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Back Home Again in Indiana

Happy Sunday and welcome to our Sunday favorites.  For those of you new here, every Sunday I join my pals Annie at Most Lovely Things, and Mary Ann of Classic Casual Home and we showcase some of our favorite things that caught our eyes in the past week.  I am in Indiana (left my laptop on my kitchen counter), for my husband’s 50th high school reunion.  I thought it would be fun to feature all things Indiana today.  My husband and I hail from a small town in Indiana called Monticello.  We both grew up on beautiful Lake Freeman there.  We have fond memories from that time, and we try to get back when we can. Let’s take a look at Back Home Again in Indiana.

MY COUSINS BEAUTIFUL INDIANA GARDEN

We come from a long line of gardeners. My Aunt Dodo had a fabulous vegetable garden, my dad raised a mean crop of tomatoes and vegetables, and my Aunt Betty (who lived on one of the family farms) in Indiana had and amazing garden.  Her daughter (my cousin Janet), has carried on that tradition, and has a gorgeous garden on Lake Shafer (recently featured on a local garden tour).  We visited yesterday and she allowed me to snap these photos.  Note the door on Janet’s She Shed.  Janet salvaged it from the farmhouse that was built by our grandfather in 1954 (the door remained from the original farmhouse that was built in the late l800’s ).  Janet says  she “went in and out of that door thousands of times growing up”

beautiful indiana garden

 

THE GIRLS BEHIND HOOSIER SISTER

THE BARN AT SIOUXMONTI

Janet’s son and JT and his wife Hannah purchased the family homestead on the old farm. The young couple (with the help of mom Janet) transformed the original barn into a charming wedding venue. If you are planning a wedding in Indiana, you might want to follow The Barn at Sioux Monti on Instagram.You can also check out their website The Barn at Sioux Monti here.

Indiana Wedding Venue The Barn at Sioux Monti

Wedding Venue The Barn at Sioux Monti

Wedding Venue The Barn at Sioux Monti

Wedding Venue The Barn at Sioux Monti

HOOSIER SISTER

I started following Hoosier Sister on Instagram.  The two sisters do shows and pop up shops in the Indy area and beyond. “Born and raised in Indiana, Gretchen and Heidi are sisters with a love for all things vintage. In 2012 they brought their knack for picking just the right pieces, their style in putting it all together, and their fun-loving spirit to Hoosier Sister. The Hoosier Sisters source unique vintage finds from around the country, as well as candles and other unique pieces to accent your home decor. Find more information about us and our show schedule here on our website, Facebook, and Instagram”.

We are off to the airport to head home but we will be meeting my lifelong friend and her husband, and Steve’s college roommate for lunch at Traders Point Creamery.  I will post more in my Instagram stories about that.

TRADERS POINT CREAMERY

“Traders Point Creamery is an organic, 100% grassfed dairy farm and artisan creamery in Zionsville, Indiana, owned by the Kunz family. As the first USDA-certified organic dairy farm in Indiana, we believe in “nourishing the land that nourishes us all.” Since 2003, we have blended tradition and innovation to craft the purest and most wholesome artisan dairy products by working in harmony with nature’s design. We are committed to working with farmers and consumers for a flourishing community of sustainable food production to bring you the best in nourishing, 100% grassfed dairy”.

Traders Point Creamery

Traders Point Creamery

THE REUNION BAND

Steve’s class was filled with a group of talented musicians. A few of them get together and play at the reunions every five years.  They are actually quite good. Our friend George, an attorney (who is aol in this photo) plays the drums, my friend Pam (who comments often on the blog) lends her beautiful voice to the group. Gary Jeffries (who is actually a professional) sings and plays the guitar) is always so kind and accommodating to the amateurs. They always make the evening full of fun.

the reunion band

You might enjoy my post, written when I first began blogging, about My Little Town here

Now pop over and visit mary ann and Annie!!

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Comments

  1. Mary Kilmer Keever says

    I always enjoy your blog and this one hits close to home. I love old barns and their craftsmanship and character. I commend their vision and hard work on this beautiful venue. As you know I grew up on a farm not far from that beautiful barn. Janet’s garden is gorgeous and I love the door story. I often remember the slam of a screen door at my grandma’s house and think of running in and out with my cousins. It was great to see you and glad you liked Traders Point Creamery…another barn repurposed. Come back soon!

