History

First barcode reading in 1974 at Marsh store in Troy Ohio

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The Barcode we love

On June 26th, 1974 at a Marsh supermarket in Troy, Ohio retail store checkout history was made. Mr. Clyde Dawson (the supermarket’s head of research & development,) took a 10-pack of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit gum and the Universal Product Code (UPC*)  was scanned by Sharon Buchanan (store cashier.) This gum became the first item ever to have its UPC barcode scanned at a supermarket. The gum and receipt has been rumored to be in the Smithsonian. The Smithsonian site denies this.

Memorial Day 2024

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On May 5, 1868, three years after the end of the Civil War, the head of an organization of Union veterans, the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), declared
Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Many consider this the first “Memorial Day”.

Dayton, Ohio is home to an awesome museum and memorial park

Honoring American volunteers “Flying Tigers” during WWII

Today many cities and towns across the country observe the last Monday in May as Memorial Day, an official U.S. Federal Holiday formally established in 1971. This holiday is the time to stop and  think about what the day is for, and why it is the time to remember those who sacrificed their lives for the country.

Mother’s Day at the historic Willard

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Today we (Maj and our son) took Sher out for a Mother’s Day luncheon. We had finished up a couple of quick shopping stops and Sher told me she wanted to go to the Willard for our celebratory meal.

Street view, note patio seating on left

Wonderful original curved stairway

Antique marble and cast iron fireplace

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Willard is an historic building in Franklin, Indiana. The original brick house was built in 1860. Over the years different owners built more around the house, turning it into a hotel. Now it is a very popular local restaurant “where friends meet”.

Sher’s veggie pizza

That’s a basket of fries

There is a bun hiding under that

Thick delicious tenderloin!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Willard has a surprisingly complete menu for what used to be a pizza restaurant. The nice thing about the fare is that it offers favorites that we all enjoy. Sher ordered one of her favorite things: vegetarian topping pizza. Our son likes fries, so here came his basket of fries. I thoroughly enjoyed the breaded tenderloin. This culinary delight was twice as thick as most typical breaded tenderloins.

Yes, there is a full service bar…

Today the Willard was pretty busy when we arrived at 11:30. The place was packed by 12:15. Lots of folks were celebrating Mother’s Day same as we were. This historic establishment is worth a visit when you are in Franklin, Indiana. Check the website here.

Brownstown Indiana Ewing Depot Restoration

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In 2013 Brownstown Township in Jackson County Indiana funded a wonderful project to relocate and restore a portion of the original Ewing Depot. The structure was moved by truck and trailer to a newly prepared site on Front Street near the high school.

Moving the building, photo courtesy Brownstown Township website

The finished project

The building was not open the day we drove by. The depot is in great condition. There is a RR traffic signal installed as part of the display. More information and photos are available at the Brownstown Township website.

 

Seymour Indiana welcome sign and CSX caboose

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Intricate sign public art

This dramatic Seymour Welcome sign is located on US 50 just west of  I-65.  Made of metal on a concrete base, it includes symbols of Seymour’s history. A locomotive, plane propeller, corn, guitar, crown, bell tower and grain bins are just a few of the items on the welcome sign that was completed in 2014.


A bit west of the sign on US 50 is a somewhat faded  yellow caboose. Marked with the Chessie System logo and name, it is parked next to an abandoned grain elevator.  Seymour has a long and colorful history with railroads, so this caboose is a fitting display for the town.

Medora Covered Bridge is the longest triple span in the country

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The Medora Covered Bridge was built in 1875 by master builder J.J. Daniels. Located off State Road 235 and close to Medora on the East Fork of White River, this bridge has no windows. Thus it was once was once known as the Dark Bridge.

 

 

 

 

 

At a very impressive 431 feet 10 inches long, it is the longest three-span Burr Truss covered bridge in the United States. The roof length of 461 feet and the siding at the floor length of 459 feet also are the longest covered bridge measurements in the country.

Indy’s eclectic Fountain Square districts

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Yes, there is a fountain!

VisitIndy.com says it best:   Just southeast of downtown, this funky Indianapolis neighborhood has vintage and antique shops, a world of restaurants, working artists and a vibrant arts scene, live music and performance, and one-of-a-kind stores that sell comics, musical instruments, home decor, fresh flowers, and so much more. Visit Fountain Square any time of the day or night, and find out why our neighborhood is anything but…square!

Fancy marque lighting

The Fountain Square Theatre Building opened in 1928 as a place for entertainment, shopping and professional offices. The structure is located at the intersection of Virginia Avenue at Shelby and Prospect Streets. It is but one of the many historic buildings that add character to this interesting piece of Indianapolis.