Nov./Dec. 2021 OUR BROWN COUNTY

Nov./Dec. 2021 FREE

Mike and Jaydene Laros Sampler at Ferguson House Old Crow Medicine Show at Music Center Early Artist Leota Loop

drizzle!

experiment and create your own flavor combinations with our unique array of flavored balsamics

wild & tasty

TIP

Spruce up your holiday cheesecake or pumpkin pie using our Cranberry Orange Balsamic.

It’s delicious drizzled over a slice of cheesecake and we love to mix a bit into whipped cream for topping our pumpkin pie. Try this with your favorite flavor!

We’re the destination for that thoughtful and unique gift of great flavor. Perhaps a variety of olive oil and balsamics, neatly packaged in an artisan wooden gift carrier.

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

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

15 TREETOP CANOPY ZIP LINES PAINTBALL • BUGGY TOURS • MTN BIKING HUMMER TOURS • EVENTS • CAMPING & CABINS WEDDINGS, PARTY, EVENTS HALL

Use Code OUR BC EXCLUDES SATURDAYS 2019 AND HOLIDAYS BUYBUY YOUR HOLIDAY GIFT YOUR HOLIDAY CERTIFICATE 10% OFF GIFT CERTIFICATE 10% OFF USECode CODE GIFT GIFT 10 Use 10

eXploreBrownCounty.com

Monroe Music Park & Campground

HELMSBURG

BEAN BLOSSOM

Helmsburg General Store Lightspinner Studio

135

Country Club Rd

Rd.

Musical Entertainment

Craftsman

NASHVILLE

Kelp G rove R d.

Old S Snyder Rd. R 46

46

Recreation

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Abe Martin Lodge

Mike’s Music and Dance Barn

Brown County State Park

PIKES PEAK

ELKINSVILLE

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STONE HEAD

STORY Monroe Reservoir

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Bear Wallow Mainstream Distillery Fiber

MI to BLO O

Yellowwood Rd

46

Lodging/ Camping

Mike Nickels Log Homes

Hard Truth Distillery

lley Rd.

BELMONT

Hoover Rd

Artist and/or Gallery Brick Lodge

Green Va

Kimberly’s Boujie Pet Salon

GATESVILLE

d

Rd.

Oak Grove

Ferrer Studio

Doodles by Kara Barnard

Flower and Herb Barn Farmhouse Café

kR

Ow l Cr eek

Yellowwood State Forest

Cordry Lake

Sprunica Rd.

Dining

Helm

Dr. Lisa Baker, DDS Fireplace Center

Vaught Rd.

Rd sburg

BLOOMINGTON

Sweetwater Lake

Rosey Bolte’s Uncommon Gourd Studio

Plum Creek Antiques

to BLO O

to Porthole Inn

Nineveh Edinburgh Morgantown 31 37 135 I-65 46 Bloomington Columbus 46 NASHVILLE 252

to MORGANTOWN

MINGT ON

45

South Shore Dr.

Trafalgar

Brownie’s Bean Blossom Restaurant Helmsburg Sawmill Pool Enterprises

The Apple Works

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

Clay Lick Rd

Lake Lemon

Martinsville

Franklin

Sal tC ree

Carmel Ridge Rd

NASHVILLE MAP ON PAGE 6

135

TRAFALGAR MORGANTOWN

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

Big Woods Pizza

MOLLY’S LANE Big Woods Village

Common Grounds Coffee Bar

Head Over Heels

Heritage Candy Store

Heritage Mall

Juls Etc.

Spears Gallery

New Harmony Soap

Main Street Shops

Woodlands Foxfire Gift & Home Gallery Foxfire Boutique

Naughty Dog Books

Weed Patch Music Company

Log JJail L il

Pioneer Village Museum

MAIN STREET Brown Co. Winery

The Nashville House

Courthouse

Copperhead Creek Gem Mine

Iris Garden Cottages & Suites

Complex Brown Co. Rock & Fossil Shop

Iris Garden

GOULD STREET

Brown Co. History Center

Brown Co Public Library

Gold &Old

Redbud Ter.

Scentual Journeys

Health For U

IHA

Brown Co Art Gallery

Masonic Lodge

Old to H SR 4 6 ar Disd Trut tille h ry

RE/MAX Team

Office

County Offices

Touch of Silver

LOCUST LANE

Village Green

Colonial Bldg.

Men’s Toy Shop

Carmel Corn Cottage

Heavenly Biscuit

MOUND STREET

ROBERT “BUCK” STOGSDILL WAY

TO HELMSBURG - 6 MILES

Michael’s Flowers

Zieg LeDoux & Associates

J.B. Goods/ Life is Good

TO BEAN BLOSSOM & MORGANTOWN

Brozinni Pizzeria

Carpenter Hills O’Brown Realty

North House

Hotel Nashville

ARTIST DR

VAN BUREN

The Salvation Army

Precise Books & Payroll

Brown Co Massage

The Totem Post

Jack & Jill Nut Shop

Brown Co Playhouse

58 South Apparel

JEFFERSON STREET Hoosier Buddy

Thrift Shop Community Closet

Nashville BP

PITTMAN HOUSE LANE

PAT REILLY DR

Calvin Place

Schwab’s Fudge

New Leaf Amy Greely

Life is Good JB Goods

VAN BUREN ST SR 135 N

SR 46 TO BLOOMINGTON - 16 MILES

McGinley Insurance

Franklin Square

HONEYSUCKLE LANE

FRANKLIN STREET

The Ferguson House Bistro & Bar

Clay Purl Brown Co Pottery

Antique Alley

Old McDurbin Gold & Gifts

Country Heritage Winery

Bone Appetit Bakery Nashville Spice Co.

Brown County Inn

map not to scale

Theatre

Dining

Rafters

Brown Co Health & Living

Larry Sanchez • Misty Sanchez

Brown County Eye Care Blue Elk Family Clinic

Brown Co Music Center

Seasons Hotel & Event Center

Salt Creek Park

Casa Del Sol

Doodles by Kara Barnard

Craftsman

Artist and/or Gallery Rest Room

Lodging

Musical Entertainment Parking

COUNTY MAP ON PAGE 5

Nashville General Store & Bakery

Quality Inn Brown Co Community YMCA

Bear Hardware

Brown County IGA

N

Nashville Indiana

Coachlight Square

WASHINGTON STREET

Brown Co Craft Gallery

Cornerstone Inn

SR 46 TO COLUMBUS - 16 MILES

Visitors Center

Nashville Fudge Kitchen Brown Co T-Shirt Shop Moondance Vacation Homes

Sweetwater Gallery Gyros Healing Hearts & Memory Making

Possum Trot Square

Carol’s Gifts The Toy Chest House of Jerky The Wise Woman Yesteryear Shoppe Old Time Photos Wishful Thinking Back to Back

Artists Colony Inn

Moon Acres

Artists Colony

Emerald Pencil

Nashville Express

Rhonda Kay’s

Out of the Ordinary and Hickory Bar

OLD SCHOOL WAY

8 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2021

ADVERTISER

ANTIQUES Antiques Co-op................................. 64 Brown Co Antique Mall.................... 18 The Emerald Pencil........................... 22 Moon Acres........................................ 66 Michael’s Flowers.............................. 18 Plum Creek Antiques....................... 68 ART, ART SUPPLIES-INSTRUCTION Antiques Co-op................................. 64 Art Beyond Crayons......................... 64 B3 Gallery............................................. 3 Bear Hardware.............................53,68 Brown Co Antique Mall.................... 18 Brown Co Art Gallery....................... 18 Brown Co Art Guild........................... 19 Brown Co Craft Gallery.................... 35 Ferrer Studio, Art by Dixie Ferrer... 19 Hoosier Artist Gallery...................... 23 Lightspinner Studio-M. Sechler..... 35 Nashville General Store & Bakery.. 29 Rhoden Art at eXplore Brown Co.... 4 Seasons Holiday Art & Craft Show.23 Spears Gallery................................... 22 C. Steele Art....................................... 69 Rosey Bolte-Uncommon Gourd..... 18 BOOKS The Emerald Pencil........................... 22 Fallen Leaf Books.............................. 35 Naughty Dog Books......................... 51 Restaurant Sampler Collection...... 32 Wise Woman Shoppe....................... 46 CLOTHING 58 South Apparel.............................. 52 Bear Hardware.............................53,68 Brown Co T-Shirt Shop..................... 46 Community Closet Thrift Shop....... 47 Foxfire Boutique............................... 57 Head Over Heels............................... 47 J.B. Goods/ Life is Good................... 26 Men’s Toy Shop.................................. 29 Scentual Journeys............................ 50

Copperhead Creek Gem Mine........ 65 eXplore Brown Co............................... 4 Hard Truth Distillery......................... 43 Porthole Inn....................................... 45 Singing Winds: The Life and Works of T.C. Steele -WTIU program.......... 33 FOOD & BEVERAGE Abe Martin Lodge............................. 28 Apple Works....................................... 65 Artists Colony Inn............................. 27 Bear Wallow Distillery...................... 44 Big Woods Pizza................................ 43 Brown Co IGA.................................... 61 Brown Co Inn..................................... 14 Brown Co Winery.............................. 26 Brownie’s Bean Blossom Rest......... 46 Brozinni Pizzeria............................... 52 The Candy Dish................................... 3 Carmel Corn Cottage....................... 46 Casa del Sol........................................ 46 Cedar Creek Winery.......................... 13 Common Grounds Coffee Bar........ 13 Country Heritage Winery................ 44 Farmhouse Cafe................................ 56 The Ferguson House Bistro & Bar.. 50 Gyros Food is Art.............................. 12 Hard Truth Distillery......................... 43 The Harvest Preserve......................... 3 Heavenly Biscuit............................... 56 Helmsburg General Store............... 32 Heritage Candy Store....................... 29 Hoosier Buddy Liquors.................... 27 Hotel Nashville.................................. 63 House of Jerky................................... 46 Jack and Jill Nut Shop...................... 13 Miller’s Ice Cream................................ 3 Nashville BP....................................... 55 Nashville General Store & Bakery.. 29 The Nashville House......................... 22 Nashville Fudge Kitchen.................. 72 Nashville Spice Co............................. 71

CRAFTS, POTTERY, GIFTS Antiques Co-op................................. 64 Apple Works....................................... 65 B3 Gallery............................................. 3 Bone Appetit Bakery........................ 13 Brown Co Antique Mall.................... 18 Brown Co Art Guild........................... 19 Brown Co Craft Gallery.................... 35 Brown Co Pottery.............................. 12 Brown Co Rock & Fossil Shop......... 65 Carol’s Gifts........................................ 23 Clay Purl............................................. 23 The Emerald Pencil........................... 22 Foxfire Gift & Home.......................... 57 Head Over Heels............................... 47 Healing Hearts &Memory Making.60 Hoosier Artist Gallery...................... 23 Lightspinner Studio-M. Sechler..... 35 Men’s Toy Shop.................................. 29 Michael’s Flowers.............................. 18 Moon Acres........................................ 66 Moonshine Leather.......................... 18 Naughty Dog Books......................... 51 New Harmony Soap......................... 49 New Leaf............................................. 19 Rhonda Kay’s..................................... 52 Seasons Holiday Art & Craft Show.23 Scentual Journeys............................ 50 Spears Gallery................................... 22 C. Steele Art....................................... 69 Sweetwater Gallery.......................... 35 The Totem Post.................................. 12 The Toy Chest.................................... 61 Rosey Bolte-Uncommon Gourd..... 18 Wise Woman Shoppe....................... 46 Wishful Thinking............................... 12 Woodlands Gallery........................... 47 ENTERTAINMENT/MUSIC Big Woods Pizza................................ 43 Brown Co Music Center................... 51 Brown Co Playhouse........................ 60

