SEPT/OCT 2024 OUR BROWN COUNTY

SEPT/OCT 2024 FREE

Music Center Turns 5 Eagle Manufacturing Meeting Expectations

Carolyn Dutton Thom Robinson Renaissance Man Sampler at The Olde Bartley House Our Brown County Seasons Fourth Friday Art Walk Brown County Rock & Mineral Show Back Roads Studio Tour

spread good taste!

Giving tasteful gifts for the holidays is always a good idea

wild & tasty

TIP

Our custom gift crates make the perfect present! Choose 4 or 6 flavors you know that special someone will love!

You choose the flavors. We do the bottling. You give the perfect gift

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

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

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

DELICIOUS

SandwicheS and

COLD DRINKS

Featuring

THE VOLANT

French Americana Layered Donuts

Choose C hoose ffrom rom a vvariety ariety of Volants and enjoy a cup of your favorite drink.

VOLANTS (Donuts & Sandwiches) Coffee • Tea • Cold Drinks 96 S. Van Buren St. • 812-200-1311

oldebartleyhouse.com

at Valley Branch Retreat

ZIP LINE TOURS • OFF-ROAD TOURS ® PAINTBALL • ARROW TAG ARCHERY GAMES MOUNTAIN BIKE / HIKING TRAILS CAMPING • VINTAGE CAMPERS • CABINS WEDDINGS • EVENT HALL • OUTDOOR STAGE CORPORATE RETREATS & TEAM BUILDING

812.988.7750

info@eXploreBrownCounty.com 2620 Valley Branch Rd • Nashville, IN 47448 GPS 39.1638298 / -86.1485959

eXploreBrownCounty.com

135 Martinsville

Nineveh Edinburgh Morgantown 31 37 135 I-65 46 Bloomington Columbus 46 NASHVILLE Brownie’s Bean Blossom Family Restaruant

HELMSBURG

BEAN BLOSSOM

Helmsburg General Store Lightspinner Studio

135

Country Club Rd

NASHVILLE

Hard Truth Distilling Co. Old S Snyder Rd. R 46

Kelp G rove R d.

NG

TON

d

46

eXplore Brown County

Rd.

Harmony Tree Resorts Sycamore Saloon

yB

Mike’s Music and Dance Barn

Abe Martin Lodge

ran ch

MI

T.C. Steele State Historic Site

135

PIKES PEAK

STORY ELKINSVILLE

CHRISTIANSBURG

k Rd ton Cr

Christi

ansbu rg

ove r Gr

Rd

la Pop

STONE HEAD

Hamil

to BLO O

Recreation

Days of Old OA Antique Shoppe ls o. K l a l C t a e que M e to COLUMBUS Ren wn . Tir i s ion y Bro n Co Co. Ant ap Hou Vacat Winer NE w o O Br rown bird T rown n Co. W B Away A Day B Fire ls O’ B Brow GNA 19th Hole Hil Mt RV Campground Marie’s Heartland Sports Bar . Li ber Home Tattoo Friends O’ Mine ty R Decor d Campground Bear Wallow Distillery

Brown County State Park

Monroe Reservoir

Craftsman

Annie Smith Rd.

Val le

Rd.

lley Rd.

Yellowwood Rd

Musical Entertainment Artist and/or Gallery

Brick Lodge

Green Va

46

Lodging/ Camping

Mike Nickels Log Homes

Amanda W. Mathis

BELMONT

Hoover Rd

kR

Rd.

Oak Grove

Yellowwood State Forest

GATESVILLE

Sal tC ree

Ow l Cr eek

Doodles by Kara Barnard

Flower and Herb Barn Farmhouse Café

Dining

Helm

Dr. Lisa Baker, DDS Fireplace Center

Cordry Lake

Sprunica Rd.

Rd sburg

BLOOMINGTON

Sweetwater Lake

Vaught Rd.

Plum Creek Antiques

to MORGANTOWN

MINGT ON

45

The Apple Works

Rosey Bolte’s Uncommon Gourd Studio

Lights Over Bean Blossom Monroe Music Park & Campground

to BLO O

South Shore Dr.

Trafalgar

Clay Lick Rd

Lake Lemon

Franklin

252

NASHVILLE MAP ON PAGE 6

TRAFALGAR

MORGANTOWN

Antiques Co-op Art Beyond Crayons Grandpa Jeff’s Trail Rides The Tasty Plate Cafe

Upper Bean Blossom

Brown N County

Indianapolis

JEFFERSON STREET

HONEYSUCKLE LANE

OLD HICKORY LANE

Hoosier Artist Gallery

Fallen Leaf Books

Brown Co. Art Guild

Moonshine Leather

ST SR 135 N

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

The Wild Olive

Brown Co. Winery

Head Over Heels

Heritage Candy Store

Wishful Thinking

Heritage Mall

Holly Pots Stoneware

Homes on a Limb

MAIN STREET

Grasshopper Flats Spears Gallery Jewelers Juls Etc.

The Nashville House

Log JJail L il

Woodlands Gallery

Too Cute Boutique & Hidden Getaway Rivers Naughty Dog and Books Roads

Abe’s Corner

Weed Patch Music Company

Redbud Ter.

Health For U Ooey Gooey Cafe

County Offices

RE/MAX Team

IHA

Brown Co Art Gallery

Masonic Lodge

Old to SR 4 DisHard 6 Gold &Old till Tru ing th Co to to 4 .

Bro -H wn Fai Co rgro Re cyc unds le C en ter Touch of Silver

LOCUST LANE

Village Green

Courthouse

Copperhead Creek Gem Mine

Iris Garden Cottages & Suites

Pioneer Village Museum

GOULD STREET Iris Garden

Brown Co Public Library

Brown Co. History Center

MOUND STREET

Complex Brown Co. Rock & Fossil Shop

Nourish Cafe

Brown Co Community Foundation

ROBERT “BUCK” STOGSDILL WAY

TO HELMSBURG - 6 MILES

Brozinni Pizzeria

Big Woods Pizza

MOLLY’S LANE Big Woods Village

Common Grounds Coffee Bar Too Cute Boutique

Colonial Bldg.

Men’s Toy Shop

J.B. Goods/ Life is Good

North House

TO BEAN BLOSSOM & MORGANTOWN

Doc Tilton House

Michael’s Flowers

Zieg LeDoux & Associates

Fairway Mortgage Corp.

Hotel Nashville

ARTIST DR

OLD SCHOOL WAY

VAN BUREN

The Salvation Army

Precise Books & Payroll

Brown Co Massage

Schwab’s Fudge

New Leaf Amy Greely

JEFFERSON STREET Nashville BP

Hoosier Buddy

Thrift Shop Community Closet

PAT REILLY DR

Calvin Place

Life is Good JB Goods The Toy Chest

VAN BUREN ST SR 135 N

SR 46 TO BLOOMINGTON - 16 MILES

Brown Co Bikes

Olde Bartley House Coffee & Donuts

The Totem Post

Jack & Jill Nut Shop

Brown Co Playhouse

58 South Apparel

PITTMAN HOUSE LANE

American Woodsman

Queen Hat Co

Franklin Square

HONEYSUCKLE LANE

FRANKLIN STREET

The Ferguson House Bistro & Bar

Brown Co Pottery

Clay Purl

Antique Alley

Rustic Charm

Old McDurbin Gold & Gifts

Brown Co Model Trains

Artists Colony

Country Heritage Winery

Nashville Spice Co.

Bone Appetit Bakery

Brown County Inn

Brown Co Community YMCA

Bear Hardware

Brown County IGA

Craftsman

Brown Co Sugar Shack Brown County Eye Care Brown Co Health & Living

Rafters

Brown Co Music Center

Seasons Hotel & Event Center

Doodles by Kara Barnard

Salt Creek Park

Casa Del Sol

Coachlight Square

WASHINGTON STREET

SR 46 TO COLUMBUS - 16 MILES

Visitors Center

Moondance Vacation Homes

Nashville Fudge Kitchen

Possum Trot Square

Lodging

Dining

Back to Back The Cheeky Owl Lakehouse Candle Co.

Artist and/or Gallery Rest Room

Theatre

Musical Entertainment

COUNTY MAP ON PAGE 5

map not to scale

Parking

Brown Co Craft Gallery

Cornerstone Inn

Nashville Indiana

N

Kith & Lolli’s House Kindred House of Jerky Redhead Apothecary

Artists Colony Inn

Nashville Express

Rhonda Kay’s Male Instinct

Out of the Ordinary and Hickory Bar

OLD SCHOOL WAY

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 8 Our Brown County • Sept./Oct. 2024

Correction In last issue’s article regarding the new IU Health facility, the provider of paintings on display there was misidentified. The art is from the Hoosier Masters Collection presented

by Indiana Heritage Arts.

Contents 13 COLORING CONTEST 14 HISTORY MYSTERY 15 SUBSCRIBE 16 Music Center Turns 5 ~by Chrissy Alspaugh 24 Eagle Manufacturing ~by Bob Gustin 30 Brown County Seasons ~by Mark Blackwell 38-39 Photos by Geoff Thompson* 40-43 CALENDAR - EVENTS 46 Carolyn Dutton ~by Boris Ladwig 50 Fourth Friday Art Walk ~by Amy Huffman Oliver 56 Artist Thom Robinson ~by Rachel Berenson Perry 60 Back Roads Studio Tour ~by Paige Langenderfer 62 Rock & Mineral Show ~by Rhonda Dunn 66 Sampler at Olde Bartley House 72-74 INFO PAGES

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

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

Boris Ladwig is a ColumbusJoe Lee is an illustrator and writer. based journalist who has He is the author of Forgiveness: worked in print, online and The Eva Kor Story, The History of TV media in Indiana and Clowns for Beginners, and Dante Kentucky and has won awards for Beginners. He is an editorial for features, news, business, cartoonist for the Bloomington non-deadline news, First Herald-Times, a graduate of Amendment/community affairs Ringling Brothers, Barnum and investigative reporting. & Bailey Clown College, and a veteran circus performer.

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. He gives studio tours, builds small looms, and expands his book and record collections.

Amy Huffman Oliver has lived in and around Brown County most of her life and raised two kids here with her husband, Jim. She grew up with “newspaper in her blood” by way of her parents, Jane and Stu Huffman, who were both journalists. She writes as a freelancer after working most of her career as an attorney and a seventh-grade teacher.

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

Paige Langenderfer is a freelance writer and consultant. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Indiana University and her master’s degree in Public Relations Management from IUPUI. Paige lives in Columbus with her husband and daughters.

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

Rhonda Dunn is a volunteer archivist for the Brown County Historical Society. She writes historical accounts in Brown County Journal, shared with members and others who promote our county.

She is an avid rockhound of the Brown County Rock & Mineral Club.

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.

*Geoff Thompson is a founding member of the Brown County Inn “Foggy Geezers” bartenders.

Originally from London, England, he has resided in Brown County for more than 20 years.

Cover: FallFare 2023 volunteers Donna Ormiston & Janis Shaffer ~by Cindy Steele

copyright 2024

OUR BROWN COUNTY

Thanks, Mom, for making it happen!

P.O. Box 157 Helmsburg, IN 47435

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

Sept./Oct. 2024 • Our Brown County 9

10 Our Brown County • Sept./Oct. 2024

ADVERTISER

ANTIQUES Antiques Co-op................................. 52 Brown Co Antique Mall.................... 21 Days of Old Antique Shoppe.......... 61 Marie’s Home Decor/Country Str... 15 Michael’s Flowers.............................. 20 Plum Creek Antiques....................... 72 ART, ART SUPPLIES-INSTRUCTION Antiques Co-op................................. 52 Art Beyond Crayons......................... 52 Art Walk.............................................. 48 B3 Gallery............................................. 8 Bear Hardware.................................. 33 Brown Co Antique Mall.................... 21 Brown Co Art Gallery....................... 20 Brown Co Art Guild........................... 21 Brown Co Craft Gallery.................... 63 Hoosier Artist Gallery...................... 23 Kith & Kindred Gifts......................... 29 Lightspinner Studio, M. Sechler..... 60 Amanda W. Mathis............................ 20 Spears Gallery................................... 28 C. Steele Art....................................... 74 James Tracy........................................ 21 Uncommon Gourd-Rosey Bolte..... 20 BOOKS Fallen Leaf Books.............................. 15 FallFare............................................... 51 Naughty Dog Books......................... 58 CLOTHING 58 South Apparel.............................. 34 Abe’s Corner - Too Cute Boutique.. 49 The Cheeky Owl................................ 54 Community Closet Thrift Shop....... 69 Head Over Heels............................... 19 J.B. Goods/ Life is Good................... 27 Lolli’s House....................................... 70 Male Instinct...................................... 54 Men’s Toy Shop.................................. 37 Queen Hat Co.................................... 45 CRAFTS, POTTERY, GIFTS American Woodsman....................... 70 Antiques Co-op................................. 52 The Apple Works............................... 34 Art Walk.............................................. 48 B3 Gallery............................................. 8 Bone Appetit Bakery........................ 63 Brown Co Antique Mall.................... 21 Brown Co Art Guild........................... 21

