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Indiana Covered Bridges: Roann, Indiana

Jessica Nunemaker — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:00:03 +0000

Looking for Indiana covered bridges? You won’t have to look far if you are in teeny, tiny Roann, Indiana! This neat bridge is still in use today! One lane traffic only, of course.

Indiana Covered Bridge: Roann, Indiana

Indiana Covered Bridges: With Character

This bridge was built back in 1877 and crosses Eel River in Roann, Indiana. I have to admit, I am a bit curious as to where this river got its name! Roann itself is a tiny little town but it is worth a pause.

More History in Roann, Indiana

Why? Well, this neat old Indiana covered bridge isn’t the only historic landmark in this Indiana town! There’s also an old mill, the Stockdale Mill, that looked to be in really great shape for its age.

Apparently, there are tours through the mill on Saturdays (you know I love a good Indiana mill tour!). I’m really sorry I missed out on that one. little Indiana will be sure to catch that the next time! Not only that, there are a few places in the town of Roann that are not to be missed.

More Than a Bridge

I’ve got plenty more images of this unique Indiana covered bridge, the Stockdale Mill, and the town of Roann. What a cute little town! If you’ve been following along in the small Indiana town adventures of little Indiana, then you know that it almost goes without saying that I’ve got plenty of pictures! Subscribe by email or RSS to stay up to date on everything Indiana small town!

Roann, Indiana in Wabash County

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*Map location is the Indiana town center and not the location of the bridge.

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Delphi, Indiana: The Opera House Part 2

Jessica Nunemaker — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 13:30:57 +0000

Delphi, Indiana Opera House: Actors Leave Their Mark Backstage

The Delphi, Indiana Opera House is amazing. It’s the most surprising tour I’ve been on yet!

More than just great architecture, it’s due in part to an incredible history and volunteers who know their stuff! Thanks Julie K.!

Delphi, Indiana Opera House

Built back in 1865, the Opera House is actually located on the third floor. You will climb two very steep flights of stairs made with hoop skirts in mind. It was used more as an event hall than anything else.

It wasn’t until the floor was built up with risers twenty years later that the Opera House became the place to be, attracting performers of all kinds…and even James Whitcomb Riley!

James Whitcomb Riley at Delphi

The famed poet became inspired after visiting a pond in Delphi, so much that he had to write a poem about it: The Old Swimmin’ Hole.

As you can see from the photo–visiting performers left their mark on the place. Literally.

Performers at The Opera House

Delphi, Indiana Opera House: Actor Signatures

Actors and actresses signed their names along the back wall behind the stage, sometimes drawing pictures. Self portraits, perhaps?

Sometimes they even left behind the date. Unfortunately, no one has found James Whitcomb Riley’s name yet. Will you?

Another fun fact about this Opera House? Once upon a time, the connecting building was a hotel that the various performers used to get ready before hopping over to go onstage.

The old door has long since been bricked over and the building next door? The upper level is an apartment.

The Opera House managed to stay in business, competing against, I believe, two others in Delphi, until 1915 when the place was shut down.

A third floor Opera House with only one way out does not make for a safe place in case of fire!

Restoring The Opera House

Delphi, Indiana Opera House: Fading Wallpaper

The Opera House fell into a state of decay and was mainly used as storage. Storage! Ugh – if that isn’t the saddest thing.

As you can probably tell from The Opera House Photo Gallery Part One, this place is really in need of renovation.

Fortunately, the Delphi Preservation Society has come to the rescue, receiving grants and donations (even we contributed) to spiff the place up, recreate many of its amazing features, and generally make it useable once again.

Finally–a happy ending!

Go to Delphi

There are so many reasons to head to this small Indiana town–the Opera House is just one (very good) reason more!

You can be sure that little Indiana is going to keep tabs on this one and not just because of the yummy bakery, The Stone House, across the street. That has nothing to do with it. What? What? You don’t believe me?

Find more Delphi, Indiana Opera House images and other pictures in Indiana on my Flickr photostream.

Opera House Gallery of Contemporary Art (Opera House tour starts here and takes you next door)
109 S. Washington Street
Delphi, Indiana 46923
765.564.4300
765.202.3211

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Delphi, Indiana: Opera House Photo Gallery Part One

Jessica Nunemaker — Tue, 25 May 2010 13:30:36 +0000

little Indiana has been swamped lately — but dying to share with you my adventures at the Delphi, Indiana Opera House. For now, just photos. Be on the watch for more of the Opera House – what an interesting history-filled tour and a wonderful way to spend an hour or two!

Looking down the stairs at the Delphi, Indiana Opera House.

Looking in.

See the silvery fancy parts on the left? That is the balcony!

Faded Beauty.

Still amazing after all these years…

The plaster ceiling medallion.

Delphi, Indiana: More than a Day Trip

Jessica Nunemaker — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 14:38:14 +0000

Delphi, Indiana Downtown

Delphi, Indiana was amazing. They have history, history, and more history. History isn’t your thing?

How about tons of festivals year round, really great parks, trails, and the canal–the largest man-made canal in the US!

Delphi, Indiana

Ok, I admit I sound like an ad, but even hubs was really impressed with this small Indiana town.

I poked my head into so many little places: Antiques and otherwise, drooled over the baked goods at the Stone House Restaurant and Bakery, and toured the old Opera House.

Delphi had not one but TWO opera houses back in the day!

That’s not to forget an amazing public library and the chance to ride a 4 wheeled bike with hubs and the kiddos. Yes, there will be more to come on ALL the above –and then some!

Great Town, Great People

Delphi people are my kind of people: Talkative, informative, and friendly. Tack on two bonus points for that!

From the shop owners to the antique dealers to the ladies volunteering at the Opera House Gallery of Contemporary Art to Mark at the Wabash and Eerie Canal Interpretive Center (seriously, if you want to know Delphi history, he’s the guy to talk to!), well, this is a town that is very proud of what they have.

And rightly so! Delphi, Indiana has it going on.

Place to Play

That’s not even talking about all that the canal and interpretive center have to offer! Seriously, you can spend a few days in Delphi before you see and do it all!

Find more Delphi, Indiana images and other pictures in Indiana on my Flickr photostream.

A special thank you to the Indiana Blogger Rensselaer Adventures blog for the personal email giving me the heads up about Delphi, Indiana!

Delphi, Indiana in Carroll County

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little Indiana: Where to Stay, Play, and Eat in Small Towns in Indiana. Discovering Indiana’s best small towns! Now get little Indiana on your Kindle.

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