DIRECTORY Out of the Ordinary & Hickory Bar.53 Porthole Inn....................................... 45 Rafters................................................. 45 Schwab’s Fudge................................. 47 Seasons Hotel & Event Center........ 15 The Wild Olive..................................... 2 FURNITURE Antiques Co-op................................. 64 Brown Co Antique Mall.................... 18 Moon Acres........................................ 66 Plum Creek Antiques....................... 68 C. Steele Art....................................... 69 HARDWARE Bear Hardware.............................53,68 HATS Head Over Heels............................... 47 Moonshine Leather.......................... 18 JEWELRY B3 Gallery............................................. 3 Brown Co Antique Mall.................... 18 Brown Co Craft Gallery.................... 35 Foxfire Boutique............................... 57 Hoosier Artist Gallery...................... 23 Juls Etc................................................ 26 New Leaf............................................. 19 Old McDurbin Gold & Gifts............. 13 Rhonda Kay’s..................................... 52 Seasons Holiday Art & Craft Show.23 Scentual Journeys............................ 50 Spears Gallery................................... 22 The Totem Post.................................. 12 Touch of Silver Gold & Old.............. 26 LODGING/CAMPGROUNDS Abe Martin Lodge............................. 28 Artists Colony Inn............................. 27 Brick Lodge........................................ 63 Brown Co Health & Living............... 69 Brown Co Inn..................................... 14 Cornerstone Inn................................ 15 eXplore Brown Co............................... 4 Hills O’ Brown Vacation Rentals..... 53

Nov./Dec. 2021 • Our Brown County 9

Hotel Nashville.................................. 63 Iris Garden Cottages & Suites......... 65 Moondance Vacation Homes......... 56 North House...................................... 63 Seasons Hotel & Event Center........ 15 PET PRODUCTS Bone Appetit Bakery........................ 13 Kimberly’s Boujie Pet Salon............ 63 PHOTOS B3 Gallery............................................. 3 Hoosier Artist Gallery...................... 23 Spears Gallery................................... 22 Yesteryear Old Time Photos............ 56 REAL ESTATE Carpenter Hills o’ Brown Realty..... 20 RE/MAX-Marg & Brenda.................. 70 RECREATION eXplore Brown Co............................... 4 Grandpa Jeff’s Trail Rides................ 64 SERVICES Amish Roofers................................... 27 Dr. Lisa Baker, DDS........................... 52 Kara Barnard Lessons....................... 12 Bear Hardware’s Bagged Trash....... 68 Blue Elk Family Clinic: Dr. Larry Sanchez........................... 69 Misty Sanchez- Mental Health..... 70 Brown Co Convention & Visitors Bureau.................................. 21 Brown Co Eye Care............................ 68 Brown Co Health & Living............... 69 Brown Co Massage........................... 53 Brown Co Tire & Auto....................... 68 Brown Co Community YMCA.......... 70 Dave Carlile Heating & Cooling...... 69 Dunham Plumbing........................... 70 Healing Hearts &Memory Making.60 Helmsburg Sawmill Inc/ Pool Enterprises Inc.......................... 69 IN Seamless Guttering..................... 69 Kimberly’s Boujie Pet Salon............ 63

Mainstream Fiber Networks........... 69 McGinley Insurance (Farmers)........ 69 Michael’s Flowers.............................. 18 Mike Nickels Log Homes................. 19 Nashville BP....................................... 55 Precise Books & Payroll.................... 68 Rainwater Studios............................ 70 Rambling Dog Design - SIGNS....... 70 Zieg LeDoux & Assoc........................ 68 SHOES Head Over Heels............................... 47 Moonshine Leather.......................... 18 The Totem Post.................................. 12 SPECIALTY SHOPS Bone Appetit Bakery........................ 13 Brown Co Rock & Fossil Shop......... 65 Clay Purl............................................. 23 Fireplace Center................................ 47 Head Over Heels............................... 47 Healing Hearts &Memory Making.60 Health For U....................................... 69 House of Jerky................................... 46 Michael’s Flowers.............................. 18 Men’s Toy Shop.................................. 29 Moonshine Leather.......................... 18 Nashville Spice Co............................. 71 Sweetwater Gallery.......................... 35 Weed Patch Music Company.......... 19 Wishful Thinking............................... 12 WEDDINGS Artists Colony Inn............................. 27 eXplore Brown Co............................... 4 Hotel Nashville.................................. 63 OTHER Amish Roofers................................... 27 Health For U....................................... 69 Flower and Herb Barn...................... 70 Mike Nickels Log Homes................. 19 Singing Winds: The Life and Works of T.C. Steele -WTIU program.......... 33

Contents 12 WHERE IS IT?

13 SUBSCRIBE 16 Slats Klug ~by Rachel Berenson Perry 24 Adam Egenolf ~by Boris Ladwig 30 Mike and Jaydene Laros ~by Bob Gustin 34 The Holidays ~by Mark Blackwell

36 Jack and Jill Nut Shop ~by Paige Langenderfer 38-39 PHOTOS by Michele Wedel* 40-41 CALENDAR 42 ChristKindl Market 42 Children’s Fund Auction 48 Old Crow Medicine Show ~by Ryan Stacy 54 Field Notes: The Sparrows ~by Jim Eagleman

58 Sampler at Ferguson House

62 Early Artist Leota Loop ~by Julia Pearson

67 TC Steele Program on WTIU

67 New Bike Trail at State Park 68-70 INFO PAGES

Cover:

Slats Klug ~by Jane Mitchell

ourbrowncounty.com ourbrown@bluemarble.net

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

Paige Langenderfer is a freelance writer and communications consultant.

She writes for numerous publications. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in journalism from Indiana University and her Master’s degree in public relations management from IUPUI. Paige lives in Columbus with her husband and daughters.

Joe Lee is an illustrator and writer. He is the author of The History of Clowns for Beginners and Dante for Beginners and illustrator of six other titles, including Dada and Surealism for Beginners, and Music Theory for Beginners. He is an editorial cartoonist for the Bloomington Herald Times, a graduate of Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Clown College, and a veteran circus performer.

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

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

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

Jim Eagleman is a 40-year veteran naturalist with the IN DNR. In retirement, he is now a consultant. His program “Nature Ramblings” can be heard on WFHB radio, the Brown County Hour. He serves on the Sycamore Land Trust board. He enjoys reading, hiking, music, and birding. Jim and his wife Kay have lived here for more than 40 years.

Boris Ladwig is a Columbusbased journalist who has worked in print, online and TV media in Indiana and Kentucky and has won awards for features, news, business, non-deadline news, First Amendment/community affairs and investigative reporting.

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.

Ryan Stacy and his wife recently moved to Pennsylvania and continues to stay connected with our Brown County. He appreciates good movies, good food, and enjoys cultural events. His other interests include reading, photography, and playing music.

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

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

copyright 2021

10 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2021

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

*Michele Wedel is a photographer and visual imaging artist in Nashville. She is the house photographer for the new Brown County Music Center. She finds inspiration for her art in the natural beauty of Brown County and in the variety of amazing people that live here. You can view more of her work on Facebook at Michele Wedel Photography.

Thanks, Mom, for making it happen!

Coloring Contest Win $20

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

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

Nov./Dec. 2021 • Our Brown County 11

WHERE IS IT?

Guess Photo to Win $20 FIRST to leave a message identifying photo location along with your name and phone number WINS!

812-988-8807

Celebrating 20 Years

FREE in-store demos!

Old School Way and Pittman House Lane

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

Stay safe and here’s to a great reemergence.

IS

Delicious!

Our own Tzatziki sauce recipe, made from scratch Free samples • Local Delivery Available Last issue’s was of the old pump at Nashville’s Village Green area. Taren Brancamp was the first to guess.

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

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

The Totem Post ~Since 1952~

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

12 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2021

SUBSCRIBE!

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

Old McDurbin Gold & Gifts 50%

For the cost of a fancy coffee drink once every two months, you can have Our Brown County sent to your mailbox. That pays for postage, supplies, and processing time. Subscriptions make good gifts to family or friends, too.

SUBSCRIBE

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

Customized

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

Name: N

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

Address:

Mail with check or money order to:

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

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

COMMON GROUNDS

BONE APPETIT BAKERY For Dogs

COFFEE BAR It’s like a coffee shop in a living room

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

(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

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

DOGS WELCOME! (812) 988-0305

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

www.barkingood.com

Nov./Dec. 2021 • Our Brown County 13

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

14 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2021

(812) 988-2291

41 Exceptional Accommodations #1 Rated on ofTripAdvisor in the heart Nashville

Custom gift certificates available for the holidays

Hotel & Event Center Located across from the Brown County Music Center

Balcony Rooms Coming soon:

N Outdoo a ty a a including ourto the public Our Diningvacation Room is now open Homes: for breakfast daily and lunch on weekends!

Tudie’s Cottage Check outThe our newest accomodations, Lodge & CabinLodge!

360 Cornerstone

Conference facility–up to 500 560 State Road 46 East, Nashville, IN 812-988-2284 • SeasonsLodge.com

cornerstoneinn. com 812-988-0300 • 54 e. franklin st.

888-383-0300 downtown nashville

Nov./Dec. 2021 • Our Brown County 15

photo by Jane Mitchell

Slats Klug A man who listened ~by Rachel Berenson Perry

A

s the holidays draw near, a lot of old timers in Brown County remember and miss the annual Christmas Show at the Brown County Inn, spearheaded by the late Slats Klug. The performance brought the community together in a way that seems idyllic and innocent in retrospect.

Beginning in 1998 and running for at least half a dozen years, Klug, along with his cadre of friends, captivated enthusiastic audiences with his keyboard, squeeze box, and harmonica virtuosity.

Not to mention his sublimely rich, deep, and gentle voice. His “friends” included some of the area’s finest musicians—Robbie Bowden, Dave Gore, Doug Harden, John Franz, Kara Barnard, Lauren Robert, Jack Helsley, Bob Cheevers, Carolyn Dutton, and Gordon Lowry, to name a few.

Klug was an enigma. A strong presence on stage with his curated image of a cool dude wearing a fedora or cowboy hat, he was adored by all who saw

16 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2021

him. Off stage he was not a complete recluse, but he did not like to be the center of attention. People found him affable, unpretentious and somewhat inscrutable.

But on one point, everyone agreed. Slats Klug was an attentive listener, whether on stage or off.

Perhaps he was best known by other musicians, who have nothing but praise for his talent and skills. Singer/songwriter Tim Moore called him “a rock-solid musician who always brought his A-game and always left his ego at the door.” Carolyn Dutton, jazz violinist, said, “Everything Slats did musically was honest and genuine. He had an ear for the real thing, not the wannabes and show boaters. If you spoke the truth with your instrument, he heard you.” Musician-friend Dan Withered avowed, “Being in the spotlight was not important to [Slats]; he was a leader by virtue of his playing, and quick to acknowledge and include others. Everyone who

Christmas show at the Brown County Inn in 2004. photo by Cindy Steele Kip May photo

played music with him learned by example about grace and style and working together.”

A seasoned musician when he relocated to Bloomington from New York with Lauren Robert in the mid-1980s, Klug had played with numerous bands, including Mojo Hand, George Jones Tribute Band, and the Kookamongas, among others. But his lasting claim to fame began with his creation of seven CDs about Brown County’s historical and contemporary characters. Originally inspired by storyteller Steve Miller, Klug took local lore and ran with it, crafting memorable legends with his clever lyrics and impeccable music.

Our Brown County historian Bill Weaver wrote, “Brown County has had plenty of willing historians— from Weston Goodspeed to Frank Hohenberger, Ray Mathis, Ernie Pyle, Dillon Bustin, Fred King, Dorothy Bailey and a dozen more. Yet none of these has celebrated the lore and legend of Brown County

quite the way that Slats Klug has with his series of CDs.” Originally from West Virginia, Klug related easily to the hill country and characters of Brown County, Indiana. “I like being near, but not from, Brown County,” he said. “By having a certain stranger’s point of view, I get the best of both worlds.” Klug not only embraced local characters but instinctively knew how they would be represented most authentically by different musicians’ voices.

It’s easy to think that he effortlessly chose the right words for every mood. But his talent and skill evolved with time. Slats began writing early in his life and never stopped. He always had a notebook close at hand to write observances and inspirations.

