May/June 2019 OUR BROWN COUNTY

The Magazine of Fun and Fact FREE

Since 1995

May/June 2019

Artist Gabriel Lehman Music Center Construction

Bob Kirlin

John Hartford Memorial Fest Entering/Leaving Gatesville Sampler at Johnny’s Grub to Go Graduation • Field Notes How Ya Say It

Mealtime as a meditation? Indeed.

These flavors will inspire you to relax, savor, share and enjoy!

Repast: rē-past (noun, 14th century) the act of taking food, a meal And meals are best when shared with those you love. That’s why we started seven years ago with the simple idea of bringing folks together and offering them tools to make “repast” something special. Beginning with a collection of fine olive oils and aged balsamics, we have carefully curated complimentary offerings of olives/spreads, balsamic jams, dipping oils, salts, spice blends, gift sets and accessories. And then we put it all under one, beautiful “roof.” Stop by, warm up, and see/taste for yourself!

Visit us on facebook or follow us on instagram for updates and recipes, specials, and share your own ideas with other Wild Ones just like you!

Located at 37 W Main next to Millerʼs Ice Cream.

(812) 988-WILD (9453) • www.thewildolive.com

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

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

V NA S H I L L E

INDIANA

The Candy Dish

Yes, we really do make it ourselves!

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

812.988.0815

812.988.7606

Homemade Ice Cream

Harvest Preserve the

Homemade Fruit Butter Gourmet Food Cookbooks · Cookie Cutters Postcards · Greeting Cards Kitchen Gadgets Galore Giftware · Tea and Teaware

812.988.7606

Functional and Fine Art Made in Indiana

812.988.6675

61 West Main street · nashville, indiana

Brown County N Carmel Ridge Rd

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

Vaught Rd.

HELMSBURG

BEAN BLOSSOM

Helmsburg General Store

Cordry Lake

Sprunica Rd. Upper Bean Blossom

Monroe Music Park & Campground John Hartford Memorial Festival

Helmsburg Sawmill Pool Enterprises

Sweetwater Lake

Rosey Bolte’s Uncommon Gourd Studio

Doodles by Kara Barnard

Flower and Herb Barn Farmhouse Café

GATESVILLE

Lightspinner Studio

Gatesville Store

rove R d.

Abe Martin Lodge

Brown County State Park

135

d.

Trails End & Panhead Saloon

Monroe Reservoir

CHRISTIANSBURG

ELKINSVILLE Bob Allen Rd.

k Rd

Christi

STORY

ove r Gr

ansbu rg Rd

STONE HEAD

PIKES PEAK la Pop

T.C. Steele State Historic Site

eXplore Brown County

Rawhide Ranch

ton Cr

to BL OO

Mike’s Music and Dance Barn

to COLUMBUS

hR

TO N

46

MI

NG

BELMONT

Yellowwood Rd

Sleepy Cat Studio Ferrer Studio

Adventure

ran c

lley Rd.

Craftsman

Annie Smith Rd.

46

Kelp G

Green Va

Cox Creek Mill

Hoosier Barn & NASHVILLE A O K Table .

Old SR 4 o C 6 d wn at Bro Creek R etre all Tire y t l Co. kside R tique M Sa iner n w e Co. W BONE Bro Cre Co. An n w wn Bro NAW Bro Overlook G Lodge Brown Co Mt . Li Humane Dunham ber Gnaw Bone ty R Society Sugar Creek BBQ Store & Bakery d 19th Hole Sports Bar Heartland Tattoo Bear Wallow Webb & Sons Distillery Restoration

Amanda W. Mathis

Yellowwood Lake

Artist and/or Gallery

Hamil

Rd.

Country Club Rd

Oak Grove

Musical Entertainment

yB

Rd.

Lodging/ Camping

Mike Nickels Log Homes

Val le

Helm

Ow l Cr eek

Dr. Lisa Baker, DDS Fireplace Center

sburg

Rd

Butler Winery

BLOOMINGTON

135

to MORGANTOWN

to BL O

Dining

Clay Lick Rd

GTON

Trafalgar 252

The Apple Works

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

FRUITDALE

45 OMIN

Martinsville

Franklin

ills

Lake Lemon

135

TRAFALGAR MORGANTOWN

Hard T ruth H

NASHVILLE MAP ON PAGE 6

Indianapolis

Homestead Weaving Studio Salem’s Good Nature Farm

JEFFERSON STREET

Fallen Leaf Books

HONEYSUCKLE LANE

OLD HICKORY LANE

The Wild Olive

Brown Co. Art Guild

Hobnob Corner

ST SR 135 N

Village Green

Brown Co. Winery

New Harmony Soap Co

Main Street Shops

Foxfire

Foxfire...Boutique

Gold &Old

Redbud Terrace

Health For U

IHA

Brown Co Art Gallery

Masonic Lodge

To Brown Co Recycle Center

SR 46 To Hard Truth Hills

Old

RE/MAX Team

Office

County Offices

Woodlands Touch of Silver Gallery

Log JJail L il Nashville Spice Co.

Weed Patch Music Company

MAIN STREET

Heritage Candy Store Angry Robot Head Over Heels

Heritage Mall

Spears Pottery Juls Etc.

Our Sandwich Place

Courthouse

open M-F8-4

Pioneer Village Museum

LOCUST LANE

Miller’s Ice Cream The Candy Dish The Harvest Preserve

For Bare Feet

Trolly’s Brown Co. Rock & Fossil Shop Iris Garden Cottages & Suites Copperhead Creek Gem Mine

Brown Co Public Library

Brown Co. History Center

GOULD STREET Iris Garden Complex

Hoosier Barn & Table Heavenly Biscuit

MOUND STREET

Hidden Valley Inn

ROBERT “BUCK” STOGSDILL WAY

TO HELMSBURG - 6 MILES

The Emerald Pencil

Big Woods Pizza

MOLLY’S LANE Big Woods Village

Men’s Toy Shop

Colonial Bldg.

Carmel Corn Cottage

LaSha’s

TO BEAN BLOSSOM & MORGANTOWN

Brozinni Pizzeria

Carpenter Hills O’Brown Realty

J.B. Goods/ Life is Good

Hotel Nashville

ARTIST DR

VAN BUREN

Ironweed

JEFFERSON STREET Hoosier Buddy

Thrift Shop Community Closet

Nashville BP

PITTMAN HOUSE LANE

PAT REILLY DR

Calvin Place

Madeline’s

Schwab’s Fudge

New Leaf Amy Greely

Life is Good JB Goods

FRANKLIN STREET

Bird’s Nest Café

The Totem Post

Jack & Jill Nut Shop

Brown Co Playhouse

58 South Apparel

Artists Colony Inn

Artists Colony

Cathy’s Corner

Cedar Creek Winery

Nashville Express

Rhonda Kay’s

Coachlight Square

Chateau Thomas Winery

Bone Appetit Bakery

Brown Co Inn Hotel, Restaurant and Bar

Brown Co Community YMCA

Bear Hardware

Brown County IGA

SR 46 TO COLUMBUS - 16 MILES

VISITORS CENTER

Brown Co Craft Gallery

Cornerstone Inn

WASHINGTON STREET

Brown Co T-Shirt Shop Moondance Vacation Homes

Nashville Gyros Fudge Kitchen

Papertrix Sweetwater Gallery

Possum Trot Sq

Carol’s Gifts Fawn Hill House of Jerky Yesteryear My Red Moon Old Time Photos Back to Back Wishful Simply 4 You Thinking

VAN BUREN ST SR 135 N

SR 46 TO BLOOMINGTON - 16 MILES

McGinley Insurance

The Cheeky Owl

Franklin Sq

Ferguson House Brown Co Pottery Plum Natural Products

K. Bellum Leather

HONEYSUCKLE LANE

The Salvation Army

Clay Purl

Antique Alley

For Bare Feet

Old McDurbin Gold & Gifts

OLD SCHOOL WAY Brown County Eye Care

Seasons Lodge & Conference Center

Doodles by Kara Barnard

Salt Creek Park

Casa Del Sol

Nashville General Store

Theatre

Dining

Craftsman

Artist and/or Gallery Rest Room

Lodging

Musical Entertainment Parking

COUNTY MAP ON PAGE 5

map not to scale

Nashville Indiana

N

8 Our Brown County • May/June 2019

ADVERTISER

ANTIQUES Antiques Co-op................................. 52 Brown Co Antique Mall.................... 26 Cathy’s Corner................................... 14 The Emerald Pencil........................... 19 My Red Moon.................................... 27 Nashville General Store................... 50 Plum Creek Antiques....................... 64 ART, ART SUPPLIES, ART INSTRUCTION Antiques Co-op................................. 52 Art Beyond Crayons......................... 52 Art Walk.............................................. 47 Back Roads of Brown County Tour.13 Bear Hardware.................................. 46 Brown Co Antique Mall.................... 26 Brown Co Art Gallery....................... 18 Brown Co Art Guild........................... 19 Brown Co Craft Gallery.................... 30 Cathy’s Corner................................... 14 The Emerald Pencil........................... 19 Ferrer Studio...................................... 19 Amanda W. Mathis............................ 18 Papertrix............................................. 15 Rhoden Art at eXplore Brown Co.... 4 Lightspinner StudioMartha Sechler.................................. 12 Sleepy Cat Studio............................. 19 Spears Pottery................................... 18 Rosey Bolte-Uncommon Gourd..... 18 BOOKS Fallen Leaf Books.............................. 12 CLOTHING 58 South Apparel.............................. 40 Bear Hardware.................................. 46 Brown Co T-Shirt Shop..................... 51 The Cheeky Owl Gifts/Apparel....... 41 Community Closet Thrift Shop....... 59 For Bare Feet...................................... 30 Foxfire Boutique............................... 43 Head Over Heels............................... 59 J.B. Goods/ Life is Good................... 24

Sleepy Cat Studio............................. 19 Spears Pottery................................... 18 Sweetwater Gallery.......................... 47 The Totem Post.................................. 12 Rosey Bolte-Uncommon Gourd..... 18 Wishful Thinking............................... 27 Woodlands Gallery........................... 30 ENTERTAINMENT/MUSIC 19th Hole Sports Bar........................ 61 Brown Co History Center................. 51 Brown Co Playhouse........................ 17 Copperhead Creek Gem Mine........ 23 eXplore Brown Co............................... 4 Nashville Express Tours................... 51 FOOD & BEVERAGE 19th Hole Sports Bar........................ 61 Abe Martin Lodge............................. 28 Apple Works....................................... 47 Artists Colony Inn............................. 15 Bear Wallow Distillery...................... 41 Brown Co IGA.................................... 54 Brown Co Inn..................................... 31 Brown Co Winery.............................. 29 Brozinni Pizzeria............................... 29 Butler Winery..................................... 23 The Candy Dish................................... 3 Carmel Corn Cottage....................... 58 Casa del Sol........................................ 58 Cedar Creek Winery.......................... 26 Chateau Thomas Winery................. 53 Darlene’s at Hotel Nashville............ 63 Farmhouse Cafe................................ 14 Gatesville Store................................. 55 Gnaw Bone Country Store & Bakery............................................. 26 Gyros Food is Art.............................. 53 The Harvest Preserve......................... 3 Heavenly Biscuit............................... 46 Helmsburg General Store............... 42 Heritage Candy Store....................... 42 Hobnob Corner Restaurant............ 40 Hoosier Buddy Liquors.................... 41

Men’s Toy Shop.................................. 28 My Red Moon.................................... 27 CRAFTS, POTTERY, GIFTS Angry Robot...................................... 46 Antiques Co-op................................. 52 Apple Works....................................... 47 Art Walk.............................................. 47 Back Roads of Brown County Tour.13 Bone Appetit Bakery........................ 26 Brown Co Art Guild........................... 19 Brown Co Craft Gallery.................... 30 Brown Co Rock & Fossil Shop......... 23 Cathy’s Corner................................... 14 Carol’s Gifts........................................ 15 The Cheeky Owl Gifts/Apparel....... 41 Clay Purl............................................. 29 Cox Creek Mill.................................... 23 The Emerald Pencil........................... 19 Fawn Hill............................................. 26 The Ferguson House........................ 43 For Bare Feet...................................... 30 Foxfire................................................. 43 Gnaw Bone Country Store & Bakery............................................. 26 Head Over Heels............................... 59 Homestead Weaving Studio........... 18 Hoosier Barn & Table........................ 42 House of Clocks................................. 52 Ironweed............................................ 20 K. Bellum Leather............................. 30 Lightspinner StudioMartha Sechler.................................. 12 Madeline’s.......................................... 59 Men’s Toy Shop.................................. 28 My Red Moon.................................... 27 Nashville General Store................... 50 New Harmony Soap Co.................... 57 New Leaf............................................. 19 Papertrix............................................. 15 Plum Natural Products.................... 26 Rhonda Kay’s..................................... 40 Simply 4 You...................................... 27