Sycamore Saloon.............................. 32 FOOD & BEVERAGE 19th Hole Sports Bar........................ 65 Abe Martin Lodge............................. 26 The Apple Works............................... 34 Artists Colony Inn............................. 29 Bear Wallow Distillery...................... 68 Bonafide Bites Chef/Catering......... 72 Brown Co IGA.................................... 68 Brown Co Inn..................................... 22 Brown Co Sugar Shack..................... 48 Brown Co Winery.............................. 29 Brownie’s Bean Blossom Rest......... 71 Brozinni Pizzeria............................... 35 The Candy Dish................................... 8 Casa del Sol........................................ 54 Cedar Creek Winery.......................... 63 Common Grounds Coffee Bar........ 63 Country Heritage Winery................ 53 FallFare............................................... 51 Farmhouse Cafe................................ 64 The Ferguson House Bistro & Bar.. 28 Firebird Tap House........................... 51 Hard Truth Distilling Co................... 36 The Harvest Preserve......................... 8 Helmsburg General Store............... 71 Heritage Candy Store....................... 33 Hoosier Buddy Liquors.................... 27 Hotel Nashville.................................. 65 Jack and Jill Nut Shop...................... 61 Miller’s Ice Cream House................... 8 Nashville BP....................................... 45 The Nashville House......................... 28 Nashville Fudge Kitchen.................. 76 Nashville Spice Co............................. 75 Nourish Cafe...................................... 70 The Olde Bartley House Coffee & Donuts.................................. 3 Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Rolls Cafe.71 Out of the Ordinary & Hickory Bar.49 Rafters................................................. 53 Schwab’s Fudge................................. 54 Seasons Hotel & Event Center........ 55 Sycamore Saloon.............................. 32 The Tasty Plate Cafe......................... 52 The Wild Olive..................................... 2 FURNITURE Antiques Co-op................................. 52 Brown Co Antique Mall.................... 21

Brown Co Craft Gallery.................... 63 Brown Co Model Trains.................... 15 Brown Co Pottery.............................. 15 Brown Co Rock & Fossil Shop......... 64 The Cheeky Owl................................ 54 Clay Purl............................................. 29 Days of Old Antique Shoppe.......... 61 Doc Tilton House............................... 61 FallFare............................................... 51 Head Over Heels............................... 19 Holly Pots Stoneware....................... 63 Homes on a Limb.............................. 61 Hoosier Artist Gallery...................... 23 Kith & Kindred Gifts......................... 29 Lakehouse Candle Co...................... 44 Lightspinner Studio, M. Sechler..... 60 Lolli’s House....................................... 70 Male Instinct...................................... 54 Michael’s Flowers.............................. 20 Moonshine Leather.......................... 20 Nashville Spice Co............................. 75 New Leaf............................................. 21 Queen Hat Co.................................... 45 Redhead Apothecary....................... 31 Rhonda Kay’s..................................... 34 Rivers and Roads.............................. 21 Rustic Charm..................................... 48 Spears Gallery................................... 28 C. Steele Art....................................... 74 The Totem Post.................................. 15 The Toy Chest.................................... 54 Uncommon Gourd-Rosey Bolte..... 20 Wishful Thinking............................... 71 Woodlands Gallery........................... 69 ENTERTAINMENT/MUSIC 19th Hole Sports Bar........................ 65 Bill Monroe Music Park.................... 55 Brown Co History Center................. 32 Brown Co Inn..................................... 22 Brown Co Music Center................... 18 Brown Co Playhouse........................ 42 The Burning Daylights..................... 73 Copperhead Creek Gem Mine........ 64 Country Heritage Winery................ 53 The Ferguson House Bistro & Bar.. 28 Firebird Tap House........................... 51 Hard Truth Distilling Co................... 36 Nashville Express.............................. 32 The Nashville House......................... 28

DIRECTORY Days of Old Antique Shoppe.......... 61 Marie’s Home Decor/Country Str... 15 Plum Creek Antiques....................... 72 HATS The Cheeky Owl................................ 54 Head Over Heels............................... 19 Male Instinct...................................... 54 Moonshine Leather.......................... 20 Queen Hat Co.................................... 45 JEWELRY Art Walk.............................................. 48 B3 Gallery............................................. 8 Brown Co Antique Mall.................... 21 Brown Co Craft Gallery.................... 63 The Cheeky Owl................................ 54 Grasshopper Flats Jewelers............ 28 Hoosier Artist Gallery...................... 23 Juls Etc................................................ 64 Kith & Kindred Gifts......................... 29 New Leaf............................................. 21 Old McDurbin Gold & Gifts............. 63 Rhonda Kay’s..................................... 34 Spears Gallery................................... 28 The Totem Post.................................. 15 Touch of Silver Gold & Old.............. 27 LODGING/CAMPGROUNDS 3 R Ranch............................................ 37 Abe Martin Lodge............................. 26 Abe’s Corner - Hidden Getaway..... 49 Artists Colony Inn............................. 29 Away A Day RV Campground......... 61 Bill Monroe Music Park.................... 55 Brick Lodge........................................ 65 Brooks Run Cabin............................. 35 Brown Co Health & Living............... 73 Brown Co Inn..................................... 22 Brown Co KOA................................... 58 Cornerstone Inn................................ 14 Doc Tilton House............................... 61 eXplore Brown Co............................... 4 Friends O’ Mine Campground........ 48 Harmony Tree Resorts..................... 32 Hills O’ Brown Vacation Rentals..... 34 Hotel Nashville.................................. 65 Iris Garden Cottages & Suites......... 64 Moondance Vacation Homes......... 44 North House...................................... 65 Salt Creek Golf Retreat Lodging.... 19 Seasons Hotel & Event Center........ 55

Sept./Oct. 2024 • Our Brown County 11

MUSEUMS Brown Co History Center................. 32 Doc Tilton House............................... 61 Bill Monroe Music Park.................... 55 PET PRODUCTS Bone Appetit Bakery........................ 63 Bear Hardware.................................. 35 Queen Hat Co.................................... 45 PHOTOS Art Walk.............................................. 18 B3 Gallery............................................. 8 Hoosier Artist Gallery...................... 23 Spears Gallery................................... 28 REAL ESTATE Bear Real Estate - Scroggins Team.33 Carpenter Hills O’ Brown Realty - Alexandra Fettig............................. 70 RE/MAX Team.................................... 74 RECREATION eXplore Brown Co............................... 4 Grandpa Jeff’s Trail Rides................ 52 Salt Creek Golf Retreat.................... 19 SERVICES Amish Roofers................................... 59 Dr. Lisa Baker, DDS........................... 35 Bear Hardware’s Bagged Trash....... 72 Blitz Builders...................................... 45 Bonafide Bites Chef/Catering......... 72 Brown Co Bikes................................. 32 Brown Co Convention & Visitors Bureau.................................. 12 Brown Co Eye Care............................ 72 Brown Co Health & Living............... 73 Brown Co K9...................................... 72 Brown Co Massage........................... 44 Brown Co Recycle Event.................. 27 Brown Co Tire & Auto....................... 72 Brown Co Community YMCA.......... 74 The Burning Daylights..................... 73 Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp Tracy J. Landis.................................. 33 Heartland Tattoo............................... 73 IN Seamless Guttering..................... 73 McGinley Insurance.......................... 73 Michael’s Flowers.............................. 20 Mike Nickels Log Homes................. 70 Nashville BP....................................... 45 Precise Books & Payroll.................... 72 Rainwater Studios............................ 74

Rambling Dog Design - SIGNS....... 74 Randy’s Guttering/Home Improv.. 73 Weed Patch Music Company.......... 70 Zieg LeDoux & Assoc........................ 72 SHOES Head Over Heels............................... 19 Moonshine Leather.......................... 20 The Totem Post.................................. 15 SPECIALTY SHOPS American Woodsman....................... 70 Bone Appetit Bakery........................ 63 Brown Co Bikes................................. 32 Brown Co Model Trains.................... 15 Brown Co Pottery.............................. 15 Brown Co Rock & Fossil Shop......... 64 Clay Purl............................................. 29 Fallen Leaf Books.............................. 15 Fireplace Center................................ 71 Head Over Heels............................... 19 Health For U....................................... 73 Homes on a Limb.............................. 61 Lakehouse Candle Co...................... 44 Male Instinct...................................... 54 Men’s Toy Shop.................................. 37 Michael’s Flowers.............................. 20 Moonshine Leather.......................... 20 Nashville Spice Co............................. 75 Queen Hat Co.................................... 45 Redhead Apothecary....................... 31 The Toy Chest.................................... 54 Weed Patch Music Company.......... 70 The Wild Olive..................................... 2 Wishful Thinking............................... 71 WEDDINGS Abe Martin Lodge............................. 26 Artists Colony Inn............................. 29 Brown Co Inn..................................... 22 Harmony Tree Resorts..................... 32 Hotel Nashville.................................. 65 OTHER Amish Roofers................................... 59 The Apple Works............................... 34 Blitz Builders...................................... 45 Flower and Herb Barn...................... 73 Health For U....................................... 73 Mike Nickels Log Homes................. 70 WFHB Radio....................................... 74 WFIU Radio........................................ 74

We’re happy you’re here.

Enjoy exploring Brown County’s specialty shops, unique flavors, local artists of every kind, and kid-friendly activities galore.

Browse all our shops, restaurants, and more at BrownCounty.com!

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

Brown County Visitors Center. 211 South Van Buren Street. Downtown Nashville.

12 Our Brown County • Sept./Oct. 2024

@ILuvBrownCounty

Coloring Contest WIN $30

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

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

Sept./Oct. 2024 • Our Brown County 13

WIN $30 History Mystery

Rest & Relax

812-988-8807 FIRST to leave a message with the answer along with your name and phone number WINS!

Born in Wisconsin, just four years after the Civil War ended, this artist studied in Chicago, New York, Paris, and Munich. He started visiting Brown County in the early 1900s and moved here permanently with his family in 1917, leading a group of artists that also came to paint our hills and hollers. He taught students to paint in Indiana and Florida. He obsessively worked on a portrait of Christ for 30 years. Who is this artist?

The answer to last issue’s mystery was Onya LaTour.

14 Our Brown County • Sept./Oct. 2024

including our Vacation Homes

Tudie’s Cottage, The Lodge, and Cabin 360 CORNERSTONEINN.COM

812-988-0300 • 54 E. Franklin St. Downtown Nashville

Brown County Model Trains Trains: Electric, Electric Wooden Wooden, and Christmas

You can have Our Brown County mailed to your postal address. A year’s subscription (six issues) is just $20, which covers postage, supplies, and processing time.

Makes a great gift.

Magnets • Puzzles • Local Preserves • Kid-Friendly

SUBSCRIBE

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

75 S. Jefferson St. • Antique Alley • 317-783-6726

Name: N

The Totem Post

Address:

~Since 1952~

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

Mail with check or money order to:

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

Unplug with a Good Book Old, New, Used and Rare Books Home Decor, Garden Items, Gift Items, Clothing, Antiques, All Natural, and Recycled Products

4359 State Road 46 East • Nashville (Gnaw Bone) Open Saturday 10–5 and Sunday 11–5

812-200-8274 marieshomedecorandcountrystore@yahoo.com

Journals • Sketchbooks Handmade Greeting Cards Local Postcards 45 S. Jefferson St. • Nashville, IN 812.988.0202 • fallenleafbooks.com

Open 7 days a week 10 am to 5 pm

Sept./Oct. 2024 • Our Brown County 15

Celebrating 5 Years courtesy photos

~by Chrissy Alspaugh

D

rawing many of the nation’s best-loved recording artists to Nashville, Brown County Music Center is emerging from its first five years in operation triumphantly gaining speed, despite considerable setbacks from being closed during the worst of the pandemic.

16 Our Brown County • Sept./Oct. 2024

Fans will be able to celebrate the anniversary this fall with special merchandise, a social media contest, and not-yet-announced shows through the end of the year.

The community-owned nonprofit music center has welcomed performers including Chicago, Scotty McCreery, Kenny G, The Beach Boys, Vince Gill, Clint Black, Kevin Costner, Jo Dee Messina, Wheel of Fortune, The Price is Right Live, Weird Al, Patti LaBelle, Big Daddy Weave, Blues Traveler, Rodney Carrington, Buddy Guy, Steven Curtis Chapman, and many more.

While the venue is selling out show after show, bands are falling in love with the music center, too.

The theater holds just over 2,000 seats and boasts state-of-the-art sound and lighting. Executive Director Christian Webb said performers rave about waking up after a night on their tour bus to be greeted not

Brown County Music Center by skyscrapers and street sounds but the serene Brown County hills. “Melissa Etheridge and her team did yoga overlooking the hills behind the music center. Joss Stone walked across the parking lot to go work out at the YMCA,” Web said. “This place is definitely a haven for bands.”

The tiny town has a long reputation for drawing big names.

For 35 years, the Little Nashville Opry hosted a roster of country-music stars, often selling out its own 2,000 seats. In 2009, a suspicious fire destroyed the venue.

A decade later, the music center opened its doors with a concert by country singer Vince Gill in August of 2019.

