Nov./Dec. 2022 OUR BROWN COUNTY

Nov./Dec. 2022 FREE

The Wild Olive

Holly Salo’s Handmade Pottery The Historic Nashville House

National Dulcimer Champ Kara Barnard Playhouse Productions for the Season Sampler at Hard Truth Hills Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at Music Center FIELD NOTES • MUSINGS

spread good taste!

Giving tasteful gifts for the holidays is always a good idea

wild & tasty

TIP

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trafalgar

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

Helmsburg Sawmill Pool Enterprises

Vaught Rd.

to MORGANTOWN

to BLO O

Dining

135

Country Club Rd

Rd.

NASHVILLE

Old S Snyder Rd. R 46

Kelp G rove R d.

NG

TON

d kR

46

T.C. Steele State Historic Site

135

Val le

yB

eXplore Brown County

ran ch

Abe Martin Lodge

Mike’s Music and Dance Barn

Rd.

MI

PIKES PEAK

STORY ELKINSVILLE

CHRISTIANSBURG

k Rd ton Cr

Christi

ansbu rg

ove r Gr

Rd

la Pop

STONE HEAD

Hamil

to BLO O

Yellowwood Rd

Recreation

ls nta all ion Re y Tire M . o e t C iner aca tiqu wn . An rown V n Co. W BONE Bro o C w ’B wn W Bro Bro Hills O GNA 19th Hole Mt Sports Bar Marie’s Heartland . Li ber Home Tattoo ty R Decor d Bear Wallow Distillery

Brown County State Park

Monroe Reservoir

Craftsman

Annie Smith Rd.

Hard Truth Distillery

lley Rd.

46

Musical Entertainment

Sal tC ree

Brick Lodge

Green Va

BELMONT

Lodging/ Camping

Mike Nickels Log Homes

Artist and/or Gallery

Amanda W. Mathis

Ferrer Studio

Hoover Rd

Rd sburg Rd.

Oak Grove

Yellowwood State Forest

GATESVILLE

Helm

Ow l Cr eek

Doodles by Kara Barnard

Flower and Herb Barn Farmhouse Café

Plum Creek Antiques

BLOOMINGTON

Dr. Lisa Baker, DDS Fireplace Center

Cordry Lake

Sprunica Rd.

BEAN BLOSSOM

Helmsburg General Store Lightspinner Studio

Sweetwater Lake

Rosey Bolte’s Uncommon Gourd Studio

Monroe Music Park & Campground

HELMSBURG

The Apple Works

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

Brownie’s Bean Blossom Family Restaruant

45 MINGT ON

Franklin

Clay Lick Rd

Lake Lemon South Shore Dr.

Martinsville

Carmel Ridge Rd

NASHVILLE MAP ON PAGE 6

135

TRAFALGAR MORGANTOWN

Upper Bean Blossom

Brown N County

Indianapolis

to COLUMBUS

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

Head Over Heels

Heritage Candy Store

Heritage Mall

Juls Etc.

Spears Gallery

Log JJail L il Too Cute Boutique & Hidden Getaway Naughty Dog Books

Abe’s Corner

Weed Patch Music Company

Pioneer Village Museum

Main Street Shops

Foxfire Woodlands Gift & Home Gallery Foxfire Boutique

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.

Health For U

Fai to 4rgr H oun ds

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

Big Woods Pizza

MOLLY’S LANE Big Woods Village

Men’s Toy Shop Common Grounds Coffee Bar

Colonial Bldg.

Carmel Corn Cottage

Heavenly Biscuit

MOUND STREET

ROBERT “BUCK” STOGSDILL WAY

TO HELMSBURG - 6 MILES

Doc Tilton House

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

JEFFERSON STREET Nashville BP

Hoosier Buddy

Thrift Shop Community Closet

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

Brown Co Bikes

Brown Co Bikes

The Totem Post

Jack & Jill Nut Shop

Brown Co Playhouse

58 South Apparel

PITTMAN HOUSE LANE

Franklin Square

HONEYSUCKLE LANE

FRANKLIN STREET

The Ferguson House Bistro & Bar

Clay Purl Brown Co Pottery

Antique Alley

Old McDurbin Gold & Gifts

Brown Co Model Trains

Artists Colony

Brown Co Craft Gallery

Cornerstone Inn

Nashville Spice Co.

Brown County Inn

Brown Co Community YMCA

Bear Hardware

Brown County IGA

N

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

map not to scale

Nashville Indiana

Coachlight Square

SR 46 TO COLUMBUS - 16 MILES

Country Heritage Winery

Visitors Redhead Bone Appetit Center Apothecary Bakery

WASHINGTON STREET

The Cheeky Owl Sweetwater Gallery Healing Possum Trot Hearts & Square Memory Making Nashville Fudge Kitchen Moondance Brown Co T-Shirt Shop Vacation Homes

Back to Back

Yesteryear Old Time Photos

The Toy Chest House of Jerky

Artists Colony Inn

Nashville Express

Rhonda Kay’s

Out of the Ordinary and Hickory Bar

OLD SCHOOL WAY

8 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2022

ADVERTISER

ANTIQUES Antiques Co-op................................. 56 Brown Co Antique Mall.................... 18 Doc Tilton House............................... 63 Marie’s Home Decor/Country Str... 42 Michael’s Flowers.............................. 18 Plum Creek Antiques....................... 64 ART, ART SUPPLIES-INSTRUCTION Antiques Co-op................................. 56 Art Beyond Crayons......................... 56 B3 Gallery............................................. 3 Bear Hardware............................49, 64 Brown Co Antique Mall.................... 18 Brown Co Art Gallery....................... 18 Brown Co Art Guild........................... 19 Brown Co Craft Gallery.................... 12 Ferrer Studio, Art by Dixie Ferrer... 19 Hoosier Artist Gallery...................... 20 Lightspinner Studio-M. Sechler..... 12 Amanda Wallace Mathis.................. 19 Rhoden Art at eXplore Brown co..... 4 Seasons Holiday Art & Craft Show.57 Spears Gallery................................... 20 C. Steele Art....................................... 64 Uncommon Gourd-Rosey Bolte..... 18 BOOKS Fallen Leaf Books.............................. 46 Naughty Dog Books......................... 39 CLOTHING 58 South Apparel.............................. 48 Abe’s Corner - Too Cute Boutique.. 25 Bear Hardware............................49, 64 Brown Co T-Shirt Shop..................... 54 The Cheeky Owl................................ 50 Community Closet Thrift Shop....... 51 Foxfire Boutique............................... 53 Head Over Heels............................... 50 J.B. Goods/ Life is Good................... 24 Men’s Toy Shop.................................. 55 CRAFTS, POTTERY, GIFTS Antiques Co-op................................. 56 The Apple Works............................... 57

The Nashville House......................... 20 FOOD & BEVERAGE 19th Hole Sports Bar........................ 45 Abe Martin Lodge............................. 42 The Apple Works............................... 57 Artists Colony Inn............................. 25 Bear Wallow Distillery...................... 44 Big Woods Pizza................................ 21 Brown Co IGA.................................... 61 Brown Co Inn..................................... 14 Brown Co Winery.............................. 24 Brownie’s Bean Blossom Rest......... 51 Brozinni Pizzeria............................... 48 The Candy Dish................................... 3 Carmel Corn Cottage....................... 51 Casa del Sol........................................ 51 Cedar Creek Winery.......................... 13 Common Grounds Coffee Bar........ 13 Country Heritage Winery................ 44 Farmhouse Cafe................................ 60 The Ferguson House Bistro & Bar.. 20 Hard Truth Distillery......................... 21 The Harvest Preserve......................... 3 Heavenly Biscuit.........................38, 57 Helmsburg General Store............... 54 Heritage Candy Store....................... 55 Hoosier Buddy Liquors.................... 25 Hotel Nashville.................................. 31 House of Jerky................................... 50 Jack and Jill Nut Shop...................... 13 Miller’s Ice Cream................................ 3 Nashville BP....................................... 60 The Nashville House......................... 20 Nashville Fudge Kitchen.................. 68 Nashville Spice Co............................. 67 Out of the Ordinary & Hickory Bar.49 Rafters................................................. 45 Schwab’s Fudge................................. 51 Seasons Hotel & Event Center........ 15 The Wild Olive..................................... 2 FURNITURE Antiques Co-op................................. 56

B3 Gallery............................................. 3 Bone Appetit Bakery........................ 13 Brown Co Antique Mall.................... 18 Brown Co Art Guild........................... 19 Brown Co Craft Gallery.................... 12 Brown Co Model Trains.................... 42 Brown Co Pottery.............................. 12 Brown Co Rock & Fossil Shop......... 43 The Cheeky Owl................................ 50 Clay Purl............................................. 43 Doc Tilton House............................... 63 Foxfire Gift & Home.......................... 53 Head Over Heels............................... 50 Healing Hearts &Memory Making.61 Hoosier Artist Gallery...................... 20 Lightspinner Studio-M. Sechler..... 12 Marie’s Home Decor/Country Str... 42 Men’s Toy Shop.................................. 55 Michael’s Flowers.............................. 18 Moonshine Leather.......................... 18 Nashville Spice Co............................. 67 Naughty Dog Books......................... 39 New Leaf............................................. 19 Redhead Apothecary....................... 60 Rhonda Kay’s..................................... 48 Seasons Holiday Art & Craft Show.57 Spears Gallery................................... 20 C. Steele Art....................................... 64 Sweetwater Gallery.......................... 42 The Totem Post.................................. 13 The Toy Chest.................................... 31 Uncommon Gourd-Rosey Bolte..... 18 Woodlands Gallery........................... 50 ENTERTAINMENT/MUSIC 19th Hole Sports Bar........................ 45 Big Woods Pizza................................ 21 Brown Co Inn..................................... 14 Brown Co Music Center................... 41 Brown Co Playhouse........................ 30 Copperhead Creek Gem Mine........ 43 Country Heritage Winery................ 44 Hard Truth Distillery......................... 21

