By Donna Sullivan
The beauty of nature in this quiet park is astounding. One minute your in the middle of a town bustling with activity and turn the corner and your surrounded by the hills surrounding Ravine Park, in Attica, Indiana.
If you listen close enough or look hard enough perhaps you will see and hear the echoes of the past. The serenity surrounds you as you tread along the paths.
Paths where once the first inhabitants of this were trod; like the tribes of the Miami, the Shawnee, the Kickapoo, the Wea and the Potawatomi.
Because of it’s many springs that flow from the hillside surrounding this ravine, the many species of plants and trees that grow here to supply them with food and shelter. The Ravine was a favorite campsite of these Native American tribes.
The trails crossed this ravine were once well traveled by the Shawnee toward Romney to Shawnee Mound. A westerly trail led from near the park as it is today; crossed the town of Attica, then on to the Wabash River, near the foot of Mill Street. There were always flotillas of canoes at the banks of the Wabash. The Wabash River was the preferred trail because of their residence just across the river.
Topenebee was the leader of the Potawatomi for fifty years.. The father of Topenebee married the daughter of Shesepa a noted Kickapoo Chief and Topenebee acquired his chieftainship from the Kickapoo on his mother’s side and his high position among the Potawatomi from his father. He wasn’t a warrior, he spent many hours traveling to see to the welfare of the many tribes he presided over. His headquarters was in Attica.
In the fall of 1807; Topenebee, the Kickapoos, Potawatomi, Miami, and the Winnebago met Tucumseh and his brother The Prophet beneath the spreading branches of a giant oak tree that once stood within the city limits of Attica. This oak became known as "The Council Tree". It was long ago cut down by a man named Mitchell, much to the displeasure of the residents of Attica.
There was and many still is at least a part of a treasure of those days in Ravine Park. Just west and almost under the Canada Street bridge; stood a once towering stone called, "Council Rock". Legend has it that here the chiefs stood on the highest point to address the people. Erosion has continually reduced the size of this rock. There was once a bronze marker that bore the inscription, " Here by Indian Rock the Kickapoo, Miamis, Shawnee, Potawatomi, Weas, and other tribes smoked their Tribal Pipe of Peace." The marker disappeared during WW ll.
The first white settlers that began coming to this area in 1823, played a key role in the beginning of Attica. Among them came George Hollingworth, and David and J. Stump. These men came down the Wabash River in a canoe; they stopped at Sycamore Ford, located near the mouth of Pine Creek, just where the old railroad bridge was. They realized this would be a great landing for boats. Because of the combination of the river, and the prairie they decided it was a great location for a town. The men went to the next land sale in Crawfordsville, Indiana and bought the land adjacent to the Wabash River. In 1825 the town of Attica, Indiana was laid out.
The Ravine soon had businesses springing up all around. In 1826, near the Canada Street Bridge, a combined Still and Grist Mill was erected in the ravine. A brickyard in Ravine Park had its kiln where the pavilion now stands. It was also the site of a factory that made wooden bowls, ladles, butter churn prints, and all kinds of woodenware. A limekiln stood where the Canada Street Bridge is now.
But the most significant thing to come out of the ravine was water for the town of Attica. The same spring that once quenched the thirst of the Native Americans and early settlers was leased by Lewis Hollvy from John Brady in 1835. Hollvy built a dam in the creek located at the lower in the lower part of the park and established a water works system.
For pipes he bore water seasoned logs and the water was brought down as far as the corner of Perry and Main Streets. The stone reservoirs were located beside the reflecting pool of large lions head fountain and at the top of the hill on Avenue One.
Hollvy’s Dam lasted many years. The creek was used as a swimming pool, a source of water for the tank of hose drawn wagons that sprinkled the dirt roads and a Bath House. The Bath House had showers and tub baths for twenty-five cents or monthly or seasonal tickets.
In 1870 the addition of the present picnic grounds was the site of an agricultural fair.
