They came (originally) from the Appenine Peninsula in Italy, these may come from an apiary in the southern U.S. They are yellow-brown in color with dark bands. They are very gentle bees, produce good honey combs and are very productive. I made the trip to Banta. It wasn't easy for me to find the little town. It was funny though because I knew I was close but wasn't sure which way to go so I called the store on my cell phone and told them that I was on the corner of Paradise Rd and some other country route. The little voice on the other end of the phone said, "Well, I see a car on that road from here.

Just keep going and you'll see us on the corner." It turned out I was just across the field from the store. This is south of Indianapolis, Indiana but a bit out in the country.

When I entered the store it was like stepping back in time about forty years or so. There were old soft drink advertisements, like the Teem poster that hung on the wall. Do you remember the soft drink Teem? And things like an old coke serving tray from the 1960s with a stylish (but dated) girl holding a soft drink. There were all kinds of old empty tin cans of of things the FDA would not approve of these days. Even the music on the radio was playing an old tune from the sixties "Leaving on a Jet Plane". Madonna, the owner, was standing behind the counter.

After I introduced myself she took me to the Beekeeping department, a little room behind the counter where all the beekeeping things are stored. She was very helpful explaining what I would need for a hive.

I got two 10 frame deep hives, a bottom board, 20 frames, a top board and cover, wax foundations with wire. Basically everything the little bees will need for a home. I also got up a net, smoker and gloves. We chatted while counting things out. She told me the history of how they started the store. Madonna and her husband, Boyd, had moved to Banta and bought the store forty years ago. He asked her if she wanted a new house or an old house and an old store. She decided on the old house and store. I think she made a good choice. Three months after they started the store they had a baby boy, named Jim. He was born with Downs Syndrome. She is so grateful for him. I did not get to meet Jim that day but she spoke of him as a kind and gentle soul and very helpful around the store. The town has been good to them also. The bureau of motor vehicles has allowed Jim to drive within a five mile radius, so he can go to church, the grocery store, bank, etc., and visit his aunt and uncle nearby. Unfortunately her husband Boyd passed away around three years ago but her son works with her at the store and they keep the grocery and beekeepers in supply.

I packed up the wooden hive and frames and placed the wax foundations in the front of the truck. Driving back home through the countryside with the sweet smell of bees wax in the truck, the late winter countryside going by and the effects of stepping back in time with a pleasant lady like Madonna made for a beautiful day.

You can contact the Banta General Store (Banta Bee Supplies) at:

3551 North Banta Road

Bargersville, IN. 46106

Ph: (317) 422-9191