His childhood friend, Bob Davis, remembered rooming with him one summer at Hobart College in Geneva, New York. “Our other roommate and I Continued on 20

Nov./Dec. 2021 • Our Brown County 17

Brown County Antique Mall Antique Store since 1972

Over 10,000 square feet in three buildings

Brown County Art Gallery 2021 Events & Exhibits

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

BROWN COUNTY ART GALLERY

More than 76 dealers • We buy and sell

COLLECTORS’ SHOWCASE

3288 State Road 46 East 3 miles east of Nashville, IN • 13 miles west of I-65

BROWN COUNTY STATE PARK

THROUGH NOVEMBER 14 Indiana’s Crown Jewel A two-year exploration by artist Tim Greatbatch

Open 7 Days a week till 5:30 • 812-988-1025

THE INDIANA UPLANDS WINE TRAIL presents

Flowers

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4 12PM-5PM SNEAK PREVIEW · NOVEMBER 6 RESERVATIONS REQUIRED Television premiere November 28 · 8 pm

Tickets on sale now www.indianauplands.com

Complete schedule of events and workshops online at

BROWNCOUNTYARTGALLERY.ORG

CORNER OF MAIN STREET & ARTIST DRIVE · NASHVILLE, IN 812.988.4609 · OPEN DAILY · FREE ADMISSION · FREE PARKING shop online: bcartgalleryonline.org

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 18 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2021

FERRER STUDIO Art by DIXIEE FERRER

Mixed Media Paintings Classes

Participating in the

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Saturday, December 11

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

11 to 3 at

Sleepy Cat Studio 4687 Yellowwood Rd. Nashville, IN

Musical instruments for all ages and skill levels

Nashville, IN | 812-988-1245 | www.DixieFerrer.com |

Dixie Ferrer

Also represented by Brown County Art Guild

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

Lessons, workshops, and more...

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

HONESTY • INTEGRITY • HANDCRAFTED QUALITY

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

The Guild.

Fine Art by Fine Artists.

be still

Special Exhibition & Sale November 13, 2021 – January 8, 2022

GALLERY AND MUSEUM 48 S. Van Buren Street Nashville, IN 47448 812 988-6185 BrownCountyArtGuild.org DAY LILIES AND BLUE BY JUDITH LEWIS

Nov./Dec. 2021 • Our Brown County 19

© 2021 Brown County Art Guild, Inc.

Featuring handcrafted jewelry by owner Amy Greely

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

Building Fine Log Homes for over 40 Years

The first show and CD with the Brown County gang, the Liars’ Bench in 1998. photo by Cindy Steele

SLATS KLUG continued from 17 would come home late from working and Harry [Slats] would be at the desk writing. We constantly complained, asking him to turn out the light so we could get some sleep. So, he moved his desk into the only closet we had in the place and that was where we would find him most nights.”

Along with the continuous writing was perceptive listening—to syntax, accents, and content of the jumble of language and sounds that bombard us every day. Dan Withered remembers, “[Slats] listened carefully to music and words, analyzing what they meant, how they sounded, how they could be better. He could read a song lyric and

Hills O’ Brown Realty

Kathryn Richardson Debbie Fleetwood Branch Manager

Broker

812-327-7462

812-327-6862

know instantly which lines were weak, or irrelevant, or could be improved.”

Slats Klug will be remembered for bringing to life stories from long ago. As WFHB “Brown County Hour” Dave Seastrom claimed, “Slats and his collaborators became the voice of Brown County.”

With the death of Slats, we’ve lost not only a great song writer and musician but an empathetic and thoughtful listener. That we could all follow his example and be so attentive when others speak.

CD’s by Slats Klug and Friends can be purchased Weed Patch Music Company in downtown Nashville and at the Brown County Antique Mall on State Road 46 between Nashville and Columbus. 

Annette Hardin

Kathryn & Donna Team

Bob Kirlin

812-321-2048

812-327-7462 317-418-2320

812-720-0222

Broker

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Phil Shively Team The Scroggins Team Brokers

Brokers

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The real estate market is Buyers are looking! We need listings!

Call us TODAY!

Brooke Zavela

Libby Zeigler

317-665-4763

812-345-8979

Broker

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HOT!

812-988-2227 • 158 N. Jefferson St., Nashville, IN • callcarpenter.com

20 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2021

Discover Brown County’s hidden treasures!

Sign up for our free Brown County email newsletter and learn about unique attractions, fun things to do, and where the locals go for entertainment.

Plus, enjoy 10% off your purchase at the Brown County Visitors Center (211 South Van Buren Street in downtown Nashville).

Visit BrownCounty.com/Email for everything you need to know about Brown County.

Let’s be friends

Nov./Dec. 2021 • Our Brown County 21 BVB-0300-Our Brown County-Winter Ad Update-7.25x9.25-FNL.indd 1

10/19/21 11:58 AM

GIFTS, CARDS, BOOKS, & SURPRISES

36 East Franklin Street at the trolley stop • Nashville

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

22 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2021

LOCALLY HANDMADE FINE CRAFTS

Over a Decade in Downtown Nashville BESIDE THE NASHVILLE HOUSE RESTAURANT

812.988.1286 • Spearspottery.com • facebook.com/Spears-Gallery

Carol’s

GIFTS Established 1981

Handcrafted

Holiday

Gifts

Glass Baron Hand-blown Glass Jim Shore Collectibles • Lori Mitchell Figurines Inner Beauty Ornaments • Painted Ponies

Lang Graphics Calendars & Paper Goods Billy Jacobs Prints Gooseberry Patch Cookbooks Blue Mountain Greeting Cards Handmade Soap & Bath Bombs Wind Chimes • Music Boxes • Children’s Books

Halloween & Christmas Gifts & Décor 125 S. Van Buren St. • Artists Colony Shops Nashville, IN • Open 363 Days • 812-988-6388

Holiday gifting made easy with a variety of gifts to choose from.

HoosierArtist.net 45 S. JEFFERSON ST. / NASHVILLE, IN 47448 / 812-988-6888

A Longtime Nashville Tradition The Seasons Holiday

92 w franklin st • nashville, in • 812.988.0336

sunday 12-4, tuesday—saturday 11-5, Tuesday evening 6:30-8:30 come see us in antique alley, next to brown county pottery online store: claypurl.com

Art & Craft Show November 26 & 27, 2021

Friday 10 to 5, Saturday 10 to 4

Juried Show Featuring Local and Regional Fine Arts & Crafts Free Admission • Free Parking Handicapped Accessible Breakfast and Lunch Available

The Seasons Hotel and Event Center 560 State Road 46 East, Nashville, IN seasonsartandcraftshow.com

Nov./Dec. 2021 • Our Brown County 23

Adam Egenolf

~story and photos by Boris Ladwig

I

ndiana native Adam Egenolf went to the University of Southern Indiana to become a math teacher. An elective class in pottery changed his life.

Egenolf, who grew up on a farm on the Greene/Owen counties line, took to the craft immediately and learned the tools quickly. The craft’s science—glazes, chemicals, heat and experimentation—appealed to his analytical side.

“It took over my life,” he said.

He started selling products in school and thought that if his parents could make it as farmers, he could figure out how to live off pottery.

He changed his career plan, got a master’s in fine arts from East Carolina. It was 2008, and he had created pottery all winter, then went to 32 trade shows that year to sell his works.

Revenue has increased each year for about 15 years, he said.

He keeps customers interested by changing designs, colors, and products, from serving

24 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2021

plates to vases, mugs and utensil holders, bowls and planters, as well as art that can be hung on walls.

Last year, during the pandemic, Egenolf, 42, and his wife, Barbie, began making letters and Christmas ornaments that can be hung on trees or in windows.

The secret of his designs lies in the metals he uses in the glaze and the temperature sequences to which he exposes his pieces. The composition of the metals, the height of the temperatures, and the duration of the exposure can drastically change the look of the finished product. Copper makes a green color, iron a brown, cobalt a blue. Nickel in crystalline form is blue, but in glass it produces a tannish color. Erbium, one of the rare earth metals he uses, produces pink.

In the lobby of the newly renovated Seasons Hotel.

Egenolf has tweaked his glaze recipes over the years through experimentation, by exposing the glazes to different temperatures and temperature combinations. A couple of degrees difference can change everything, he said.

His six kilns, which cost about $4,000 each, can be programmed to change temperatures during the firing process. Some products get exposed to two dozen temperatures. The first firing process, at temperatures of 1,850 degrees, turns the clay into stone, the second, with temps of about 2,350, comes after he applies the glaze.

No two products are the same, Egenolf said.

Except for the clay, Egenolf buys every component raw. He has seen significant price increases, especially for rare earth metals. Lithium, for example, cost about $400 for a 50-pound bag about five years ago. Now it costs about $2,400.

Egenolf used to go to about 20 trade shows a year, but the pandemic has forced him to change his business model a bit. While shows still account for about 50% of revenue, sales through Etsy now make up 35%, with business through galleries, from Michigan to North Carolina, accounting for the rest.

Egenolf makes about 3,500 pieces per year. A typical week includes seven workdays.

“I can’t tell you what day of the week it is half the time,” he said.

However, he said, as independent business owners, the Egenolfs can take time off when they want. They might take a few days off for fall break, for example, to take their children Archer, 10, and Violet, 8, hunting and fishing.

And, he said, even after crafting thousands of items per year for more than a decade, sitting down on a stool, placing his foot on the pedal and his hands on a soft piece of clay still serves as a kind of therapy.

Prices for the works are based on size. Vases get a price based on height, trays on length, platters on diameter.

A 19-inch platter, for example, goes for $225.

His customers include Hollywood and rock royalty, such as singer John Mellencamp, actress Meg Ryan, and former Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello. Some of his fans have bought his works for more than a decade.

“There’s people who own more of my work than I do,” he said.

One of his repeat customers is Bloomington-based interior designer Diana Paxton, who commissioned Egenolf to create a wall-hung sculpture for The Seasons Hotel in Nashville.

The piece consists of four rows of four squares depicting trees in each of the four seasons. Egenolf has created similar works, though usually consisting of just four squares, Paxton, who conceived of the hotel’s new look, asked Egenolf and other local and regional artists to create pieces.

Paxton began collecting Egenolf’s work about a decade ago, a mug at a Continued on 28

Nov./Dec. 2021 • Our Brown County 25

in Nashville, IN

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BrownCountyWinery.com 26 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2021

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

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Hoosier Buddy Liquors

the

Inn & Restaurant

A Charming 19th Century Style Inn and Restaurant

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:

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.

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

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

Nov./Dec. 2021 • Our Brown County 27

Egenolf work at Spears Gallery .

EGENOLF continued from 25 time, and had him design a vessel sink for her home.

When she began working on the hotel, she thought to contact him to contribute.

His piece was delivered in May, and it serves as one of the focal pieces in the entrance area.

“It exceeded expectations,” Paxton said.

She said she loves Egenolf’s crystalline glazes.

The science that goes into Egenolf’s art is “just astounding,” Paxton said.

Egenolf and his family are keeping so busy that their 1,200-square-foot workshop at their home near Sweetwater Lake is getting too small. He said he’s adding another 1,500-square-foot building, with two additional kilns, though the new building will be used primarily for temperature-controlled storage. And it will give Egenolf more elbow room to create his works of art.

You can purchase some of Egenolf’s work at Spears Gallery next to the Nashville House in downtown Nashville. 

28 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2021

Nashville’s Unique Dining Experience (1800s Cabin) BREAKFAST & LUNCH

Jams, Jellies, Preserves, Specialty BBQ, Chicken Salad, Soups, Pit Ham 118 E. Washington St. Nashville, IN Linen, Rugs, Candles, Curtains, Stitcheries Cinnamon Rolls, Cobblers, Cookies, Brownies 812-988-6362 • Open daily 9 to 5 Gluten Free Items, Coffees and Cappuccino Antiques, Billy Jacobs Prints nashville general store and bakery nashgenstore812

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Variety of T-Shirts

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

Tobaccos and Premium Cigars

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

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

Luminox Watches (used by Navy Seals)

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

We ship everywhere!

