Motorcycle Memorial 30th Anniversary
May 25, 2023
Ron Cole’s Aviation Art – History You Can Touch
April 5, 2023
For over thirty years Ron Cole has combed the globe to accumulate some of the rarest and best-preserved parts from historic aircraft to combine with his award-winning aviation artwork. No one else combines these elements as Cole’s Aircraft does. Connecting art and history is something Ron does well.
His interest in airplanes began as a child when he grew up in upstate New York. His father had a passion for aviation and passed that love on to his son. When Ron was eight years old, his dad took him to NYC to an aircraft show. He was hooked.
It’s no surprise that Ron flew a plane before he could drive a car. That first flight took place in Binghamton, New York as his interest in airplanes continued to develop. While still in high school, he founded a quarterly magazine devoted to aircraft preservation and history.
After earning his degree in Industrial Design at Rochester Institute of Technology, Ron explored many areas before coming back to his artistic self.
He learned a lot and grew his talent during time in Los Angeles working with companies such as Disney, Pixar, Mattel, Boeing, JPL, and many more. Ron stated, “I found my creative calling through diverse opportunities.” He worked as a model maker on films such as Harry Potter, Terminator III, Toy Story, and Madagascar. It was while he was working in this area that he developed his own unique way of presenting his artwork.
He discovered a way to combine the best of acrylic-on-canvas with the versatility of digital painting. That blend of traditional art with digital art has made him stand out in the field of aviation art.
While still in LA, Ron founded Cole’s Aircraft in 2006. It now resides in Zanesville, Ohio at 616 Main Street. He also operates Gallery Luminaria at 53 N. 4th Street. He feels Zanesville has a great art community with amazing talent and he wants to help promote art in the area – not just his own.
Aviation art and aircraft archeology have remained in two separate fields. Framed and matted artwork could be found on walls and excavated airplane parts in piles or remote jungles. Ron wanted to change all that.
His paintings needed a touch of history so Ron began buying parts of airplanes from WWII. He discovered boxes and buckets of them saved by families in Japan. Many airplane parts he purchased from museums with serial numbers or markings that could be traced back to a certain plane.
These parts were cut into pieces and a small piece placed in the frame with the picture. On each picture, you’ll find a history of the plane. He calls these “relic displays.” He likes having real history that you can reach out and touch in his paintings.
In March 2022 Cole’s Aircraft acquired its first complete warbird: a Japanese A6M2 Model 21 Zero Fighter, built by Nakajima in 1943 and served with the famous 201st Kokutai out of Tobera, Rabaul. Recovered from Balalae in the Solomon Islands in 2019, it now has a permanent home in his Zanesville Ohio studio while Ron works to restore its cockpit section.
As you shop online, you will find everything from small fold-out pictures for desktop display to large 20 X 30 canvas for wall hangings. His aviation art contains an authenticated part of the historic aircraft pictured as well as a short history of the craft. He prefers to paint planes in a peaceful setting but has done some on request that were in the midst of war.
You’ll find a lot of variety in his artistic work. There are paintings of American, German, Japanese, and Royal Air Force aircraft from WWI and WWII. Included are automotive and military vehicles as well as civil and commercial aircraft. Don’t forget he also does local Zanesville art!
Pictures of the local area that show its history have become another of his specialties. Each year he designs a special painting for the Festival of Trees. Ron expressed, “I want to support the community by highlighting special buildings and events.”
Prints of his paintings are now sold all over the world through the internet. It isn’t unusual for him to ship out 4,000 paintings a year. He has a deluxe printing system at his studio where he can print all sizes on demand using canvas or different paper to create special effects. Ron continues to introduce a new special edition weekly. Many of his limited editions sell out quickly.
Marketing is an important part of his business, and he credits its success to his wife, Erin, who serves as executive director for the WHIZ media group. She lets him do the artwork while she does the organization, communications, and accounting.
Visit his website at www.roncole.net or stop by his studio at 616 Main Street on First Friday Art Walk. When Ron thinks about his paintings, he exclaims, “Nothing I’ve ever done in my life or career has approached the pride that I have thanks to being able to do this.” His work takes art to a new level.
Breaking Free Therapeutic Riding Center
March 22, 2023
Experience the power of the horse.
Most children dream of riding a horse. That dream can become reality at Breaking Free near Norwich during their 15th season. Riding lessons are provided here for children of all abilities. However, they focus on riding for children and veterans with physical or mental handicaps.