DIRECTORY Brown Co Antique Mall.................... 18 Plum Creek Antiques....................... 64 C. Steele Art....................................... 64 HARDWARE Bear Hardware............................49, 64 HATS The Cheeky Owl................................ 50 Head Over Heels............................... 50 Moonshine Leather.......................... 18 JEWELRY B3 Gallery............................................. 3 Brown Co Antique Mall.................... 18 Brown Co Craft Gallery.................... 12 The Cheeky Owl................................ 50 Foxfire Boutique............................... 53 Hoosier Artist Gallery...................... 20 Juls Etc................................................ 24 New Leaf............................................. 19 Old McDurbin Gold & Gifts............. 63 Rhonda Kay’s..................................... 48 Seasons Holiday Art & Craft Show.57 Spears Gallery................................... 20 The Totem Post.................................. 13 Touch of Silver Gold & Old.............. 24 LODGING/CAMPGROUNDS Abe Martin Lodge............................. 42 Abe’s Corner - Hidden Getaway..... 25 Artists Colony Inn............................. 25 Brick Lodge........................................ 31 Brown Co Health & Living............... 65 Brown Co Inn..................................... 14 Cornerstone Inn................................ 15 Doc Tilton House............................... 63 eXplore Brown Co............................... 4 Hills O’ Brown Vacation Rentals..... 49 Hotel Nashville.................................. 31 Iris GardenCottages & Suites.......... 43 Moondance Vacation Homes......... 43 North House...................................... 31 Seasons Hotel & Event Center........ 15 MUSEUMS Doc Tilton House............................... 63

Nov./Dec. 2022 • Our Brown County 9

PET PRODUCTS Bone Appetit Bakery........................ 13 PHOTOS B3 Gallery............................................. 3 Hoosier Artist Gallery...................... 20 Spears Gallery................................... 20 Yesteryear Old Time Photos............ 61 REAL ESTATE Carpenter Hills o’ Brown Realty..... 55 RE/MAX Team.................................... 66 RECREATION Brown Co Bikes................................. 30 eXplore Brown Co............................... 4 Grandpa Jeff’s Trail Rides................ 56 SERVICES Amish Roofers................................... 33 Dr. Lisa Baker, DDS........................... 48 Kara Barnard Lessons....................... 12 Bear Hardware’s Bagged Trash....... 64 Blitz Builders...................................... 60 Blue Elk Family Clinic: Dr. Larry Sanchez........................... 65 Misty Sanchez- Mental Health..... 66 Brown Co Convention & Visitors Bureau.................................. 29 Brown Co Bikes................................. 30 Brown Co Eye Care............................ 64 Brown Co Health & Living............... 65 Brown Co Massage........................... 49 Brown Co Tire & Auto....................... 64 Brown Co Community YMCA.......... 66 Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp Tracy J. Landis................................. 28 Heartland Tattoo............................... 65 Healing Hearts &Memory Making.61 Helmsburg Sawmill Inc/ Pool Enterprises Inc.......................... 65 IN Seamless Guttering..................... 65 McGinley Insurance (Farmers)........ 65 Michael’s Flowers.............................. 18 Nashville BP....................................... 60 Mike Nickels Log Homes................. 54

Precise Books & Payroll.................... 64 Rainwater Studios............................ 66 Rambling Dog Design - SIGNS....... 66 Zieg LeDoux & Assoc........................ 64 SHOES Head Over Heels............................... 50 Moonshine Leather.......................... 18 The Totem Post.................................. 13 SPECIALTY SHOPS Bone Appetit Bakery........................ 13 Brown Co Bikes................................. 30 Brown Co Model Trains.................... 42 Brown Co T-Shirt Shop..................... 54 Clay Purl............................................. 43 Fallen Leaf Books.............................. 42 Fireplace Center................................ 50 Head Over Heels............................... 50 Healing Hearts &Memory Making.61 Health For U....................................... 65 House of Jerky................................... 50 Men’s Toy Shop.................................. 55 Michael’s Flowers.............................. 18 Moonshine Leather.......................... 18 Nashville Spice Co............................. 67 Naughty Dog Books......................... 39 Redhead Apothecary....................... 60 Sweetwater Gallery.......................... 42 Weed Patch Music Company.......... 19 The Wild Olive..................................... 2 WEDDINGS Artists Colony Inn............................. 25 Hotel Nashville.................................. 31 OTHER Amish Roofers................................... 33 Blitz Builders...................................... 60 Health For U....................................... 65 Flower and Herb Barn...................... 65 Mike Nickels Log Homes................. 54 WFHB Radio....................................... 66 WFIU Radio........................................ 66

Contents 12 13 16

22

26

32

34-35 36-37 38 39 40

46

52

58

62

64-66

HISTORY MYSTERY SUBSCRIBE Holly Salo’s Pottery ~by Bob Gustin

The Wild Olive

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

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

Joe Lee is an illustrator and writer. He is the author of Forgiveness: The Eva Kor Story, The History of Clowns for Beginners, and Dante 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.

Julia Pearson wrote for a Franciscan magazine for ten years and served as its human interest editor. She now resides 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.

~by Paige Langenderfer

The Nashville House ~by Julia Pearson

Musings: Traditions

~by Mark Blackwell

Photos by Jeff Danielson* CALENDAR Christkindl Market Children’s Fund Auction Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

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

~by Ryan Stacy

Champion Kara Barnard

Paige Langenderfer is a freelance writer and consultant. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in journalism from Indiana University and her Master’s degree in public relations management from IUPUI. Paige lives in Columbus with her husband and daughters.

~by Chrissy Alspaugh

Field Notes: The Willow Oak ~by Jim Eagleman

Hard Truth Hills ~Sampler

Playhouse Productions ~by Evan Markley

INFO PAGES

Cover: My Big Singing Pines ~by Cindy Steele

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

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.

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.

Evan Markley was raised in Brown County. He has been a zipline guide at eXplore Brown County and a lifeguard at area pools. He graduated from Indiana University in 2019.

He ushers for Pacers Sports and Marketing at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. He enjoys hiking and following NBA basketball. He plans to start his own podcast.

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.

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

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.

*Jeff Danielson spent most of his childhood

in Wales, Britain, and Scotland after his family moved there from Philadelphia. He attended IU in Bloomington then owned and operated the Runcible Spoon Café for 25 years until he sold it in 2001. He has since become immersed in nature photography. He and his wife D’Arcy live on the Brown County/Monroe County line.

copyright 2022

10 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2022

Thanks, Mom, for making it happen!

Coloring Contest Win $30

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

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

Nov./Dec. 2022 • Our Brown County 11

History Mystery

WIN $30 A village in southwestern Brown County was named after the first settler who arrived around 1817. It became “The Town that Was” when farms and properties of 19 families were purchased to develop Lake Monroe Reservoir, Bloomington’s water supply source, in the early 1960s. What was the name of that town?

812-988-8807

local artisans

created by hand

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

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!

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

Lightspinner Studio Martha Sechler Unique Watercolors Mixed Media Gourd Art

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

12 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2022

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

SUBSCRIBE! Makes a great gift.

SUBSCRIBE

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

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

Name: N 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. 2022 • 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. 2022

(812) 988-2291

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

Custom gift certificates

Hotel & Event Center

available for the holidays

Across from the Brown County Music Center

New Restaurant, Bar, Patio

Balcony Rooms

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. 2022 • Our Brown County 15

Holly Salo’s

Handmade Pottery ~story and photos by Bob Gustin

H

olly Salo’s handmade pottery is an integral part of her involvement in the Brown County community. And that involvement continues to grow.

This year, in addition to being a part of the weekly Nashville Farmer’s Market, she was a guest artist on the annual Brown County Studio Tour, and will set up at the Christkindl Market in December. Samples of her work are for sale at the Brown County Historical Society’s gift shop and at the Brown County Visitors Center.

She will soon be opening a shop at 59 E. Main Street, Suite G (Old School Way alley) in Nashville, called Holly Pots Stoneware.

Some of her pottery is thrown on a wheel, some hand built.

“It’s very soothing, very meditative to be on the wheel,” she said, and she feels compelled to build.

She also enjoys different glazes, design patterns, colors, and textures. “It’s a fulfilling part of it for me.”

Much of her work is done after research and testing, and she uses brushes to further the unique designs. The Salos bought a potter’s wheel while they lived in Columbus, and she used it in their garage. Now it sits in a central location, in a bright studio with lots of natural light. Three large kilns are contained in a nearby room. A separate gallery displays pottery.

Holly and her husband Damon, who have three adult children, moved to Brown County in 2017, and quickly constructed a large building to Holly Salo with her husband Damon.

16 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2022

Holly was chosen to produce the 2022 Christkindl Market official wine cup.

accommodate storage, a woodworking shop, Holly’s gallery and studio, and an accessory dwelling for Damon’s parents. Holly’s father lives in the basement of her home.

“We’re a family of caretakers,” Damon said.

Holly grew up in Amherst, Massachusetts Art was always a passion for her, whether it was scrapbooking, painting, arranging flowers, or other arts and crafts activities. But she was particularly drawn to clay. Pottery was an important artistic outlet for her, depending on resources, time available and other activities. She met Damon, an Ohio native, when he was studying at an engineering school in Worchester, Mass. She was a friend of a friend of a roommate, he said. The couple married and moved to Hamilton, Ohio, to be closer to his family.

Then jobs at Cummins Inc. took them to Columbus, where he was an engineer and she worked in the human relations department. A reduction in force led Holly to devote more energy to pottery. Damon still works at Cummins.

Holly grew up in an area surrounded by mountains, and when they moved to the area, a trip to Nashville sold her on Brown County.

“I said, ‘This is the first thing I’ve seen in the Midwest that actually reminds me of home. We need to move here.’”

“Suddenly during COVID, I had time,” she said.

The store might mean cutting back on some shows and some custom orders. The Salos believe it will mean more efficient use of time, since heavy and fragile pottery requires lots of setup time at shows.

“Last month she did two shows and lost six productive days,” Damon said. Holly’s mother-in-law, Sue Salo, will help out at the downtown shop.