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

Ask about our Wedding Favors and Fundraising with Fudge

Nov./Dec. 2021 • Our Brown County 29

“I saw the land and saw an opportunity to have a change from being a suburbanite to something a little more down to earth.”

—Mike Laros

photo by Bob Gustin

M

~by Bob Gustin

ike Laros says it was an “ah-ha” moment which led him and wife Jaydene to move to Brown County in 1995.

They were living in the Chicago suburb of Barrington, Illinois, wanting to stay close to Jaydene’s family in the Peoria area when Mike—who doesn’t like cold weather—realized they could move south of Peoria within a 200 mile radius and still accomplish their geographic goals.

Though they had spent little time in Indiana, they found a listing for a guest cabin and decided to check it out. They rented a cabin for a weekend in early May and arrived on a rainy Saturday. But the next morning

30 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2021

the sun came out and it was a beautiful Brown County day. Sitting outside to enjoy the weather, they discovered the whole place was for sale. A half-hour later, they owned it.

They set to work turning it into Fondulac Farm, a meticulously groomed setting for their home and two guest rental cabins with three stocked fishing ponds, a fire pit for marshmallow roasts or barbecues, and modern conveniences including fiber-based wireless internet and streaming television.

In addition to working on the real estate, the couple became heavily involved in the civic life of Brown County. Mike says it was a copier repairman

Mike and Jaydene Laros and the Fondulac Farm

photo by Cindy Steele

who suggested they check out the local Rotary Club, where they met lots of people with no ulterior motives.

“One thing leads to another,” Jaydene said, and she became involved in the Brown County Community Foundation board, Mother’s Cupboard, a church in Bloomington, and other activities. “When I see a need, I try to step in and help out.”

She also served as interim director of the Foundation.

Mike also joined the Community Foundation board, and has been active in Rotary, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Developmental Services in Columbus, Indiana Heritage Arts, the Taste of Art auction, and other organizations.

He was active in the first attempt to get highspeed internet in Brown County.

“I knew it would be important for growth and to build the tax base,” he said, as well as helping local schools. He credits Scott Rudd with the work in pulling together a task force and getting commitments from local electrical cooperatives to build and improve the network. And he mentions Del Newkirk as an inspiring figure who sets an example of community involvement and philanthropy.

Continued on 32

Nov./Dec. 2021 • Our Brown County 31

LAROS continued from 31 Mike and Jaydene met on a blind date set up by college roommates in Chicago and were married in 1971.

Jaydene’s background is in nursing, an interest sparked by work as a “candy stripe” volunteer. She was raised in the Peoria area, attended Valparaiso University, and switched to the University of Illinois at the Medical Center in Chicago. She worked at the burn unit at Cook County Hospital, got her master’s degree in 1975, worked in staff development at a California hospital, taught nursing at Bradley University in Peoria, and was a nurse practitioner.

“She came home with blood on her outfit,” Mike said of Jaydene’s work in Chicago. “She was doing something much more meaningful than I was. I was doing something to make a living.”

Both decided to leave their jobs and careers in Chicago and do something different in a different part of the country. They applied to graduate schools in California and Jaydene got a master’s degree in nursing at San Francisco University while Mike studied at the University of California in Berkeley, getting a master’s in business administration. They later moved back to the Chicago area.

Mike grew up in the Bridgeport, Connecticut, area and graduated in 1969 from Clarkson College in New York, studying chemical engineering. He took a job with the heating and air conditioning

Helmsburg GENERAL STORE

manufacturer Trane, which took him to Chicago.

Later, he worked as an engineering and construction consultant, specializing in utility projects, including oil pipelines and power plants, and started his own consulting business before retiring in 2011.

Mike and Jaydene have two adopted children, Sarah and Christopher, and three grandchildren.

A bonus for the Brown County property was that Christopher loves to fish, and Sarah likes horses.

Ponds and stables provide plenty of opportunities for both. The property now offers one long-term rental cabin and one short-term rental.

Fondulac Farm includes seven buildings, but the Laros home is a remodeled 1860s cabin with added wings. Improvements to the house, cabins and outbuildings include new roofs, plumbing, electrical systems and more.

“I saw the land and saw an opportunity to have a change from being a suburbanite to something a little more down to earth,” Mike said.

They like Brown County for its slower pace, and praise the opportunities presented by the local school system.

“We don’t suffer from lack of anything you can get in a bigger city in terms of resources,” Mike said.

As for the future of Brown County, “I hope it stays a lot like it is, rural in nature,” Mike said. “I hope we have a diverse population and the schools remain strong. I hope the internet opens the door for more millennials to be able to live here.” 

Looking for a good place to eat?

Curious about the dining scene?

The

Owners: Sharon & Leonard Richey

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

32 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2021

Restaurant Sampler Collection Now on sale at:

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Premieres November 28 at 8pm Also on

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Nov./Dec. 2021 • Our Brown County 33

The Holidays

~by Mark Blackwell

I

can remember celebrating the holidays all the way back in the 1950s. Now, I’m hearing that just about anything from that time is referred to as “mid-century modern.” The 1950s were nothing if not modern.

It was a time when our culture was racing as fast as it could into the future, so as to put as much distance between the sorrows of World War II and the Great Depression and the “Now.” The era of the 1950s and ’60s started out being the Jet Age, overlaid with the Atom Age, and then quickly morphed into the Space Age. My own personal nuclear family (that’s a little nod to the Atom Age) was somewhat more traditional than modern. In fact, our house was 100% furnished in the “Early American” style. We even had pots and pans in the

34 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2021

kitchen labeled “Revere Ware.” We had “Ethan Allen” furniture. Paul Revere and Ethan Allen would have felt right at home there.

When Christmas came around we had to have a real tree—the bigger the better with Early American decorations. But I do remember an Uncle and Aunt had jumped on the rocket to modernity. They were the first people, I knew, who invested in a shiny aluminum tree with monochrome baubles and a tri-color projector which, with the room lights turned off, produced an early version of a psychedelic experience.

As time passed, I went to the University where I majored in having a good time and protesting the war de jour and consequently I flunked out. Having flunked out, I lost my college deferment and wound up being sent to the afore mentioned war. Well, I didn’t kill anybody and they didn’t kill me. I came home but home wasn’t the same.

Or, maybe I wasn’t the same. I wanted life, the universe, and everything in it to start having a little more substance and meaning. I figured that the only way that would happen is if I gave it more meaning. It was hard to know where to start.

It wasn’t too long before I got married and then it wasn’t too long before we had a set of young’uns. Having kids has a way of concentrating a person’s attention. As a new parent I began to think in terms of traditions.

I was more and more convinced that doing things and making things was the secret to having more meaning and substance in life.

Holidays sort of amplified those feelings. I mean, a turkey TV dinner was not gonna cut it when it came to holiday feasting.

When Thanksgiving rolls around, there is no substitute for a house full of family and friends for a traditional feast. My memories are built around the smells and tastes of slow-cooked, home canned green beans with onions, pickled beets, mashed potatoes, persimmon pudding made with wild gathered ’simmons—and, of course, the king of the table, the turkey.

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Sweetwater Gallery Stained Glass • Paperweights Mosaic Mirrors • Pottery Fabric Wallhangings

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I diverted from the traditional feast in that I never harvested my own wild turkey. I did look into it. I realized that by the time I procured a shotgun, a Ghillie suit, turkey call, and hunting permit, the turkey would come in at about $56 dollars a pound.

That is if I got a turkey. So I learned to accept and celebrate Mr. Butterball.

There is meaning in sitting at a table of old folks that you have grown up with and young people who are growing up with you, telling and listening to the old stories of a shared history. I think that is what the holidays are for.

Sharing traditional foods with the people around us while sharing our stories fixes those stories so they can live on in our communities.

Then Christmas rolls around and we get to have another feast and get together.

I liked to go out to our part of the woods or a neighbor’s Christmas tree farm and find the right tree to cut and bring home. I would trim some of the branches to give it some semblance of symmetry and then set it up in the cabin. We would then decorate it with heirloom baubles and handcrafted decorations made by friends and local crafts people.

We would use some of the branches that were cut off the tree to decorate the place.

Then it was time to have a party.

For me, the party was the thing that that made it possible to get through the deeps of winter to come. We would invite our friends and there would be a cheery fire in the wood stove. There would be cider and all manner of adult beverages and happy socializing.

Then guitars, banjos, fiddles, basses, and jugs would appear. Music would happen. It always seemed that just when midnight rolled around folks would take their leave amid hugs and kisses and wishes for a Merry Christmas. The fire in the stove would die down and the quiet of the woods would descend. There was meaning in all of that.

Well, Brown County is not just a geographical place but it is also a place in the imagination. It is a place where tradition thrives. It is a place where people created and still create meaning in their crafts and gardens, their art and music. And that makes Brown County a perfect place to put meaning in the holidays. 

E S T

1 9 7 8

BROWN COUNTY

Fine arts and crafts by local and area artists View their work on Facebook & Instagram See something you want?

Message us!

Gallery Open 10 am – 5 pm Seven Days a Week call 812.988.7058

62 E. Washington · Nashville, IN · BrownCountyCraftGallery.com

Nov./Dec. 2021 • Our Brown County 35

Jack and Jill Nut Shop A

~story and photos by Paige Langenderfer

s her father began the day’s chores, the smell of warm, roasting nuts instantly took Kamady Lewis back to her childhood and the countless memories she made in the back room of her family’s business, the Jack and Jill Nut Shop.

“I basically grew up back there,” said Lewis, 35. “I had a bean bag chair, a VHS player, and all of my art supplies. What else does a girl need?”

Kamady’s dad and store owner, Marc Rudd, also warmly recalls those memories. He even still displays several of Kamady’s works of art on the store walls.

“She made a new masterpiece just about every day,” Marc said. “She walked around town like she owned the place.”

Leslie Rudd, Marc’s dad, opened Jack and Jill Nut Shop in 1967 to offer roasted nuts, fudge, and candy to tourists visiting Nashville. The store has been at the same location, at 78 South Van Buren Street, for 54 years.

“Grandpa had worked in a nut factory for many years, and that is what sparked the idea,” Kamady said.

36 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2021

“Everyone always asks us who Jack and Jill are, but the name actually came from a store my grandma worked at when she was young. She always liked the name and asked grandpa if he would name the store Jack and Jill Nut Shop.”

In 1986, Leslie suffered a stroke and was not able to continue managing the store. Marc had worked alongside his dad in the store and had always hoped to take over the business one day, but the stroke moved up the timeline without warning.

“It was very sudden and I hadn’t learned as much as I would have liked about running the business, but I learned,” Marc said. “In all these years, the only thing I have changed was adding a few new types of candy.”

This past summer, Kamady and her husband Ronnie Lewis decided to keep the business in the family and joined Marc as co-owners. While she is extremely excited about the future, Kamady said the little girl who played in the back of the store never imagined she would ever take over the nut shop.

“It just wasn’t something I really ever thought about,” Kamady said. “I had always dreamt of covering

Marc, Kamady, Ronnie and Reagan at the shop.

“All of my best memories are in this town and I wanted Reagan to have a childhood like mine.”

—Kamady Rudd Lewis sports on TV, so I just assumed that is what I would do my whole life.”

Those dreams did come true for Kamady. After graduating from Indiana University with a degree in journalism and sports communication, Kamady moved to Las Vegas for her first “real job.”

“I covered baseball for radio, but I didn’t make much money,” she said.

She moved to San Diego and then to a small town in Iowa to pursue jobs in TV. Her next move to Shreveport, Louisiana was a life changing experience.

“I got to anchor TV sports. I even got to freelance for ESPN and numerous college conferences,” Kamady said. “I got to cover Dennis Rodman and several college athletes who are now in the pros. I have talked to all of the Mannings, except Peyton.”

She also met her husband, Ronnie Lewis, while in Louisiana.

“I honestly never thought I would get married because my career was so crazy,” she said. “But after I met him I started to see things differently.

