Rendezvous news
From The Enquirer, Cincinnati.com, Aug. 9, 2009
Ohio Historical Society leader dies
William K. Laidlaw Jr., executive director and CEO of the Ohio Historical
Society, has died, the society announced. He was 66.
Laidlaw apparently suffered a heart attack Friday while swimming in the
ocean with his wife, Donna, during a family vacation at Martha’s Vineyard in
Massachusetts. He lived in Bexley, near Columbus.
He joined the OHS in 2003 after a career in higher education and nonprofit
management and initiated changes to move the OHS from reliance on state
support to an existence based more on entrepreneurism, the historical
society said.
“Bill was wholeheartedly committed to the historical society’s mission ‘to help
people connect with Ohio’s past in order to create a better future,’ ” said
Richard T. Prasse, chairman of the OHS Board of Trustees in a statement.
“He guided the Ohio Historical Society through significant changes and
tough economic times by laying the foundation for the Society’s reinvention
as a stronger, more focused statewide history organization.”
According to Prasse, Laidlaw had planned to retire at the end of this year.
Besides his wife, he is survived by a son, Scott Laidlaw of Whately, Mass.;
daughter Christina Laidlaw Kimmel of Houston, Texas; and three
grandchildren.
The family is planning a memorial service.
From the Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 20, 2009
Cleveland researchers study Huron County site Natural History
Museum studies Huron County site
By John Mangels
Huron County - The first clue that something unusual lay hidden beneath
the old bean field didn't come from digging in the hard-packed dirt.
Archaeology is still fundamentally about digging, but that would come later.
No, the earliest suggestion of something worth uncovering on this plateau
above the Huron River was some dark electronic smudges on a piece of
graph paper. To an untrained eye, they looked like random squiggles - a
few dots, two stripes running roughly parallel to each other, and an oval
outline shaped like a chicken egg.
The smudges piqued Brian Redmond's professional curiosity, though.
(Please click here to continue reading on the website. It's too long
to include the whole story here.)
From the Cincinnati Enquirer, July 22, 2009
Open House at Fort Ancient is free
Visitors will have the opportunity to visit the prehistoric earthworks at Fort
Ancient free of charge from noon to 5 p.m. July 26.
The Ohio Historical society will transfer the management and day-to-day
operations of Fort Ancient to the Dayton Society of Natural History on Aug. 1.
The staff wants to thank the community for the support given to Fort Ancient
over the years by local volunteers, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of
America, the American Indian communities, and Warren County businesses
and organizations.
The Warren County Convention and Visitors Bureau has been Fort Ancient’
s number one supporter through grants and sponsorships for more than 15
years, according to Jack Blosser, the site's manager.
“This is a simple way of giving back to the community” said Blosser, who has
been site manager for 21 years. “Many of the things that take place at the
site have some form of volunteer support. However, we cannot overlook the
accomplishments of the Fort Ancient staff that has been absolutely
dedicated to this ceremonial site and has given so much of themselves for
many years,” he said.
Connie Bigelow, a life-long resident of Warren County, has been at Fort
Ancient for over 45 years. Bigelow has been described as the "heartbeat of
Fort Ancient" by Dr. William Laidlaw, executive director of the Ohio Historical
Society. Bigelow is a customer service representative who is also an
unofficial gift shop manager, said Blosser. During the course of her career,
she has seen nearly one million people enter the gates at Fort Ancient.
Glenn Ashmore maintains the grounds at Fort Ancient. He has been at the
historical site for 13 years. He has been instrumental in setting up the Fort
Ancient Celebration event, a major event that accommodates 200
participants.
Carolyn Moore has been a museum attendant for more than 8 years. When
Moore was asked what she will remember most about her time, she
responded, “I have learned more about my (Shawnee) Native heritage and
have gained a deeper appreciation for the past.”
Billy Wagner has been part of the Fort Ancient team for 7 years. As a man
of Cherokee descent, Billy has learned about the prehistoric plants that
were grown in Ohio 2,000 years ago. While Wagner’s responsibilities
predominately include caring for the prehistoric garden and the museum, he
was instrumental in organizing and working with the Master Gardeners of
Warren County and introducing them to the garden at Fort Ancient. He has
also shared his excellent talent with the Native flute, according to Blosser. In
addition to these tasks, he also helps to maintain the grounds, trails, Boy
Scout activities, and the Celebration event.
Katie Rippl is the newest addition to the Fort Ancient team. She has been at
the museum for nearly a year. Rippl's primary responsibilities have been
centered on developing and implementing educational programs. More than
6,000 school children have attended programming at the museum during
her time here.
The public is invited to greet the staff during the open house on Sunday.
Visitors will be invited to stop by a reception table and write down their
memories of the site as well.
