Well we made it to Madison, Indiana. Birthplace of yours truly, and of my father. This was our stopping point for this part of the trip. I was going to drop dad off to visit with his siblings while I went on to the IAAPA convention (theme parks) in Orlando. But I would be back by the end of the week.
Now when you get to Madison, before going anywhere else, you must stop at the most important place there to eat: Hinkle’s. The place was established the year Dad was born. Great sliders, shakes and much more. There is a sit-down service side to the diner – but those in the know, or who have been around awhile, know to sit on the side with the counter service.
Hinkle’s – a place to eat great sliders, hash browns, milk shakes and more. It’s a diner.
Next stop, the old homestead – or house, or at one time a saloon and a grocery store.
The old Eades house in Madison.
This is the house I remember where my grandfather and grandmother lived. My Dad and his siblings grew up in this place. It was, at various times, a saloon and grocery store and has been around since at least the mid-1800s as far as we know. The white portion was “the porch” but also served as a family room. The bedrooms were upstairs. The bottom portion of the blue section was where my grandpa originally sold antiques, but I remember it as an area he stored a bunch of antiques.
Though we entered the “house” from the porch, it actually had doors to the south, and that’s where the mail was delivered. Those doors are actually blocked off now. The “house” is in the process of being converted into two apartments – but the place needs a bit of work.
We got a chance to tour the place, thanks to a realtor friend as the place is for sale.
The old saloon and grocery store section.
Inside the old saloon and grocery store section of the first floor was still a mess as the contractors were not done yet.
The cellar of the old house.
We decided to visit the cellar of the old house. And it is a cellar, complete with dirt floor. Very dark and dank. I don’t think this will get fixed up. But it sure needs work.
Birthplace
Why is my Dad standing in front of this small house (with a new front porch)? Because this is the house he was born in, on the kitchen table he says. It is just a few doors down from the house I remember and played in many a time.
Eades Antique Shop
This held Eades Antique Shop for many, many years. My grandfather, his siblings, and some help from my Dad, built the place. Two stories plus a basement. After Grandpa died, it was was turned into a place to restore classic cars and also a photography studio. Finally, my cousin Carla bought it. On the second floor there are two bedrooms and a full bathroom. The first floor has a living space, and a floor to hold big get togethers, including a big Thanksgiving feast. The basement is cool too.
My dad and his siblings.
One of the big reasons to take Dad to Madison was to give him a chance to visit with his siblings. They are (left to right) Phil, Keith, Dad and Jackie. They had another brother, Leonard Junior, but he died before I was born. He was the oldest, Dad is number two, Phil is third, Jackie fourth and Keith the youngest.
More later on the visit to Madison in another installment. I went on to IAAPA from here.
Click here to read the story about going to my niece’s wedding.
