Thinking about moving back to our home town ?

We don't like Betty :) Seriously tho, Life is what you make of it anywhere you go. This is a pretty nice town for the most part but like most little towns, we do have our gossip. If you like the quite life then this town would pretty much fit right in for you.

Al Jordan

everywhere you have places that has problems, but for the most part i think this town is great. it quite most of the time and most people are friendly.... have a great day!

I too had a wonderful experience growing up in Elwood, and to me, it is still "home."

If you have a notion to move back, then do it.

Yes, things have changed. Attitudes have changed. Image has changed. People have changed. Businesses have changed (and fortunately, Mr. Happy Burger is still there!).

There will always be change.

However, I still believe that within the declining socio-economic levels, and businesses leaving, there is still a great deal of HEART in Elwood.

You and your wife are young enough - only a few years older than me - and you would probably adapt nicely, even in a community that has endured the tests of time, population decline, and economic hardships.

When my students prepare to move away to college, I always remind them that the only thing that matters is their attitude about their new moves.

If you feel the move is right for you and your wife, then go for it!

I also grew up in Elwood and have great childhood memories! Whan you talk about the skating rink,pool,and other areas that I remember having good times at,it makes me value those memories and even a little sad. I have 3 brothers that still reside in Elwood and Anderson and have been giving a lot of thought to moving back myself...... so I would advise............do it!!!

Yes and how about those greasy and great burgers at what was Edgels in town? I hear Happy Burger is still there, and Pizza King. Nothing though could beat Circle Pizza! Well, enough about food....Well one more thing: do you remember the Creamery off of North D?

Ahhh, those memories. My wife has done some price comparisons on-line. Our grocery stores here vs. Marsh for example. Prices in Elwood MUCH cheaper than here.

I have lived here all my life. It has changed a great deal. We have nothing in this town anymore. No jobs, no shopping down town. Looks like a ghost town. We have K-Mart and the Dollar Store. They never have what you are looking for, so you still have to go out of town to buy some of the simplist things. The town is full of drugs and alot of violence. And it doesn't seem like anybody responding to you moving back here are telling everything. There is a large number of empty homes here and if I could sell mine it would be empty too. We still have the greasy hamburgers, Happy Burger and Pizza King. Everything else is gone. No skating rink, no public pool for the little kids, or shows. Kids can catch a bus for $5 from the Y and go to the TIPTON pool. We have had a few people( elderly people) who had their doors open because of the beautiful weather; they had strangers just walk right in their homes and take their money. If you have your doors open you better have them locked. I remember my Mom never locking the doors even over night. I don't know why alot of people seem to be closing their eyes to the things happening here. I just read the Elwood Court News, they had a compete page. After reading it only six people showed up to court. The rest were failure to appear. People used to be scare of the Judge and respect them. Seems to me they are just blowing him off. That is most of the attitude around here. This is a dying town, and it makes me sick. I also loved my little town. With the reputation this town has gotten, no one is going to start a business here. Oh, we may get another bar or two but thats probably it. I am so glad my child is grown and moved away from here. Some people are just focusing on beautifying Elwood, they are not seeing the whole picture. They need to clean up the trash before they can do anything else.

OOOH.....Yes the food!!! Does anyone remember Nick's coney dogs? mmm..........

OOOH ......the food!! Does anyone remember Nick's coney dogs?? I had almost forgot the creamery on north D. I lived on that street.

WOW! I grew up and lived on North D for 18 years!

Edgel's is now called Roby's Grill,but the burgers are still the same!

& they are YUMMY! Plus they serve beer now too!

The greasier the better! I'll be visiting Elwood in the near future and I'll be putting your words to the test! Thanks for the tidbit.

Can't wait to be put to the test! Our Menu is on this website. Our hours are 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon. - Fri.; 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Sat. Have a great day!

You certainly have done a lot of inprovements over the last 5 or 6 years. Since you painted the outside and added on it is a lot nicer than it was.

wow what an old icon, miss the old drive in movie............ we use to go there when i was a teenager right before they closed it down, that was some fun times.... i remember as a kid our folks would load us up in the station wagon and my mom would fix a big brown paper bag full of popcorn and then we would get the blankets and pillows and go to the drive in..... good times.......