Holly said she will continue to do the Nashville Farmer’s Market, which helped her understand the Brown County community.

“It’s so low key and so well coordinated,” she said.

“It’s the best I’ve been to.”

She will also participate in the Christkindl Market the first weekend of December, as she did last year.

But be warned, she said, last year her specially designed ornaments sold out in the first 90 minutes.

She has some special mugs prepared for this year’s market. Last year the weather was beautiful in early December, and the event featured craft booths, live music, Santa and Mrs. Claus, wine tasting, and other activities.

“Community is important because everyone needs to feel supported and a part of things. It’s an extension of how I feel about family,” she said. “Family is extremely important to me.”

Holly was chosen to produce the event’s official handmade wine cup this year.

Contact Holly at: <hollypots47448@gmail.com>. 

Nov./Dec. 2022 • Our Brown County 17

Brown County Antique Mall Antique Store since 1972

Over 10,000 square feet in three buildings

Brown County Art Gallery

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

More than 76 dealers • We buy and sell

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

Flowers

Complete event schedule online at BrownCountyArtGallery.org F d CORNER OF MAIN STREET & ARTIST DRIVE · NASHVILLE, IN 812.988.4609 · OPEN DAILY · FREE ADMISSION · FREE PARKING

MOONSHINE LEATHER C

O

M

P

A

N

Y

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

38 SOUTH VAN BUREN · NASHVILLE, IN 18 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2022

FERRER STUDIO Art by DIXIE FERRER

Mixed Media Paintings Classes

Participating in the

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, December 10, 11 to 3 at Sleepy Cat Studio 4687 Yellowwood Rd. Nashville, IN

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

Musical instruments for all ages and skill levels

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

Dixie Ferrer

Call for appointment. 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

Amanda W. Mathis Featuring handcrafted jewelry by owner Amy Greely

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

photo by Michele Wedel

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

Interior Scapes SPECIAL EXHIBITION & SALE

November 11, 2022–February 26,2023

Nov./Dec. 2022 • Our Brown County 19

Handcrafted

Fine Art & Crafts

Discover handcrafted fine art and crafts by talented local artists —perfect for gift giving.

45 S O U T H J E F F E RS O N ST R E E T N A S H V I L L E , I N 4 74 4 8 / 8 1 2 - 9 8 8 - 6 8 8 8 HoosierArtist.com

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

20 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2022

LOCALLY HANDMADE FINE CRAFTS

Over a Decade in Downtown Nashville BESIDE THE NASHVILLE HOUSE RESTAURANT

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

PRIVATE EVENT SPACE AVAILABLE

LIVE MUSIC EVERY TUESDAY

FOR RESERVATIONS, VISIT US AT BIGWOODSRESTAURANTS.COM

44 N VAN BUREN ST. NASHVILLE, IN 47448

• D IST IL L E RY • TO U R S • R E STAU R A NT • EVE NTS • L IVE M U SI C 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. 2022 • Our Brown County 21

The Wild Olive ~story and photos by Paige Langenderfer

A

visit to The Wild Olive is like a trip around the world for your taste buds.

Located at 37 West Main Street, The Wild Olive provides a wide variety of the world’s freshest, most premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegars.

Store owner Michelle Damrell is celebrating the store being a mainstay in Nashville for 10 years.

“There was no store like it around here and it seemed like a great fit for the area,” Michelle said.

“Growing up, my parents introduced me to a variety of foods and flavors. I guess you could say I have always been somewhat of a “foodie.’”

Michelle describes her mom, Carol, as “Betty Crocker.”

“My mom is an exceptional cook. She can cook

22 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2022

anything and her food is always delicious,” Michelle said. “She is the one I call if I have a question about cooking; she calls it ‘cooking by phone.’ I definitely got my love of cooking from my mom.”

Carol volunteers frequently at the store and is the official store decorator.

“My mom is my best friend and biggest supporter,” Michelle said.

Michelle’s dad, Ed, was her inspiration for offering adventurous flavors.

“Dad loved cajun and creole. He was famous for his New Year’s Day dinners,” she said. “He liked taking us to hole-in-the-wall restaurants. When we would go on vacation, he would go to the library to research places for us to try. I get my love of seeking out unique foods and flavors from my dad.”

”We buy the freshest oils in small batches. We like to say that all of our oils and balsamics are born in the Mediterranean and bottled in Brown County.”

—owner Michelle Damrell Her father died in 2011, just one year before the store opened.

“He would have loved the store,” Michelle said. “I hate that he missed it.”

Before opening, Michelle put in countless hours of research, trying to find small batches of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Today, the store imports seasonal extra virgin olive oils from all over the world, from farms in Spain, Greece, Italy, Australia, and California.

“Olives are harvested at different seasons in different places,” Michelle said. “We buy the freshest oils in small batches. We like to say that all of our oils and balsamics are born in the Mediterranean and bottled in Brown County.”

Along with traditional extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, The Wild Olive also sells oils and balsamics in more than 30 different infused flavor varieties.

Michelle said oils and balsamics can be used to make marinades and vinaigrettes, make a reduction or “balsamic glaze,” and used when sautéing, frying, roasting, and grilling foods.

The most popular oils offered at The Wild Olive are the Tuscan Herb and Fresh Garlic Extra Virgin Olive oils and the 25-Star Aged Balsamic Vinegar.

Michelle’s “go-tos” are the 25-Star Balsamic and the Fresh Garlic, Garlic Chili, Black Pepper, and Meyer Lemon oils.

“I am constantly looking for new flavors,” she said. “We have flavors that we keep year-round and flavors that we rotate seasonally.”

One way Michelle adds flavors to the store is by customer recommendations.

“We always keep a request sheet at the register so people can write what they would like us to carry,” Michelle said. “If we get enough requests of

the same flavor, we will start offering it in the store.”

Customers are encouraged to taste any of the flavors and to ask questions.

“The staff is very good at talking with everyone.

They are very good at helping people learn how to best use our products,” Michelle said. “Our products are for everyone, foodies, novices and chefs. I always try to tell people that a visit to our store is a culinary experience.”

Michelle recommends the four or six bottle sampler gift packs for newbies.

“It’s a great way to try several flavors and learn what you really like,” she said. “The bottles are smaller, but it helps you decide what flavors you like before committing to a larger bottle.”

In addition to her products, Michelle also stocks the store with a collection of complementary culinary products.

“I think it’s important to support people locally, and it’s fun to work with the businesses around you,” Michelle said.

The store carries a full line of dipping blends from Salt Sisters out of Goshen, maple syrup made just up the road from the store, and a variety of products from Indiana company Smoking Goose and Michigan-based American Spoon. A friend from Rockville makes the balsamic jams and preserves, an employee’s mother Continued on 25

Nov./Dec. 2022 • Our Brown County 23

in Nashville, IN

172 N. Van Buren Street AND

102 S. Van Buren Street (Calvin Place)

www.JBGoods.com • 812-988-0900

Brown County

WINERY WINER WINE RY RY

· AWARD WINNING QUALITY WINES SINCE 1986 ·

50 YEARS

Complimentary Tastings · Two Tasting Rooms WINERY IN GNAWBONE

4520 State Road 46 East · Nashville 812.988.6144

VILLAGE OF NASHVILLE

East Main & Old School Way 812.988.8646

OPEN DAILY

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

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

BrownCountyWinery.com 24 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2022

Touch of Silver, Gold & Old

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

THE WILD OLIVE continued from 23 embroiders the aprons and a friend from Missouri makes the wooden crates that hold the sampler gift packs.

“The Hobnob and the Bird’s Nest Café use our 25Star Balsamic,” Michelle said. “It is nice when I am able to collaborate with another local, small business.”

Michelle said one of her favorite partnerships is with the Jennings County High School culinary arts class. For the past four years, the high school students have developed the chocolate The Wild Olive hands out at the annual Brown County Humane Society Chocolate Walk. In 2019, the students’ creation of chocolate fudge cake pops using blood orange olive oil, tied for Best Chocolate.

“They come up with the recipes, they make it, they package it, label it, and deliver it to the store,” Michelle said. “It is just such a great partnership. I love hearing about their enthusiasm for the project.”

The Wild Olive is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays.

Visit <www.thewildolive.com> for more. 

at Abe’s Corner

BOUTIQUE

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

58 East Main • Nashville, IN • next to courthouse

Abe’s Corner

HIDDEN GETAWAY Apartment for Daily Rental

Inquire inside boutique $90 on the weekdays $100 on the weekends

812-720-7071

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

812-988-0600 • 800-737-0255

artistscolonyinn.com

Select Spirits:

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

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

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

Nov./Dec. 2022 • Our Brown County 25

The Historic Nashville House

F

~by Julia Pearson

our years ago, Hoosiers read with dismay in the Indianapolis Star, that a much-loved restaurant and Brown County landmark would close its doors. For over nine decades, patrons filled up on the country-fried chicken, ham, mashed potatoes, pies, fried biscuits and apple butter at the Nashville House. This announcement came three months after the passing of owner Andy Rogers. After his estate was settled, Andy’s daughter and son-in-law, Andrea (Andi) Rogers Bartels and Lance Bartels, re-opened this mainstay of hospitality. Many are happy to see

recent photos by Cindy Steele

that the local history timeline of the Nashville House is continuing.

A sign attached to the Nashville House, located on the intersection of East Main Street and South Van Buren Street (State Route 135), states: “Ever since the year 1867, a public hostelry of one form or another has occupied this corner.” In 1859, the original Nashville House was built from local timbers and was a two and a half story structure. It served the tired public— loggers, travelers, and artists—seeking a place to rest their heads and a table with nourishing food. Civil

Postcards of the Nashville House (left to right) after the fire, and before.

26 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2022

War re-enactors today use the same recipe for fried biscuits that fed hungry patrons from the Nashville House from that era.

The property was purchased and remodeled by co-founders Jack Rogers and Fred Johnson in 1927.

In 1943, a tragic fire consumed the business. But Jack Rogers, with his devotion to Brown County and the community of Nashville, rebuilt on the same location, this time without guest lodging, focusing on home-style cooking and adding a general store.

