Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Scenes from... Martinsville, Indiana

City of Mineral Water: known for their mineral spas from 1888-1968!
This might have once been a house but had a church sign in front of it- gorgeous.
We loved the Kivett's 5 10 sign. We assume it was a five and dime store(?)

We were merging back on 37 and spotted the colorful Showplace Cinemas sign.


On our way back from Bloomington, we took a brief tour of Martinsville. We definitely felt like the residents' eyes were on us as we walked around the courthouse square taking pictures. This is probably just a tight-knit community wondering who the strangers were. We were, as always, just trying to capture classic small town Indiana photos.


9 comments:

Sarah said...

We also commented on the cheery Cinema sign while driving back from Bloomington yesterday. I love that retro look.

Unknown said...

I wonder if the City of Mineral Water place has any connection as to why their high school mascot is an artesian well. Not really familiar enough with Martinsville history to make the assumption.

You have to kind of be watchful in some of the more rural towns when taking pictures. I have also experienced the 'we don't take kindly look' from some locals in places like Martinsville. Just the other day, I was approached in a less than a friendly fashion in Edinburgh for taking a shot of a sunset...Oh well, C'est la vie :)

WYA! said...

Their mascot is an artesian well??? Really??? That must be the connection. Glad to hear it's not just us getting the sideways glances. Really, we're just trying to celebrate your town people. Can't believe your experience while trying to get your sunset shot.

Anonymous said...

Although we've lived in Martinsville for about 1 1/2 years now, we still feel like tourists too! Don't mind the regulars - enjoy the shops and old town feel - and be sure to visit JK's Cheesecake Cafe! You'll find plenty to see if you take a walk around the square :)

WYA! said...

Aw, thanks anon.

Anonymous said...

I've lived in martinsville my entire life we have a small gallery ArtWorks of Martinsville we have had for four years now. We all are artists and love meeting new people stop in sometime we can show you that great Martinsville Hospitality. No one is a stranger in my eyes.

sarah a hedges

Anonymous said...

The artesian well mascot is indeed a reference to the natural spring heyday of the 20's and 30's in Martinsville. The section of town (I think it's Jefferson? been a while) had several large bathhouses. The hills to the northwest of the town are also home to the natural artesian wells. There are several well points on the sides of the country roads, used mostly for watering horses as they run year-round.

karen8666 said...

Yes Kievtts was a 5 & 10 store. Each December they placed a life-sized Santa doll who bent forward and backward with moving arms. For 6 years I walked to the NW side of town, going through downtown to get home. The Candy Kitchen owned by Jim Zapapas was famous for homemade cinnamon rolls and a place for teenagers to hangout. It was a place like out of "Happy Days". It was a great place to grow up and in my mind, it's still home. Most of the people there are hard working, honest, and friendly.

Anonymous said...

I lived in Martinsville for 27 yrs. born there, still miss my home town and yes it is small town mentality, but that's better than big city mentality, if I had the bucks I would move back home.
Teresa