traveling

Treat yourself to the best

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This barn’s Mail Pouch paint job is fading fast.

A Mail Pouch Barn is a barn with one or more sides painted with the slogan:

CHEW

MAIL POUCH

TOBACCO

TREAT YOURSELF TO THE BEST

Starting in 1890 the Bloch Brothers Tobacco Company of Wheeling West Virginia began offering farmers a bit of cash and a years supply of their Mail Pouch chewing tobacco in exchange for painting at least one side of their barn with their slogan. Even without the cash or product, a free coat of paint helps keep your barn siding protected, and this deal would look inviting.

The advertising campaign continued until the mid 1990’s. Over 20,000 barns in 22 Midwest and Southeastern states were painted during that 100+ year run. If you have any of these in your area or when you spot one while traveling, take a look. They won’t be around forever, and are an interesting slice of American rural history.

 

A unique tree grows from the roof of Greensburg Indiana’s courthouse

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In the early 1870’s in the then small town of Greensburg, Indiana, some citizens noticed some odd greenery on the roof of the Decatur County Courthouse Tower. As the years went on, the green tree seemed to thrive as it grew. Local officials began to be concerned that the tree could cause structural damage to the apex roof of the tower. Legend says that in 1888 a steeplejack was hired to “trim the tree”. He was said to have found not one, but two individual Large Tooth Aspen trees growing quite nicely on the roof.

Decatur County Courthouse and Clock Tower

Word spread rapidly that Greensburg had two trees growing out of the courthouse clock tower roof. The tree drops leaves seasonally like all deciduous trees. Mystery surrounds the origin of the first Aspen seed that sprouted in the roof. Large Tooth Aspens are not native to Central Indiana. Thus history and legend began to grow around this Indiana town.  For over 130 years trees have sprouted, grown and perished in a cycle that continues to this day. No, the tree you see today is not 130 years old. But Greensburg remains a National Treasure for its oddity known as the famous Tower Tree.

Greensburg is on I-74 between Indianapolis, Indiana and Cincinnati, Ohio. The Old Michigan Road, (U.S. 421) runs through and by the Tower Tree. Oh, and by the way, do you know how the tree gets water?  Answer: From the spring in the clock.   (cue rimshot)

We saw a large toy soldier at a Town Festival

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All green on every surface

Note the plates under the boots mimicking a real plastic toy soldier.

This is a novel way to make a living, or at least provide a clever side hustle. We saw this fellow at a town festival where we had set up as vendors several years ago. He showed up at noon on Saturday (of the weekend festival) and just walked around. He did not say a word, but every so often would freeze in a position and hold it for several minutes, thus becoming a big “plastic” toy soldier. Kids loved it and followed him around all afternoon.

Texas Hill Country Olive Company

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We had just finished checking out the town of Dripping Springs in the Hill Country outside of Austin and were waiting for a restaurant to open. I spotted a sign for an olive company the opposite direction from the eatery, so off we went.

Striking architecture of the Olive Company

About five miles later we saw what looked like some kind of Italian mountain villa. Yep, that turned out to be the Texas Hill Country  Olive Company. We had no idea what to expect, except that it would involve olives. Well, what a nice surprise when the hostess showed us to the free tasting stations. Yes, we were invited to taste different olive oils. I sure got an education.

Olive oils on the left, balsamic vinegars on the right

Fun signage

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had no idea that there were so many different kinds of olive oils, all of which were made by this family owned and operated business. Sher and I both enjoyed tasting the different olive oils. You taste them by putting a few drops in a small cup and either tasting it directly by mouth or dipped on a small piece of bread.

In the showroom in front of one of the tasting stations.

In addition to the oils, there were several varieties of balsamic vinegar as well set out for tasting. These were all imported from Italy, and there was an amazing range of flavors. The balsamic vinegar we bought was a blackberry flavor, which will be perfect to mix with the olive oil we bought to make a great salad dressing. Yum! The showroom also has a wide variety of gift boxes and other goodies.

Olive trees at the Olive Company

Olive tree beginning to flower

 

 

 

 

 

This place should be on everyone’s list of must visit places in the Hill Country. The site has lots of olive trees in their on site orchard. Our hostess explained that the company also has many more orchards in south Texas as well. Yes, olive trees grow in places other than Southern Europe and the Mid East. You can experience them at the Texas Hill Country Olive Co..

Dignity of Earth and Sky in South Dakota

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Traveling on I-90 through South Dakota provides some remarkable scenery. In addition to the natural wonders of the state, one man-made marvel really stands out. Near Chamberlain at Exit 294 you’ll see the signs for a rest area with a Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. As you exit the interstate and drive up a decent slope you see a very large stainless steel sculpture with a geometric pattern. Then you soon realize that it is a star quilt being held by a beautiful Native American woman.

Person on the left to give you the sculpture’s scale.

This 50-foot-tall statue portrays an Indigenous woman in traditional Plains-style dress.

This is the statue titled “Dignity of Earth and Sky”. The creation of South Dakota Artist Laureate Dale Claude Lamphere is a magnificent example of very large scale public art. The  statue represents the courage and wisdom of the Lakota and Dakota people who come from the area. The star quilt pattern is traditionally used to honor people or peoples. The statue was placed in 2016.

We enjoyed our rest stop. Oh, and the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center? Well, it was closed for the season, to reopen mid-May. We were there mid-October, 2018. At least the public restrooms were still open for those without their own facilities in an RV.

Beef and Boards Pretty Woman is near perfection

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Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre is offering a chance to be absolutely amazed with the quality of the production of Pretty Woman: The Musical now on stage. Two veterans  from the national tour add to the talented and vibrant cast of this, the first musical of the B&B 2026 season. Dani Kucera and Charlie Fusari headline the production as Vivian Ward and Edward Lewis, respectively.