My priorities changed. I was tired of working so much and missing holidays with my family.”

In an effort to move closer to her family, Kamady accepted a morning TV news job in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 2019, after four years as an anchor in Michigan, Kamady and Ronnie’s son Reagan was born.

“After having my son, I knew I wanted to find something different,” Kamady said. “I was still five hours from my parents and I wanted Reagan to grow up around family.”

She took one final TV job in Cleveland, Ohio, for a year before deciding that she was ready to move back to Nashville to help run the nut shop.

“I just felt drawn back,” Kamady said. “All of my best memories are in this town and I wanted Reagan to have a childhood like mine.”

Since moving to Nashville, Kamady said she has flashbacks every time she sees 2-year-old Reagan toddling through the shop.

“He was immediately comfortable here,” she said.

“He’s a bit of a tornado, but it is so nice that he gets to see my parents every day now and he can be a part of the shop.”

As for the future, Kamady said she does not plan to make many changes to the business. She has, however, added the store to social media and created a website that allows customers to order online.

All of the nuts will continue to be freshly roasted in the store every day.

“This is dad’s baby and obviously it has worked so we’re not trying to change anything,” Kamady said.

“The customers always ask for him. I’m glad he’s going to stick around to teach us and to just spend time with us.”

Learn more at www.jackandjillnutshop.com call 812- 988-7480, or find Jack and Jill Nut Shop on Facebook. 

Nov./Dec. 2021 • Our Brown County 37

photos by Michele Wedel

Calendar

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

Brown County Playhouse

Country Heritage Winery

Nov. 5 Simply the Best

Tina Turner Tribute Nov. 6 The Best of 1Pulse Nov. 7 Rainwater Studios

Best of Strea 4:00-6:00 Nov. 12-14, 19-21

2020: COVID the musical Nov. 26-28 It’s a Wonderful Live

Radio Theatre Production Dec. 3-5, 10-12, 17-19 Believe

The Magic of Christmas 2021 Dec. 9 The Addict’s Wake Film

Screening (free) Dec. 16 Sister’s Christmas Catechism

Mystery of the Magi’s Gold 70 S. Van Buren St. 812-988-6555 www.browncountyplayhouse.org

Brown County Music Center Nov. 2 Kevin Costner & Modern West Nov. 5 Craig Morgan Nov. 6 Three Dog Night Nov. 9 Jason Bonham’s

Led Zeppelin Evening Nov. 11 John Hiatt &

The Jerry Douglas Band Nov. 13 Old Crow Medicine Show Nov. 30 Carrot Top Dec. 4 Warrant & Hero Jr. Dec. 5 Kenny G Dec. 6 Lindsey Stirling:

Christmas Program Dec. 8 Mystery Science Theater

3000 Live: Time Bubble Dec. 9 38 Special &

The Dane Clark Band Dec. 11 Bloomington Symphony

Orchestra - Holiday show Dec. 14 LeAnn Rimes Home for the Holidays Dec. 19 The Beach Boys -

Holiday Harmonies Dec. 22 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Dec. 31 The Reverend Peyton’s

Big Damn Band New Year’s Eve 812-988-5323 www.browncountymusiccenter.com

Nov 5 Gene Gillham Nov. 6 Gary Applegate &

Joe Rock Nov. 12 Coner Berry Nov. 13 Bob Palindrome Nov. 19 Open Mic Nov. 20 Live Music Nov. 26 Ross Benson Nov. 27 Isaac & Haymond Dec. 3 Robbie Bowden & Friends Dec. 4 Gene Gillham Dec. 10 Steve Fulton Dec. 11 Speed City Spoilers Dec. 17 Open Mic Dec. 18 Live Music Dec. 24 Live Music Dec. 31 Live Music Music 6:00-9:00 Fri. & Sat. 225 Van Buren St. 812-988-8500 www.countryheritagewinery.com

Big Woods Pizza Music Tue. & Fri. 5:00-8:00 Nov. 2 Wayne Pennington Nov. 5 Scooter Hanes Nov. 9 Rich Hardesty Nov. 12 Coot Crabtree Nov. 16 Charlie Jesseph Nov. 19 Clint Zimmerman Nov. 23 Coot Crabtree Nov. 26 Justyn Underwood Nov. 30 Jon Shoulders Dec. 3 Shane Scarazzini Dec. 7 Richardesty Dec. 10 Carter New Dec. 14 Coot Crabtree Dec. 17 Justyn Underwood Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve Party

21+ years of age time TBD 44 N. Van Buren Street 812-988-6004 www.bigwoodsrestaurants.com

Nashville House Music Series Live Music Fri., Sat., Sun. Times vary 15 S. Van Buren St. 812-988-4554 www.nashvillehousebc.com

40 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2021

Hard Truth Hills MUSIC 6:00 to 9:00 Nov. 4 Apollo Selene Nov. 5 Will Scott Nov. 12 John Shoulders Nov. 13 Bill Bloomer Nov. 19 Jan Bell Nov. 20 Wayward Blues & Co. Nov. 26 Scooter Hanes Nov. 27 Blackjack Davey and

the Rhythm Kings Dec. 3 Coner Barry Dec. 4 Steve Hickman Dec. 10 Strangebirds Dec. 11 Clint Zimmerman Dec. 17 Charlie Jesseph Dec. 18 Scott Gould INSTRUCTION Nov. 11 Arts & Crafts Painting 21+ 6:00 Nov. 12 Fall Cocktails Mixology 4 & 6 Nov. 13 Fall Cocktails Mixology 4 & 6 Nov. 19 Fall Cocktails Mixology 4 & 6 Nov. 20 Fall Cocktails Mixology 4 & 6 Nov. 26 Fall Cocktails Mixology 4 & 6 Nov. 27 Fall Cocktails Mixology 4 & 6 Dec. 3 Fresh Wreath Making-times vary

Holiday Punches Mixology 4 & 6 Dec. 4 Holiday Cocktails Mixology 4 & 6 Dec. 10 Holiday Punches Mixology 4 & 6 Dec. 11 Gingerbread House Making

-times vary Dec. 16 Arts & Crafts Painting 21+ 6:00 Dec. 17 Holiday Cocktails Mixology 4 & 6 Dec. 18 Holiday Punches Mixology 4 & 6 418 Old State Road 46 812-720-4840 www.hardtruthhills.com

St. Agnes Church Christmas Bazaar Nov. 5 & Nov. 6 Christmas ornaments and decor, gift items, and handmade items (knitted, crocheted, sewn, pottery and other crafts). Free admission and free parking.

St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1008 McLary Road

Murder Mystery Dinner Nov. 13, 6:30-8:30 Artists Colony Inn restaurant 105 S. Van Buren St. 812-988-0600 www.artistscolonyinn.com

The Abe Martin Bazaar Nov. 13, 10:00-4:00 Brown County History Center 90 East Gould Street north of the courthouse. Local craftsman and artisans displaying their work.

Annual Chocolate Walk Nov. 13, Downtown Nashville 10:00-5:00 Sample yummy chocolate treats while strolling through the village of Nashville.

Proceeds go to Brown Co. Humane Society. 812-988-7362 bchumane.org

Brown County Hilly Half Marathon Nov. 20, 8:00 am-2:00 pm Brought to you by Brown Co YMCA Brown County State Park

Thanksgiving Dinner at Story Inn Nov. 25 seating starting 11:00 am 6404 SR 135 S. 812-988-2273 www.storyinn.com

Tree Lighting Ceremony with Santa Nov. 26, Starting at 5:30 at the Brown County History Center Santa 5:30-7:00 | 70 Gould Street

Friendly Forest Winter Wonderland Dec. 3, 6:00-8:00 Jackson Twp Fire Dept.

Wonderland full of bright lights and Christmas music before Santa arrives 4831 Helmsburg Road in Helmsburg

Santa Train Dec. 3, around 8:30 p.m. in Helmsburg Santa arrives by train on the Indiana Railroad. Children and adults are invited to board the train and visit with Santa.

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

Holiday Light Parade and Toy Drive Dec. 4, 6:00 Floats travel through the Village of Nashville. Bring a new unwrapped toy to donate to the local Salvation Army.

Holiday Artists Open House at Sleepy Cat Studio December 11, 11:00 am-3:00 pm Artists Monique Cagle, Rosey Bolte, Dixie Ferrer, Amy Greely and Michele Pollock join together to host an array of unique, handcrafted fine arts.

Sleepy Cat Studio, 4687 Yellowwood Road

ChristKindl Market Downtown Nashville Coachlight Square Dec. 3 & 4 Holiday Market One-of-a-kind gifts, family-friendly entertainment and Christmas spirit.

Fri., Dec. 3 Opening Ceremonies 6:00-8:00 Polka-motion Sat., Dec. 4 12:00 The Hammer & The Hatchet 1:00 Indianapolis Liederkranz 2:00 Nathan Dillion Duo 3:00 Jenn Cristy Band 4:00 Five Hungry Guys 5:00 FCR Trio 6:00 Break for light parade 7:00 Kara & the Carolers

Stuff a Stocking Dec. 4, 11:00-5:00 Children receive a stocking and collect treats from Nashville merchants.

Reindeer Romp

Dec. 4, 1:00 8K run or a 5K run/walk Nov. 26 & 27, Seasons Conference Center Brown Co State Park Nature Center Fri. 10:00-5:00, Sat. 10:00-4:00 Uplands Winter Juried show featuring arts and crafts Wine Market made by area artisans.

Dec. 4, 12:00-5:00 Brown Co. Art Gallery Holiday winery experience featuring Children’s Fund Indiana Upland wineries. Taste wine and Benefit Auction food.

Dec. 3, 6:00 New Location

Holiday Art & Craft Show

Brown County Inn - Proceeds for Brown County children in need.

Nov./Dec. 2021 • Our Brown County 41

A new Brown County Tradition

ChristKindl Market

December 3 & 4

T

he inaugural Brown County Christkindl Market will kick off Friday, December 3 with festive booths on Coachlight Square, live music, a tree lighting ceremony, tasty treats, and hot drinks.

Lisa Hall, a member of the event’s steering committee, hopes the inaugural event will extend the tourist season and lift the community’s spirits.

The event will center on Coachlight Square, but organizers expect vendors throughout the community to offer specials from hot chocolate, roasted nuts, and freeze-dried candy to jewelry, ornaments, candles, pottery, quilts, sculptures, paintings, and pumpkin spice soap.

Musical acts, decorations, the schedule, and recipes have been finalized.

Festivities will conclude on Saturday with the Light Parade starting at 6 p.m. and Brown County’s Kara Barnard leading people in caroling at 7:15 p.m.

Hall conceived of the event and garnered the support of Gregory Fox and Mark Schmidt, who own the Nashville Spice Company. Schmidt has completed work on 16 7-foot-tall nutcrackers that will be displayed around town.

An angel will walk through Coachlight Square, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will welcome guests outside the Brown County Visitors Center.

Organizers have said the event will complement other Brown County holiday activities and will provide additional opportunities for local businesses. Schmidt and Fox, for example, will sell a special blend of spices to be mixed into a locally produced wine to be heated as a traditional German Glühwein, or mulled wine.

The C4 Columbus Area Career Connection Culinary Arts Program will provide holiday treats including cakes ranging from carrot and cheese to peppermint and Black Forest. Upland Brewing will sell its ales and lagers, but proceeds will benefit the Christkindl Market.

More information, including details on participating vendors and an entertainment schedule are available at www.browncounty.com. 

42 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2021

Brown County

Children’s Fund Benefit Auction December 3 NEW LOCATION

Brown County Children’s Fund LIVE Auction is Friday, December 3, 6:00 p.m. at The Brown County Inn. 44 years ago a group of Brown County locals gathered on the liar’s bench in downtown Nashville and discussed ways to ensure that all kids in Brown County have warm clothes for winter. They came up with the idea to gather goods from local merchants to be auctioned off for the kids. This group called themselves the “No-Name Committee” and each year since that time the auction has been held on the first Friday in December.

