Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Ready For Visitors

Metamora is greening up quite nicely as we head deeper into springtime! The Grist Mill is now open, and the Canal Boat is back in service after a winter "hanging out" in Gordon's Lock.

Monday, May 01, 2006

Horse Controversy for Metamora Mayor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Steve Collier
President, Metamora Economic Development Corporation
Post Office Box 95
Metamora, Indiana 47030
(765) 647-4328 (Daytime except Mondays)
(812) 623-1114 (Home)
stevecollier@suscom.net
http://www.metamoraindiana.com/


CONTROVERSY OVER HORSE FOR MAYOR LOOMS BETWEEN STATE AND METAMORA

Metamora, Indiana – May 1, 2006 – In the first-ever election for honorary Mayor in this small historic town in Southeast Indiana, candidates must meet only two requirements—they must be breathing, and they must have no more than four legs. Jerry, the Belgian draft horse that pulls the state-owned canal boat down the state-owned canal for tourist rides, meets those two requirements. But some think that it would be a conflict of interest for a state employee to hold the only public office in the town. So the question facing the State of Indiana today is whether or not a draft horse is truly considered a state employee.

This small historic canal town and tourist village is conducting an Honorary Mayor election as a fundraiser for additional public restroom facilities and for the construction of a Southeast Indiana regional Interpretive Center. Since this is an honorary position, there are no residency requirements for the job of Mayor. Anyone who meets the two requirements can run for the office. But, as is frequently the way in small-town American politics, there is always someone trying to stretch the rules- such as, in this case, running Jerry, an employee of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, for Mayor in the town in which he works.

With Candidate registration just beginning Saturday, the only candidates currently on the ballot are Bonnie, the horse that pulls the carriage ride through the scenic town, and Whiffy, the skunk- mascot of the Smelly Gourmet coffee bar on Main Street in Metamora.

It is believed there will be several other candidates on the ballot, which only requires a $20 fee to register—and gets the candidate a nice frameable certificate stating they ran for Mayor in the town. Other possible candidates include one of the town’s ducks (who better to deal with the duck poop issue?), a fish (which brings up the question about whether or not the thing fish do with their gills is actually “breathing”), and several humans including possibly Trapper the local chicken hypnotizer known for hypnotizing his rooster into thinking it’s a duck. But since the job is open nationwide to anyone with $20, its hard to tell who might materialize as the election continues through the summer.

And in any case, its hard to tell which candidate might win the election- voting will continue through the summer as the campaign progresses, and electors are genuinely encouraged to “vote early and often”. As is usually true, but frequently denied, in all elections, all votes are purchased – in Metamora’s case, for $1 each. Voting commences June 3 and continues through August.

But the overriding issue at the moment seems to be whether or not Jerry’s candidacy will be allowed by the state of Indiana, and would it violate Indiana’s conflict of interest laws by Jerry’s running as Mayor while he is a state of Indiana employee in the town.

No response has yet been obtained from the Indiana Secretary of State of Department of Natural Resources (Jerry’s boss) offices.

Anyone can buy their way onto the ballot, and cast their votes, with their credit card by going to www.MetamoraIndiana.com/Mayor.htm



END OF PRESS RELEASE

Saturday, April 08, 2006

The Delware Rangers

The Delaware Rangers pose for a portrait after the April shoot-'em-up at Metamora. Be sure to bring earplugs if loud noises bother you!

Civil War Shootout!


The bad guys were taken out, the good guys were heros, and the town visitors were well pleased by the show put on by the Delaware Rangers when the train arrived at Metamora recently.

The action occurred April 1st with the first arrival of the Whitewater Valley Railroad train in Metamora. This arrival signals the end of the winter and the beginning of another season of great things to do and see in our great little town. The Delaware Rangers will be making periodic visits with the Railroad to town throughout the summer. If we can get a schedule, we'll post it on the MetamoraIndiana.com website.