DIRECTORY Hotel Nashville.................................. 63 House of Jerky................................... 58 Jack and Jill Nut Shop...................... 53 Miller’s Ice Cream................................ 3 Nashville BP....................................... 15 Nashville Fudge Kitchen.................. 68 Nashville General Store................... 50 Nashville Spice Co............................. 67 Our Sandwich Place......................... 51 Schwab’s Fudge................................. 51 Seasons............................................... 14 Sugar Creek BBQ............................... 12 Trolly’s................................................. 42 The Wild Olive..................................... 2 FURNITURE Antiques Co-op................................. 52 The Ferguson House........................ 43 HARDWARE Bear Hardware.................................. 46 HATS Head Over Heels............................... 59 K. Bellum Leather............................. 20 JEWELRY Back Roads of Brown County Tour.13 Brown Co Antique Mall.................... 26 Brown Co Craft Gallery.................... 30 Cathy’s Corner................................... 14 Ferguson House................................ 43 Foxfire................................................. 43 Juls Etc................................................ 24 LaSha’s................................................ 50 New Leaf............................................. 19 Old McDurbin Gold & Gifts............. 53 Rhonda Kay’s..................................... 40 Spears Pottery................................... 18 The Totem Post.................................. 12 Touch of Silver Gold & Old.............. 24 LODGING/CAMPGROUNDS Abe Martin Lodge............................. 28 Artists Colony Inn............................. 15 Brown Co Inn..................................... 31 Brown Co KOA................................... 51

May/June 2019 • Our Brown County 9

Cornerstone Inn................................ 12 Creekside Retreat............................. 53 eXplore Brown Co............................... 4 Hidden Valley Inn............................. 24 Hotel Nashville.................................. 63 Iris Garden Cottages & Suites......... 23 Moondance Vacation Homes......... 46 Overlook Lodge................................ 32 Seasons............................................... 14 MUSEUMS Brown Co History Center................. 51 PET PRODUCTS Bone Appetit Bakery........................ 26 PHOTOS Spears Pottery................................... 18 Yesteryear Old Tim Photos.............. 27 REAL ESTATE Carpenter Hills o’ Brown Realty..... 59 RE/MAX-Marg & Brenda.................. 65 RECREATION eXplore Brown Co............................... 4 Grandpa Jeff’s Trail Rides................ 53 SERVICES (see also SERVICES DIRECTORY) Brown Co Humane Society............. 47 Brown Co Recycle Center................ 55 Brown Co Visitors Center................. 33 Dr. Lisa Baker, DDS........................... 40 Dunham Plumbing........................... 65 Helmsburg Sawmill Inc/ Pool Enterprises Inc.......................... 58 Keyed IN Property Mgt.................... 65 Nashville BP....................................... 15 SERVICES DIRECTORY 64-65 Bear Hardware Bagged Trash Brown Co Community YMCA Brown Co Eye Care Brown Co Tire & Auto Critser’s Flowers & Gifts Critser’s Greenhouse Dunham Plumbing Farmers Insurance—McGinley

Flower and Herb Barn Health For U Helmsburg Sawmill IN Seamless Guttering Keyed IN Property Mgt. Plum Creek Antiques Rambling Dog Design - SIGNS RE/MAX Team Marg & Brenda Waltman Construction Co. Webb & Sons Auto Restoration SHOES Head Over Heels............................... 59 K. Bellum Leather............................. 30 The Totem Post.................................. 12 SPECIALTY SHOPS Bone Appetit Bakery........................ 26 Brown Co Rock & Fossil Shop......... 23 Clay Purl............................................. 29 Fallen Leaf Books.............................. 12 Fireplace Center................................ 58 Head Over Heels............................... 59 House of Clocks................................. 52 House of Jerky................................... 58 K. Bellum Leather............................. 30 Men’s Toy Shop.................................. 28 Nashville Spice Co............................. 67 Papertrix............................................. 15 Weed Patch Music Company.......... 57 Wishful Thinking............................... 27 STAINED GLASS Back Roads of Brown County Tour.13 Sweetwater Gallery.......................... 47 WEDDINGS Artists Colony Inn............................. 15 Hotel Nashville.................................. 63 OTHER Brown Co Humane Society............. 47 Helmsburg Sawmill Inc/ Pool Enterprises Inc.......................... 58 Mike Nickels Log Homes................. 55 Salem’s Good Nature Farm............. 26

Contents 16 Bob Kirlin ~by Chrissy Alspaugh 20 Brown County Music Center ~by Ryan Stacy 25 Timberdoodle

~by Jim Eagleman

32 Indiana Heritage Arts Show

34-35 Photos ~by Monique Cagle* 36-37 Calendar of Events

38 Artist Gabriel Lehman

~by Bob Gustin

44 Gatesville

~by Julia Pearson

48 John Hartford Festival

~by Paige Langenderfer

56 Sampler: Johnny’s Grub 60 How You Say It ~by Mark Blackwell 62 Graduation ~by Jeff Tryon 64-65 Services Directory

66 Unpolitically Incorrect

~by Gunther Flumm

OUR BROWN COUNTY ourbrowncounty.com ourbrown@bluemarble.net

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

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

Contributors 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. She does the weaving while he gives studio tours, builds small looms, and expands his book and record collections.

Ryan Stacy is a content writer at Monroe County Public Library, and also enjoys writing about Brown County. He and his wife live in Bloomington, where they can often be found chasing movies, good food, and cultural events. His other interests include reading, photography, and music.

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 Dada and Surealism for Beginners, and Music Theory for Beginners. He is an editorial cartoonist for the Bloomington Herald Times, a graduate of Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Clown College, and a veteran circus performer.

Paige Langenderfer is a freelance writer and communications consultant.

She writes for numerous publications. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in journalism from Indiana University and her Master’s degree in public relations management from IUPUI. Paige lives in Columbus with her husband and daughters. Contact her at <langenderferpaige@gmail.com>.

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.

Julia Pearson wrote for a Franciscan magazine for ten years and served as its human interest editor. She and husband Bruce now reside in Lake Woebegone Country for life’s continuing adventures. Julia enjoys traveling and visiting museums of all types and sizes, with her children and grandchildren.

Jim Eagleman, recently retired DNR naturalist, and his wife Kay, enjoy hiking the many natural areas, preserves, and land trust sites in Brown and neighboring counties. His FIELD NOTES have appeared in this publication for several years. Contact Jim with comments and inquiries at <jpeagleman@gmail.com>.

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

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

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 mosaics.

*Monique Cagle, a Brown County artist, lives

Cover: John Hartford Memorial Festival

Singing Pines Projects, Inc. copyright 2019

10 Our Brown County • May/June 2019

~by Cindy Steele

near Yellowwood State Forest, where she finds inspiration for her many branches of art. She began taking photos of the landscape 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 <sleepycatstudio.com>.

Thanks, Mom, for making it happen!

Coloring Contest Win $20

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

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

May/June 2019 • Our Brown County 11

#1 Rated on TripAdvisor Custom gift certificates for all occasions

Come to Gnaw Bone for some tasty BBQ

Open for Lunch and Dinner • Wednesday–Sunday 812-988-5810 • SugarCreekBBQco.com • Wed.–Thurs. 11–8, Fri.–Sat. 11–9, Sun. 11–7

4359 State Road 46 East • Nashville, IN 47448 10 minutes from downtown Nashville. Look for the flags on the south side of the highway.

The Totem Post ~Since 1952~

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

Visit our website for best deals and availability: cornerstoneinn.com

Lightspinner STUDIO

Martha Sechler Unique Watercolors Mixed Media Gourd Art

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

12 Our Brown County • May/June 2019

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

Guess Photo Win $20 WHERE IS IT? Call (812) 988-8807 The first person to call gets the prize money.

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

Last issue’s photo was the Cheeky Owl sign in Nashville. Davie Kean was the first to guess.

Subscriptions make great gifts

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

Name:

Address:

Send with check or money order to:

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

May/June 2019 • Our Brown County 13

Lodge & Conference Center

TUESDAYS: Tex-Mex served in the bar 5–8:00 p.m.

SUNDAYS: Fried Chicken Buffet 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

• Balcony Rooms

• Restaurant • Lounge

• Enclosed pool

• Conference facility for up to 500 people

560 State Road 46 East, Nashville, IN 812-988-2284 • SeasonsLodge.com 14 Our Brown County • May/June 2019

.

Find what you love…

Love what you find

1 3 Y ea r Anniversa r

y

the

Inn & Restaurant

A Charming 19th Century Style Inn and Restaurant

Dynamic classes and demo table.

Artistic Rubber Stamps For cardmaking, & Scrapbooking collage & altered art • 20 Guest Rooms, 3 Suites with Whirlpool Baths • Banquet and Conference Rooms for Retreats or Parties • Gift Certificates Available Serving Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Breakfast Buffet 7:30 am–10:30 am Monthly Dinner Theatre Shows At the corner of Van Buren and Franklin Streets in Nashville, Indiana

812-988-0600 • 800-737-0255

artistscolonyinn.com

Carol’s Gifts Since 1981

Glass Baron Hand-blown Glass Jim Shore Collectibles Handmade Soap & Bath Bombs Lori Mitchell Figurines Fontanini Nativities Amia Suncatchers Painted Ponies Lang Graphics Calendars & Paper Goods Billy Jacobs Prints Gooseberry Patch Cookbooks Blue Mountain Greeting Cards

Wind Chimes • Music Boxes • Children’s Books Halloween & Christmas Gifts & Décor

Locally Handcrafted Pewter Christmas Ornaments 125 S. Van Buren St. • Artists Colony Shops • Nashville, IN Open 363 Days • 812-988-6388

The newest items and techniques!

Receive

3 FREE Sheets of 12” x 12” SCRAPBOOK PAPER* with this coupon.

Shop our excellent selection of scrapbook papers, new releases, sale papers at half off, and our 3 for $1.00 bins. (*coupon scrapbook paper from a select collection) 160 Old School Way in Nashville behind Village Candlemaker

(812) 988-2002 www.papertrix.com

Fresh In-Store Donuts

Broasted Chicken 812-988-1822

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

May/June 2019 • Our Brown County 15

Bob Kirlin

What he can do, he will do.

~story and photo by Chrissy Alspaugh

B

ob Kirlin’s resume is riddled with titles including CEO, president, chairman, and broker.

But don’t be fooled—his heart always has been on stage.

That’s great news for Brown County Playhouse, one of the many organizations to which Kirlin devotes his time and talent. He is the chairman of the playhouse board of directors, which assumed operational duties of the theater in February, when Executive Director Suzannah Zody became ill.

Kirlin, also associate broker at Carpenter Realtors, said it’s been “a pleasure” to work more intimately with the playhouse this spring. “I might be weird,” he said, chuckling, “but I absolutely love this place.”

His affection for the stage was sparked by tap-dance lessons at age 7. Kirlin laughed at the memory of tap-dancing while simultaneously playing drums at the Indiana State Fair when he

16 Our Brown County • May/June 2019

was 15. “My mom said, ‘Bobby, whatever happens, you just keep smiling and showing your dimples.’ Well, the set-screw on my drum stand came loose, but I just kept on smiling and dancing as it slid all the way down to the floor.”

The self-proclaimed “farm boy” from Milton, Indiana took careful note of how hard his parents worked, how involved they were in their community, and how adamant they were about leaving the world a better place than they found it.

“That’s probably why in my life, if God puts it there in front of me, I’ll jump in and work on it,” Kirlin said.