Andy Rogers took over the business from his father in 1959, making updates to the restaurant but keeping a menu of mouth-watering, hearty homecooked meals in a comfortable, casual dining atmosphere. Dillon Bustin, folklorist and author of If You Don’t Outdie Me, recalled family drives to Nashville from Indianapolis for Sunday dinner at the Nashville House. A boy of eight or nine years old, he was allowed to stand on the counter so he could

scrutinize the photos by Frank Hohenberger that were in the lobby. It was almost like a museum.

The general store had local handicrafts like walking sticks, baskets, and wooden toys; as well as apple butter, local honey, jams and jellies, candies, and baked goods.

Andy and his wife, Fran, were on-site continuously, making it a true family-owned and run restaurant. Andi and her sister, Gina, grew up in the business. From the time Andi was seven years old, dressed in smaller versions of the wait staff’s dresses, she bused tables, helped the hostess by seating guests, and made change from the cash drawer—no cash register! She recalls that commercial soft drinks were added to the menu after she left home for college. Until then, all beverages were homemade in-house: coffee, tea, iced tea, lemonade, and chocolate milk.

Continued on 28

Frank Hohenberger’s photos of the Nashville House (left to right) 1927 and 1950.

Nov./Dec. 2022 • Our Brown County 27

Fran and Andy Rogers, courtesy Andi Rogers Bartels.

NASHVILLE HOUSE continued from 28 As a loving tribute to parents Andy and Fran Rogers, and grandfather Jack Rogers, Andi, along with Lance and children Nolan and Ella, devoted the time afforded by the isolation in the early COVID pandemic to restore and update the Nashville House. A Brown County and family tradition lives on.

Kitchen facilities were updated and a patio added for outdoor seating and entertainment.

During cold weather, the musicians perform inside at the loft. A full bar was added on top of the original candy counter. The restaurant and general store have the same big stone wood-burning fireplaces, but the upper loft was renovated for private dining. The loft can seat 25 guests and is an ideal choice for business meetings or family events like wedding rehearsal dinners or birthday suppers.

John Peters has been the general manager since February of 2020. Andi and Lance oversee the restaurant and are there every day. Very much part of the community like her parents, Andi has taught art for 18 years, with the last four years at Brown County High School. Lance has a fixed base operation in Seymour. This involves the maintenance and restoration of aircraft, flight instruction, and banner towing, as well as being a pilot for UPS. The menu of scratch-made foods that the Nashville House is known for has been greatly expanded to include sandwiches, salads, entrees, and appetizers. The full bar, offering hand-crafted cocktails, wine, and craft beers, is named for the Indiana photographer Frank Hohenberger, .

The Nashville House will have a New Year’s Eve dinner, and special dinners for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s and Father’s Days.

And that apple butter can be ordered by calling 812-988-4554. 

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

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

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

Copyright©2022 Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation. NMLS#2289. 4750 S. Biltmore Lane, Madison, WI 53718, 1-866-912-4800. Restrictions and limitations may apply.

All rights reserved. Equal Housing Opportunity. FW1790703

28 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2022

Experience the best of winter in Brown County Download our free Dining and Entertainment guide to make the most of your winter getaway while you’re here!

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

@ILuvBrownCounty

Nov./Dec. 2022 • Our Brown County 29

UPCOMING EVENTS Jingle Bell Rockin’ Tribute Band NOVEMBER 27 at 2:30pm A Christmas Carol DECEMBER 2 & 3 at 7:30pm DECEMBER 4 at 2:30pm DECEMBER 9 & 10 at 7:30pm DECEMBER 11 at 2:30pm DECEMBER 16 & 17 at 7:30pm

Sponsored by

DECEMBER 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, & 17 | 7:30pm DECEMBER 4 & 11 | 2:30pm

Community Carol Sing-Along DECEMBER 18 at 2:30pm

812.988.6555 | BrownCountyPlayhouse.org Showtimes, tickets & schedule online

30 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2022

Brown County Getaways HOTEL NASHVILLE

BRICK LODGE

NORTH HOUSE

Suites, Studios, Restaurant & Bar Hot Tubs, Indoor Pool, Whirlpool Weddings & Receptions, Special Getaway Packages

Accommodates 8 Guests, 2 Bedrooms & 2 Baths Game Room w/Pool Table, Cable TV, DVD Player Full Equipped Kitchen, Central Heat & Air Gas Fireplace, Outdoor Hot Tub, Gas Grill

Accommodates 8 Guests, 3 Bedrooms & 2 1/2 Baths Cable TV, DVD Player, Fully Equipped Kitchen Central Heat & Air, Electric Fireplace Secluded Hot Tub, Gas Grill

245 N. Jefferson St. | 812-988-8400 |800-848-6274 www.hotelnashville.com

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

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

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. 2022 • Our Brown County 31

Musings

~by Mark Blackwell

Season of Traditions “Tradition is just peer pressure from dead people.”

—Unknown

W

e’re coming into that time of the year where we surrender a fair amount of “free will” to “tradition.” Thanksgiving is coming up and we hardly get the last piece of pumpkin pie finished before the Christmas shopping days countdown begins. Undergirding the whole season of festivities is “tradition.”

But what is tradition?

Pretty much it is “the way we’ve always done it.”

Family is where we receive our first lessons in tradition. Most of us are taught the correct way that the silverware goes in the drawer; knives first, then forks, then soup spoons (or the reverse). There is an order that was handed down from one of your grandmas, and probably great or even great-great grandmas—unless you grew up in an anarchist household where you just threw everything in with total abandon.

The big, widely shared traditions generally start taking over our lives around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Thanksgiving is primarily a food and family holiday, whereas Christmas comes with a whole trainload of baggage.

Our American Thanksgiving is a secular holiday that can be traced back to 1621 when a group of English refugees were saved by the indigenous folks that discovered them. According to what many of us learned in school, certain natives

32 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2022

of Massachusetts taught the Pilgrims how to plant and grow corn, squash, and beans. When harvest time came around the Pilgrims decided to have a celebration to thank the Lord for their good fortune.

They invited members of the local native tribe to a feast that lasted three days. We assume that they had corn, beans, and squash along with fish and wild game. In modern times we commemorate this feast by cooking up some corn, boiling down beans, making pumpkin pie (it is in the squash family), plus roasting a turkey, mashing potatoes, and whipping up some tangy cranberry sauce.

It can be a three-day event, but most folks only get one or maybe two days off from work to celebrate. It takes one day to prepare and cook the feast, one day to gorge on the food, and one day to recover from gluttony.

Christmas on has its roots in religion, but has been co-opted into a full-blown secular holiday in this country.

Christmas (Christ Mass) was instituted to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the founder of Christianity, but now it is a worldwide secular and religious holiday.

In the good old USA, Saint Nicholas, a 3td Century Greek, Christian bishop, known for his generosity, has morphed into the Santa Claus we know today.

Manger scenes compete with Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Christmas carols get eclipsed by “Jingle Bells” and “Walking in a Winter Wonderland.” Occasionally, the sacred and the secular combine in minor spectacles like the annual TV presentation of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” ( a holiday viewing tradition in my family).

The Christmas holiday has been successful in absorbing an array of pagan traditions.

Practically every home displays an evergreen Christmas tree. But long before the birth of Jesus, various pagan tribes of Europe would decorate their homes with evergreen boughs at mid-winter.

The Romans adorned their temples with evergreen branches during their winter solstice celebration of Saturnalia. The evergreens were likely reminders of

life and fertility in the dark days of winter.

By the 16th Century Germans were bringing whole fir trees into the house and decorating them with cookies, apples, and nuts. The practice spread with emigrating Germans and didn’t become popular until the Victorian era.

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert of England both had German ancestry and introduced decorated Christmas trees to Windsor castle in the mid-19th Century. The practice soon caught on with the populace. America was quick to pick up the idea and improve on it.

In 1843, Charles Dickens published his story “A Christmas Carol” which fleshed out the trappings of a Victorian Christmas with its description of Ebenezer Scrooge’s nephew Fred’s Christmas Eve party and the Cratchit family’s Christmas feast.

Now, back to Saint Nicholas. In this country the legend comes to us from the Dutch who settled New Amsterdam in the 1600s, now known as New York.

They brought with them Sinterklaas, their version of Saint Nicholas. It wasn’t long before the name became Continued on 39

Nov./Dec. 2022 • Our Brown County 33

photos by Jeff Danielson

Calendar Brown County Playhouse Nov. 27 Jingle Bell Rockin’ Tribute 2:30 A Christmas Carol Dec. 2,3, 9-10, 16,17 at 7:30, and 2:30 matinees on Sundays Dec. 4 and 11 Dec. 18 Carol Sing-a-long 2:30 70 S. Van Buren Street 812-988-6555 www.browncountyplayhouse.org

Brown County Music Center Nov. 3 Lindsey Buckingham Nov. 5 YES Nov. 10 Dark Star Orchestra Nov. 11 Night Ranger Nov. 26 Phil Vassar & Deana Carter Dec. 3 The Gatlin Brothers Dec. 7 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Dec. 11 Sara Evans Dec. 16 The Wallflowers Dec. 17 Starship feat. Mickey Thomas Dec. 31 Thunderstruck AC/DC Tribute Jan. 27 Rick Springfield Jan. 31 Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit Feb. 3 “Weird Al” Yankovic Feb. 18 Dailey & Vincent Mar. 26 Lewis Black 812-988-5323 www.browncountymusiccenter.com

Brown County Inn Open Mic Nights Wed. 6:00-9:00 Hill Folk Series Thurs. 7:00-9:00 Fri. & Sat. Live Music 8:00-11:00 Acoustic Brunch (AB) Sat. Noon-3:00 Nov. 3 Monique Rust, Marvin Parish, Tay Bronson Nov. 4 Phantoms of Radio Nov. 5 (AB) Allie Jean & Friends Banister Family Band Nov. 10 Breanna Faith Nov. 11 Otto & the Moaners Nov. 12 (AB) Ruben Guthrie The Hammer & The Hatchet Nov. 17 Achilles Tenderloin Nov. 18 Steve Smith Nov. 19 (AB) Austin James LowLanders Nov. 25 Gene Deer Band Nov. 26 (AB) Dave Sisson

