History of the Log Cabin Tour:
1971
The first Log Cabin Tour was in 1971 and was sponsored by the local newspaper, the Brown County Democrat. It was a drive-by, no charge tour featuring about 25 homes. Visitors could go inside if the cabins happened to be open.
1972
In 1972, the Brown County Historical Society handled the tour, but chose not to continue the endeavor, and as a result, there was no tour in 1973.
1974
In 1974, the Brown County chapter of Psi Iota Xi, looking for a new fundraising project, decided to host the tour. To ensure teh tour’s success, our members helped clean cabins, rake yards, or whatever was necessary. Nearly 1000 visitors viewed the 8 homes on the 1974 tour.
Our fundraiser has now evolved into an event which requires 35 Lions Club parking volunteers, 12 van drivers, and over 40 hostess volunteers for the two day event. We have drawn crowds as large as 2000 visitors to see five different log and country homes each year. We also coordinate with the Brown County Historical Society’s Annual Quilt Show so that our events are always on the same weekend for the convenience of our guests.
We never forget that this event would not be possible without the generous donations of time and patience by our local homeowners who allow our guests to walk through their homes all for the benefit our small philanthropic organization. Thank you to all our glorious homeowners over the past 30 years!
What is Psi Iota Xi?
Psi Otes is a national philanthropic organization that was founded in Muncie, Indiana in 1897. Its membership is concentrated in 6 midwestern states with 150 chapters and 5,000 active members. Nationally, Psi Iota Xi donates over one million dollars to philanthropic projects each year.
The primary purpose of Psi Otes is to be of service with time, money and love in a cooperative effort with the community. It has gained national recognition helping children with speech and hearing needs. Our support of the Cochlear Implant Research Team at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, has resulted in major grants from the National Institutes of Health. Psi Otes recently endowed a professorship at Riley to ensure that research in this area will continue.
Nationally, Psi Otes supports the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, Hoosier Art Salon, Gallaudet University Dance Scholarships, Camp Adventure Deaf Camp, Cleft Palate Research, and the Metropolitan Regional Opera Auditions.
Where do the profits from the tour go?
Locally, the Brown County chapter of Psi Otes donates most of its funds to art, music, literacy, and speech and hearing projects in the Brown County area.
Locally, the Brown County chapter of Psi Otes donates most of its funds to art, music, literacy, and speech and hearing projects in the Brown County area. In May 2006 we celebrated our 40th anniversary as a chapter.
Most notably, we purchased a grand piano for the Brown County high school auditorium, we have contributed to have paintings by noted Brown County artists cleaned and refurbished, and we helped the Brown County Community Band purchase new chimes and music. In 2003, our biggest project was to assist the Brown County High School Band purchase new band uniforms. We assist both elementary schools speech and hearing programs and individual families with the purchase of special materials, hearing aids, summer tutors, and TDD equipment. We have supported children with extraordinary musical gifts with sheet music, instruments, and other needs that their families could not afford. Recently, we helped all of the Brown County schools purchase books and materials for reading programs and to update their libraries.
The Brown County Chapter of Psi Iota Xi sponsors several other fundraisers during the year to raise money to support these worthwhile project. We host a 50’s and 60’s Dinner and Dance, a Longaberger Basket BINGO event, spring flower and candle sales throughout the year. The Log Cabin Tour has been our largest fundraiser for the past 30 years.
Where to Stay Overnight…
Brown County Accommodations
Brown County Vacation Cabins
Nashville IN Vacation Cabins
Brown County State Park
Nashville Indiana Shopping