Imagine the thrill for a young girl in a wheelchair as a special lift takes her to the horse’s back. Then volunteers strap her safely on and walk alongside as she gets her first horseback ride. Her face lights up with newfound joy as she experiences a degree of freedom!
To learn more about their riding lessons, contact Breaking Free Therapeutic Riding Center at 740-995-9395. Their mission is to empower those with diverse challenges through equine-assistance therapeutic experience.
Linda Lake, director and founder, received inspiration for this program back in 2005 when she felt the need to help disabled children in a lasting manner. She began by using their family farm and a few of their own horses. While working in the public schools, she shared her enthusiasm for the program and created a base of volunteers and community supporters.
Three years later in 2018 it all began and they are now a Premier Accredited Center Member of the Profesional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International. They offer several programs in a safe supportive environment for children with special needs and veterans.
PATH sets standards for equine therapy and equine facilitated learning for centers that provide services for the disabled. All instructors have completed the PATH training and testing to become registered. They also have continuing education classes every year. All horses must also go through an assessment program and must meet all PATH guidelines 100%. They want to make sure that participants, volunteers, and equine are all safe.
It takes a special horse to be a Breaking Free horse. They must be patient, friendly, reliable, and calm. Most horses used are from private donors. Horses for the Therapeutic Riding Program require different qualities than those with the veterans’ Horses for Heroes program. Horses go through a six-week training program before they are accepted for use. They seem to have a way of knowing when a person needs their attention and often on their own will place their head on the shoulder of someone needing attention.
Participants include physically and mentally handicapped children and veterans with disabilities such as PTSD. Riding can help and the horse is not only a means of exercise but also a warm and friendly companion. Riding improves the individual’s physical, psychological, and cognitive abilities. Sometimes a child will speak for the first time after connecting with their horse while riding.
Breaking Free instructors teach over 1000 riding lessons annually with up to 100 children participating. Help comes through over 55 volunteers and 16 equine partners. There are usually three volunteers with each student- two walking alongside and one leading the horse.
These volunteers do everything from brushing the horses to cleaning out the stalls. They are the ones who prepare them each evening for those coming in for lessons. Most of the volunteers have had horses so understand how to care for them.
This is a non-profit organization, so it depends on gifts from interested community sponsors as well as grants. Scholarship gifts are welcome for those not able to pay for the lessons. Without volunteers and sponsors, the program would not be the success it has become in touching the lives of students.
Breaking Free offers two types of activities for disabled children in a six-county area: a day camp/group outing program and our riding -for-the-handicapped program for children 4-25. They have recently added riding lessons for able-bodied, Veterans’ Horses for Heroes, day camps, and veterans’ retreats.
They have an annual fundraiser, Duck Derby, Sept. 16, 2023 where they have duck races with locally donated prizes for students and adults. This is also a chance for those who have taken lessons to show their skill to their parents and friends with a small “Horse Show.”
If you are interested in volunteering, there is always a spot for you at Breaking Free during weekly sessions, their monthly work day, organizing a fundraiser, or mucking stalls. Volunteers must be 14 years of age, complete an interview, and have a full day of training at the center before beginning work.
Call 740-995-9395 to register for lessons or if you have an interest in volunteering. Breaking Free is located at 2781 N. Moose Eye Road in Norwich where you can experience the power of the horse in the lives of those who ride and volunteer.
Life Made Better at Dresden & Company
February 12, 2023
Baskets have been made in Dresen for over 100 years. It’s America’s basketmaking capital. When Longaberger’s most recent owner ceased operation in 2018, Jim Lepi decided he wanted to keep the basket legacy alive in his hometown. He felt the basketmaking tradition needed to be quickly preserved or it would be lost forever.
There’s a new company in Dresden making baskets these days. Lepi founded Dresden & Company in 2019 using former Longaberger employees as basket weavers. He has been around Dresden almost his entire life, supports his hometown, and constantly gives to the community. To Lepi, Dresden is a magical place.
Lepi surrounded himself with people who knew the basket-making business. They decided to make a line of baskets with a modern farmhouse style as many homes today were using that decorating venue. Their goal was to have products that were American-made. Today they feel that 95% of their materials come from America.