Just think everything that has been mentioned above except for hanch's hamburgers is now gone. Elwood has lost so much over the years, it makes me sad. Wish I knew the answer to get things going again. Elwood needs factories that pay a livable wage then the retail business will follow. Hwy 31 north of Indy is being turned into a freeway starting the next year. Lot's of business's have to be relocated. 25 at the intersection of 31 an 32, maybe someone could try and market Elwood.

It is said that 'you can never go home again' .... well that is sorta true! However I moved away a year after graduation in 1966
and moved back 'home' in 1995! It was still home but it had changed. The town has changed even more since 1995. Born and
raised here Elwood will always be home. It makes a difference in your attitude as to why you are returning. If you are coming
back to the community to obtain a job.... well that might not be the best decision. Employment times are tough here in the
hometown and also in the county. If you are coming back to do the same things you did growing up....well most of those places
are gone. You will have to cultivate new interests. Reacquaint yourself with old friends and other communities near by to see
you if can settle in. As with most towns across the USA, we are in a money crunch! A new state bill is putting small towns in
dire straits! Elwood is no different. We are struggling! If you would like to move back and invest in Elwood, there is no
better place!! We have wonderful homes for sale, some are ready to move into and others need someone to care for! Our local
church community is growing and thriving. Our schools are updated, even though you feel you will not need. The activities
going on at the schools are for the public! They are wonderful. The only thing you have to do is attend the programs!! Our library
is only 11 years old and it rates as one of the best in the area! We have grocery stores, places to eat out and a wonderful park
system. I could probably go on and on, but it is time to get to work.

My suggestion would be....come home for a visit!! We even have a top notch Bread and Breakfast called The Plum House.
Come back for a few days.... while here you'll feel the spirit and the heart still beating!!

Nancy

ps....We even have a 2008 Olympian!! Look for Mary Beth Dunnichay on the sychronized diving competition!!

was bought by Roby. Its still there still the same food evem better. The people are so friendly there. The Creamery on North D was called the City Creamery before my great grandparents changed the name to Summers Dairy Bar. Yes those were the good ole days. I agree that where you live is only what you make it. Elwood is still the place I call home and will be until the day I die. Everyone keeps saying how bad it is, well about 5 years ago I moved to Indianapolis to get closer to my work, let me tell you I have seen more drug transactions and gang related activities than I ever thought possible. Those of you who still live in Elwood take control while you still can. Elwood still has much of its heritage left, preserve it. When I come home to see my family its such a feeling of relief to drive into a small town, Elwood is alot like the sitcom Cheers everybody knows your name. To see the Olympic signs for Mary Beth thats awesome to know that even with all of the horrible things I read about here on this web site that there is still much love in the community. Peace Elwood make the calm quiet little town what it used to be.

I really appreciate the feedback so far on a possible move back to Elwood. If I could respond to not only this forum topic but to others I've read on this site:

When the economy gets bad, crime increases along with several other negative residuals everywhere, not just Elwood. I might agree that with an enhanced industry the crime would definitely decrease, increase tax revenues, etc. but would not agree that Elwood is a bad town. Yes, my wife and I have been away for a long time....but Elwood, as Threejsmom said above, will always be our hometown.

Would also like to ask why nobody mentions the Y as a method to help keep the kids out of trouble. I have seen several folks talk about a lack of things to do for the kids. Is this not an option? When I was young, growing up in Elwood, I had so much fun at the Y. And for those who remember.....how about that BIG trampoline downstairs! What a blast!
Well eough about yesteryear I guess. I could go on and on. What ever happened to the idea of kids just going outside to climb a tree, or go to the park?

Thanks

I also grew up in town when it was completely different. Our family had several business's or partnered in them. Wouldn't change my childhood for a second.But I took my family and left many years ago. We gave up our memberships in the clubs and the Elk's even the country club as it became obvious the town was dieing and officials are corrupt. I love where I am at here in Carmel now totally different. But I will always have a spot in my heart for Elwood and try to help with what I can. It is not what you remember. If it works for you, go for it, I hope it is as good as you remember.Look at all the houses for sale and the cheep prices, then think about what ever you buy you better like it cause you won't be able to sell it.

