Read time: 4 min.

I’ve been slammed with new responsibilities since my trip to the property over the Fourth of July weekend, and I haven’t felt like myself. I’m figuring it all out, but wanted to give a quick update on the state of this blog and say thanks.

I started my blog last September. Barely anyone read it, but I’ve had a lot of fun meeting everyone who has stopped by since those fallow days. Few things validate this hobby more than when someone connects enough with a post I’ve made to like, share, or comment on it! Over the past year, I’ve received a handful of messages from people asking about other ways to support my work. There are several.

The first is to follow the lead and comment on my posts or send me a message. I know it’s a pain to do this if you don’t have a WordPress account, but I can be found everywhere and I’d love if you would reach out. I would have never located the Garretson, Danforth, and Skillen-Gooden wells without people reaching out, and I’d never have known what Salem Township’s old Center school looked like in its heyday if a reader hadn’t gotten in touch! I’m pretty easy to find, and I love getting feedback! If you’ve ever commented, messaged, texted, emailed, or sent a carrier pigeon- thank you.

Another way to help is to “buy me a coffee” through the Ko-Fi link I stick to the end of every post I publish. I like a good paper cuppa from the percolator, or a Nespresso pod from the expensive machine as much as the next guy, but coffee is simply Ko-Fi’s metaphor of choice: instead of a latte, your $3 helps fund my research adventures, gasoline, and hosting costs. I looked at my Ko-Fi profile this morning, and I’ve received forty-seven coffees. That’s $141!

I was -and am- completely blown away at the information I’ve received, the friends I’ve made, and the “coffees” that have come in. I can’t begin to describe how grateful I am for your generosity. Although it hasn’t always been the case, I have a day job that allows me to pay to publish my work here. Your readership is appreciated whether or not you buy me a “coffee,” but the $141 was enough to pay for next year’s hosting fees and with half a tank of gas! I used the gas up when I drove across Hancock County to find its remaining schoolhouses. I’ve only written about a few of them so far, but I’ve peppered this post with some photos I took during that trip and I’ll soon write about more.

Coffee donations haven’t been all of the news I didn’t expect to receive. A few months ago, a woman with the Positively Blackford website reached out to inquire about running my post about that county’s phenomenal Richardson Romanesque courthouse. I was happy to contribute, and the check I received went straight into the coffers to fund some hosting improvements I hope to make next year. As someone who thought I toiled in vain and stil struggle to promote myself, I’ve been humbled by your interest.

More people are coming to this blog than I ever dreamed about when I first started it. I’m not here to turn a profit, but I am happy for the chance to bring my weird passions to you without running annoying ads or hiding behind a paywall. Whether you read, like, comment, share, donate, or want to pay to publish one of my articles, I’m thrilled that you’ve stopped by. If you’re reading this now, you’ve become a partner in my work. I’m so glad you’re here, and I’m excited to see what 2023 continues to bring.