  2. Sandra Sallin says

    And here I thought you were one of a kind. Turns out the whole family is incredibly creative. I love it all. I want to get married again in that magnificent barn, love the garden, love Indiana. I think I’ll move there. I love the vibe. Now I’m going back to read your first post. Loving your talented family and Indiana.

    • Janet Johnson Faker says

      Thank you Sandra! You can see all of my garden on a little video I made a week ago. I am a little obsessed….. I am so proud of my son and daughter-in-law and how they’ve invested themselves into their vision of the family barn. I’ve heard old barns called “Rural Castles” because they are works of wooden art. Unfortunately old barns are expensive to maintain and most are rotting and falling down. Farm equipment is so big these days that they don’t fit into old barn doors, so old wooden barns are not useful nor productive. I am SO thankful my father maintained the barn and even happier that my son and precious daughter-in-law purchased the property. Definitely checkout their website. I appreciate the life mom and dad gave us- small farm, small town , small state but big heart. I love life in Indiana. And thankful that my cousin Cindy shared it with the world.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Sandra

      Isn’t the barn fantastic? Janet’s garden is beautiful. I should also add that Janet is responsible for al the beautiful flowers that are planted on Main Street downtown as well.

  3. Mary Ann Pickett says

    You know I love your photos but I don’t tell you enough how much I love your beautiful way with words, Cindy!

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Now that was sweet! I wish I were a better writer, but thank you so much for your sweet comment.

  4. Margo Estruth says

    Cind

    I have been following your blog for a long time and had no idea you grew up in Monticello! My great grandfather in Frankfort started and owned several Spencer’s Five and Dime stores in Indiana, and my uncle Bob Straesser managed the one in Monticello before it was bought out by the Barr Co. in the 60’s. You might even know my 1st Cousins Paul, Carol, or Janet Straesser.
    Every month my family would visit Frankfort and also Monticello to see relatives, and I have the best memories of summers in Monticello at Indiana Beach and boat rides off the dock in the back yard of my cousins’ house.
    I think you are right about Midwest people–the warmth and caring and being down to earth. I left Chicago where I grew up for AZ right after high school and ended up in SF/Los Gatos/northern CA for many years, so that’s why I also enjoy your blog. Thank you for your fun, informative, and beautiful posts!

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Oh my goodness Margo it is a small world. Of course I knew the Straesser family. At one point they lived right next door to us, in a house that my father built. They were very nice people. I knew Janet in high school and as a younger child. My sister who was a couple of years older baby sat for her one summer. I would love to know what has happened to Janet. I think she was a couple of years ahead of me in school. I have fond memories of shopping in Barr’s dime store! I had no idea this post would bring out so many connections. Thank you for following and give Janet my best!

  5. Karen B. says

    Cindy,
    What a wonderful post. Monticello, and the surrounding area, look like such a beautiful region. What a fun time it sounds like you enjoyed. After your move, it must have been a relaxing and enjoyable time to unwind.
    Karen

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Karen

      We did live a charmed life growing up. I value that time very much and the people who looked after me!

  6. Dora Renata Pala says

    Cara Cindy
    Bellissimo articolo sul magnifico posto dove hai trascorso la tua felice infanzia. Le piccole realtà sono le migliori dove spendere parte della nostra vita. Ci si conosce meglio, il tempo scorre più lentamente, da 22 anni abbiamo questa piccola casetta al confine con la toscana che amiamo e quando rientriamo a Bologna dopo circa tre mesi siamo sicuramente più rilassati tranquilli e disponibili per la vita cittadina. Buon rientro a casa.

      • Dora Renata Pala says

        Grazie Cindy
        Sarei felice di vedervi in Italia, anzi la mia casetta in montagna è modesta ma confortevole, ed esattamente a metà strada fra Bologna e Firenze sareste i benvenuti,

  7. Carol S. says

    I liked this homey post. Lots of midwesterners popping up in comments, I’m one too. Sweet garden pics!

  8. Kim says

    Cindy I sure enjoyed this post and all the lovely people and places that I am now following. Your family really is so creative and talented. What a gorgeous venue that barn is! I don’t think we have anything that lovely here. The reunion sounds like a lot of fun and even cooler having a band that you all know and who are good. How could that possibly be his 50th? Everyone in the band looks young! Indiana is one place I haven’t been and definitely on my list. So much to see!
    Safe travels. x Kim

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Kim

      I hope all the band members read your comment! Steve does have a wonderful class I wish I would have taken more pictures! The barn is fantastic! I saw it a couple years ago when they finished it!

