Voices

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Exploring Hendricks County

By Jackie Horn

Halloween is almost here. The kids working on costumes. Pumpkins carved into Jack-O-Lanterns. Front yards transformed into scenes of Frankenstein’s laboratory and creepy cemeteries.

I don’t find cemeteries especially creepy or scary. In fact, I like strolling in graveyards among the tombstones. It’s usually quiet with little traffic. Cars cruise the well-maintained, paved-yet-pothole-free cemetery roads slowly so it’s safe to mosey down the middle of the lane. I admire the grave wreaths and decorations. I enjoy discovering unique, old-fashioned names like Melvina, Bertha, Ebeneezer, Oswald. The causes of death intrigue me: cholera outbreak, a war…. Why were there so many deaths in 1866? I ache for the family that has six names of children under 6 years old on one stone. What I really enjoy is the artwork on tombstones and memorials.

Memorial artwork is full of symbolism. After crosses (which represent the deceased was of a Christian faith), one of the most popular decorations is an urn. Urns, because they hold the ashes of the departed loved one, are a symbol of mourning, It was also popular to have a drape or cloth over the urn. A drape indicates sorrow.

Angels are another subject of grave art. Angels with trumpets mean the Judgment Day or call to resurrection. Flying represents rebirth. A weeping angel means an untimely death. On a child’s stone, an angel carrying a child is a guardian angel embracing the little one and escorting them back to Heaven.

Hands are used on many stones as embellishments. Hands can be praying, reaching, or pointing. A single hand is the hand of God reaching down to assist the deceased into Heaven. Two hands clasped together symbolize marriage. The spouse who passed away first is guiding the departed into Heaven.

There are all sorts of meanings to plants on memorials. The Tree of Life, palms, lilies and calla lilies, ivy, and ferns are just a few. Roses are especially interesting. The rose itself represents love, beauty, hope, and unfailing love. Depending on the stage of bloom, it denotes the age of the deceased. A bud is a child under the age of twelve. If the flower is partially bloomed, the person was a teenager. A rose in full bloom means the person was in the prime of their life, twenty to thirty years old. Rosebuds joined together indicates a strong bond between the people who died at the same time, such as a mother and a child.

Perhaps my favorite memorial is the tree stump. It represents a life cut short. The shorter the stump, the shorter the life. Some of the sculptures I’ve see were very realistic with vines wrapped and climbing around the tree and initials carved in the “bark.” At the base laid an open book, the Book of Life, with pertinent information about the person. It was a touching monument to a young wife and mother who was 23 years old at her passing.

Old gravestones were made from softer materials such as wood, sandstone, and slate which erode over time and become difficult to read. One way to make the inscriptions more legible is to make a rubbing by placing a piece of paper over the engraving and pulling the long side of a crayon or chalk across it. The color covers the paper and the embedded images are decipherable.

More modern tombstones and memorials are made from granite which weathers much better. No longer does it require a chisel and hammer to engrave inscriptions and images on a stone. With today’s technology, photographs can be laser-cut into memorial stones with amazing detail. A person who enjoyed gardening can have a photo of themselves standing in their garden etched into their stone.

Far from scary, cemeteries are interesting historical places free for exploring. Two websites with comprehensive lists of Hendricks County cemeteries are: findagrave. com/cemetery-browse/USA/Indiana/Hendricks-County?id=county_823 and americancemeteries.org/indiana/ hendricks-county.

Don’t forget to take your paper and crayon!

JUST AN OBSERVATION

Where is That?

By Janet Beam

I am not originally from Hendricks County; we have only lived in Danville for about six months. We have spent all of our lives so far in Boone County. Having said that, I am always amazed at the little towns mentioned in the Yester Year column of the Republican, so I got busy doing some research. We all know the current towns in Hendricks County; Danville, Avon, Coatesville, North Salem, Stilesville, Plainfield, Pittsboro, Brownsburg, Lizton, Amo, Cartersburg, Clayton, Hazelwood (formerly known as Buzzards Roost), New Winchester, a portion of Jamestown, a portion of Camby, and Belleville. I even know where Maplewood and Montclair (originally named Singer Station) are, but some of the others, I have no clue.

I found it fascinating to learn of the following communities that called Hendricks County home: Hardscrabble in Washington Township; Center Valley in Liberty Township; Friendswood in Guilford Township; Gale in Center Township; Hadley (first named Mimosa) in Clay Township; Joppa in Guilford Township; Needmore in Marion Township; Pecksburg in Clay Township; Quebec in Middle Township; Springtown (formerly named Springfield); Raintown; Reno in Clay Township; Six Points in Washington Township; Summit; Union; and Tilden (on the Middle-Lincoln Township line) was formerly named Oakley. There may well be others but I could not find any mention of them anywhere. They may reside in someone’s memory; if so, please let us know.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to spend a day or two actually getting to visit these small towns in their heyday? Since ordinary citizens can now travel into space, I am waiting for someone to invent a time machine where we can visit the past. I will be the first in line to buy a ticket!

