Roofless Church

January 21, 2016 by Michael Webster

The Roofless Church is one of New Harmony’s premier architectural and spiritual, treasures. The result of Jane Owen’s obsession with building a place of welcome for people of all faiths, it was built on the principle that the sky is the only roof large enough to encompass a world of worshippers.

The Roofless Church is an open space surrounded by a brick wall. It’s most prominent feature is a dome covered in cedar shingles that covers a statue by Jacques Lipschitz. There are other sculptures by prominent artists, including Stephen De Staebler, both inside and outside the wall; as well as a small, quiet garden with benches for contemplation. A balcony with stone benches provides a beautiful frame for the natural world outside.

The structure was designed by the renowned architect ‎Philip Johnson, whose International Style was responsible of the glass and steel nature of many of the twentieth century’s most prominent skyscrapers. Johnson and Lipchitz also did work on the Rockefeller Guest House in New York City.

In addition to being a pleasant place to visit, the Roofless Church has long been a favorite venue for weddings and other events.

The Roofless Church
420 North Street
New Harmony, Indiana 47631
(812) 682-3050

Website and Reservations

Filed Under: Gather-Events, Inspiring Places, New Harmony, See & Do, Venue, Wedding-Venues, Weddings Tagged With: Architecture, Historic New Harmony, Inspiring Places, Jacque Lipchitz, Jane Owen, Sculpture, Stephen De Staebler

Atheneum Visitors Center

January 21, 2016 by Michael Webster

The Atheneum Visitor Center, Museum and Gift Shop

Any visit to New Harmony is likely to start at the Atheneum Visitors Center and Museum. The Atheneum is an important piece of modern architecture that somehow manages to stand out from the surrounding community and, paradoxically, fit right in.

Notable for its light and clean spaces, the Atheneum is a three story building with a long ramp and overlaying grids that provide beautiful views of the town, Wabash river and surrounding countryside from just about anywhere inside, and on the spacious viewing deck on the roof. It was designed so that visitors can take a specific path through the building and then emerge into New Harmony itself.

The Atheneum is named for the Greek Atheneum, a temple dedicated to Athena in ancient Greece. It was designed by the noted architect Richard Meier, who also designed the Getty Center in Los Angeles among other important works scattered throughout the world and it has won several prestigious architecture awards.

There are four galleries in the Atheneum Museum. The first hosts a gift shop and a spacious area that can be used for events. The second presents important people in New Harmony’s history, such as George Rapp and Robert Owen, and a 1/32 scale copy of the Harmonist Brick Church. The third gallery has a scale model of New Harmony in 1824. The fourth, which is closed to the public, is used for office space.

The tour of Historic New Harmony begins at the Atheneum and continues out to the town where visitors see and learn about other historically significant buildings such as the Granary, various Harmonist and Owen structures, and Thrall’s Opera House.

The Atheneum is available for receptions, small meetings, or other events.

It also includes a museum gift shop featuring books, home decor and other unique items with an historic New Harmony theme.

The Atheneum Visitor Center, Museum, and Gift Shop
401 N. Arthur Street
New Harmony, Indiana 47631
Phone: (800) 231-2168

Website

Filed Under: Conferences, Gather, Gather-Events, Historic, Inspiring Places, Museums, New Harmony, nh-museums-galleries, See & Do, Venue, Weddings Tagged With: Architecture, Atheneum, Gift Shop, Historic New Harmony, Inspiring Places, Jane Owen, New Harmony

Carol’s Garden and the Fountain of Life

January 21, 2016 by Michael Webster

Carol’s Garden is a small park designed by Jane Owen as a place where visitors are encouraged to engage in quiet contemplation and remembrance. It is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy some quiet time in beautiful surroundings.

Created in memory of her daughter, Carol, the park features a water fountain surrounded by a circle of pear trees.

The fountain and benches were created by the prominent Indiana sculptor David Rogers.

