Friendship, Indiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Friendship, Indiana
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
 Friendship, Indiana
Location in Indiana
Friendship, Indiana
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Indiana |
| County | Ripley |
| Township | Brown |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.60 sq mi (1.55 km2) |
| Elevation | 633 ft (193 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
47021
|
| Area code(s) | 812, 930 |
| FIPS code | 18-26026 |
| GNIS feature ID | 434856 |
Friendship is a small, charming community in Indiana, USA. It's nestled in a beautiful valley in Ripley County. This quiet village is known for its interesting history and exciting events, especially for people who love the outdoors and historical traditions. You can find Friendship on State Road 62, also known as the Chief White Eye Trail.
Contents
The Story of Friendship's Name
Friendship has a few tales about how it got its unique name!
Early Names and Changes
The village was first called Paul Town. This name came from Daniel F. Paul, an early settler who opened a general store in his home. However, mail for Paul Town kept getting sent to another place called Ballstown in Ripley County.
So, the village changed its name to Hart's Mill. This was in honor of the Hart family, including William, Robert, and Hiram. But again, mail got mixed up! This time, it was sent to Hartsville in Decatur County, Indiana.
How "Friendship" Was Chosen
The people of the town then decided on the name Friendship. One story says it was named after the "Friendship Lodge," which was a local Masonic Lodge (F.& A.M. #68).
Another story from old files (WPA files) suggests that the postmaster thought the local people were very friendly. Others believe the town was named Friendship because the community worked together to build the settlement.
Official Dates
- A post office named Harts Mill opened on February 3, 1837. Hiram A. Hart was the first postmaster.
- On July 5, 1849, William Hart officially laid out the village. He wanted to name it after his family.
- The post office officially changed its name to Friendship on January 14, 1868.
Fun Things to Do in Friendship
Friendship is a great place to visit, especially if you enjoy history, outdoor activities, or unique events.
Exciting Events
- Muzzle Loading Shoots: The National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association (NMLRA) holds two big shooting events here each year. These happen in June and September.
- Flea Market: To go along with the NMLRA shoots, Friendship hosts a huge outdoor flea market. Vendors from all over the country, especially from Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, come to sell their goods. The market is split into two parts: one in town and another near the Walter Cline gun range.
Outdoor Adventures
- Laughery Creek: This creek is perfect for outdoor fun! You can go kayaking, tubing, canoeing, or fishing. Just remember to have an Indiana fishing license if you plan to fish.
- NMLRA Facilities: The National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association, started in 1933, offers camping and a shooting range for its members. They also own the Rand House Museum, which is a historical building.
Historical Places to Explore
Friendship is home to many old and interesting buildings and groups.
- Bear Creek Baptist Church: This is the only church still active in Friendship. Its first service was held way back on July 2, 1818.
- Old Churches and Schools: An older church building, which was once the Friendship Methodist Church and later St. Peter's Lutheran Church, is now privately owned. This building also served as a school until 1915. A new school was then built at the west end of town, which is now apartments.
- Friendship Grocery: This store is in a building from the early 1800s. It has been a general store for many generations.
- Old Swinging Bridge Pillar: On State Road 62, you can still see the stone pillar of an old swinging bridge that used to cross Laughery Creek.
- Raccoon Creek Stone Arch Bridge: On the west side of town, on Olean Road, is a stone arch bridge built in 1899. It's still used today!
- Friendship State Bank: Founded in 1912, this bank is still in its original location, though it has been updated over the years.
- Friendship Volunteer Fire Department: This department started in 1914. They housed their fire engine in a private home until 1946. They built a new fire hall in 1993.
- Mac's Auto Service: The building for this garage was built in 1921 by Tim Corson and Edw. Westmeyer. It's still an auto service shop today.
- Friendship Tavern and Restaurant: This business opened in 1932. Even though it has had many owners, it's still serving people on Main Street.
- Carl Dyer Moccasins: This business started in the 1920s and moved to Friendship in 1982. You can find it on Main Street next to the Bear Creek Baptist Church.
Images for kids
-
Friendship flea market
-
NMLRA's headquarters/museum, the John Linsey Rand House