Just an observation.

A Squirrel About Town

By Archy

““You know,” Archy said. “I’ve come to enjoy our little talks. I have to admit, with some squirrels, starting a conversation is like a pull cord on a lawnmower,” he continued. “You never know how much effort it will take to get it started.”

I’ve had the same experience with people. “Sometimes there’s no fuel in the tank,” I said.

“Precisely!” Archy exclaimed. “Knowledge, experience and empathy are required to have a real conversation. Even small talk needs a modicum of skill. You need some preparation to be able to exchange pleasantries.”

I ventured shyness might be a hindrance for squirrel or human. “Perhaps they’re afraid they won’t have anything interesting to say.”

“That doesn’t seen to stop some people,” Archy said. “Conversations are a way to connect with others. To find out differences and commonalities. It doesn’t have to be oratory, it can just be chit-chat. All conversations should promote civility, even an exchange of opposite views. Common ground seems to have become a vary rare real estate commodity.”

“How do we get people to rant less and converse more?” I wondered.

“Change isn’t easy or fast,” the squirrel said. “Set an example and hope others follow.”

“You know, Archy,” I said, “I’ve come to enjoy our little talks, too.”

“Be the change,” the squirrel said with a grin.

Our Readers Write

For the Love of Golf

My husband and I recently took a ten year anniversary trip down to a resort in Mississippi to relax and play golf. Anyone who plays golf will surely understand why I’ve categorized “relaxing” and “playing golf” separately. It is typically not relaxing to play golf. On the contrary, it can be pretty frustrating; some may even say infuriating. However, I do believe that playing creates great opportunities for bonding with others, practicing dealing with stress, and learning to be present in the moment.

I didn’t learn to play golf until I was in my mid-20’s, but my husband has been playing since he was a kid. He introduced me to the game. I had played pretty much every other sport growing up, so I thought it would be fairly easy. The pros make it look that way. The first time I teed off I hit the ball perfectly straight…the way that my feet were facing. It bounced off the tee marker and dribbled about 20 feet in front of me. If you can believe it, my game went downhill from there.

The patience that my husband has displayed in teaching me is incredible. In the hundreds (maybe even thousands) of terrible and missed shots I’ve taken, I don’t think he has ever gotten frustrated with me. I think he realizes that it is a difficult game and that I am trying my best. We are there to cheer each other up if one of us is playing poorly, and sometimes it seems like we are constantly reminding each other that even though the ball is not going where we want it to, it is a beautiful day or we are getting a rare break from our young children, so we should take a deep breath and enjoy it. Often we grab a beer to help as well.

I’ve noticed a lot of parallels between the game of golf and the game of life: you have to keep going even when you’re feeling down, your energy is better spent focusing on the good (and there usually is at least ONE good shot per round) than the bad, you have to concentrate, slow down, and be present to have any chance of hitting that good shot, and you find yourself encouraging anyone who might be struggling.

Even though it has caused me quite a bit of heartache, I will forever be grateful to my husband for introducing me to the game. Happy Anniversary, Greg. ‘Till death do us golf!

Melissa Irby

The Rope

One of my greatest accomplishments while in the United States Air Force was becoming a Rope. It happened while I was going to Tech School at Kessler Air Force Base in Biloxi Mississippi. Out of several hundred guys, you were asked to become a Rope. It was a position of honor and required leadership qualities. You were chosen based on attitude, appearance, and grades.

There were four types of Ropes, Green, Red, Yellow, and White. A Green Rope was in training and was assigned to a Red Rope. A Red Rope was in charge of a squad, approximately 40 guys. A Yellow Rope was in charge of a flight which consisted of two squads. A White Rope was in charge of a whole Shift, there being three shifts. A shift went to school in the mornings, B shift in the afternoons and C shift went to school in the evenings (which I was on).

I was promoted to Yellow Rope and I had no desire to become a white Rope. I had to work hard to keep my grades up. As a yellow Rope I was also responsible for the cleaning and maintaining of the barracks we lived in. I had to create duty roosters and assign the work. This I delegated to the Red Ropes on Saturdays and then I would go to the beach with my army blanket. LOL. The other task I was responsible for was marching the troops to and from class every night. There would be six rows of men and each row had about 20 men in it. I would call out cadence and try to keep everyone in step. I would march about two thirds of the way back from the front on the left side.

One night I called for a right turn (Column Right, HUH) The front row began the turn but I couldn’t see the parked cars very clearly and marched the flight right into the back of them. The whole formation fell apart, laughing their heads off of course. I finally got everyone back into formation, shouting (Fall In) and then shouting (Forward March). For a young guy of 19 this was a lot of responsibility, but I survived my first leadership role.