Carol’s Garden
519 North Street
New Harmony, Indiana 47631
(812) 682-3050

Website

Filed Under: Inspiring Places, New Harmony, See & Do Tagged With: Fountain, Garden, Inspiring Places, Jane Owen, New Harmony, Sculpture

Cathedral Labyrinth

January 21, 2016 by Michael Webster

The Cathedral Labyrinth is a recreation of the 13th century Chartres Labyrinth in France. The original was used as a substitute for a pilgrimage to the Holy Lands. Today, it is intended as a tool for meditation, spiritual deepening, creativity, or other forms of inspiration.

Unlike a maze, which is a puzzle to be solved, a labyrinth is designed to represent a spiritual journey, and there is no danger of getting lost as there is only one path to follow. The inward path represents life on earth; the center, which is a six petal rose, represents eternity and the omnipotence of God; the path back out to the regular world represents purgatory and resurrection.

The park surrounding the Labyrinth is beautiful as well, and includes a fountain so that people can wash their feet, before or after walking the labyrinth.

The Cathedral Labyrinth
309 North Street
New Harmony, Indiana 47631

Filed Under: Inspiring Places, New Harmony, See & Do Tagged With: Architecture, Fountain, Garden, Inspiring Places, Jane Owen, Labrynth, Sculpture, Spirtual

Hovey Lake

January 23, 2016 by Michael Webster

Kayaker on Hovey Lake at dawn

Hovey Lake

Hovey Lake is a 1,400 acre oxbow lake where cypress trees notable for its water foul and other wildlife, great fishing, canoeing and kayaking, and scenic beauty.

The lake’s distinguishing feature is its vast number of cypress, and other trees, that are partially submerged in the water.

Hovey Lake is an excellent spot for sightseeing, hiking, bird watching, picnicking and kayaking, as well as hunting and fishing. There is a levee that serves as an interesting trail where it is common to see a nice variety of wildlife, especially herons.

A boat ramp provides easy access to the lake.

Bald cypress trees stand in and around a large portion of the lake, providing a scenic backdrop for wildlife and a perfect habitat for crappies.

The lake is part of the Hovey Lake Fish and Wildlife Area, which includes several other properties as well and is devoted to maintaining wildlife in Posey County for residents and visitors alike.

Hovey Lake Fish and Wildlife Area
15800 Raben Road South
Mount Vernon, IN 47620
(812) 838-2927

Website

Filed Under: Bird Watching, Boating, Canoe-Kayak, Fishing, Hiking, Hovey Lake FWA, Hunting, Inspiring Places, Mount Vernon, Ohio River, Picnic, Point Township, Posey County, See & Do, Wildlife Tagged With: Birdwatching, Canoeing, Fishing, Hiking, Hovey Lake, Hunting, Inspiring Places, Kayaking, Sightseeing

Church Park

January 29, 2016 by Michael Webster

Church Park was built on the original site of the Harmonist church, which was one of the most significant buildings on the American frontier in the early 1800’s.

Centrally located, it is a wonderful spot for a little rest, reflection, and art, nature and history appreciation as you make your way around New Harmony.

The park’s main entrance is a recreation of the Harmonists’ “Door of Promise,” from the original church. It’s central feature is a fountain designed by the celebrated American sculptor Don Gummer, who is a noted philanthropist as well. It also features the Harmonist’s golden rose motif, which has become, along with the Labyrinth, an important symbol of New Harmony.

After the Harmonists moved on, the church was turned into a multi-purpose hall with dancing, theater and a library. When the Pennsylvania Harmonists got word that dancing was going on in their church, they sent one of the descendants of the original settlers to purchase the church, which they promptly destroyed. Its bricks were used to build the wall around the Indian cemetery.

Church Park
409 Church Street
New Harmony, Indiana 47631
(812) 682-4488

Website

Filed Under: Art, Gather-Events, Inspiring Places, New Harmony, Parks, Sculpture, See & Do, Venue, Wedding-Venues, Weddings Tagged With: Architecture, Don Gummer, Fountain, Garden, Harmonist, Historic New Harmony, Inspiring Places, New Harmony, Sculpture, Sightseeing, Spirtual

Our Lord’s Woods

January 29, 2016 by Michael Webster

Our Lord’s Wood is a great place to relax and take a peaceful stroll.