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

Nick Dittmeier & The Sawdusters Dec. 1 Krista Hoose, Kara Cole, Nathan Dillon Dec. 2 Joe’s Truck Stop Dec. 3 (AB) Gary Applegate & Joe Rock Whiskey Shambles Duo Dec. 8 Paul Bertsch Duo Dec. 9 Matt Lundquist Duo Dec. 10 (AB) Marvin Parish Nathan Dillon Duo Dec. 15 LoveSeat Dec. 16 Krista Hoose Duo Dec. 17 TBA 51 State Road 46 East 812-988-2291 www.browncountyinn.com

Country Heritage Winery Music Fri. & Sat. 6:00-9:00 Nov. 4 Hubie Ashcraft & Missy Bugress Nov. 5 Clearwater Band Nov. 11 Ryan Paul Wilson Nov. 12 Bakersfield Bound Nov. 18 Homemade Jam Nov. 19 Coner Berry Band Nov. 25 Kenan Rainwater Nov. 26 Travers Marks Dec. 2 Steve Fulton Dec. 3 Paul Bertsch Dec. 9 Ruben Guthrie Dec. 10 Gary Applegate & Joe Rock Dec. 16 Kenan Rainwater Dec. 17 Coner Berry Band Dec. 23 Forest Turner Dec. 30 TBA Dec. 31 Clearwater Band 225 S. Van Buren Street 812-988-8500 www.countryheritagewinery.com

Nashville House Music Fri. & Sat. 6:00-9:00, Sun. 1:00-4:00 15 S. Van Buren Street 812-988-4554 www.nashvillehousebc.com

Big Woods Pizza Music Tue. & Fri. 5:00-8:00 Nov. 1 Rich Hardesty Nov. 8 Mak and Pat Nov. 15 Justyn Underwood Nov. 22 Steve Fulton

36 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2022

Nov. 29 Ruben Guthrie Dec. 6 Rich Hardesty Dec. 13 Franny Hall Dec. 20 Justyn Underwood 44 N. Van Buren Street www.bigwoodsrestaurants.com

Hard Truth Hills Most 6:00-9:00 unless otherwise noted Nov. 4 Bad Monkeys Nov. 5 1-4-5s Nov. 11 Derek Howard Nov. 12 Homemade Jam Nov. 18 Dakota Curtis & the Dark Nov. 19 Gina and Joel Duo Nov. 25 Zion Crossroads Nov. 26 Scott and Malissa Dec. 2 Wreath workshop at Tours Center 21+ 6:00 Dec. 3 Wreath workshop at Tours Center 21+ 11:00, 2:00, 6:00 Dec. Fridays and Saturdays Live Music TBA Dec. 17 Ugly Sweater Party w/ Dynamics 6:00-10:00 Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve Party 6:00-10:00 418 Old State Road 46 812-720-4840 www.hardtruthhills.com

19th Hole Sports Bar Music Fri. 7:00-10:00 | Music Sat. 8:0011:00 | Karaoke 8:00-12:00 Nov. 4 Austin James Nov. 5 Karaoke Nov. 11 John Ryan Nov. 12 Ruben Guthrie Nov. 18 TBA Nov. 19 Forest Gras Nov. 25 Dave Campbell Nov. 26 Mitch Ellis Dec. 2 Austin James Dec. 3 Karaoke Dec. 9 John Ryan Dec. 10 Two for the Show Dec. 16 Austin James Dec. 17 South of 44 Dec. 23 TBA Dec. 31 New Year’s Karaoke Party 8-1 2359 East State Road 46 812-988-4323 www.saltcreekgolf.com

Uplands Winter Fri. & Sat. 5:00-9:00; Sun. 8:00am–10:30am Nov. 25 & 26, Seasons Conference Center Wine Market Music at Abe Martin Lodge

Holiday Art & Craft Show

Brown County State ParkLittle Gem Restaurant 1810 SR 46 East, Nashville 812-988-4418

Fri. 10:00-5:00, Sat. 10:00-4:00 Juried show featuring arts and crafts made by area artisans.

Dec. 3, 12:00-5:00 Brown Co. Art Gallery Holiday winery experience featuring Indiana Upland wineries. Taste wine and food.

Songwriters at Story Inn

Stuff a Stocking

Steele’s Country Christmas

Nov. 26, Downtown Nashville 11:00-5:00 Dec. 4, Noon-4:00 Children receive a stocking, collect treats T.C. Steele State Historic Site from Nashville merchants.

4220 T.C. Steele Rd, Nashville Open house in the Large Studio and House of the Singing Winds-Christmas program.

ChristKindl Market Downtown Nashville Coachlight Square 812-988-2785 Dec. 2-4 Holiday Market One-of-a-kind gifts, family-friendly Holiday Artists Open House St. Agnes Christmas entertainment, and Christmas spirit. at Sleepy Cat Studio and Craft Bazaar December 10, 11:00 am-3:00 pm Nov. 4, 5 St. Agnes Catholic Church Children’s Fund Artists Monique Cagle, Rosey Bolte, Dixie Fri. 9:00-5:00; Sat. 9:00-4:30 Ferrer, Amy Greely and Michele Pollock Benefit Auction 1008 McLary Road, Nashville join together to host an array of unique, Dec. 2, Brown County Inn, 6:00 Christmas ornaments/decor, gifts, figurines, collectibles, artisan goods, sewn Proceeds for Brown Co. children in need. handcrafted fine arts.

4687 Yellowwood Road, Nashville products, puzzles, wreaths.

Nov. 4, Story Inn 6:30-9:00 Three Brown Co. based songwriters: Jan Bell | Jayme Hood | Caitlin Spangler share songs and stories in-the-round (upstairs in barn) 6404 SR 135, Nashville 812-988-2273

Brown County Community Church Holiday Sale Nov. 5, Main St. in Helmsburg 9:00-3:00 Handmade art, crafts, and baked goods.

Annual Chocolate Walk Nov. 12, 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

Abe Martin Bazaar Nov. 12 Brown Co. History Ctr 10:00-3:00 90 E Gould St, Nashville Vendors with variety of arts and crafts.

812-988-2899

Brown County Hilly Half Marathon Nov. 19, 9:00 am-2:00 pm Brought to you by Brown Co. YMCA Brown County State Park

Tree Lighting Ceremony Nov. 25, Starting at 5:30 Brown Co. History Ctr - Santa 5:30-7:00 90 E Gould St, Nashville

Santa Train

Dec. 2, around 8:30 p.m. in Helmsburg Santa arrives by train on the Indiana Railroad. Board the train and visit with Santa. Christmas and cartoon characters.

NO COVID RESTRICTIONS THIS YEAR

Friendly Forest Winter Wonderland Dec. 2, 3 and 9, 10 | 6:00-8:00 Jackson Twp Fire Dept. Bright lights, Christmas music, and characters.

4831 Helmsburg Road in Helmsburg

Reindeer Romp Dec. 3, 11:00-1:00 8K run or a 5K run/walk Brown Co State Park Nature Center

Christmas in Antique Alley Dec. 3, Nashville, 12:00-4:00 Shops located on 75 S. Jefferson St. Christmas music by Indy Crossbones.

Santa Claus and miniature donkeys.

Holiday Light Parade and Toy Drive DATE TBA 6:00 Floats with lights travel through the Village of Nashville. www.thebrowncountychamber.org

Nov./Dec. 2022 • Our Brown County 37

December 2–4, 2022 What: Based on European holiday traditions, the threeday event features artist booths with one-of-a-kind gifts, family-friendly entertainment, live music, and Christmas spirit with participation from local businesses, restaurants, artists, and others.

When: Friday Dec. 2, Saturday Dec. 3, and Sunday Dec. 4.

Where: Coachlight Square, 211 S. Van Buren St. Nashville.

Hours: Friday, noon to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission: Free. <browncountychristkindlmarket.com>

T

he Brown County Christkindl Market is back for its second year.

There will be an all-star entertainment lineup with Polka Motion kicking off the weekend on Friday night with a lively concert from 6-8 p.m.

Polka lessons will be offered and dancing will be encouraged.

The market is growing to 29 vendors this year and will be expanding onto Washington Street.

One-of-a-kind gifts will be available for purchase; and many delicious German influenced foods and libations will be offered.

Heaters will be available if attendees need to warm up.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to meet and greet the children of all ages. and Crumbl Cookie, sponsor and the official cookie of the North Pole, will offer cookie decorating for kids: Dec. 2, 5-7; Dec. 3, 12-2; and Dec. 4, 12-2.

Lisa Hall, a coordinator of the event, said last year’s inaugural Christkindl market had an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 visitors. She noted that it gives local merchants another event to build business around. “Shop owners said it was like an October weekend.” 

38 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2022

Heavenly Buffet Hosted by Heavenly Biscuit

­

Brown County

Children’s Fund

TRADITIONS continued from 33

Benefit Auction T

he Annual Brown County Children’s Fund LIVE Auction will take place Friday, December 2, 6:00 p.m. at the Brown County Inn. There will also be an online auction for some special items through the Facebook page.

45 years ago, a group calling themselves the “NoName Committee,” decided to gather goods from local merchants for an auction fundraiser to provide clothing for Brown County kids in need. The auction has been held on the first Friday in December every year since. The auction features donated art, crafts, antiques, items from local merchants, gift certificates for local restaurants/hotels, and many experiences including tickets for Holiday World and Cincinnati Reds games.

Auction items can be dropped off in Nashville at Out of the Ordinary, and PNC Bank is collecting cash donations. 

Americanized as Santa Claus. This Santa Claus was first described in the 1823 poem by Clement Moore, “Twas the Night before Christmas” but it wasn’t until the 1860s that cartoonist Thomas Nast produced the first portrait of the Santa Claus recognized today.

