Metamora is a quaint little village in southeastern Indiana located midway between Indianapolis Indiana and Cincinnati Ohio. Situated on the Whitewater River, the town played an important part in the early history of Indiana. Featuring an early canal as well as one of the first railroads in the area, much of the early development of the state came along the Whitewater valley.
The masonic lodge was formed in 1853, and the building where the meetings are still being held was acquired in 1888.
The plaque mounted proudly on the front wall tells of the early history.
Gary has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature,landscapes and studying native cultures.Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt,the Canary Islands,much of the Caribbean. He has studied the Mayan Cultures in Central America, and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different parts of the world!
He has published several books about the various cultures he has observed.
For more information and a link to his hard cover and Ebooks,and contact information: please check his website.www.commonsensejourneys.com
HORSE-DRAWN CANAL BOAT
-The Ben Franklin III, launched in 1989,
was designed and constructed in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Designed as
a freighter, the vessel is 75 feet long and has a beam (width)of 12
feet. Constructed of wood and fiberglass, it holds approximately 75
passengers and crew.
As settlers moved into the Northwest Territory after 1800, transportation routes became a priority for the government. Roads didn’t exist, for all practical purposes the only roads were Indian and animal trails that had been haphazardly blazed through the primitive land.
In 1836, Indiana legislators passed the Internal Improvements Act, which began Indiana’s brief experience with canal building. Whitewater Canal was one of several projects started as a result of this act. Due to unforeseen circumstances, many weather related, the canals never were anything close to a financial success..
The Whitewater Canal began in Lawrenceburg and originally ended at Cambridge City. When the state went bankrupt in the 1840s, the canal was completed by private enterprise. Extensions and spurs on the canal were added by the merchants of Hagerstown, Ind. and by the state of Ohio to link Cincinnati to the canal. All of these factors combined to make the canal 101 miles long. Along the route, 56 locks were built to accommodate a fall of nearly 500 feet in elevation.
Two of these locks are preserved and can be viewed at the Whitewater Canal State Historic Site. One contains the massive
doors similar to the ones that were used to regulate the flow of water that would raise or lower boats to the proper elevation.
The state of Indiana assumed management of a 14-mile section of the canal in 1946 and today operates a horse-drawn canal
boat and the Whitewater Canal State Historic Site. Visitors can step back in time while taking a leisurely 25-minute cruise on the Ben Franklin III. During the voyage, the vessel passes through the Duck Creek Aqueduct, a covered bridge that carries the canal 16 feet over Duck Creek. It is believed to be the only structure of its kind still in existence.
Gary has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature,landscapes and studying native cultures.Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt,the Canary Islands,much of the Caribbean, and studied Mayan Cultures in Central America, and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different cultures!
He has published several books about the various cultures he has studied and applied what he has learned to solving the many issues facing not only the United States, but the world as well.
This informative Ebook describes alternative methods of making money ,often a full time income in photography even if you have no desire to shoot wedding photography. this book gives examples and websites where you can use your photos to supply you with an income, not only to enable you to buy new equipment, but a living income as well.
Historic Metamora, Indiana has the
only wood aqueduct still in
service in this country. The structurally unique Duck Creek Aqueduct, located just
east of this historic village was built to
carry the Whitewater Canal 16 feet above
Duck Creek. It has a span length of 70 feet.
Duck Creek Aqueduct
At this point ,Duck Creek is is 17 feet wide and 3 feet deep.
The water flow and depth naturally varies depending on the season and amount of rain or snowfall upstream.
After the Whitewater Canal went into bankruptcy in the 1850s, the railroad assumed ownership of the property in the 1860s and the aqueduct provided a crossing over Duck Creek for what eventually would become The Whitewater Valley Railroad.
At certain times major flooding can occur with water reaching near the bottom of the bridge.
Built in 1843 (and rebuilt after the flood of 1847), the Duck Creek aqueduct
is listed as a National Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society
of Civil EngineersVideo of Historic Metamora
Gary has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature,landscapes and studying native cultures.Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt,the Canary Islands,
much of the Caribbean, and studied Mayan Cultures in Central America,
and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different cultures!
He has published several books about the various cultures he has
studied.