The winding, art and poetry lined trail crosses a scenic turquoise bridge and passes a beautiful lake and waterfall.

The giant chair is a favorite spot for family photos. From there, you can circle the lake and check out the Chapel of the Little Portion, or make your way to the Wabash River trail for a great view of the river.

Our Lord’s Woods is open to the public.

Our Lord’s Woods
Behind the New Harmony Inn
504 North Street
New Harmony, Indiana 47631
Toll Free: (800) 782-8605
Local: (812) 682-4431

Website

Filed Under: Bird Watching, Inspiring Places, New Harmony, Outdoor Place, Picnic, Posey County Tagged With: Birdwatching, Bridge, Inspiring Places, Jane Owen, Lake, Sightseeing, Spirtual, Stream, Waterfall

The Old Rooming House

January 31, 2016 by Michael Webster

Th Old Rooming House – New Harmony’s off-beat option

The Old Rooming House is New Harmony’s off-beat option for lodging in Posey County. Located on a shaded lot on the main road in a residential neighborhood, it is an Italianate Victorian house built in 1896 that might be described as “tastefully ramshackle.

Owner Jim Stinson has designed the Old Rooming House to to appeal to writers, artists and musicians, and people who are generally looking for something interesting. Inside, it’s decorated with books, magazines, art and knick-knacks he’s collected over many years. Outside, there’s a porch swing, old fashioned lawn chairs, a totem pole decorated with license plates and large, very old trees.

“It reminds people of their grandfather’s house,” says Jim.

The three guest rooms each have full sized double beds, a small refrigerator, coffee pot and a microwave. The Nautical Room, Writer’s Room, and Artist Room are decorated much like their names suggest. There is a large, comfortable sitting room with a fascinating library. The halls are lined with bookshelves containing old National Geographics, books from the WPA writing project, and other diverse and interesting writing. All the walls and shelves are covered with interesting knick knacks and old things.

There are no televisions, radios, computers, or internet access.

“It’s not for everybody,” says Jim, “but people who like it, like it a lot. Before booking a room, I don’t take any money upfront, so I always talk to people and tell them what it’s like. I’ve talked people out of staying if I thought they wouldn’t like it. I’m happy to tell them about other options.”

The Old Rooming House
916 E. Church St.
New Harmony, IN 47631
(812) 781-9218

Website

Filed Under: Hotels, New Harmony, Stay, weddings-lodging Tagged With: Eclectic, Lodging, New Harmony, Rooming House

Twin Swamps Nature Preserve

February 1, 2016 by Michael Webster

The boardwalk through the Cypress Swamp.

Twin Swamps Nature Preserve is probably the best place to experience the Point’s unique ecosystem. Its wetlands and sloughs demonstrate its up-north, deep-south character and the old growth forests are a lonely remnant of the environmentally rich, low lying communities that once thrived over large portions of the Ohio and Wabash River valleys.

A long, winding loop trail passes through 597 acres of river bottom flat woods and several representative ecosystems, including the two swamps, which are not really twins. One is a Cypress swamp, the other an Overcup Oak swamp. Overcup Oak is rarely found outside the immediate area.

The highlight of the trail is a boardwalk that extends over 300 feet into the Cypress swamp and culminates at an elevated viewing tower. It is a place of incredible natural beauty. Red-tipped Cypress knees emerge from shallow black water that reflects the majestic old Cypress and Cottonwood trees that tower over the swamp.

Sitting on the tower, or one of the benches along the boardwalk, and listening to the abundant animal life of the swamp is one of the more relaxing experiences you will encounter.

The purpose of the cypress knees is unknown, but many scientists believe they have something to do with circulating oxygen to the underwater parts of the tree.

Although the boardwalk through the Cypress swamp is the main attraction, Twin Swamps is home to a fascinating variety of plants and animals.

The preserve is a premiere place for bird watching, home to many species including the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and the brilliantly colored Prothonotary Warbler, as well as a great variety of migrating birds.

