Happy Birthday Sherry 2018

I just want to take the opportunity to say ”Happy Birthday” to my wife Sherry Borglum!

Sherry is supportive and encouraging in all things I am involved with.

When we went to the Ringo Starr concert, and I wore my Sgt. Pepper outfit, she was supportive! I’m sure many wives would have been embarrassed and would have tried to dissuade me from making a fool out of myself. Sherry seems to be quite accommodating at me making a fool of myself! That’s a rare and prized attribute!

   Also, Sherry is wonderful at finding gifts of importance to me.

   Knowing Jimmy Carter to be my favorite President, she acquired a personalized autograph from him.

 She surprised me with a painting I had shown interest in while in Berea Kentucky.

An inspiring pastor’s prayer.

A singing bowl for use during All Saints services

A puzzle from when we were dating. It has very personal, and private, significance.

Sherry, you are a wonder! Happy Birthday!

Hendricks County Courthouse

The original Hendricks County courthouse, designed by Isaac Hodgson and built in 1862, resides only on a mural in the rotunda of the 1912 building designed by Clarence Martindale.

Mr. Hodgson’s designs seemed to consistently sport a towering structure in the front-center.

 The current Martindale structure looks consistent with most Indiana courthouses I have seen.

   Upon entering the courthouse you will be overwhelmed by the beautiful and impressive rotunda which seems to pull you toward its center where, upon the floor, a tile star positions you perfectly to look up and be awed by the multicolored dome.

   Clean, white marble staircases invite you to explore upper level elements of architectural style.

   Perhaps built in 1912, but the Hendricks County Courthouse impresses as though it were build last month.

   Whoever attends to the cleanliness and upkeep of this property does an excellent job.

Putnam County Bridges and Indiana National Road

1891 bridge across Deer Creek on County Road 25 East

Last night, October 18, 2018, the Indiana National Road Association held our yearly business meeting and social dinner.

 

from left: Rene, Scott, and new friend Barry

I had an opportunity to catch up with my friends Scott and Rene Booker of Indianapolis. Scott is working on a book about US Route 40 as it travels through Indiana. I am looking forward to reading it as he has shared a couple of stories that will appear in the book. Quite humorous! One story has something to do with Fifi’s Lunch Box (a restaurant in Terre Haute) and a train conductor. But I’ll let Scott deliver that story with his gift for amusing intrigue in his book.

    One of the bits of information I learned last night was that there is this bridge in Putnam Count which crosses Deer Creek which I just had to see for myself. Indiana Landmarks describes it:

 “When the Indiana State High Commission made the decision in the early 1920s to construct a modern concrete bridge, the Putnam County Commissioners had the 1891 metal span disassembled and relocated upstream to become a crossing for County Road 25 East over Deer Creek. Waste not, want not!”

   

   As I love discovery of an obscure moment of history, I had to seek out that 1891 bridge. I must say; it is well hidden away and hard to find. It took me quite a while. So, I will deliver what I think are some informative details. The 1891 bridge does in fact rest across Deer Creek on County Road 25 East. You gain access to that one-lane, in the woods, road from the north side of US 40 as you travel west-bound approaching the lovely town of Putnamville. Notice a structure which looks as though it had at one time been a motel, County Road 25 East is just a brief moment to the west of that building. Turn right. You will arrive at a stop sign, please stop. And then continue on, very soon you will see the 1891 bridge in all of its rusting humility! I felt a connection to history!

   This 1891 bridge had been removed from its original location, just around the corner on County Road 550s. At the intersection of County Roads 25 East and 550s, looking west, you will see the 1923 cement bridge resting on what was the original National Road. Again, I felt a sense of presence with historic figures. 

1923 cement bridge

   Please note, if you visit these bridges, there are “No Trespassing Private Property” signs posted. Please respect those as well.

I invite you to visit the website for the Indiana National Road Association and consider becoming a member,

You can find out more about the Association at: http://www.indiananationalroad.org/

You are also invited to learn about our companion organization Indiana Landmarks at:

https://www.indianalandmarks.org/2016/07/deer-creek-historic-national-road/

Tipton County Courthouse and Second Blessing Thrift Store

   I love history! Nothing attracts my attention to historical site more than a county courthouse! I imagine the court proceedings that have taken place over the decades. I imagine folk getting marriage licenses, paying property tax, and living out other personal and civic responsibilities.

   Friday, October 12, 2018, Sherry and I traveled to Tipton Indiana. Tipton is the county seat and so I discovered another courthouse.

   The tower is impressive. I wonder how the clock is maintained. I wonder how narrow a stairway one must ascend to reach the mechanical aspects of the clock.

   The floor is actual, rather than synthetic, tile. It shows the craftsmanship of long forgotten workers.

   The courtroom, while unintimidating, presents itself as a “down to earth, all business” facility with the customary pictures of Washington and Lincoln.

I am told by the county assessor that the black iron staircase was the way the judge reached his office back in the day! Ascending that twisting walkway, one would have to exercise good judgment!

    The elected officials and staff I spoke to were very welcoming, pleasant and professional! Tipton County knows how to pick-'em!

    While I was taking photos of the courthouse, Sherry visited “Second Blessing” A church-sponsored thrift store in town.

   Once I arrive to reunite with Sherry, I got some photos there as well.

Larky, store clerk, was very helpful. She is very well invested in the store as a personal mission.

   If you happen to visit Tipton Indiana, I suggest you visit Second Blessing.

And tell Larky that Mike sent you!

    Second Blessing is located at:

138 E Jefferson St, Tipton, IN 46072