Hanover to China; Distance = 25 Miles; People Met = 11+
During this stretch we hiked into and out of Madison, IN while continuing to spend the nights at St. Johns United Church of Christ. Madison stands out over all the other towns we’ve hike through with a part European, part old time feel. We were told the cause was a combination of surviving the 1937 that decimated most Ohio River towns, while not being considered worth “upgrading” at a time when many towns were modernizing with their architecture. When Madison decided to restore what they had, rather than modernize, they had an easy task.
The result was quite appealing. Speaking of old time, we were told that Madison had the oldest family owned newspaper, and they still used paper boys! We stopped to talk to one as we walked into Madison.
On the day that we hiked out of Madison we were sitting by the side of the road having lunch when Robert Anderson stopped to offer us some granola bars. We had plenty of food and turned the tables by offering a bagel crisp instead. Yes, my old backpacking friends would be amazed. Not only have I come to the point of turning down food on this amazing journey; I’m actually giving some away. Robert was the VP of Premier Entertainment, which works at product placement in the movies. He asked if I wanted exposure. Well, uh, sure! We will be in touch.
Product placement by Robert Anderson
The last evening at St. Johnss they held a soup dinner for us. In attendance were Pastor Mike Straub and wife Harriet; Mike and Connie Gourley; John Kidd (“biggest kid in Madison”); Dave Sherman; Lola Lockridge; Rose, Jeanie and Sean. I did not give a presentation, just showed pictures of our journey in the background while we enjoyed each other’s company for a homey meal. Considering the old time feel of Madison, this dinner was fitting. We could have been part of a church family gathering back in the forties.
Dinner at St. Johns UCC
St. Johns has a small congregation in a town of 15,000, an all too common affliction for many established churches. Yet with Pastor Mike at the helm over the past year the congregations has grown a little bit. Pastor Mike stressed from the first moment we met him that he wanted us to feel at home and enjoy the hospitality of Madison. Mission accomplished!
Harriet and Mike Straub
Other Photos
Seth from the Madison Courier
Pit discrimination is an ugly thing
How chickens cross the road in Indiana
I sense a story here
If this is to send a message to bears, it won't work
Porch with a view
Proving a point with worship time?
There you go making my day again with your humor and photos! 😀
It’s my pleasure, Michelle.