After reading the article on French Lick in the May issue of SouthernIN.com, Ed Meyer was reminded of a family vacation to Southern Indiana. Dr. Meyer, of Bremen, also shared his memories of hitchhiking US 40 in the March issue, and we are happy to share his reflections with our readers. Southern Indiana Vacation Memories by Ed Meyer My first visit to French Lick was memorable because of its contrasts. I was a delegate to a Kiwanis convention, and since the family could go along, we decided to take a few extra days and spend some time camping in Southern Indiana on the way. Our three girls were all pre-teens at the time, and everyone thought it would be fun to spend a few days sleeping in tents. Everyone but me, that is, because I have never really enjoyed sleeping under the stars and “roughing it”. This time I promised myself I would go with a positive attitude and really learn to enjoy camping. We enjoyed our trip from the flatlands of Northern Indiana, through the winding roads and hills of the South. As we descended the hill coming down into Mitchell we saw the great sea of yellow school buses which were assembled there. We followed the signs pointing to the campground, and quickly picked a spot to pitch our tents near the edge of a sandy beach. It looked great and everyone was eager to get out and enjoy nature. My hopes for an enjoyable camping experience dimmed when we got out of the air-conditioned car and felt the heat. After camping, a Bed in an air-conditioned room looked inviting! “It’s a little warm now, but it’s still the middle of the afternoon,” I patiently explained. “It will likely cool off toward evening when the sun goes down.” I was still trying to be positive. But it didn’t cool off. It was hot all day and all night every day we were there. We walked around the park, explored the tunnels and waterfalls, the girls swam, and you could say we had fun. But the most enjoyable thing I remember was getting in the air-conditioned car and driving to an air-conditioned restaurant for a long and leisurely meal. We studied the map and decided to explore the countryside. We saw a place on the map called “devil’s backbone” and decided to visit. We took what we thought was the right road. We even asked directions, but no one had ever heard of it. Finally we saw a little country store with an antique gas pump out front. While the girls explored the store and got a supply of candy, I asked the owner if he knew about “devil’s backbone”. He didn’t. We finally decided we could honestly say we saw it, because the road we took was what was marked on the map. No one, especially me, was too upset when it was time to “break camp”. Our stay at the French Lick Springs Resort was even more enjoyable when contrasted to our camping experience. The rooms were stately. There was entertainment for everyone, and the meals, which were included with the room, were great. And the resort was air conditioned. My wife, Nettie, and the girls found plenty to do while I attended meetings. It’s funny what sticks in our memories over the years. I don’t remember much about the meetings, but will always remember a conversation after Sunday morning breakfast. Most everyone had left the table to get ready for the meetings, and there was an African American preacher left at the table with us, who had a knack for telling stories. “You know,” he said slowly, “I have to be careful what I ask for when I pray. Sometimes God answers me when I’m not even praying.” Everyone stopped talking and listened. “We were sitting at the table one morning and I told Mama, I said, ‘Mama, we need a pig.’” “Why do we need a pig?” The Dining Room at the French Lick Springs Resort “’Well, I just think we need a pig.’ Next thing we knew we heard a commotion outside and went to look. Sure enough, there was a pig there, right in our yard! An old sow! I ran out to see whose pig it was but couldn't see anyone. So I just penned her up in the barn to see if anyone came looking for her. No one ever came for her so I just figured the Lord heard me and sent us a pig.” He went on to explain how that mama pig had babies, and described the fate of each baby as only he could, holding our attention through all his tales. I've thought about that man many times. If I found a pig in my yard, I wonder if I would be too worried about my grass to thank God for the gift. Its funny what sticks in our memories! <back to top>

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