~by Julia Pearson
Ruth Reichmann is seated with the mic at the Brown County Bluegrass Music historical marker dedication in June of 2016. Jim Schultz is standing on the right. State senator Eric Koch is standing on the far left.
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ll state and national history is written with the hand of local history. All culture is embedded in the literature, artifacts, sites, and geography of the local landscape. The heritage passed down through generations is the heritage that is preserved and made accessible to interested citizens. In 2014 Ruth Reichmann’s determination to safeguard Brown County’s treasures led to the formation of Peaceful Valley Heritage and Preservation. By-laws were approved April 15, 2015. The Mission Statement is all encompassing and summarizes a deep focus on Brown County treasures: to foster, preserve, and promote the rich history of Brown County; to encourage interest and education in local history; to identify significant historical sites and artifacts; to recognize the impact of heritage crafts, art, literature, and music stirred by the indigenous creativity of the natural surroundings; and to protect and share these irreplaceable attributes with all interested people. The group meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month in the lower level of the Brown County Community Foundation, currently with all COVID health and safety measures observed. Recent monthly meetings were made available for Zoom participation as well as in-
26 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2020
person attendance. Board members are Jim Schultz, president; David Martin, vice president; Greg Wright, treasurer; Lorna ReichmanN, secretary; and Vivian Wolf, Dorothy Babcock, Susie Arnold, and Tim Alward. The restoration of the old log jail received the group’s early attention. The jail is the only Indiana jail of hewn-logs standing in its original location. It was constructed in 1879 and replaced the first jail that was built in 1837 by James Taggart and William Snyder. Stabilizing the old jail led to securing cabin restoration specialist, Bird Snider. As the work began, Jim Schultz recounts how the charred logs of the original jail, which had been destroyed by fire, were uncovered and were used within the construction of the second jail. Old shoes, and shards of glass found at the site were given to the Brown County Historical Society’s collections. Board member and chair of the cemetery committee, Vivian Wolff, says there are 108 cemeteries in Brown County. Sprunica Church and cemetery were chosen as an early project. The 150 plus year old church and cemetery are a relic of a once thriving community that once had a one room schoolhouse, a store, and a Redman’s lodge. Sixteen of the gravesites in the churchyard are from one family. Due to the diligence of the