But before its first birthday, COVID slammed the doors shut.

For the next 650 days, the Brown County Music Center became the community’s health clinic. The lobby intended for eager concertgoers became a testing, and eventually vaccination, center. The stage and auditorium were transformed into extra courtroom space. Federal funding for those emergency needs helped the center limp along financially, but Webb said the venue was a mere “four to six months away from having to pull the plug” when the doors finally reopened on September 11, 2021.

Re-launching with a sold-out Halestorm show, coupled with the venue’s overwhelming success prior to COVID, filled Webb with certainty that the music center not only was going to succeed, “but do amazing things.”

In 2023—still a year ahead of original revenue targets— the music center made its first profit and subsequent gift back to the Brown County community: a check for $267,000. Forward-thinking Continued on 18

Executive Director Christian Webb back stage. photo by Chrissy Alspaugh

Sept./Oct. 2024 • Our Brown County 17

MUSIC CENTER continued from 17 project management established that 75 percent of the center’s revenue goes to the Brown County Community Foundation to be invested and returned to the community via grants for things like volunteer fire department radios or projects supporting arts and culture; while the other 25 percent of profits go to the county commissioners for pressing issues such as road resurfacing or sewer improvements.

This year, an estimated 90,000 fans will visit the music center. Webb said only about five percent of show-goers are Brown County residents.

Webb, formerly stadium operations manager for the San Diego Chargers before moving into live entertainment with Live Nation, has creatively worked to increase revenue with funding streams that the music center doesn’t have to split with performers. He swapped out the concessions menu from hot dogs and pretzels to pulled pork and walking tacos, the bar now offers specialty drinks, and the center built a premiere parking lot and premiere VIP seating with in-chair bar service.

“We’re going to keep pushing the envelope and elevating ourselves so we can make the biggest community impact possible,” Webb said.

Another key to the venue’s profitability, he said, is the “army” of more than 250 volunteers who lower operating costs and make every show possible.

Coming in the next year, an outdoor beer garden will be constructed by the Brown County Woodworkers Club as a new space for concertgoers to enjoy live music and drinks after a show and that can be rented for private parties.

Also on Webb’s to-do list, is securing sponsors for the music center’s spirits, beer, possibly wine, and “possibly one more partner that helps us hit our bottom line so we can give more back to the community.”

He said he feels “lucky and blessed” by the job he gets to do and can’t wait to see the center’s impact in the—hopefully uninterrupted—years to come.

“If this is five,” Webb said, smiling, “we can’t wait to see you at 10.”

For information or upcoming shows visit <browncountymusiccenter.com>. 

Brown County Music Center

Sept. 5 The Australian Pink Floyd Show Oct. 24 Stephen Pearcy and QUIET RIOT Sept. 6 Dailey & Vincent Oct. 25 Atmosphere Sept. 8 April Wine & Sweet Nov. 1 Rickie Lee Jones,Sweet Honey in the Rock Sept. 15 Beth Hart Nov. 8 Lorrie Morgan Sept. 26 Always Loretta - Tribute Nov. 15 Tracy Lawrence Sept. 27 An Evening with Amy Grant Nov. 21 Girl Named Tom Sept. 28 The Rascals Nov. 23, 24 KANSAS: 50th Anniversary Tour Sept. 29 Burton Cummings & His Band Nov. 30 The Lovin’ Spoonful Oct. 3 Killer Queen - Queen Tribute Dec. 1 Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox Oct. 5 One Night in Memphis Dec. 4 Ancient Aliens Live Oct. 11 The Ozark Mountain Daredevils Dec. 18 Ricky Skaggs Christmas Oct. 12 Masters of Illusion Dec. 19 Home Free's "Any Kind of Christmas" Oct. 22 Chicago Dec. 22 A Winter Gathering - Kathy Mattea Oct. 23 Everclear Feb. 15 Dirty Dancing Live For additional shows and tickets visit: www.BrownCountyMusicCenter.com 18 Our Brown County • Sept./Oct. 2024

HATS • FOOTWEAR • ACCESSORIES

OVE

Sept./Oct. 2024 • Our Brown County 19

Amanda W. Mathis

photo by Michele Wedel

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

AN EXHIBIT AND SALE OF ART BY JOHN MELLENCAMP SEPTEMBER 6 THRU NOVEMBER

ORIGINAL PAINTINGS AND SIGNED REPRODUCTIONS

Flowers

Hoosier s SSalon l n CCentennial nt nn Art from the Heartland

COLLECTORS’ SHOWCASE 2024 100 years of art history

by Indiana’s greatest artists

Oct. 5 – Nov. 10 Reception Sat., Oct. 5 5 – 8pm

Complete event schedule online at BrownCountyArtGallery.org F d CORNER OF MAIN STREET & ARTIS PEN DAIL FREE ADMISSION FREE PARKING

MOONSHINE LEATHER C

O

M

P

A

N

Y

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

38 SOUTH VAN BUREN · NASHVILLE, IN 20 Our Brown County • Sept./Oct. 2024

Brown County Antique Mall Antique Store since 1972

Over 10,000 square feet in three buildings

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

More than 76 dealers • We buy and sell

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

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

© 2023 Brown County Art Guild, Inc.

The Guild.

Fine Art by Fine Artists.

© 2024 Brown County Art Guild, Inc.

Featuring handcrafted jewelry by owner Amy Greely

The New England Years A FOUNDERS EXHIBITION SEPTEMBER 13 - OCTOBER 27, 2024 DETAIL OF EASTERN BLOW BY C. CURRY BOHM

GALLERY AND MUSEUM 48 S. Van Buren Street Nashville, IN 47448 812 988-6185 BrownCountyArtGuild.org

Sept./Oct. 2024 • Our Brown County 21

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

22 Our Brown County • Sept./Oct. 2024

(812) 988-2291

s rtist a l ca d lo cor. e t n de le y ta office b -5 s C 10 gift e or R-DE d m P n A o h ta 1-4 & e ar fts, and AR 1 n M i f N A gi ed 8 / J raft ecting, -688 c 8 8 d 9 ll an / 812 er h ring, co 448 7 v 4 o .com E, IN Disc or wea tist VILL r H A S r A f osie T / N 45 S

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Sept./Oct. 2024 • Our Brown County 23

Eagle Manufacturing ~story and photos by Bob Gustin

Meeting Expectations

Left to right: Chris Townsend (Advisor), Haley Fowler, Autumn Bryant.

A

s Brown County High School students head back to classes this fall, some of them are going into a program which aims to give them real-world work experience, advanced training more typical of college-level courses, and problem-solving skills they can use for the rest of their lives.

About a fifth of the high school students are part of the Eagle Manufacturing program or are preparing to enroll in it. And when they graduate, the goal is for them to be immediately employable if that’s the path they choose.

Students get training on specific job-related tasks, including engineering, programming, design, administration and operation of complex machinery. But more importantly, they learn how to thrive in a work environment.

Though one goal of the program is to get it to be selfsupporting, advisor Chris Townsend says the most important aspiration is to produce students who are workforce ready,

24 Our Brown County • Sept./Oct. 2024

self-sufficient, and able to solve problems given the resources they have at hand.

“If they can do that, they can do anything,” he said.

Students are encouraged to overcome problems on their own, and only seek advice from advisors if they are unable to do so, Townsend said. Other advisors in the program are Dean Keefauver and Cheyenne Dinsmore. A former Eagle Manufacturing student, Dinsmore teaches at the high school as she continues her education.

Eagle Manufacturing began in 2018 in the high school building, then moved to remodeled space in the former Nashville elementary school building when schools were consolidated. A private donation funded the remodeling and equipping of the facility. Though the startup costs for a program are high, Townsend expects growth and efficiency will eventually increase revenue, making it less expensive to operate than more traditional high school sequences.

“Our goal is to teach, not make money,” he said.

The high school program is not as efficient as a private enterprise, he said, because they are working in non-ideal conditions, including 100 percent turnover every year, and 47-minute work shifts, the length of class sessions. But he said the culture of the program is important, providing a family environment where students support one another.

Students in the program function as a business, providing goods and services to private companies and individuals at contracted rates. Students communicate

Left to right: Autumn Bryant, Josh Woodard, Cheyenne Dinsmore (Advisor), John Stowers, Dean Keefauver (Advisor).

with customers, learn business practices, and are responsible for end results. Any profits from the student-led business are reinvested for educational needs.

Last year Eagle Manufacturing received about 275 orders of various sizes from the private sector, each with an average price of about $225, Townsend said. While some of those orders come from large multinational corporations such as Cummins, Inc., based in Columbus, others are from small local businesses. The program has a group of 50 to 75 core clients every year, spread across Indiana and about eight other states.

Students earn educational credits through Eagle Manufacturing, and those working through summer session also get hourly wages, working six hours a day for five days a week.

“We get paid to learn,” during summer sessions, said Joshua

Woodard, student manager for manufacturing. “Our motto is student-led and quality-driven.” In addition to technical training, the program provides inspiration, he said.

Other students said the program has allowed them to learn skills and get experience while in high school, rather than waiting for college. Among the best parts of the program involve learning to problem-solve, they said.

Both Woodward and Stringer plan to continue their educations after high school.

About 50 high school students are enrolled in the program, but those studying in introductory classes brings the total to about 115. All students in the program must also complete traditional Core 40 classes to graduate.

Eagle Manufacturing is one of approximately 25 student-based enterprise programs in Indiana.

“We help teach students employment skills and put them in an environment to develop those skills,” Townsend said. “That’s unique to most of the educational process.”

“All the jobs are real jobs,” Townsend said. “That’s the best way to learn employment skills.”

The program has an advisory board composed of community, business and industry leaders, which provides feedback, direction and support. Townsend said the board has been less active since the pandemic, and he hopes it can be reinvigorated.

“I am immensely proud of Eagle Manufacturing and the unique opportunities it provides our students,” said Superintendent of Schools Emily Tracy. “This exceptional student-run enterprise is not only one of the best in Indiana, but it also embodies the spirit of innovation and hands-on Continued on 26

Sept./Oct. 2024 • Our Brown County 25

EAGLE MANUFACTURING continued from 25 learning that we strive to cultivate in our district.

Through their work in manufacturing, embroidery, screen printing, laser engraving, and more, our 10th to 12th grade students are gaining real-world experience and essential employability skills that will serve them well beyond graduation.

“Eagle Manufacturing isn’t just a program,” she said. “It’s a launchpad that helps our students discover their passions and equips them with the tools they need to confidently step into their futures.

The experiences they gain here will guide them as they decide what they want to do the Monday morning after graduation, whether that’s continuing their education, entering the workforce, or pursuing entrepreneurship. Eagle Manufacturing is a testament to the limitless potential of our students, and its success is a source of pride for our entire community.”

26 Our Brown County • Sept./Oct. 2024

Tim Kelley of southern Brown County has been a member of the advisory board since its inception.

He said when he attended Frankfort High School, he struggled until he joined the building trades program at the school, but that started his 40year career path as a general contractor, landlord, builder, union carpenter, and as a specialist in making homes more accessible to the disabled.

“Eagle Manufacturing is very important for Brown County to arm these kids to go out into the working world and have a skill set they can use to make a career,” he said. Among those skills are business management, basic communication skills, work ethic, and a knowledge of risk and reward, he said.

To start a project, become a partner, or get more information, contact Eagle Manufacturing at <info@bceaglemfg.com> or call 812-988-6606, extension1251. The facility is located at Brown County High School campus in Nashville. 

Brown Countyy Residents Onlyy (Businesses excluded)

TIRE

DROP OP PO OFF FF D DAY

Fri. Sept. 13, 2024 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

With Rim

Car Tires Light Truck Racing Slicks Truck/Semi Off Road Tractor

FREE FREE $10 $10 $10 $25

$1 $1 $15 $15 $15 $30

Tires filled with mud, gravel, or other debris will not be accepted.

Next to county fairgrounds.

Enter from Greasy Creek Road.

176 Old SR 46 Nashville, IN Brown County Solid Waste Management District 812-988-0140

in Nashville, IN

Touch of Silver, Gold & Old

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

Hoosier Buddy Liquors Cold Beer, Fine Wines & Select Spirits Cold Beer:

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

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

Fine Wines:

172 N. Van Buren Street AND

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.

Select Spirits:

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

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

102 S. Van Buren Street (Calvin Place)

www.JBGoods.com • 812-988-0900

Follow us on Twitter @HoosierBuddy1 As always, Hoosier Buddy Liquors reminds you to celebrate safe—don’t drink and drive.

Sept./Oct. 2024 • Our Brown County 27

GRASSHOPPER FLATS Jewelers EST. 1970

Best Be est prices p in the area!

SSterling terli Silver and Gold Jewelry Diam Diamonds • Opals • Gemstones Repai Repairs • Wedding Bands

47 E. Main St. (Old School Way Alley) Behind Brown County Winery Grasshopper Flats Jewelers 812-988-4037 • Closed Tues. & Wed.