The beauty of this sacred and serene spot surrounded by homes has not lost its beauty or its attraction to the people of Attica. The past and present history of this ravine is held with in the beauty of this ravine surrounded by hills and homes. Even a simple drive through the ravine will draw you back there time and time again.
Whispering Willow
By: Willow
This is another one of those weeks where I am at a loss for a topic here. That’s what happens when the weather gets cold and you lock yourself indoors. There isn’t enough conversation to give you fuel for thought.
I have been busying myself with research on the computer and it seems that every time I google for an answer and follow the leads it just leads to another list to choose from; it sort of feels like the dog chasing his tail. I never did get the answer I am looking for.
Not many of you know that I have written a novel; it is a mystery. I am in the process of waiting for literary agents to get back in touch with me.
One of the key elements in the book is a necklace. In the ‘60’s and ‘70"s there was a popular necklace among couples. It was a split heart, and each one wore half the heart on a chain around their necks. When the two halves were together they had a saying and then when they were apart each half had its own saying.
I have searched the net for months looking for this necklace, to find out what they sayings were. All I can find is the heart necklaces that say "Best Friends" or Love Forever". This isn’t it. The saying on the heart as a whole was a full phrase with about 8-10 words and the half had about 5 words each.
If any of you know what this saying was could you please contact me? I can be reached at 765-585-1115 or email me at alittlebit@willowenterprises.net.
Until Next Week
Stay Warm and
Be Blessed
Willow
Willows Garden
By: Willow
"Let your food be your medicine, and your medicine be your food." Hippocrates
SLIMMING WITH TEAS
Weight problems are usually exacerbated by digestive difficulties, stress and poor circulation that hinder the assimilation of nutrients and elimination of waste. Herbal teas help provide a natural way to help us lose excess weight.
Herbal teas that have bitters bring new vitality to your system. They ease digestive disorders and cleanse your body. Some herbal teas are diuretics help to prevent water retention and bloating. There are herbals teas to strengthen your resistance to stress and you can automatically cure the cue for stress eating
Herbal teas contain zero calories or fat and sweet teas ease your sugar cravings and also to aid in the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. These herbal teas help to curb your appetite between meals. With herbal teas you will never have to feel depleted of energy because of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in herbal teas.
Alfalfa. This herbal is chocked full of nutrients and essential amino acids for strength and it is a cleanser and a mild laxative to help keep you intestinal tract in good condition. When blended with peppermint you get a minty flavor and soothing effects.
Bladderwrack. This is a thyroid tonic and gentle metabolic stimulant that helps your body to utilize nutrients and burn calories better.
Dandelion. This is a cleanser and natural diuretic that is full of potassium and vitamins. It also helps to prevent constipation and bloating. While standard diuretics lead to potassium losses and leave you feeling weak, the dandelion works gently and naturally to balance to fluids of your body.
Marigold. This calming floral tea eases digestive tract disorders and de-stresses your stomach lining and bowels.
Oatstraw. This herbal tea is a full body tonic from the oat plant that gives us oat bran and oatmeal. There are a lot of vitamins and minerals for staying power.
Papaya. This is a tropical tea from the melon tree and is better for you than antacids. It counteracts acidity with its alkalizing enzyme. The papaya has enzymes to digest proteins and carbohydrates.
Raspberry. The raspberry tea is rich in vitamins and minerals.
Rosemary. Known as the herb of love and remembrance it also aids in the digestion of fats, and enhances your circulation. It is also good for your heart. What a way to love!
Sage. This is the herb of longevity. The tea increases digestive enzymes and stimulates your liver to give you a newfound vigor.
Sweet Treats. Vanilla, Anise, Licorice. These teas help to curb your desire for sweets. While they improve your health they curb your appetite and satisfy cravings. The natural vanilla is a mood elevator and an antioxidant that can be used as a tea or added to any other tea. To calm you stomach and calm a restless digestion then you need to drink Anise tea. The licorice is a digestive regulator and also a booster for nutrient stimulation.
