The village of Story today. photo by Cindy Steele
Their children were born in one of the upstairs bedrooms. Over the next fifteen years, the couple acquired the surrounding 23 acres that made up most of the town. The authentic style right from the 1800s makes Story one of the best preserved Midwestern towns from a bygone era.
Frank Mueller and Rick Hofstetter purchased the Story Inn and adjacent buildings in 1998. Fine dining, catering, lodging, and hosting events are now part of the Story Inn’ s offerings, which include all the historic buildings in the town of Story. The Old General Store, the Treaty House, the Alra Wheeler homestead, the Carria House, the Old Mill house guest rooms and
led to the establishment of Brown County State Park and the Hoosier National Forest.
In 1960, the United States Army Corps of Engineers flooded the area to“ fulfill its commitments to flood control and future water supply for the City of Bloomington.” The lake created, Lake Monroe, is Indiana’ s second largest lake. The little town of Elkinsville now exists under its water, and Story’ s access to Bloomington, the Elkinsville Road, now comes to a dead end four miles west at the remains of a fallen iron bridge. Story’ s landmark General Store continued to provide travelers treats and leaded gasoline, as evidenced by the gas pumps still standing.
In the early 1980s, the General Store was purchased by Benjamin and Cynthia Schultz. They created a bed and breakfast known as the“ Story Inn.” No attempts had been made during or after the Depression to update the building, so the wooden floors, stamped tin ceilings, and globe lighting remained intact. This was a dream venture for the couple, with Benjamin shoring up the building with his handyman skills, while Cynthia practiced her culinary talents.
This original store burned in 1915 and was replaced the following year. Alra and Mary Wheeler are pictured. photo courtesy Rick Hofstetter.
cottages. All are tastefully restored and decorated. The Old General Store is a well-known gourmet restaurant, and its basement is a tavern and wine cellar. The Story Inn hosts the annual Indiana Wine Fair, and the Hoosier Hops & Harvest.
Dog and horse lovers can bring their animal companions to Story Inn. Ten rooms are designated to allow canine friends. A 12’ x 12’ stall is available for an equine companion. Arrangements must be made beforehand with the Story Inn reservations office.
For information about rates and reservations, phone( 812) 988-2273. A beautiful virtual tour of available rooms and cottages can be found at < www. storyinn. com >. •
July / August 2015 • Our Brown County 41