Friday, March 31, 2006

"I Believe" needs your support

The Metamora Economic Development Corporation is working hard to raise the $200,000 to purchase the 35 acre property on highway 52 to build an Interpretive Center. This project is a huge undertaking that will impact Metamora and the surrounding counties. By completing this project we will be able to preserve the history of Indiana and pass it on to tourist and schools. This will be a remarkable educational and cultural breakthough.

Many fundraisers are planned for 2006. Please help us with this endevor by attending these fundraisers. We are also accepting dontations. Any amount would be greatly appreciated. Help Metamora share the history of Indiana. If you are interested in donating to this worthy cause please email us at mail@metamoraindiana.com.

History is to important to forget!

Monday, March 20, 2006

Metamora Indiana's Smelly Gourmet Coffee Bar Passes the European Test!

The "Smelly Gourmet" in Metamora Indiana is an unusual shop! It's a handmade bath and body shop and European Coffee Bar. You'll know were open when you see the Italian flag flying outside.

You'll most likely be greeted by Steve, the owner and he will tell you, "I make the best Cappuccino this site of the Atlantic!" He's not shy about it, he'll even guarantee it! You won't leave the Smelly Gourmet unhappy.

True coffee drinkers agree with Steve. We had one lady from California tell us she as been all over the U.S. and has never had a drink as good as this. Another customer told Steve to move to Chicago and open the Smelly Gourmet there so she can have a good drink everyday. We get comments like this all the time.

But the real critic was Pietro, an Italian man! Nobody knows espresso better than the Italians!
Pietro walked in and began speaking in Italian. My guess is that Pietro did not expect Steve to respond in Italian but he did. To say the least watching the two of them talking Italian was a very fun experience. Steve is so passionate about Italy so spending 45 min or so with Pietro and Debbie was a real treat. I love the sound of the Italian swirl of the tongue!

Later that evening we receive the below email from Pietro.
Debbie and I stopped at the Smelling Gourmet this afternoon. Steve Collier prepared an espresso coffee that was just like being in Italy.

It started even before I took a sip of it to realize that the thick ceramic cup contained the creamy miscela the way is supposed to be.

Visually and aromatically the small content of the espresso cup brought to mind the Bar Roma in Sabaudia, where I used to stop few times per day for the espresso, 33 years ago, before leaving Italy for the USA.

Intentionally I prolonged the time before drinking, fearing it was only a dream. But wow, the taste was also there, full force, unadulterated, just like Italy!

Thank you Steve,

Pietro

He'll never claim he's better than the Europeans but he is not shy about telling you he's the best here in the states!

Steve spent 7 years in Italy where he learned the art of making true European coffee. Come in and test the coffee!

Thursday, March 02, 2006

Metamora in Winter

For those familiar with our quaint little burg during the October Canal Days festival, or during the December Christmas Walk, Metamora is a much quieter place in the winter. Few tourists roam the streets, few shops are open.

But, for those who venture out for a visit anyway-- and there are actually quite a few of those sort of adventurers-- Metamora will still be found as a lovely little gem hidden just off of Indiana Highway 52 about eight miles west of Brookville. The Whitewater Canal waters still flow melodiously over the waterfall next to the 1800's vintage Grist Mill. Most of the ducks do NOT fly south for the winter, instead choosing to remain local in hopes of handfulls of corn from a few of the local shopkeepers who brave the winter months in town.

During the week, when they get tired of walking through the village to take in the fascinating historical buildings and talking to the ducks, visitors can always count on warming up with one of the self-proclaimed "Best Cappuccinos this side of the Atlantic Ocean" at the "Smelly Gourmet" European Coffee Bar and beauty products manufacturing store on Main Street (closed on Mondays, open the other six days of the week.) And the engaging Master Barista who runs the coffee bar is always ready with animated conversation about his years of living in Italy before he retired from the US Navy Submarine Force.

On weekends, you'll almost always find George and Gail open in their shop on Main Street called "Words and Images/The Train Place". Between George's excitement over his antique lanterns and model trains, and Gail's knowledgeable conversations about art, history and her books (she is also known as "the Book Lady") a visitor will have an enjoyable time.