The past is the past and I don't see it returning. There is just something about Elwood that other towns around you see and most of us don't until we leave. The only thing that seems to attract people to move there is HUD. And now see what you got. The last time I visited for a reunion at the park, the park looked better than ever, but look at the people there and the behavior and terrible language used even by the small children, I took my grandchildren and left early so they would not be exposed to this. I'm sorry, but we don't see this in our town down south.

To the man moving back. With Elwood's recent multiple violent crimes, their city's mis-spendings, the drugs, and the extremely rude behavior of their youths, I'd think twice. If you want to come back to this area, check out Tipton. Our crime rate is very low, and a more mannery and moraly founded bunch of people you'll search hard to find elsewhere. GOOD PEOPLE! And our pool is open everyday! P.S. I grew up in Elwood and loved my childhood, but I know what I'm saying. I'm raising my kids nextdoor. We are not that for from grandma's house.

but i have to agree with the language..alot of the kids have foul mouths, but if you listen to the parents you probable see why..well heck, i just watched a show called "wanted" but almost every other word was the F word..man i hope my kids dont sound like that in public, but you never really know, i dont allow it here but who knows when they are with their friends..if they do, i wish someone would grab them by the ear and drag them home, then they'ed get it ..lol

....seems like you can't go anywhere in this town, except for church, without hearing the old "F" word. doesn't really bother me much but is enough that my dear ol' mom won't hardly go out anymore.

perhaps you should consider staying over there so that you can enjoy your wonderful town and your precious pool

Tipton is so wonderful. They have issues too, starting with the county cops and the city officers. I have heard people talk about when their kids go over there they are harassed by the police. Nothing has changed from the time I was in school until now. When you went into Tipton county with a Madison County plate you became a marked individual. I do recall a a few murders in Tipton over that couple of years, what about the young lady found dead in the creek, the Moody man that was shot. Is that not crime? yes it is. So next time you wish to speak of our crimes that we have had lately you might want to remember your own. Goes to show you no town is perfect.

I was taking a walk with my lil 5 year old daughter last night and 3 kids on a bike rode by with foul language then a few minutes later a group of kids drove by with foul language. Its lovely! If the housing market wasnt so bad Id be gone! I cant hardly take it anymore and with my children getting older, I see more and I realize what they are going to be exposed to. Makes me sad. Sad for them and sad for the community, cause it wasnt like this when I was growing up!!!

Crime is worse....down to petty theft (even your ghnome in the yard isnt safe) pluse questionable suicide, and murder. Town broke, police officers seeking new employment, No pool, no theater, no roller rink, no creamery, I say move back and have reliable tranportation so you can go out of town for entertainment. Other than all the above its still small town life just not what we would like to remember. And hey! I was raised on No. D too!!!!!

you know anywhere you go it's like this, seems to me,...maybe in TN.or Canada it's not..it the morals of this country now days...some kids have no respect.

Seems to me that its not just kids who hasnt been taught any. Adults just the same.....In my days of growing up if you lipped off or disrespected someone you got your mouth smacked. But Im forgetting the goody goods dont believe in dissaplining their children anymore so what was I thinking! Just let these children grow out of their smarting off days and the world will be just wonderful! So when mom or dad says no (probably for the first time ever) they can be found dead in their beds.

I know you have the good and the bad no matter where you go! I am curious as to why you are only saying Tennessee or Canada might not have issues?! Respect has gone out the window from where it used to be, but I guess I notice it more here because this is where I live.

