I just planted two new boxes. One is next to an historic church and the
other is in Metamora, an historic village of crafters, shops & inns with a
working grist mill & both a train and horse drawn canal boat that you can
ride (read below for more details). They have been entered on the new site,
but FRANKLIN COUNTY NEEDS TO BE HIGHLIGHTED (S.E. Ind.) by the webmasters
(Thank-you)

** Historic Little Cedar Grove Baptist Church**
Difficulty: EASY
Walking Distance: A drive up
No compass needed

Directions: See the directions for the Old Metamora Mill below. (This box is
on the way to Metamora) and is just past White's Farm (a very large place
with a big sign)

History: The Little Cedar Grove Baptist Church was built in 1812. This is
the oldest church building still in it's original location in the state. The
exterior walls show rifle openings used to defend it in wilder times. The
interior has a balcony, fire pit and raised pulpit. The church is open for
you to wander through and enjoy. A very old burial plot adjoins the church.
Some internet research turned up the burial records which shows about 14
graves of mostly children. Don't miss the very old outhouse in back of the
church, it's worth a peek inside to make you appreciate the plumbing you
have. :-)

Clues: You can park in front of the church by the split rail fence. Walk
around the church to the right. As you near the back corner of the building,
you will see a cut stump between the church and the brush along the ridge
(watch your kids and pets, the drop off is a long way down to the river).
The camo covered container is located at the base of the stump under some
bark and a rock. Please re-hide the rock and container well. The pews inside
the church would be a good place to stamp in.
Let me know if you find it!
DogScouts@hotmail.com



** Old Metamora Mill **
Difficulty: EASY
Walking Distance: very short if you park by the mill
No compass needed
Pets welcomed, but not in some of the stores or the mill. Note, there are
ducks everywhere. If your dog is likely to try to chase them or make dog
perfume out of their droppings, you might want to leave them home :-)

Metamora is located about 45 min. North West of Cincinnati and not too far
from Chillicothe. Directions from Cinci are below the history.

HISTORY: The historic village of Metamora, Indiana sits on land acquired
from the Indians on September 30, 1809. On October 22, 1811, a government
land grant for 160 acres was issued to Larkin Sims. On July 6, 1812, it was
assigned to David Mount. The first Post Office was established in April,
1826, at which time the town was registered as Duck Creek Crossing.

The town was platted on three acres by David Mount and William Holland,
March 20, 1838. On June 11, 1838, the town officially became known as
Metamora. The name was proposed by Mrs. John A. Matson, who named it after
an Indian character in a New York City play.

Through the center of Metamora runs the White Water canal. The White Water
Canal Company was incorporated in 1826. Not until 1847 was the canal
completed to Hagerstown. It stretched for 76 miles, operated by 56 locks and
7 feeder dams. The White Water Valley Railroad purchased the canal in 1866.
The railroad laid their tracks atop the old tow path and allowed the canal
to deteriorate. Flour and woolen mills, built from 1845-1848, thrived for a
while, but either burned or were abandoned. In 1947, the Indiana Department
of Natural Resources created a state historic site at the old canal. In the
early 1960s, the DNR began taking passengers on short canal trips through
the Duck Creek Aqueduct.

WHAT TO SEE: The mill museum was dedicated in 1973 by Governor Otis Bowen.
Today, it is open to show people a working, water powered grain mill. Grain
that has been ground by this mill is available for sale. The Whitewater
Valley Railroad began excursion passenger service in 1974 and train rides
are still available. You can also take a ride on a horse drawn boat along a
section of the canal. In 1968, Metamora began attracting some modern
pioneers. These independent individuals were in search of history and
creative inspiration. Artists opened galleries. Entrepreneurs sell antiques.
Crafters demonstrate their skills. Currently there are over 100 shops, inns
and restaurants located along the Old Metamora section of the canal.
For more info about Metamora, you can visit: www.Metamora.com
Or call 765-647-2109

ALSO NEARBY:
The Salt Creek Ranch where you can ride a horse on over 700 acres of wooded,
guided trails. Call them at 765-698-2044
Bartons Bay has daily pontoon boat and fishing boat rentals. 765-932-2999
Whitewater Canoe Rental allows you to take a scenic trip on the privately
owned Whitewater River. www.WhitewaterCanoe.com or 1-800-634-4277
Markers Wally World a family fun center in Liberty Indiana had go cart
tracks, mini golf, driving range, water & dry slides and more. 765-458-7229
Bucks Point Golf Club- 18 holes, 7,000+ yards open to the public
765-458-6800

DIRECTIONS: From Cincinnati: Take I-74 West to Exit 169 (Brookville). Go
left toward Brookville (Rt. 52 West). Go 14.3 miles (youll pass through
historic downtown Brookville, which is also worth some sight seeing time).
After Brookville, bear left on 52 West toward the Whitewater Canal State
Historic Site. Go 7.7 more miles and watch for the sign on the left marking
the entrance to Old Metamora. At Main Street, turn right and find a place to
park (free parking lot by the mill). Note: This place is sometimes like a
ghost town on weekdays, but it is very busy on weekends. If you want to
really experience the town, go on a weekend.

CLUES: Behind the Mill is the Water Wheel and Lock #25. As you cross the
foot bridge take a moment to watch the wheel at work, powered by falling
water. At the end of the short bridge, turn LEFT. Sit on the stone walkway
at the inside corner and watch the ducks swim by. If you reach between your
feet, there should be a microbox (camo film container) hidden under a
crevice in the rock. The picnic area would be a good place to stamp up.
Please be discrete, since this place is really busy at times. Re-hide the
container from view when you are done. More letterboxes are in the works for
this town. Look for clues here soon.