Next door to George and Gail, in the building with the tall letters spelling out "HOTEL", is the "Walnut Creek Home and Garden" shop, a name that doesn't do justice to the many wonderful handcrafted items by more than twenty artists and craftsmen. In addition to Ron's copper items, you will find handcrafted jewelry, paintings, Candy's wood furniture, long-beard Tony's stained glass, and much more. This place is usually open six day a week, and you'll usually find Ron the coppersmith working away at his craft while Candy, Ron's wife, keeps turning out beautiful art works when she is not (as she usually is) engaged in activities to help get the word out about the wonders of the town of Metamora.

Even in winter, there are still the occasional visitors who spend a weekend or an overnight stay at the Metamora Inn, one of the towns' best-known Bed and Breakfasts, which remains open throughout the winter. The proprietors, Glenn and Jo, live at the Inn and thus remain open throughout the winter. They won't find much night life in town, but for a peaceful, quiet getaway, the natural beauty of the town and the interesting buildings and people make for a very satisfying retreat from the hustle and bustle of life in the big city or annoying corporate environment.

Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Welcome to Al Payette

Al recently purchased Shiela and Paul's building, the former Tea Room in Duck Creek, and is in the middle of renovating the building to (among other things) improve the kitchen facilities. The Hen House (location C-6 on the website map) will remain in business with Al.

After years of visiting Metamora, Al purchased the property to give himself something to do since retiring from a career with Delta Airlines.

Say hi him when you see him.

Thursday, February 23, 2006

MEDC MEETING VOTING FOR NEW OFFICERS

If you are a member of MEDC please attend the meeting on March 4th at 5:00 in the church basement. The meeting is for electing new officers. Come and make your vote count!

Thursday, February 16, 2006

Local Author Rose Bush to Celebrate Women's History Month

To celebrate "Women's History Month" in March, local authoress Rose Bush will be at the Brookville Library discussing her book Falling Blossom. Rose will also touch on the aspects of writing historical fiction and what it really takes to create an accurate background for fictional characters.

There will be a book sale and signing after the program and a sneak preview of Rose's next book due to be released late fall of 2006.

Come and join Rose on Tuesday, March 7th at 6:30pm at the Brookville Library.

Saturday, January 14, 2006

Arts Grants Program Information Meeting

There will be an information meeting to tell you about the Arts Grants Program of the Indiana Arts Commission administered through the Columbus Area Arts Council Region 9 (Franklin County is part of region 9.)

This program has grants available to non-profit organizations in the county to support the arts.

Jeff Kuehl, the Region 9 grants program coordinator, will be presenting on Monday, January 23 2006 at the Franklin County Community Foundation Building, 527 Main Street, Brookville Indiana. Start time is 7:30 p.m. Everyone is invited- this is a public meeting.

For more information, e-mail Gail Ginther at metamora@gmail.com.

Thursday, January 05, 2006

Working Together

An ad-hoc meeting was held last night (January 4) to exchange ideas on preserving the local history of the town. A “brainstorming” approach was used to attempt to recount all the good things that have happened in the past year in town, and to identify the most significant obstacles to improving the town along with possible solutions to these obstacles.

The meeting was considered a landmark gathering because those present at the meeting last night represented all of the other civic groups in the town, including the Merchant Association, Commissioner’s (town) Council, Historic Metamora Inc., Metamora Economic Development Corp (MEDC), Duck Creek Property Owners Association, and the Lion’s Club.

Several people volunteered to do some research on specific areas identified and report back to the group at a follow-up meeting scheduled next month.

Tuesday, January 03, 2006

Comments From Town Visitors

A survey of about 200 visitors to the town of Metamora was conducted during the recent Christmas walk. Much information about the demographics was collected, and is available for those interested by contacting Candy Yurcak at Walnut Creek Home and Garden. The survey also included a section for visitor comments on the town. A few are reprinted here:

"Nice, friendly, clean placde to bring family and visitors."

"This is a wonderful place!! Great history for children, great learning too!"

" I am out here at least six times a year. Need more bathrooms!!!!"

"All of the stores are very nice."

