Bonnie Strassell - Owen County Historical Society

It stands atop a slight rise facing Highway 127. Its alabaster exterior evokes a picturesque portrait of a country church waiting to usher a community of believers into a worshipful haven. Though small, the vestibule has the honor of both welcoming visitors and members; and  is a place at the end of a service for handshaking as the congregation adamantly declares approval of the sermon.
For almost 100 years, the small, white church has faithfully served the community of Poplar Grove in northern Owen County.

Somehow the conversation always seemed to revert back to history.
Though the occasion was a birthday party for historical society member Margaret Alice Murphy, the ghosts of Owen countians took center stage.
Stories of hucksters and Owen County general stores brought the phantoms to life and created a lively atmosphere in which to reminisce.

They were dressed alike, and as the two young men gazed at the camera from beneath jaunty caps atop their heads, all the anticipation and zest for life was  reflected in their eyes.

Though made of iron, the horse’s silhouette seemed to wiggle with delightful anticipation. His movement may have been the result of vibrations from the flatbed trailer upon which he stood, or perhaps it was just a bit of the Christmas magic which filled the air during the Owen County Christmas Parade Dec. 2.