Backyard Adventures

44 Pike Publishing BACKYARD ADVENTURES 2015 The Log Inn, located in the Warrington community in Gibson County, is said to be the oldest restaurant in Indiana, built in 1825 for the Noon Day Stage Coach Stop and Trading Post. The restaurant is packed on any given night, which attests to the goodness and southern tradition of homemade, family recipes. The Log Inn has seen its share of history. Many visitors have rested and dined at the inn. Abraham Lincoln dined in November 1844 while on the campaign trail for Henry Clay. It was a secret location for the Under- ground Railroad, helping slaves from the South find freedom. The restaurant also helped feed the work- ers digging the southern portion of the Erie- Wabash-Central Canal. By the early 1900s, it was located on the main route called Dixie Highway, from Chi- cago to Florida, before interstates were built. Henry Haub once owned the business and built the first home there before establishing Haubstadt. He grew the business by combin- ing the stagecoach stop, general store and trading post to accommodate travelers on the Noon Day Stage Coach route that ran to Vincennes. A dance hall was later built above the tavern, and a store for locals and visitors to relax. Marxs Dreyfuse owned the restaurant, general store and dance hall for a short time 1852 before selling it to Meier Heiman, who ran it by himself for five years. Meier Heiman's brothers, Leon, Jacob and J. L., joined the business in 1857, continu- ing as their brother's partners for eighteen years. Heiman added a mule barn and at- tached a new store to the log section in 1867, and converted the log section into a home for his family. Joe Reinhart bought the business in the late 1890s, operating it for nineteen years. It was sold to Fred Stehmeyer in January 1914. Charles Farney became the inn's propri- etor in September 1914, operating the com- plex until November 1921, after which time, George, Henry, John and Frances Memmer ran the operation. The Memmers opened a new dance hall in 1925. Vic and Pete Rettig, along with family members, including daughter Rita Elpers, ran the business for 31 years. He uncovered the log section, hidden underneath a century of building materials, and made it the center- piece of the restaurant, calling it the Lincoln Room. "We use to sleep in that room," recalled Rita. "We had two bedroom areas. My sister and I slept on one side, and my parents on the other. My dad had no idea there was logs underneath the plaster and wallpaper" The room is all hardwood and decorated with nineteenth-century prints painted by Emma Litchfield Conner, the wife of a stage- coach driver. The 1867 addition was also upgraded by Rettig and he held a new grand opening in May of 1965. He later sold Indiana's oldest restaurant to its current owners, his daughter Rita and her husband Gene, in 1978. Gene continued to grow the business, us- ing material from existing structures, barns and grainery, located on the property, for additions. Rita and her children, Kathy Holzmeyer, Darrell Elpers and Trish Elpers, continue to operate the ever-growing, popular restau- rant. "We all do double shifts to make sure everything is just right," Rita said. Five hundred guests can be seated in the inn, which is open Tuesday through Saturday evenings. direCtions From I-64 1. Take exit 25B onto US -41 North. 2. Turn right at the Warrenton Road/ County Road 1250 South light. This is the light with all of the gas stations, just past the interstate. 3. Follow the road approximately 1 mile. The Log Inn will be on your left. STORY BY FRAN PETIT new harmony, a welcoming community Founded in 1814 by a German commu- nal society, New Harmony is a small and serene community with a rich and fasci- nating history. It's a great place to spend the weekend, or longer, and perfect for a day-trip. Gathering the best of historic and modern, New Harmony offers visitors a unique experience. The town is known for its historic sites, artistic and spiritual cen- ters, architecture and antique shopping. New Harmony has summoned and continues to call generations of spiritual seekers. Its peaceful ambience and quiet grace are perfect for contemplation and meditation. The Labyrinth of rose granite is identical in design to the one in Chartes Cathedral in France. The Roofless Church is a quiet haven for all spiritual seekers. Many nature walks in the area are posted with inspira- tional quotes. New Harmony is well-known for its locally-produced goods. The downtown district features fine antique shops, book- stores, and craft centers. After a leisurely day of treasure-hunt- ing, several eateries offer cuisine from light deli to fine dining. Possibly, more than any other place, the feeling of New Harmony offers visi- tors spiritual solace. 804 E. IllInoIs st, PEtErsburg Located accross from Amber Manor Care Center Hours Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: 11am-9pm Friday & Saturday: 11am-10pm Great Pizza Famous BBQ Party and banquEt room now avaIlablE DiNE iN • CaRRY OUT • CaTERiNG 812-354-2277 Obermeyer H O N D A - YA M A H A - S U Z U K I 2501 Newton St. (HWY 231 N) Jasper, IN 47546 www.obcycle.com 866-yamaha-6 Great SelectiOn! Great SelectiOn! Dinners served by A la Carte Menu or Family Style for 3 or more, Dining room seating 500 Warrenton, Indiana • 812-867-3216 Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4-10 p.m. • Friday & Saturday 4-10 p.m. 12 miles north of Evansville • 1 mile east of US 41 on Old State Road Built in 1825 for Noon Day Stage Coach Stop & Trading Post. Officially recognized as the oldest restaurant in Indiana Open fOr Lunch Monday - Friday ���� 11 a�m�-2 p�m� (CT) Open fOr Dinner Tuesday - Thursday �������� 4-9 p�m� (CT) Friday & Saturday��������� 4-10 p�m� (CT) 404 W. BroadWay Princeton Phone: 812-635-4303 www.broadwayhousebistro.com A L O C A L E A T E R Y Home-style menu. Upscale service. T H E L O G I N N traditional home COOKING STORY BY FRAN PETIT PHOTO SUBMITTED

• Cover