"Our family loves Metamora- we want to spend more time here."

"We love this place and we'll keep coming back as long as stores stay in business."

"Very interesting and quaint."

"Wonderful place to visit- I plan on coming back year after year."

"Been coming since I was a child. Love the older town and unique stores."

"Keep Metamora alive!"

Thursday, December 29, 2005

Metamora Duck Rescued

One of Metamora's esteemed citizen ducks stranded in the frozen canal recently was rescued early one recent morning by new Metamora shop owner Lloyd Stamper (Lloyd's Photography).

The duck apparently had some form of injury preventing his escaping the ice by flying. The ice was so slippery that the duck could not get a foot-hold to get himself out.

Lloyd risked his own safety by getting close enough to the duck to help him to the side of the canal, then pulled the duck out of the canal. After rescue, the duck appeared to be fine strutting up and down the canal.

Stop by Lloyd's and tell him congratulations!

Saturday, October 29, 2005

New Postmaster

Congratulations to Nadine Simmermeyer on her appointment as the new postmaster of Metamora. She replaces the former postmaster who has moved on to the Milan Indiana post office. Nadine shared her new appointment with the townspeople by bringing in snacks and baked goods. We wish you well, Nadine!

Friday, September 30, 2005

Canal Days dates

The annual Canal Days, sponsored by Historic Metamora Inc., will be on October 7, 8, and 9 this year. The easy way to determine the dates for future years is that Canal Days always starts the FIRST FRIDAY in October. This year that happens to fall on October 7.

Some people have mistakenly understood that Canal Days is the first weekend in October, but that is incorrect at least for this year.

REMEMBER: The FIRST FRIDAY IN OCTOBER is when Canal Days starts, running for Friday Saturday and Sunday.

Metamora Is Lovers

The following is a www.MetamoraIndiana website visitors comment:

From: Remote User:
Date: 29 Sep 2005
Time: 13:31:16

Comments:

My hausband and I have spent an Anniversary in Metamora and I can't imagine a more romantic place than this. And we're trying to arrange one now. Thank you to the towns people for making it such a wonderful place to visit.

Jamie M.
from Cincinnati

Friday, September 09, 2005

Fundraising Black-Tie Dinner

Like the little engine that could, Metamora, Indiana is steaming ahead with plans to buy a 32 plus acre museum building, visitors center, campground, restaurant, lecture hall and whatever the creative minds of the small canal town can dream up. And they are offering a gourmet dinner to help make that happen.

“Our first big public bash, a ‘Fun Raiser’ by our own Metamoron Actors Guilt, was so successful we’ve decided to go in a new direction with this special evening of fine food, first class entertainment with an art & antique auction thrown in,” said Candy Yurcak, co-chair of the Metamora Community Development’s black tie committee.

Scheduled for Saturday, October 1 at The Depot on US 52 in Metamora, this black tie optional dinner is a mere $100 per individual with all proceeds going to the group’s tax deductible effort to buy the Mac-Lynn Campground and turn it into a much needed public facility.

The evening begins at 6 pm with aperitifs and art browsing while the venerable and well-loved Indianapolis jazz vocalist Everett Greene entertains. For those who get too hungry for dinner at eight, at seven a five course dinner begins with iced caviar in a cream cheese cake, smoked salmon on pin wheel flat bread, and a shrimp and seafood spread on fancy crackers.

Next it’s toasted onion soup with trimmings. A special salad follows with enough exotic ingredients to make a Californian blush. A palate cleansing pineapple sorbet will be served before the main course of chicken breast pounded like it stole something (and got caught) then stuffed with an irresistible secret, stacked high and surrounded with colorful steamed vegetables.

The menu is supervised by the famous chefs of Rileybrook Hall and prepared by the soon-to-be famous cooks of Metamora who remind diners to leave room for carmel apple pie ala mode sloshed with homemade syrup too fancy to name.

Round and about all this the well known and colorful Maggie Beckmeyer of Cincinnati’s own Auction’s by Maggie will be presenting fine art and antiques at auction.

For reservations call 765-647-3360 or 765 647-5425.