  9. Kristin says

    We had a lake house on Freeman for a few years and used to go up with my aunt and uncle on weekends when I was a kid. I love your blog and style! I had no idea we grew up in the same area. I am from Benton County and live in West Lafayette now.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Kristin

      My husband and I both went to Purdue and I remember Benton Central very well. If my friend Karen is reading this she came from Benton Central to Twin Lakes when she was in middle school!

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Bill and Judy

      Sorry our time was so short. Once Steve retires when we come back we will be more organized and stay longer!!

  10. Pam says

    I grew up in a smallish town in Illinois, and my grandparents had a small farm in south Easter Illinois not far from the Indiana border. Midwestern people are some of the best people there are. Always friendly and very grounded. The backbone of our nation. Your story took me back to my childhood and the times at my grandparents’ farm.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Pam

      I was in a bit of a mess (since I forgot my laptop) I would have spoken more about the memories I have of that barn. I was the youngest cousin, so they loved to torcher me playing hide and seek etc. As my cousin Janet said we spent many days swinging on the hay bale rope swing in the hay mow. Only those that have grown up in the Midwest even know what that is!

  11. Gayle Miller says

    Cindy, my family moved from Michigan to South Bend, Indiana when I was in the eighth grade. I went to high school there, not so very far from you. It wasn’t a small town, but you reminded me of what life was like in Indiana. My father always plated a vegetable garden, and shrubs and floral borders as well. I really miss his tomatoes. And the sweet corn. Sigh…

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Gayle

      I remember South Bend well. Oh my gosh the sweet corn and tomatoes are the best. I had a slice of my cousin’s first tomatoes….wonderful!!

      • Janet Johnson Faker says

        Gayle,
        I work for a Congresswoman whose office is in Mishawaka. I was in South Bend last week! Hoosier memories are lifelong memories!!!

        • GAYLE Miller says

          Janet, if you mean Jackie Walorski, she and my sister Kathy were school chums. I wasn’t actually Jackie’s friend, because I am twelve years older than my sister, so I think I was working when they were together. It’s a funny old world, eh?

  12. Janet Johnson Faker says

    Thanks, Cindy for seeing the beauty in our hometown. We truly all love Monticello and Lakes Freeman and Shafer. I am so honored to share my garden with your readers, and of course, the barn venue. You and I spent many Sunday afternoons building hay bale forts and swinging on the rope swing made from a straw-stuffed burlap feed bag in that haymow! It thrills my heart that brides are making beautiful memories there now! If I had known you would feature my garden, I would have deadheaded…but after the garden tour…I was too exhausted! Thanks, cousin for lunch and the great visit!

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Cous

      Your garden looked perfect! Only you would spot any spent flowers. I didn’t notice a one! Thank you for always being such a gracious hostess to all of my family. Your mother was always so gracious to us as children, and you have carried on as an adult!

  13. Beth Lowe says

    oh, my goodness, my Grandmother Rainier was from Monticello , Indiana. She was the valedictorian of her class at Monticello High School in 1890, I think. We spent wonderful summers at her home on Broadway and going to Brookston to see Mother’s Aunts and going with our cousins to Lake Shafter and Lake Freeman. We always had a big family dinner at Aunt Alta’s who lived on a farm near Monon, which were spectacular food fests. My sister and I used to bring out bicycles on the train and ride from the train station to Grandmother’s, starting when we were 8. It was a wonderful part of our childhood. I grew up in Greensburg, in Southeastern Indiana and I am going home from Lexington KY this week .We are planning brunch with our friends at Trader’s Point and my sister and I are planning a day trip to Monticello to visit their Historical Museum and donate some family pictures and visit graves at the Bedford Cemetery, Brookston and Monticello.
    it certainly is a small world.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Beth

      I just love hearing all of these stories! I absolutely know where Greensburg is. My dear friend Pat Huber, the artist, lives in Lexington, so we will get there one day!

      • Cindy Hattersley says

        FYI I think Andy Harmon (Janet will know) is the head of the historical society in Monticello. I worked for him in high school!!

  14. Pam Whitcomb says

    Hey, friend. It was great to see you last evening, but was disappointed I didn’t get to visit with you a bit. We are on the road headed back to Texas. Safe travels for you and Steve! ❤️

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Did you read the comment about the band looking so young? I am so sorry we did not get to visit more. Next time when you aren’t singing!! You guys were great by the way…really made the evening!

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