HOME continued from 44
evolution of homesteading in southern Indiana. Esarey was born in 1873 and grew up around first and second generation pioneers. He worked at home doing the various chores common to all residents of small farmsteads in the 19 th and early 20 th century.
Esarey was well acquainted with the axe and hoe, mule-powered plow, and the other implements of farm life. But he did not become trapped by them nor did he abhor the manual drudgery that was life on the early family farm. What he hated was what he perceived to be an eastern elitist snobbery towards Hoosiers and so he set about to explain the life of selfsufficiency that the pioneers led.
In doing this he also demonstrated how these folks, with very little in the way of material possessions, produced a living and a culture and made homes out of the Midwest wilderness. I recommend this book for anybody who wants to understand the settlement and social history of Indiana. That is the story of home in the not too distant past of Brown County.
The ridge that I live on is a constant reminder of that past. I cannot hike a quarter of a mile without coming across the abandoned remains of early homesteads. They are readily recognizable by the hundred and fifty year old maple or oak trees that mark the road frontage and the beds of crocuses and daffodils that come up every spring. You can still find the corner stones and foundation stones of log cabins that have decomposed or burned long ago.
Up here, where there is now a second coming of wilderness, there used to be people and communities. I find their old canning jars and bits and pieces of dishes and crockery. I have learned to steer clear of the old cisterns that once caught and held precious rain water and now dry, shelter rattlesnakes. And when I close my eyes and pay close attention I can sometimes hear the whispers of children singing rhymes, mothers reciting Bible verses, and the sound of fiddles.
There are places that are easier to get to than Brown County. There are places that have better access to water. There are places that are flatter and more agreeable to raising crops. And yet Brown County calls to certain folks. It casts a net woven of whispered promises, the beauty of nature, peacefulness, and contentment. Folks feel at home here. •
Brown County History Center
Displays and Exhibits
Pioneer Village Museum
Bringing Brown County’ s Past to Life
Looking for event space? or more info 812-988-2899 Open Thurs.– Sun. 11 – 4, Archives: Tues. and Fri. 1 – 4 North of the courthouse • Donations welcome
Olde Time
Flea Market
DEALERS WANTED
Have Your Garage Sale Under Roof
Every Saturday, Sunday, and Holiday Weekends
April – October
Thousands of Bargains and Uniques
State Road 46 East • Gnaw Bone 9:00 am – 5:00 pm • 812-988-2346
HOURS: Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00 to 4:00 1st and 3rd Saturdays 10:00 to 1:00
THRIFT SHOP
South Van Buren in Nashville( behind Subway)( 812) 988-6003
Proceeds go to local charities
46 Our Brown County July / August 2016