Friday, July 29, 2005

Mac & Mike Come To Town

Two new canal-boat-towing horses have arrived and been put to work. Stop by to meet Mac & Mike, or, as some have called them, M&M. Young (3 1/2 and 4 years) and hard-working, they bring a lot of "vinegar" to the job, which will help you enjoy a canal-boat ride with an interpretive presentation about the canal system.

Saturday, July 23, 2005

Model T Cars Come to Metamora

On Sunday, Sept 4th, (Labor Day Weekend) over 100 Antique Model T cars will be rolling into Metamora. Don't miss this added attraction. For more information call Steve or Brenda 812-623-1114.

Friday, July 22, 2005

Old Metamora Photographs

Some old photographs of the town of Metamora have been posted on the MetamoraIndiana website in the History section at this link for a fascinating views of the town as it once was. These are published on the website courtesy of Marie Anness, a long-time resident of Metamora.

We would like to obtain more information about the photos, such as the approximate year they were taken, and more information about such things as the train derailment pictured, and the old Broom Factory.

There is a fascinating view of Clayborn Street before it was paved, and (soon to come) a photo from near where the foot-bridge now is looking past the old Odd Fellows Hall towards the Mill and what is now Duck Creek- before there were any buildings in Duck Creek!

We will get the rest of the photos on the site as soon as possible. Check back often. And if you have any info about the photos, please call us at 812-623-1114 or e-mail us.

A Train to Dinner

Join with us in a train ride from Metamora to Laurel for a Chicken and BBQ Ribs dinner at the Laurel Hotel restaurant on July 30, 2005.

This is a fundraising trip for the "I Believe" campaign. Tickets in clude train ride, meal and tips, and cost $40 per adult and $30 per child.

The train departs Metamora at 6:00 pm, and returns at about 8:30 pm.

Additional questions? Contact Cheryl at 765-647-3863, before Monday, July 25.

Merchant Changes in Town

We'd like to welcome Mike and Sharon Tackaberry to town, now located in the former Bradway's Studio building just inside the entrance to town. Their shop, "Anything and Everything" will sell many unique gift items not found elsewhere in town.

Also new in town is the "Hen House" operated by Rhonda Kracht and Patricia Beck, serving delicious pan-fried chicken and many other delectables in Duck Creek, located in the former Tea Room building (map locator number 33.)

Also, stop in and say hello to Shirley Beyer, the proprietor of the "Metamora Engraver." She continues the Nordic Ware engraving the previous shop owner had done, and has really cleaned up the appearance of the shop interior, adding many wonderful other gift items, notably here tree-clinging outside bears! (See a picture HERE.)

We are sorry to see that Brenda Means has been unable to continue with her Gingerbread Hut shop. Brenda was very active with the Merchant Association and will be missed. The building she previously occupied now houses Ray Bryant, who has moved his "Memories of Yesteryear" shop into the building from his former location next to the Thorpe House.

We know that the Pizza Shop on the main drag of town has been reopened under new proprietors, but we do not yet have any information to share about them. If you see them, tell them to contact Steve or Brenda at the All Occasions Gift Shop so we can get them introduced 'in the news'.

Historic Metamora Meeting/Dinner July 30 2005

Saturday, July 30, 7 p.m. there will be a presentation at C.J.s by Susan Lankford, Project Coordinator, Center for Historic Preservation, Ball State University regarding preservation projects undertaken by graduate students working with the Center, with emphasis on work done in Metamora.

Dinner will be at 6 PM EST at C.J.'s Italian Sausage along the Whitewater Canal in Metamora Indiana. Dinner entree will be a choice of Meatloaf or Veggie Pizza. Dinner cost is $7. RSVP for dinner reservations by July 23 to Gail Ginther or by telephoning Pat Rogers at 765-647-2194.

All are welcome to attend the presentation at 7 PM without attending dinner.

Thursday, July 21, 2005

News service back in commission

This news service about Metamora has been unavailable for awhile, but we should be back in business now. Call us at (877) 332-5787 to have an item of interest posted here.