Yerba Mate. This vitality tea has lots of B vitamins to combat stress. It is a metabolic stimulant and helps the body utilize carbohydrates fats and proteins. Taking yerba mate gives you the energy you need to stay thin. Instead of water take yerba mate to the gym in you water bottle for that extra boost.
Be Blessed
Willow
RECIPE
Chocolate Shortbread
Preheat oven to 300 degrees
Have ready a 13 x 9 inch baking pan
Beat on medium speed
½ lb. (2 sticks) unsalted, soften butter
½ C. superfine sugar
Melt, stirring often, in the top of a double boiler or in a microwave on medium:
2 oz. Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Sift over the top: 2 C. all-purpose flour
Add the melted chocolate, and then stir until well blended. Press the dough into the pan to form a smooth even layer. Bake until top is firm when lightly depressed and a toothpick can be inserted in the center and come out clean, about 40 minutes. Remove the pan to a rock and let cool until barely warm. Cut into bars and transfer to rack to cool completely.
Preheat oven to 300 degrees
Have ready a 13 x 9 inch baking pan
Beat on medium speed
½ lb. (2 sticks) unsalted, soften butter
½ C. superfine sugar
Melt, stirring often, in the top of a double boiler or in a microwave on medium:
2 oz. Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Sift over the top: 2 C. all-purpose flour
Add the melted chocolate, and then stir until well blended. Press the dough into the pan to form a smooth even layer. Bake until top is firm when lightly depressed and a toothpick can be inserted in the center and come out clean, about 40 minutes. Remove the pan to a rock and let cool until barely warm. Cut into bars and transfer to rack to cool completely.
According To Big Al...
"Listen to what I mean... not what I say."
LONG BACKHOE
When Donna and I moved down here to our little 10-acre farm, I realized that we needed some farming equipment. The first thing I went looking for was a tractor. I was always partial to the old Ford tractors because my dad and cousin each had one and there are always plenty of used attachments for them. I found one across the state line in Illinois near my brother who lives in Neoga, which is near Mattoon. It was a 1942 Ford with a scraper, bush hog, and disk. After I purchased it we brought it home on Richard's lowboy trailer. Later I purchased the trailer from him so I could move the tractor around. After a little searching, I found a 2-bottom plow and a cultivator for the tractor.
After we were here for a while, I came to the realization that I could sure use a backhoe to run a water line to our barn and chicken coop. I found a 1974 Long tractor with an attached backhoe at an auction at Steam Jct. and bought it with the very last of my available funds. After some initial problems with the Long tractor this purchase proved to be a valuable addition. The first project was to run the water line to the barn and install a water hydrant at the chicken coop. This was about a 900 foot run. I also buried an electrical line from the barn to the chicken coop. We had R.E.M.C. Run an electrical line to the barn earlier. Later I installed a sewer system at the barn for a bath facilities that I installed at the barn. When I bought the property at the corner of 450 St. and 263, I used the backhoe to install a new septic system there. While the backhoe is an old and rather worn out piece of equipment, I sure feel that I got my money's worth out of it, but it still had another job to do.
