Mitchell, IN Hometown Takeover

Thanks for watching Anna Sowders's submission to HGTV's Hometown Takeover!
Please like or share so that others can see what she loves about her hometown, Mitchell, IN.
#ichoosemitchell
@anna_sowders03

"Simple Life" © Jason Sturgeon (used with permission) @jason_sturgeon

This is the essay Anna wrote to accompany her video submission:
Hey, Ben & Erin! It’s Anna Sowders! When I heard about the Hometown Takeover I knew I had to apply for Mitchell. I love my hometown, and as I researched it I realized we have a very rich history that needs to be brought back to life. I want to tell you a little bit about the place I call home.

Mitchell was established in 1853, and so much has happened since then.
From 1923 to the early 1990’s many Mitchell citizens relied on buses to make a living. Ralph H. Carpenter built a horse-drawn “kid hack” to get farm kids to town to go to school. One thing led to another, and Carpenter Body Works Co. became a major employer in Mitchell for 70 years.

Because of our plentiful supply of limestone, the Lehigh Cement Company came to Mitchell in 1902. Lehigh is Mitchell’s biggest industry and announced it would be undergoing a $600 million expansion project over the next two years. It would be really cool if you guys could help make downtown a place to fall in love with for these incoming employees.

For a town of around 4,000 people we have our share of hometown heroes. Gus Grissom, who was born and raised in Mitchell, went on to pilot Liberty Bell 7 and trained to be the first man on the moon. Terry Cole was a standout football player for the Mitchell Bluejackets. He went on to play for IU and then was drafted by the NFL. He played for Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Miami. He was a Super Bowl champion! Chase Briscoe is now racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He won three poles, placed in the Top Ten 26 times, finished fifth overall in the season with points, and was named Rookie of the Year. It’s cool to think that my dad taught him in high school!

The adults in charge of these types of things wanted me to let you know that Indiana is business and development friendly, and with this project, you would have the cooperation of the Greater Mitchell Chamber of Commerce, City of Mitchell and Lawrence County Tourism Commission. We have zoning laws in the city of Mitchell, but they are friendly to developers and the city would cooperate fully with any restoration projects planned.

Southern Indiana overflows with Hoosier Hospitality. It’s the friendliest place you’ll find. Mitchell is a beautiful town, full of people who have a lot of pride in our schools and festival. We’re hardworking, caring, willing to help one another, and we truly love our hometown.

Local business owner Albert Chastain said it best: “We love the people of Mitchell. There is so much pride, volunteerism, generosity and friendliness. … If we could get on Hometown Takeover it would be good for everyone involved to see a revitalized Mitchell.”

I have so much more I want to show and tell you about my hometown! How about we meet at the Railroad Cafe on Main Street and have a slice of persimmon pudding? See ya there!