EST 1927

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

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

28 Our Brown County • Sept./Oct. 2024

LOCALLY HANDMADE FINE CRAFTS

BESIDE THE NASHVILLE HOUSE RESTAURANT

We now carry Schuster Glass 812.988.1286 • Spearspottery.com • facebook.com/Spears-Gallery

Brown County

WINERY WINER WINE RY RY

· AWARD WINNING QUALITY WINES SINCE 1986 ·

Complimentary Tastings · Two Tasting Rooms WINERY IN GNAWBONE

4520 State Road 46 East · Nashville 812.988.6144

VILLAGE OF NASHVILLE

East Main & Old School Way 812.988.8646

OPEN DAILY

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

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

BrownCountyWinery.com

the

Inn & Restaurant

A Charming 19th Century Style Inn and Restaurant

• 20 Guest Rooms, 3 Suites with Whirlpool Baths • Banquet and Conference Rooms for Retreats or Parties • Gift Certificates Available Serving Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Breakfast Buffet 8:00 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

come see us in antique alley, next to brown county pottery online: claypurl.com

92 w franklin st • nashville, in • 812.988.0336 sunday & monday 12-4, tuesday—saturday 11-5

Sept./Oct. 2024 • Our Brown County 29

Musings

~by Mark Blackwell

Brown County Seasons

L

ike most places in the Midwest, Brown County has four regular seasons. It also has about eight to twelve sub-seasons, depending on the year. We just finished up one of those sub-seasons which turned out to be about the hottest “Dog Days” I can remember.

It was so hot this year, according to a friend of mine, his hens were layin’ hardboiled eggs.

He said he lost some of his chickens when they up and headed off to KFC in the belief that conditions there couldn’t be any worse.

But things are getting better now as we head into another one of those sub-seasons, “Late Summer Brown County Appreciation season.”

While the LSBCA season is not as famous as our fall, there are those who enjoy the calm quiet days between the beginning of squirrel season and the first turning of the foliage.

Days that start with cool mornings and stretch into warm afternoons punctuated with the whirring of grasshoppers and katydids, and the lonesome calls of mourning doves. It is a time of anticipation. A time of nature beginning its metamorphosis into autumnal glory.

30 Our Brown County • Sept./Oct. 2024

The misty mornings, warm days, and cool evenings are perfect for hiking, camping, canoeing, and a whole lot of other outdoors stuff. If you are enjoying a visit to Brown County at this time, then you are a participant and a contributor to the LSBCA season, and I thank you. For the local folks it’s time to gather in the last of the garden harvest and time to check the water level in the cistern. Also, it’s time to start thinking about getting in enough firewood to get through one of Brown County’s later seasons.

After the last grasshopper sings its song there is a noticeable shift in the daylight. When the cool mornings turn to downright chilly, and the woodstove has been fired up a time or two, there comes a day when the green hues of the trees of summer give way to the brown, gold, yellow, and red of fall. A quiet call goes out from the hills and hollers beckoning to every person with an artistic soul.

It really was artists, at the turn of the 20th Century, who discovered the rustic charm of the hills and touted

that charm to the wider world. There were a considerable number of folks already established here who felt no need to go out of their way to extol the many virtues of county to outsiders.

The old-timers were content to live their lives as they saw fit. They had been getting along without recourse to modernity and didn’t see a lot of advantages in the complexities of trying to keep up with a world that didn’t know how to be content.

But the future cannot be held at bay for long, and many of those caught up in the heedless rush for the next new thing felt that maybe something had been lost in a past that was so quickly being discarded.

When stories about the beauty of the hills and the hand-built log cabins that nestled in the hollers by little spring-fed creeks got published in big city newspapers, people took notice. To those people living their modern lives in those big cities, Brown County sounded like a way to go back and visit simpler times. And so, the tourist industry was born.

It wasn’t until the 1920s that tourism in Brown County really caught on. Before that, the unimproved dirt roads were barely drivable and the same could be said for most of the early automobiles. In the times before that, horses, wagons, and carriages were the only modes of transportation making day trips impossible. You could get to Helmsburg or Fruitdale by way of the railroad that came through in 1906. But then you had to hire a carriage to get to Nashville. It took most of a day to get there—that is if it didn’t rain and the roads weren’t muddy, because then it took a lot longer.

When tourism became popular, it brought quite a few changes to the county. Tourists needed to be fed—so the restaurant business took off.

Automobiles needed gasoline, oil, tires, and repairs—so blacksmiths and livery stables gave way to mechanics and garages. Folks needed places to stay—so hotels were provided. And tourists wanted souvenirs to take back home as mementos of their visit.

The desire for souvenirs led to county folks turning their talents towards crafts like basket making, wood carving, quilting, and more, to create those souvenirs.

And then shops were needed to sell the local crafts. Pretty soon the little village of Nashville, that consisted of fewer than four hundred people in 1900, began to resemble the tourist destination it is today.

Like the artists who came to Brown County and made important contributions, tourists have also made major changes to the way of life here. The qualities that make the county what it is, the surviving attitude of self-reliance, the crafts people and artists, and the people who come to visit, are all part of a symbiotic web that we call “Our Brown County.” 

Ethically sourced & handcrafted made from natural ingredients

Naturally balanced with natural products 145 S. Van Buren Street Nashville, IN 812-720-7018 • RedheadApothecary.com A female veteran owned company supporting other female and veteran suppliers

Sept./Oct. 2024 • Our Brown County 31

Brown County

History Center Displays and Exhibits

Pioneer Village Museum

Bringing Brown County’s Past to Life

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

NASHVILLE EXPRESS Historical Sight-seeing Tours of Nashville All aboar

d! Kids 5 & Under Ride FREE

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

812-988-6690

also service to Brown County Inn and Quality Inn

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

Available for field trips, business functions, private tours

32 Our Brown County • Sept./Oct. 2024

­

Felicia Cook

317-509-5867

Luke Morrow

812-583-0055

Betty Mullis

812-320-0765

Your Trusted LOCAL MORTGAGE LENDER As a local mortgage lender who lives and works in Nashville, I understand the area and would love to help finance your next home, vacation home or investment property! Contact me today to learn more!

Tracy J. Landis Loan OfficerNMLS #256205 Office: 317-658-5933

tracyl@fairwaymc.com www.landisloanpro.com 91 West Mound Street Nashville, IN 47448

Copyright©20244 Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation. NMLS#2289. 4750 S. Biltmore Lane, Madison, WI 53718, 1-866-912-4800. Restrictions and limitations may apply. All rights reserved. Equal Housing Opportunity. FW1790703

Sept./Oct. 2024 • Our Brown County 33

Established in 2005 — Always a trendsetter

You will find traffic stopping items at 58 South!

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

Fit and affordability for missy and younger-thinking shoppers.

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

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

We appreciate our loyal customers!

812-988-6429

Check out our

Weekday Specials!

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

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

Tervis Tumbler • BruMate Swan Creek • Dog Breed Items Willow Tree • Funko Pop! Melissa & Doug • Ty Plush Jeeps T’s • Simply Southern Bobble Heads • &Livy

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

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

Rhonda Kay’s 69 S. Van Buren St. • Nashville, IN

812-988-2050 • rhondakays@msn.com

34 Our Brown County • Sept./Oct. 2024

BROOKS RUN CABIN

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

Open 11am–9:00pm • Closed Mondays

Lisa J. Baker, DDS

Dr. Lisa Baker, tooth artist and smile specialist

Amazing While-you-wait Crowns!

• Fishing Tackle • Horse Tack • RV Replacement Parts • Bee Keeping Supplies • Maple Syrup Supplies • Pet & Livestock Food • Antiques YOUR OUTDOOR HEADQUARTERS Tents, Camping Lights, Sleeping Bags, Grills, Fire Starters, Coleman Heaters & Lanterns, Cooking Utensils

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

Family Cosmetic Preventive Dentistry

Call for an appointment today:

812-332-2000 • www.drlisabaker.net 4217 E. 3rd Street • Bloomington, IN 47401

Sept./Oct. 2024 • Our Brown County 35

VISIT HARD TRUTH THE #1 DESTINATION DISTILLERY IN THE U.S.

Visit hardtruth.com to view upcoming events and book your experience.

HARDTRUTH.COM LIVE TRUTHFULLY. DRINK RESPONSIBLY. 418 OLD STATE RD. 46, NASHVILLE, IN 47448 • (812) 720-4840 ©2024 HARD TRUTH DISTILLING CO.

36 Our Brown County • Sept./Oct. 2024

Escape to the hills

­

MEN’S TOY SHOP Old Colonial Bldg. 60 N. Van Buren St. Nashville, Indiana

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

812.988.6590 • menstoyshop@yahoo.com•Visit us on Facebook

Sept./Oct. 2024 • Our Brown County 37

photos by Geoff Thompson

Brown County Playhouse Sept. 6

Simply the Best Tina Turner Tribute Sept. 7 Rich Hardesty Sept. 12 Satisfaction - 60 Years of the Rolling Stones Sept. 13 The Side Cards Band Tribute to The Cars Sept. 14 American Made Oak Ridge Boys Tribute Sept. 19 & 26 Songwriter Showdown Round 2 Sept. 20 Johnny Folsom 4 Tribute to Johnny Cash Sept. 21 Cody Ikerd & The Sidewinders Sept. 27 MeetLoaf - Tribute to Meatloaf Oct. 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, & 13 Live Theatre Oct. 17 Jump America’s - Van Halen Experience Oct. 18 & 19 The Slightly Haunted Puppet Show Oct. 18 Uncaged Zac Brown Tribute Oct. 19 Gutty’s Comedy Night Oct. 25 Otis Gibbs Most shows at 7:30 70 S. Van Buren Street 812-988-6555 www.browncountyplayhouse.org

Brown County Music Center Sept. 5 The Australian Pink Floyd Show Sept. 6 Dailey & Vincent Sept. 8 April Wine & Sweet Sept. 15 Beth Hart Sept. 26 Always Loretta - Tribute Sept. 28 The Rascals Sept. 29 Burton Cummings & His Band Oct. 3 Killer Queen - Queen Tribute Oct. 5 One Night in Memphis Oct. 11 The Ozark Mountain Daredevils Oct. 12 Masters of Illusion Oct. 22 Chicago Oct. 23 Everclear Oct. 24 Stephen Pearcy & Quiet Riot Oct. 25 Atmosphere 812-988-5323 www.browncountymusiccenter.com

Brown County Inn Open Mic Nights Wed. 6:00-9:00 Hill Folk Music Series Thurs. 7:00-9:00 Fri. & Sat. Live Music 8:00-11:00 Dates not yet booked at time of printing: Sept. 5, 6, 20, 27, 28; Oct. 3, 12, 18, 24, 31 Sept. 4 Open Mic Sept. 7 JC Clements Band Sept. 11 Open Mic Sept. 12 Billy Blanchard Sept. 13 Black Cat & The Bones Sept. 14 Acre Brothers Sept. 18 Open Mic Sept. 19 Kurt Stemhagen Sept. 21 Homemade Jam Sept. 25 Open Mic Sept. 26 Scrapper & Skelton Oct. 2 Open Mic Oct. 4 Gary Applegate & Joe Rock Oct. 5 The Blankenship Band Oct. 9 Open Mic Oct. 10 Feathered Mason Oct. 11 Barley Priest Oct. 16 Open Mic Oct. 17 Sharla June & Christy Crandall Oct. 19 The 1-4-5s Oct. 23 Open Mic Oct. 25 Andra Faye & Scott Ballantine Oct. 16 Davey and The Midnights Oct. 30 Open Mic 51 State Road 46 East 812-988-2291 www.browncountyinn.com

Country Heritage Winery Music Fri. & Sat. 6:00-9:00 Sept. 6 Homemade Jam Sept. 7 Coner Berry Band Sept. 13 Two for the Show Sept. 14 Gary Applegate & Joe Rock Sept. 20 Frank Jones Duo Sept. 21 Paul Bertsch Trio Sept. 27 Benjamin Fuson Sept. 28 Jerod Bolt Oct. 4 Ruben Guthrie Oct. 5 The McGuires Oct. 11 TBA Oct. 12 Coner Berry Band

40 Our Brown County • Sept./Oct. 2024

Oct. 18 Gene Fugate Oct. 19 Amanda & Brian Webb Oct. 25 Steve Fulton Trio Oct. 26 Bakersfield Bound 225 S. Van Buren Street 812-988-8500 www.countryheritagewinery.com

19th Hole Sports Bar Music Fri. 7:00-10:00 | Sat. 8:00-11:00 Karaoke 8:00-11:00 Sept. 6 John Ryan Sept. 7 Three Beards Strummin’ Sept. 13 Gene Fugate Sept. 14 Past Tense Sept. 20 Clearwater Band Sept. 21 Karaoke Sept. 27 Foxxy Sept. 28 Two For the Show Oct. 4 John Ryan Band Oct. 5 Karaoke Oct. 11 TBA Oct. 18 Clearwater Band Oct. 19 Robin Embty Oct. 25 Jenna Maxwell Oct. 26 Past Tense 2359 East State Road 46 812-988-4323 www.saltcreekgolf.com

