local Delivery Available <Most items under $10> gyrofoodnashville.com • Gyros Food

S. Van Buren & Old School Way • Possum Trot Sq. Look for the sidewalk signs • (812) 318-0840

Hunter’s 58 East Main Street Nashville, Indiana

Computer and Cell Phone Repair LARGE Format Printing

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

30 E. Washington St., Nashville, IN (Across from the Circle K) • 317.498.9982

open daily 10–5 • 812-988-7058

Nov./Dec. 2016 • Our Brown County 59

Our Brown County AUTO SALES

AUTO - TIRE, REPAIR, TOW

BUY HERE • PAY HERE • CASH SALES

24-Hour Towing

ANTIQUES

Plum Creek Antiques Open-Air Market Bean Blossom

• Fruit Jars • Garden Art • Furniture • Iron Things, • Lots of Junk and more 5 minutes north of Nashville (intersection of SR 135 & SR 45)

(812) 988-6268 BANKING

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

Serving our home town area since 1981

Low down payments / interest rates We help you find the vehicle that suits you the best, without all the pressure and hassle.

50 N. Marion St. (SR 135 & 252 junction) Morgantown, IN 46160

(812) 597-5020 www.GMGMOTORS.com

Garage

Full Mechanical Garage Brakes, Engine, Transmission 2 & 4 Wheel Alignment “Big to Small, We Do it All!”

1814 N. St. Rd. 135 • Nashville

812-988-7518

AUTO - TIRE, REPAIR, TOW

BANKING NAME YOUR CATEGORY

Serving the Community for over 100 years

Paint & Body

$5 OFF Alignment Full Collision Repair

TIRE & Auto Repair

Brown County Tire 24 hr. Wrecker Service

812-988-8473 27 Salt Creek Rd (Intersection SR 46) Nashville

Contact us today for all your banking needs

www.peoples-bank.com 41 S. Hawthorne Dr. Nashville, IN 47448 (812) 988-6633 YOUR AD HERE

Services Directory Rates published every other month

Single Block $50 Double Block $70 2 or more 5% OFF

annual 15%OFF

Call Cindy 812-988-8807

CAMPGROUND

Bill Monroe Music Park and Campground Just five miles from Nashville, IN One of Southern Indiana's largest campgrounds

• Over 55 acres with walking trails • Over 300 water/electric sites • 30 amp and 50 amp hookups • Over 300 tent sites General camping May thru October • Camping cabin rentals

• 2 dump stations • Wi-Fi • Heated/AC showerhouse • Laundry facility • Stocked fishing lake

CONSTRUCTION

WALTMAN CONSTRUCTION CO. Owens-Corning Preferred Contractor

LLicensed and Insured • 15 years total replacement warranty for roofs available

Don Waltman

Roof Coatings, Metal/Shingle Roofs, Remodels, Ro Power Washing and Sealing, Barns, (812) 327-1994 Garages, Decks, Siding, Windows and Doors, waltmanconst@aol.com G and all construction needs and services!

References Available

Services Directory DELIVERY SERVICE

LANDSCAPING

Let Guff Deliver Your Stuff!

• Mulching - Seeding NEED HELP? • Weeding - Pruning • Tree / Shrub Planting • Fences - Walkways • Retaining Walls • Mowing / Trimming (812) 988-7232 • Flower / Herb Beds

Groceries, Restaurant Food, Pizza, Hardware, etc.

812-272-1804

We Can Do It All!

Delivery by Guff

373chadguffey@gmail.com

Complete Landscaping/ Design Services SAWMILL

HEALTH

VALUABLE COUPON

Helmsburg Sawmill Inc.

HEALTH FOR “U” H 146 E. Main St., Nashville

812-988-9890

Pool Enterprises, Inc.

Mon.–Sat. 10–5

Logging to Lumber Custom Log Home Lumber Packages ~ Posts ~ Beams Rafters ~ Barn Siding ~ Board & Batten ~ Firewood Mulch ~ Sawdust ~ Buyers of Standing Timber 812-988-6161 • helmsburgsawmill@gmail.com

www.helmsburgsawmill.com • facebook.com/helmsburgsawmillinc

facebook.com/healthforu1604

Limit 3.

Save $ S $2.00 2 00 on R Roll-On, ll O Gel, G l Spray S (4, 16, or 32 oz.)

Indiana Amish Natural Chickens and Indiana Raw Honey sold here! Also, Bison and Elk.

INSURANCE

Christy McGinley-Hughes

Must have coupon for discount. Expires 12/31/16.

AUTO HOME LIFE BUSINESS 812-988-6399

cmcginley@farmersagent.com

146 E. Main St. Redbud Terrace Nashville, IN

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

Property Sales & Management

www.browncountyhomes.com

WELLNESS THERAPY NAME YOUR CATEGORY

Balancing Acts by dANA S SKIRVIN KIRV VI WELLNESS

Brown County YMCA

• Reflexology • Trigger Point Therapy • Myofascial Release Call for an appointment

FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FOR HEALTHY LIVING FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

The Brown County YMCA is located behind the Comfort Inn Now open at 5:30 a.m. Mon.–Fri.

