Churubusco Indiana’s Giant But Elusive Snapping Turtle
Now I’ve got to admit, when I think Indiana, I just think corn, Jeff Kendall and Indiana Beach. Most of the kids I know from Indiana are metal as hell or leaning a lil closer to juggalo than most of us would prefer! (though I will always stand by that the Great Malenko was a perfectly timed album for the era)
But… anyways… I’ve been working for like five years with two girls who come from there. They tell a very different story of growing up in happy families, full of good hearted folks, spending weekends on the lake, generally having a pleasant time. Since they’re my friends, I’m willing to give them the benefit of the doubt and say that it’s possible that their state is in fact not just an empty hellscape that buffers Ohio from Gary …
Since we’re talking hellscapes though….They do possess one hellishly large snapping turtle, that to this day, has never been found! It’s story starts all the way back in 1898 when a farmer first spotted a ridiculously large turtle on his land. Legend has it he carved his initials into its shell but otherwise let it be. Jump ahead 50 years when two fisherman on lake Fulk claim a five to six foot and easily 500 lbs turtle with what looked to be initials on its shell, surfaced and snapped both of their poles.
From that moment on the country’s curiosity was peaked. For a while traffic was so bad, the state troopers had to be called in to control the throngs. Folks tried fishing, nets, deep sea divers, hell supposedly they drained the full 7 acre lake. But while there are still numerous sightings to this day, no concrete evidence of the beast has ever been found. So now it’s up to you to show us what it really looks like.
Here’s the list of descriptors for those who never read the text above.
- Looks like a giant snapping turtle
- Estimates in 1948 put it at 6 feet long and easily 500lbs
- Supposedly has the initials O.F. carved on its shell and others tell of 100 plus years of lakey detritus (fishing hooks, bobbers, small anchors etc) stuck to it as well
- To expand on a previous mention, at this point it’s easily 150 years old
- It’s from Indiana, what that means to you, only you can know!
That’s what you’ve got! All I ask is you don’t try too hard and have fun! we’re taking some extra time as I have a birthday and anniversary that interrupt this beast so we’ll close off submissions for judgement midnight of Friday the 4th (of august) … As always, We’ll gather the judges council and pick one to win a shirt, so get your asses doodling!
The Judge’s Council has convened and verdict given! Here’s how it played out!
Judge Ken I vote for Sean. (#10) That’s the most startled looking turtle i’ve seen all day!
Then Judge Sarah I’m going with #2 by Lia D. Love all details, and textures – he’s gross, but lovely!
Judge Cody Said: I vote #7 for the background art school “draw a turtle” test inclusion.
Judge Mona followed up with: #2 by Lia D. It looks old. It looks gross. It looks like it’s choking out its own words with a gravelly, ancient turtle voice (points for depicting it’s age properly)…Also, I was excited to see how literal the artist took this one, by including so many tiny chachki’s on its shell (I’m talking to you tiny anchor).
And Since all I can do is tie this or go my own way: I’m sending my vote to #8, I know, I know, I’m supposed to vote for the silly ones, but I kinda love this drawing so ppppppphhhhhbbbt!
Disagree if you must but know that judgement is law and to the winner a shirt will go…. Thanks to drawers and judges alike. And even though the contest is done we’ll always welcome new Beast of Busco drawings for the archives! So draw on, and remember, 25 beasts drawn earns you a shirt!