The annual auctions have provided more than $640,000 in clothing and helped many Brown County children.

This year’s auction will be held live on Friday, December 3, starting at 6:00 p.m. at the Brown County Inn in downtown Nashville. The location was changed to provide more space for social distancing. Masks are required.

The auction features donated art, crafts, antiques, items from local merchants, gift certificates for local restaurants, hotels, and many outside organizations including Holiday World and the Cincinnati Reds.

Locals donate home-baked cookies and prize-winning brownies. There is something for everyone to bid on and always some surprises.

Donations are being collected in Nashville and can be dropped off at Out of The Ordinary on South Van Buren Street. Cash donations can be made at PNC Bank on West Main Street. If you would like to have items picked up, or if you have questions, please call 812- 320-2601.

This is a very special event and you can complete your Christmas shopping in just one evening. Come to the Brown County Inn and help ensure that all children in Brown County have a very Merry Christmas.

All proceeds are used to purchase clothing for local children in need. 

PRIVATE EVENT SPACE AVAILABLE

LIVE MUSIC EVERY TUESDAY

FOR RESERVATIONS, VISIT US AT BIGWOODSRESTAURANTS.COM

44 N VAN BUREN ST. NASHVILLE, IN 47448

• D I ST I L L E RY • TO U R S • R E STAU R A NT • EVE NTS • L IVE M U SIC Visit Hard Truth Distilling Co. at 418 Old State Road 46 | Nashville, IN

Book a tour or make a reservation today at hardtruth.com

Nov./Dec. 2021 • Our Brown County 43

Wine Tasting Daily Choose from multiple Award Winning Wines!

Patio & Indoor Seating Gift Shop Live Music Every Friday & Saturday 6-9 pm S. Van Buren & Washington, Nashville IN 44 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2021

812.988.8500

countryheritagewinery.com

Celebrating 65 Years Southern Indiana’s Oldest Live Music Venue Family Friendly Dining Room

Fried Catfish • Pizza Steaks • Chicken Ribs • Full Bar Just 10 minutes from Brown County J

LAKE L AKE L LEMON EMO ON 8939 E. South Shore Dr., Unionville, IN Portholeinn.com • 812-339-1856

port hole inn

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

Hotel & Event Center

www.seasonslodge.com w.seasonslodge.c 812-988-2284 Nov./Dec. 2021 • Our Brown County 45

p o h S w e N

with many locally-crafted items

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

Hand-poured Soy Candles • Wax Melts Goatsmilk Soaps • Hand-blended Looseleaf Teas Crystals, Collectible Books, Decor, and more...

145 S. Van Buren St. in Nashville • Look for the pyramid on top www.wisewomanshoppe.com • rachelle@wisewomanshoppe.com

AAuthentic Mexican Cuisine

Jerky Seasonings & Dips • Peanuts

125 S. Van Buren St. Artists Colony Shops (Between Toy Chest and Carol’s Gifts)

Nashville, IN • (812) 988-1592

houseofjerkybrownco.com

CARMEL CORN COTTAGE Assorted Ice Cream Bars New Popcorn Flavors

Family Owned and Operated •Daily Specials •Kid’s Menu

Double Dipped Bacon Popcorn Pickle Popcorn

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Butter Toffee Chocolate Delites Chocolate Coated Bacon Strips Carmel Coated Bacon Strips

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

Free Samples

Show this ad & receive a FREE small drink with popcorn purchase.

Look for the red & white building at the north end of town

812-988-6011 • CarmelCornCottage.com

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

Design Your Own or choose from Ready Made Garments Hundreds of choices! • Something for all ages and sizes 5730 N State Rd 135 • Bean Blossom • 812-720-3743 Daily Specials • Breakfast till 2:00 7 am to 8 pm Owners Evelyn Allen Mulherin and Brian Baker

46 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2021

• T-Shirts • Hoodies • LS Tees • Hats

• Tanks • Jackets • Jerseys • Tye Dye

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

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

87 East Main Street • Nashville, IN • (812) 988-6080

Head over

Heels

• Minnetonka • Stetson n • Tilleyy Hats • Merrell

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 and Thursdays 9:00 to 5:00 Fridays 9:00 to 2:00

HATS HA ATS • FOOTWEAR • ACCESSORIES

Like us on Facebook at Brown County Community Closet, New

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

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

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

Nov./Dec. 2021 • Our Brown County 47

photo by Kit Wood

Old Crow Medicine Show

appearing at Brown County Music Center

H

~by Ryan Stacy

ere in the age of instant access, it’s easy to forget that music wasn’t always so easy to come by. Back in the day, the sounds of America’s folk traditions—country, bluegrass, blues—were heard over radio waves, played on the phonograph, or performed live, and that was about it. But that scarcity also made music a big deal: Families gathered around their radios to hear popular songs. People packed barn dances, juke joints, and honky-tonks on Saturday nights to listen and dance. Church choirs and instrumental accompaniment were the highlight of Sunday mornings.

“Every town in America had a legion of musicians,” explains Ketch Secor, frontman for Old Crow Medicine Show. “People always thought of musicians as local entertainers. Music was a reason to get together and celebrate.”

48 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2021

“It’s about fun, and music connecting us to where we are. We’re homespun music, bottled at the source,” —Ketch Secor It’s this spirit of music Ketch wants to keep alive, and it comes through in Old Crow’s lively, whiskey-soaked blend of country, folk, and bluegrass, often served with a side of rock-n-roll attitude. Based out of the “other” Nashville a few hours south of here, the band has stomped and shouted its way to gigs at the Grand Ole Opry, a Grammy, and a platinum record, sharing the stage Continued on 50

Nov./Dec. 2021 • Our Brown County 49

OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW continued from 48 along the way with the biggest names in country, bluegrass, folk, and rock.

Ketch promises a good time on November 13, when Old Crow takes the stage at Brown County Music Center. “It’s about fun, and music connecting us to where we are. We’re homespun music, bottled at the source,” he says. “We love getting back to the roots, striving to be that hometown show in any town.

When you play traditional American music like we do, with the fiddle and the harmonica and a lot of harmony singing, that’s the kind of music that grew out of Southern Indiana.”

Hand-Poured Soy Candles Wax Melts • Incense & Essential Oils Hand-Made Home Decor Boutique Clothing •Jewelry & Gifts

COUPON

$5 OFF a $25 or more purchase Limit 1 per customer

Located in the Redbud Terrace Shoppes 146 East Main Street in Nashville 50 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2021

And like any Medicine Show worth its snake oil, Old Crow makes it a point to tailor its performances to the towns on its tours. “We might razz the mayor, we might poke fun at rival towns and fallen stars,” he admits. “By the time I get to Nashville, I’ll know the name of the creek behind the Music Center, and the highway that runs through there, and the high school mascot.”

Though it’s true that Old Crow tends to tip its hat at life on the wayward side of the tracks, Ketch insists there’s an element of the divine in there too. “I think of the work that we do as a little bit of tent revival, a little bit camp meeting. We’re pretty secular in our performance, and even a little raunchy, but there’s something about folk music that always branches into the sacred,” he says. “Just by virtue of the fact that there’s that many strings reverberating, you enter into a sonic realm where the spirit is moving.”

A helping hand from above may be what it takes to get back to normal for the band. “There’s been a COVID scare every four months for the past eighteen months,” he notes. “Connecting with audiences is the thing we’ve missed most. For twenty-three years now, our band has prided ourselves on getting close and intimate with people at our shows, but those settings were the hardest to do [during the pandemic].” Now that the Old Crow is finally back on the road, he says, “It’s just so great to get close to people again. Those moments when you know you’re providing relief to somebody who’s experienced loss. We’re really grateful.”

Then there’s the cultural division that seems to be getting only more entrenched. “I’m in the business of bringing people together, and there’s a lot of reasons that people need to come together in song right now.

I haven’t seen this sort of discord at any other point in my life.”

Ketch says he sees Old Crow as a way to bridge some of the gaps between us, though. “The usual stuff that divides people, none of that matters to me when I’m singing. It’s for everybody. There’s a place for you in an Old Crow audience. Music is an equalizer, an equal opportunity party.” Then I can almost hear him wink over the phone. “And I’ll remind your readers that this show is gonna be BYOD—bring your own dulcimer.”

For more information about the Old Crow Medicine show visit www.browncountymusiccenter.com or call 812- 988-5323. 

Brown County Music Center

Nov. 2 Nov. 5 Nov. 6 Nov. 9

Kevin Costner & Modern West Craig Morgan Three Dog Night Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening Nov. 11 John Hiatt & The Jerry Douglas Band Nov. 13 Old Crow Medicine Show Nov. 30 Carrot Top Dec. 4 Warrant & Hero Jr. Dec. 5 Kenny G Dec. 6 Lindsey Stirling: Christmas Program

Dec. 8 Dec. 9

Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 19 Dec. 22 Dec. 31

Mystery Science Theater 3000 Live: Time Bubble 38 Special & The Dane Clark Band Bloomington Symphony Orchestra - Holiday show LeAnn Rimes Home for the Holidays The Beach Boys Holiday Harmonies Big Bad Voodoo Daddy The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band New Year's Eve

For additional shows and tickets visit: www.BrownCountyMusicCenter.com Health check required for all shows

A family-owned, independent bookstore Specializing in: bookish gifts, puzzles, and new books for readers of all ages

naughtydogbooks@gmail.com • www.naughtydogbooks.com

Hours: Monday through Saturday11 am to 5 pm

Nov./Dec. 2021 • Our Brown County 51

Established in 2005 — Always a trendsetter

You will find traffic stopping items at 58 South!

Today’s fashion

AUTHENTIC NEW YORK STYLE PIZZA

A family-friendly pizza place PIZZA • SALADS • CALZONES

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

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

Dine-In or Carry-Out

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

We appreciate our loyal customers!

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

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

Tervis Tumbler • BruMate Swan Creek • Dixie Belle Paint Willow Tree • Sharon Nolan Melissa & Doug • Ty Plush Jeeps T’s • Simply Southern Bobble Heads • Boglins!

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

52 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2021

Brown County Michael Rebman Certified Therapist

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 Chair Massage: $25 • Table Massage: $75

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

812-988-4447

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

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

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

Nov./Dec. 2021 • Our Brown County 53

Field Notes: The Sparrows “In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.” —Aristotle

~by Jim Eagleman

S

parrows collectively aren’t the most unusual birds.

Since they are common, present in all seasons, and mostly drab in color, they escape attention. A few stand out like the white-throated fox sparrow, and white-crowned. We take an extra minute with binoculars, check the field guide, and look for field marks to make a proper ID. It’s an easy thing to lump all sparrows together; similarity may breed commonness, maybe even boredom with some birders. I think the white-throated are among the prettiest.

Of the nearly thirty-three native sparrows across the US, none will win a contest for outstanding plumage. But even on the most drab winter days I believe any sparrow is still worth our time and attention. “LGB” is shouted out while out birding with friends. I might spend more time watching than they do. Little Gray Bird usually means a sparrow of some kind—field, song, or tree—depending on the habitat. It still presents a challenge. That’s the fun of it and why we go out. Well-suited for the weather, primed to stand, move and watch, we prepare for the worst like any winter outdoor activity. You can’t enjoy any winter outing if the cold sets in.

The English sparrow, or known by many as the house sparrow, was introduced by a misguided bird enthusiast. In the 1850s, New York City’s trees were being ravaged by the larvae of the linden moth. Faced with this harmful pest, the city imported the house sparrow from Europe to devour them. The scheme worked but the sparrow’s numbers grew and propagated, spreading across the US to become the ubiquitous pest we now have. English sparrows aggressively compete with native birds for nesting sites and food. Ever since, the American ecosystem has been engaged in an on-going battle against an enemy numbering some 540 million strong.

While one of the most successful and adaptable birds in the world, along with the starling, it does not receive federal protection.