Thirty days after graduating from Franklin College with a degree in physical education, he was drafted into the Army. A typewriter error resulted in Kirlin working as a physical therapist for a year and a half in San Antonio, Texas, treating burn patients from the Vietnam War. That mix-up likely prevented him from being deployed; “It probably saved my life,” he said.

Kirlin spent 32 years in the men’s apparel industry, with his home in Cincinnati and office in New York City. He said those years of nonstop travel were difficult. However, he loved that that part of his life also included frequent Broadway theater shows.

Later while his sons, Brad and Chuck, studied at Indiana University, Kirlin and his wife, Chris, fell in love with Brown County as tourists. They relocated here 22 years ago, and Kirlin quickly established himself as a community leader and advocate, serving as Nashville Town Council President for a decade, opening two stores downtown, championing the Salt Creek Trail from concept to completion, and serving on a plethora of boards and committees in between.

Kirlin’s said his heart hung heavy after the community felt the economic loss of Ski World closing, and then the Little Nashville Opry burned and closed. When rumors surfaced that the Indiana University Foundation, which ran the Brown County Playhouse, considered closing the theater, Kirlin was CEO of the Brown County Community Foundation and said he

“knew that sucker had to stay open.” He helped form a committee to secure its future. The foundation ultimately gifted the Playhouse to the community. “My dreams come true now every single day I see it open,” Kirlin said.

He believes the theater’s future is brighter than ever. The board recently hired its first assistant executive director, Indiana University graduate Hannah Estabrook. Coupling fresh talent with fresh movies and programming on stage, outreach to make the theater available for other Brown County nonprofits’ fundraisers, and the theater’s 70th anniversary this year, Kirlin said, “It’s a really exciting time for us.”

And frankly, it’s an exciting time for him, too. The now 76-year-old grandfather of four has been testing the retirement waters over the past few months with what he’s dubbed

“Retirement Friday.” One recent Friday, he cheerfully stayed home and accomplished little other than watching basketball. But the idea of slowing down hasn’t quite stuck yet, between the playhouse, selling real estate, and serving on the boards at Nashville United Methodist Church and the regional nonprofit Thrive Alliance, which provides housing and meals for low-income senior citizens.

Kirlin simply loves Brown County too much to give anything less than his best. He credited the tight-knit community for supporting his family after his and Chris’s son, Chuck, died three years ago from a brain tumor.

“We made it through because of these folks,” Kirlin said.

“So, when I die, I want to make sure we’ve left it better than when we came. I just follow my mom’s saying, ‘I am only one, but I am one. What I can do, I will do.’” 

May 3

May 10

May 18

May 24

May 25

May 31

June 1

June 7, 8 & 9

June 14

June 15

June 21

June 22

812.988.6555 · BrownCountyPlayhouse.org Showtimes, tickets & schedule online Box Office: Thursday–Sunday | 70 S. Van Buren · Nashville, IN

May/June 2019 • Our Brown County 17

HOMESTEAD WEAVING STUDIO Quality Handwovens

by Chris Gustin

Brown County Art Gallery Brown County’s Original Art Gallery · established 1926 ·

GALLERIES · SPECIAL EXHIBITS · CONSIGNMENT ART WORKSHOPS · PROGRAMS

Yarn • Looms • Supplies • Classes Southeastern Brown County 6285 Hamilton Creek Road Columbus, IN 47201

Open 11 to 5 most days CALL AHEAD Visit us on the Back Roads Tour

www.HomesteadWeaver.com • 812-988-8622

UPCOMING GALLERY EVENTS APRIL 20 – MAY 5 21st Annual Mabel B. Annis

Student Art Competition

MAY 4-31 Traditional Arts in Indiana Exhibit MAY 20 Artists Association Summer Show Opens JUNE 9 41st Indiana Heritage Arts Annual Exhibit JULY 13 – AUG 4

Modern Art Exhibit from IU Grunwald Gallery

Visit our website for a complete calendar of workshops and events

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

Downtown Nashville (S. Van Buren St. near stoplight/courthouse) • Open Daily

www.spearspottery.com • 812.988.1286 • Spears Gallery on Facebook

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

Amanda W. Mathis Originals, Prints, and Cards

photo by Michele Wedel

Open Daily • Call for Hours • 812-320-0747 220 Kelp Grove Rd. • Nashville, IN • amandamathisart.com Also represented by Spears Gallery and the Brown County Art Gallery in Nashville

18 Our Brown County • May/June 2019

Sleepy Cat Studio

FERRER STUDIO

Original Paintings Prints • Classes

by DIXIE

4108 Yellowwood Rd. Nashville, IN

H o m e o f Ace

&

t

he gr a in b in mice

Art by Monique Cagle 4687 Yellowwood Road, Nashville • 812-361-4615 Open by appointment • Sleepy Cat Studio • SleepyCatStudio.com

Open by appointment | 812-988-1245 | DixieFerrer.com | Dixie Ferrer Also represented by Brown County Art Guild

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

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

THE GUILD. FINE ART BY FINE ARTISTS.

© 2018 Brown County Art Guild, Inc.

Featuring handcrafted jewelry by owner Amy Greely

JOEY ON THE TRACKS (OIL) BY WAYNE CAMPBELL

WELCOME TO THE HISTORIC ART GUILD Experience two floors of gallery space with work from over 45 award-winning local and regional artists together with an extensive permanent collection of early Brown County artists. There are featured exhibits, artist demonstrations and a Fine Artisan gift shop to enjoy.

48 S. Van Buren Street Nashville, IN 47448 BrownCountyArtGuild.org 812 988-6185 LILACS BY VJ CARIANI

May/June 2019 • Our Brown County 19

First show Vince Gill tickets SOLD OUT in 30 minutes!

courtesy photo

F

~by Ryan Stacy

or many who visit or live here, Brown County’s appeal lies in our honoring of the past. Others are focused on the future, looking forward to the ways innovation sustains our quality of life as we find our place as a community in an ever-changing world. Either way, we agree on one thing: the bedrock of Brown County— past, present, and future—is our longstanding support of the arts.

When the Little Nashville Opry burned down in 2009, the local arts scene lost a treasure that hosted country music’s biggest names for over three decades. And thanks to the vision and persistence of members of the community and local government, year-round, big-name entertainment is back in Nashville this August, when the 2,000 seat Brown County Music Center opens its doors at 200 Maple Leaf Boulevard.

“As soon as the Opry burned, [local architect and musician] Doug

Harden started making drawings for a new place,” remembers Jim Schultz, Vice President of the Brown County Redevelopment Commission and Chair of the new facility’s Construction Committee. After almost ten years, thousands of volunteer hours, and the securing of a $12 million-plus loan for the project, Jim says, ground on the new site was broken last summer, and the Center is on track to open in time for country music star Vince Gill’s performance at its inaugural concert August 24.

To make the deadline, everything’s full steam ahead at the construction site just east of downtown Nashville.

The walls of the poured concrete and block structure are up, as is the steel girding that will support the Center’s 50,000 pounds of lighting. But, says Jim, it’s the venue’s acoustics that’s guided most of the design decisions on the project.

20 Our Brown County • May/June 2019

“We consulted with Steven Durr, a world-renowned facility designer, to be sure everything would be right,” he explains. “He told us that the two keys to attracting top-notch performers are great sound and great accommodations.” So even before settling on a building design, the project’s vetting group set out to find a spot that would wow performers and audiences alike. The property they chose, Jim says, overlooks a beautiful view of Salt Creek and offers plenty of parking for tour buses as well as fans.

“Lots of times, musical acts pull into a venue, and they’re parked in an alley, in the middle of a congested city, in all the hustle and bustle,” he says.

“We’ll have full hookups for their buses, a fenced area for them to relax, and great dressing rooms. We want them to remember Brown County as a great destination to play.”

As for the acoustics: “We’ve had industry people in looking at our plans,

Building the Dream

Brown County Music Center ”We consulted with Steven Durr, a worldrenowned facility designer, to be sure everything would be right.

He told us that the two keys to attracting topnotch performers are great sound and great accommodations.”

—Jim Schultz

Jim Schultz, chair of the facility’s Construction Committee. photo by Ryan Stacy looking at the building, and they’re impressed,” says Jim. “There’s going to be wooden fixtures that trap the bass frequencies that can drown out the music, and there will be reflectors up above the crowd that bounce the higher frequencies back down. There won’t be a bad seat in the house.”

The acts the Music Center books, which as of press time include Vince Gill, Tesla, George Thorogood, Here Come the Mummies, and Peppa Pig, represent a wide range of genres and performance experiences. They’ll

be expertly illuminated onstage thanks to Bandit Lites, another industry leader for venues of the Music Center’s size.

Although the journey to getting the Music Center up and running has seen its share of challenges, Jim attributes the overall success of the project to the relationships forged long ago by its various partners and volunteers. “It’s a trust network,” he says.

Between the big-name draws and the stunning sights and sounds

of the venue itself, the County is confident that the Music Center will have no problem paying off its construction loan with ticket sales, Jim explains. After that, ownership of the facility will be transferred to Brown County, and the Music Center’s success will directly benefit the community. “Under the formula we’ve worked out, 25 percent of revenues will go to the county’s general fund, and 75 percent will be distributed as grants to local

Continued on 22

May/June 2019 • Our Brown County 21

courtesy photo

MUSIC CENTER continued from 21 nonprofits and local government. This allows us to use the Center as a sustainable investment that can fund projects that things like the local innkeeper’s tax and local income taxes can’t.”

In addition to the national acts already booked, Jim says, over 30 others have indicated interest in coming to the Music Center. Local organizations and non-musical performances will also fill the venue’s calendar, which will be announced as dates are filled.

Contact the Brown County Music Center for more information or to volunteer at <browncountymusiccenter.com>, or through the Facebook page. Tickets will be available at the Brown County Visitors Center 211 South Van Buren Street, Nashville (812) 988-5323 or online at <ticketmaster.com>. 

22 Our Brown County • May/June 2019

TAKE A SEAT Dana Beth Evans, Executive Director, came up with a clever way to bring in some tax-deductible donations for the new Brown County Music Center. It is called the “TAKE A SEAT” program, where you can reserve your favorite seat in the house for a year for a donation of $500 (actual ticket price not included). That donation doesn’t commit you to purchase a ticket for all the shows, it gives you the right of first refusal. She said the Music Center plans to handle 100 seat reservations and they already have 30.

Nashville, Indiana’s #1 Fun Attraction

COPPERHEAD CREEK

GEM MINE Pan for Gems Fossils Arrowheads

Fun and Educational for All Ages

BROWN COUNTY

ROCK and FOSSIL SHOP

Open 7 days a week, Year round

5000 lbs. of NEW Beautiful & Unique Specimens for 2018

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

www.butlerwinery.com

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

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

Unique Metal Art Studio

www.VisitBrownCounty.com

(812) 988-2422

home of

The Iron Gate

by Brad Cox 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.

4705 Annie Smith Rd. Nashville theirongatebybradcox@yahoo.com

Hours vary.

Call ahead.

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

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

May/June 2019 • Our Brown County 23

in Nashville, IN

172 N. Van Buren Street AND

102 S. Van Buren Street (Calvin Place)

www.JBGoods.com • 812-988-0900

Albert C. Drake r e

Goldsmith and Silv Silversmith lversmiith h All Suite Hotel Located in Downtown Nashville Private Bedroom with King Bed Dining Area and Fully Equipped Kitchenette Living Room with Queen Sofa Sleeper Private Porch/Balcony • Free WIFI Fireplaces and Whirlpool Baths available

Call for Specials

812.988.9000 • 877.988.9099

201 North Van Buren St. Nashville, IN • www.hiddenvalleyinn.net

24 Our Brown County • May/June 2019

47 yyears rs off q quality service in n Bro r wn Co C unty Brown County

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

FIELD NOTES: The Timberdoodle ~by Jim Eagleman

H

ere is a bird question for you: “What plump, shortlegged, long-billed bird spends most of its time hidden in fields and on the forest floor probing for earthworms?” It could be only one bird that meets those requirements. Then add that at this time of year it performs an aerial courtship that is well worth observing. It is the American Woodcock, or “timberdoodle” to some. And what a sky dance this bird performs!

