New Harmony Odd Fellow

Hemingway was not an Odd Fellow, nor a citizen of New Harmony. He was however a frequent visitor to Albion, IL, more or less a "sister" to New Harmony as long ago as 1800. As a young boy in the early 1900's, Ernest visited Albion with his father Clarence, a physician. Clarence had a sister who lived on a stately farm with her husband, a Bible College president. Yes, Clarence brought his young son to see the marvel of New Harmony, about to celebrate her Centennial. Clarence and Ernest hunted and fished in the area, went riding, and came back as often as his medical practice allowed. Very few know this. So much for all the attention to Hemingway's formative experiences as a youth in Michigan. There's a lot more to this story, but let's talk more tomorrow.

This good old girl is finally being rescued! Indiana Landmarks, a non-profit committed to saving historic properties, with the generous support of Jeremy Efroymson, has purchased the Odd Fellow Building, otherwise known as the old grocery store directly across from Ribeyre Gymnasium. This is a very important site where a red brick Harmonist building once stood, converted to the original Odd Fellow Lodge on November 11, 1850. The Owen men were devoted members and leaders. Several future uses are being considered, including a visitor center and historical exhibit, as well as a reborn fully functioning Odd Fellow Lodge.

The Atheneum visitor center has a great gift shop and the freshest bathrooms in town. Find out what is historically significant about this site!

Historic barns all have a story to tell. Listen carefully, can you hear what it's saying?