Vivian Ward (Dani Kucera) sings “Anywhere But Here”

Happy Man (Darius-Anthony Robinson) tells Kit De Luca (Ariana Valdees) to “Never Give Up on a Dream”

So many moments during the production very easily rate and could be considered as highlights of the show. The entire show will capture your attention and pull you into the storylines. The interactions between Vivian and Edward cross many boundaries and “celebrates transformation, connection, and the power of taking chances
on love.” Some of the interactions are PG-13 rated, not suitable for youngsters.

Vivian Ward (Dani Kucera), right, suggests to the hotel manager Mr. Thompson (Darius-Anthony Robinson) that she is Edward Lewis’ niece i

Vivan Ward (Dani Kucera), right, looks at Edward Lewis (Charlie Fusari), left, as Giulio (Joey Boos) takes them in the elevator up to the penthouse

That being said, know that mixed in the songs and dance there are moments of raucous and hilarious humor. Darious-Anthongy Robinson shines as Mr. Thompson, Happy Man and an orchestra conductor. Joey Boos shines as Giulio. Watch for Mr. Thompson and Guilio’s dance number. You’ll laugh till it hurts.

Sad that her friend is leaving, Kit De Luca (Ariana Valdes), left, asks Vivian Ward (Dani Kucera) when her bus is leaving in

Edward Lewis (Charlie Fusari), right, shows Vivian Ward (Dani Kucera) a jeweled necklace to wear to the opera

Making her B&B debut is Ariana Valdes playing the part of Vivian’s friend Kit De Luca. Ariana’s powerful voice is highlighted in each number she belts out, and her character is an integral part of the story between Vivian and Edward. Kit De Luca leads several  dance and song numbers.

Darius-Anthony Robinson is Happy Man in Pretty Woman: The Musical

Giulio (Joey Boos) dances with a mop

It is always easy to praise the quality of the  entertainment offered by any production.  This show is best described as marvelous, energetic, exciting, professional, and just about any other term for quality stage productions. It was so good that we did not want the show to end.

Yes an opera: Alfredo (Ryan Hurley) and Violetta (Jameelah Leaundra) perform in “La Traviata”

Kit De Luca (Ariana Valdes), center, and the ensemble sing “Welcome to Hollywood”

Tickets are currently on sale exclusively through Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre at beefandboards.com or by calling the box office at 317.872.9664. Pretty Woman: The Musical is on stage through April 4. Every performance includes Beef & Boards’ signature dinner buffet, along with coffee, tea, or lemonade. Gourmet desserts and bar beverages are available for purchase

 

Spooky house decorations for Halloween 2025

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The weather was nice enough for a drive to a neighboring town for a couple of errands. We always enjoy seeing how others decorate for Halloween.

Relaxing on the front lawn

The bones band

The 90’s live (?) on today

A cluster of ghosts and goblins

A scary porch Wraith

Franklin, Indiana is south of Indianapolis, has interesting history and is a typical Central Indiana small town.  There are a couple of sites in town that have alleged paranormal activity, which fits for the season.

Ancient Hopewell village has remains next to New Castle Indiana High School

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This was once one of the busiest communities in what is now east central Indiana. What has been named the Chrysler Enclosure is the remains of what was once a large Native American community.

Informational plaque at the site

New Castle HS in background

 

 

 

 

 

Video below is a panoramic view of the remains of the moat.

What remains visible is a portion of a moat that circled part of a ceremonial mound. This structure was designed as an astronomic feature that yearly lined perfectly with the Winter Solstice.

The Artcraft Theatre, entertaining patrons since 1922

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November 1922 witnessed the opening of the Artcraft Theatre in Franklin, Indiana. It was first utilized for vaudeville shows. The theater was also the first in town to show silent movies, which it did from 1922 until 1929. The orchestra pit was perfect for the musician(s) accompanying the silent movies.

The Artcraft Theatre exterior

Restored ticket booth and theater entrance/exit doors

The Artcraft operated as a venue for first-run movie showings for 78 continuous years before closing in 2000 after the development of multi screen theater complexes drastically reduced patron business.

Through the front doors, looking towards the lobby

Concession stand and exit aisle

Over the years the theater saw many changes and improvements including a 1929 sound system for “talkies”. Franklin’s first ever air- conditioning “swamp box system” was installed in 1935. The first marquee was erected in the 1940’s.

We want to come back when it is open to see the whole theater.

A local historic preservation group, Franklin Heritage, Inc. bought the theater in 2001. Restoration work began immediately to save the building from condemnation. Currently the theater regularly offers showings of classic movies. The Historic Artcraft Theatre website has information about events and shows. (It lists the times for senior citizen free movies!)

Historic 1901 Indiana school suffers extensive damage in 2022 fire

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While on a recent day trip to Parke County, Indiana to enjoy the many covered bridges we came across a sad sight.  A large sign explained that we were viewing the Wabash Township Graded School that was open from 1901 until 1986 in the town of Mecca.

Front face with bell tower

Main Entrance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A devastating fire occurred in November, 2022. This fire completely destroyed the pitched roof of the 1901 main building and the flat roof of the gymnasium that was a 1923 addition.  Both roofs collapsed during the fire.

View of gym addition

Gym wall, roof gone

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The structure was listed on the  National Register of Historic Sites. Following is from the original application for this listing: The architectural style of the 190l-l9l0 main section of the building shows Richardsonian Romanesque influence, which is evident in the bell tower, rock-faced lintels and voussiot’s, arched doorways and belfry openings…

Sign placed well before the fire

Local references report that sometime after the school closed in 1986 the structure was used as a community center. The fire damage that is visible is quite extensive. Rebuilding would be very costly, if not cost prohibitive.