However, sparrow numbers may help us learn more about birds in general. Since they can be found in all kinds of habitats they serve the bird researcher well. We

54 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2021

fox sparrow

song sparrow

know wild birds face two competing risks every day: starvation and predation. They must eat without being eaten and they have to find enough food every day to last through the long, cold night. Sparrows have been frequently researched with their attempts at finding food, often in the open. Eating adds weight that slows down any songbird.

They constantly assess risks and benefits of a potential food source. Experiments have shown that when birds know that predators are around, they delay feeding until later in the day. That way, they stay light and agile through the afternoon and put on weight just before they sleep.

When I was a kid on the farm many different kinds of sparrows frequented the

white-throated sparrow

You can spot the white-throated sparrow, a songbird that breeds as far north as northern Wisconsin and migrates through the southern part of the Midwest. A few birds remain here through winter. Their migration is triggered by decreasing day lengths. Actual migratory movement is correlated with local weather conditions. Because they are ground-feeders, most birds leave their breeding range in time to avoid permanent snow cover. White-throated sparrows take off at dusk like most small songbirds and migrate at night. This behavior has been verified for us through research at several avian research centers. This nocturnal trip occurs usually after passage of a cold front accompanied with falling temps and north winds. They will forage on the ground during daylight hours, often in loose flocks. This could be the time we catch a glimpse of the white-throated at our feeders. More than a casual look is needed to see white under the lower bill and a small patch of yellow in front of each eye.

Look for the white-throated and other sparrows at your feeders in the coming winter months. Their variety, song, and resilience can be reason enough to appreciate these often ignored and maligned birds. 

chipping sparrow

barn, loft, and manure pile. Not knowing their differences, or much caring, we called them “spebbies.” Where this term comes from, I don’t know, but they made great moving targets for our bb guns, winging over the barnyard. This might have been my first encounter with a group of birds I now have come to respect and admire. Seemingly insignificant, the mundane sparrows continue to reveal secrets and inspire while surviving mankind’s ever-changing environment.

I have become a fan of sparrows and I study their size, colors, streaking, and wing bars. A bonus is to listen for their calls. Some calls and songs from a flock at the feeder may be heard on winter days. The song of the white-throated sparrow resembles “old-Sam Peabody, peabody, peabody,” sometimes all on the same note. Old Sam sports a white beard, or in this case, the white throat. Listen for the repetitive “machine gun” call of the chipping sparrow.

The field sparrow’s call is like a ping-pong ball bouncing slowly at first, then faster and faster.

Fresh In-Store Donuts

Broasted Chicken 812-988-1822

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

Nov./Dec. 2021 • Our Brown County 55

Redwood Lake Cabin “A Lil’ Taste of Heaven”

Serving Breakfast and Lunch Featuring Fabulous:

Biscuit Sandwiches Homemade Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Cinnamon and Pecan Rolls Full Breakfast Menu Including:

Omelettes and Pancakes Bottomless Coffee and Ice Tea

165 N. Van Buren St. • Nashville, IN • 812-720-3440 CHECK OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR HOURS

Find us on Facebook at Heavenly Biscuit Inc. Delivery within a mile radius when available Pet-friendly patio

Farmhouse

2 bedrooms• 1 bath Secluded • WiFi Pet friendly-small dogs only 8 acre lake * 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

Farmhouse Cafe ...a country drive to an unexpected dining pleasure · LUNCH ·

Homemade Soups, Salads and Garden Sandwiches

· DINNER ·

Sepia Old Time Color Color Black & White

OVER 200 BACKGROUNDS

Steak · Salmon · Pork Chicken · Pasta R Garden and Fruit Salads Soups · Desserts Herbal Teas · Cool Drinks Beer & Wine

5171 Bean Blossom Road · Just 15 minutes from Nashville

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

A small, intimate restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating

812-988-7305 • 145 S. Van Buren Nashville, IN

Reservations Suggested · 812-988-2004

Next to Artist Colony Inn, Back-to-Back Complex

OPEN 11 to 5, sat. to 6 • closed tuesday

56 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2021

LUNCH: DAILY · 11–4 PM DINNER: TUESDAY–SATURDAY · 5–8 PM

farmhousecafeandtearoom.com · Like us on

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

Foxfire

Gift & Home • Gifts and Home Decor • Memoriam Gifts • Swan Creek Candles • Kitchen Accessories • Baby Gifts • Holiday Decor • Garden Decor 59 East Main Street, Suite A • Nashville, IN • 812-988-7388 Nov./Dec. 2021 • Our Brown County 57

Sampler at Ferguson House Bistro E

verything about the new Ferguson House Bistro is fresh, bright, modern, and new.

Despite its landmark Nashville location, laden with antique memories and a bona fide Brown County pedigree, the new bistro at 78 West Franklin Street breathes fresh air into the local dining scene.

The old house has been completely renovated inside and out—actually elevated to a high fine polish it has probably never known. The floors, the fixtures, the delicious paint job; it’s all very bright, modern, and upscale.

The roofed front porch provides very comfortable seating, ideal in fine weather for people watching and enjoying a meal al fresco.

The menu is slim but satisfying, with an Italian bent.

Mrs. Sampler and I began with the Spanakopita dip made with spinach, sweet Vidalia and green onions, Feta, Ricotta, and shredded mozzarella and provolone.

This deliciously gooey hot creamy dip is served with smoked paprika pita chips. There was also an alluring “Charcuterie Board for Two” on the appetizer menu, but I left it for another day.

58 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2021

The salads looked strong—spinach salad with mushrooms, egg, feta cheese, roasted pine nuts, and pickled onion and “The Fall Salad” with a cornucopia of ingredients ranging from roasted butternut squash and Granny Smith apples to grape tomatoes, red onion, and candied pecans.

I passed over “Our Signature French Onion Soup” and instead had the soup of the day—a creamy mushroom, potato, and carrot concoction that satisfied the palate and soothed the soul.

The remainder of the menu divided neatly between flatbreads and paninis, masterfully made and expertly arranged.

Mrs. Sampler opted for the vegetable flatbread smeared with basil pesto and topped with a medley of roasted red peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, Roma tomatoes, Vidalia onion, and garlic, then slathered with shredded mozzarella and provolone, sprinkled with fresh basil, and drizzled with a balsamic glaze.

The flatbread was cracker thin and the whole concoction entirely tasty.

Also on offer: the “Three Meat Flatbread” with salami, prosciutto, capicola, shredded cheeses, tomato, pepperoncini, and basil; and the “Fall Flatbread,” featuring house-made onion jam, pears poached in white wine, bacon, red onion, and arugula with goat cheese crumbles.

I love a good panini (Italian for small bread), a pressed sandwich made with grilled Italian bread and stuffed with deli meats, and cheese.

I could have chosen the “Italian Melt” layered with Capicola, Genoa salami, shaved ham, and provolone cheese.

It was seasoned with pickled red onions, Roma tomatoes, and pepperoncini.

Instead, I ordered the turkey melt—a French roll topped with basil pesto, mayo, and layered with baby spinach Roma tomatoes, and oven roasted turkey with Munster cheese. It was wonderfully warm, cheesy, and gooey, but tough and chewy in all the right places. Kind of like a romantic comedy.

The veggie panini had squash and the other aforementioned veggies on board and the “Our Fall Panini” featured house made fig jam, caramelized onion, mushroom and spinach, and a grilled chicken breast topped with Gouda cheese.

Since the menu was headlined “Fall Menu,” I expect that other delectable offerings will arrive as the seasons change.

The table service was excellent, and the ambience was charming. As I contentedly munched my sandwich, I studied an abstract painting of a school of fish, and admired the sharp new style of the Ferguson House.

The walls of the two small dining rooms are graced with Brown County art—Fred Rigley and Patricia Rhoden, among others. In the saloon, large black and white photos by Frank Hohenberger echo the Ferguson House’s key role in Brown County history.

The Victorian-style building was built as a private home in 1873. Allie Ferguson ran a boarding house there in the 1920s and 30s, when the artists who often stayed there were making Brown County into an object of national attention and interest.

Hohenberger lived there for some time and later took his meals there where he undoubtedly gleaned from Ferguson

much of the town’s gossip for his Indianapolis Star column “Down In the Hills of Brown.”

After serving as a boarding house the building housed a memorable antique shop, crammed to the gunnels—upstairs and down—with an astonishing variety of interesting items.

Now, it has been completely transformed.

Some of the building’s original windows and the trim along the front porch have been preserved, but nearly everything else about the building has undergone a major modernization.

There’s a cozy, well-appointed little pocket bar in there that deserves closer attention on some lazy afternoon—perhaps another day.

There were desserts, of course—crème brulee and a bread pudding—but I was completely satisfied and had left no room for the sweet tooth.

The new eatery also serves breakfast in the morning, and alluringly offer “Biscuits and Gravy All Day.” It appears the Ferguson House is just getting underway, like a newborn colt finding it legs, and it seems likely that we shall see many more changes, improvements, and experiments as time goes on. Based on my first visit, an expansion of the menu and into the dinner hour would be most welcome. 

Nov./Dec. 2021 • Our Brown County 59

Lots of LIVE choices.

Simply the Best: A Tribute to the Music of Tina Turner November 5 | 7:30pm

The Best of 1Pulse

It’s a Wonderful Life

A Live Radio Theatre Production

November 6 | 7:30pm

Nov 26-28 | Fri & Sat 7:30pm/2pm Sun

Its a Wonderful Life

1940’s Radio Production

Believe the Magic of Christmas 2021

The Addict’s Wake Film Screening (Free)

Dec 3-5, 10-12, 17-19 | 7:30pm/2pm Sat & Sun

December 9 | 7:30pm

Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold December 16 | 7:30pm

the Addict,s WAke

ARTWORK BY PATRICK ATKINSON

Sponsored in-part by Brown County Community Foundation

a documentary film of hope An award-winning documentary film

Tickets on Sale!

November 12-14 & 19-21 To celebrate our resilience during challenging times, award-winning playwright Ashton Wolf has created a new production for the Playhouse.

SPONSORED BY

812.988.6555 | BrownCountyPlayhouse.org Showtimes, tickets & schedule online

There for You in Times of Celebration and Healing • Professional Scrapbooking • Memorial Gifts • Sublimation Projects • Custom Projects/Services

"We can craft it for you or help you do it."

Owner Melana Rambo

• Shadowboxes • Paper Displays • Scrapbooks • Scrapbook Supplies • Pet and Military Packages

BACK ROOM AREA WITH TABLES AND CHAIRS Classes / Game Nights / Guest Artists / Craft Projects Available for private rental Tuesdays and after shop hours for up to 12 people.

Great for parties, meetings, craft projects, and game nights.

173 S. Van Buren St. ~ Possum Trot Square ~ Behind Nashville Fudge Kitchen and across from Old School Way restrooms Shop 812-988-6923 • Cell 636-303-7012 • mrambo@healingheartsmemorymaking.org • Facebook HHMM.Rambo

60 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2021

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

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

text

Fruit and Veggie Trays Made to Order

• Certified Angus Beef • Large Beer and Wine Sections N A SHVI LLE • Picnic Supplies to • Full Service Bakery/Deli 9 9000 • Custom Cake Decorating • Organic Grocery • Dairy • Produce • Frozen • Wine

• Ever-Growing Selection of Gluten-Free Products

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK TO GET THE WEEKLY AD Brown County IGA 30 Hawthorne Dr. • Nashville • East SR 46 at light • 812-988-4546

Indiana’s Oldest Toy Store

Play for All Ages • 10,000+ items in the store All the best in games, puzzles, dolls, crafts, science kits, and more.

125 S. Van Buren St • Nashville, IN (in the Artists Colony Shops Complex) (812) 988-2817 • www.BrownCountyToyChest.com $5 flat rate shipping on $50+ orders

Nov./Dec. 2021 • Our Brown County 61

Early Artist

Leota Loop and bottles of ink for paint. As a teenager she painted flowers on women’s dresses for extra money. Her sketches won first place ribbons in the Madison County Fair.

