Columbus, Indiana

We arrived in Columbus, Indiana, on Thursday, September 7th, two hundred and twenty miles south of Shipshewana, and just some thirty miles south of Indianapolis. Columbus is one of the prettiest cities in the country according to leading travel magazines, primarily due to the efforts of Clessie Cummins and the Cummins Engine Plant.

Founded in 1919 by Clessie, a local mechanic passionate about Diesel engines (which had been invented in 1899), the plant achieved some success with their Model H engine, used in railroad switching engines, in 1933. World War II provided the stimulus needed to make the company successful, and post-war demands completed the deal. Clessie Cummins began to have trouble attracting competent employees, so he embarked on a campaign to make Columbus the most beautiful city in the midwest. Scores of renowned architects were commissioned to design schools, churches, civic buildings, statuary and murals. Refurbished as required, and added onto as need arises, these monuments to one man's effort to beautify his city stand as examples of the blend of art and effort.

Today, the 8th, we took a short drive around town, since we're only a few miles south. We're staying at CERAland Campground, a public park, sports center, and event venue available to all. Our first stop was, of course:

Where we visited Corporate Headquarters and toured a small display of company products. This happens to be the engine used in our motorhome.

A little farther along we came across an exploded Cummins diesel engine.

In 1931, 1934, 1950 and 1952, Cummins Engine Company fielded diesel powered cars in the Indianapolis 500 races. While never completing a race, the effort provided priceless publicity.

This Rivett Model 608 metal lathe was purchased for Clessie's personal use, and was used to create prototype parts.

The Corporate Headquarters building is housed in an ivy covered complex that is a cool oasis during hot and humid midwestern summers.

After a bit of shopping and a cup of coffee, we returned to CERAland with enough time to play ball with Sasha.

She played for a long while in the cool afternoon, but was uncomfortable with the action that began at the nearby shooting range. She fetched and ran a few times as the noise started, but soon picked up her ball and shot straight to the motorhome! She beat me there by about 10 minutes!