For more information and a link to his hard cover and Ebooks,
In many parts of the northern hemisphere, the most beautiful time of the year is approaching.
Autumn in Indiana
This is true nowhere as it is in the midwest. The fall colors, along with jack-o-lanterns, halloween and apple cider create an idealic scene to remember during the long cold winter ahead.
This photo taken in the hills of southeastern Indiana near the Ohio River, shows the beauty displayed at this time of year. The only thought to spoil this is realizing that soon the snow will be coming along with cold temperatures and early darkness.
The author has been a writer/photographer for over thirty years. Specializing in nature and landscape photography, as well as studying native cultures.
His travels have taken him to most of the United States, as well as Australia, Belize, Egypt and the Canary Islands.
He has studied the Mayan culture of Central America as well as the aborigines of Australia. Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in various parts of the world.
He has published several books about his adventures.
As is the case in many towns and cities across this great land of ours, the Maonic Lodge occupies a prominent postion in the town not only on a physical plane , but as a spiritual and guiding example as well.
The Masonic odge is located on the second floor of the former L. Allison & Son
Grocery Store. During the early years of Masonry the custom was to have the Masonic Lodge occupy the second floor of a prominent business in the main business section of the town, such is the case in Metamora. The second story of the Allison Grocery building was purchased in 1888 for
$1,500 for the Metamora Lodge #156 Free and Accepted Masons which was
organized in June, 1853. This is believed to be the only lodge in
Indiana with most of its original cobalt blue window panes still intact.
Located next to Mr. Van Camp’s drug store and Lucy Martindale’s Confectionery the architectural design of the three buildings was a sort of “old country” fashion .
In todays’ world , the town has suffered economically as most small towns have, the canal hasn’t been used commerically for many, many years, and the railroad no longer carries produce to the markets in nearby Cincinnati and Indianapolis.
However, due to the historic significance of the area, tourism is flourishing. Train rides on a real steam engine locimotive are available on most week-ends, as well as rides on the Whitewater Canal via the Benjamin Franklin, the only surviving boat from the flourishing days of the Whitewater Canal.
With the many activities such as whitewater rafting , enjoying and photographing the fantastic autumn colors as the leaves change color in the fall, the area offers much to the tourist looking for a relaxing and enjoyable weekend, free of the hustle and bustle of modern day life.
Despite all the changes and economic ups and downs to the community and surrounding area, the Masonic Lodge has survived as it has done throughout civilization, being a beacon in a troubled world, a light shining in the darkness, ready and willing to guide anyone who is willing to adhere to the age old time worn principles that have guided men from the beginning of time.
Gary has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature,landscapes and studying native cultures.Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt,the Canary Islands,much of the Caribbean, and studied Mayan Cultures in Central America, and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different cultures!
He has published several books about the various cultures he has studied and applied what he has learned to solving the many issues facing not only the United States, but the world as well.
Gary has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature,landscapes and studying native cultures.Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt,the Canary Islands,much of the Caribbean. He has studied the Mayan Cultures in Central America, and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different parts of the world!
He has published several books about the various cultures he has observed.
For more information and a link to his hard cover and Ebooks,and contact information: please check his website.www.commonsensejourneys.com
I’m
not sure how he did it, he would spend all day walking behind a horse
and plow, raising the plow by hand, and dragging it across the ground
while turning to plow in the opposite direction. As the sun would be setting in the west, he would come in for supper, only
to go back out after eating to feed his horses, pigs, and chickens.
By that time it would be dark, and with a little free time, he would sit
by the kitchen stove and smoke his pipe, all the while thinking about
what he had to do the next day.
When he wasn’t working in the fields, he would be hard at work performing
the many duties necessary to maintain the family farm such as fixing
fences or cutting wood with a hand saw to provide heat for the coming
cold Indiana winter.
My cousins from Indianapolis would often visit in the summer and grandpa
would let us sit on the corn in the corn crib and make rows in the corn
cobs by shelling the corn away.
I often wondered why he didn’t complain about all the corn we were
wasting until I realized the chickens were grazing under the corn crib.
We were feeding the chickens while we were playing. The guy was smart,
we thought we were getting away with something but we were actually
saving him work .