Fort Ancient is part of the Ohio Historical Society, a non-profit organization
that serves as the state’s partner to interpret and preserve the
archaeological, historical and natural history. It is located at 6123 Ohio 350
in Oregonia (6 miles southeast of Lebanon).
For information, call 513-932-4421 or 800-283-8904.
From the Chillicothe Gazette, July 18, 2009
Area historical sites reach partnership agreements
The Ohio Historical Society announced Thursday the two earthworks,
Serpent Mound in Adams County and Fort Hill in Highland County, will be
operated by a management agreement between the society and Arc of
Appalachia Preserve System.
A third southern Ohio site, Fort Ancient in Warren County, will benefit from a
partnership with the Dayton Society of Natural History.
In the Ohio Historical Society network of 58 historic sites and museums,
which includes Adena Mansion and Gardens in Chillicothe, 37 sites now will
be operated through management agreements between the society and a
local organization or government entity. The society intends to operate a
total of 47 sites under management agreements.
"Management agreements have become increasingly important because of
the combination of long-term underinvestment by the state in the Ohio
Historical Society and the recent pressure of state budget cuts," Ohio
Historical Society Executive Director William K. Laidlaw, Jr. said. "We are
looking at this model to operate the majority of our historic sites and
museums to increase access to historic sites and museums. It should
provide for increased community support and enable the site to continue to
be a source of community pride."
Under such agreements, the Ohio Historical Society typically provides an
annual financial subsidy to a local organization to help underwrite the costs
of day-to-day site operations, which primarily include providing visitor
services, educational and interpretive programs and basic maintenance.
The management group keeps income from admissions, program fees and
rentals. The society will continue to provide major maintenance and
professional resources, as well as administer capital improvement projects.
After receiving comments from stakeholders and community members at
public meetings July 8 for Serpent Mound and Fort Hill and July 14 for Fort
Ancient and taking into consideration the best interests of all three historic
sites, the society's Board of Trustees approved the new partnership
agreements.
"We selected the Arc of Appalachia Preserve System and Dayton Society of
Natural History because of their experience in managing archaeological
properties and museums and their strong commitment to preservation,"
Laidlaw said. "By teaming up with both these organizations, these great
Native American earthworks can be open more hours and provide more
educational programs and special events."
From the Dayton Daily News, July 16, 2009
Supporters: Don't defile Fort Ancient
By Denise G. Callahan
Even though Fort Ancient will not close, more than 100 people told Ohio
Historical Society and Dayton Society of Natural History officials — often
tearfully — they don’t want their sacred gathering place defiled or
diminished.
“This place is a very sacred and spiritual place and we need to continue the
respect for the ancestors,” said Melva Soderland, a Fort Ancient volunteer.
“So I have a prayer that the decision makers look to the very bottom of their
souls when they make decisions, not on paper, not for money, not for
anything but for the respect of the ancestors.”
Bill Laidlaw, executive director of the Ohio Historical Society, who moderated
a meeting at the prehistoric Indian site near Oregonia on Tuesday July 14,
said he wanted to get as many comments and concerns as possible. The
historical society is expected approve a one-year contract Thursday, July
16, with the Dayton Society of Natural History to run Fort Ancient.
Neighboring Camp Kern, which is owned by the YMCA of Greater Dayton,
also offered to take over operations, but Laidlaw said Dayton’s experience in
archaeology and running the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery and the
SunWatch Indian Village, among other attributes, gave them the leg up. If
the historical society isn’t pleased with Dayton’s performance after the year
is up, they can reconsider Camp Kern or other entities.
The museum was in danger of becoming extinct in June because revenues
had dried up. Mark Meister, president and CEO of the Dayton society, said
some changes are on the way, such as an additional 55 hours of operation
and lower entrance fees, which will hopefully boost attendance and
revenues. Fort Ancient will be open six days a week, Tuesday through
Sunday from April through November and on weekends from December
through March. Adult admission will drop from $8 to $6 and there will be a
new senior citizen rate of $5, children’s admission remains at $4.
Jack Blosser, who will remain as site manager at Fort Ancient, said the
museum has four full-time and two part-time employees.
“He (Blosser) has cried here, he has laughed here, he has spilled his blood
here,” said Keith Yager. “He has lived his life here, and for that he has
earned our honor and respect.”
Meister said there will be staffing changes, but he wouldn’t detail what those
would be. He said he will be using staff from the two Dayton locations to help
support operations at Fort Ancient.
Laidlaw let anyone who wanted to, speak at the meeting. He assured the
crowd, that even though his budget has been slashed by 45 percent, the
society, which owns the museum, will continue to give as much support —
maintenance, capital expenditures for example — as possible. The crowd
was also assured that all revenues raised at Fort Ancient will stay at the
museum.