However, Dresden & Co isn’t just for baskets. They offer handcrafted baskets, but also an exclusive pottery collection, a line of gourmet food items, home accessories, and an assortment of apothecary products. All these items can be purchased online through their catalog or through over 150 individual proprietors, who have their own websites and media pages in nearly every state in the nation.
The skilled group of weavers at Dresden & Company has many years of weaving experience – many from 30-40 years. It’s exciting to know that some of the younger generation is becoming involved in the company as well. They take pride in designing products that are beautiful as well as functional. Their Workshop is a busy place.
Tour their Workshop to watch them weave those delightful Dresden & Company baskets. Everyone seems to be enjoying their work. Not only do they weave the baskets for Dresden & Company but there are many other companies that hire them to weave their baskets as well.
It all begins with large sheets of wooden veneer, some the thickness of a sheet of paper. These are then cut into strips by a pre-programmed cutter. Next step is to stain the wood before its name is burned into the strips. Handles are soaked in hot water so they can be bent to the correct shape by machine.
Protectors are also made at the facility with different thicknesses as needed. The plastic is heated until the protectors are formed. The protectors fit the baskets perfectly and are food-grade safe.
Every basket is unique since it is handcrafted by a skillful artisan. Beauty shines forth from the maple hardwood used. Each basketmaker uses their full name and date to sign their completed work with pride. Lids can be personalized to commemorate a special occasion.
There are a variety of sizes and shapes for every possible use. Bakery Baskets can be used on the table for rolls or muffins. They might also be used on the buffet for silverware or napkins. Versatility makes them extra desirable.
A special Arlington Basket has been created to help the children of our country’s fallen service members continue their education. A portion of every sale is given to the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation for this purpose. The Arlington Basket is green and white on the outside with the white depicting the tombstones at Arlington among the green grass. Inside the basket is a patriotic red, white, and blue.
Dresden & Company wants to sell products that are made in the area. Ohio Stoneware, one of America’s last pottery manufacturers, still produces magnificent pottery in nearby Zanesville, which was once the Pottery Capital of the World. Michael Kennedy and his creative staff have designed a special collection just for Dresden & Company called American Potters’ Collection. These pieces are fired at 2200 degrees and made to withstand daily use. And they are made right in their own backyard.
D&Co Kitchen Products will delight your taste buds as they originate from businesses around the state and across America that have the desire to create unique products. Each of their fifty items contains high-quality ingredients that make perfect treats for visitors or a great gift for a friend.
A line of apothecary items has been developed with lotions, liquid soaps, and candles available. Amazing scents of lavender, crisp apple, and rosemary highlight their selection, which is all made in small batches right here in Ohio. All apothecary items contain 100% natural plant extracts and essential oils for great quality and scent.
Most of these products can be viewed at their Welcome Center, which is located in the old Popeye’s Restaurant building. When you enter the center, glance down at the floor and you will see the tiles that have been maintained that say Popeye’s as a greeting.
While all these great products are at the heart of Dresden & Company, they believe the most important things they can provide are reliability and service excellence. Being locally owned and operated, they will be close to the business and give of their best.
Visit their Welcome Center at 416 Main Street in Dresden or walk down the street to 305 Main Street where you can see the weavers making baskets. You’re sure to be impressed. Now is a great time to join their team as a proprietor. It’s a great opportunity to show your love for American-made products.
This is just the beginning. They are constantly developing new products with a high level of quality and durability that their customers will love. They want to see life made better for everyone involved with Dresden & Company.
Plan a visit to Dresden & Company at 416 Main Street, Dresden or check out their products at http://www.dresdenandcompany.com.
Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights
December 23, 2022
Lighting up your Holidays Today and Always
Christmas was a special occasion for Narciso “Butch” Bando, a local business owner of Butch Bando Concrete in the Delaware area. His family remembers how their dad had a way of making everyone feel welcome. He loved to make people laugh and helped those in need. Butch was always looking for a way to make a difference in the world.
23 years ago, the family established the original drive thru light show for Columbus at Alum Creek State Park Campground. It is still family owned and operated, being open each evening at 5:30 from November 18, 2022 – January 1, 2023.
For Butch, the holidays were a chance to share joy and help others. People in the area always tell stories of his loving nature, generous spirit and cheesy jokes. Even though he passed away years ago, the family decided in 2017 to rename the light show the Butch Bando Fantasy of Lights in his honor.