He truly loved his horses, after retirement and because of health issues,
he sold the farm and his horses. It wasn’t long until he passed on to
another world, hopefully to be reunited with his faithful steeds.
The author has been a writer/photographer for over thirty years. Specializing in nature and landscape photography, as well as studying native cultures.
His travels have taken him to most of the United States, as well as Australia, Belize, Egypt and the Canary Islands.
He has studied the Mayan culture of Central America as well as the aborigines of Australia. Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in various parts of the world.
He has published several books about his adventures.
Disappearing from the American landscape, the family farm was always a mainstay in our culture.From it sprang many of our values and beliefs that made America the great country it is today.
Life was hard but good, children were taught how to work at an early age, even if it was the simplist of tasks. . Sometimes it would have been much easier for an adult to do the chore than let the chld do it, but the parent knew it was very important for the young’un to learn how to work and take on responsibility.
Church was a weekly part of life, most people attended regularly, if not every Sunday. The rest of the day was reserved for visiting extended family and friends participating in family functions such as spending the afternoon fishing or picnicing.
These lessons were never forgotten, people grew up expecting no help from government, it would have been unthinkable and humiliating to expect it, neighbor helped neighbor with no thought of retribution. No one kept score of what was owed to whom. It would have been an insult to offer payment .
The only payment received would be a delicious meal following the completion of the day’s work. The farming communities were very close knit, even like family. I grew up on a small farm in southern Indiana and even yet today, I think of a fellow Hooiser as “family”.
It would be nice to return to those days when life was simplier and people were more civilized. People weren’t perfect and without fault, but most were a lot more friendly, neighborly, and helpful than today.
House doors were never locked, in fact we wanted the neighbors to check on things to make sure everything was OK. Lawsuits were unheard of and people thought nothing of protecting themselves and others from what ever danger may present itself.
It may only be a pipe dream, but it would be nice.
Gary has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature,landscapes and studying native cultures.Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt,the Canary Islands,much of the Caribbean. He has studied the Mayan Cultures in Central America, and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different parts of the world!
He has published several books about the various cultures he has observed.
For more information and a link to his hard cover and Ebooks,and contact information: please check his website.www.commonsensejourneys.com
Many people remember crossing this historic bridge as they entered or left Batesville Indiana. Offering passage over the busy New York Central Railroad tracks, it became an icon of the community.
Having been constructed many years before, it had become too narrow for modern day traffic. Tales were told about how two cars couldn’t meet on the bridge, people would often wait on one side or the other for an approaching car to safely pass before proceeding on.
However this myth just wasn’t true, I remember one night. I was driving my brand spanking new 1965 Ford Fairlane Convertible to Napoleon to see some friends. I may have been going slightly over the posted speed limit. Thinking of everything but my driving, I suddenly found myself and an approaching car meeting in the middle of the structure.
There was no time to stop, slowing down to the speed of sound and easing over as far to the right as I could, we safely passed and both went on our way. No harm , no foul.
Among the younger male crowd there was also a long standing tradition to see who could drive from the bridge to Youngman’s Garage in Napoleon in the shortest amount of time.
At that time,the world’s record was held by another Napeleonite at 9 minutes and 40 seconds. Jim Youngman , my trusty navigator and timekeeper and I knew, that with proper planning, we could set a new all time world’s record.
Anyone who knows the area realizes that the 13 miles of highway between Napoleon and Batesville is extremely hilly and curvy, making it very difficult to make any real time. This would take some thought.
After discussing our attempt at the world record for many weeks, charting the course, and deciding the best possible time to attempt the historic run, we decided that just before dark would be desirable, as there was less traffic on the roads. Safety was one of our main concerns as we wanted ourselves and others to live to tell about it.
There were no rules as to what route we needed to take, so it was decided to take the Salem Church Road,and turn right on county road 350W, thereby eliminating some curves and hills. It would also mean we would need to travel less distance in Napoleon,we could save some time by eliminating as much town driving as possible.
The appointed time had arrived, it was time to make history! Entering the bridge in my 1952 Pontiac ,straight eight, four door sedan , no one was coming and race was on! Luck was with us as we raced down 229, not a car was in sight, all was going well as we made the right turn onto Salem Church Road, we could see that a new world’s record was within reach.
Turning left onto CR350W , it was only a matter of time until a new champion was crowned.