After sitting dormant for quite a while, a new situation arose for the need of the backhoe. Our drain line off the kitchen sink needed replacing. The existing line ran under the concrete slab of the house. I decided to run a new line around the perimeter of the house and tie in the septic tank. It was getting late in the fall and I decided to get it done before it got too cold and froze up. I called the phone company and REMC to locate the underground lines. This was done and I went back to the machine shed to get the backhoe. With a little trouble, I got the backhoe up to the house and in position to start digging. After digging a couple of buckets, I noticed a stream of hydraulic fluid blowing out onto my new house siding. I shut down and investigated the leak. It was one of the hydraulic lines. I got out my tools and remove the line from the backhoe. I checked my supply of hydraulic lines and decided it would be best to have a new one made up, so I took the old line to Birkey's and had a new one made up. When I got back and installed the new line, the tractor refused to start. (Someone left the ignition switch on). I then got out the battery charger and hooked it up to the battery. The next morning when I got out to the tractor, I noticed that the battery charger's electrical line was missing. It appeared that my dogs had a tug-a-war with it. I took it back to the garage and soldered the lines back onto the charger and took it back to the tractor and hooked it back up again. The following morning I got the backhoe running again, but when I started digging again, I realized that I replaced the wrong line. Shut it down - removed the line - back to Birkey's - replaced the line. The next morning try again. This time I got it running and started digging, being very careful not to dig up any lines. My neighbor Jim came over to give me a hand. By the time it was getting dark, we had the trench dug. The next morning we got the plastic sewer lines in, leveled and coupled up to the kitchen sink and septic tank. Then I got my old Ford tractor with the scraper on it and started filling in the trench. We got it fairly well covered up before quitting for the night. That night the ground froze pretty good and the leveling off of the backfill would have to wait till spring. What will be my next project for the old Long Tractor?
Big Al
Mallory's "Take"
By: Mallory Kerst
This week I am writing about the Potholes in Warren County. I believe that the potholes were formed by glaciers. A glacier is a big chunk of ice that has been frozen for a long time.
I borrowed a book from Mrs. Finney in my school's library that had some information about the potholes in it. This book is about Williamsport and it says that the potholes are unusual holes formed in Fall creek by glaciers.
I have been to the potholes several times. One time when my family went there we seen a weird looking lizard. There is a trail that you walk down to get to the potholes, at the end of the trail there is a big pothole that I have swam in.
If you follow the trail across the slippery potholes and up the stairs you come to a waterfall at the start of the potholes. This is a very pretty place. I hope that all of you take time to visit the Potholes in Warren County this summer.
Next week I will be interviewing someone with an important job in our community.
TOWN CRIER
Your Community Events
WEST LEBANON -Community Clothing Room - Free Clothing. Nazarene Church 503 High Janet Booth 893-4989 Margo White - 762-6319.
ATTICA AMERICAN LEGION VFW POST 52 has Bingo each Thursday evening starting at 6:30 pm. Fish Fry every fourth Saturday from 5:30 - 7:30 pm, Public Welcome.
UMC FOOD PANTRY will be om Service at the Williamsport Methodist Church starting Wednesday, January 14, 10 am to Noon and Wed. Jan. 21, 6-8pm. WARREN COUNTY RESIDENTS ONLY.
WARREN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: - meets the second Tuesday of every month at the Warren County LEDO office in Williamsport at 4:00pm. For more information call Jamie White at 762-6055. chamber@warrenadvantage.com
VEEDERSBURG - Food Pantry Operation Ministries (Church of God Ministry Center), 702 W. Second t. (765)294-5740. Food Pantry and Thrift Store Hours - Thursday & Friday 2-6 pm, Saturday, 9 - noon.
Fountain/Warren County - VFW hold Bingo every Friday at 7pm., and AYCE Fish and Chicken Fry the 2nd Friday of each month from 4:30 - 6:30.
BARIATRIC SUGURY SUPPORT GROUP
meets the 3rd Monday of each month at St. Vincent Williamsport Hospital at 6:30 - 8:00 pm, in the executive boardroom. This is open to anyone who has had bariatric surgury or would like to gather more information regarding the surgury. For more info call 762-4003.
CRYTOQUOTE
RVZTLFR
EXAMPLE
To solve the puzzle, one letter stands for another. As in the word "EXAMPLE" above "R" stands for "E". Sentence structure and grammar rules and sentence structure are another clue.
TV QVX NRXZ WX XBZZ NWRX VR LPZWGJSZ XRPP
MVD HQVC XBZSZ QV BVVH. - XBVFWG YZKKZSGVQ
Last Weeks Answer
Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.
-- Soren Kirkegaard
Here's a tip on this weeks puzzle: Z = E
