Tuesday – Anything Possible – A Trip to Indiana

While traveling to Detroit for a memorial service I touched down in Indiana to visit with my eldest daughter, son-in-law and two of the three grandchildren (The third is in Germany). Many years ago I lived in the northern part of Indiana, but this trip was to Nashville which is south of Indianapolis. The area is gorgeous and to these Western eyes so green you have to squint. There are some impressions that I will share. Also, there are way too many pictures, so I’ll confine my discussion to one historical part of the town.

Here is a photo of the Brown County Historical Society old location. (The new is up the street in a new building) It is a community building built around the 1830’s.

Historic building

One other building built around the same time is the jail. Seems that whenever people congregate there are some that can’t follow the rules.

Jail

This next photo is of the interior of the jail. The walls are almost a foot thick, and there are two cells. One on the main floor (pictured) and one on the top floor.

Jail

This next photo demonstrates two things about this part of the country. 1. How modest the people are in requesting funds. A twenty-five cent donation? 2. How un-politically correct the curators are in warning you about the buildings condition. The sign warns that the buildings are not up to code and never will be.

sign on jailhouse

Here is the blacksmith’s shop. A view outside and inside.

blacksmith

The stool is not a period piece. I think the smithy has a tender butt.

img_0326

No town would be complete without the doctor’s office and apothecary. Given the building’s architecture, one could argue the doc was from back East.

Drs Office

This next photo also tells a little about the mindset of the people of Indiana. They have an incredible level of honesty, and it is reflected in the trust of others to be the same.

Water cart

The final photo is of the covered Bean Blossom Bridge. It was built in the 1880’s and is still functional.

Covered bridge

The area around the bridge is so quiet and serene it would be a perfect place to contemplate the next novel. Looking down the slow-moving creek played idly against the banks and the small trout could be seen darting from one flat rock to another. Time could stand still. Next stop Willoughby.

 

42 comments

  1. Gwen M. Plano's avatar
    Gwen Plano · ·

    Loved this photo journey! I used to live in West Lafayette, and loved the Wabash River and the plentiful covered bridges of the area. Beautiful…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      You have lived everywhere, Gwen. It is beautiful. I used to live in Amish country and enjoyed it. 🙂

      Like

      1. Gwen M. Plano's avatar
        Gwen Plano · ·

        LOL…hardly! I went to graduate school at Purdue…. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Go Boilermakers

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  2. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    That watering hole is a very trusting place. Doubt you could do that in most areas. The last picture makes me think of the Headless Horseman.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes. I think a visit there at halloween would bring up some scary images. 🙂

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      1. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

        I should look up if Sleepy Hollow does anything special around Halloween. I’d be surprised if they didn’t.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          That is a good idea. Let us know.

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        2. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

          Looks like they do a bunch of spooky stuff. Cemetery tours, hayrides, and other fun.

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          It is in Pennsylvania right?

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        4. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

          Westchester, NY. Just on the other side of NYC from where I am.

          Liked by 1 person

        5. John W. Howell's avatar

          That’s right. I used to live near Weschester. I shoulda known.*slaps forehead*

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        6. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

          Sleepy Hollow and Amityville. Always forget about them being nearby until this time of year.

          Liked by 1 person

  3. Dan Antion's avatar

    Love the photos and the tour, John. Just not that next stop 🙂 The jail still looks like it could hold a person for a while.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I was thinking the same, Dan. The door was a heavy iron thing and once shut hard to open. Wouldn’t want to be in there after dark.:-)

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Jill Weatherholt's avatar

    Great photos, John! Some of the building remind me of my childhood Lincoln Log creations. I love covered bridges and this shot is fantastic!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Jill. It was a beautiful place.:-)

      Liked by 1 person

  5. coldhandboyack's avatar

    Looks like a great place to stop an catch your breath. There appears to be some rust on that anvil though, and that should never happen.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. I’m not sure anyone actually works in the shop. Good eye. I caught the stool and thought of you as I did. Details are you. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  6. patriciaruthsusan's avatar

    Lovely, John. I’m originally from Ohio so I’m used to all that green and a surplus of water. My dad used to love to drive with us on his days off and visit museums and historic places. 🙂 — Suzanne

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      There is much to see in the mid-west for sure. Thanks, Suzanne.

      Like

  7. Mae Clair's avatar

    Wonderful photos. I love visiting historic sites. And just looking at that covered bridge and the surroundings, already has story ideas spinning in my head 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’ll bet. I’m reading A Thousand Yesteryears now and while doing the post I thought of you. 🙂

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      1. Mae Clair's avatar

        Wow, thanks, John. I’m thrilled you’re reading Yesteryears (I hope you enjoy it), and yes, history does have a way of sucking me in, LOL!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Yes I am enjoying it.

          Liked by 1 person

  8. Let's CUT the Crap!'s avatar

    Fascinating photos. Good to see and learn about the olden days and the people.
    I always wondered why bridges were covered though I think they are attractive. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Good question. Maybe to shield the horses from the scary views of water etc. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Let's CUT the Crap!'s avatar

        😊😋🤗😍 Sure. Why not?

        Liked by 1 person

  9. Debbie's avatar

    Great photo tour, John! You know, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Obviously, doctors even back in the olden days made way more money than blacksmiths! I love traveling in Indiana, from the excitement of a football weekend way up north to the rolling hills down south. Somehow, it carries a different vibe than Illinois.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It is sooo country. Love it.

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  10. Phillip McCollum's avatar

    Awesome photos John. There is so much interesting history around us — one just needs to take the time to enjoy it like you have.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It does need to be planned. We are all too busy. Thanks, Phillip 🙂

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  11. Teri Polen's avatar

    Great photos – love that charming covered bridge.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It was so peaceful there.

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  12. Audrey Dawn - Oldest Daughter Redheaded Sister's avatar

    I could contemplate my next 100 poems by that bridge. Lovely of you to share your visit.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’ll bet. Thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. John Fioravanti's avatar

    Great collection of photos, John! Thanks a bunch for sharing!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks for the visit. 🙂

      Like

  14. Bun Karyudo's avatar

    It looks like a relaxing area to visit. I’m all for historical accuracy in buildings, but if I were the doc, I’d use the modern stool too. 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Sure you would. Thanks, Bun. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person