Enjoy over 300 displays with tunnels and light walls filled with bright LED lights. Their 500-foot customized light wall is stunning and one of a kind. Be thrilled as reindeer hop over your car as you drive through this popular display. Watch gingerbread men do tumbling acts. Of course, there’s a giant Christmas tree along the way.
See a nativity scene with Mary kneeling at the manger, dancing fish, a tribute to our military, and an Ohio-themed light display at the very end where you can get out of your vehicle for a fun photo. There’s action on every corner of this thirty-minute drive-thru experience which covers about three miles. New displays are added each year!
Delaware Area Career Center students created, from scratch, the official Fantasy of Lights radio station for musical background as you drive through the light show. This partnership gives students in multiple fields opportunities for real world application of their skills.
Because of the military’s commitment to serving our country, Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights believes these special evenings are the least they can do to thank them for their service. They appreciate those who have served to protect our freedom so December 26-30 is Military Appreciation Week. This week active duty and their spouses are admitted free with valid military ID and veterans’ cost is $10.
Weekends are a busy time here so if you can visit during the week, your wait time will be shorter and the drive will be smoother. Plus, there is a $10 weekday discount. They are open rain, snow, or wind. During severe weather, check their Facebook for updates.
Make Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights a family tradition as they support many local charities all year long. Included are A Kid Again, a local charity that supports families with children living with life threatening diseases; Recreation Unlimited for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities; 3rd and Goal making a difference in veterans’ lives; SEAL KIDS and Steps for Sarcoma.
Load up your entire family for the magical light display that will delight everyone from the comfort of your car. While there you might want to visit Santa’s House at Cross Creek Camping Resorts, part of the Alum Creek State Park. It’s just 30 seconds down the street from the Fantasy of Lights. Check their schedule to see when Santa is available for pictures.
Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights is located at 33115 Old State Rd., Delaware. Cost per vehicle Monday – Thursday (5:30-9:00) is $20, while on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (5:30 – 10:00) the cost is $30. For more information, visit their website at http://www.butchbandosfantasyof lights.com
If you have a story about Butch to share with the family, that would make them extra happy. Making family memories that last a lifetime plays an important role in Christmas celebrations. Add Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights to your Christmas traditions.
Romance Blossoms at Dickens Victorian Village
November 9, 2022
A loving heart is the truest wisdom.
~Charles Dickens
The spirit of Christmas at Dickens Victorian Village leads to many interesting adventures. One of those involves a couple who just happened to meet at Sheetz in New Philadelphia when Shannon was having car trouble and Curtis appeared to help. They sensed a connection that first evening.
After that, they talked on the phone several times and agreed to meet again at Sheetz before going to dinner in New Philadelphia on November 22, 2014. Curtis discovered through the phone calls that Shannon had a real passion for Christmas. After dinner at Pro’s Table, he suggested they go to Dickens Victorian Village in Cambridge.
Shannon had never been there before but loved Dickens Victorian Village at first sight. They walked from 6th Street to 11th Street and enjoyed all the Victorian scenes. They laughed, talked, and had a great time.
Shannon loves the Christmas season because it’s a time when everyone is happy and thoughtful. Families gather around the Christmas tree to exchange gifts and share their love. To her, the season is filled with happiness.
In December, even though Curtis has a passion for heavy metal music, he arranged to take Shannon to hear the Trans-Siberian Orchestra in Pittsburgh. While there, he took her a ride on the Incline in a car reserved just for them. On the way down, he presented her with a promise ring – with a promise that he would never hurt her. Charles Dickens expressed that same vow for all of us when he wrote, “Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts.”
A year later, on November 22, 2015, Curtis and Shannon were married at the Courthouse during the Dickens Victorian Village season. They loved the Christmas spirit that they felt there. It started out a fairly warm day; however, just during the wedding ceremony, snow fell creating a magical snowball effect.
Shannon told Curtis he could wear whatever he wanted to the wedding as she knew he didn’t like dressing up in a suit. Curtis chose his leather Harley jacket, hat, and boots. Then Shannon decided to wear Harley boots under her traditional wedding gown. They wrote their own special vows. Their reception was held at the Senecaville Fire Department, where Curtis is a volunteer. Then they headed to Carlisle Inn for their honeymoon. Their fun never stops!