I was on your side, matter of fact i just got cussed out by a 15 year old tonight,(new neighbor from tipton)his mom said they just moved from tipton but didnt want to because she said elwood was all trash..but it was closer to her job, I was just saying Canada and TN. because they might be more isolated, wasnt gripping at you or nothing...sorry you mistook what i was saying guess i should have expressed it another way...matter of fact this upstanding new comers 22 year old boyfriend (shes 35), came over drunk and told my husband to come out in the street and fight him, using all kinds of colorful language,all because our kids said the 15 yr. old (confirmed by the 15 yr. olds girl friend) was a druggie and i told the kids they couldnt hang out with a pot head.Now who's trash?? The 22 yr. old had also dared my 14 yr. old girl to run around the block naked the day before..Ive been in my house for over 15yrs. and have never had a problem like this before, we have always got along with our neighbors, now this crap,... I just hope they didnt sign a years lease...man im to old for this crap..

the elwood paper the other night printed that your chief jack miller said his detective was investgating 80 some child molastation cases. yeah right. perverts, druggies, suicides, murders, beatings, vandalism, foul mouth kids, a police dept. thats falling apart, business closings, street lights burnt out, a mayor whos not listening to complaints or able to manage the city, bad streets and sidewalks, ungrateful citizens bashing dead heros, for sale signs everywhere, inocent people being harrassed by the cops, yeah it realy makes me want to come back. sorry, ill just hang on to my childhood memorys. maybe a new name for the town could be "deadwood". but, thanks for the memorys! p.s. i hear the park looks great, but it would help to be deaf if you visit.

Elwood is a great place. This web site is a great place. The only thing that sucks here is the people. There is only one place in the world that the people are worse and that place is South Carolina. So yes, you should move back, it would be an improvement for you, not by much though.

Sounds like you need to call the local PD and start complaining about your new neighbors. That is crazy for anyone to act like that especially someone just moving in, you'd think they would want to make friends with people they are going to be living next to? But then SOME people have no respect for anyone else. I would be SO worried about my kids safety...

I know you werent attacking me, obviously we both were misunderstood. I am not on here to make enemies!!!

I am very sorry that the people have moved next to you and are causing problems. Best thing I can offer to you is document everything! Call the police when needed, that is what they are there for! Best of luck to you!!!

elwood is a nice place, i just happened to get unlucky this time, ive been in elwood for 21 years and i believe this is the first time ive had trouble with neighbors , so i guess if that is all that ever happens i guess im pretty lucky. I try to think of the positive not negative, i was just mad last night at the new neighbors lol.I would recommend elwood to anyone. Most people i do know are nice, yes some of the kids have foul mouths , but if everyone gets on them maybe they will think twice about it. I know a man was walking by with his wife and kids and got on the drunks butt about his mouth, well the drunk smarted off and the guy started to walk over and the drunk backed down big time lol. See we still have good clean family's here. It just takes a community to put it right ...you guys on here are great even when we dont see eye to eye on different subjects..ty

Even when some of us do have our differences of opinion, when the chips are down I think we all stand up for our town and neighborhoods. There are several bad elements around but that doesn't make the whole town bad. As far as all the bad things being said, EVERY town has good & bad there isn't any place on earth you can go that doesn't and it could be a lot worse here then it is.

the fact that the "sandwich shop" formerly known as Edgel's and Gallatin's in my time in Elwood, and is now Roby's according to this blog, now serves beer almost gives me enough motivation to move back to Elwood.

I grew up in Elwood and did have a wonderful childhood. When I got married we moved back for six months because it was 1/2 way between our jobs (him in Indianapolis and me in Peru) until we moved to Michigan. Since my parents house exploded, we have not had a lot of reason to come back to Elwood, but Beer and burgers "with" sounds like just the enticement we might need.

If it were possible for us to make that move at this time in our careers, we might do it, but for now, we will stay in the big cities and save for retirement.

Wow, Beer at the Sandwich Shop, what a terrific concept.

elisa abner-taschwer

Sounds like I should have better communication with my family that still live there.
I had NO clue that Elwood had changed soooo much!

you know i still think elwood is a pretty good town.. i know there are alot of complaints, but it is ruff all over.... tammy as far as those kids next door, im glad you have more patiences then i do, that night after you told me what went on i was ready to come over,lol...... oh well you know me...... i know when we moved long ago to north carolina then lived in marion it was alot worse there with the crimes..... i got 3 grown sons and none are on drugs, the oldest 2 have jobs and basically all 6 are all pretty good kids.... same with you tammy, you got some pretty good kids too, even though sometimes they drive you nuts (mine do also) thats when we start planning another beach vacation, lol this time though without the kids!!!!lol.... later tonya