Firebird Tap House All music 7:00-9:00 and some afternoon music days noted Sept. 6 Dave Sisson Sept. 7 Will Scott Sept. 13 Travers Marks Sept. 14 Rural Soul Sept. 20 The Hammer & The Hatchet Sept. 21 Super Chief Sept. 27 Steve Plessinger Sept. 28 JC & Jason Oct. 4 The Regulators Oct. 5 Angie White Duo Oct. 11 Gary D Brown Oct. 12 Ruben Guthrie 2:00-4:00 Doug Dillman 7:00-9:00 Oct. 18 Shelby Ryan Oct. 19 Kyle Mercer Oct. 25 Whiskey Brothers

Oct. 26 The Vanguards 4040 State Rd 46 E 812-988-2336 www.firebirdtaphouse.com

Nashville House Music Sat. 5:00-8:00 Sept. 7 Zach Benge Sept. 14 Travers Marks Happy Accident Angela Sept. 21 Sullivan Sept. 28 Jaylen Martinez Oct. 5 Austin James Oct. 12 Novelle Oct. 19 Steve Hickman Oct. 26 Jack Farnsley 15 S. Van Buren Street 812-988-4554 www.nashvillehousebc.com

Oct. 13 Oct. 17 Oct. 18 Oct. 19

Jess Jones Open Mic Travers Marks Gene Fugate 1:00-4:00 Ruben Guthrie 5:00-8:00 Oct. 20 Michael Staublin Oct. 24 Open Mic Oct. 25 Steve Hickman Oct. 26 Ben Justus 1:00-4:00 Sharianne Whetstine 5:00-8:00 Oct. 27 Paul Bertsch Oct. 31 Open Mic Antique Alley 78 Franklin Street 812-988-4042

Sycamore Saloon at Harmony Tree Resorts Thurs. Euchre Night 6:30

Ferguson House Beer Garden Fri. Karaoke 8:00 Open Mic Thurs. 5:00-8:00 Music Fri. 5:00-8:00 | Sat. 1:00-4:00 AND 5:00-8:00 | Sun. 1:00-4:00 Sept. 1 Cody Williams Sept. 5 Open Mic Sept. 7 Zach Benge 1:00-4:00 Sharianne Whetstine 5:00-8:00 Sept. 8 Jess Jones Sept. 12 Open Mic Sept. 13 Amanda Webb Sept. 14 Ben Justus 1:00-4:00 Ciara Haskett 5:00-8:00 Sept. 15 Rich Hardesty Sept. 19 Open Mic Sept. 20 Taylor Hernly Sept. 21 Michael Staublin 1:00-4:00 Ben Fuson 5:00-8:00 Sept. 22 Gene Fugate Sept. 26 Open Mic Sept. 27 John Ryan Sept. 28 Happy Accident 1:00-4:00 Ruben Guthrie 5:00-8:00 Sept. 29 Ross Benson Oct. 3 Open Mic Oct. 4 Dave Sisson Oct. 5 Cody Williams 1:00-4:00 Doug Dillman 5:00-8:00 Oct. 6 Allie Jean Oct. 10 Open Mic Oct. 11 Taylor Hernly Oct. 12 Rich Hardesty 1:00-4:00Ciara Haskett 5:00-8:00

Sat. Live Music 8:00 Dates not yet booked at time of printing: Oct. 5, 19 Sept. 7 Justynn Underwood Sept. 14 Greg Tripure Sept. 21 Breanna Faith Sept. 28 Tim Scott Oct. 12 Jaylen Martinez Oct. 26 Brett Denney 1292 SR 135 S, Nashville 812-200-5650 www.harmonytreeresorts.com

Hard Truth Distilling Co Sept. 1

Story Inn Wed. Bingo Night 6:00-8:00 Fri. Love Shack Karaoke 9:30-12:30 Sat. & Sun. Music at patio & grill 2:00-5:00 Sat. pianist Ted Seaman 6:00-9:00 Check out social media for entertainment occurring once a month: Sept. 14 Community concert 5:30-9:30 6404 State Road 135 812-988-2273 www.storyinn.com

Village Art Walk Fourth Fridays, 4:00-7:00 April-October Free self-guided walking tour of downtown Nashville art galleries. Demonstrations. Make & take activities. Wine tasting.

FB ArtsVillageBrownCounty 812-320-0872

Nashville Farmer’s Market Sundays 11:00-2:00, Brown Co. Inn parking lot at State Road 135 & 46 intersection Local produce, meats, eggs, food, arts, plants, music.

Brown County Art Colony Weekend Sept. 13-15, Presented by The Brown County Art Guild and other community partners at various locations in Brown Co. to celebrate the county’s rich art history and continued art presence. Includes the 36th Great Outdoor Art Contest at the T.C. State Historic Site, oldest plein air painting competition in Indiana.

The Barnstormers 2:00-5:00 Rural Soul 6:00-9:00 Sept. 6 Low Landers 6:00-9:00 Sept. 7 Marvin Parish 6:00-7:00 9.11 Memorial Run/Walk Zion Crossroads 7:00-9:00 Sept. 14 | 7:00 am-8:30 registration Sept. 13 Kenan Rainwater 6:00-9:00 Starts 9:11am. | Jackson Twp Fire Dept.

Sept. 14 Zach Benege 6:00-7:00 4831 Helmsburg Rd. in Helmsburg Gravy Bird 7:00-9:00 Sept. 20 Black Cat & The Bones 6:00-9:00 jacksontownshipfd@gmail.com 812-327-9290 Sept. 21 Joel Weir 6:00-7:00 Bengebreakers 7:00-9:00 Sept. 27 Kenan Rainwater 6:00-9:00 Uncle Pen Bluegrass Festival Sept. 28 Harvest Festival - Whiskey Sept. 19-21 | Bill Monroe’s Music Park releases, cigar lounge, live music, hayrides, Bluegrass legends and favorites plus pumpkin painting, and more local bands. Music, food, vendors.

Oct. Tour experiences all month 5163 N. SR 135 812-988-6422 Check website for additional info. https://billmonroemusicpark.com/ 418 Old State Road 46 812-720-4840 Continued on 42 www.hardtruth.com

Sept./Oct. 2024 • Our Brown County 41

CALENDAR continued from 41

Living Art Colony

Brown County Rock and Mineral Show

Sept. 27 | Brown Co. History Center’s Pioneer Village in Nashville | 9:00-4:00 Traditional art, music, folklore, and more

Sept. 21, 22, | Sat. 10:00-6:00 | Sun. 10:00-4:00 Brown Co. 4-H Fairgrounds Rock crafts, jewelry, fossils, geodes, crystals, minerals, turquoise, agates.

802 Memorial Dr. Nashville www.browncorockandmineral.com bcrmc2010@gmail.com

War in the Woods Sept. 13, 14 | Brown County Dragway Baddest, wildest no-prep race Small Tire, Big Tire, Hard Tire, Gangster 26s, and True Street options 480 Gatesville Rd. in Bean Blossom 317-340-1789 war-in-the-woods-no-prep.com

Brown Co. Antique Machinery Show Sept. 27, 28 | Brown Co. 4-H Fairgrounds Free admission. Auction Sat. at 2:00 802 Memorial Dr. Nashville

Brown County Studio Tour Month of October | Free self-guided tour.

Works for sale and demonstrations www.BCStudioTour.com

52nd Fall Fare-Nashville United Methodist Church Oct. 5, 8:00 am-3:00 | Village Green Main and Jefferson streets in Nashville Features booths and cafe. Every FallFare dollar goes to someone in need.

Slightly Haunted Puppet Show Oct. 18, 19 | 1:00 and 3:00 shows Brown County Playhouse Melchior Marionettes classic Halloween show. 70 S. Van Buren Street 812-988-6555 www.browncountyplayhouse.org

Friendly Forest Trick or Treat Oct. 18, 19, 25 | 7:00-9:00 Jackson Twp Fire Dept.

Forest full of lights/characters. Costumes encouraged. Free hot dogs, popcorn, and hot chocolate. FREE Admission.

Donations welcome.

4831 Helmsburg Rd. 812-988-6201

Living Art Colony Oct. 25 | Brown Co. History Center’s Pioneer Village in Nashville | 4:00-7:00 A part of the Fourth Friday Art Walk Traditional art, music, folklore, and more

UPCOMING LIVE EVENTS! Sept 6 • Simply the Best: A Tribute to Tina Turner Sept 7 • Rich Hardesty and His All-Star Band Sept 12 • Satisfaction: Celebrating 60 Years of the Rolling Stones Sept 13 • The Side Cars Band: A Tribute to The Cars Sept 14 • American Made: Oak Ridge Boys Tribute Sept 19 & 26 • Songwriter Showdown 2024: Round 2 Sept 20 • Johnny Folsom 4: Tribute to Johnny Cash Sept 21 • Cody Ikerd & The Sidewinders: Live Album Recording!

Sept 27 • MeetLoaf: A Tribute to Meatloaf Oct 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, & 13 • Live Theatre: The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society’s Production of Macbeth: A Comedy

SEPTEMBER 13 | 7:30 pm

Oct 17 • Jump: America’s Van Halen Experience Oct 18 & 19 • The Slightly Haunted Puppet Show Oct 18 • Uncaged: Zac Brown Tribute Oct 19 • Gutty’s Comedy Night Oct 25 • Otis Gibbs

812.988.6555 | BrownCountyPlayhouse.org Showtimes, tickets & schedule online

42 Our Brown County • Sept./Oct. 2024

BROWN COUNTY ART COLONY WEEKEND SEPTEMBER 13-15

UNCLE PEN FEST SEPTEMBER 19-21 Uncle Pen Fest is a 3-day celebration of various bluegrass performers, workshops, and jams plus the Bluegrass Hall of Fame Induction of The Lewis Family & James King.

Founded in 1974, Uncle Pen Days began as a tribute to Bill Monroe’s maternal uncle, James Pendleton Vandiver.“Uncle Pen,” who played the fiddle at local square dances and social events, taught bill how to play.

For tickets and info 812-988-6422, <BillMonroeMusicPark.com>.

OCTOBER 5

Nashville United Methodist Church will host its 52nd FallFare on the Village Green at the corner of Main and Jefferson Street in downtown Nashville, Indiana, from 8:00am to 3:00 pm, rain or shine.

This year’s event features new booths and old favorites, each selling items that were baked, knitted, painted, sanded, picked, collected, and donated by church members Scout Troop 190, Cub Scout Pack 190, Girl Scouts, and Sunshine Friends sell breakfast, lunch, popcorn, and homemade treats to raise funds to support youth activities at the church.

In 1972, church members sold crafts to replace dilapidated pews and called it FallFare.

The church gives donations to 25-30 nonprofit organizations with the pledge, “Every FallFare dollar goes to someone in need.”

Past recipients of FallFare dollars include Mother’s Cupboard, Habitat for Humanity, Access Brown County, Scouts, God’s Grace, the Weekend Backpack Program, and Turning Point Domestic Violence Services.

The Brown County Art Guild, along with other community partners, will present three days worth of activities celebrating Brown County’s art history and continued presence.

• Guild Tours and Live Music: Celebrate 70 Years of Artistic Excellence Music, art, refreshments, and guided tours of the Brown County Art Guild.

Friday,11am-5pm • The New England Years: A Founder’s Exhibition The work of several Guild founding members as they ventured beyond the landscapes of Indiana.

Friday, Saturday 11am-5pm | Sunday 12-4pm Brown County Art Guild • Indiana Artists Club Annual Member Exhibition Friday, Saturday 10am-5pm | Sunday 12-5pm Brown County Art Gallery • 36th Great Outdoor Art Contest T.C. Steele State Historic Site

Saturday. Gates open at 7am.

Judging at 2pm. Awards at 3:30pm.

• Community Paint Together Hosted by Artist Associates of Brown Co. Saturday 11am-3pm Paints and tool supplies provided Main and Jefferson Streets, Nashville • Auction Tips & Painting Care

by Bryan P. Jackson CAI/CES Saturday 1-2:30pm Brown County History Center • Founder’s Cocktail Party: A Platinum Celebration Drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres by Bonafide Bites, with music.

Saturday 6-9pm | $40 per person Brown County Art Guild • Art Colony Auction Preview Saturday 12- 4pm and Sunday 11am-1pm Auction Sunday 1pm Brown County History Center and online <jacksons-auction.com> For more 812-988-6185, <browncountyartguild.org>.

COMING DECEMBER 7, 8

The 4th Annual Christkindl Market is back in Nashville for a two-day experience of festive cheer and holiday magic, December 7 and 8, 2024.

20 vendors will showcase unique art, food, curated gifts, and local treasures.

Coachlight Square’s stage and the Village Green Pavilion will present musical performances as a soundtrack for your shopping and celebration experience.

Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be making appearances throughout the event.

A skilled sculptor, Josh Niven, will transform blocks of ice into works of art.

Food and libations will warm you up.

This year, activities such as games and crafts, will be offered to kids of all ages in a designated family area.

Some of Brown County’s community organizations will have booths with information on how you can support their missions.

Hours are Saturday, 10am–6pm and Sunday, 10am–4pm.

Market and music at Coachlight Square, and more music at the Village Green Pavilion, in Nashville.

