Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Thursday, April 24, 2014
(BROWNSTOWN) - There were a many German immigrants amongst the early settlers of Jackson County, and we have to think they would approve of including this popular German tradition to enrich the Brownstown/Ewing Artsfest on Saturday in Brownstown.
A Volksmarch is a sponsored walk which brings people in to enjoy different communities.
The April 26 volksmarch, which begins at 9:00 a.m. is part of the Indiana Historic Pathways series along US 50/150, which has featured several southern Indiana's historic communities. The town will be celebrating an Artsfest that day with artisans demonstrating and selling their crafts at retail businesses along the route. Pioneer arts and crafts will be set up at the Jackson County History Center. The volksmarch and Artsfest are both free, (unless volksmarchers are walking for credit) and parking is plentiful. There will be food booths available as well as quaint local restaurants.
The Volksmarch route is marked. There is a 5 kilometer (3.1 mile) and 10 kilometer (6.2 mile) route. The start point is at the WR Ewing building in old town Ewing. Those wishing to hike the longer route will be shuttled to the Jackson County History Center. A free shuttle bus is provided by the Hoosier Christian Village. Those who prefer can drive to the history center or walk the distance (0.9 mile) and receive extra walking credit.
This year, the 10K walk includes a loop up Skyline Drive, a car show, a reuse art project, and incredible views of the countryside. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Madison, Indiana on the Ohio River. The volksmarch passes an old theater, built in the early 1900s when it was called a Nickelodeon because it cost a nickel to get in. Two historic lodges are on the route, the Knights of Pythias and the Masonic Lodge. You will walk down the main streets of not one but two historic towns.
The volksmarch also includes seven historical sites including the old Ewing Depot and the Jackson County Courthouse. The walk features the route of the horse-drawn trolley from the Depot to the Courthouse, and participants will see the "split-fort" cabin at the History Center.
Walkers should check in between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m and must finish the walk by 4 p.m.
One of the more interesting sites along the route is the Jackson County Brickyard. Many of the state roads in the area and drainage tiles used in agricultural fields in the county were made from bricks baked in kilns at this site. You will also walk by the Brownstown Hardware Store. This unique store has remained as it "used to be" early in the nineteenth century with materials as varied as oiled wood floors, vintage hardware storage bins and cabinetry. There are reminders of America's past in a collection of museum-quality hardware, suspended from the ceiling.
Not all streets have sidewalks and some sidewalks contain steps. The trail is suitable for jogging strollers but wheelchairs may have difficulty. Pets are welcome on the trail but not inside local businesses unless needed for handicapped access. For more information contact Carol Parkinson (812) 287-8520 or atcparkins95@yahoo.com.
Bring your walking stick, and a friend for a beautiful day at the Artsfest in Brownstown and leave time to walk the Volksmarch and learn more about Brownstown and Ewing's unique history.
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