70 years at The Totem Post

This year marks our 70th year here in Nashville, Indiana. So much has happened in the last 5 years. In 2019 we got the opportunity to purchase our building, a dream my Father had since we opened in 1952. Then, a few months later. . .the pandemic hit. This has changed so much for our little shop, but we have tried to do what is best for our employees and customers. As the months roll on, we evaluate the state of the country and our little county and do what we can to keep us all safe. We have expanded our online ebay store so you can visit us from home and hopefully feel a bit of our peaceful nature to help you through these unusual times. We have tried to become a sanctuary for visitors, a place to find quietness, hope and inspiration. We are still only open a few days a week, but you can book an appointment with 24 hour notice. We look forward to a lovley year and have found some wonderful new items for our anniversary. Hope to see you soon.

The Totem Post during the Pandemic

These have been unusual times lately. We have all learned a lot. Safety and balance have become very important in our lives. Due to this we have altered something that had been practically written in stone, that our shop was open everyday, except Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year's. In order to keep our employees safe, we cut our days back to Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We also require masks, have only 6 customers at a time in the shop and sanitize regularly. That said, we have tried to have our shop be a sanctuary - a peaceful place to shop and find inspirational things. We burn Palo Santo regularly for a homey, calm atmosphere. We have Native flute music playing in the background. By our front door you will find many stones and crystals to add to the serenity. When you come visit we want you to relax and enjoy your time with us and leave your worries behind.

65 Years at The Totem Post

We hope you are enjoying our shop, as many have over the last 65 years, since we opened in June of 1952. Welcome to people visiting from our new website. On this blog you will find information about so many aspects of our shop - history, artists, merchandise and its meaning, and some of the philosophy of our shop. So peruse all the entries, because the information is still applicable to what we carry and our outlook. The Totem Post is more than a shop, it is an atmosphere - peaceful, fun and educational. Over the years we have grown and our merchandise has become more spiritual and inspirational in nature. Animal items play a big part in our shop now, too. They have deep meaning to the Native Americans and also to those connected to nature. Another area that has grown in our shop is stones and rock. We love the history of a stone and how it stands the test of time. They are beautiful and meaningful. You will find music here, too. A flute CD is often playing in the background and we have wooden kalimbas (thumb pianos), chimes and flutes for sale. And of course we have jewelry of all sorts. Handmade Native American jewelry is our specialty, but we have so much more, as you will see with our blog posts. Thank you to all our customers and friends that have developed over the years. You are why we are here and we look forward to many years ahead and new friendships to come.

60 Years at The Totem Post

The Totem Post opened in June of 1952. This is our 60th year and we wish to thank all of our customers who have loved our shop over the years. In the beginning, my parents, Bill and Marielle Jockey, carried Native American Indian jewelry because my Mom had grown up with an interest in it and she thought there was very little of it in the Midwest. They also added crafts that they brought back from South America while they were still a dance team on the SS Uruguay. (The first few years they would have the shop in the warm months and dance on the ship in the winter.) My parents bought the shop from Bud Austin, who was a leathersmith. He taught my Dad some of the patterns and showed him how to tool the leather. Also, Mom and Dad brought back some unique patterns for wallets, etc. from South America. So in the early days, we were a leather shop, too. Now we have grown and the shop had expanded in many ways. The building is larger, we carry crafts from around the world, as well as Native America crafts and items, spiritually oriented books, stones and gifts. We have expanded to have a website and ebay store and can reach people in every country. Not a day goes by without a customer saying that they love our shop. Well, we love being there and sharing our love of our items and Brown County with you. I always hope that a visit to The Totem Post brings joy and inspiration to all who walk through our door.

Monague Native Dreamcatchers

Several years ago we discovered a company from British Colombia, Canada called Monague Native Crafts. It is a wonderful company which began 25 years ago as a cottage based company and has grown and developed into a world recognized supplier of Canadian Native Handicrafts. They are 100% Native owned and give back much to their community. We carry many of their dreamcatchers which come with inspiring stories of friendship, guidance, safety and soul connections. Their dremacatcher legend goes like this. . .

"One of the most beautiful stories in Native Indian mythology is the dream catcher legend. It is said in the night air, there are good dreams and bad dreams. The good dreams go through the web into the feathers unto the one sleeping while the bad dreams become hopelessly tangled in the web, where they perish at the first light of Dawn."

Another type of dreamcatcher is called the Vision Seeker. It has a quartz crystal in the center of the web and other natural stones surrounding it. It's story is this. . .

"Vision Seekers are designed to capture bad dreams in the web and allow good dreams through. The quartz assists in removing the negative thoughts. The stones enhance spiritual communications and guidance. You will be guided to the Vision Seeker that draws you to your spiritual path."

These are beautiful creations and inspiring Native crafts. These hopeful and peaceful dreamcatchers enhance all our lives.

We are pleased to support such a company.

Ildanach Copper Jewelry

A few years ago we discovered a company from Colorado called Ildanach Studios. They create unique copper jewelry mainly from recycled metals. The result is a beautiful piece of artwork you can wear and that is actually good for you. Copper has been thought for centuries to bring beneficial healing elements to the body. It is especially good in bracelets. Read on and see what they say about themselves.

"ANCESTRAL SPIRIT, NATURAL MATERIALS, CONTEMPORARY DESIGNS

Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the Artisans at the Studios led by husband and wife team, Curtis & Sheron, strive to create contemporary works which are mindful of the beauty in the world around them. Their creative philosophies combine a desire to express, rather than cover the human form - emphasizing natural beauty rather than over polished, sterile objects. The resulting artworks made with recycled and reclaimed metals take on an organic, earthy sophistication and give the materials a voice in the artwork they become and the wearer their own expression."

A piece of jewelry from Ildanach will become a favorite for many reasons and may just become a part of your daily persona.

Our Customers

One thing I have learned as I grew up in The Totem Post, was that the customers are the best part of having a shop. Since I was 8 years old I have noticed that many people return to our shop. These people often become friends. Others only come once or when they are in town visiting relatives, but they still can become friends. Some even have been coming so long they are now bringing their grandchildren to the shop! We love to connect with our customers, tell about our merchandise or help them find other locations in town. It is our job to help you enjoy your time in Nashville. But I have noticed that the customers often make my day wonderful, too. We have people from many states and countries visit and each person has their own story. Guess I just want to say thank you to all of you that enjoy our shop, because we enjoy being there for you.