For more visit <browncountychristkindlmarket.com> or contact Lisa Hall at <lhall@glorygirlproduction.com>.

Sept./Oct. 2024 • Our Brown County 43

Map/Directions:

Brown County

Cabin in the Pines

Michael Rebman Certified Therapist

3 Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom | Pet-Friendly Gas Log Stove | Screened-In Back Porch Chair Massage: $25 • Table Massage: $85 EFT Tapping $49 • ION Footpath $49

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

812-988-4447

44 Our Brown County • Sept./Oct. 2024

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

Call, Book Online, or Stop in!

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

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

Family owned for over 30 years!

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

Your Post Frame Specialists

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Our custom hats will have you looking sharp and feeling free.

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Fresh In-Store Donuts

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812-988-1822

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

Sept./Oct. 2024 • Our Brown County 45

Carolyn Dutton ~by Boris Ladwig

W

hen Carolyn Dutton grew up in Martinsville during the 1950s, she dreamed of a career as a journalist or actress.

“Something exciting and wild and wonderful,” she said.

Her plans represented a bit of a rebellion against her mother, Nina, who worked as a concert pianist, church organist, and piano teacher.

Her mother taught her how to play piano at age four or five, and the daughter began playing violin at age ten.

A life playing in an orchestra or teaching music did not appeal to her.

Dutton planned to study English at Western College for Women, in Oxford, Ohio. However, when college officials heard her play violin in a music course, they persuaded her—though it took a long time—to major in music.

After college, she worked for a bit as a journalist in Indianapolis and New York City.

But majoring in music turned out to be the right decision, because it steered Dutton toward a decades-long “exciting and wild and wonderful” career that ranged from immersing herself in the arts and theater communities in New York City to working on a show with Meryl Streep and playing violin in Berlin, Vienna, and Paris.

For years as she worked as a journalist in New York, she didn’t touch her violin,

46 Our Brown County • Sept./Oct. 2024

photo by Tom Preston

until one evening, sometime in the late 1960s, when she attended a party in Greenwich Village where people were playing fiddle, and people were dancing and having a great time.

She thought to herself, “I could do that. That would be fun. Why don’t I do that?”

“So, after like eight years, I dragged my fiddle out,” she said.

She had turned up her nose at that kind of “hillbilly music,” but in the mid-1960s, folk music blossomed all over New York City, in part because Bob Dylan had performed at the famous Folklore Center there and was starting to get national attention.

“In New York, that kind of music was vast, it was fascinating,” Dutton said. “The kids, they loved it. They gathered around New York University and they all played, sat around all weekend, strumming in the streets.”

Dutton made connections through the Folklore Center and played with a string band, “The Delaware Water Gap,” through which she met other musicians and played with the country rock band “Olduvai Gorge.”

Bleu Django performing at Amplify Nashville December of 2023. photo by Cindy Steele

Meanwhile, Dutton also had taken some acting classes, but was too scared to do auditions. She and some friends launched a production company, The Drama Tree Players, which produced off-off Broadway shows.

That steeled her nerves to do auditions, to some of which, when appropriate, she took her fiddle, which landed her, among others, a role as a fiddleplaying evangelist. With Dutton’s reputation building, she landed roles in other shows, including a comedy musical about Jesse James, with which she toured to play at the Ford’s Theater in Washington, D.C., the Coconut Grove Playhouse in Miami, and the Charles Playhouse in Boston.

When she first arrived in New York, Dutton moved in with three other women in an apartment, but a couple of years later, she found a rent-controlled apartment on East 84th Street, the Upper East Side, paying $65 a month. She stayed there for about a decade.

She lived in Greenwich Village for a while with a boyfriend and later moved to Soho in the late 1970s, when the area “was still kind of empty and weird and dark and strange,” she said.

The area consisted primarily of cast iron buildings and warehouses that weren’t zoned for residential living, but in which people started squatting, and which attracted artists because of the big spaces.

“You would not believe the rats, the size of cats….It was amazing,” Dutton said. “That’s what it was like there in the ’70s. It was just like this dark, grimy place with a few little bars around.”

Eventually, the tenants got together, bought the building for $500,000, and got everything up to code.

Dutton lived in the loft for about 20 years.

Today, each of those floors is worth millions of dollars, she said.

In 2000, she decided to leave the East Coast, in part because at her age, almost 60, she was struggling to get as many parts as she did when she was younger.

“I wasn’t the young, cute, little thing,” Dutton said.

“And I was tired.

“I said, ‘I’ve had it with New York,’” she said with a laugh. “I had done as much as I wanted to do.”

She sold her loft—for a nice return on her initial investment—and came back to Indiana, because of her father, Judson.

After her return she decided she was not done with music, and in 2003, obtained from Indiana University a master’s degree in jazz studies.

Dutton said that when she lived in New York, she thought she would only ever leave the city to move to the south of France, a Caribbean island—or Brown County, where she and her family had traveled often when she was younger.

Continued on 49

Sept./Oct. 2024 • Our Brown County 47

THE BROWN COUNTY SUGAR SHACK

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APRIL–OCTOBER 2024 I 4–7 P.M. APRIL 26 MAY 24 JULY 26 AUGUST 23

Located in the Salt Creek Plaza 51 E. Chesnut St. Suite F, Nashville, IN

SEPTEMBER 27 OCTOBER 25

browncountysugarshack.toast.site

6 ARTSVILLAGEBROWNCOUNTY 812-320-0872

48 Our Brown County • Sept./Oct. 2024

812-988-8576

MENU

JUNE 28

CAROLYN DUTTON continued from 47 “I always thought it was so beautiful, you know,” she said. “I just thought it was a great place.”

Plus, Dutton said, the area has an active music scene, and she thought her ability to play varied styles would allow her to fit in.

She bought property in Nashville, built a house, including a “huge, great room” to remind her of her Soho loft—though she has since sold it.

Within a month of living here, she got a call from Slats Klug, a musician famous for albums and performances that explored Brown County’s history.

“He was looking for a fiddle player,” Dutton said.

She played with Klug and immediately was immersed in the local music scene. Dutton also met jazz piano player Monica Herzig, with whom she played shows and on whose albums she appeared.

For about the last two decades, she has played with a Gypsy jazz band, Bleu Django, which plays tunes of the 1930s style’s creators, Jean “Django” Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli.

Daryl Jones, a retired engineer and guitarist with Bleu Django, said he and another guitarist, Bob Foster, had enjoyed jamming Gypsy jazz for years and thought about getting a band together when they ran into Dutton and realized she, too, had a fascination with Reinhardt and Grappelli.

They formed Bleu Django soon thereafter and have been touring all over Indiana since, playing festivals, weddings, and other private events.

Jones said the musicians on stage often talk about the songs, as their origin usually has an interesting story. “Artillerie Lourde,” for example, represents heavy artillery from World War II. And many of the tunes, including “Nuages,” French for clouds, have a darker tone to them.

Dutton said she still enjoys performing, especially with Bleu Django, because she likes introducing people to that style of music, in the hopes of making them as enthusiastic about it as she is.

“I just want people to know about [it] because it’s such an exciting music to me,” she said.

You can find out where Bleu Django plays next by visiting the band’s website, <bleudjango.com>, or through Facebook. 

2 Locations at Abe’s Corner

BOUTIQUE

Large Selections of Women’s and Children’s Clothing Handmade Purses Open Daily 9:00–7:00

58 E. Main St. (next to courthouse) and 60 N. Van Buren St. (Colonial bldg.) Nashville, IN

Abe’s HIDDEN GETAWAY Corner Apartment for Daily Rental Inquire inside boutique $90 on the weekdays $100 on the weekends

812-720-7071

Open Daily at 11 a.m.

Open Year-Round for Lunch & Dinner

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

Brown County’s only “Husband Day Care”

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

Full menu available in Bar • Large TV Out of the Ordinary Restaurant & Hickory Sports Bar

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

(812) 200-1999 •

OutOfTheOrdinaryRestaurant

Sept./Oct. 2024 • Our Brown County 49

FOURTH FRIDAY ART WALK

I

~story & photos by Amy Huffman Oliver

July featured artist at Hoosier Artist Gallery, Marci Wease.

magine yourself on a crisp evening stroll down the streets of Nashville admiring the beautiful artwork that fills the shops in the village as the fall leaves skitter around your feet.

Make this image real by taking the Fourth Friday Art Walk, a self-paced tour of ten locations featuring local artist shops and studios in downtown Nashville.

During the months of April to October, participating artisan shops remain open from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., allowing visitors to meet the artists as well as view and purchase their favorite pieces. Some artists provide special treats like wine, refreshments, and there is even a scavenger hunt.

Everyone can find an art form they like with participating shops that specialize in pottery, painting, leathercraft, music, candle making, jewelry, photography, needle felt art and even music. Weed Patch Music Company offers a special Chord Melody Ukulele Workshop for beginners during Fourth Friday events.

Contact the store to sign up.

New this fall are “Living Art Colony” demonstrations at the Brown County History Center Pioneer Village which will enhance the Fourth Friday events on October 25 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Additional demonstrations are scheduled for September 27 and November 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

50 Our Brown County • Sept./Oct. 2024

At the Living Art Colony, costumed artisans will demonstrate traditional arts from the period of 1890–1920 including soap making, weaving, blacksmithing, and music courtesy of a grant from the Indiana Arts Commission.

On a warm Fourth Friday evening in August, I started our walk with a little wine, cheese, and conversation at the Hoosier Artist Gallery, a collective of artists on Jefferson Street where Anabel Hopkins and 23 other artists sell their work. Hopkins, a landscape and abstract painter, participated in the first Brown County Candlelight Art Walk in 2009 and she remains an active participant today.

Mary Burkhart at Our Little World.

At the Hoosier Artist Gallery, I learned that one artist, Marci Wease, started her career as a forensic scientist before pivoting to art three years ago. Now she transforms salvaged and rusted metal pieces into functional and quirky art and sells it under the name “Junk in this Truck.” As I left, I checked out the intricate designs she created on the panels of a rusty VW Beetle that Marci drives. It is a masterpiece.

Next, I ambled down Van Buren Street to visit Mary Burkhart, owner of Our Little World Shop/Studio. Mary sells local art by her mother, notable local painter MK Watkins, and others. What makes Our Little Studio different is that visitors can not only see and purchase art, but they can create it too. The shop features a makerspace with “Make and Take” projects, some available just by walking in. Mary also accommodates appointments and groups. Visitors choose from an impressive menu of creative arts such as making wooden flowers, fusing glass for jewelry, pressing flowers, pouring candles, making goat’s milk lotion, and spinning/painting pottery.

Nashville United Methodist Church presents

October 5, 2024 8:00 am—3:00 pm Nashville Village Green Food • Music • Woodcrafts • Pies Pumpkins, Crows and More • Christmas Plants • Treasures • Books • Jewelry Nature’s Bounty • Fiber Arts • Puzzles and More!

Every FallFare dollar goes to someone in need

24 BEERS ON TAP After a visit to appreciate the hand-crafted pottery created by Holly Salo at Holly Pots Stoneware, I ended my walk on Old School Way at a shop that opened in 2023, Lakehouse Candle Company. The shop’s owner, Mandy Hall, is also in her second career as an artist.

Formerly a professor of psychology at Butler University in Indianapolis, she now demonstrates for patrons of her shop the creation of over 100 scents of handpoured, soy wax candles with essential oils and no chemicals.

Enjoy a crisp fall evening on a Fourth Friday night in Nashville where you’ll find living history demonstrations and meet local artisans sharing their crafts. What an appropriate introduction to our historic art colony. 

TASTY BARBEQUE

LIVE MUSIC 11am to 11pm • closed mondays

In Gnaw Bone on the Nashville side

4040 State Road 46 E • Nashville, IN 812-988-2336 • firebirdtaphouse.com

Sept./Oct. 2024 • Our Brown County 51

Visit MORGANTOWN

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

Furniture, Art Architectural Elements Pottery The Odd and Unusual and A General Line

Country Primitives Advertising Antique Garden Old Paint Early Smalls

Like us on Facebook

Open 6 Days (Closed Mon.) (812) 597-4530 Layaway Available

Grandpa Jeff’s

TRAIL RIDES TRAIL RIDES, Pony Rides, Hay Rides, & Custom Excursions Relax on a journey with Grandpa Jeff.

Take in the scenery and wildlife.

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

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

10 miles north of Nashville on scenic State Road 135 Plant-Based Food

For People Who Love to Eat Featuring:

Seasonal International Cuisine Also Catering & Prepped Meals

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays 11:00-3:00 7 W. Washington • Morgantown, IN • 812-727-8051 52 Our Brown County • Sept./Oct. 2024

Reservations by phone AT LEAST TWO HOUR NOTICE call or text (812) 272-0702 5889 S. Skinner Rd. Morgantown, IN www.GrandpaJeffsTrailRides.com • info@GrandpaJeffsTrailRides.com

ART Beyond Crayons Creativity beyond the classroom

Pick your Palette:

• Art Lessons for All Ages • Group Painting Parties • Birthday Paint Parties • Home Schooled Instruction

Judy D. Wells • owner, K–12 Licensed Educator • judydenisewells@gmail.com Flexible hours including weekends and evenings Morgantown, IN Moving–Call for details (317) 403-7147

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

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

Hotel & Event Center

Wine Tastings Daily Award-Winning Wines Live Music Fri. & Sat. 6–9 pm Indoor & Patio Seating

S. Van Buren & Washington, Nashville IN

812.988.8500

countryheritagewinery.com

Sept./Oct. 2024 • Our Brown County 53

Play for All Ages 10,000+ items

A store for men and the people who buy stuff for men Knives

Military

Big Selection of Hats

Apparel

Man Cave Items Cigars

Pipes

Zippos

Be prepared to laugh!