With pagan evergreens, Moore’s poem about a visit from St. Nick, Dickens’ story of Ebenezer Scrooge and the Cratchit family, and finally Nast’s depiction of Santa, we have the basic elements for a traditional Christmas.

Brown County is a place with its own set of traditions, and celebrating Christmas is top of the list.

We’re coming up on the season when our little village goes all out with lights and trees and decorations and shops full of Christmas gifts to welcome visitors.

And for those who may be looking for a “silent night,” nothing is better than a walk in the woods when nature decorates it with a new fallen snow.

Any way you look at it, Brown County is a wonderful place to practice your own traditions, or maybe make some new ones. 

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

naughtydogbooks@gmail.com • www.naughtydogbooks.com

reprinted from 2010

Hours: Monday through Saturday11 am to 5 pm

Nov./Dec. 2022 • Our Brown County 39

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Coming to Brown County Music Center ~by Ryan Stacy

L

ike many of us, Brown County’s got one foot in the present day and the other planted firmly in a bygone era. Which makes Brown County Music Center the ideal spot for Big Bad Voodoo Daddy to bring their “Wild & Swingin’ Holiday Party” on December 7. Drawing upon the sounds of the big bands and jump blues acts of the 1930s, 40s, and 50s, the California outfit would have been just as at home at a Nashville watering hole back in the day as they have been recording for Disney productions and performing at the Super Bowl.

One of the two original Daddies, drummer Kurt Sodergren, inherited his connection to music made before his time. His grandfather was a saxophonist in a touring swing band, he explains, and his dad had an arsenal of the greats on vinyl for Kurt to discover as a kid. “I think it was Benny Goodman live at Carnegie Hall,” he recalls, “and I heard [legendary drummer] Gene Krupa and I was like ‘Whoa, what is this?’” But like most music fans of his generation, Kurt gravitated mostly to rock, and didn’t revisit

40 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2022

swing and jump blues until his friend Scotty Morris told him in the late eighties that he was heading in that direction. “I was actually kind of surprised that he wanted to [play swing], but it was a really good idea,” he says.

For two guys who had cut their musical teeth on the sounds of classic California punk rock, the transition to swing was eye-opening. “It’s a pretty demanding musical style, so I started taking lessons right away,” says Kurt. And though the earliest incarnation of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy was less polished—Scotty sported a Fender Stratocaster he liked to crank up onstage—their new project was booking more lucrative gigs than their old ones.

Soon their sound evolved into what it is today: a polished, knockout blend of originals and old favorites that gets the blood pumping and the feet moving.

Around the holidays one year, the band threw a couple of Christmas songs into their live set just for fun. The response from the audience was

enthusiastically positive, so in 2004 BBVD decided to record an album of original and traditional Christmas songs—and the holiday tours were born.

The result: a night of Christmas music, along with other songs from the Daddies’ catalog, for the whole family to enjoy.

This year’s show will be no different, and the energy level will be high. That’s partly because of the music itself. According to Kurt, when you give swing the respect it deserves, “Even if people have never heard it before, when they see the horns, the piano, the stand-up bass, they feel the power. It’s undeniable, and it just feels good. It transcends so many of the musical boundaries we put up.”

For the band’s part, he goes on, they’re doing what they love, which comes through in their stage presence.

“We can’t phone it in. We always put on the same show, no matter how many people we’re playing for.” The bond between the musicians on the tour is another key to the band’s longevity. In Kurt’s mind,

“It’s hard to travel and be away from home. The only way I could survive is if these guys are like my brothers, and awesome human beings.”

That dedication and sincerity has earned BBVD generations of fans. Kurt mentions a woman, a fan from way back, who became a mother and now brings her 17-year-old daughter to the shows. Even Mitch Cooper, the band’s newest trumpeter, was a fan as a child. When he got old enough to try out for the Daddies, “He knocked our socks off. He’s just a monster.”

Kurt says he’s excited for the show at BCMC. “I love playing the small towns. I guarantee we’re gonna have a blast,” he promises. With money being tight for so many these days, he adds, he appreciates that fans are choosing to spend it to go see Big Bad Voodoo Daddy—and the band intends to make the show worth every penny.

For more information contact the Brown County Music Center’s box office at 812-988-5323 or visit <browncountymusiccenter.com>. 

Brown County Music Center Nov. 3 Nov. 5 Nov. 10 Nov. 11 Nov. 26 Dec. 3 Dec. 7 Dec. 11

Lindsey Buckingham YES Dark Star Orchestra Night Ranger Phil Vassar & Deana Carter The Gatlin Brothers Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Sara Evans

Dec. 16 Dec. 17 Dec. 31 Jan. 27 Jan. 31 Feb. 3 Feb. 18 Mar. 26

The Wallflowers Starship feat. Mickey Thomas Thunderstruck: AC/DC Tribute Rick Springfield Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit “Weird Al” Yankovic Dailey & Vincent Lewis Black

For additional shows and tickets visit: www.BrownCountyMusicCenter.com

Nov./Dec. 2022 • Our Brown County 41

Sweetwater Gallery “FINAL YEAR” Clearance Sale Ongoing 158 Old School Way in Nashville • 812-988-0449

Home Decor, Garden Items, Gift Items, Clothing, Antiques, All Natural, and Recycled Products

4359 State Road 46 East • Nashville (Gnaw Bone) Sat. 9 to 6 , Sun. 11 to 6 ~ Starting June 2 open Thurs.–Sun.

812-200-8274 marieshomedecorandcountrystore@yahoo.com

Brown County Model Trains

Trains: Electric, Wooden, and Christmas Indiana-Made Ornaments • Kid-Friendly

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

Unplug with a Good Book Old, New, Used and Rare Books Journals • Sketchbooks Handmade Greeting Cards Local Postcards 45 S. Jefferson St. • Nashville, IN 812.988.0202 • fallenleafbooks.com

Open 7 days a week 10 am to 5 pm

42 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2022

Nashville, Indiana’s #1 Fun Attraction

COPPERHEAD CREEK

GEM MINE

The Farm Newly renovated | 6 bedrooms 5.5 bathrooms Hot tub | Pond | Game room | Firepit | Large, covered porch * 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

Pan for Gems Fossils Arrowheads

Fun and Educational for All Ages

BROWN COUNTY

ROCK and FOSSIL SHOP

8000 lbs. of NEW Beautiful & Unique Specimens for 2022

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

92 w franklin st • nashville, in • 812.988.0336

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

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

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

sunday 12-4, tuesday—saturday 11-5, Tuesday evening 6:30-8:30

www.IrisGardenLodging.com

(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. 2022 • Our Brown County 43

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

S. Van Buren & Washington, Nashville IN 44 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2022

812.988.8500

countryheritagewinery.com

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. 2022 • Our Brown County 45

National Dulcimer Champion

Kara Barnard

~by Chrissy Alspaugh

courtesy photo

L

Kara Barnard, 2022 National Mountain Dulcimer Champion at the Walnut Valley Festival National Flat-Picking Championships.

46 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2022

ocal music legend Kara Barnard is the 2022 National Mountain Dulcimer Champion, earning the title at the Walnut Valley Festival National Flat-Picking Championships in Winfield, Kansas.

It’s about a decade past the peak of her vocal and instrumental career— recording albums, backing other recording artists, and touring. To celebrate turning 60 this year, Barnard decided it was time to recommit herself to the music, harmonizing, and timing that makes her feel connected to the world.

Having competed with various instruments at the championship festival throughout her life, Barnard knew exactly what it would take to win. For months, she spent four hours every weekday and six hours per day on the weekends dissecting songs and practicing a mere three or four lines at a time, to the pace of her metronome, until they were perfect.

That level of focused dedication, Barnard said, is meditative and comforting.

“I believe we all can do what we really want to do once we get rid of all the blocks we’ve put in place,” she said. “It’s all about letting go of the walls we’ve created that stand in our way.”

Barnard tore down wall after wall in arranging her four competition songs to suit a dulcimer, whose four strings limit the number of notes that can be played. She won the contest with original interpretations of “The Arkansas Traveler,” “Return to Pooh Corner,” “And So It Goes,” and “Jerusalem Ridge.”

On one of her many YouTube instructional videos, Barnard laughed that her dulcimer rode all the way to Kansas

courtesy photo Kara Barnard leading a dulcimer Silver Strings session with senior assisted living residents.

in her vehicle’s passenger seat. “Whenever I’d get nervous, I’d hold onto the head stock and just repeat, ‘We can do it, we can do it!’”

This win felt nothing like it would’ve decades ago, Barnard said.

“I think when I used to compete, I needed to be at the top. There was a lot of ego involved, and you lose focus of why you’re really doing it.

It had become more about what kind of gigs I was getting, how many CDs were selling, and ultimately, I backed out of it all because that just wasn’t me anymore,” she said. “But at this point in my life, I really went out there just to do my very best. I wanted to win, but I wanted to win because I was playing from a place of love and respect.”

That mindset contributes to Barnard being a highly sought-after instructor. She teaches the dulcimer, guitar, mandolin, and banjo to about 50 students—beginners through recording artists— three days a week.

Barnard spends the rest of the week on her newest teaching passion, a dulcimer lesson program called Silver Strings that she designed for residents in assisted living facilities. Individuals can successfully play music through her adapted curriculum even if they have a wheelchair, sight or hearing loss, loss of mobility from a stroke, or other limitations. Barnard custom-designs dulcimers for the program that sit atop wheelchair arms and boast special strings and large numbers and dots

along the fretboard to make it easy for participants to follow along.

“When residents first walk into the class, they look physically exhausted. They’re looking at the floor, there’s such little life in their eyes sometimes,” Barnard said. “When they strum that dulcimer the first time and see they can play music really well because of how the program is designed, their lights just turn on. They become children again.”

Silver Strings currently operates in 10 assisted living facilities in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky. Barnard plans to expand it throughout the Midwest and eventually nationwide.

What she truly is hoping to pass on is a small piece of the joy that music has brought to her own life.

