By Thomas HardingOne of the primary appeals to Converse Indiana is the fact that it provides people from larger cities an opportunity to experience small-town life.
Converse has a diverse set of businesses. The town boasts local produce shops, antique stores, coffee shops and restaurants on the downtown strip.
“Most of our business comes from out of town. It really is Howard County and Marion that are probably some of our biggest playing field,” said Julia Rogers, owner of The Red Rooster Antique Store in Converse. “People like to come to Converse and eat and get away from the big city, and just come hang out in these small towns.”
Most small-town entrepreneurs start businesses in Converse because of the memories they have connected to the town.
“I love the downtown area. I have a ton of childhood memories that I kind of want to keep alive and pass on to my kids,” said Lindsay Baker, owner of Jefferson Street Barbeque. “(You) go throughout your whole life, and those are the special moments when you’re with your parents and you hold on for the rest of your life. I just want to keep creating those memories for people.”
Converse entrepreneurs plant their businesses in Converse for many reasons, including economic development.
“When buildings are empty, they typically go away, which is not good, because 90% of our buildings right here are on the historical register,” Baker said. “Not only is it keeping the businesses alive, but it’s also keeping that history alive in town.”
Rachel Boyer, owner of Rachel’s Taste of Marion, sells locally grown and processed meats, jams and snacks.
Local produce stores like Rachel’s are part of the Indiana Grown Program.
“We’re part of the Indiana Grown program, which is an Indiana Department of Ag program that helps everybody,” said Boyer. “It’s a platform to help people sell their products.”
Emily Lamb 
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