75 s. vAN bUREN sT. • NASHVILLE, in • 812-988-1964 54 Our Brown County • Sept./Oct. 2024

AAuthentic Mexican Cuisine Family Owned and Operated •Daily Specials •Kid’s Menu

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

Hotel & Event Center LIVE MUSIC • CAMPING • FOOD TRUCKS • JAMMING

SEPTEMBER 19-21, 2024

DAVID PARMLEY THE KODY NORRIS SHOW LITTLE ROY & LIZZY SHOW KENTUCKY JUST US KEVIN PRATER BAND TIDALWAVE ROAD SETH MULDER & MIDNIGHT RUN BRAYDEN WILLIAMSON ROCKY BRANCH BLUEGRASS GRAVEL YARD BLUEGRASS

Across from the Brown County Music Center

New Restaurant, Bar, Patio

HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS: THE LEWIS FAMILY JAMES KING Balcony Rooms

TICKETS & INFO:

812-988-6422 BillMonroeMusicPark.com 5163 Indiana Highway 135 Morgantown, IN Event Rain or Shine Lineup Subject to Change

Conference facility–up to 500 560 State Road 46 East, Nashville, IN 812-988-2284 • SeasonsLodge.com Sept./Oct. 2024 • Our Brown County 55

courtesy photos

THOM ROBINSON Renaissance Man

T

~by Rachel Berenson Perry

hough Thom Robinson is best known for his artwork, he’s a fellow whose skills are wideranging. A renaissance man of sorts, he’s a carpenter, builder, former tool and die shop owner, designer, cook, gardener, father, grandpa, and mushroom hunter, in addition to being an artist. He’s also anything but provincial. He’s lived and/or worked throughout the USA before settling in Brown County.

Raised in Flint, Michigan, Robinson joined the U.S. Navy in the early 1970s (toward the end of the Vietnam war) because he wanted to see the world.

Instead, he was stationed in San Diego. Never one to complain, he served his time and planned to return to the upper Midwest.

But the small community of Bedford, Indiana, caught his fancy when he went there with his wife to visit her relatives. Robinson raised a son and daughter in Bedford, and now has a grandson and granddaughter. His wife, Pat, also has a son and daughter.

56 Our Brown County • Sept./Oct. 2024

A skilled machinist, Robinson set up a tool and die company; a vocation that requires innovation.

His capacity for inventing extremely precise designs combined with his skill at operating machine tools made for a thriving business. He became a respected prototype designer who was in demand

by Westinghouse, Otis Elevator, and Cook Medical, to name a few clients.

Robinson’s skill at imagining things in 3-D easily translates into creating oil paintings. He had been making art intermittently ever since taking classes at the Flint Institute of the Arts as a child and teenager.

When Thom and Pat left Lawrence County to be closer to her job in Indianapolis, he took a studio at the Stutz Building to concentrate full-time on his artwork. But Brown County, where Robinson had been painting on and off since the 1990s, called to him.

Finding wooded acreage on Wychwood Drive across from an entrance to the Brown County State Park, he and Pat took the plunge and bought it. The conundrum for a man who can do almost anything,

“Fall in Story.”

“Natural Bridge.”

however, is time. Building a cabin for eventual full-time occupation takes a lot of it, not to mention energy, skill, and expense.

Originally constructing a 640-square-foot cabin in 2014, Robinson added a bedroom suite with full bathroom as well as a front porch and back deck in the following years. Currently, he is putting the finishing touches on a separate studio/garage next to the house. “The Amish framed it up and the concrete was done by local guys,” he said. “But all the rest of it has been done by me.”

The 12’ X 28’ building accommodates two vehicles and work tools in the garage. A studio space with large north windows, 11-foot ceiling, and room for storage racks is in the lower level. Though not yet completed on the inside, the studio already houses stacks of finished and unfinished paintings.

With an artist’s typical indifference for past works, he flips through the colorful canvases like a deck of cards. “What I really like to do is paint outside in the snow,” he admits. Anymore, it seems as though he must go out west to find blankets of white under blue skies. He and Pat often travel to Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming to camp and snowshoe.

With good friend Ed West (now deceased), Robinson often talked about his passion for painting scenes out west at their weekly Artist Breakfasts, a tradition begun decades ago by the late Ron Elkins. “Why don’t you go out and paint at my place in Wyoming?” Ed asked. “Bring lots of paint—there’s 15,000 acres.”

Robinson followed directions to a 40-mile off-road track into the alpine woods. Finally arriving at a rustic cabin, he wasn’t sure he was at the correct place until he saw Ed driving away. The peace and beauty of the remote setting inspired many paintings.

Last early spring, Thom and Pat snow-shoed in Bryce Canyon, Utah, where the white-frosted orange rock formations contrast dramatically with deep blue skies.

“He gets in the zone when painting outside,” Pat said. “If I’m not with him, I send him texts. ‘Drink water!’ or he forgets.”

As the years have melted away, Robinson continues to meet a group for the Sunday “Artist Breakfast” but laments the loss of many artist friends: Dick Ferrer, Wayne Waldron, Von Williamson, and others.

And so, the artist colony of Nashville, Indiana, changes with the times as older artists disappear and new artists take their place.

Thom Robinson is now one of the old timers, continuing to paint outside whenever possible and planning gatherings in his handbuilt cabin and studio.

His work can be found at the Brown County Art Guild <browncountyartguild.org> or on his website <tcrobinson.com>. 

Sept./Oct. 2024 • Our Brown County 57

Specializing in new books, classic literature, and bookish gifts for every reader

LOCATED IN THE HISTORIC STATE BANK BUILDING 76 1/2 East Main Street Nashville, Indiana www.naughtydogbooks.com Follow us on Facebook & Instagram

Come spend quality time with family or friends in Beautiful Brown County at the newly renovated BROWN COUNTY KOA We have options to fit your camping style: • Rustic tent sites in the tall trees • Variety of cabins • Back in and Pull thru RV Sites

Something for everybody!

WIFI • Cable TV Pool open Memorial Weekend Labor Day Weekend

Across from the Brown County State Park entrance and the Salt Creek Golf Course A perfect base to explore all Nashville, Indiana has to offer 2248 State Road 46 East • Nashville, IN

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

58 Our Brown County • Sept./Oct. 2024

Sept./Oct. 2024 • Our Brown County 59

Artist Connie Skyrme. courtesy photo

Back Roads of Brown County Studio Tour

W

~by Paige Langenderfer

orking artists will welcome visitors throughout the month of October as part of the 26th annual Back Roads of Brown County Studio Tour.

The tour is a free, self-guided event designed to showcase the arts and crafts created in and around Brown County. Juried artists will open their personal studios to the public from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday through Saturday for the entire month of October.

Lightspinner Studio Martha Sechler Unique Watercolors Mixed Media Gourd Art

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

60 Our Brown County • Sept./Oct. 2024

Guests will be able to watch artists creating their work, talk with artists and explore the spaces that inspire them. Some studios will also offer prepared activities so that guests can take part in art creation.

This event is a unique opportunity for art collectors to purchase artwork directly from those who made it.

Many artists create items especially for this event.

This year’s tour includes 14 studios and 15 artists who specialize in jewelry, repurposed metal art, stained glass, acrylic, water and oil paintings, pottery, needlework, pastel, blacksmithing pieces, woodworking, artisan foods and soaps, and much more.

The Brown County Studio Tour began in 1999 when a group of local artists wanted to create an event to showcase the artwork and natural beauty of the place they called home. They thought the Nashville gallery visitors would be interested in seeing the working spaces of artists and learning about how the artwork is made.

“The tour was envisioned to promote working artists and their studios,” says original tour artist Amanda Mathis. “The artwork was, and continues to be, a wide range of mediums that represents the best of what Brown County has to offer.”

This will be artist Connie Skyrme’s third year as a featured artist on the tour. Skyrme, who lives in Helmsburg, creates upcycled furniture, mosaics, home decor pinstriping and custom paintings.

“I enjoy the camaraderie of artists and meeting new people. I also enjoy meeting first timers on the tour as well as visitors that have been on the tour for many years. It’s nice to see them return each year,” Skyrme said. “I love being an artist in Brown County and this tour is a longstanding tradition of artist participation. It is also a great venue for showcasing your art work.”

What: Free self-guided tour showcasing Brown County artists and their personal studios.

When: Studios are open Wednesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in October.

Number of studios: 14 Number of artists: 15 Information:To see the list of participating artists and download a map of the studio destinations, visit <bcstudiotour.com>. 

Arts Village Brown County ART VENUE

Every item in our store is

HANDMADE IN NASHVILLE Specializing in:

Beautifully landscaped on 59 acres 91 Campsites each with a fire pit, picnic table, and gravel lot Staff on-site Full water/sewer hookups 20, 30 and 50 AMP Access to all campground amenities

Minutes from downtown Nashville • Easy access from I65 5515 State Road 46 East • Nashville, Indiana 812-568-1209 • info@awayadayrvcampground.com

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

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

The Historic

Doc Tilton House VENDOR MALL

OVER 14,000 SQ FT • MORE THAN 100 VENDORS

Antiques • Vintage • Collectibles • Jewelry • Trading Cards • Furniture • Much More

3850 25th St. Columbus • 812-799-0347 Open 7 Days a Week • Just 30 short minutes from Nashville

www.daysofold.store

Days of Old Antique Shoppe

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

S.Van Buren (Shopper's Lane) Nashville Sept./Oct. 2024 • Our Brown County 61

Brown County

ROCK & MINERAL SHOW September 21& 22, 2024

A

~by Rhonda Dunn

s you navigate the back roads of Brown County you may see driveways and flowerbeds in people’s yards lined with unusual looking rocks.

Folks find them along creek beds, by plowed fields, and in rock ledges. These unusual rocks are called geodes.

They have a bumpy surface and if broken open many have beautiful crystals inside. If you have ever taken one home, then you were made into a rock collector.

Children like to pick rocks up, and the interest can start at a very young age. This can develop into a passion for accumulating attractive rocks for the yard or knickknack shelves. Brown County is a great place for this type of hobby.

62 Our Brown County • Sept./Oct. 2024

That was why a rock and mineral club was started here. Members aren’t just from Brown County, though, and they have a variety of interests. Some are fossil collectors, some polish rocks and make jewelry, and some collect geodes. The club holds field trips throughout the summer visiting other places. In June the club partners with the Brown County State Park to put on a Rockfest for children.

Once a year the Brown County Rock and Mineral Club has a show at the end of summer. People come from all around to sell, swap, admire, and buy the next specimen that they need for their collection. You can also find items that have something to do with rocks, like jewelry, and watch as some pieces are being made.

Geodes are cracked open to display the beautiful crystals inside. Experts on site can help identify mystery rocks or fossils. Children can play in the sand to see what mystery fossil they can pull out.

You can even learn to pan for gold with experienced gold-panners. Clarence Snyder and Jestin Kimmet love to teach children and have been doing it for years. They put on demonstrations for boys and girls clubs, Scouts, and schools. They both belong to the Southern Indiana Gold Prospecting group. They meet monthly at the Gatesville Country Store and pan in the creek in back of the store. Robin Stephens, the store owner, has been their host for many years.

created by hand

local artisans

Back around 2008, a few of the gold-panners got together and decided they wanted to have a rock club in addition to the gold club. Don Crum and Clarence Snyder set up the first meeting at the Gatesville store. Many of the gold-panners didn’t know whether they would be interested in another club just for rock collecting, and then discovered they like to do both. And the club grew. After a few years they decided the store wasn’t big enough for their meetings, and they moved them to Nashville for a bigger more centralized location.

They now meet at the Brown County History Center, near the courthouse downtown, on the third Saturday of every month. The membership now numbers about 68.

The Brown County Rock and Mineral Show occurs in September (usually the third or fourth weekend) at the Brown County 4-H Fairgrounds, east of downtown Nashville. This year it will be held Saturday, September 21, and Sunday, September 22.

Saturday’s hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday’s hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information visit the website: <www.browncorockandmineral.com> or email: < bcrmc2010@gmail.com>. 

E S T

Fine arts and crafts by local and area artists View their work on Facebook & Instagram

1 9 7 8

BROWN COUNTY

See something you want?

Message us!