Laidlaw told the crowd they had inspired him and he would make their
feelings known to the board of directors.
“It’s wonderful to see so many people from every generation. It’s wonderful
to see people who are back here after ten, 20, 30 years of coming here and
it’s wonderful to see the passion you all feel for the place,” he said. “It’s very
moving when you talk about the sacredness and spirituality of this place. It
gives me goose pimples when I think about it.”
From The-Daily-Record.com, July 15, 2009
Program will trail history of Port Washington Road
By Christine Pratt
MILLERSBURG -- It's a road on which many residents have traveled, but few
may realize the historical significance of -- it's more than a path to the
cemetery, grocery store, or other routine destination.
Port Washington Road was Ohio's first state road and on Sunday will be the
topic of a historic program, to begin at 1 p.m. at the Deer Creek Park picnic
pavilion, and optional drive.
When the Ohio and Erie Canal was constructed in the early 1800s, it was
slated to cut through Holmes County, but "at the very last minute state
legislators pulled the plug," said Holmes County Historical Society Executive
Director Mark Boley of the decision to bypass the area.
But, the need to move local goods out of the area remained, and area
politicians pushed for and effected the construction of a road from
Millersburg to Port Washington, through which the canal passed, said Boley,
noting the 32-mile roadway, constructed in part over a buffalo trail, has been
marked by more than 70 historical signs.
The drive, which winds along several county and township roads, passing
through Beck's Mills, Saltillo and Baltic before reaching Port Washington,
takes about an hour, said Boley, whose presentation is designed to give
participants "a feel for how it was."
During the drive, he encourages travelers to "visualize what it would be to
get in your horse and carriage for a trip that might take a whole day or a
couple of days."
While the road now passes by several farms, "in its day, there was a lot of
business and activity along the road," Boley said.
Baltic, originally called Rowville, was the halfway point, and was by the mid-
1800s, home to a U.S. post office, three hotels, livery stables, a flour mill, a
doctor and other businesses.
The road and canal fell by the wayside after railroads made their way into
the area in the 1850s, Boley said.
At the end of the journey, the Port Washington-Salem Historical Society will
be open to visitors, who can take in a display of unique artifacts of the road
and canal, Boley said.
"It's a great thing to do on a Sunday afternoon with the family," he said of
the program and drive, the concept of which also has some historical
significance. "Sunday drives used to be really popular with people, but have
gotten lost as we have gotten busier in our lives. I enjoyed them as a kid."
Review of "Tecumseh!" in the Suburbanite, Akron, Ohio, July 12, 2009
Experience Tecumseh!
By CR Rae
Chillicothe, Ohio - Want to take a trip that will take you back in time yet, be
educational, interesting, unique and fun? You can do that. Just a few hours
away in Ohio’s first capitol, Chillicothe, you can have that experience at
Tecumseh, the outdoor drama.
Tecumseh is in its 37th season at the Sugarloaf Mountain Amphi-theater. If
you have never been to an outdoor theater before you are in for a treat.
As the usher took us to our seats he said, “Nice seats, right down front.”
Then he warned us, “Just remember to duck when the arrows come over.”
I figured the very nice man was kidding and sat down without worry. Then I
had another thought, what if he was not kidding and they really were
shooting arrows? The show is about the history of the Ohio Indian tribes and
the part they played in history. I remembered enough of my fifth grade Ohio
History classes to know that Tecumseh was a legendary Shawnee chief who
fought for their rights to the land. I knew there would be a battle and we all
know that in history bows and arrows were used as weapons. What was I
worried about? There is no insurance company on earth that would allow
them to shoot arrows over the audience. I felt better, as I was sure that he
was just joking around.
Tecumseh truly was the ultimate experience. There were no arrows flying
over head but the horses galloping past the audience, the battle scenes and
the cannons firing from the top of the rocks took care of the excitement. Not
only was it exciting but I learned a lot. I did not realize what a big part the
Ohio Native Americans played in the history of our country.
The drama begins in southern Ohio near the banks of the Ohio River in
1784 and takes you through the life of the Shawnee and other Ohio tribes
up to the year 1813. During that time Tecumseh dreamed of uniting all the
Indians from the Gulf of Mexico to the Great Lakes into one Indian Nation.
Governor of the Indian Territory, William Henry Harrison encouraged the
older chiefs to sign a treaty that gave away three million acres of land for
little money. That made Tecumseh angry and, well you are on your own to
find out the rest of the story.
You might recognize the voice of the narrator, Graham Greene. He is a
Native American actor best known for his Academy Award nominated
performance as his role of Kicking Bird in Dances with Wolves.
