January 2006 The Megaphone Page 6
My Winter Feeder
by Cindy (Benedict) Odom
A well-stocked feeder should be a peaceful place. I have mine filled with a variety of seed for the many different birds wanting to dine. The birds never had it so good, but do they know this? While eating from the feeder, do they show gratefulness in their behavior? Do they exhibit in their conduct while at the feeder a patient, calm decorum? Absolutely not! The feeder is a war zone where tiny Pattons struggle bitterly, demonstrating a natural instinct that would be intimidating in a body weighing more than a few ounces.
As
a Chickadee is feeding on sunflower seeds, another arrives. The first hurls
itself at the intruder, and then they go at each other like enraged tigers.
Then, in hopes of finding thistle seed, a brigade of Gold Finch
arrive on the scene, and drive the combatants off altering the two-way battle
into a frenzied free for all. And the little snowbirds gather below the feeder
to salvage the falling seed. They seem to be more in accordance with each other.
That
this feeder, where amity should be its reward, is turned into a theater of greed
and altercations, is surprising given the humble rank of the competitors. They
are at the bottom of the avian food chain, and are a meal for every cat, weasel,
hawk and owl in my neighborhood. Being vulnerable, I would think they would hang
together and look out for one another. But no, they choose to squabble and be at
war with each other. So, I see in my winter visitors, charm and beauty, and a
similar demeanor . . . united with a certain lack of moral consensus.
Cindy (Benedict) Odom ‘69
Wolff's
Nearly everyone in Elwood has eaten at Wolff's Tavern, located at 1447 So. A Street, at one time or another. Quite often, former residents even come back to dine at Wolff's.
And now a few out-of-towners may stop by as well. The restaurant is one of two in Madison County to be included in "Dining Secrets of Indiana: A Guide to the Unique Restaurants and Eateries Throughout Indiana." Put out by Indianapolis-based Poole Publishing, the book is a listing of interesting, usually locally owned, places to eat all over the state.
Bonge's Tavern in Perkinsville is also listed.
The Wolff's listing points out the restaurant's location in a "century-old building (with) tin ceilings from the local tin factory, an old wooden bar and paintings and beer signs covering the walls."
Started by the Wolff brothers in 1901, Wolff's Tavern has been famous for its roast beef Manhattan, served with mashed potatoes and bread, all covered in their original gravy made right in the restaurant. Don Leever, 75, has owned the 104-year-old tavern for 18 years.
He's only added to the menu — most notably the breaded tenderloins.
Everything is freshly prepared in Wolff's Tavern. The salads, coleslaw, marinades and the honey-mustard and Italian dressings are made right on the spot, Leever said.
"In the winter, we make our own chili and (special recipe) potato soup," he said.
With regular customers, bustling weekends and an original menu, "Business is always good" at Wolff's Tavern, he said. Even out-of-towners can't get enough of the food.
"Everyone in Elwood gets the beef Manhattan. Some people come just to take food back with them," said Leever. "One lady even bought some tenderloins and had them frozen to take back to Florida."
Six pans of gravy and roughly 125 pounds of roast beef are sold per week. Each pan takes nearly two hours to prepare.
The original wooden counters and tin ceiling retains a familiarity in the tavern. Third and fourth generation customers still frequent the restaurant, Leever's son Doug said.
"It's like a big family around here. Most people come in here on a regular basis," he said. "The old bar, like an old corner place you see in big cities, and the ability to have an (alcoholic) drink with their meal," really draws people back.
He and his father make all of the fancy drinks; Leever makes Tom and Jerrys every Christmas.
Elwood resident Shirley Dellinger dines at Wolff's about every Friday. "Their insurance special sandwich is just something different," she said.
Wolff's Tavern is tucked away just off Main Street in Elwood, located right next to St. Vincent Mercy Hospital. Leever jokes, "I always tell people 'We're right next to the hospital. So if you get sick, it's not a far walk.'"
Memories
by Gurtha Cabbage
As I quietly open the worn picture album,
Childhood memories come flooding back,
My early life illustrated in black and white.
"MaMaw!" my grandson yells, infringing upon my daydream,
"I see a picture of me and Great Grandpa!"
I carefully close the pages.
As I pick up my camera,
Another generation of memories will be come to pass.
More Haiku
Embrace
this New Year
Believe that wonderful things
Will indeed happen
Cindy Benedict Odom '69
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