She studied art at the Fairmont Academy with Olive Rush, who became well-known in the Southwest art world. Loop received further instruction and guidance from William Forsyth at the John Herron Art Institute; T.C. Steele, founder of the Hoosier Group; and Will Vawter; as well as Edward Stitzman in Morgan County and Randolph LaSalle Coats.

Landscapes were her primary subject until around 1927, when she needed to be near her sick father. Then she turned to painting florals using fresh bouquets from her own garden. She returned to landscapes after her father’s death and she could again visit southern Indiana between the seasons of blooming dogwood trees through the end of the colors of autumn foliage.

Continued on 66

W

~by Julia Pearson

ithin the vault of the permanent collection of the Brown County Art Gallery and Museum located at One Artist Drive are ten pieces by Leota Loop, who is perhaps Peaceful Valley’s best-known art teacher. Loop is admired among local art lovers who always visit her paintings when they are on exhibit.

She is especially beloved by those whose lifespans overlap hers.

A native Hoosier daughter, Leota Williams was born on October 26, 1893 in Fountain City, and grew up in Elwood. She was the youngest of five siblings.

When she was ten years old, she sold her first sketch. With the inventiveness of childhood, she used materials at hand to create her art—grocers’ wrapping paper for canvas, chicken feathers for brushes,

62 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2021

“Yellow Roses,” courtesy Brown County Art Gallery.

Brown County Getaways

HOTEL NASHVILLE

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

GROOMING • BOARDING • TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

FULL GROOM SALON for DOGS, CATS and BUNNIES

­ ­

Nov./Dec. 2021 • Our Brown County 63

Visit

Morgantown 10 miles north of Nashville on scenic State Road 135

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

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

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

(812) 597-4530

Layaway Available

Grandpa Jeff’s Trail Rides

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

• Birthday Paint Parties • Home Schooled Instruction

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

64 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2021

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.

Trail Rides, Pony Rides, Hay Rides, & Custom Excursions Grandpa Jeff trained our horses to take exceptional care of your family and friends of all ages.

Reservations by phone or thru website AT LEAST TWO HOUR NOTICE call or text (812) 272-0702 5889 S. Skinner Rd. Morgantown, IN

www.GrandpaJeffsTrailRides.com • info@GrandpaJeffsTrailRides.com

Nashville, Indiana’s #1 Fun Attraction

COPPERHEAD CREEK

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

Pan for Gems Fossils Arrowheads

Fun and Educational for All Ages

BROWN COUNTY

ROCK and FOSSIL SHOP

5000 lbs. of NEW Beautiful & Unique Specimens for 2021

Just North of the Courthouse 79 N. Van Buren ~ (812) 988-2422 online at www.BrownCountyRockShop.com • Quality fresh Christmas trees • Apples shipped anywhere in USA • Unique gifts and Holiday decor • Customized fruit and gift baskets • Special order Holiday baked goods

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

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

www.IrisGardenLodging.com

Enjoy our fresh, from scratch, homemade baked goods.

Enjoy a warm apple dumpling.

Visit our Fudge Shop and Ice Cream Parlor.

317-878-9317 8157 S. 250 W. Trafalgar, IN www.apple-works.com Mon. thru Sat. 9 to 6 , Sun. 10 to 6

(812) 988-2422

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

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

Nov./Dec. 2021 • Our Brown County 65

An Eclectic Shop

36 E. Franklin St.

Hand-poured Soy Candles

VINTAGE Furniture

DECOR Unique Finds

in Nashville

Holidays are coming Moon Acres Candles make great gifts

LEOTA LOOP continued from 62 Loop was a well-known artist in Kokomo, where she resided for 30 years. In 1930 she was one of 15 charter members of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO Chapter R), that helps women pursue higher education. She organized many junior art clubs throughout the state and was a member of the Indiana Artists Club, the Artists League, and the Brown County Art Gallery Association. She divided her time between Kokomo and studios in Morgan and Brown Counties.

From 1925 to 1958 she exhibited in the Hoosier Salon, where she won three prizes; and also the Artists League of Northern Indiana. She had her work displayed in the Mary A. Burnt galleries of the Women’s Department club in the Indiana Artist Club exhibit at L.S. Ayres, and in the Lieber’s and Lyman’s galleries in Indianapolis.

The Loop family—Leota, husband Glenn, and son Max—made Brown County their permanent home around 1930, joining T.C. Steele, Adolph Shulz, Charles Dahlgreen, Lucie Hartrath, L.O. Griffith, C. Curry Bohm, Ada Walter Shulz, Carl Graf, V.J. Cariani, Gustav Baumann, and Dale Bessire.

Loop was state art chairman of the Tri Kappa sorority, offering her Nashville home as headquarters.

Governor Townsend purchased her still life painting “Iris and Peonies” for the governor’s mansion in 1937.

In Lyn Letsinger-Miller’s book, The Artists of

66 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2021

Brown County, Loop’s career as an art teacher is described. It began when a minister’s wife asked her for painting lessons. This led to the realization of Loop’s dream to build a home and art school in 1941. Financed by the sale of her own paintings, the building would provide her with living quarters and a studio, plus accommodations for students.

The project came to a halt mid-way when she ran out of money. Refusing her husband’s offer to fund the rest of the building, Leota had the carpenters dismissed. With a carload of her own paintings, she drove to Kokomo and returned after selling them all. Her building crew was rehired and the building completed. Each new expansion over the years was possible with the exchange of Loop’s paintings for money, work, and materials.

A stroke in the 1950s took the sight from one of her eyes, but did not take her dedication to her art.

She continued to paint and give lessons. From her personal collection, she presented an oil painting of peonies to the state of Indiana in recognition of the adoption of the peony as the state flower.

Glenn Loop died in 1949 and a second husband, Charles W. Jewell, died in February of 1957. The last addition to her home was completed shortly before Loop’s final illness. She entered St. Vincent’s Hospital in Indianapolis on July 26, 1961 after suffering a paralyzing stroke. Holding onto life for several weeks, she died at 68 years of age. 

New Mountain Bike Trail at the State Park A

new documentary from WTIU Public Television Premieres November 28 at 8pm explores one of the most celebrated American Impressionists from Indiana. Singing Winds: The Life and Works of T.C. Steele premieres Sunday, November 28 at 8 Also on wtiu.org/tcsteele p.m. on WTIU and simultaneously streams on Facebook.

The program looks at the Hoosier artist’s life—from his youth, to his journey through some of the major art centers of Europe, to his return to his native Indiana, where he captured the subtle beauty of the Midwestern landscapes.

T.C Steele was born on a farm in Gosport, Indiana, and his father died when he was a young teen—which during the Civil War era meant for most a life of hard labor on the farm helping to support families. The documentary reveals that Steele’s journey was an unusual one—from early art and music classes that his mother insisted he take to a surprising opportunity to travel to some of the world’s top art schools in Europe.

The program follows Steele’s eventual return to Indiana and the start of his remarkable career in portrait painting, and his rise as one of the nation’s premier landscape painters at a time when the genre was only just beginning to take root across the United States. The program shows that at the pinnacle of his career, Steele was celebrated as one of the leading plein air artists in America.

Two-time Grammy Award winner Sylvia McNair narrates the documentary. McNair is an opera soprano, classical recitalist, and recording artist with more than 70 albums to her name.

You can learn more about Singing Winds: The Life and Works of T.C. Steele at <wtiu.org/tcsteele>. Following the premiere on WTIU and Facebook Live, the program will be available to watch on this website.

This program is made possible with support from Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations and the WFIU/ WTIU Documentary Programs Fund. 

T

he DNR and the Hoosier Mountain Bike Association (HMBA) held a celebratory ribbon cutting on October 8 to mark the opening of Limekiln East, a newly completed 1.6-mile beginnerlevel mountain bike trail in Brown County State Park.

Limekiln East is the second of three mountain bike trails to be completed in the state park as part of a $200,000 NLT grant to HMBA to develop 7.5 miles of new mountain bike trail. The first, Weed Patch Trail, a 2.4-mile intermediate-level trail, opened in November 2019. The three new NLT-funded trails will connect with existing trails as well as other park amenities. Once completed, the three new trails will bring the total mileage of mountain bike trails within the state park to 43.5.

The park’s existing Limekiln West Trail connects the campground to the Hoosier’s Nest, fire tower, and park office. Before the Limekiln East Trail opened, beginner mountain bike riders (and hikers and runners) used Limekiln West as an out-and-back.

The addition of Limekiln East transforms the former out-and-back into a 3.7-mile beginner directional loop for the park’s daytime visitors. Limekiln East not only adds miles for both new and experienced riders, it also reduces congestion on the popular trail.

“Brown County State Park is premier destination for mountain biking in the Midwest and the new Limekiln East Trail only cements that reputation,” said DNR Director Dan Bortner.

Mountain bike trails in Brown County State Park are multi-use and are open to hiking and trail running as well as bicycling. Riders should obtain a $5 daily or $20 annual off-road cycling pass before using park mountain bike trails. 

Nov./Dec. 2021 • Our Brown County 67

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

68 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2021

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

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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

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

One-of-a-kind Designs

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

EYE CARE

BAGGED TRASH DROP OFF

ANTIQUES

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

AUTO - TIRE, REPAIR, TOW

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ART

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(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

Nov./Dec. 2021 • Our Brown County 69 Continued on 70

Indiana Seamless Free Estimates

Gutter Cleaning and Leaf Cover Available

Matt Hunter

HEALTH

GUTTERING

GUTTERING 812-344-4167

Quality Workmanship since 1992 Fully Insured

HEALTH CARE

Laser-based (non-surgical) Skin Aesthetics Hair & Tattoo Removal • Pigmented Lesions Sun Spots • Skin Tightening

Accepting new patients. Same day appointments.

Pay with cash/credit card/debit card/insurance

Nashville, IN • 812-200-8265

HEATING & COOLING

Lawrence Sanchez, MD

INSURANCE

Helmsburg Sawmill Inc. LOGGING - LUMBER

HEALTH & LIVING

812-465-COOL (2665) 24 HOUR SERVICE FINANCING AVAILABLE Generac Authorized Dealer FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1999

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INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER

“Call Dave 2 Save”

Pool Enterprises, Inc.

Logging to Lumber

812-988-6161

~ Custom Log Home Lumber Packages ~ Posts ~ Beams ~ Rafters ~ Barn Siding ~ Board & Batten ~ Firewood ~ Mulch ~ Sawdust ~ Buyers of Standing Timber www.helmsburgsawmill.com

helmsburgsawmill@gmail.com • facebook.com/helmsburgsawmillinc

Continued from 69

INFO PAGES

Your Ad Can Appear Here

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

The RE/MAX Team is Your Brown County Team

REAL ESTATE

YOUR CATEGORY

70 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2021

(discounts for multiple issues)

PLUMBING

Dunham Plumbing Co., Inc. Licensed Plumbing Contractor since 1981 Bonded • Insured #CO89000011

Repair, Remodel, Pump Service, Water Conditioning, Drain Cleaning, Water Heaters

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING

Complete Landscaping/ Design Services

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

RECORDING - STREAMING

LANDSCAPING

We Can Do It All!

CSSS, CDPR

Broker/Owner Cell: 812-360-4083 margd@remax.net 812-988-4485 www.2LiveInBrownCounty.com

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

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

Marg DeGlandon

812-988-0248 • Nashville, IN

BLUE ELK FAMILY CLINIC Mental Health Counseling

Misty Sanchez LMHC-A and Mr. Bojangles

Call or walk in to schedule appt. • 812-200-8265

www.blueelkfamilyclinic.com • Check us out on Facebook

Home of The Stream each Wednesday 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 12/31/21

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 at 5:30 a.m. Mon.–Fri.

• 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

nashville Spice c o.

OVER 500 SPICES, RUBS & BLENDS Gourmet Jams & Sauces · Mustards · Hot Sauces Artisan Salts & Sugars · Beekman 1802 · Kitchen Gifts & Accessories

NashvilleSpiceCompany.com 227 S. Van Buren Street · Nashville, IN · In Coachlight Square 812.200.1069

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Scan to shop!

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175 S. Van Buren St. Nashville, IN 47448