The theater is about three hours and 15 minutes from the Akron area
straight through Columbus on I-71 and off onto Route 23 south. The show is
completely handicap accessible and Braille scripts are provided for
audience members that are visually impaired and amplifiers for the hearing
impaired. Although the gun fire is loud there is no amplification of the voices,
actors do not use microphones. However, I found it easy to hear as the
theater has very good acoustics. If you do have a hearing problem and only
use hearing aids occasionally make sure you have them with you.
Over two million visitors have seen this fantastic outdoor play, enjoying the
natural setting. It is the most popular of its kind in the State of Ohio and the
entire Mid-Western United States. It takes over 100 people to put this play
into production every summer with performances beginning on June 5 and
going through August 29.
The play is not recommended for children age six and younger due to some
violent content and loud battle scenes.
There is much more to experience at Tecumseh than the play. If you have
the opportunity arrive early and enjoy the educational experience of the
Backstage tour. Stuntmen give a display of stage combat and flintlock firing,
then pitch headfirst from a twenty-one foot cliff, get up, and explain how they
did it. Tours last approximately one hour and also include make-up
demonstrations and detailed historical information on the drama and area.
The tours are at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. and the cost is $4 for adults and $3 for
children 10 and under.
You do not need to worry about missing dinner as the Tecumseh restaurant
buffet is on the grounds serving wholesome American food. You will not walk
away hungry. After the performance you can meet the cast and get
autographs and photos. There is no photography during the show.
To make reservations or get more information call 866-775-0700 or visit
www.tecumsehdrama.com. Ticket prices are Monday – Thursday: Adult - $
20.95, Child (10 and under) - $ 13.95 Friday & Saturday: Adult - $ 22.95,
Child (10 and under) - $ 15.95.
From The Associated Press, July 4, 2009 - Information from: Akron Beacon
Journal, http://www.ohio.com
Ohio group searches for Revolutionary War graves
TALLMADGE, Ohio — Some members of the Ohio Genealogical Society are
fanning across the state to document the graves of all Revolutionary War
veterans in their counties.
The goal is to put together an accurate account of the men who helped
create the United States, said Kelly Coghan Holderbaum, president of the
group's Summit County chapter. About a dozen volunteers from her group
are walking county cemeteries this summer.
On a recent visit to Tallmadge Cemetery, the group — using genealogical
information and government records — found the graves of nine veterans.
On most of the graves, there was no mention that the men were veterans of
the American Revolution.
"There is no family left to take care of it and look after it — or if there are
family members, they don't realize it is here and he is related to them," said
volunteer Judy Davis, 68, of Stow.
E. Paul Morehouse, president of the Ohio Genealogical Society and a part-
time history teacher at the University of Akron, said there are probably
thousands of Revolutionary War veterans buried across the state.
Most of the graves are more than 150 years old and many of the
headstones have disintegrated, he said. In other cases, old cemeteries no
longer exist.
According to legend, one veteran, Conrad Boosinger, was buried under
what became a portion of Interstate 76 in Tallmadge, Davis said.
In nearby Medina County, Terry and Marcia Hart of Valley City have been
documenting 64 graves throughout the county.
Terry Hart, 63, a National City Bank retiree and an Army Vietnam veteran,
said searching for graves has become an act of patriotism for him and his
wife.
"These people ought to be memorialized somehow," he said.
Hart said the Department of Veterans Affairs will pay for a headstone or a
plaque for a veteran of the Revolutionary War if there is no marker on the
grave already.
At Windfall Cemetery in Medina Township, the Harts found the grave of
Matilda Hickox and saw a flag near the grave.
The grave of her husband, Giles Hickox, was found in another part of the
cemetery, but there was nothing on his stone that indicated he was a
veteran.
"The headstone doesn't tell you who the person was," Marcia Hart said. "It
just tells you the person lived and died."
The public needs to know where the patriots are buried, she said.
From Associated Press, June 3, 2009
Ohio outdoor drama about Shawnee chief ends after 26 years amid
parent company's bankruptcy
XENIA, Ohio (AP) — An Ohio outdoor historical drama about a Shawnee
Indian chief is ending a 26-year run after its parent company's bankruptcy
filing.
Ticket sales for "Blue Jacket" have dwindled. The show staged in Xenia in
southwest Ohio wasn't produced in 2008 while the company tried to come up
with a new script and money to pay debts.
Last month, the nonprofit First Frontier Inc. filed for bankruptcy protection.
Board president Jim Harworth says the company owes at least $440,000.
Blue Jacket was a war chief who led the Shawnees in the 1790s against
Army forces trying to crush Indian resistance in what is now Ohio.
First Frontier estimates only about 12,000 tickets were sold in 2007
compared with as many as 50,000 tickets in previous years.
