Soooooooo. . . . . . .what's the story?

Today we ventured out and down the road to Story, Indiana. Story, Indiana, was founded in 1851 with the grant of a land patent from President Millard Fillmore to Dr. George Story, a medical doctor. Story soon became the largest settlement in the area and in its heyday from 1880 to 1929 supported two general stores, a church, schoolhouse, blacksmith's forge, sawmill, grain mill, and post office. However, the town never recovered from the Great Depression and families abandoned their hilly, marginal farms to search for work elsewhere. Probably the most interesting fact which continues to draw people to Story is the year-round occupant, the Blue Lady, an innocuous apparition whose cheeky behavior has been documented in the guest books of the Story Inn since the early 1980's. We actually toured the Inn today and stepped into the Blue Lady room to snap a picture. The employees were in there cleaning and said that the room was occupied last night, but the renters did not leave any entry in the journal which is done when they experience paranormal activity. The ladies cleaning said there have been many "ghosthunters" here but they were not aware of any positive proof of the apparition. That's okay with me.

We drove over to Columbus yesterday to get some prescriptions. Afterwards, we drove back through the country and ended up going through Camp Atterbury in Edinburg, Indiana. I remember back in 1972 when NCHA, the National Campers and Hikers Association, had their Campvention here. Mom and Dad were camping here with their Maple City Saps chapter and there were some 7,842 families. I challenge Escapees, Good Sam, FMCA, etc., to pull off a similar event. What a time was had by all. Terry and I drove over from where we lived and visited with Mom and Dad. They had to meet us at the gate and drive us back in because it was like a city. I believe it is still on record as being the largest gathering of RVers EVER. It was an international event and Indiana hosted the event. Each Indiana chapter had one chapter from another state camped with them and they were charged with making them feel welcome and sharing campfires and pot lucks with them. I think Mom and Dad's chapter was from North or South Carolina. There were parades, a Teen beauty contest, and other activities for all. NCHA still exists, but they have changed their name. They are now known as the FCRV, Family Campers and RVers. We were members for many years.

While at Camp Atterbury, we drove to the P.O.W. Chapel. The camp housed Italian prisoners of war during World War II and they gathered scrap materials from around the base. With the encouragement of a priest, they built a chapel complete with frescoes on the walls. It had fallen into disrepair over the years, but has been restored and remains where it was built, a testament to the faith of these P.O.W.'s.

Yesterday we awoke to mist on the pond in front of the rig. Really pretty. When the water is clear, we can see fish and we can fish if we want, but it is catch and release only. What fun is that? When we arrived here Thursday, the place was pretty empty. By yesterday afternoon, it was jam packed. Now, Sunday afternoon, it is near empty again. People going home after a fun weekend. Fulltimers, like us, staying to continue the dream. . .

Till next time. . .

Dale