Brown County State Park
Abe Martin History
The Abe Martin Lodge is located in Brown County State Park. A rustic dining room makes eating a pleasure.Abe Martin says, "You just can't go away hungry". |
Abe Martin has become a favorite son of Brown County
and of the State Park which includes Weed Patch Hill and
its surroundings. The Abe Martin Lodge commemorates his
connection with the county.
For twenty-five years, from 1905-1930, "Abe Martin" was the mouthpiece for Kin Hubbard's daily quips in The Indianapolis News, which, accompanied by sketches of Abe and his friends in action, were syndicated across the nation. Hubbard was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio, and settled in Indianapolis, starting the Abe Martin Character in 1904. At first Abe Martin belonged to no particular locality, but on February 3, 1905, he announced,"I'm goin' ter move ter Brown County Tewmorrow," and the next day he was depicted in a wagon piled high with household goods. His comment was, "By cracky, it's sum travelin' ter git ter Brown County." The reason for the move lay in the fact that the steep hills and the general "picturesque-ness" of that area lent themselves to humorous exaggeration and provided the material Hubbard liked for his pictorial backgrounds. Gradually many of Abe's neighbors came into being, to appear in the pictures and text. The cottages of the Abe Martin Lodge in the Park bear the names of these characters. Much of Hubbard's humor is as timely now as it was during its heyday, from 1905 to 1930. Will Rogers called Kin Hubbard " America's greatest humorist." Hubbard's cartoons played a significant part in drawing the attention of artists and tourists to Brown County. They, in turn, have made the area world famous. In dedication to his memory, the Department of Natural Resources built Abe Martin Lodge in 1932 on Kin Hubbard Ridge, naming the cottages after his principle characters. |
Brown County State ParkNearby Nashville, Indiana, historic hoosier artists' colony, features quaint specialty shops, artist studios & craft galleries, historic homes, live theatre, music entertainment & fine dining. A visit to T.C. Steele State Memorial or to Yellowwood State Forest make your visit to this tourist mecca complete. Brown County State ParkFacilities:
Family Housekeeping CabinsEnjoy a family housekeeping cabin in Brown County State Park and throughout Brown County Indiana this year. Cabins offer privacy and comfort with bedrooms, living areas, kitchens and modern bathroom facilities.Choose from rustic or modern cabins at Brown County State Park or private vacation homes in Nashville, Indiana and surrounding Brown County. The capacities of the cabins range from four to twelve depending on location. Cabins are very popular, so reserve early! Brown County's Abe Martin Lodge accepts reservations for their cabins up to two years in advance. Private Cabins have different policies. To make reservations for a housekeeping cabin, it's best to call or visit the park. To make reservations for private vacation homes and log cabins throughout Brown County, you contact the individual owner. Brown County Indiana Lodgings & Log Cabin Availability |