Their Christmas Trees are a source of real pleasure. Shannon collects Hallmark ornaments for one of their trees while Curtis has a Harley Christmas tree. Christmas is an important celebration at the Broners’ home.
Curtis is a gas and welding specialist at Matheson..the gas professionals in Senecaville, while Shannon works as a medical secretary at Akron Children’s Hospital. Even though both of them have full-time jobs, Curtis always had a dream of having a hot dog cart. As a youngster of seven years old, he went to work with his dad who was a policeman. Outside the office, there was a hot dog cart where Curtis enjoyed getting his lunch and began dreaming.
In 2016, they went to Connecticut where a church had advertised a brand new cart for sale. The church didn’t realize all the work involved and was willing to sell it for a fair price. One of the first places they used that cart was at Seneca Lake when they were rebuilding the concession stand. That summer, the hot dog cart was at the lake every weekend.
The only time they have ever sold on a street corner was for Dickens Victorian Village. They set up on the US Bank steps right beside the courthouse, their magical place. Broner hot dogs are all beef and none of their additions are from a can. Would you believe that a macaroni and cheese dog with bacon is their most popular seller? Other popular ones are their Carolina slaw dog and of course, a chili dog.
They don’t skimp on anything so you get a meal in a bun. Usually, their hot dog cart can now be found at festivals and Harley events. The Hot Dog Cart logo incorporates the firefighter with the traditional dalmatian dog and the helmet shows Curtis’ volunteer #23. Their slogan, “Putting out the fire in your belly,” goes with that firefighter logo. Slogan, logo, and name are all registered and can not be duplicated…much like the great taste of their hot dogs!
When asked what they might enjoy doing in the future, Shannon would like to go on a cruise to someplace warm. Curtis wants to ride his Harley across country on Route 66. Life for them will always be an adventure.
In the meantime, they enjoy returning to Dickens Victorian Village every November 22 to relive their first date with a walk downtown and a chance to see the beautiful Holiday Light Show. Dickens will always hold a special place in their hearts. Perhaps it will find a special spot in your heart too.
Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childhood days, recall to the old man the pleasure of his youth, and transport the traveler back to his own fireside and quiet home!
~Charles Dickens
Pennington’s Brings National Entertainment to Jewett, Ohio
October 17, 2022
“If you build it, they will come” from the movie Field of Dreams became the mantra that created Pennington’s in Jewett. It all began in 2015 when Nashville music veteran Shawn Pennington and his long-time friend, Pete Koch from Scio helped organize a concert in Deersville for their 200th birthday.
A feature of that concert was a group called Trick Pony, who performed on a stage built outside the Deersville General Store. More than 2,000 people filled the street to watch that performance. It seemed to Shawn and Pete that the Ohio Valley was hungry for good country music…and the idea for Pennington’s began.
Shawn has a longtime connection to the Jewett-Scio area. While his family lived in Pittsburgh, as a child Shawn spent nearly every weekend and summer vacation with his grandparents, Hobart and Mary Stroud in Scio. So, it was natural for Shawn to feel that Scio was the place he called Home.
In the early 90s, Shawn traveled the world as a professional musician before moving to Nashville to become tour manager for the up-and-coming Sara Evans. He worked hard on promoting her career where she sold more than 2 million records and toured with greats like Kenny Chesney, George Strait, Alan Jackson, and Reba McIntire.
Because of his success and the relationships he had built, a powerhouse management firm of Dale Morris & Associates asked him to join them. It was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. Shawn’s talents as musician/producer, tour and production manager, and eventually artist manager led him to play important roles in the careers of Big & Rich, John Rich, Gretchen Wilson, Cowboy Troy, and Randy Owen just to name a few.
So, when he got the idea for a country music restaurant in the Jewett-Scio area, he thought it would be a chance to bring some of those country music artists, as well as rock and comedy, that he knew to perform there. He felt people were eager for good music in that part of the country.
Shortly after he began thinking about the restaurant, his granddad, Hobe, called to tell him that granddad’s favorite place to eat was going up for sale in Jewett. Jo-Lin’s Restaurant was located in the old Kammeyer Opera House, a 110-year-old building with a lot of class and character.
Again, he called upon his old friend, Pete Koch to manage the restaurant as Shawn had no previous experience managing a restaurant. But it was a change that he thought would be fun and of benefit to the community.
Over the next few years, they redecorated the building, added a fantastic stage area with cool lighting, improved their product, and found a group of people that could carry out running the restaurant easily.
