Discover Winchester: From Pies to Silver, This Quaint Town Will Charm You! By D. Bartram

There’s something really charming about Winchester. Maybe it’s the many special places in Winchester and the friendly people. Perhaps it’s the beautiful town square. Maybe it’s the unusual businesses, like Mrs. Wick’s Pies and Silver Towne. Maybe it’s the quaint stores and restaurants, like Thyme For Tea, a delightful tea room.

The courthouse itself has a history. The Soldiers and Sailors War Monument is the oldest monument in Indiana and is the second tallest monument in the state. The sculptor, Lorado Taft, studied in Europe and also sculted many of the figures seen on the monuments in Gettysburg, Pa.

Inside the courthouse, the murals by Roy Barnes in the lower lobby depict much of the county’s early history and residents. Many of these residents were nationally known in government and military during the Civil War.

All this adds up to make Winchester a wonderful place to visit. Located in Randolph County in east Indiana, this small town has a surprising number of attractions – something for everyone. Here are the highlights:

This company’s history dates back to 1944, when Ruby and D.E. "Wick" Wickersham were making 20 fruit pies by hand daily. For the first years of business, the pies were delivered in a 1934 Buick sedan.

By the end of the fourth year, they were making nearly 300 pies per day. The Wickershams expanded their team, and today 70 people prepare 12,000 pies in the modern bakery. The pies are delivered to five warehouses and to 30 states.

In the 1980s, the owners decided to open a small café where locals could enjoy sandwiches, soups, salads and a slice of Wicks Pies. The café is open six days a week, with carry-out available.

Silver Towne was founded in 1949 as a part-time venture of Leon Hendrickson. With sound administrative skills and modest expectations, Hendrickson, along with his son and partner David, fostered the hobby into one of the largest and most reputable numismatic firms of its kind.

Silver Towne has its headquarters close to the site of its mint, which was custom designed to provide for Silver Towne’s clients efficiently. Silver Towne has the following products and services: U.S. numismatic coins; U.S. gold coins; U.S. Mint commemorative coins; appraisal service; and custom minting services.

In the gift shop, customers can find box after box of coins to look through, with competitive prices. The gift shop also has many non-coin gift items, such as Boyds Bears and sports memorabilia.

Leon and David are members of 35 state and regional numismatic organizations, and their love for coins has not lessened through the years. For more information, check out www.silvertown.com.

This museum, located at 416 S. Meridian Street in a mid-19th century home arrangement, features military clothing and artifacts, including 19th and 20th century clothing, some from Governor Goodrich’s wife, an early dentist office, early school records and photographs, and early tools. For tours, call Monisa Wisener at 765-584-1334.

The Winchester Speedway, billed as the "world’s fastest half mile," will be hosting the Winchester Nationals July 25-27, and the town will have a parade and festival on July 25 (practice day), according to Todd Van Kleeck, president of USA Modifieds.

"The town is really getting involved," Van Kleeck said. The purse is a minimum of $50,000. "This truly an historic event for an historic purse. It is an event put on by racers for racers."

Other upcoming races at Winchester Speedway include a midget race on August 17 at 2 p.m.; ARCA on August 30 at 7:15 p.m. (200 laps); and USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series September 20 at 7 p.m.

For more information, check out www.winchesterspeedway.com

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