Tweet
Recently a death made it necessary to take a journey had wanted to do for years.
Time after time passing a sign on Hwy 69 north to Canada have said one day will
have to pull off and visit Fairmont, Indiana.
Many readers am sure know who Garfield is, his creator was born in Fairmont.
Younger readers may not know another famous name from there.
In the 50's the name of James Dean was world famous. Actor. And, fast living Dean was speeding toward an early death. Dying in a car crash on his way to an auto race.
Fairmont has a gift shop and museum of Dean's life. Nice.
It also has a museum run by the city of Garfield and Dean history. Very nice.
But, for me the one street (downtown) business area was the high point of the visit. Oh yes and the narrow cobble stone streets.
Fairmont has no box stores or fast food joints. That is very nice. Sadly it has no drus store. Did I mention it has a 3,000 plus change population.
Nearly all the homes are old. With many large and lovely frame homes that could not be built today. Expense and finding skilled craftsman would make it so.
Nothing really there for most. But, for a few it is a journey into the way folks used to live. Everyone in town pretty well knows everyone else. Many elders attended school together.
Oh yes poured rain every couple hours. Camping in Gas City just up the road that
night was interesting. Twister warning all night. High winds. Driving rains and hail that covered the ground turning it white.
Note: Imagine a box full of pea gravel shaken next to each ear. Thats hail on a fiberglass roof. Just spring weather in Hoosierland.
Comment