On spring nights, the male woodcock performs a very conspicuous display, giving a buzzy “peeeent” call and then launching into the air. To mimic the sound pinch your nose and say “peent.”

The timberdoodle’s erratic, upwardly spiral fight includes a distinctive, twittering sound and ends with a steep, zigzag dive back to nearly the same spot where it took off. This routine is repeated from late March through April evenings and into May, just at dusk. Open, short-stubble fields is a good place to listen for and watch the sky dance. It’s thought that the bird can’t land or perform its ground portion of the mating ritual if dense grass or tree seedlings are higher than a few inches. The ground display is just as entertaining as the aerial part. Before taking off, the peenting is accompanied by a quick change in direction, with a short little hop and a slight hiccup sound.

This spring, on a bike ride through the state park just at dusk, we watched several woodcock perform, flying from one open area along the road to the next. The large playing field near the fire tower, Weed Patch Hill, was our destination since it is wide and open, but we heard the first call before arriving. We watched the bird perform into darkness. Lights from our bikes scanned the ground and caught the bird at each landing.

The woodcock is slightly bigger than a robin, but you may think of a robin with its usual long legs. Shorten the

legs, lengthen the bill to two or more inches, add a few more ounces of plumpness to the overall body, and you approach the woodcock. Shorten the robin’s tail, too. It weighs about 12 ounces with a wingspan of about 16 inches. Some may think it isn’t a game bird, but it is. Woodcock is hunted in Louisiana, the most populated state for woodcock in the country, and over 10,500 birds were harvested there in recent years. Along with hunted game birds like grouse, quail, and pheasant, woodcock season in Indiana is in the fall, October 15–November 28, with a limit of three a day.

While it is technically a shorebird that lives and breeds in expansive coastal areas, the woodcock has forsaken the marshes for forested habitats. During the day, it prefers thickets with rich, moist forest soils. This is where it finds earthworms, a preferred food, but it will also feed on soil insects, their larvae, slugs, and sow bugs. The woodcock uses its long bill for extracting food from the soil. The upper mandible is flexible (visualize a pair of rubber-tipped tweezers), and it can open the tip of the bill under the soil to seize its prey. Evidence of this feeding can be detected by looking for probe holes in the soil.

A favorite author, best known for his addition of science to the field of wildlife biology in the early 1930s, is biologist, Aldo Leopold. He wrote extensively on how birds and animals live and interact with habitat, their food, predators, and breeding range with several textbooks on the subject.

Perhaps he is best known for a more poetic work, A Sand County Almanac. Leopold wonderfully describes the woodcock’s aerial ritual in a chapter called “Sky Dance.” He recounts the annual performance like a detective, but as a scientist he hadn’t quite figured out the entire story. Using students and repeatedly refining his data, he addressed the unknowns and revolutionized the discipline.

Continued on 26

May/June 2019 • Our Brown County 25

TIMBERDOODLE continued from 25

38 Franklin St. E. | Nashville, IN | drinkatthecreek.com | Open Every Day

At the end of the chapter, he writes: “The drama of the sky dance is enacted nightly on hundreds of farms, the owners of which sign for entertainment, but harbor the illusion that it is to be sought in theaters. They live on the land, but not by the land. The woodcock refutes the theory that the utility of a game bird is to serve as a target, or to pose gracefully on a slice of toast.

No one would rather hunt woodcock in October than I, but since learning of the sky dance I find myself calling one or two birds enough. I must be sure that come spring, there be no dearth of dancers in the sunset sky.” 

Gnaw Bone

Fawn Hill

Country Store & Bakery

Rustic Home Décor

*Homemade Baked Goods *Antiques *Local Products *Artist Goods 4883 SR 46 E. Gnaw Bone, IN

Lamps, Lanterns, Candles, Wreaths, Pillows, Bags, Shirts Picture Frames and more...

812-988-4266 www.gnawbonebakery.com gnawbonecsbakery@gmail.com

In the Artists Colony Shops - Upstairs (Elevator Available) 125 S. Van Buren St. • Nashville, IN • 812-200-3200

Family-owned since 1995 Established 1972

Open Daily • Closed Tuesdays

Bath th Bomb Mania

Soaps

70 + Dealers • We buy and sell Brown County Antique Mall • 3288 State Road 46 East 3 miles east of Nashville, IN • 13 miles west of I-65 Open 7 Days a week till 5:30 • 812-988-1025

Bath Bombs

Natural Products

Bubble Bars B

Shampoo Deodorant S Sugar

Scrubs

Antique Alley Nashville, IN • 90 W. Franklin St. (513) 276-2170 • plum-natural-soap-co.myshopify.com

BONE APPETIT BAKERY For Dogs

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

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

DOGS WELCOME! (812) 988-0305

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

www.barkingood.com

26 Our Brown County • May/June 2019

SR 135 Rd S. to 8419 Bob Allen Rd in Southern Brown County (812) 988-7053 • Open Mon.–Sat. 10am–6pm; Sun. 10am–3pm

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...

Sepia Old Time Color Color Black & White

145 S. Van Buren St. Nashville, IN 812-350-8806 Simply 4 You Gift Shop Simply_4_you@aol.com

Established 2001

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

145 S. Van Buren Nashville, IN Next to Artist Colony Inn, behind My Red Moon

Weekdays 10–6, Sat. 10–7, Sun. 10–6

812-988-7305

FREE in-store demos!

Old School Way and Pittman House Lane

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

Antiques, Apparel, Curiosities & Collectibles 145 S. Van Buren St. Nashville, IN • Back-to-Back Complex Open Friday and Saturday 10 to 5 May/June 2019 • Our Brown County 27

Abe Martin Lodge A Splashin’ Good Time! & the Little Gem Restaurant Our full service restaurant is open daily

New Cabin Suites

• Slide • Water Channel • Fountains • Dump Buckets • Waterfall

We have the room for you Guest rooms, two-story cabins, historic cabins, cabin suites Ask about our pet-friendly rooms

There is always something to do in Indiana’s largest State Park: Aquatic Center, Horse Back Riding, Mountain Bike Trails, Fishing, Tennis...

We have the perfect setting for any event: Corporate Retreats, Weddings, Getaways and Family Reunions, and more!

Brown County State Park • P.O. Box 547 • Nashville, IN • 1-877-Lodges-1 • (812) 988-4418 • www.indianainns.com

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

’ Luminox Watches (used by Navy Seals)

Fine Pipes and Tobaccos Premium Cigars

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

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

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

28 Our Brown County • May/June 2019

Variety of T-Shirts

Wooden Signs made in Southern Indiana

Brown County Winery · award winning quality wines since 1986 · Complimentary Tastings at Two Tasting Rooms

WINERY IN GNAWBONE

4520 State Road 46 East · Nashville 812.988.6144

VILLAGE OF NASHVILLE East Main & Old School Way 812.988.8646

OPEN DAILY

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

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

Order Online! BROWNCOUNTYWINERY.COM come see us in antique alley…

92 w franklin st ¥ nashville, in ¥ 812.988.0336 mon - sat 11- 5, sun1- 4, also tue evenings

AUTHENTIC NEW YORK STYLE PIZZA

A family-friendly pizza place PIZZA • SALADS • CALZONES

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

Dine-In or Carry-Out

Sun.–Thurs. 11am–9:00pm; Fri. & Sat. 11am–10:00pm

May/June 2019 • Our Brown County 29

Featuring Leather Goods Made in Brown County

Fine Leather Goods

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

And Shoes: Haflinger, Arcopedico, Sheepskin Slippers

local artisans

created by hand

92 W. Franklin, Antique Alley, Nashville, IN 812-988-4513

E S T

1 9 7 8

BROWN COUNTY 87 East Main Street • Nashville, IN (812) 988-6080 • thewoodlandsgallery.net

A unique cooperative gallery featuring fine arts and crafts by local and area artists

Open Year Round · 10 AM - 5 PM daily VISIT US IN OUR NEW LOCATION!

62 E. Washington St. · Nashville, IN 47448 BrownCountyCraftGallery.com 812.988.7058 BCCraftGallery

@BCcraftgallery

30 Our Brown County • May/June 2019

188 South Jefferson St�eet in Nashville, Indiana (812) 200-3151 Free Customer Parking www.ironweedgiſts.com info@ironweedgiſts.com Bouquets, plants, gifts, balloons, cards & more

brown County Inn HOTEL, RESTAURANT & BAR

On the corner of 135 & 46 just 3 blocks of downtown with free parking Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week 8am to 9pm Sunday to Thursday 8am to 10pm Friday & Saturday

www.browncountyinn.com (812) 988-2291

May/June 2019 â&#x20AC;¢ Our Brown County 31

Indiana Heritage Arts I

41st Exhibition and Sale

ndiana Heritage Arts (IHA) makes its home at the historic Brown County Art Gallery in Nashville, Indiana. The annual IHA Exhibition and Sale started as a local competition and grew to be statewide.

It is now open to any artist with ties to Indiana.

The June IHA show begins on June 8, 2019 and runs until June 29. It is one of the largest art competitions in the Midwest, handing out as much as $80,000 in prize money and purchase awards to the winners. Over 130 artists enter art work to be juried and selected for hanging. All paintings are for sale.

The popular People’s Choice award of $500 will be awarded at the close of this year’s show to the artist garnering the most votes from the viewing audience.

Indiana Heritage Arts has acquired a permanent collection of more than 15 paintings that hang in the IHA space in the Brown County Art Gallery.

Jim Ross, Indianapolis gallery owner and long-time IHA show organizer, said, “Our show’s goal is to encourage artists of today who are working in the traditional style made renown by Hoosier artists painting in the late 1800s and early 1900s in Brown County.”

Last year’s IHA Gold winner, “Rainy Day Peonies” by Beth Schweier.

Bill Farnsworth is this year’s judge. A 1980 graduate of Ringling College of Art and Design, Farnsworth has spent more than 34 years as an illustrator and fine artist.

Hours for the free exhibition are 10 to 5 Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 Sunday at the Brown County Art Gallery, Main Street and Artist Drive in Nashville.

Information is at (812) 988-4609 or <IndianaHeritageArts.org>. 

The Overlook Lodge Golf packages available Living room, 1 or 2 bedrooms Kitchen and deck

Great Rates

Seasonal outddoor pool, hoot tub 19thh Hole Spoortts Bar Beautiful view off golf course

Condominium style hotel with all the comforts of home

Located at Salt Creek Golf Retreat • 2359 State Road 46 East, Nashville, IN 812-988-7888 • www.saltcreekgolf.com 32 Our Brown County • May/June 2019

Enjoy a taste-filled journey of Brown County wineries & distilleries.

TAKE A SIPPIN’ TRIP AND LIFT YOUR SPIRITS WITH THIS ONE-OF-A-KIND EXPERIENCE.

Be our guest

Get demonstrations, tips and insights from knowledgeable wine & spirits experts

on a unique excursion to the diverse artisan wineries and distilleries around Brown County. Transportation will be provided

by Nashville General Store Express as needed, and special amenities will make this a fun-filled afternoon—planned especially for your enjoyment.

Our participants have gone out of their way to create something you will not soon forget. Call us for more information at 812 988-7303 or go to browncounty.com/tours.

PARTICIPANTS: BEAR WALLOW DISTILLERY | BROWN COUNTY WINERY | CHATEAU THOMAS WINERY | HARD TRUTH HILLS | NASHVILLE GENERAL STORE EXPRESS

May/June 2019 • Our Brown County 33

photos by Monique Cagle

calendar Brown County Playhouse Riders in the Sky May 3 America’s favorite cowboys Superstar May 10 The songs and stories of The Carpenters Back in the Day May 18 70s & 80s classic rock Rock & Roll Will Never Die May 24 The King May 25 The Art of Radio with David Ossman and Phil Proctor May 31 George Jones & Tammy Wynette Tribute June 1 I’ve Got the Music in Me June 7, 8, & 9 1960s musical productions Flat and Harmony Experiment June 14 Sunset Stomp June 15 Dixieland jazz band Brown County Community Band June 21 Tunes of the 40s, 50s and beyond Sounds of Dreams June 22 Loving the big band sounds FIRST RUN MOVIES ON THE BIG SCREEN Thursday through Sunday, (except for special events) Check website for schedule 70 S. Van Buren St. 812-988-6555 www.BrownCountyPlayhouse.org

Chateau Thomas Winery Music Friday and Saturday 7:00-10:00 May 3 JC Clements May 4 Gary Applegate & Joe Rock May 10 Cari Ray “For a Song” Series May 11 Robbie Bowden &

Carolyn Dutton May 17 Ross Benson Trio May 18 TBA May 24 Impasse May 25 CoPilots May 31 Brad Kleinschmidt &

Casey Harshbarger June 1 Comedy Night - Lissa Sears June 7 Cari Ray “For a Song” Series June 8 Mesa Rain June 14 Chuck Wills Trio June 15 CSNY Tribute June 21 Ross/Open Mic

Some dates not booked at time of publication.