Open Daily 10 to 5 812.988.7058 62 E. Washington · Nashville, IN · BrownCountyCraftGallery.com

COMMON GROUNDS COFFEE BAR It’s like a coffee shop in a living room (with things to amuse you)

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

Old McDurbin •Customized Anklets • Bracelets Gold & Necklaces Gifts 50% • Watches OFFLRY E JEW

Sterling Silver Rings 1000’s of Pendants

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

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

Stoneware pottery handmade in Brown County, Indiana

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

812-398-8010 www.HollyPots.com

Main Street Shoppes (Old School Way) 59 E. Main St. Suite G. • Nashville

Get a FREE Sampler bag of natural dog treats with $15 purchase and this ad.

DOGS WELCOME! (812) 988-0305

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

www.barkingood.com

Sept./Oct. 2024 • Our Brown County 63

...a country drive to an unexpected dining pleasure LUNCH Homemade Soups Garden and Fruit Salads Sandwiches Desserts Herbal Teas • Cool Drinks Beer & Wine 5171 Bean Blossom Road • Just 10 minutes from Nashville

A small, intimate restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating LUNCH Tuesday – Sunday 11 – 3 farmhousecafeandtearoom.com

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

8000 lbs. of NEW Beautiful & Unique Specimens for 2024

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

64 Our Brown County • Sept./Oct. 2024

Like us

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

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

Sept./Oct. 2024 • Our Brown County 65

The Sampler

The Olde Bartley House Coffee & Donuts

I

know just how you feel.

You hit the town early, determined to experience every shop, eyeball all the merchandise, take in every breath of color and culture that Indiana’s coolest little village has to offer.

About mid-morning, after exploring a few dozen stores and blocks of scenic small-town wonder, you start to feel ready for a little break, a little pick-me-up before soldiering on to the shopping conquests that lie ahead.

Have I got a place for you!

It’s old Nashville, but it’s been made new. It is cool, clean, well-appointed and has a bunch of interesting stuff to look at as you refresh yourself. It’s a little place where people can come in and sit down, get something cold to drink, maybe a small bite, get off their feet and relax a bit before going back out into the wilderness of the public marketplace.

And, best of all, especially if you are a restaurant enthusiast like myself, you will have the opportunity to snack on something new, something special,

66 Our Brown County • Sept./Oct. 2024

something you or I have never eaten or even heard of before—the Volant.

A Volant is a “French Americana layered donut” unique to the recently opened Olde Bartley House Coffee and Donuts. Offered in many different permutations and incarnations, it is the mainstay food offering along with about two dozen coffee variations and non-coffee caffeinated drinks.

Filled with curiosity and practically overcome with donut desire, I made my way down to the Olde Bartley House which prominently occupies the corner of Van Buren and Franklin streets.

This wonderfully preserved building was built in 1886 by a local grocery store owner and landowner, Charley Gibson. Ambrose Bartley owned the home from 1903 until 1929, leaving it with his name.

Over the past couple of years, the building has been beautifully and meticulously restored, making it worth the visit just to take in the new improvements to this lovely old structure.

Plus, you’ll get donuts. And not just any donuts, but Volants.

These unusual, delicious treats are served in 17 different creative varieties, ranging from strawberry blonde and blueberry crumble, through pistachio dream and chocolate hazelnut, to locally-themed favorites like the Abe Martin Apple and the Brown County Breakfast (maple glaze and cinnamon sugar).

And if you think their donuts are innovative, get a gander at their Volant sandwiches: a plain or “everything” Volant with ham, egg, and cheese; avocado, egg, and cheese; or the “wild turkey” with bacon, avocado, and pepperjack cheese. Or a “Monte Cristo” with ham, Swiss cheese, aioli, mustard and mixed berry jam on a caramelized maple volant.

Visitors make their way through a little cafeteria line where they view the tasty delights inside a glass case, choose their favorite(s), and order any of a plethora of available drinks.

Coffee? There’s drip, espresso, Americano, cappuccino, cortado, latte, dark or white mocha and hot chocolate. Tea lattes include matcha, Chai and London fog; steeped teas include jasmine, lavender mint, chamomile and the dreaded Earl Grey.

You can get a “nitro cold brew” with any of a dozen syrups, including sugar-free choices, and add cold foam for a dollar-fifty. All drinks are double shots. Not to mention the house specials: hot or iced “campfire macchiato,” Salt Creek

caramel macchiato, white peach iced matcha, and “vanilla Bean Blossom,” cold foam or nitro.

Olde Bartley House offers “Moonshiners,” sparkling energy drinks with caffeine from green coffee beans, guarana, and botanicals, including “Fools Gold,” gold hibiscus with cardamom, ginger, and bitters, “Huckleberry Heaven” with lavender, huckleberry and lemon, and “Tangerine Dream” with lemon, tangerine, vanilla bean, and sweet cream.

Cold drinks include strawberry limeade freeze, elderberry hibiscus iced tea, mango calamansi refresher, and strawberry or chocolate milk.

The donuts were good, but I have to admit that my favorite thing about this new coffee shop is its Frank Hohenberger theme. The historic house has been transformed into a virtual shrine to the iconic photographer who put Brown County on the radar of potential tourists.

Hohenberger, as much as anyone, created the modern tourist industry in Nashville, especially through his weekly column “Down in the Hills O’ Continued on 69

Sept./Oct. 2024 • Our Brown County 67

BROWN COUNTY

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

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

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

text NA SHV

t

990o0

ILLE

0

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

68 Our Brown County • Sept./Oct. 2024

THE OLDE BARTLEY HOUSE continued from 67 Brown,” which appeared in the Sunday edition of The Indianapolis Star between 1923 and 1954.

Hohenberger’s columns roused the curiosity of readers all over Indiana and around the country about the quaintness of Brown County folkways and the work of the famous art colony.

Hohenberger lived at the Bartley House for 20 years, until he died in 1963, leaving his huge cache of Brown County photographs to the Indiana University Lilly Library so that we may all continue to enjoy them.

Hohenberger’s photos are displayed all around the Bartley House’s first-floor dining area, including a huge mural of his famous “Liars Bench” photo.

The coffee and donut shop also features his original camera and other memorabilia.

I munched contentedly on my blueberry crumble Volant, sipped my just-a-regular coffee, and thought about Frank Hohenberger. And, by and by, I was renewed in spirit and quite ready to plunge ahead into my busy day.

For a profoundly satisfying rest stop, The Olde Bartley House Coffee and Donuts doesn’t just serve coffee, they offer an experience.

The Olde Bartley House Coffee and Donuts is located at 96 South Van Buren Street in Nashville.

You can view the menu at <oldebartleyhouse.com>, call 812-200-1311, and look them up on Facebook. 

Bring the Woodlands into your home

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

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

Accepting clothing and household item donations.

Look for the sign

s

Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 10:00 to 5:00

Like us on Facebook at Brown County Community Closet, New

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

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

125 S. Van Buren St. Artists Colony Shops Nashville, IN • (812) 988-1592

houseofjerkybrownco.com

Sept./Oct. 2024 • Our Brown County 69

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

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

Hearty, Delicious, & Nutritious Food The North End Shops 165 N. Van Buren St. • Nashville, IN

Musical instruments for all ages and skill levels

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

Lessons, workshops, and more...

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

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

Lolli’s House New location in Artists Colony Shops

• HOME DECOR • LOCAL HONEY • Honey Milk Soaps • Goat Milk Soaps • Freshies • Shirts • • Exclusive Nashville/Brown County Items •

125 S. Van Buren St. • Nashville

Mother/Daughter Owned lollishousecreations@gmail.com

KNIVES | SURVIVAL GEAR | GUN SAFES • Buck • Case • Kershaw • Microtech • Spyderco • FallKniven • Bear and Son

• benchmade • Cold Steel • Esee • Tops • KA-BAR • ANZA • Condor • OKC • Throwing Hatchets and more...

70 Our Brown County • Sept./Oct. 2024

Alexandra Fettig

Searching for an investment property or your forever home?

Let me guide you there.

812.325.3229

alexandrafettig@callcarpenter.com

Helmsburg GENERAL STORE

Owners: Sharon & Leonard Richey

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

THE FIREPLACE CENTER

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

1210 W. 2nd St. Bloomington BloomingtonFireplaces.com

Brownie’s

Home to the original Ooey Gooey and more!

Open 8am–3pm Wednesday – Sunday

952-657-3992 www.ooeygooeymm.com 144 East Main Street • Nashville, IN NEW LOCATION

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

Scrapbooking & Rubber Stamps Heritage Mall 41 S. Van Buren St. • Nashville 812-988-7009

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

wishful.thinking@att.net www.wishfulthinking-in.com Owner: Marlene Miller

Sept./Oct. 2024 • Our Brown County 71

INFO PAGES

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

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

ACCOUNTING / TAX PREP

ACCOUNTING & PAYROLL

72 Our Brown County • Sept./Oct. 2024

Plum Creek Antiques Open-Air Market Bean Blossom • Fruit Jars • Garden Art • Furniture • Iron Things, • Lots of Junk and more 5 minutes north of Nashville (intersection of SR 135 & SR 45) (812) 988-6268

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

AUTO - TIRE, REPAIR, TOW

& ASSOCIATES INC. Tax Preparation, Tax Planning, Bookkeeping, and Payroll

(812) 988-2865

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

Brown County Tire TIRE &

AUTO Repair

24 hr. Wrecker Service

812-988-8473

27 Salt Creek Rd (Intersection SR 46) Nashville

BROWN

COUNTY

K9

Alice Waltermire AKC Evaluator

group and private training 760-992-6043

awaltermire@yahoo.com www.browncountyK9.com Facebook: BCK9 AKC Fit Dog Club meets twice weekly

EYE CARE

BAGGED TRASH DROP OFF

ANTIQUES

812-318-1356 • www.bonafidebites.com

DOG TRAINING

CHEF-CATERING

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

ZIEG LeDOUX

Checking eyes in Brown County for over 50 years!

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

INFO PAGES

GUTTERING

GUTTERING Free Estimates

Gutter Cleaning and Leaf Cover Available

Matt Hunter 812-344-4167

HEALTH

LANDSCAPING

HEALTH & LIVING

MUSICIANS FOR HIRE

Quality Workmanship since 1992 Fully Insured

Continued on 74

GUTTERING-HOME IMPROVEMENT

Indiana Seamless

Sept./Oct. 2024 • Our Brown County 73

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

We Can Do It All!

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

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

INSURANCE

TATTOO

Complete Landscaping/ Design Services • Medicare Supplement • Medicare Advantage • Prescription Drug Plans • Dental/Vision/Hearing

146 E. Main St., Suite 5 Nashville, IN 47448 (By Appointment)

Call/Text: (812)720-3846 www.mcginleyinsurance.com christy@mcginleyinsurance.com

Serving Indiana, Tennessee, South Carolina, & Florida

Continued from 73

INFO PAGES

Your Ad Can Appear Here

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

Your Brown County Experts

REAL ESTATE

YOUR CATEGORY

74 Our Brown County • Sept./Oct. 2024

(discounts for multiple issues)

Marg DeGlandon CSSS, CDPR Broker/Owner 812-360-4083 margd@remax.net

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

Sterling Minor

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

Broker 812-720-1177 sterlingminor812@yahoo.com

812-988-4485 • www.2LiveInBrownCounty.com

Tune in to your community!

ART

RADIO

One-of-a-kind Designs

Listen at 103.7 FM or stream at wfiu.org

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

RECORDING - STREAMING

RADIO

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

Home of The Stream each Friday night on Facebook and YouTube

Full service content creation and live streaming studio

RainwaterRecordingCompany.com RainwaterRecordingCompany@gmail.com

All Types of SIGNS by CHRIS A. SHUSTER

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

BUY 1 GUEST PASS, GET 1 FREE 1 per person, expires 12/31/24

Swimming Pool Fitness Center Gymnasium Exercise Classes

Personal Training Swim Lessons Day Camp Climbing Wall

812-988-9622 • www.browncountyymca.org

SIGN MAKER

WELLNESS

Open 5:30 am Mon.–Fri., Sat. 7:00 am

• HOMES • BANNERS • BILLBOARDS • STORE FRONTS

BOATS • TRUCKS • MURALS • LOGO DESIGN •

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

812-822-2933 • RamblinDogDesign@gmail.com

SPICE THINGS UP AT NASHVILLE SPICE COMPANY

Hand-mixed spice blends and seasonings, plus a wide variety of gourmet food items, including: Cheese • BBQ Sauces • Mustards • Dips • Hot Sauce Salts & Sugars • Syrups • Pasta Scan to Shop! nashvillespicecompany.com In Coachlight Square • 227 S. Van Buren St. • Nashville, IN 47448 • 812.200.1069

CARAMEL APPLES RETURN LABOR DAY WEEKEND

Gelato & Ice Cream Old Fashioned Fudge Gourmet Popcorn Hand-dipped Milkshakes Poffertjes (Mini dutch pancakes)

So much more than fudge!

FALL HOURS:

SUN - THUR 10:00 - 6:00 FRI - SAT 10:00 - 7:00

NashvilleFudgeKitchen.com

Sign Up Save 15%

175 S. Van Buren St. Nashville, IN 47448 812.988.0709

Corporate Gifts Wedding Favors Custom Gifts