John Henry Hinkle and Laura Ann Rawlins Hinkle settled on this farmstead in 1886. They lived in a log structure until construction of their two-story Queen Anne style home was completed in 1892. The self-sufficient farm grew to over 80 acres of land.

John Henry Hinkle I, in an undated studio portrait.

   The Hinkle's only child, Henry Ernest, married Bertha Elizabeth Rogers in 1906 and the smaller house was constructed for them. Henry was a prolific potato farmer, known as the "Potato King of Monroe County," who then cultivated a thriving flower growing business, "Hinkle's Dahlia Gardens."

A series of images of Henry Ernest Hinkle as a young man. Is he gazing at a portrait of Bertha?

This damaged old photo shows farm workers proudly displaying the fruits (well, roots) of their labor.

   Henry and Bertha's two surviving children, Daisy and John, were the last generation to grow up on the farm. Daisy went on to earn degrees in composition and music education, leading to a career as both a performer and teacher of music. She married Joseph N. Garton, also a music performer and instructor, and the couple moved back to the farm in 1943.

Daisy Hinkle as a toddler with her Uncle John, feeding the chickens.

   Accumulated evidence of the overlapping Hinkle generations is found throughout the property, from the farming implements that remain, to the large collection of music–related records and artifacts. But most notable are the buildings and remaining 11 acres of land on which they sit, architectural and cultural reminders of Monroe County history in the middle of a busy city.

John Henry Hinkle I and John Henry Hinkle II (his grandson) are posed in front of a silo on the farm. The detail above shows the family resemblance, while the back of the photo provides biographical details as well as a clue about the history of the buildings on the property.

Much more remains to be discovered

If you'd like to help with the on–going inventory and examination of photographs, letters, documents, and objects at the farmstead, call Danielle at 336-0909 or email her at programs@bloomingtonrestorations.org.