Ohio Historical Society leader dies
William K. Laidlaw Jr., executive director and CEO of the Ohio Historical
Society, has died, the society announced. He was 66.
Laidlaw apparently suffered a heart attack Friday while swimming in the
ocean with his wife, Donna, during a family vacation at Martha’s Vineyard in
Massachusetts. He lived in Bexley, near Columbus.
He joined the OHS in 2003 after a career in higher education and nonprofit
management and initiated changes to move the OHS from reliance on state
support to an existence based more on entrepreneurism, the historical
society said.
“Bill was wholeheartedly committed to the historical society’s mission ‘to help
people connect with Ohio’s past in order to create a better future,’ ” said
Richard T. Prasse, chairman of the OHS Board of Trustees in a statement.
“He guided the Ohio Historical Society through significant changes and
tough economic times by laying the foundation for the Society’s reinvention
as a stronger, more focused statewide history organization.”
According to Prasse, Laidlaw had planned to retire at the end of this year.
Besides his wife, he is survived by a son, Scott Laidlaw of Whately, Mass.;
daughter Christina Laidlaw Kimmel of Houston, Texas; and three
grandchildren.
The family is planning a memorial service.
From the Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 20, 2009
Cleveland researchers study Huron County site Natural History
Museum studies Huron County site
By John Mangels
Huron County - The first clue that something unusual lay hidden beneath
the old bean field didn't come from digging in the hard-packed dirt.
Archaeology is still fundamentally about digging, but that would come later.
No, the earliest suggestion of something worth uncovering on this plateau
above the Huron River was some dark electronic smudges on a piece of
graph paper. To an untrained eye, they looked like random squiggles - a
few dots, two stripes running roughly parallel to each other, and an oval
outline shaped like a chicken egg.
The smudges piqued Brian Redmond's professional curiosity, though.
(Please click here to continue reading on the website. It's too long
to include the whole story here.)
From the Cincinnati Enquirer, July 22, 2009
Open House at Fort Ancient is free
Visitors will have the opportunity to visit the prehistoric earthworks at Fort
Ancient free of charge from noon to 5 p.m. July 26.
The Ohio Historical society will transfer the management and day-to-day
operations of Fort Ancient to the Dayton Society of Natural History on Aug. 1.
The staff wants to thank the community for the support given to Fort Ancient
over the years by local volunteers, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of
America, the American Indian communities, and Warren County businesses
and organizations.
The Warren County Convention and Visitors Bureau has been Fort Ancient’
s number one supporter through grants and sponsorships for more than 15
years, according to Jack Blosser, the site's manager.
“This is a simple way of giving back to the community” said Blosser, who has
been site manager for 21 years. “Many of the things that take place at the
site have some form of volunteer support. However, we cannot overlook the
accomplishments of the Fort Ancient staff that has been absolutely
dedicated to this ceremonial site and has given so much of themselves for
many years,” he said.
Connie Bigelow, a life-long resident of Warren County, has been at Fort
Ancient for over 45 years. Bigelow has been described as the "heartbeat of
Fort Ancient" by Dr. William Laidlaw, executive director of the Ohio Historical
Society. Bigelow is a customer service representative who is also an
unofficial gift shop manager, said Blosser. During the course of her career,
she has seen nearly one million people enter the gates at Fort Ancient.
Glenn Ashmore maintains the grounds at Fort Ancient. He has been at the
historical site for 13 years. He has been instrumental in setting up the Fort
Ancient Celebration event, a major event that accommodates 200
participants.
Carolyn Moore has been a museum attendant for more than 8 years. When
Moore was asked what she will remember most about her time, she
responded, “I have learned more about my (Shawnee) Native heritage and
have gained a deeper appreciation for the past.”
Billy Wagner has been part of the Fort Ancient team for 7 years. As a man
of Cherokee descent, Billy has learned about the prehistoric plants that
were grown in Ohio 2,000 years ago. While Wagner’s responsibilities
predominately include caring for the prehistoric garden and the museum, he
was instrumental in organizing and working with the Master Gardeners of
Warren County and introducing them to the garden at Fort Ancient. He has
also shared his excellent talent with the Native flute, according to Blosser. In
addition to these tasks, he also helps to maintain the grounds, trails, Boy
Scout activities, and the Celebration event.
Katie Rippl is the newest addition to the Fort Ancient team. She has been at
the museum for nearly a year. Rippl's primary responsibilities have been
centered on developing and implementing educational programs. More than
6,000 school children have attended programming at the museum during
her time here.
The public is invited to greet the staff during the open house on Sunday.
Visitors will be invited to stop by a reception table and write down their
memories of the site as well.
