Photos

Indiana claims more Carnegie libraries than any other state

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Famous 19th-century industrialist Andrew Carnegie donated over 40 million dollars that was used to build over 1650 libraries in large and small towns across America. Indiana received a total of over $2.6 million from the Carnegie Corporation. A total of 164 library buildings were built in the Hoosier State from 1901 to 1922, more than any other state in the Union.

The original structure, the plaque structure in the center of steps was added later

Shelbyville’s Carnegie Library was constructed early in the building program and held its grand opening on June 2, 1902. It was like most all of the other structures, including massive columns over the front entrance and a large ceiling/roof dome. Of course they were made with Indiana limestone.

The dome of the original structure is visible, with later additions in the foreground.

Over the years the Shelbyville Library has had several additions and renovations. One addition more than doubled the size of the original library. Most recently an adjacent former furniture store was obtained and after remodeling it now houses the library’s Genealogy and History Departments, instruction rooms and computer labs. This library and branches are a valuable part of Shelbyville and Shelby County’s community.

Grain elevator turned restaurant

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The Depot grain elevator building was first built in 1906 adjacent to the Pennsylvania RR tracks about a block south of the National Road. Throughout the decades the site changed hands, sat empty, and was finally bought by a group of Greenfield business men in order to stop impending destruction.

Hand hewed beams used in remodeling

Old conveyor belt bins from the elevator

Bar made from section of old grain bin

The reconstruction of the exterior and interior repurposed as much of the original building as possible. Look around, you will see marvelous examples of early 1900’s architectural details including hand hewed beams, wood planking and material handling conveyors and screens.

Main bar and beverage station

Looking at the basement machinery

1940’s CO-OP sign

Outdoor patio seating

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today The Depot is a full service family restaurant with an adjacent “bar seating” area. The menu is quite extensive, and offers many types of cuisine and drink options. In addition there is a second floor seating area and bar suitable for special events. There is, on the main floor, a glass floor observation deck exposing some original machinery in the basement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sher enjoyed the Vegetarian Flat Bread and I ordered the Philly Cheese Steak with a side of Tater Tots. Both were most delicious with farm fresh ingredients. The iced tea, both sweetened and unsweetened was more tasty than most teas you find. All in all, this was a fun experience. The service was great, all the staff made you feel welcomed. The food and drinks were exceptional. The mantra of Food. Drinks. History. is perfect for the Depot.

Home town café

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You always hear that the local, non-chain eateries are the best. The Chaperral Cafe in Shelbyville, Indiana proves that theory is correct! Located a couple of blocks from the downtown square, this landmark is known for its all day breakfast and “the best breaded tenderloin” around.

Local history in photos

A sincere personal welcome

Bigger than your head!

You barely see the bun peeking out

Cut in half, still too big for the bun!

I had a wonderful lunch Friday. I met one of my sons there, and as a bonus he had my 2 year old grandson with him. A special treat for this PaPaw! I had wanted to visit the Chaperral for quite sometime as their breaded tenderloin has become legendary. (Breaded tenderloins are a Hoosier favorite!) Well, this sandwich absolutely exceeded my expectations. The tenderloin was just the right thickness, the breading was not overpowering and the “crunch” was perfect! I cut mine in half, ate part in the bun, the other with knife and fork. Gonna have to go back and try biscuits and gravy sometime soon!

Los Reyes Mexican restaurant

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On a day trip recently we stopped in Martinsville, Indiana for a bite to eat. We spotted Los Reyes Mexican Restaurant right on the downtown square. We lucked out and got a parking space right across from the restaurant. We appreciate it when we don’t have to walk very far! We enjoy Mexican cuisine, so we thought we’d give this place a try.

Entrance w/Court House across the street

Fancy sun dial

Colorful furnishings

 

 

 

 

 

Wall to wall decor

 

 

 

 

 

After the host escorted us to our table, it became apparent that this was going to be a treat for the eyes as well as the palate! We have been to a lot of Mexican restaurants, but this one had every square inch of the walls, tables, chairs and support columns completely covered with those colorful 3D raised decoration/pictures.

Good chips/salsa

Margarita!

Both our meals pictured

Sher ordered a vegetarian plate with enchilada, quesadilla and tostada served with frijoles. She also had a margarita. As I was driving, I had water with my beef chimichanga served up with frijoles and rice. We enjoyed the meal, served hot and of course we also enjoyed the chips and salsa. Seems as most Mexican restaurants have pretty much the same fare, but it still makes for a decent meal.

Chewbacca and Zorro

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These are our grand dogs living with our Columbus Ohio family.

Zorro looks dapper with his bowtie

Chewy loves laying on your feet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chewy really looks like Chewbacca of Star Wars fame when his hair is grown out each winter. Zorro is a real sweetie and is convinced he’s a lapdog. “Hey, if Chewy can sit on your lap why can’t I?”

