Hoosiers

Wednesday, October 17th, 2007
Portage to Greenfield, Indiana

175.3 miles
Partly sunny

Hoosiers - that's what Indiana residents call themselves!

One nice thing about this area is lower gas prices!!

More about Gary, Indiana – United States Steel – “The Steel City” - The city was founded in 1906 by the United States Steel Corp. as the home for its new plant. The city was named after the chairman of U.S. Steel, Elbert H. Gray.

Among U.S. cities with a population of 100,000 or more, Gary has the highest percentage of African-American residents (as of the 2000 U.S. census). Gary had one of the nation's first African-American mayors, and hosted the ground-breaking 1972 National Black Political Convention. At the same time, Gary suffered from many affluent and middle-class residents leaving Gary and relocating to the surrounding towns and cities.

Gary's fortunes have risen and fallen with those of the steel industry. In the 1960s, like many other American urban centers, Gary entered a downward spiral of decline. Gary's decline was brought on by the growing competitiveness in the steel industry, which had caused US Steel to lay off workers from the Gary area. This had the effect of increasing crime, including use and trade in illegal drugs. US Steel continues to be a major steel producer, but with only a fraction of its former level of employment.

While Gary has failed to re-establish its manufacturing base since its population peak, two casinos opened along the Gary lakeshore in the 1990s. Today, Gary faces numerous difficulties, including unemployment, major economic problems, and a high rate of crime, though the city has made some progress in addressing these issues since the 1990s.

Interesting little piece of history.

This last couple days have resembled what I expected the northeast area to look like – wall to wall town and cities and people, with a few fields of grain hanging on amidst the subdivisions trying to crowd them all out.

Neat time of year in lots of ways – I’m definitely learning there’s something to be said about enjoying all four seasons! I’m keeping the camera handy all the time, because of little things – like all the ducks and geese gathering on the ponds. I’m guessing they’re gathering their strength for the trip to warmer climes. I really want to look up and see the big V formation of geese in flight! (and have the camera to capture the shot!!)

Indiana Beach advertises that “there is more than corn in Indiana!” - meaning Indiana Beach Amusement Resort, with everything from rides and attractions to hotels and camp sites, restaurants and shopping. This photo is off the web.

MAJOR truck traffic on all the roads around here! And they don’t even try to pay attention to speed limits. Handling my big box in heavy winds is hard enough without the crazy buffeting caused by speeding 18-wheelers!

The farm land is gorgeous around here too – huge fields, still green, fringed by stands of big trees.

Tippecanoe and Purdue U too in Lafayette!

I’m getting back into some color again – I’m again reminded how little I knew (or didn’t remember) – I’ve really learned how special the ‘fall colors’ are! And laugh at myself, because with word-of-mouth and advertising, I thought that the colors were only to be found in places like Vermont and New Hampshire. But the Michigan shoreline has magnificent colors – the valleys of New York – Wisconsin, around the dairy farms – nature’s incredible display can be found all around you! I’m loving every bit of it!!

Then here come the dark clouds again, but it’s OK because my spirit has had enough sun to be restored for a while!

It’s flat land through here, but doesn’t feel that way – the trees provide the texture!


Heartland Resort
1613 W. 300 N
Greenfield, IN 46140
317-326-3181
www.heartlandresort.com