Fort Ancient is part of the Ohio Historical Society, a non-profit organization
that serves as the state’s partner to interpret and preserve the
archaeological, historical and natural history. It is located at 6123 Ohio 350
in Oregonia (6 miles southeast of Lebanon).
For information, call 513-932-4421 or 800-283-8904.
From the Chillicothe Gazette, July 18, 2009
Area historical sites reach partnership agreements
The Ohio Historical Society announced Thursday the two earthworks,
Serpent Mound in Adams County and Fort Hill in Highland County, will be
operated by a management agreement between the society and Arc of
Appalachia Preserve System.
A third southern Ohio site, Fort Ancient in Warren County, will benefit from a
partnership with the Dayton Society of Natural History.
In the Ohio Historical Society network of 58 historic sites and museums,
which includes Adena Mansion and Gardens in Chillicothe, 37 sites now will
be operated through management agreements between the society and a
local organization or government entity. The society intends to operate a
total of 47 sites under management agreements.
"Management agreements have become increasingly important because of
the combination of long-term underinvestment by the state in the Ohio
Historical Society and the recent pressure of state budget cuts," Ohio
Historical Society Executive Director William K. Laidlaw, Jr. said. "We are
looking at this model to operate the majority of our historic sites and
museums to increase access to historic sites and museums. It should
provide for increased community support and enable the site to continue to
be a source of community pride."
Under such agreements, the Ohio Historical Society typically provides an
annual financial subsidy to a local organization to help underwrite the costs
of day-to-day site operations, which primarily include providing visitor
services, educational and interpretive programs and basic maintenance.
The management group keeps income from admissions, program fees and
rentals. The society will continue to provide major maintenance and
professional resources, as well as administer capital improvement projects.
After receiving comments from stakeholders and community members at
public meetings July 8 for Serpent Mound and Fort Hill and July 14 for Fort
Ancient and taking into consideration the best interests of all three historic
sites, the society's Board of Trustees approved the new partnership
agreements.
"We selected the Arc of Appalachia Preserve System and Dayton Society of
Natural History because of their experience in managing archaeological
properties and museums and their strong commitment to preservation,"
Laidlaw said. "By teaming up with both these organizations, these great
Native American earthworks can be open more hours and provide more
educational programs and special events."
From the Dayton Daily News, July 16, 2009
Supporters: Don't defile Fort Ancient
By Denise G. Callahan
Even though Fort Ancient will not close, more than 100 people told Ohio
Historical Society and Dayton Society of Natural History officials — often
tearfully — they don’t want their sacred gathering place defiled or
diminished.
“This place is a very sacred and spiritual place and we need to continue the
respect for the ancestors,” said Melva Soderland, a Fort Ancient volunteer.
“So I have a prayer that the decision makers look to the very bottom of their
souls when they make decisions, not on paper, not for money, not for
anything but for the respect of the ancestors.”
Bill Laidlaw, executive director of the Ohio Historical Society, who moderated
a meeting at the prehistoric Indian site near Oregonia on Tuesday July 14,
said he wanted to get as many comments and concerns as possible. The
historical society is expected approve a one-year contract Thursday, July
16, with the Dayton Society of Natural History to run Fort Ancient.
Neighboring Camp Kern, which is owned by the YMCA of Greater Dayton,
also offered to take over operations, but Laidlaw said Dayton’s experience in
archaeology and running the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery and the
SunWatch Indian Village, among other attributes, gave them the leg up. If
the historical society isn’t pleased with Dayton’s performance after the year
is up, they can reconsider Camp Kern or other entities.
The museum was in danger of becoming extinct in June because revenues
had dried up. Mark Meister, president and CEO of the Dayton society, said
some changes are on the way, such as an additional 55 hours of operation
and lower entrance fees, which will hopefully boost attendance and
revenues. Fort Ancient will be open six days a week, Tuesday through
Sunday from April through November and on weekends from December
through March. Adult admission will drop from $8 to $6 and there will be a
new senior citizen rate of $5, children’s admission remains at $4.
Jack Blosser, who will remain as site manager at Fort Ancient, said the
museum has four full-time and two part-time employees.
“He (Blosser) has cried here, he has laughed here, he has spilled his blood
here,” said Keith Yager. “He has lived his life here, and for that he has
earned our honor and respect.”
Meister said there will be staffing changes, but he wouldn’t detail what those
would be. He said he will be using staff from the two Dayton locations to help
support operations at Fort Ancient.
Laidlaw let anyone who wanted to, speak at the meeting. He assured the
crowd, that even though his budget has been slashed by 45 percent, the
society, which owns the museum, will continue to give as much support —
maintenance, capital expenditures for example — as possible. The crowd
was also assured that all revenues raised at Fort Ancient will stay at the
museum.