Now, the restaurant seats 170 people for dinner and a show. It’s a place where you can get up close and personal with the performers. If you’re down front, you may only be a few feet away. Even in the back, you’re only about fifty feet away. Not many places you can have this kind of experience.
Food is delicious as well. They have daily specials that give great variety to their basic menu. It includes wings, cod nuggets, appetizers, salads, sandwiches, soups, and pizza. They have a wide variety of beverages including soft drinks, beers, and wines. Children have their own special menu.
Every weekend since July 2021, they have had award-winning talent on stage. Past performers include Frankie Ballard, Little Texas, Pam Tillis, Neal McCoy, Deana Carter, Thompson Square, and Confederate Railroad just to name a few. There are special groups every month so check out their website to see who is performing. Get your tickets online by going to www.penningtonsjewett.com.
In 2016, Shawn opened Pennington Entertainment, a full-service artist development and management company. He started this Nashville enterprise with over twenty years of management for other companies under his belt. While music is his main focus, Shawn also has produced television programming for major networks.
Shawn still lives in Nashville but makes frequent weekend trips to Jewett. He’s trying something else new these days…he’s upgrading his pilot’s license. His passion for flying, which began as a ten-year-old, became strong again just a few years ago when Allen Jackson, the personal pilot for Kenny Chesney, invited him to the airport to hang out. There happened to be a flight school right next to Chesney’s hangar where the owner took Shawn up in a little Cessna for an hour flight.
When he returned from that flight, he had ten new voicemails and 48 new emails on his phone. He had completely forgotten about his Blackberry for an entire hour! Flying became therapy for him. The next month he took a Boeing 737 introductory course and has been obsessed with aviation ever since.
Life keeps Shawn very busy between his restaurant, aviation, and artist management. Because of his Nashville experience, he wants Pennington’s to provide an experience to the client from the minute they enter the parking lot until they leave the performance. Shawn remarked, “I want Jewett to be a destination town.”
Gnadenhutten Ohio Celebrates 250 Years
October 7, 2022
Ohio’s Oldest Existing Settlement
Gnadenhutten is the oldest settlement in the state of Ohio and this year celebrates its 250th birthday. In 1772, Rev. David Zeisberger, a Moravian missionary, and another young missionary, John Heckewelder, founded two villages along the Tuscarawas River in the state of Ohio with the help of Joshua, a Mohican chieftain.
Most are familiar with Schoenbrunn Village, which was Zeisberger’s first settlement for the American Indians – mostly Delawares. His second settlement that same year was Gnadenhutten and that town still exists today.
This October, Gnadenhutten will celebrate its 250th anniversary at their Homecoming Celebration on the 7, 8, and 9th. It all begins on Friday evening with food trucks downtown and apple butter being made at the museum. Saturday has activities planned all day long for all members of the family. Sunday, church services will be held in the Museum House in the Historical Park.
Streets downtown are blocked off for craft booths, Farmers’ Market, Corn-Hole Tournament, and music. While the kids are enjoying the Bounce House, Obstacle Course, Putt Putt, and Face Painting, adults might relax playing Bingo at the Fire House. Don’t forget to check out Custom Kemps Car Show in the afternoon.
Saturday will be filled with music. In the afternoon Wes Schryok and Mike Wykoff will be entertaining. Then that evening, Putnams System Rewind, a family band with a reputation for performing a great variety of music, will be on stage from 6 -9. Music will be followed by fireworks from the top of Stocker’s Hill.
Apple Butter Days happens on October 8 and 9 at the museum with apple peeling beginning on Friday night when they will show people how to make apple butter. The family of Samuel Shrock from Millersburg will be making the apple butter again this year. Enjoy visiting the encampment in the park where people will be dressed for the early 1800s.
A memorial was placed in the Historical Park at the spot of what is now called the Gnadenhutten Massacre. The plaque on the memorial states:
HERE
TRIUMPHED IN DEATH
NINETY
CHRISTIAN INDIANS
MARCH 8, 1782
Ten years after settlement, Captain David Williamson, an American Revolutionary War officer, and his militia suspected the peaceful Mohicans and Delawares in Gnadenhutten, who had been converted by the Moravian missionaries because they remained neutral during the war. Seeking revenge for other Indian raids, they tricked the Delaware into believing they were friends. The next day, March 8, 1782, they killed all the villagers except for two scalped boys who escaped and told of the incident. One Ohio historian called it “the wickedest deed in our history.” Story of this tragedy is told at the outdoor drama, Trumpet in the Land.