“When you reach a point in your life when you no longer feel like you have a connection or purpose, and then all-of-a-sudden strum an instrument, you once again have connection. It’s a really big deal,” she said. “People often come to me who think, ‘It would be nice to learn the guitar,’ but what they’re really going to learn is a connection inside and outside of themselves all at once.”

Barnard said winning the dulcimer competition has made her a happier and more fulfilled teacher, which in turn fuels her students’ work and joy.

“It’s just an awesome cycle.”

To learn more about Barnard and her work, visit <www.karabarnard.com>. 

Nov./Dec. 2022 • Our Brown County 47

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

Lisa J. Baker, DDS

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

Dine-In or Carry-Out

Open 11am–9:00pm • Closed Mondays

We appreciate our loyal customers!

Dr. Lisa Baker, tooth artist and smile specialist

Amazing While-you-wait Crowns!

Family Cosmetic Preventive Dentistry

Call for an appointment today:

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

48 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2022

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

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

www.browncountylogcabins.com

• 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. 2022 • Our Brown County 49

HABERDASHERY From fedoras and stingy brims to ivy caps and hiking hats —we’ve got you covered

onka and Acorn Also comfort footwear from Minnetonka including slippers for the entire family 49 S. Van Buren St. in Nashville • 812-988-6535 Find us on Facebook • OPEN DAILY 11–5

Bring the Woodlands into your home

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

THE FIREPLACE CENTER 11 flavors of BEEF 3 flavors of TURKEY 3 flavors of BEEF BRISKET 4 flavors of BEEF STICKS 2 flavors of PORK 2 flavors of BACON Also: Elk, Boar, Buffalo, Venison, Gator, Rabbit, Salmon, Kangaroo, Turtle, Ostrich, Trout, Camel, Python, Ahi

Jerky Seasonings & Dips • Peanuts

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

Nashville, IN • (812) 988-1592

houseofjerkybrownco.com 50 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2022

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

CARMEL CORN COTTAGE Assorted Ice Cream Bars New Popcorn Flavors

Double Dipped Bacon Popcorn Pickle Popcorn

Sweet Treats

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

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

Women’s boutique, kids and teen clothing, men’s clothing, and household items AAuthentic Mexican Cuisine Family Owned and Operated •Daily Specials •Kid’s Menu

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

Selling gently used items to benefit Brown County.

Accepting clothing and household item donations.

Look for the sign

s

Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00 to 5:00 Fridays 10:00 to 3:00

Like us on Facebook at Brown County Community Closet, New

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

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

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

Nov./Dec. 2022 • Our Brown County 51

Field Notes

~by Jim Eagleman

The Willow Oak I

have always been a lover of trees. I’m naturally drawn to them and enjoy their presence. I like to confirm the type, noting silhouette, form, and size. If I can’t identify it right off, the challenge remains with me until I can.

Some, like old friends with familiar faces, are recognized immediately. Habitat and range can help while you rely on tactile characteristics like leaves, bark, and buds.

A newcomer to the scene piqued my curiosity. As a botany professor once claimed when identifying any new item, it’s “nature to books, then books back to nature.” She meant for us to first use reference books, keys, and guides to help our inquiry, and then confirm it with a closer look.

This was my recent approach to help identify a large, and unknown to me, tree in our community.

I guess I had parked under this tree and walked by it dozens of times, and drove by it hundreds (probably thousands) of times. It’s located at the entrance to the Brown County Inn parking lot in Nashville. I must have gazed, too, at this tall, natural landmark for years, particularly each fall with its yellow color and massive size, without questioning its kind.

52 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2022

So, as I was leaving the inn one evening, I took a closer look with an app on my cell phone called Seek. I learned this mystery tree, and a neighboring one just like it, is a willow oak.

With more references at home, I read the willow oak has a range along coastal plains from southern New York to Florida, west to Texas, and north to Illinois in the Mississippi Valley. It is described as “a handsome tree used widely for street planting in the south,” as the American elm is in the north. The long and slender leaves are “willow-like” but to me, broader, and not as long and skinny as willow leaves. The willow oak leaves are glossy, have an entire margin with no curves or indentations and, true to its membership in the red oak group, possess a “bristle tip,” a tiny extension of the midrib vein past the terminal end. The willow oak has no relation to the willows, but they may have a preference to soak up water in a similar fashion, since they thrive near streams and floodplains.

Other references term the oak a “large, long-lived and fast-growing deciduous tree,” and it develops a fairly short trunk when grown in the open. Quercus phellos, its scientific name, and the species name phellos loosely translates to “water plant.” These facts and others helped me further, and with a quick look at Deam’s Flora of Indiana, a big, thick book termed, “the naturalist’s bible.”

Continued on 54

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. 2022 • Our Brown County 53

WILLOW OAK continued from 52

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

• Tanks • Jackets • Jerseys • Tye Dye

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

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

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

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

Helmsburg GENERAL STORE

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

54 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2022

The author and first state forester, Charles C. Deam, recorded the willow oak close to the year1919: “there have been six reports for this species from Indiana.”

When things become rare, identified as threatened or of special concern; when they pop up like birds blown off course, or trees out of range, they grab attention. For example, when a roseate spoonbill was sighted at nearby Monroe Reservoir, birders from many counties arrived for a glimpse at this unusual shorebird.

The willow oak was equally intriguing to me, and I was eager to learn more. How did it get here?

Was it planted, or were its acorns distributed along nearby Salt Creek years ago? I assumed a willow oak could be found here, like on southern flood plains, but it would be a long shot. Was its rare but natural occurrence here due to a mature willow oak with a fall crop of acorns further upstream? Who might know more?

The search was on but with no help from my tree-loving friends, or DNR colleagues. I thought of local residents, our Brown County History Center and Brown County Inn managers. Early construction photos could help me learn more about the tree, which I estimated its age to be close to the century mark. Could IU’s Lilly Library that houses early Brown County photographer Frank Hohenberger’s negatives and photos possibly help?

I soon exhausted all my options, even talking with the city arborist in Bloomington. He knew of a few naturally occurring willow oaks in Monroe County, less than six he thought, most likely planted, “probably a chance occurrence when trees are bundled together and sold as mixed deciduous trees for landscaping.” He estimated the Monroe County willow oaks to be far younger than our Brown County willow oak.

My curiosity continued when I visited the archives at the Brown County Historical Society. I scanned the files but with no luck. If I learn more, I will be sure to include it in upcoming publications. In the meantime, anyone with information on the willow oak at the entrance to Brown County Inn, be sure and contact me through Our Brown County.

You can be sure I’ll be tracking down more unusual and uncommon nature items here in our town and county. It’s what makes this place unique. 

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

Kathryn Richardson

Debbie Fleetwood

Annette Hardin

Kathryn & Donna Team

Bob Kirlin

Luke Morrow

Phil Shively Team

812-327-7462

812-327-6862

812-321-2048

812-327-7462 317-418-2320

812-720-0222

812-583-0055

812-325-2290 812-322-0378

Branch Manager

Hills O’ Brown Realty

Ask about our Wedding Favors and Fundraising with Fudge

REALTOR®

REALTOR®

REALTOR®

REALTORS®

REALTOR®

REALTORS®

Ready to make a move?

We’re here to help you navigate through the process.

Call us today!

The Scroggins Team

Brooke Zavela

Libby Zeigler

812-327-3865

317-665-4763

812-345-8979

REALTORS®

REALTOR®

REALTOR®

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

Variety of T-Shirts

Things you can live Thi li without... ih but b who h wants to!

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)

Nov./Dec. 2022 • Our Brown County 55

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 TRAIL RIDES, Pony Rides, Hay Rides, & Custom Excursions

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

56 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2022

Relax on a journey with Grandpa Jeff.

Take in the scenery and wildlife.

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

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

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

“A Lil’ Taste of Heaven”

Serving Breakfast and Lunch Featuring Fabulous:

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

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

• Quality fresh Christmas trees • Apples shipped anywhere in USA • Unique gifts and Holiday decor • Customized fruit and gift baskets • Special order Holiday baked goods

A Longtime Nashville Tradition The Seasons Holiday

Art & Craft Show November 25 & 26, 2022

Friday 10 to 5, Saturday 10 to 4 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

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. 2022 • Our Brown County 57

Sampler at Hard Truth Hills T

here’s an economic anomaly occurring up at Hard Truth Hills that should make everyone in a tourist town sit up and take notice.

The distillery/brewery/restaurant, a wooded retreat into the world of Indiana-made craft beer and spirits, has been regularly packing their huge dining room with droves of visitors from afar.

The Sampler is intrigued. What sort of magic are they working up there on what used to be known around these parts as “Firecracker Hill”?

Accordingly, I gathered up my beautiful and talented wife, along with another couple who are old friends, for a mid-week foray up to learn the “Hard Truth” about this restaurant.

The beautiful 325-acre campus is rustic yet modern. The huge dining room is flanked by a wall of glass on one side offering gorgeous views of the surrounding trees and a long industrialstrength bar along the opposite side.

Although we came to sample the menu, it seemed wrong to pass on the primary institutional offerings of locally brewed beer and hard spirits.

58 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2022

Mrs. Sampler ordered her usual gin martini on the rocks (two olives) and my old high school friend had his usual, vodka and cranberry juice. His wife wanted a “lemontini” with Limoncello which involved some negotiation between her, the waitress, and the barkeep, as they typically concoct all cocktails from their own booze. However, the bartender relented and produced what she called, “The best lemontini I’ve ever had, and I’ve had them all over the country.”

Both the gin and the vodka were said to be “smooth”.

For my part, I stuck with two trusted favorites: a glass of “Busted Knuckle” porter with a shot of Henry Sipes’ Straight Bourbon Whiskey to the side.

I went up to Hard Truth Restaurant expecting your basic pub grub—what one reviewer described as an American gastropub menu—but we discovered plenty of tasty and satisfying items on offer, enough that it will require several more visits to fully explore.

We started with a simple order of onion rings, which everyone enjoyed immensely. I love fried appetizers, and we devoured them greedily as we sipped our cocktails and visited. And there was a “September special” of crab cakes, which were delicious with a little side splash of hot sauce.