Laidlaw told the crowd they had inspired him and he would make their
feelings known to the board of directors.
“It’s wonderful to see so many people from every generation. It’s wonderful
to see people who are back here after ten, 20, 30 years of coming here and
it’s wonderful to see the passion you all feel for the place,” he said. “It’s very
moving when you talk about the sacredness and spirituality of this place. It
gives me goose pimples when I think about it.”
From The-Daily-Record.com, July 15, 2009
Program will trail history of Port Washington Road
By Christine Pratt
MILLERSBURG -- It's a road on which many residents have traveled, but few
may realize the historical significance of -- it's more than a path to the
cemetery, grocery store, or other routine destination.
Port Washington Road was Ohio's first state road and on Sunday will be the
topic of a historic program, to begin at 1 p.m. at the Deer Creek Park picnic
pavilion, and optional drive.
When the Ohio and Erie Canal was constructed in the early 1800s, it was
slated to cut through Holmes County, but "at the very last minute state
legislators pulled the plug," said Holmes County Historical Society Executive
Director Mark Boley of the decision to bypass the area.
But, the need to move local goods out of the area remained, and area
politicians pushed for and effected the construction of a road from
Millersburg to Port Washington, through which the canal passed, said Boley,
noting the 32-mile roadway, constructed in part over a buffalo trail, has been
marked by more than 70 historical signs.
The drive, which winds along several county and township roads, passing
through Beck's Mills, Saltillo and Baltic before reaching Port Washington,
takes about an hour, said Boley, whose presentation is designed to give
participants "a feel for how it was."
During the drive, he encourages travelers to "visualize what it would be to
get in your horse and carriage for a trip that might take a whole day or a
couple of days."
While the road now passes by several farms, "in its day, there was a lot of
business and activity along the road," Boley said.
Baltic, originally called Rowville, was the halfway point, and was by the mid-
1800s, home to a U.S. post office, three hotels, livery stables, a flour mill, a
doctor and other businesses.
The road and canal fell by the wayside after railroads made their way into
the area in the 1850s, Boley said.
At the end of the journey, the Port Washington-Salem Historical Society will
be open to visitors, who can take in a display of unique artifacts of the road
and canal, Boley said.
"It's a great thing to do on a Sunday afternoon with the family," he said of
the program and drive, the concept of which also has some historical
significance. "Sunday drives used to be really popular with people, but have
gotten lost as we have gotten busier in our lives. I enjoyed them as a kid."
Review of "Tecumseh!" in the Suburbanite, Akron, Ohio, July 12, 2009
Experience Tecumseh!
By CR Rae
Chillicothe, Ohio - Want to take a trip that will take you back in time yet, be
educational, interesting, unique and fun? You can do that. Just a few hours
away in Ohio’s first capitol, Chillicothe, you can have that experience at
Tecumseh, the outdoor drama.
Tecumseh is in its 37th season at the Sugarloaf Mountain Amphi-theater. If
you have never been to an outdoor theater before you are in for a treat.
As the usher took us to our seats he said, “Nice seats, right down front.”
Then he warned us, “Just remember to duck when the arrows come over.”
I figured the very nice man was kidding and sat down without worry. Then I
had another thought, what if he was not kidding and they really were
shooting arrows? The show is about the history of the Ohio Indian tribes and
the part they played in history. I remembered enough of my fifth grade Ohio
History classes to know that Tecumseh was a legendary Shawnee chief who
fought for their rights to the land. I knew there would be a battle and we all
know that in history bows and arrows were used as weapons. What was I
worried about? There is no insurance company on earth that would allow
them to shoot arrows over the audience. I felt better, as I was sure that he
was just joking around.
Tecumseh truly was the ultimate experience. There were no arrows flying
over head but the horses galloping past the audience, the battle scenes and
the cannons firing from the top of the rocks took care of the excitement. Not
only was it exciting but I learned a lot. I did not realize what a big part the
Ohio Native Americans played in the history of our country.
The drama begins in southern Ohio near the banks of the Ohio River in
1784 and takes you through the life of the Shawnee and other Ohio tribes
up to the year 1813. During that time Tecumseh dreamed of uniting all the
Indians from the Gulf of Mexico to the Great Lakes into one Indian Nation.
Governor of the Indian Territory, William Henry Harrison encouraged the
older chiefs to sign a treaty that gave away three million acres of land for
little money. That made Tecumseh angry and, well you are on your own to
find out the rest of the story.
You might recognize the voice of the narrator, Graham Greene. He is a
Native American actor best known for his Academy Award nominated
performance as his role of Kicking Bird in Dances with Wolves.