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

June 22 Amanda Webb June 28 Robbie Bowden &

Carolyn Dutton June 29 Impasse 812-988-8500 www.ChateauThomas.com

June 22 TBA June 27 Kade Puckett June 28 Foster Jones June 29 Opal Fly 800-772-5249 www.BrownCountyInn.com

19th Hole at Salt Creek Golf

Hard Truth Hills

Live Music Saturdays; Live Trivia Mondays Euchre Thursdays May 4 John D. Karaoke May 11 Dan Kirk Band May 18 Slip Mahoney May 25 Ryan Harrison June 1 John D. Karaoke June 8 South of 44 June 15 Tyler Poe June 22 Ryan Harrison June 29 Dan Kirk Band 812-988-7888 www.SaltCreekGolf.com

Check Facebook for latest music bookings May 4 Six Ways to Sunday May 4 Isaac Rudd & The Revolvers May 7 Brad Kleinschmidt Duo May 10 Governor Davis Band May 11 TBA May 14 RocKandy Duo May 17 Calabash May 18 Bodhi Coffel May 21 Brad Kleinschmidt Duo May 24 Mojo Gumbo Band May 25 Tad Armstrong Band May 28 Brad Kleinschmidt Duo May 31 Ricci Family Band June 1 Soul Street Group June 4 Brad Kleinschmidt Duo June 7 Bigger is Better Band June 8 TBA June 11 Levi Driskell June 14 Calabash June 15 F/E/A/T/H/E/R June 18 Brad Kleinschmidt Duo June 21 Awake the Wilde June 22 Queen Delphine &

The Crown Jewels June 25 Brad Kleinschmidt Duo June 28 Governor Davis Band June 29 Wax Factory 418 Old State Road 46 Nashville 812-720-4840 www.hardtruthhills.com

Brown County Inn Open Mic Night every Wednesday Thursday Night Presents Live Music Friday and Saturday Nights May 2 Writer in the Round May 3 The Acre Brothers May 4 The Acre Brothers May 9 Brown Co Story Slam May 10 Vuko May 11 The Movin’ Hips May 16 Solos & Small Groups May 17 The 1-4-5s May 18 Homemade Jam May 23 Kade Puckett May 24 Zion Crossroads May 25 TBA May 30 John Ford May 31 Sean Lamb Band June 1 Sean Lamb Band June 6 Writer in the Round June 7 Top Hat Blues Revue June 8 JC Clements Band June 13 Brown Co Story Slam June 14 The Acre Brothers June 15 The Acre Brothers June 20 Solos & Small Groups June 21 Paul Bertsch Band

36 Our Brown County • May/June 2019

Mike’s Dance Barn Mondays Dance Lessons DJ with Billy most Saturdays May 11 The Marlinaires May 18 Dances with Dirt June 1 Four Score June 14 The Marlinaires June 15 Private party 812-988-8636

Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre May 11, June 1, 22 Artists Colony Inn 812-988-0600 www.artistscolonyinn.com

Village Art Walk Fourth Fridays, 4:00-7:00 April-October. Free self-guided walking tour of downtown Nashville art galleries

Abe Martin’s Bucket List eXplore Brown County May 1-31 Different zip lines offered.

Features the quips of cartoonist Ken Hubbard’s character Abe Martin. www.exploreBrownCounty.com

Nashville Farmer’s Market

“Hands On History” Summer Program

Indiana Heritage Arts Show

May 16, June 20 All sessions take place in the Pioneer Village for children ages 8-12. $5 per child. Topics vary. www.browncountyhistorycenter.org

42nd Shelby Spring Fling May 17-18, Brown County State Park Friday will be a pony trail and the car show will be held on Saturday.

Info: 812-480-3260

Dances with Dirt Trail Run May 19 www.danceswithdirt.com

Dawg Gone Walk & Fiesta

May 19, Deer Run Park, 12:00-2:30 Sundays 11:00-2:00, Brown Co. Inn parking Brown Co Human Society fundraiser.

Games, contests, pampering stations, lot at State Road 135 & 46 intersection information booths, and more.

May 5-October 27 www.bchumane.org Local produce, herbs, bedding plants, flowers, food, live music, and children’s activities. SNAP, WIC and SFMNP accepted Brown Co Public Library:

Bean Blossom Farmers Market Starting May 24, Fridays, 4:00-7:00 Intersection of SR 135 and SR 45 in Bean Blossom. Produce, live music, jams, baked goods, herbs/plants, artisan crafts. www.BeanBlossomFarmersMarket.com

Morel Sale & Festival May 4, State Park Nature Ctr,10:00-4:00 Morel sale, demos, arts and crafts fair Mushrooms and Mash Fest 6:00-9:00 pm 812-988-5240

Spring Blossom Parade May 4, Downtown Nashville, 11:00 Sponsored by Brown County Lions Club

17th Indiana Wine Fair May11 at Story Inn, 1:00 to 7:00 Indiana wineries, food trucks, local artists, and live music. A free shuttle is located at Eagle Park in Nashville to pick up guests and take them to IWF and back.The cost is $65. Designated driver tickets $10.

Tickets/info: www.indianawinefair.com

The Artwork of Felrath Hines May 23, 7:00 Rachel Berenson Perry talks about her biography of Felrath Hines, which chronicles the life of the artist and art conservator who overcame numerous obstacles and refused to be pigeonholed by his race.

Spring Into Art Show May 24, 25, Brown Co. History Center Local art and craft show Fri. 6:00-8:00 pm, Sat. 10:00 am-3:00 pm www.browncountyhistorycenter.org

9th Annual John Hartford Memorial Festival May 29-June 1, Bill Monroe Music Park 5163 State Road 135 N., Bean Blossom The most laid back festival in America. www.johnhartfordmemfest.com

Historical Society & Pioneer Women’s Quilt Show May 31 & June 1 Brown Co History Center Fri. & Sat. 10:00-5:00 Quilts, demos, exhibits, homemade pies, music. www.browncountyhistorycenter.org

June 8-29 Brown County Art Gallery Largest juried Midwest art competition

53rd Bill Monroe Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival June 8-15 at Bill Monroe Music Park 5163 State Road 135 N., Bean Blossom Legends and newcomers including: The Lonesome River Band, Rhonda Vincent, Doyle Lawson, J.D. Crowe, and Shenandoah. Top bluegrass bands over 8 days. New restroom and shower facility. www.beanblossom.us

Brown County Art Guild Features the Marie Goth Estate Collection and contemporary art by more than 40 award-winning member artists.

Nascence, A Beginning thru May 26 Portrait & Figurative thru May 26 Workshop “Landscape Painting Inspired by the Masters” by Pamela Chase Newell June 15 & 16 48 S. Van Buren St. 812-988-6185 www.browncountyartguild.org

Brown County Art Gallery Features works by 60 contemporary artists and early Indiana masters Mabel B. Annis Student Art Competition Thru May 5, 7th-12th graders work Traditional Arts in Indiana May 4-31 Artists Association Summer Opens May 20 41st IHA Exhibition and Show June 8-29 Main St. & Artist Dr. 812-988-4609 www.browncountyartgallery.org

Brown County Dragway Gatesville Road in Bean Blossom Racing every Sunday thru October 812-988-6103

Brown Co History Center Open Tues., Wed., Fri., & Sat.11-4 Archives: Tues. and Fri. 1-4 www.browncountyhistorycenter.org

May/June 2019 • Our Brown County 37

Gabriel Lehman

Gabriel and Jamie Lehman at this year’s Indiana Artisans show in Indianapolis. photo by Bob Gustin

~by Bob Gustin

O

ne recent autumn day, Gabriel Lehman walked outside his rural Brown County home and looked up to enjoy the big blue sky. He noticed the details around him, like the plentiful nut harvest, and the squirrels making great leaps from treetop to treetop. Then he thought, “What if squirrels could really fly, and could be harnessed and saddled and taken for a trip?” In Gabriel’s world, that’s possible.

Even as a boy, playing in the woods and farmland near Elkhart, picking apples, fishing in the creek and running with a herd of friends, his artistic imagination ran wild.

“I liked paper airplanes, of course,” he said. “But I wanted to ride in them. Who wouldn’t?”

Now 42 and an illustrative surrealist of note, Lehman has made Brown County his home as he celebrates 10 years of painting. He and his wife Jamie live at Cordry-Sweetwater Lake, where he paints his colorful fanciful portraits of a world of his own creation.

Gabriel’s world has its own rules. Gravity works just like it does on earth. The color palette is limited. But there’s no electricity, no internal combustion engines, and modes of transportation are powered by nature, animals, people and their creations. Size is relative. Characters include Gabriel, Jamie, and his son Connor, a student at Brown County High

38 Our Brown County • May/June 2019

School. In Gabriel’s world, Jamie is a little girl who wants to explore, but her parents want her to be proper, like a ballerina. She has a patchwork elephant which is sometimes big enough to ride away on, sometimes small if it needs to hide.

His favorite artists are Rene Magritte and Dr. Seuss, and influences of both can be seen in Gabriel’s work, usually acrylic on canvas. A childhood portion of Looney Tunes is also apparent.

“I want to celebrate the joviality and innocence and sense of wonder children have,” he said.

The Lehmans came to Brown County about two years ago from the Greenwood area, where Gabriel worked construction and installed carpets.

Examining his life, he thought hard about what his purpose and his passions were.

“I couldn’t say carpet was it,” he said. But his carpet career was not without its positives. Gabriel said the work helped hone his attention to detail and sense of precision.

Gabriel and Jamie chose to live in Brown County because both are outdoorsy people, and they were searching for a place they could be happy and spend the rest of their days. An art studio is in their long-term plans.

Traveling through the Treetops Gabriel said he was a poor student in high school, with a C- being reason to celebrate because of his conceptual dyslexia, which left him unable to understand what he was reading. But an art teacher reassured him that everyone has their own special kind of intelligence.

Before meeting Jamie, Gabriel was a singer-songwriter living in the Wilmington, North Carolina area, where he slept in his car and bathed in the ocean, selling paintings for $50 each from the back of his car. Then a friend he calls Mr. Mark let him stay in his studio in return for help around the house, and his art career got

Rare Love

serious, selling out art shows in restaurants and finally having his first museum show in late 2010.

He estimates he has done 3,000 paintings in the past ten years, usually working on five or ten at any one time. And though prices for his originals have gone up over the years, prints of his work are also available. He has no formal art training, but he walks through the world with his eyes wide open, seeing the shadows and the light and the details of the things around him.

He met Jamie at an art show in September 2014 and she asked him if he’d like to illustrate her poetry.

He declined at first because of his dyslexia. She persisted, and finally sent her work to him.

“I realized I had already done it,” he said after reading her work. “She wrote about my childhood, and she has the same mind as myself.”

They had a meeting, then a date, and were married shortly after that.

Together, they did children’s books titled “Splat” and “Kitty Calamity.”

Continued on 42

May/June 2019 • Our Brown County 39

We appreciate our loyal customers!

Restaurant Serving Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Our market fresh product selections are the result of your requests for the items you like best.

is located in the heart of downtown Nashville on South Van Buren Street next to Out of The Ordinary and across from the Brown County Playhouse

This season we display: Tervis Tumblers, Swan Creek, Sanuks, Woodstock Chimes, Melissa & Doug, Stony Creek Lighted Vases, Essential Oils and Diffusers, 69 S. Van Buren St. Simply Southern T’s & Accessories, Nashville, Indiana Our Favorite Handcrafted Jewelry Did we mention all the hats, scarves, and fashion jewelry?