Noel Gatlin

Make a Toast to Autumn With Apple Cider!

By Colletta Kosiba Hendricks County Master Gardener

A modern-day cider press.

Apple Cider Time!

Sitting on the porch swing sipping apple cider, delighting in the warmth of the last few days in the autumn. Just picture that!

Apple cider (called sweet cider or soft cider or simply cider) is from unfiltered, unsweetened apples. Cider is typically made from a mixture of several different apples to give it a special taste.

Apple cider is made by washing apples, chopping them up, and then pressing the juice out. The raw cider will be opaque due to fine apple particles. The flavor is so tangy. Makes my mouth water thinking about it!

Mulled cider is a warm addition to cool autumn evenings.

Apple cider (left) and apple juice (right).

Even with refrigeration, raw cider will begin to become slightly carbonated within a week or so and eventually becomes hard cider as the alcohol develops.

Rosé apple cider is made by using red-fleshed crabapples.

Apple juice undergoes filtration to remove pulp, then pasteurized to kill bacteria, extending shelf-life. Apple juice is lighter, clearer, and sweeter than cider.

Mulled Cider

For special occasions 4 whole cinnamon sticks 1/8 tsp. ground cloves 8 whole allspice berries peel from 1 orange & peel from 1 lemon 1/2 c. maple syrup 6 c. unfiltered apple juice

Place spices and peels in medium sauce pan. Add maple syrup and apple juice. Bring to boil, reduce heat-simmer for 30 minutes. serve hot. May add splash of dark rum for adults

Don’t’ forget the fresh apple cider when you visit your favorite orchard!

I love cider - I’d be hard pressed to think of a better drink.

A Bark From the Past: Henry

[Editor’s Note: The Republican’s first four-footed correspondent was Henry. A mixed breed rescue dog, Henry would make observations about being a dog in a small town. The articles have been languishing in the computer’s memory and we thought a new audience might enjoy some canine commentary.]

A few days ago, I had one the saddest things ever happen to me in my own yard. I was looking through a crack in our fence when a strange dog came trotting down the street. He was medium sized, like me, and had long brown fur. He was just a mutt, no certain breed, and as he trotted along, he kept looking around.

As he passed, I barked, “Hey!” He stopped and looked around until he saw me. “Oh, hi!” he said. “Where did you come from?” I asked. “I don’t know,” he said. “My people took me for a long ride and we stopped someplace near here. They opened the car door and let me out and then went away. Now, I can’t find where that was, so when they come back, I won’t be there.” “What’s your name?” I asked. “Name?” he said. “What’s name?” “You know,” I said, “what they call you. What word did you hear most often? That’s probably your name.” “Oh,” he said, “then my name is Shut-up-bad-dog-getdown.”

“That’s not a name,” I said. “A name is something special that sets you apart from every other dog. ‘Hey Boy,’ that’s your name from now on. When you hear somebody yell, “Hey Boy,” that means they are talking to you.

“Why would they do that?” he asked. “Nobody talked to me before. Mostly, I stayed on my chain, waiting for food and water.”

I saw that he wasn’t wearing a collar. “Hey Boy, where are your collar and tags?” I asked.

“I don’t know what that is,” he said. “Come over here by the fence,” I said, and I showed him my collar and tags.

He said, “That’s really pretty, but what do the jingly things mean?”

“They tell humans that I have been to the vet and all my shots are up to date,” I said. “What are shots?” he asked. He had never been to the vet, never had a check-up, and never had his shots. He may already have been sick with roundworm or heartworm, all kinds of things.

“I have to go,” he said. “I’m getting hungry and if I don’t find my humans soon, I don’t know how I’ll get something to eat.”

He started to trot away, but I barked, “Hey Boy!” He stopped and looked back at me. “If you don’t find your humans,” I said, “come back here. My humans will give you something to eat.”

He smiled and trotted away. And that’s the last time I saw Hey Boy.

I know that there are lots of dogs out there that are just like Hey Boy, chained, ignored, and neglected. Call Danville’s alphas and see if there are ways they can keep dogs off chains. The Hendricks County Humane Society might be able to help with that, so call them, too. I’d call myself, but they probably don’t understand canine.

ANoteFromBee

What should I write about this week? Maybe Halloween. It is very close. People are putting up many decorations in their front yards. I’ve pulled out my Halloween shirts. Halloween it shall be. I found some interesting facts about Halloween on the internet.

Halloween is now the second largest holiday after Christmas. One-fourth of all candy sold in the U.S. is purchased for Halloween. Dogs have become so important to their owners. In 2019, 490 million dollars was spent on dog costumes.