The theater is about three hours and 15 minutes from the Akron area
straight through Columbus on I-71 and off onto Route 23 south. The show is
completely handicap accessible and Braille scripts are provided for
audience members that are visually impaired and amplifiers for the hearing
impaired. Although the gun fire is loud there is no amplification of the voices,
actors do not use microphones. However, I found it easy to hear as the
theater has very good acoustics. If you do have a hearing problem and only
use hearing aids occasionally make sure you have them with you.
Over two million visitors have seen this fantastic outdoor play, enjoying the
natural setting. It is the most popular of its kind in the State of Ohio and the
entire Mid-Western United States. It takes over 100 people to put this play
into production every summer with performances beginning on June 5 and
going through August 29.
The play is not recommended for children age six and younger due to some
violent content and loud battle scenes.
There is much more to experience at Tecumseh than the play. If you have
the opportunity arrive early and enjoy the educational experience of the
Backstage tour. Stuntmen give a display of stage combat and flintlock firing,
then pitch headfirst from a twenty-one foot cliff, get up, and explain how they
did it. Tours last approximately one hour and also include make-up
demonstrations and detailed historical information on the drama and area.
The tours are at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. and the cost is $4 for adults and $3 for
children 10 and under.
You do not need to worry about missing dinner as the Tecumseh restaurant
buffet is on the grounds serving wholesome American food. You will not walk
away hungry. After the performance you can meet the cast and get
autographs and photos. There is no photography during the show.
To make reservations or get more information call 866-775-0700 or visit
www.tecumsehdrama.com. Ticket prices are Monday – Thursday: Adult - $
20.95, Child (10 and under) - $ 13.95 Friday & Saturday: Adult - $ 22.95,
Child (10 and under) - $ 15.95.
From The Associated Press, July 4, 2009 - Information from: Akron Beacon
Journal, http://www.ohio.com
Ohio group searches for Revolutionary War graves
TALLMADGE, Ohio — Some members of the Ohio Genealogical Society are
fanning across the state to document the graves of all Revolutionary War
veterans in their counties.
The goal is to put together an accurate account of the men who helped
create the United States, said Kelly Coghan Holderbaum, president of the
group's Summit County chapter. About a dozen volunteers from her group
are walking county cemeteries this summer.
On a recent visit to Tallmadge Cemetery, the group — using genealogical
information and government records — found the graves of nine veterans.
On most of the graves, there was no mention that the men were veterans of
the American Revolution.
"There is no family left to take care of it and look after it — or if there are
family members, they don't realize it is here and he is related to them," said
volunteer Judy Davis, 68, of Stow.
E. Paul Morehouse, president of the Ohio Genealogical Society and a part-
time history teacher at the University of Akron, said there are probably
thousands of Revolutionary War veterans buried across the state.
Most of the graves are more than 150 years old and many of the
headstones have disintegrated, he said. In other cases, old cemeteries no
longer exist.
According to legend, one veteran, Conrad Boosinger, was buried under
what became a portion of Interstate 76 in Tallmadge, Davis said.
In nearby Medina County, Terry and Marcia Hart of Valley City have been
documenting 64 graves throughout the county.
Terry Hart, 63, a National City Bank retiree and an Army Vietnam veteran,
said searching for graves has become an act of patriotism for him and his
wife.
"These people ought to be memorialized somehow," he said.
Hart said the Department of Veterans Affairs will pay for a headstone or a
plaque for a veteran of the Revolutionary War if there is no marker on the
grave already.
At Windfall Cemetery in Medina Township, the Harts found the grave of
Matilda Hickox and saw a flag near the grave.
The grave of her husband, Giles Hickox, was found in another part of the
cemetery, but there was nothing on his stone that indicated he was a
veteran.
"The headstone doesn't tell you who the person was," Marcia Hart said. "It
just tells you the person lived and died."
The public needs to know where the patriots are buried, she said.
From Associated Press, June 3, 2009
Ohio outdoor drama about Shawnee chief ends after 26 years amid
parent company's bankruptcy
XENIA, Ohio (AP) — An Ohio outdoor historical drama about a Shawnee
Indian chief is ending a 26-year run after its parent company's bankruptcy
filing.
Ticket sales for "Blue Jacket" have dwindled. The show staged in Xenia in
southwest Ohio wasn't produced in 2008 while the company tried to come up
with a new script and money to pay debts.
Last month, the nonprofit First Frontier Inc. filed for bankruptcy protection.
Board president Jim Harworth says the company owes at least $440,000.
Blue Jacket was a war chief who led the Shawnees in the 1790s against
Army forces trying to crush Indian resistance in what is now Ohio.
First Frontier estimates only about 12,000 tickets were sold in 2007
compared with as many as 50,000 tickets in previous years.
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and photos to:
Vicki@RendezvousOhio.com
Vicki@RendezvousOhio.com
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