By BELLADORA MARIA AHUMADA
Antique Week Correspondent
 
GREENS FORK, Ind. — This small east central Indiana town of a little more than 1,000 people quietly sits nestled between fields of corn on Indiana Route 38. Thomas Hatfield platted the town in 1818 naming it Washington, but a southern Indiana town had the same name causing confusion for the postal service. The post office was changed to Greens Fork but it would take 71 years before the town was certified with the name of Greens Fork.

Lindsay Bowman’s historical roots beckoned her back to Greens Fork from the big city of Washington D.C. in 2008. Her love of history and antiques began at an early age growing up on a farm.

“We enjoyed showing cattle in 4-H and working alongside mom and dad everyday as we grew up. There was a certain pride in us kids having come from a farm. We knew how to work hard and appreciate what we had,” said Bowman.

“I got my first job out of Purdue University with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association in Washington, DC. In that office I worked to protect and fight for cattle producers and ranchers across the nation protecting their rights.

“My granddad, Ralph Shafer, told me to chase those dreams and do what I wanted to do, but never ever forget where I came from.
To that end Bowman began decorating her new home with heirlooms from the lives of her grandparents. She is the sixth generation to sleep in an old plain iron bed that has been handed down to her.

Her coffee table is a World War II army chest that belonged to her grandfather. Her appreciation of history even had her purchase three metal tiles that were salvaged from Hurricane Katrina.

“I think it is so important to know about your roots. I guess for me antiques are a part of living history; something my ancestors used or enjoyed, or took pride in, and now — 70 or more years later — I can too,” said Bowman.

Bowman proudly displays old newspaper clippings, trophies and old photographs in her home.  These treasures tell the life of her great-grandfather Burley Moyer’s passion with his world champion pulling horses. Moyer used several breeds including Percheron horses.

The Moyers traveled to contests mainly in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois and Michigan.

Two Percherons named Black Jim and Bob broke the world record at the Hillsdale Michigan Fair at the close of the 1940 season. These two horses combined weighed 2,995 pounds and pulled 3,275 pounds, setting a record distance of 32-feet 9-inches.

Two other horses named Tony and Jack won the world’s heavyweight championship contest before a crowd of 8,000 in Troy, Ohio.

Besides settlers, farming and mills, Greens Fork  also has an outlaw in it’s history. Johnny Ringo was born in Greens Fork but moved to Missouri in 1856. Eventually he became associated with the Clanton gang  The first Saturday in May the town of Greens Fork has an event called Johnny Ringo Days. Bowman is now a member of the town historical society.

Bowman has just begun to scratch the surface of adding historical antiques to her home. Her mother Linda Bowman grew up on the Sleepy Meadow Holstein Farms in Eaton, Ohio. “Their family milked for 48 years,” said Bowman. Bowman displays on her mantel the old farm sign where her mother grew up.

This is her advise to the young people of today.  “Embrace their roots – take the time to ask a grandparent about their life growing up and truly listen.

“It is amazing what you will learn. Take time to talk to those folks in your family or community who have lived many years longer than you. No matter how interesting a family heirloom or antique is, that person is living history and will always tell a better story.” said Bowman.