The tradition of trick or treating in America probably dates back to early All Souls Parades in England. Poor people would beg for food and were given pastries called soul cakes and asked to pray for the dead of whomever gave them the cakes. There were myths in very early days that single women might use to possibly find out who their future husband might be. One of the ways ,the young woman would eat a sugary concoction that would cause her to dream of her future husband. I would imagine this myth was in the 1800’s.

Brownsburg is noted for having a haunted house in an old barn on the Konovsek property from 1969 to 19994. It was created by the imagination of Mrs. Konovsek otherwise known as Frankie. She originally invited family and friends to a small part of the barn decorated like a haunted house. The guests thought it should go public and so it did. The first year 700 people came. My family was ncluded. My son Andy was about six years old and thought the headless horseman was a dummy and hit it in the stomach. It wasn’t a dummy. it was Mr. Konovsek (otherwise known as Frank). I was appalled and made Andy apologize. Each year the number of people coming to the house grew. The all time high was 8.000 people. The crowd got so big that various groups and organizations were asked to help. Hundreds of thousands of dollars were raised and donated to many worthwhile causes. The barn was The barn was destroyed on April 27, 1994 by a tornado. However it still lives on as a favorite childhood memory of the many people who went through the Haunted House.

Bee Jones

Hunting Tips & Reflections

By Mike E. Neilson

Mike Neilson, longtime Danville High School teacher and longtime hunting enthusiast is sharing his hunting experience with our readers. He’s also shared his knowledge in three books, available on Amazon. com.

What’s in Your Day Pack?

I get this question quite a bit from students, fellow hunters, and guides. The answer depends on quite a few variables. Everybody seems to have their go-to items and most of us have some basics that we just can’t leave home without.

First, where am I hunting? If I’m hunting near home, I can afford to leave some gear in my truck knowing I can always walk back for the things I need. If I am hunting out-of-state or out of the country, I will carry more gear because I don’t have access to things I might need. On guided hunts, the outfitter will usually have a list of items including things like sunglasses, lip balm, emergency blanket (foil type), any medications needed and a GPS or compass.

Secondly, what am I hunting for? The gear I take for turkey hunting in the spring will be a bit different than the gear I take for whitetail deer hunting in the fall. Waterfowl requires steel ammo, calls, face masks, a hat and chest waders as well as temperature and precipitation appropriate clothes. Going into cactus country? Better pack, knee pads, heavy leather gloves, and of course tweezers to get those spines out. Ouch!

Third, how long will I be hunting? If I’m hunting for only a few hours, I might carry some water but no food. If I’m hunting all day, I will take a lunch and snacks. On a morning hunt, I might add an extra shirt or jacket, while on an afternoon hunt, I might not need one, so extra clothes get left out of the pack.

Fourth, what is the weather going to be while I’m hunting? If the weather is warm, I need less clothes. Warm and rain, demands other clothes plus a dry set of clothes in the truck. Cold weather that can be wet or dry requires yet other types of gear. Really cold weather demands items like handwarmers, boot blankets, hats, neck gaters, and hand muffs (camo of course!)

There are some staples that I carry in my pack. I always carry at least two light sources. There is nothing worse than walking. In a woods in the pitch dark and the dark of the moon. Truth be told, I usually have one around my neck and two more in the pack.

I always carry at least one knife. Always! Knives are such a great tool to have and sometimes I even get to use them on a critter. Cutting extra brush for a duck blind or that annoying thin limb that blocks the perfect shooting lane, all get the knife if possible.

I will carry a rangefinder during archery season but seldom during the gun season. Binoculars are in my pack most of the time especially after the leaves come off the trees and the crops are out of the fields. Bino’s are essential on trips away from the home turf. Many guides appreciate a hunter who helps scan the area for game. On a few hunts, I’ve even spotted game before the guide (as well as a lot of bushes and rocks that I swear look like critters.)

In really warm weather, I take bug repellent and sometimes a Thermacell. Skeeters, biting flies, chiggers and no-see-ums can ruin a hunt fast so these items stay in my pack until after a couple of frosts or freezes. This is especially true on spring bear hunts and hog hunting down south.

Another item that is always in my pack are my licenses and stamps. I also have transportation tags ready to put on a critter. Sounds simple but if the license is in my pack, I can change clothes and don’t have to worry about leaving it in the other pants or shirts.

I can’t leave my phone at home. I’m not addicted to the phone, but it is a versatile tool. Obviously, communications is the essential feature, but also the camera and occasionally as entertainment (Kindle books). Weather updates, GPS, compass, and if you have access to the Internet, the DNR website.

I always have a length of rope in my pack. Rope is such an essential tool. I use mine to haul up my pack, weapon of choice and has doubled as a drag rope on many occasions. If a strap on a stand breaks, I can use the rope to keep me safe. For such a lightweight object, I keep on handy all the time.

Whatever you hunt and wherever you go, I wish you the best of luck!