Travels in Northeast Indiana

Have you ever seen a Minion 25 feet tall?  It really stands out in the Landscape!  Something Blue and Yellow, that size is something you won't miss..............

Debbie and I were spending three days shooting photos for a client in Northeast Indiana and were finding all kinds of unusual 'subjects'.  This project gets us into some very interesting places, if your interest is similar to ours, maybe your not that adventurous.  I have been told more that once that I am a bit 'goofy', some feel that I am more than a bit!

Our trip started out quite uneventful.  Just the usual small towns with murals, covered bridges, round barns, general stuff for us.

But there is always something different, like the Architecture in Farmeland, Indiana.  And then there were the 'Free Range' Christmas Trees on the Sickels Tree Farm south of Winchester, Indiana.  Like many other Cities in Indiana, the Courthouse in Winchester is a beautiful building.  There are some awesome memorial on the Courthouse grounds.  We are always humbled by the memorials for our Military, Police and Firefighters.  These memorials leaves us quietly remembering friends and relatives that have given all to provide a Nation in which we may enjoy our endeavors, whatever they may be.

The Arts Depot in Union City is a must see for artist.   We had never seen Chocolates like the ones we ran across at the Ghyslain Chocolatier in Union City.  The first interstate railroad came into Indiana at Union City in 1852 and by 1875, 16 passenger trains and 22 freight trains were arriving and departing daily.  Yes, this is a chocolate!  And wow was it good!

In Redkey, Indiana, the Gray Hotel is a landmark that should not be missed if you are in that area. This old hotel was built in a triangle formed by the city streets and the railroad.  The leaded glass ceiling in the Rotunda of the Courthouse in Portland is beautiful.  There are also some interesting murals on the third floor.  Take the 'back roads' in our Counties and find things like the Underground Railroad Station near Balbec, Indiana.

Don't forget, almost all of our Counties in Indiana have a Historical Museum located somewhere in the County.  Many of them are so very interesting, you never know what treasures you will come across in these places as they are attempting to preserve our past history.  In your travels around Indiana, make it a point to look these up!

If your near Bluffton, Indiana, the Courthouse is spectacular.  And there is a  Coffee Shop across the street called 'Grounds and Grains' that we feel is totally awesome.  We had lunch there and did't want to leave!  The staff were friendly and we really enjoyed our conversations with them as well as very good food.  It is definitely on our 'list' as a place to stop, again, if we are even close to Bluffton!  Also, the Ouabache (pronounced 'Wabash' just like the River) State Park is just outside of the City.

And, on the 'back roads' north of Bluffton, a large Minion.  Yep, 25 feet tall!  This Minion has a very interesting story behind it.  If you are interested, search for Minion Silo on the web.  This sure brightened our day!

One of our clients ask us for some images of LaGrange County in Northern Indiana.  One of the places on their list was the Greenfield Mills near Howe, Indiana.  Upon arrival at the location, Debbie and I were searching for something that would make a good photograph out of an old white building with patched siding and a faded green sign across the top of the building.  Our first thought was that this was going to be difficult to produce something our client would find of interest.

The Mill was closed but the lights were on inside, so we headed back to the car to find something on their list more photo-genic around the County, when a man arrived on a golf cart from a farm house across the street.  Turned out that this was David Rinkel, the 4th generation owner of the Mill.  His Great-Grandfather had purchased the Mill in 1904.  With a big smile, seeing our cameras, he asked us if we would like to see the inside of the Mill.  And of course we did!

I was not prepared for what happened next!  The Mill is totally different than any Mill that we had ever seen!  Not only is it the oldest operating Mill in Indiana, it has been powered by the Electricity that it produces, since 1925. All of the grinding machines are powered by electric motors instead of gears and leather belts.   Instead of the waterwheel or water powered turbines turning big wooden gears like the Mills at Spring Mill State Park, Bridgeton, and many others that we have visited, this water powered turbine drives a generator that produces enough power to supply electricity to about 11 homes a couple of barns and two Mills!  Making it the smallest Power Company in Indiana.

Not only did we get to visit a Mill powered by electricity, which was a first for us, the main generator was dissembled due to a lightning strike and some of the coils were being re-wound, giving me (Debbie tolerates my tech stuff fairly well) the opportunity to photograph the main generator 'inside out'.

David talked at length to Debbie about Flour.  We had little knowledge of the difference in flours, just that there are several kinds on the grocery shelves.  Now she feels she has a much better understanding of what makes a pastry flour or a bread flour or a general purpose flour, etc.  This could mean more and better pies for me!  (as if I need them)  And, Yes, there is a Huge difference in the types of Flour.

So, in your travels, this is a place well worth checking out in Northern Indiana.  David Rinkel was a delightful person to meet and was so willing to share the knowledge he has attained over many years of running this Mill.  Unfortunately, the Mill may be permanently closed, Check on Facebook for Greenfield Mills before making a trip, but if it is open, it is well worth the drive from any part of Indiana, Ohio, or Michigan.

As Debbie and I travel across Indiana as well as our Awesome Nation, we find unusual and interesting, out of the way places and things and people.

Our plan is to use this blog to let friends know about the things we find on our travels that might be of interest them when they get a chance to travel the back roads of America.

Just to make sure we are the Debbie and Joey that you 'think' you know, here are a some snapshots.

These were taken a few years ago in Glacier National Park.  One thing I do regret is that we rarely take photos of ourselves.  I keep thinking we will, but those that know me, understand.......