I had in mind ordering the fish and chips, but when my friend chose them, I felt I should go for something else. One of my Sampler rules on these little outings is that everyone should order something different, so we get a variety of tastes.

My friend’s wife ordered the candied bacon whiskey burger, with candied bacon, white cheddar cheese, caramelized onion, whiskey glaze, garlic aioli, and lettuce on a brioche bun. She judged it “delicious.”

Mrs. Sampler ordered the massive pulled pork nachos platter with black beans, tomatoes, onion, jalapeños, sweet corn, cheddar cheese, tri-colored tortilla chips, barbecue sauce, and house-made peppercorn ranch. Also, delicious. Although officially listed as an appetizer, this behemoth could easily feed two people, and probably more; perfect for a table of friends to gnaw on while sharing drinks.

I considered a portobello melt sandwich and a black bean cassoulet.

But, in the end, I ordered the Hard Truth meatloaf served with smashed red potatoes, green beans, and a brown gravy which purports to include bourbon.

The meatloaf was dense and satisfying. The sides were good, and it seemed somehow more like a real meal than the fried fare I typically enjoy so much.

Still, glancing across the table between brilliant bon mots and clever repartee, I couldn’t help notice that the fish and chips looked darned good—which my old friend confirmed. I always want what the other guy ordered. It is one of my character flaws.

There were desserts of course, including a very tempting raspberry white chocolate cheesecake and a chocolate chip “skillet cookie” served with vanilla ice cream. They also offer, for tradition’s sake, a “Nashville fried biscuit” with apple butter.

But I was beyond it. Once again, my lust for appetizers had overpowered my ability to save some room for the dessert course.

Still, we had such an enjoyable evening out and were so stuffed with all kinds of tasty treats that I found myself profoundly satisfied. 

Nov./Dec. 2022 • Our Brown County 59

Fresh In-Store Donuts

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

Family owned for over 30 years!

WE DO IT ALL!

Broasted Chicken

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

Your Post Frame Specialists

812-988-1822

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

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

Homemade Soups, Salads and Garden Sandwiches

· DINNER ·

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

A small, intimate restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating

Reservations Suggested · 812-988-2004 LUNCH: DAILY · 11–4 PM DINNER: TUESDAY–SATURDAY · 5–8 PM

farmhousecafeandtearoom.com · Like us on 60 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2022

Ethically sourced & handcrafted Ethica

Personal Care Products made from natural ingredients

Pamper Yourself with Mother Nature’s Gifts Naturally balanced with natural products

Redhead Apothecary 211 S. Van Buren St. Nashville, IN • Next to Visitors Center 812-720-7018 • RedheadApothecary.com A female veteran owned company supporting other female and veteran suppliers

In Times of Celebration and Healing

Sepia Old Time Color Color Black & White

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

173 S. Van Buren St. ~ Possum Trot Square Behind Nashville Fudge Kitchen and across from Old School Way restrooms

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

812-988-7305 • 145 S. Van Buren Nashville, IN Next to Artist Colony Inn, Back-to-Back Complex

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

BROWN COUNTY

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

• Certified Angus Beef • Large Beer and Wine Sections • Organic Grocery • Dairy • Picnic Supplies • Produce • Full Service Bakery/Deli • Frozen • Custom Cake Decorating • Wine • Custom Deli Trays, Veggie Trays

text NA SHV

to

Ever-Growing Selection of Gluten-Free Products

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

9900

ILLE

0

30 Hawthorne Dr. • Nashville • East SR 46 at light • 812-988-4546 Nov./Dec. 2022 • Our Brown County 61

Brown County Playhouse Productions

he Brown County Playhouse has been captivating audiences since 1949.

With its intimate 425 seat house, the Playhouse has been offering a variety of acts including plays, musicals, movies, concerts, comedy shows, live streams, and radio shows.

With the return of live shows post COVID, the Playhouse is producing its largest play since being independently owned and operated by Brown County Playhouse Management, Inc: A Christmas Carol. Originally written by Charles Dickens in 1843, A Christmas Carol tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge as he seeks redemption after being visited by three ghosts that show him the faults in his selfish, callous demeanor.

A Christmas Carol is playing for three weekends (eight shows) December 2-4, 9-11, 16-17 (Sunday matinees).

While this may be a well-known story, lead director Dania Leova Hunter has put 62 Our Brown County Nov./Dec. 2022

courtesy photo

T

~by Evan Markley

A Christmas Carol rehearsal.

a fresh take on the classic tale. After a few years with the Playhouse, Dania has now transitioned from actor to director. She is also the Playhouse’s lighting designer. The script for A Christmas Carol was written by Dania as well. Her vison for the show is to keep the dialogue, costumes, and score accurate to period. The play will hit all the familiar beats, but the underlying messages highlight the journey of the human soul.

Dania graduated from Northwestern State University in Louisiana with a degree in performance and directing. She moved here searching for an opportunity to work in community theater. After landing some roles in Playhouse radio shows and working as the lighting designer, Dania is stepping up to the director’s chair.

courtesy photo Dania Leova Hunter.

The Playhouse is also putting on its first musical in 10 years: Godspell. It was first scheduled for November 2022 but has since been postponed to sometime in 2023. Originally composed in 1971 by three-time Grammy award winner, Stephen Schwartz, Godspell tells the story of Jesus Christ’s life based upon the Gospel of Mathew. A troupe of friends sing songs and act out the stories as they travel through the inner city.

In 1973, Godspell became a hit movie and songs like “Day by Day” and “Save the People” became popular.

The costumes of this musical mimic those in the movie. The cast has had the opportunity to design their own

Old McDurbin Gold & Gifts 50%

costumes resembling hippie, inner-city urchins with bright colors and creative patterns.

Director John Elmore explains that Godspell is sort of a combination of the musical, Hair and the rock opera, Jesus Christ Superstar. He has directed Godspell in the past.

John graduated from Indiana University with a degree in directing and is now an adjunct teacher there. He has more than 29 years of experience directing commercials, music videos, films, TV shows, and theatrical productions. John is also a member of the Directors Guild of America. After retiring in 2019, John moved back to Brown County and has been directing shows at the Playhouse for two years. He is co-directing A Christmas Carol with Dania as well.

What makes these shows so special are the cast and crew. They have been actively practicing since August. A Christmas Carol has a massive cast of 18 with ages ranging from around 10 to those in their 70’s. Godspell currently has a cast of 10 people that are learning 18 songs to entertain the audience.

Ages range from 23 to 68 years old. Both casts are entirely local. They have become a close-knit family after months of practice. You may recognize a few performers as several have been in multiple Brown County Playhouse productions.

While each show has religious themes, you do not need to be of any specific faith to enjoy the stories of the good in humanity and the challenge of the human experience.

Stay tuned for updates on Godspell’s release in 2023. You can buy tickets for A Christmas Carol now at <browncountyplayhouse.org>. 

Customized

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

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

The Historic

Doc Tilton House

Nov./Dec. 2022 • Our Brown County 63

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

64 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2022

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

(discounts for multiple issues)

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

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

Your Ad Can Appear Here

& ASSOCIATES INC.

ART

YOUR CATEGORY

(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. 2022 • Our Brown County 65 Continued on 66

Indiana Seamless Free Estimates

Gutter Cleaning and Leaf Cover Available

Matt Hunter

HEALTH

GUTTERING

GUTTERING 812-344-4167

Quality Workmanship since 1992 Fully Insured

Board Certified Family Practice Behavioral Health Services

Accepting new patients. Same day appointments.

Pay with cash/credit card/debit card/insurance

LANDSCAPING

HEALTH CARE

Lawrence Sanchez, MD

Nashville, IN • 812-200-8265

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

We Can Do It All!

Complete Landscaping/ Design Services

www.blueelkfamilyclinic.com • Check us out on Facebook

• Are you on Medicaid & Medicare?

• Do you have a chronic condition and need better coverage?

INSURANCE

HEALTH & LIVING

You do not have to wait until the Annual Enrollment period to enroll.

Call Christy today to see how she can help!

Call/Text 812-988-6399 Medicare Supplement Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans McGinley Insurance Agency, Inc. 947 2nd St. Columbus, IN 47201

christy@mcginleyinsurance.com • www.mcginleyinsurance.com

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

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

LOGGING - LUMBER

TATTOO

Helmsburg Sawmill Inc. Pool Enterprises, Inc.

Logging to Lumber

812-988-6161

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

helmsburgsawmill@gmail.com • facebook.com/helmsburgsawmillinc

Continued from 65

INFO PAGES

BLUE ELK FAMILY CLINIC Mental Health Counseling

Misty Sanchez LMHC-A and Mr. Bojangles

REAL ESTATE

The RE/MAX Team is Your Brown County Team

www.blueelkfamilyclinic.com

RADIO

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

Listen at 103.7 FM or stream at wfiu.org

CSSS, CDPR

Broker/Owner Cell: 812-360-4083 margd@remax.net 10 Artist Drive, P.O. Box 1609 • Nashville, IN 47448

YOUR CATEGORY

Tune in to your community!

Marg DeGlandon

812-988-4485 www.2LiveInBrownCounty.com

Ages 12+ • 812-200-8265 • Check us out on Facebook

Your Ad Can Appear Here

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

(discounts for multiple issues)

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

RECORDING - STREAMING

RADIO

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING

66 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2022

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 12/31/22

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

GIVE

THE GIFT OF

FLAVOR Brighten their holiday season with one of our hand-selected gift sets.

Gourmet Jams & Sauces • Mustards • Hot Sauces Artisan Salts & Sugars • Beekman 1802 • Kitchen Gifts & Accessories Scan to Shop! nashvillespicecompany.com In Coachlight Square • 227 S. Van Buren St. • Nashville, IN 47448 • 812.200.1069

Holiday gifts & treats Handmade fudge, popcorn, candy, and more!

NashvilleFudgeKitchen.com

Scan to save 15%!

We ship worldwide!

175 S. Van Buren St. Nashville, IN 47448