812-988-9622 • www.browncountyymca.org

(812) 988-1600

$10 off first visit with this ad • expires 12/31/16

THANKSGIVING continued from 56 the need to have a package of those little brown and serve rolls, baked at the last possible moment to a perfect golden brown, and then slathered with butter. That’s Thanksgiving.

There were vegetables, of course: creamed corn off the cob and green beans canned from our garden, and mounds of whipped potatoes.

Sometimes she would have baked squash or turnips with greens or whatever, but, honestly, I wasn’t spending that much time amongst the vegetables.

Of course there was a sweet potato casserole made from canned sweet potatoes with marshmallows on top.

Of course there was a little can-shaped blob of “cranberry sauce”, which retained its cylinder shape. As far as I know, only Dad ate that stuff.

There were desserts, of course.

It really isn’t Thanksgiving dinner without pumpkin pie. Mother also made fantastic meringue pies–lemon meringue, coconut cream pie with a huge white and golden brown head of meringue. There was usually a persimmon pudding, which reminded dad of his childhood in Brown County.

After dinner, there were football games on TV, I suppose, but it didn’t seem like anyone paid much attention.

Again, it was more like background noise, the soundtrack. This is usually when we would get restless and decide to go out and actually play football instead of watching it on TV, which usually led to much yelling and crying, personal injury, or some combination of the two.

The women cleared the table and did the dishes, talking non-stop about cooking, and who in the family had had which gruesome surgery, and what Marcy on “General Soap Opera” was going to do about that Tad. The men sat in the living room and talked

about hunting, and people they used to know, and the economy. Everybody smoked back then.

We didn’t attend church on Thanksgiving Day, but, without doubt, on the Sunday previous to the holiday, Sunday worship would have included seasonal hymns like “We Gather Together” and “Come, Ye Thankful People Come.”

These, too are a part of my Thanksgiving soundtrack.

Come, ye thankful people, come, Raise the song of harvest home: All is safely gathered in Ere the winter storms begin… …First the blade and then the ear, Then the full corn shall appear, Lord of harvest grant that we Wholesome grain and pure may be…

So, for this Thy bounty which we are about to once again receive, and for all the traditions and remembrances thereof, please make us truly grateful.

And please pass the potatoes. 

MK WATKINS continued from 43 County Detention Center; and a volunteer and instructor at the Anderson Center for the Arts.

“I just love how art is a universal language,” she said. “You can paint a picture and everybody in the world can explain what the picture means to them in their own words.”

Watkins said she will never stop learning.

“I always tell the kids, you don’t have to be born with talent, you have to develop it,” she said. “And you keep working at it your whole life. You grow with your art.”

You can follow MK on Facebook at MK Watkins Artist or call her at (812) 988-4923. Her studio is open year round by appointment. 

HOTEL NASHVILLE Darlene’s at Hotel Nashville

Upscale Dining in a Casual Atmosphere Serving Dinner with Full Bar Service Thurs. 5 to 8 pm, Fri. & Sat. 5 to 9 pm

• Suites, Studios, Hot Tubs • Restaurant and Bar • Indoor Pool, Sauna, Whirlpool • Conference Facilities • Weddings and Receptions • Special Getaway Packages

Menu Features: Steaks, Seafood, Pasta, Chicken, Burgers, Appetizers, Soups and Salads

Reserve your Special Party now!

Meetings and Banquets Catering in your home or other venue Weddings and Receptions

245 N. Jefferson St., Nashville (812) 988-8400 • (800) 848-6274 www.hotelnashville.com

BRICK LODGE NORTH HOUSE • Accommodates 8 Guests • 3 Bedrooms and 2 1/2 Baths • Cable TV–DVD Player • Fully-Equipped Kitchen • Central Heat and Air • Electric Fireplace • Secluded Hot Tub • Gas Grill

• Accommodates 8 Guests • 2 Bedrooms and 2 Baths • Game Room w/ Pool Table • Cable TV–DVD Player • Fully-Equipped Kitchen • Central Heat and Air • Gas Fireplace • Gas Grill • Outdoor Hot Tub

194 N. Van Buren St., Nashville (812) 988-6429 www.northhousegetaway.com

1878 N. State Rd. 135, Nashville (812) 988-6429 www.bricklodge.com

Nashville

Fudge Kitchen

…so much more than fudge!

Our shop is bursting with flavor!

WATCH US MAKE…

Our Creamy Fudge · Gourmet Popcorn All Natural Gelato · Seasonal Treats An old-fashioned candy store loaded with all of your favorite treats!

We have the largest selection of Fudge, Popcorn, Candies, Ice Cream and Gelato in Brown County, Indiana.

{ Old Fashioned Since 1983 } ! line e N O er her Ord Anyw ! d hip S orl e W W e h in t

175 South Van Buren · Nashville, IN 47448 812.988.0709

NashvilleFudgeKitchen.com

FREE BOX OF REGULAR POPCORN with this ad