Brewdog started in Scotland, now in Ohio

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We had a really fun time this past weekend when we visited our son’s family to celebrate our granddaughter’s High School graduation. Friday night we found our way to a large establishment called Brewdog. This place was a full sized brewery, restaurant-bar, games, merchandise and the Doghouse Columbus Hotel, rooms of which have beer taps in each room. The original home is in Aberdeen, Scotland. Now there are several in Ohio.

Sher heading into the Brewery

Looking towards the outdoor seating area

The beer barrel wall, restaurant beyond

Bar and indoor seating, outdoor seating patio beyond

This is a trailer, note the girl just released her axe…

The facility has a huge building that houses not only the restaurant/bar/game rooms but the actual brewery with its large vats. Once you pass the merchandise area and go through the beer barrel wall, you’re in the restaurant bar seating area. The menu was filled with great bar food.

Smothered wings & fries, nachos and corn dip

Custom made pizza

You have to try a flight!

With our son and daughter-in-law

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The firepits were nice, heck, the whole place was nice. We’ll go back on another trip to visit our Columbus Ohio family.

Family style Italian at Buca di Beppo

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In honor of our granddaughter’s High School graduation, our Columbus Ohio family got together at one of the many Buca di Beppo Italian restaurants. These restaurants are perfect for a large group celebration, as they are known for serving “family style”.

Enjoying time with family

Once you enter the establishment you immediately get into the “Italian” mood. The decor is one of those styles that uses every square inch of wall space, and in some rooms every inch of the ceiling!

Pictures and more pictures

Have dinner with the Pope

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The menu has over 60 items from which to choose. The large bowls feed 6, while the small size is designed for 3. It is wonderful being able to decide which entrees, appetizers and salads to order. You can truly customize your meals, and with the family style serving, everyone can have a taste of whatever they like.

Apple Gorgonzola: Granny Smith apples, spiced walnuts, dried cranberries & Gorgonzola tossed with mixed lettuce in our signature Italian vinaigrette

Chicken with baby portobello mushrooms in a traditional Marsala wine reduction

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The food was delicious, served on time and hot! The bowls were full and gave everyone the chance to try all of the varieties.

Shrimp Fra Diavolo: Garlic shrimp & crushed red pepper with penne in spicy rosa sauce

Cheese Manicotti: pasta tubes filled with ricotta, mozzarella & Parmesan with Alfredo & our homemade marinara sauce

This restaurant was a perfect place to have a graduation celebration. You cannot beat good food at a comfortable restaurant, and of course having your family is the best blessing of all!

 

Roosters in Ohio

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Main entrance, lots waiting for a table

No, we’re not talking about the Ohio National Poultry Show. We’re talking about one of a delightful chain of chain of restaurants that carry the self given label of “A Fun, Casual Joint”. On our way to family in Columbus, Ohio, we found a Rooster’s just off of I-71 south of the beltway. We were seated immediately, even though the place was very full. This place was full of life, covered with TV screens and interesting wall décor.

Yet another clever way to ID restroom occupants

A rather punny saying

A bit of editorial content here

 

 

 

 

 

The menu was very impressive and had appetizers for everyone’s tastes, plenty of wings and a full list of burgers and sandwiches. We decided on three items and they were very delicious and filling.

Dumpster Fries “It’s a hot mess!” Curly fries, topped with melted cheeses, bacon bits, tomatoes, green onions and jalapeños with Dumpster Dressing.

Quesadilla: Mozzarella, Provolone and cheddar. garnished with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, red onions and jalapeños.

Big Bob’s Burger: You had to grab this half-pounder with both hands!

 

 

 

 

 

 

This turned into a most enjoyable break on the way to our son’s family. The food was very good, reasonably priced and served in a comfortable establishment. There are several of these Rooster’s places all over Ohio and Kentucky. They get very busy, get there mid afternoon for immediate seating.

Impressive Civil War Memorial includes an anachronism

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Sitting on the north side of the Johnson County Courthouse in Franklin, Indiana is a striking memorial/fountain commemorating the valor of Union Soldiers from Johnson County during the Civil War. John Vawter was a businessman and banker from Franklin. He donated the memorial in 1905. It includes a bronze statue by artist Rudolph Schwarz.

This is a wonderful memorial to the men who served in the Civil War. The anachronism? As a history nerd who has been interested in, and studied military history, I need to point out that the arms and accoutrements on the cavalry trooper looking out over the battlefield are of a kind that did not even exist in 1861 to 1865.

Detail of the Model 1873 Trapdoor Springfield

The carbine is a Springfield “Trapdoor” that fired a 45/50 cartridge. This firearm was not invented until 1873, and was issued in both rifle and carbine lengths. The cartridge box on the trooper’s belt appears to also be from the 1870’s and designed for brass cartridges. The statue is a very good portrayal of a trooper from the mid 1870’s on.

This is an impressive memorial, complete with all branches of the services represented under the lion heads fountains. It is interesting that the statue artist picked the wrong model for his rendition of the trooper. It doesn’t take away from the honor given to the Civil War soldiers from Johnson County.