812-988-2050 rhondakays@msn.com

Wine-Down Wednesday

Every Wed. 6–8 pm

1/3 OFF select wines and music by Jeff Foster

• 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

You will find traffic stopping items at 58 South! Our porch review has attracted many of you already.

We enjoy offering today’s fashion. You’ll find affordable items that are wearable every day or for those special occasions.

Our accessories, hats, and scarves complete the outfit or add new Located in downtown Nashville fresh looks to your next to the Brown County Playhouse existing wardrobe.

Our Fitflops will 58 S. Van Buren St. bring comfort to your Nashville, Indiana tired and weary feet —come hear the 812-988-8440 testimonies! fiftyeightsouth@gmail.com

58 South Apparel

40 Our Brown County • May/June 2019

4413 State Road 46 East Nashville, Indiana (Gnaw Bone)

Clothing, Gifts and more!

71 W. Franklin, Nashville, IN

Next to House of Thunder

(812) 988-4054

More than 25 years experience

Hoosier Buddy Liquors

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Hoosier Buddy offers more than 150 different beers, including more than 80 craft, micro, and imports.

We proudly offer a wide variety of beers from Indiana’s finest brewers.

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Hoosier Buddy is a wine-lovers type of store. With more than 200 wines to choose from, we’ve got something for everyone. Check out our “Affordable Imports” and “90+ Point” selections.

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Hoosier Buddy offers an ever expanding array of top-notch spirits. Our whiskey category alone includes more than 75 different choices. Whether you’re looking for a Single Barrel Bourbon or a Single Malt from Islay— we stock them.

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

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

BEAR WALLOW dist i ll e r y

Makers of distilled spirits using locally grown grains in an old-fashioned copper still

Tours and Tastings Gnaw Bone Bourbon Famous for our Moonshine Shake-Up Cocktails

4484 E. Old State Road 46 Gnaw Bone (Look for the signs) (812) 657-4923 • www.bearwallowdistillery.com Mon.–Thurs. 11–5, Fri.–Sat. 11–6, Sun. 12–5

May/June 2019 • Our Brown County 41

Helmsburg GENERAL STORE

LEHMAN continued from 39

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

Reaching

BURGER FRIDAY 12 to 2 Charcoal Grilled

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

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

Accepting Visa, Mastercard & Discover cards

His website sums up his approach to art and life like this: “Gabriel is a humanitarian by nature and uses his gifts to enhance the lives of people across the country. From donating paintings to charity auctions to muraling homeless shelters and church nurseries, if he can help, he will. He sees the light all around him and brings this light into his work and, in turn, into the hearts of those who view it.”

As a surrealist in an area known for its impressionist paintings, Gabriel feels right at home.

“I might be the oddball out,” he said. “But the sense of celebration in their work is also in mine. We celebrate life.

“I’m just very, very blessed I get to do what I do and where I do it.”

Gabriel’s work is available at B3 Gallery in Nashville. For more information, visit <gabriellehman.com> or email him at <artbygabriellehman@gmail.com>. 

HOOSIER BARN & TABLE Come visit our two locations: SHOWROOM

165 N. Van Buren St.

WORKSHOP 460 Salt Creek Rd.

Nashville, IN • 812-597-5444 Call for custom orders or appointments to visit our workshop

42 Our Brown County • May/June 2019

Fresh Homemade Fudge Old-Fashioned Candies Candy by the Pound Cream Filberts/Mothballs Rock Candy • Jelly Belly Chocolates/Turtles Pucker Powder Sugar Free We ship everywhere!

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

The Ferguson

House

• Holiday Decor • Swan Creek Candles • Home Accessories • Fashion Jewelry • Garden Accents • Iron Decor • Man Cave and more…

78 West Franklin Street • Nashville, IN • 812-988-7388

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

Foxfire • Gifts and Home Decor • Kitchen Accessories • Personalized and • Baby Gifts Memoriam Gifts • Holiday Decor • Swan Creek Candles • Garden Decor

59 East Main Street, Suite A • Nashville, IN • 812-988-8707 May/June 2019 • Our Brown County 43

Gatesville

photo by Cindy Steele

C

~by Julia Pearson

omaraderie, food, and adventure with a timeless country flavor, can be found in Gatesville, just ten miles from downtown Nashville, or seven miles from Route 46. By pedaling you can get there in an hour, much sooner in the family car.

Gatesville, an unincorporated community in Hamblen Township is east of Bean Blossom. A mile north of Gatesville on the Sweetwater Trail is a small monument to honor the township’s namesake, Job Hamblen. He was a Revolutionary War veteran who eventually homesteaded in the area.

After serving in Yorktown, Hamblen and

his wife traveled the route of so many frontier settlers through West Virginia and then Kentucky. They landed in the far western edge of Bartholomew County in 1825 where they put down roots. In 1836 when the new Brown County came into existence, Hamblen’s son, Eliakim, suggested that the northeast section forming the new township be named for his father, its first settler. The only post office that served Gatesville operated from 1855 until 1903 and was called Cleona.

The hub of the community today, the Gatesville Country Store, is located at 4525 Salt Creek Road. The store carries the expected staples of the all-American neighborhood grocery, plus hats, gloves, candy bars, chips, and ice cream. It also has freshly made deli items and a restaurant. There are daily specials on the menu. The Saturday and Sunday breakfast buffet is a welcome hug-to-the-tongueand-tummy with scratch-made home cooking. Biscuits and gravy and hash

44 Our Brown County • May/June 2019

brown casserole that were served at everybody’s grandma’s table are big favorites.

Robin Stevens has been proprietor since 2001. She prepares the deli salads, daily specials, as well as handling the business details of the restaurant, such as ordering and bookkeeping. Robin loves her regular breakfast and lunch customers who are the construction crews, road workers, and residents and workers from the nearby lakes. Husband Doug is now retired and is a right-hand helper at the Gatesville Store.

Their son, Jared, is grown and lives in Cordry Lake. He is married to Amber, works at Sub-Surface of Indiana, and is the father of fiveyear-old James.

Summer weekends bring vacationers, with youngsters being amazed at the monster display of Robin’s rock collection.

Robin Stevens, owner of the Gatesville Country Store. photo by Cindy Steele Majoring in geology at Indiana University, Robin is the ready expert to identify fossils and rocks that are presented to her. A section of the store is devoted to the sale of gold prospecting: specialty tools, supplies, and books.

The Southern Indiana Chapter of The Gold Prospectors Association of America meets on the second Saturday of each month at 1 o’clock at the shelter house.

Local history has fingered it as the ideal location. A gold mine was once in operation on Gold Point Road, less than a mile north of the store. Glacial gold, the tiny glittery specks, was deposited during the ice age, along with bits of gems and minerals amidst monstrous rock mounds. Robin has samples of findings in Salt Creek: copper nuggets, silver, platinum, and even diamond.

The prospectors are having a special outing on June 15 and 16. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday. There will be a raffle at 5 p.m. Organizers expect an

attendance of 60–75, with folks coming and going throughout the day. There will be ample seasoned prospectors to demonstrate and talk individually to prospecting newbies and the curious. Loaner panning supplies will be available and “high bank” equipment will be set up.

The group is versed in current state laws governing prospecting. Rules include: times of day allowed for prospecting; use of non-motorized equipment, such as pan, sluice box, or pick and shovel; no mercury or other chemicals used to assist with the recovery of hard mineral resources; no mussels are taken; and no endangered species are taken.

Rich Luellen, a Hoosier who was investigating metal detecting after retiring, was bitten by the gold bug when he ran across a magazine on gold prospecting. He

Continued on 50

Gold Prospectors Association of America members at the creek in Gatesville. courtesy photo

May/June 2019 • Our Brown County 45

P

P

ULTURE SH C O OP

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

This one bedroom cottage offers a hot tub, a gazebo surrounded by trees, a deck, a stocked pond, hickory floors, and a handmade dining table. You can read a book at the gazebo, fish in the pond, share stories by the fire pit, or take a hike. Unwind with someone special at the Relaxation Station.

• Log Cabins • Hot Tubs • Game Rooms • Private Pools • Pet Friendly • Lake Fronts

• Apparel • Accessories • NOVELTIES •$1 COMIC BOOKS • COLLECTIBLES

Call, Book Online, or Stop in!

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

Your Headquarters for the Great Outdoors

“A Lil’ Taste of Heaven” Opening in May 2019

SERVING BREAKFAST AND LUNCH

Featuring Fabulous Biscuit Sandwiches, Cinnamon and Pecan Rolls Bottomless Coffee and Ice Tea

812-720-3440 165 N. Van Buren St. • Nashville, IN Open 7am until 2pm 7 Days a Week!

Delivery within a mile radius when available.

Find us on Facebook at Heavenly Biscuit Inc.

46 Our Brown County • May/June 2019

CAMPING SUPPLIES: Tents, Camping Lights, Sleeping Bags, Grills, Fire Starters, Coleman Heaters & Lanterns, Cooking Utensils • Fishing Tackle • Horse Tack • RV Replacement Parts • Bee Keeping Supplies • Maple Syrup Supplies • Pet & Livestock Food • Antiques We Fill Propane Tanks

WE SELL & DELIVER BULK MULCH & TOPSOIL Salt Creek Plaza • Nashville (812) 988-8888 • www.BearHardware.com Mon.–Sat. 7:30am–7:00pm • Sun. 10:00am–4:00pm

ARTIST DEMOS • LIVE MUSIC • WINE TASTING

Eleven GALLERIES APRIL 26 Plus Antique Alley art shops MAY 24 JUNE 28 JULY 26 AUGUST 23 SEPTEMBER 27 OCTOBER 25 APRIL–OCTOBER, 2019 | 4:00–7:00 PM

812.340.8781

VILLAGEARTWALK.COM

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

Sweetwater Gallery New Location

Celebrating 30 Years May is Time for Mouth-Watering Asparagus

158 Old School Way

Stained Glass Paperweights Mosaic Mirrors Fabric Wallhangings 812-988-0449

Greenhouse is open

June is Strawberry Month on the Farm 8157 S 250 W. Trafalgar, IN

• Fudge Shop and Ice Cream Parlor • Baked Goods from scratch • Jams, Honey, and Gifts • Playground with Super Slide

317-878-9317 www.apple-works.com Visit us on Facebook for the latest happenings

May/June 2019 • Our Brown County 47

John Hartford

Memorial Festival ~by Paige Langenderfer

B

May 29–June 1, 2019

ean Blossom’s annual John Hartford Memorial Festival touts itself as “The Most Laid Back Festival in America.” It might be laid back, but it also features a fast-moving line-up of some of the most talented bands in the country.

The ninth annual four-day music festival will take place May 29 through June 1 at the Bill Monroe Music Park & Campground. Event organizers suggest buying tickets online soon at <johnhartfordmemfest.com> as tickets go fast.

“We definitely have a very loyal core crowd that comes back every year,” said event organizer Tom Burkhart. “It’s almost like coming back to your family.”

Burkhart said countless lifelong relationships have started at the festival.

“We’ve had proposals and even weddings at the festival,” he said. “A lot of people say the festival has changed their life. People really like the beautiful, historic venue, the vibe and being around other like-minded people—and listening to outstanding music.”

While it is hard to pick a favorite, Burkhart said he is “super excited” to see Laurie Lewis & the Right Hands perform.

48 Our Brown County • May/June 2019

photos by Cindy Steele

Led by Grammy Award-winning musician Laurie Lewis, the band’s latest album was nominated for the Best Bluegrass Recording Grammy in 2017.

“Laurie Lewis is a west coast bluegrass phenomenon and this is the first time she has been in this area for a long time,” Burkhart said.

Another band making a first time appearance at the festival will be JigJam, a multi-award winning quartet from the heart of the midlands in Ireland.

Blending the best of traditional Irish music with Bluegrass and Americana in a new genre which has been branded as ‘I-Grass’ (Irish influenced Bluegrass), their onstage energy, along with their virtuosic musical ability, has captivated audiences throughout the world.

“They really are up and coming,” Burkhart said. “That’s the great thing about this festival. You can come and see your favorite performers or maybe your new favorite performers you have never heard of.”

