OOPS!
Contents
Contributors
OOPS!
We apologize for any confusion we might have caused OFFBEET BAKERY patrons regarding incorrect menu options mentioned in the Jan./ Feb. OUR BROWN COUNTY Sampler.
Contents
Contributors
13 COLORING CONTEST 15 HISTORY MYSTERY
SUBSCRIBE
16 Abe Martin Lodge ~ by Bob Gustin
22 The New Pump Track ~ by Boris Ladwig
28 Mushroom Hunting ~ by Mark Blackwell
32 Tri Kappa Guild Exhibit ~ by Mandi Rainwater
34-35 Photos by DeMaris Glazier * 36-37 CALENDAR / EVENTS
40 Musical Whetstine Family ~ by Brian Blair
44 A Centennial Victorian Tea ~ by Julia Pearson
50 New Overlook Shelter ~ by Chrissy Alspaugh
54 Artist Illyana Cox ~ by Chrissy Alspaugh
60 These Hills of Ours ~ by Jim Eagleman
64-66 INFO PAGES
Cover: A spring vista in the State Park ~ by Cindy Steele
Bob Gustin worked as a reporter, photographer, managing editor, and editor for daily newspapers in Colorado, Nebraska, and Indiana before retiring in 2011. He and his wife, Chris, operate Homestead Weaving Studio. He enjoys expanding his book and record collections.
Joe Lee is an illustrator and writer. He is the author of Forgiveness: The Eva Kor Story, The History of Clowns for Beginners, and Dante for Beginners. He is an editorial cartoonist for the Bloomington Herald-Times, a graduate of Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Clown College, and a veteran circus performer.
Chrissy Alspaugh is a freelance writer and photographer. View her work at < ChristinaAlspaughPhotography. com >. She lives in Bartholomew County with her husband Matt and three boys.
Boris Ladwig is a Columbusbased journalist who has worked in print, online and TV media in Indiana and Kentucky and has won awards for features, news, business, non-deadline news, First Amendment / community affairs and investigative reporting.
Mandi Rainwater is a freelance travel / lifestyle writer, and also runs Rainwater Studios with her husband Kenan. She promotes local musicians and supports the Southern Indiana music scene. She lives in Nashville with her husband, children, and cats.
Mark Blackwell no longer makes his home in Brown County where“ the roadway is rough and the slopes are seamed with ravines.” He now resides within sight of the sixth green of an undisclosed golf course. He was born in the middle of the last century and still spends considerable time there.
Jim Eagleman is a 40-year veteran naturalist with the IN DNR. In retirement, he is now a consultant. His program“ Nature Ramblings” can be heard on WFHB radio, the Brown County Hour. He serves on the Sycamore Land Trust board. He enjoys reading, hiking, music, and birding.
Brian Blair is a former longtime features writer for The Republic in Columbus. His work has appeared in publications ranging from the Miami Herald to U. S. News and World Report.
Julia Pearson loves learning and writing about local history, faith communities, and the radically ordinary lives of people. She continues the work and association of her late husband, Bruce L. Pearson, with the Wyandotte and Delaware tribes, and visits museums of all types and sizes.
Cindy Steele is the publisher and editor of this magazine. She sells and designs ads, sometimes writes, takes photos, and creates the layout. For fun, she likes to play the guitar or banjo and sing.
OUR BROWN COUNTY P. O. Box 157 Helmsburg, IN 47435
ourbrowncounty @ outlook. com ourbrowncounty. com
( 812) 988-8807
Thanks, Mom, for making it happen! copyright 2026
* DeMaris Glazier is a stained glass artist with a home studio in Nashville. She specializes in custom windows and offers classes by appointment.
March / April 2026 Our Brown County 9