As we made the right turn onto Wilson Street in Napoleon , we were on the homestretch, all we had to worry about was crossing busy Hwy 421 , luck was still on our side, not a car in sight. With smoking brakes and a smile on our face, we coasted into Youngman’s Garage parking lot. The Timex told the story: 9 minutes 30 seconds.
We were the champs, we had gotten our 15 minutes of fame in 9 minutes and 30 seconds.
Several years later, as highway traffic increased and rail traffic decreased, the bridge was torn down and replaced with a grade crossing. Can’t have any fun at all anymore.
Gary has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature,landscapes and studying native cultures.Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt,the Canary Islands,much of the Caribbean. He has studied the Mayan Cultures in Central America, and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different parts of the world!
He has published several books about the various cultures he has observed.
For more information and a link to his hard cover and Ebooks,and contact information: please check his website.www.commonsensejourneys.com
Your comments appreciated
There is an extreme shortage of common sense in today’s world, I often think back to what my parents and grandparents believed and said, at the time I thought they were totally out of their mind and ignored it. I now wish I would have listened and followed their advice more often. It is in this light I have decided to publish some of my random thoughts based on the views of our ancestors.
The Underground Railroad had many routes consisting of secret routes and safe houses whereby slaves used to escape to not only the northern states, but Canada, Mexico, and the rest of the world as well. It has been estimated that at it’s height between 1810 and 1850 as many as 100,000 people escaped slavery via the Underground Railroad.
The Underground Railroad figures prominently in African -American history and has captured the imagination as a symbol of freedom.
Having no real organization or central authority, it existed openly in the north and just beneath the surface in the south. By it slaves were mainly transported under cover of darkness from one location to another while hiding in safe houses during daylight hours. Thus the African-Americans would proceed north until freedom was reached.
There is much uncertainly as to where the term “underground railroad” originated,however both those who aided the slaves and those outraged by the loss of slave property , began referring to the term ” underground railroad” by 1840.
One of many such stations located in southern Indiana, this property served as a stop over for many freed slaves heading north. Located in Napoleon Indiana, just 35 miles north of the Ohio River, it became one of the first destinations after leaving the south. At that time,this quaint little town was located at the cross roads of two major roads of the area and was an important cog in the wheels of commerce in the early 1800’s. Although most continued north , from this point they could proceed in any direction they chose, thus giving them the opportunity to elude slave hunters or anyone else who might want to cause them harm.
Gary has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature, landscapes and studying native cultures.Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt, the Canary Islands,much of the Caribbean. He has studied the Mayan Cultures in Central America, and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different parts of the world!
He has published several books about the various cultures he has observed.
For more information and a link to his hard cover and Ebooks,and contact information: please check his website.www.commonsensejourneys.com
Your comments appreciated
This informative Ebook describes alternative methods of making money , often a full-time income in photography even if you have no desire to shoot wedding photography. this book gives examples and websites where you can use your photos to supply you with an income, not only to enable you to buy new equipment, but a living income as well.
The state of Indiana, located in the mid western part of the United States is largely rural in nature. As such there are many scenes such as the one pictured. This particular photograph was taken in south eastern Indiana in Ohio County.
The author has been a writer/photographer for over thirty years. Specializing in nature and landscape photography, as well as studying native cultures.
His travels have taken him to most of the United States, as well as Australia, Belize, Egypt and the Canary Islands.
He has studied the Mayan culture of Central America as well as the aborigines of Australia. Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in various parts of the world.
He has published several books about his adventures.
Having been constructed many years before, it had become too narrow for modern day traffic. Tales were told about how two cars couldn’t meet on the bridge, people would often wait on one side or the other for an approaching car to safely pass before proceeding on.
had many routes consisting of secret routes and safe houses whereby slaves used to escape to not only the northern states, but Canada, Mexico, and the rest of the world as well. It has been estimated that at it’s height between 1810 and 1850 as many as 100,000 people escaped slavery via the Underground Railroad.
history and has captured the imagination as a symbol of freedom.
One of many such stations located in southern Indiana, this property served as a stop over for many freed slaves heading north. Located in Napoleon
, Belize, Egypt and the Canary Islands.
Thinking Between the Lines 