Among numerous festival performers, attendees will see Sam Bush, Tim O’Brien Band, Della Mae, Vince Herman, Great American Taxi, Larry Keel Experience, and the Rumpke Mountain Boys.

Event organizer Tom Burkhart.

Local group Bluegill in the Slaw at the Hippy Hill stage during the 2018 festival.

Burkhart said one of the things he likes most about the festival is that it is small enough that attendees can get close to every performance and not feel lost in the crowd.

“We cap attendance because we always want you to be able to walk up to the stage without fighting a giant crowd. At some festivals, it’s tough to even see who is playing,” he said.

“Here you might even walk up to the band and talk to the performers after the show because they are watching the next band.”

The festival features performances on three stages from late morning until late in the night, with roundthe-clock campground jams, a songwriting contest and a band contest.

“Our unique festival maintains a genre busting line-up like no other festival with a list of performers whose music is varied, different, fresh and original, and rooted in the Spirit of John Hartford,” Burkhart said. “This year’s lineup is diverse and speckled with musicians who have direct

”Our headliners are the folks who include the legends and those who are making the biggest waves across the vast ocean of music that we call Americana, Roots, and Bluegrass.”

—Tom Burkhart

connections to our festival namesake.

Our headliners are the folks who include the legends and those who are making the biggest waves across the vast ocean of music that we call Americana, Roots, and Bluegrass.”

The festival has featured bands from nearly every state in the United States, and bands from as far away as Canada, Brazil, and Australia.

Burkhart said he thinks the festival’s namesake, John Hartford would be proud of the festival.

Dubbed the Father of Newgrass, Hartford was a bassy-voiced, dancing fiddler/banjo picking songwriter, and inadvertent shepherd of the roots music movement.

“In many ways, John Hartford is the Mark Twain of traditional music,” Mick Buck, the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Museum’s curator of collections, has said. “He was a beloved American figure whose influence went far beyond his commercial success.

He brought literacy, humor, and inventiveness to his music and an eclectic sense of adventure to his life.

He was a true artist in every sense of the word.”

A mentor for a generation of

Continued on 50

May/June 2019 • Our Brown County 49

HARTFORD FESTIVAl continued from 49

GATESVILLE continued from 45 speaks warmly of the “gold found in people,” the openhearted sharing in the prospecting community.

Jeffery Behnke states he was introduced to gold prospecting when he was six years old. The hobby is part of his own young family today.

Interested people can get information on when the group meets by emailing <eutserlack@comcast.net> or by messaging their Facebook page. Queries will receive quick replies. Expanded details regarding the June gathering as well as gold prospecting activities in Indiana are available at the website <indianagoldprospectors.org>.

Call the Gatesville General Store at (812) 988-0788 for the daily special. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m.–7 p.m.; Friday 7:30 a.m.–8 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.–8 p.m.; and Sunday 8 a.m.–3 p.m. 

Sterling Designs

by Sharon & Larry A n y t hin g But Or d ina ry

SBJ/LMJ Designs Opals by Larry • Pend ants • Earrings • Brac elets • Nec klaces

812-988-0522 A variety of natural stones and colors Nort h Va n B ur e n an d Mo lly’s Lan e • N ashville

Doing business for over 25 years

bluegrass players, Hartford died in 2001 at the age of 63 after a two-decade long battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

“I do not believe John Hartford set out to carve a legacy.

I believe John Hartford was one of the rare ones. Hartford started something by doing things his way,” said John Hotze, festival founder and childhood friend of Hartford. “His music consisted of deep serious lyrics that would burst into whimsy or vice versa. Just when you started to take him seriously, he would break into some falsetto just to have fun, or just when you thought he was all about having fun, he’d make you sit up straight and bring tears or deep contemplation with a heartfelt original.”

Burkhart said he and Hotze work hard to bring the best performers and create the best atmosphere each year. The work can be exhausting, but keeping Hartford’s legacy alive inspires them to keep going.

“Much of our motivation comes straight from a line in the John Hartford song, “Josephs Dream.” “Just when you think it can’t get no better then it does,” he said. 

Nashville General Store & Bakery Nashville’s Unique Dining Experience (1800s Cabin)

Jams, Jellies, Preserves, Specialty Linen, Rugs, Candles Curtains, Stitcheries Antiques, Billy Jacobs Prints

118 E. Washington St. (by the creek) Nashville, IN • 812-988-6362 Open daily 9 to 5

Breakfast and Lunch BBQ, Chicken Salad, Soups, Pit Ham Cinnamon Rolls, Cobblers, Cookies, Brownies Coffees and Cappuccino

NASHVILLE GENERAL STORE EXPRESS SHUTTLE Reserve the Nashville General Store Express for your charter needs.

50 Our Brown County • May/June 2019

All aboard!

NASHVILLE EXPRESS Historical Sight-seeing Tours of Nashville

Kids 5 & Under Ride FREE 25 minute narrated historical and informational tour with a scenic loop along Old State Road 46 also service to Seasons, Brown County Inn, Quality Inn

Board at Fearrin’s Ice Cream Depot Corner of Van Buren & Franklin Streets

812-988-6690

Available for field trips, business functions, private tours

Our

SANDWICH PLACE

Brown County

History Center Displays and Exhibits

Pioneer Village Museum

At the corner of Main & Van Buren Street (near the stoplight/courthouse) 812.988.2355

Family Friendly Menu Cooked from Scratch Breakfast (till 11:00) • Lunch • Early Supper

Bringing Brown County’s Past to Life

Open daily at 9:00 am till slow (Closed Wed. & Thurs.)

Looking for event space? or more info 812-988-2899

Build your own sandwich, burgers & dogs, daily specials Tex-Mex menu items, delicious desserts

Open Tues., Wed., Fri., Sat. 11–4, Archives: Tues. and Fri. 1–4 North of the courthouse • Donations welcome

Brown County

KOA

>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<

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

• Tanks • Jackets • Jerseys • Tye Dye

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

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

Open April–October

2248 State Road 46 East • Nashville, IN Minutes away from fine dining, shopping, museums, live entertainment, and theater

Info: 812-988-4675 • Reservations: 800-562-9132 www.browncountykoa.com

May/June 2019 • Our Brown County 51

Visit

Morgantown 10 miles north of Nashville on scenic State Road 135 Sales . Repair . Watch Batteries

75 W. Washington St., Morgantown, IN 46160

www.TheClockConnection.com Like us on Facebook Open Tue-Fri 11-5pm & Sat 10-2pm Closed Sun & Mon 812-597-5414 . houseofclocks@att.net

ANTIQUES CO-OP 129 W. Washington St. • Morgantown, IN 46160 (In the old hardware store building)

Country Primitives Advertising Antique Garden Old Paint Early Smalls Open 6 Days (Closed Mon.)

Furniture, Art Architectural Elements Pottery The Odd and Unusual and A General Line Like us on Facebook

(812) 597-4530

Layaway Available

ART Beyond Crayons Creativity beyond the classroom Pick your • Art Lessons for All Ages Palette: • Group Painting Parties

• Birthday Paint Parties • Home Schooled Instruction

Judy D. Wells • owner, K–12 Licensed Educator • judydenisewells@gmail.com 59 S. Marion St. • Morgantown, IN • (317) 403-7147 Flexible hours including weekends and evenings

52 Our Brown County • May/June 2019

Colonel Vawter Day every September

All New Guest Rooms and Suites with Kitchenettes 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

Book Your Meeting, Banquet, or Reception at our Conference Center

Our own Tzatziki sauce recipe, made from scratch

IS

Delicious!

2450 State Road 46 East, Nashville, IN

Free samples • Local Delivery Available

Close to Salt Creek Golf Course, Brown County State Park www.creeksideretreat.net Toll free 844-4RETREAT (844-473-8732)

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

GRANDPA JEFF’S

Trail Rides

<Most items under $10> gyrofoodnashville.com • Gyros Food

C Cinnamon Roasted Almonds & Pecans

Salted Nuts R d Roasted Daily

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 Relax on a journey with Grandpa Jeff. ff.

Take in the scenery and wildlife.

No two rides will ever be the same —sunny summer days, fall colors, winter snowfalls, spring blossoms.

Trail Rides, Pony Rides, Hay Rides Cattle Drives, and Custom Excursions

At least one hour notice.

Trail Ride Reservations can be made by phone, e-mail, or through our website.

Old McDurbin Gold & Gifts

Grandpa Jeff personally trained our horses to take exceptional care of your family and friends of all ages.

call or text www.GrandpaJeffsTrailRides.com cell (812)272-0702 info@GrandpaJeffsTrailRides.com 5889 S. Skinner Rd. Morgantown, Indiana

Customized

• Anklets • Bracelets • Necklaces % 50 OFFLRY E Watches JEW Sterling Silver Rings 1000’s of Pendants

NEW LOCATION in Nashville Blue building in Antique Alley • S. Jefferson St. May/June 2019 • Our Brown County 53

BROWN COUNTY

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

• Certified Angus Beef • Large Beer and Wine Sections • Organic Grocery • Dairy • Picnic Supplies • Produce • Full Service Bakery/Deli • Frozen • Custom Cake Decorating • Wine • Custom Deli Trays, Veggie Trays Ever-Growing Selection of Gluten-Free Products

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

text NA SHV

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990o0

ILLE

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30 Hawthorne Dr. • Nashville • East SR 46 at light • 812-988-4546 54 Our Brown County • May/June 2019

SPRING CLEAN UP BROWN COUNTY RECYCLING CENTER 176 Old State Road 46 • Nashville, IN

Not pretentious. Not fancy.

JUST REAL GOOD FOOD. GATESVILLE COUNTRY STORE. It’s one of those places that you are excited to tell your friends about—a best-kept secret that’s too good to keep.

A place where the people are real and friendly, and they’re likely to know your name before long. The food is good, honest food that’s tasty and genuine. Made with heart and soul. We’re located off the beaten path, and maybe a bit hard to find—but worth the effort. It’s where the local folks go.

So, if you’re interested in finding a place that’s a little old-school and truly authentic Americana, come see us at Gatesville Country Store. Enjoy browsing the antiques, panning for gold in Salt Creek (behind the store), or just relaxing with a good meal or a piece of pie and some conversation.

4525 Salt Creek Rd. Nashville, IN 47448

(812) 988-0788

Electronic Waste Disposal May 18

8am–Noon

$20 Disposal Fee for TVs or Computer Monitors Far back of property: follow signs

Document Shredding May 18

9am–Noon

Front parking lot of Recycle Center Donations accepted

Tire Festival June 28

Scheduled Pick-ups

June 29 8am–Noon YOU BRING IN

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

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Call for details 812-988-0140 May/June 2019 • Our Brown County 55

Johnny’s Grub to Go The Sampler

T

he Food Truck craze that has been sweeping the nation has seemingly bypassed Brown County, due in large part to zoning issues—the county requires the trucks to operate in areas zoned for business, which effectively limits them to a few spots in Nashville, Gnaw Bone, and Bean Blossom.

But there is one other place, out on State Road 46 East, at the intersection of Yellowwood Road—Knights Corner.

When there was a gas station and country store there and the Knight family sold fast food from a kitchen inside— that seemed perfectly natural. But now that the family has transitioned into the solid waste business, well, you might assume that a trash collection depot is not going to be the ideal place to park a food truck.

But, you’d be wrong.

Ever since it opened, Johnny’s Grub to Go has been doing a bustling business, offering a strange, hybrid Americandiner-meets-Filipino-street-hawker menu.

Mrs. Sampler always said that the first person to open a Chinese restaurant in Brown County would have a gold mine on their hands, and from the looks of the consistent lunchtime lines around Johnny’s, they have tapped into a bonanza.

You can get a cheeseburger and fries, or a fish sandwich—but why would you, when you can get an Asian chicken rice bowl or adobo, a Filipino dish made with a garlic/vinegar and spice marinade?

56 Our Brown County • May/June 2019

Like a lot of people, Ginger Knight, originally from the Philippines, was obsessed with the Food Network and drawn to programs about the burgeoning Food Truck movement.

Her husband, John Knight took notice.

“Johnny” got a food truck and parked it at the family business, which has always been a kind of community collection spot, about halfway between Nashville and Bloomington.