I am fairly new to the forum, but grew up in Elwood and moved back about a year and a half ago, I have no more or less problems here in Elwood than I did anywhere I lived in the 12 or so years I lived other places, including halfway across the country! Life is what you make it, and most times your experiences are what you expect them to be. If you are looking for the negative, the corrupt, the dangerous, and destructive, you will surely find it, as there is no escaping the negative aspects of living in a world where we must deal with the bad decisions of others (drugs, crime, etc.). I, for one, choose to accept that some things are beyond my control, but I can choose to be positive and look for the good things in my life and my community, and while I acknowlege the bad and wish to make my community better, I make the good things more important. I love Elwood, and although I was not thrilled to be moving back here a year and a half ago, I know now that I have no less chance to have a great life and raise my children sucessfully here than anywhere I could choose, because my parents did it before me!

With 5 UNSOLVED DEATHS/MURDERS!
A Coroner's SON who is walking THE STREETS on RESENT Probation for NUMEROUS Child Molest Cases!
A Crooked Prosecutor and Judge!
A Police Force that won't stand up with The Victims of The Death/Murders!

Do I really need to post more? I could You should KNOW!

and you are right, life is what you make it but sometimes a-holes get in your way and muck it up for everyone lol...

I think its pretty sad everyone has to come on to Elwoodindiana.org to speak. Talk crap about our town. If you don't like this town so much then leave or stand up and stop what you thinking is going wrong. I'm sick and tired of people posting theses but won't ever stand up in public and say something. To afraid about what others will say? And people from other towns (ie. Tipton) don't talk crap about our town. We need to step up together, and i mean TOGETHER, make something for this town. I'm not afraid to speak my mind outside of this forum, but im A teenager and no ones really listens to us. So for you adults help us kids. !

-Teenager with a cause!
oh yea my name is kevin.

why aren't you in school at 2:56pm

One of our problems started long ago, when one of our mayors decided to authorize HUD in Elwood.

thats a load of crap..my ex. husband and i lived with his mom the first year we were married, it was a living hell, she signed us up on hud, i had never heard of it, and it was the best thing she ever did for us..we were only on it for one year. one month after we got on it he got a job at state plating ( i had been working at mcdonalds) and we had enough money to get our own place and pay our own bills..he was employed at state for 16 years..we were never on food stamps , but being young and dumb we thought we could have taken on the world till i lived with his mom and i was going to leave till we got on HUD...so see not everyone abuses the system..( if she knew I was thinking of living him then she probable wouldnt have signed us up lol), I know it sure helped my sister out when she was divorced and had kids..

Hud is not a bad thing! Like anything itshow it is ran and the type of people who use it. Also since the landlords are garunteed their rent money they should be able to keep ther rentals in tip top shape. Many of them don't, they just take the money and run. I am sure theres a few good ones out there but Elwood has become realestate investers dream. They buy up house make them barely able to pass. Get them on the hud list then sit back and let the money roll in. They do not live here and do not care. Slum Lords so to seak, Just like the apt. bldg. downtown next to klumps. Those Apt. are not fit for human habitat. There used to be a thread on here with pictures I forget the name on it. When the Isrealds owned it they kept it up . Now its owned by someone from California I think. You would be surprised if you went around made a list of the run down rentals Then made a list of owners. Most are out of town owners who abuse the HUD system here in town, easy money fur them. It would also surprise us the ones who live in town. Like the apt. just south of Hembrees car lot. It used to be a cleaners when I was a kid. Can't beleive people are allowed to live there, anyway check out the owner and he has more.

i know that now that we have had to start renting after owning for 8 years when the person we were buying from filed bankrupcy and our house was to be sold by the bank, we have had 2 really great landlords. one is named above and he is a fine landlord. i wont mention names because i dont know that they would like that. privacy and all,,, but no problems here,,,, now when i was a younger person and rented from cooper, he wasnt so great..... but all and all most have been really nice....