There are many reptiles and amphibians in the underbrush, including a fascinating variety of salamanders, some of which are rarely found outside the immediate area.

In addition to the Bald Cypress and Overcup Oak, the preserve is also home to Swamp White Oak, Shagbark Hickory, Cherrybark Oak and Pin oak, Post Oak, Red Maple, and Paw Paws, among others.

In season, a wide variety of wildflowers grace the underbrush. For those interested in plant biology, Twin Swamps is incredibly diverse with plants such as the Green Dragon, Jack in the Pulpit, Sassafras, and Carex, among many others. And don’t forget the poison ivy.

Seriously. Don’t forget the poison ivy. Twin Swamps is a special place, but if you are planning a visit, don’t forget that it is actually a swamp. Take care when planning a visit. If the weather has been wet, the trails will likely be muddy and a good pair of rubber boots are the best way to go. If it’s summer, there will be mosquitos and other bugs, as well as poison ivy on both sides of the trail. Visitors need to set their expectations and dress accordingly.

DNR Info
USI Info
Birdwatching
Nature Conservancy Guidelines for Visiting Preserves

Filed Under: Bird Watching, Conservation Area, Hiking, Hunting, Inspiring Places, Mount Vernon, Nature Conservancy, Outdoor Place, Point Township, See & Do, Wildlife Tagged With: Birdwatching, Deck, Hiking, Hunting, Inspiring Places, Sightseeing, slough, swamp, Trail, wildflowers, wildlife

Where Two Great Rivers Meet

February 1, 2016 by Michael Webster

The Point of Indiana where the Wabash River pours into the Ohio.

The Point, as seen from the air, with Big Cypress Slough in the foreground.

Panther Pipe from Posey County, on display at the Brooklyn Museum of Art.

Posey County is where the Wabash River merges with the Ohio. It is Indiana’s most distinctive feature on the map. It is the Point.

The geographic reality of two great rivers meeting has shaped our history, economy, and culture, as well as our borders.

Way back into pre-history, our prime location on two major rivers made us a trade center for several Native American cultures for nearly two thousand years.

Native American artifacts from Posey County have been found as far was as Florida and Central Mexico. A unique panther pipe from the Mann Site just east of Mount Vernon is prominently displayed in the Brooklyn Museum. The Smithsonian houses a variety of fascinating pots from the Bonebank site on the Wabash, including a frog shaped pot that is considered one of the finest in their collection.

Moving into recorded history, Posey County was an important center for the fur trade. A French fort at the Point protected fur traders, merchants and explorers for an extended area.

Then came the American pioneers that carved Mount Vernon from the wilderness, and the German immigrants and their charismatic leader George Rapp, who established the first Utopian community in New Harmony.

Back then, Posey County was part of the western frontier, a wild place where Native Americans still lived and the waters ran clear. In the early 1800’s, New Harmony was an internationally famous center for learning and social progress. Some of the finest minds of the era lived and worked there and made important advances in their fields of scientific inquiry. For many years, our little county was the nation’s center for geography.

Beginning in the 1960’s, New Harmony began transforming into an art and spiritual center, with well-known artists and sculptures completing major projects all over town.

Today, it is like an open air museum the size of a small town, with world class art, food, lodging and entertainment, and a popular destination for those who love art, culture, spirituality and history.

Meanwhile, the city of Mount Vernon, with its ideal location on the Ohio River, grew into an industrial and transportation powerhouse, with large corporations providing good paying jobs for thousands and one of the largest inland ports in the country providing a hub for agricultural, industrial and energy transport. In the early days it was a wild west river town, much like its more famous cousins like Deadwood or Tombstone. Today it is undergoing a renaissance, with an impressive new riverfront park and new businesses moving in.

Outside of New Harmony and Mount Vernon, the county is made up of farms, small towns and fascinating wilderness areas, including Harmonie State Park, Hovey Lake, and a variety of other reserved areas.

So no matter who you are, whether you like history, fine dining, fine art, hunting and fishing, hiking, biking, or all of the above; we’re confident you’ll enjoy a visit to Posey County.

Filed Under: PC overview