My visit to Owen County Courthouse was a memorable experience. Construction on the Courthouse began…read morein 1910 and was completed mid 1911 at the cost of only $106,000. The limestone building was designed by Jesse T. Johnson and Co. out of Indianapolis. The metal dome is a focal point, holding clocks and a US flag. The courthouse sits on a prominent square with several War memorials. After going through security, I asked the deputy about the building. He smiled and told me when the courthouse was built. He was excited about his visit into the dome, which is quite large. He encouraged me to go into the courtroom, which was in session, and see the original furniture and woodwork. This was my first visit inside a courtroom holding court. There was a small hearing going on. The judge actually asked why I was there and welcomed me to observe. The gallery chairs were original wrought iron with fold down seats. The jury box and judge's bench looked original wood. (I was not allowed to take photos.) it was interesting to watch a live legal proceeding. For the most part, the court house interior is original with some updates. The courthouse is not ornate, but functional with a simple beauty. The center atrium has tiled floors. War artifacts throughout the building memorialized local residents that served in the military. The courthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. A visit offers the opportunity to see local government in action. The people are friendly and engaging. There is metered parking around the courthouse square (so bring some quarters). I only found restrooms on the first floor of the three story structure.

A reviewer recommended bring quarters for metered parking they don't have meter maids so save your…read moremoney. If you get sent a jury duty form you can fill it and send it in yourself or what for the second notice and use the self addressed envelope. Remember to remove tools and sprays from your car keys or you'll be making two trips.

I'll admit that I just saw the pin and figured I would check this out but as I do my research to…read morewrite the review, these aren't just pretty gates. The concept of a gateway to mark the entrance to the campus dates back to 1932 but they didn't actually get installed until 1987. And ever since, they are the most iconic spot on campus. IU grads know what I'm talking about. So I'll just respectfully stop here and tell you that if you're visiting or perhaps you're an alumni, get your selfie or portrait right here. Every IU graduate know of here. [Review 20571 overall - 108 in Indiana - 1552 of 2023.]

I don't get down to Bloomington nearly as often as I used to, though when I do I nearly always find…read moremyself near the area of the iconic Sample Gates. Sample Gates mark the entrance to Indiana University in Bloomington, an already beautiful campus. I spent one lovely semester here and I spent quite a bit of time here back in those days because even after I left I continued dating an IU student. The Sample Gates were donated by Edson Sample, who was named director of the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships while still an IU graduate student back in 1968. He obtained his M.S. in 1971. The gates are named for his parents, Louise Waite Sample and Kimsey Ownbey Sample Sr. Both were present at the dedication ceremony on June 13, 1987. He received a Distinguished Alumni Award from the School of Education in 2017; in 2020, Sample received one of IU's most prestigious honors--the Bicentennial Medal--in recognition of his service and longstanding support of the university. The gates are always open. They are constructed of Indiana Limestone. The two pillars are at the edge of Old Crescent - the historic site of IU's first campus buildings built between1884-1908. If you visit IU, you'll see Sample Gates. Still beautiful. Still iconic. And, I must say, super amazing at night with a light rain in the area.

Showalter Fountain is one of IU's landmark locations. It also is super close to the accessible…read moreparking for IU Auditorium, so there was no way I was going to miss it during a recent Bloomington trip. Showalter Fountain includes a sculpted work from Ralph Laurent showing the mythical goddess Venue coming out of a clamshell (it's actually called "Birth of Venue"). The fountain is named after its benefactor - Grace Montgomery Showalter. It was installed in 1961. For those who remember IU's recent football championship (everyone), you'll likely remember that IU temporarily displaced bronze fish sculptures from this fountain to ensure no major hijinks going on. Laurent was born in France. He immigrated to the U.S. at age 20 to study under painter Hamilton Easter Field. He joined the IU faculty in 1942 and stayed there until retirement in 1961. Showalter Fountain isn't necessarily the fanciest fountain around, however, it's definitely one of IU's iconic landmarks in Bloomington. It was pretty cool to get to see it, especially because I didn't really plan the extra visit. I just looked up and it was there.

