| 12.
On
the right you will pass an entrance to an area where Amish families are
mining decorative stone from the land for landscaping use.
To 600N, right
on 600N.
13. View the Tree City Buggy Shop, another Amish business that offers quality handcrafted coaches. To "T' in the
road, right at "T".
14. As you enter Downeyville you will see a lake on your left, once the site of the Picayune Grist Mill where corn and wheat were ground into corn meal and flour. Why the name? Because of its size. The old cement cement base of the mill is just to the left on the roadway as you look toward the waterfalls of the lake. Little Flat Rock flows into Downeyville Lake. The small town where you must turn around because "there is no other way out," is described by some historians as being known as Rockville in the pioneer days and early plans had called for the county seat to be in that location instead of Greensburg. There is reported to be a 65 foot deep hole in the lake just below the mill caused by an ancient natural gas explosion in the rock that forms the bed of the lake. Turn around and backtrack to 600N. Left on 600N, to 350W. Left on 350W, to 650N. Left on 650N
and cross bridge over Little Flatrock River.
15. Just
after turning left on 650N, notice the amish wawmill that has developed
along the Little Flatrock River.
To 400W.
16. On the left, see Star Baptist Church, one of the 52 churches in our county. Many rural areas were served by small country churches. Right on 400W,
to 750N
|
17.
On
the left, along the river beyond the trees are many small cottages that
offer recreational "getaways" for families along the Big Flatrock River.
On the right is the swampy looking area where stone was removed for use
in building I-74 during the 1960's.
You will cross a single lane steel bridge over the Big Flatrock River. Left on 750N.
18. After a short drive (.4 mile) on the left is the Winding Road Bakery owned by an Amish faimly where you can make a stop for a special treat or pastry. Turn around and
backtrack on 750N to 400W, right on 400W.
19. As you turn, notice a log cabin on the southeast corner. To 650N (at church) Right on 650N.
20. You are now entering a 2 mile area where historians report the first farm in the county was located, the Stelhorn family farm. This area is located between two rivers, Little Flatrock and Big Flatrock. The rivers join together a short distance from the interstate. You will cross
another sigle lane, wooden floor bridge.
21. Watch for the dog chasing the pheasant on the roof of an old barn. To 700N Left on 700N, crossing I-74 to US 421 Right on US 421,
to 650N (.1 mile) you're now in St. Omer.
|