The menu is extensive.

On the American favorites side, you’ll find everything from a chili cheeseburger with onion rings and a monster egg-and-bacon burger to cheese steak, pulled pork, or a Johnny’s style home-made corn dog.

On the Filipino side, there’s beef tapa served with fried rice, hotdog, and egg, or Pancit-Filipino stir-fried rice noodles with beef, pork, or tofu. How about a crab Rangoon, or beef Siomai (a stuffed, fried wonton)?

Further blurring the international boundaries of cuisine on the Johnny’s Grub to Go menu: “Tortilla pizza” and “Japanese style tenderloin.”

Like Filipinos, Hawaiians and other wise and noble Asian peoples, I love Spam.

That’s right, good old, American-made Spam. And I would challenge you to find a breaded and deep-fried Spam sandwich anywhere else in Brown County. I didn’t order it, in the end, but somehow it just tickles me to see it on the menu.

And, Johnny’s has all-day breakfast—sausage, ham, or bacon egg and cheese sandwiches, biscuits and gravy, hash browns, or French toast sticks.

I can see that I will have to return to Johnny’s many, many times in order to touch all of the gastronomic bases, so to speak.

My lovely and astute kitchen companion chose the adobo with pork, and the lumpia, a Filipino spring roll.

I opted for the Asian rice bowl with fried pork and sweetand-sour sauce, and a pork and veggie egg roll.

You can tell that Ginger has the instincts of a born restaurateur—she likes to chat with her customers and she always has a smile on her face. it is apparent she enjoys her work.

As I have said before, if you come across a place where the people are lining up for the food, where the parking lot is full, there’s probably some good food to be had. The public tends to sniff it out and return repeatedly.

This is the case with Johnny’s. On any given lunchtime when you happen to drive past, you will see a gaggle of workmen, business travelers, and random passers-by seeking out the tasty delights.

We received our wonderful oriental offerings in Styrofoam clamshells and joined the other early diners at some picnic tables over to the side.

We delightedly munched on our “meals to go” without actually going, and watched the lunch crowd queue up with eager expectation—some construction workers, a couple of cops, even a couple of folks whose shirts identified them as from the county health department. (Must be OK!) And I was profoundly satisfied.

Johnny’s Grub to Go is at Knights corner on State Road 46 West at Yellowwood Road. Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday thru Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. 

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May/June 2019 • Our Brown County 59

’Tain’t What You Say, but How You Say It ~by Mark Blackwell

I

don’t know if it’s true for everybody, but it seems like no matter where I travel, the folks all talk funny there. And I don’t have to imagine that folks from other places think that we have peculiar ways of expressing ourselves.

But that is part of the charm that draws people to Brown County.

Regional dialects (that is the vocabulary that people of a particular area use and the way they pronounce their words) have intrigued us going all the way back to biblical times. In the Book of Judges there is a story about the Gileadites who dwelt in the valley of Gilead and the Ephraimites from the tribe of Ephraim.

It seems that the Ephraimites got it in their heads to invade the land of the Gileadites.

It was probably plunder and pillage or something along those lines. The Gileadites whupped on the Ephraimites and chased them back across the River Jordan. The Ephraimites got the idea of sneakin’ back across the river pretending to be Gileadites. I expect they were planning some kind of fifth column action.

Now, here is the kicker, both the Gileadites and the Ephraimites spoke Hebrew but with a different accent. So, what the Gileadites would do when they caught somebody coming over the river was to challenge them to say a certain word. In this case the word was Shibboleth.

The Ephraimites pronounced it Sibboleth.

Therefore, when an Ephraimite tried to say it he would immediately come under some harsh harassment and be sent packing or worse.

Now flash forward a hundred years or so—America is a nation of regions and there is the “Down East “region of New England, particularly Maine, and the deep South. And there’s the upper Midwest of Minnesota and South Dakota, all with their own ways of talking. Most of these regional dialects derived from the immigrants who settled in those areas.

60 Our Brown County • May/June 2019

When people came from the countries of Europe they brought their own languages and dialects that in a generation or two got translated into English with a patina of different pronunciations. The longer a region was isolated, the more a dominant vocabulary and ways of pronunciation took hold.

In Maine there is a distinct accent and what I call a word tic “Ayuh” that sets their culture apart. In the Upper Midwest there is a very detectable mélange of Scandinavian and

German accents to their English. In the South there are several accents and dialects from the unreproducible accent of deep Alabama to the mellifluous drawl of Mississippi and the more nasal Scots-Irish of Appalachia.

The Brown County accent and dialect has a lot of ScotsIrish influence leavened with the English spoken by settlers from New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.

One of the reasons for the homogeneity of our dialect is that for seventy years or more Brown County was left to its own devices with interference from few outsiders. So its culture and language was a little more immune to the forces of modernization. On the topic of modernization and Brown County it seems that there were two things happening in Indiana around the turn of the twentieth century.

One was the discovery of Brown County by artists from the outside and the other was a movement of writers in Indiana to take up writing in dialect.

I think everybody knows about James Whitcomb Riley who wrote poetry about rural life. And there was Frank Hohenberger. Brown County knows him primarily as a photographer but Hohenberger also wrote a column for the Indianapolis Star entitled “From Down in the Hills O’

Brown County” in which he would often quote the natives in the dialect they spoke. One feller who picked up on and cashed in on the Brown county dialect was Frank McKinney Hubbard, better known as Kin Hubbard.

Kin was a newspaper cartoonist for the Indianapolis News and syndicated in newspapers across the country.

In 1904 Kin introduced the world to the quintessential Brown Countian, a feller named Abe Martin. Abe didn’t have any fixed address at first, but in February of 1905 he up and announced, “I’m goin’ ter move ter Brown County tewmorrow.” So he did and as far as I know he is still lurkin’ in the hills somewhere.

The thing about Abe is that he was born with a native genius for wisecracks but he delivered them not in an urbane, city-slicker parlance, but in the dialect of the folks who lived in the hills. Abe once opined, “I don’t think much of a dance where th’ girl looks like she wuz bein’ carried out of a burnin’ buildin’.”

Abe was a first-rate fencepost philosopher and if you happen to strike up a conversation with a Brown Countian you can still hear echoes of Abe in their dialect and their native wisdom. 

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Graduation

O

~by Jeff Tryon

n June 7, 2019, when about 140 Brown County High School seniors walk across the stage at Larry C. Banks Memorial gymnasium to receive their diplomas, they will be carrying on a tradition that has been going on here for well over a century.

It is not known when the earliest commencement ceremony took place in Brown County, but local historian Dorothy Bailey tells us that by 1872 one-room frame schoolhouses dotted the county, and by 1900 there were 73 of them.

It’s not clear what, if any graduation exercises these early pioneer schools undertook, but the Brown County Historical Society has a copy of a program for the “fifth annual” commencement exercises held at Jackson Township or Needmore “Common School” on June 24, 1908.

Thirty graduates received their diplomas from county school superintendent William Coffey, an address was given

by Professor R. Alley and the school band provided music.

By 1933, Nashville High School had been established, graduating 17 seniors in an April 21 ceremony held at the Nashville Christian church.

The school superintendent was James Clements.

Throughout the 1940s and 50s, seniors continued to graduate from individual county high schools—Nashville, Helmsburg High, and Van Buren High School.

Mary Meadows and Ruth Beach graduated from Helmsburg High in 1946.

Meadows recalls the boys wore blue gowns and the girls

62 Our Brown County • May/June 2019

photo by Cindy Steele

wore white gowns trimmed in royal blue, the school colors.

“It wasn’t hot, it was a nice day in April,” she said. “We always got out in April because the kids had to help with the farm work and gardens.”

Ruth Beach remembers the ceremony was held in the gym of the old Helmsburg High School, and the Class of 1946, all 18 of them, filed in to “Pomp and Circumstance.”

“We weren’t a big school” she said. “There were usually about 15 or 20 in each class.”

“There’s still four of us left from that class of 1946, three girls and one boy.”

In May 1955, 26 seniors from Nashville High received their diplomas from Superintendent Claude Neidigh after being “certified” by Principal H.E. Fields in a ceremony held in the NHS gym.

According to the program, the Nashville Band rendered “March Number One ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ from ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ by Edward Elgar” and Indiana poet and humorist Barton Reese Pogue spoke.

In 1958, the Nashville High School commencement was held at the Nashville Christian Church. Superintendent Ira L. Huntington presented the diplomas after the senior class was presented by Principal Douglas Lowry. Eugene DeWees, later the long-time band director for Brown County Schools, provided organ music.

Jim Gredy was in one of the last classes to graduate from Nashville High, in 1959. Just the year before, he had been attending the old Van Buren High School before it was

folded into Nashville High as part of a wave of consolidation that would also subsume Helmsburg High School.

“I remember going through the ceremony. It was at the Nashville Elementary school, which had opened that year,” Gredy said. “Of course graduation was a lot smaller back then, schools were smaller. The combined class was about 44 or 45.”

He recalls the graduates wore blue caps and gowns and received their diplomas from Superintendent Claude Nieghdy, soon to be succeeded in that post by then-principal Warren Ogle.

“It was pretty crowded. It was warm at the end of May,” he said. “I can’t remember who spoke.”

Gredy said the old Van Buren school had one fairly big room which they used for graduation exercises.

“The one thing I do remember about Van Buren is that every year on the last day of school, they always had a pitch-in dinner, and even people who didn’t have kids in school or kids who had graduated would come to that,” he said. “I always loved to eat, and it was really a feed. That was probably one of the better things that I remember from school!

“The school was the center of the community back then,” Gredy said.

When the 1961–62 school year arrived, the new high school was not quite completed so classes began at the old Nashville High School. The new school opened for the second semester, and the first graduation took place in the gym there.

The gym was crowded to capacity for graduation on a hot, early June day in 1965. The class wore blue gowns with gold tassels and sat on folding chairs on the gym floor facing the west end of the court.

Warren Ogle handed out the diplomas assisted by Richard Pitts.

Sometime in the mid-1970s, the high school started holding commencement outdoors at the football field, when possible. Mr. Gredy, who spent a career teaching at Brown County High School recalls the outdoor events more fondly.

“It just depended on the weather. If they could have them outside, those were the nicest,” he said. “Every year, it seemed like there were more and more kids going through—of course, that trend has reversed itself now.”

This year’s ceremony will mark the 57th commencement at Brown County High. 

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P

olitically correct today are things that we’re supposed to say to stop a fight that starts a grudge

that ends before a court and judge which lawyers dress in suits they seek to make some cash on how we speak so I admit there’s things I’ve said that in the past have usually led to confrontations of the sort that end up in Brown County court but what I say they find so funny instead of fines they pay me money since judge and jury like to sit

Why it’s a smell we’ve smelled before

and watch me stir things up a bit

they’ve been here since the dinosaur

and so they paid my restitution

and we had mammoths and the horse

as I took on our Constitution!

but both became extinct of course so elephants and donkeys too

Now in our Congress in D.C

are really critters rather new

why they’re as weak as they can be

but possums with their unique tail

since neither party left or right

have stayed right here and still prevail!

has the gumption left to fight for the critter in the wood

By any measure you can try

like country people think they should!

they’re older than the apple pie and let’s be honest and be fair

We think we know the reason why

a possum’s easy to prepare

for both them parties like to try

when making dinner or for lunch

at every place them parties went

but elephant’s a bit too much

to use a mule and elephant

and in Brown County as a rule

to represent the type of schemes

some folks don’t like the taste of a mule!?

they’d use to squash each other’s dreams

…and possums are the kindda creature

and leave their party in control

that have that most resilient feature

with their own mascot on patrol

which helped them last through all the ages

whose elephants and stubborn mules

by playing dead upon life’s stages

invent the laws and make the rules!

and so our judge said I’m the sort

…but what they pass we all can tell

to take our country into court

has each critter kindda smell

for even though they ain’t too nimble

that every time we get a whiff

a possum’s still the better symbol

we in the country wonder if

of how our Congress tries instead

wouldn’t it be truly awesome

to collect their paycheck playing dead!?

if what we smell was only possum!

Now that’s political correctness…

66 Our Brown County • May/June 2019

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