Pretty landmark fountain on campus. I love the mermaid theme and the fish around her. It's really…read morenice to walk past the fountain on hot days and feel the slight spray of water as you go by.

if you traveled down to nashville, indiana through morgantown, you've probably passed by this…read morefamous ginkgo tree. the ginkgo tree in morgantown has a notable and touching history dating back to the civil war. the tree was planted by a former pow from the civil war, ruben c. griffith. according to griffith, he watched a tiny ginkgo tree grow through a crack outside his prison. he found inspiration in the tree. after his release, he returned home and became a prominent physician. he planted a ginkgo tree outside the home he built in 1894, where the tree has thrived for over 100 years. the tree was placed on the national registry in 2006. a plaque stands next to the inspirational tree. the plaque reads: the legend of the ghinko tree ruben c. griffith was born in a log cabin on this lot in 1845. at the age of 17 he enlisted with the union army only to be captured one year later and incarcerated in the legendary andersonville prison in georgia. from his small prison window he watched a tiny tree grow out of a dry crack in the earth. it gave him hope that he too might survive. having seen the dire need for physicians during the war, upon his release he returned home and became a prominent morganton physician. in 1894 he tore down the family cabin & built this house to use as his residence & office. in 1908, the governor of indiana commissioned him to return to andersonville to erect a memorial for the 630 indiana soldiers who died at andersonville. upon his return he carried with him a ghinko sapling which he planted in this spot. unfortunately in 1910 while observing fireworks from an upstairs window dr griffith fell to his death. this house and tree was added to the national registry in 2006. i can't help but love these small town stories that give insights into our history. the tree is inspirational and maybe the best reason to visit morgantown. there is free street parking near the tree.

Beautiful fountain along Jordan Avenue by the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University…read more Especially wonderful at dusk or early evening when the fountain is illuminated which separates it from the building.

I came here to visit the famous limestone statue of Joe Palooka that stands outside the Oolitic…read moreCity Hall on Main Street. Oolitic and nearby Bedford, Indiana were thriving communities during the early-mid 1900's due to limestone industry. The quarries in this region produce high quality limestone due to the unique geology. The statue of Joe Palooka is a product of that time. Joe Palooka was a popular comic book hero back during WWII created by Ham Fisher. The Indiana Limestone Association adopted Joe as a mascot as he was considered a "Cornerstone of Freedom" and carved his likeness into 20,000 pounds of limestone. The 10' statue was dedicated by Ham Fisher on June 14, 1948 in the town of Bedford. Over the years the statue has moved around due to vandalism and other factors. Today, he stands outside the City Hall in Oolitic. He wears a boxing cape and has the chiseled features of a 20th century superhero. The statue shows a little damage from hail and vandalism but stands tall as part of Indiana's history. The City Hall is a modest building with a welcoming front porch. Local residents can pay bills and find information here. There is street parking directly out front. The building is accessible through an entrance in the rear. I loved seeing and learning about Joe and recommend a visit.

Very nice shop on the edge of the square…read more Copied from their web page... "Our mission is to make Indiana a safer & more welcoming place for ALL people, including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or any other type of gender or sexual diversity.  We are based in rural Spencer, Indiana. We welcome everyone to join us as we continue to cultivate a community of compassion & celebration for all people.  We are 100% volunteer-powered & are always looking or passionate people who wish to help us achieve our mission." They have a great selection of handmade items from local artist. From cards to necklace charms, and ornaments. They also have a section of used / resale items. Ended up getting a little stuffed dog, and some christmas lights in the resale area. They also have a coffee shop. Everyone was very friendly and helpful.

I had a wonderful community center. I enjoy how many different programs there are for different…read morepeople at different ages and I am very excited to come back.

Indiana is a northern state and was never a slave state. But there was still discrimination and…read morethis marker is tribute to a turning point in that, a movement towards equality in college sports. The marker is on the campus of Indiana University and is hard to miss. On the front, "Segregation was rampant when African American Bill Garrett led Shelbyville to 1947 state high school basketball title. At the time, an unwritten rule barred blacks from Big Ten basketball. Faburn DeFrantz and Indianapolis black leaders worked with IU president Herman B Wells to give Garrett a chance at IU. Garrett's 1948 varsity debut directly challenged Big Ten ban." And on the reverse, "Garrett's IU years saw parts of campus desegregated, but in the Big Ten he never played with or against another black player. He graduated in 1951 as an All-American, with IU's career scoring record. His achievements helped create opportunities for other black players in the Midwest. Named coach at Indianapolis Crispus Attucks in 1957, his team won the 1959 state title." The marker was erected in 2016 by the Indiana Historical Bureau and Indiana University. It is marker number 53.2016.1. [Review 20568 overall - 105 in Indiana - 1549 of 2023.]