A museum tells the story of those early settlers, who lived a peaceful life in their log cabins along the river. These Indians loved music and enjoyed working in their gardens. There is also a reconstructed church and log cabin like those that were on that site over 200 years ago. A burial mound contains the remains of those ninety Christian Delawares who were massacred that day.
The mayor’s office and the museum have a small booklet “Massacre at Gnadenhutten” which is a copy of the history published by the Gnadenhutten Monument and Cemetery Organization back on October 7, 1843. It tells the entire story of what is called the blackest page in history of the Northwest Territory.
After the massacre, John Heckewelder returned to the village and again organized the town but this time with basically a white Moravian population. Today there is still a Moravian Church in Gnadenhutten called the John Heckewelder Memorial Moravian Church established in 1803. Due to his early persistence in establishing the village, Gnadenhutten still exists today.
Mayor Rich Gosling hopes that in the future, “While we will never forget the tragic massacre that took place here, I would like for Gnadenhutten to, first of all, be remembered as the oldest settlement in Ohio.”
The town has grown from those early days when travel was on trails by horseback and wagon or on the Tuscarawas River. Things changed in the early 1900s when the Ohio-Erie Canal traveled along the river, followed by the railroad and then today’s highways.
Enjoy a visit to Gnadenhutten, the oldest established town in Ohio, during their 250th Anniversary celebration. Then watch what changes happen over the next 50 years.
Take a Relaxing Visit to Historic Harmar Village
September 17, 2022
At the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers, Fort Harmar was the first military fort built in Ohio County. Built under the command of General Josiah Harmar, this 1785 fort was given his name.
Its purpose was to keep illegal settlers from squatting there but it proved the opposite as they came and settled because they felt safe from the American Indians with the protection of the fort. The fort was abandoned in 1790 and demolished in 1791. Its location is thought to be under the Ohio River as the river has widened over the years.
The Ohio Company planned out Harmar Village near the fort site across the Muskingum River from downtown Marietta. Today, a trolley tour of Historic Marietta and Harmar is a nice way to get an overview. Then you can go back and see the places that appeal to you. Once you get to the other side of the river, Harmar Village is filled with historical homes, a few unique shops, many dining experiences, museums, and restored train cars.
Historic Harmar Railroad Bridge, strictly pedestrian in recent years, leads from Front Street in downtown Marietta to Harmar Village but is now closed. It was a scenic walk over the Muskingum River to explore the old restored village. The bridge, which was built in the 1860s is in disrepair and they have a campaign to save the bridge as it was the only working, hand-operated railroad bridge in America. They still operate it during the Harmar Festival for those who would like a ride. All proceeds, of course, go to Save the Bridge.
A beautiful Italianate home can be found high on the hill in Harmar. It was built in 1859 by Douglas Putnam, one of Marietta’s wealthiest men. Putnam was the leader of the abolitionists in the area where he was a major supporter of the Underground Railroad.
He built the home for his wife Eliza who fell in love with that style when traveling through New England. Eliza carefully chose everything that was to go into the house to make it their home. The cost at that time was $60,000.
The family named the house Putnam Place, although many called it Putnam’s Folly. The tower was probably his idea as he could easily see both rivers and the city as well as across the river to Virginia so he could keep a good eye on slave movement. At that time the Ohio River was rather shallow and you could easily ride a horse across it. Later the house was purchased by Harry Knox, a builder of steamboats, and renamed Anchorage.
In recent years, paranormal investigations and tours have also been held at Putnam Villa by the Washington County Historical Society, which hopes to restore it.
Harmar seems to overflow with historical homes. The Henry Fearing House Museum gives you a taste of middle-class life during the Victorian era. Fearing invested in the area and had a steamboat enterprise. Built in 1847, today this house holds historical items from Marietta and Washington counties. In 1829, Levi Barber, who was a surveyor and U.S. Congressman, built The Barber House.
The Children’s Toy & Doll Museum gives visitors a glimpse of what toys entertained children during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The house where this hidden treasure is located was built in 1889 by George Strecker, a local boilermaker. They have beautiful displays of dollhouses, circus wagons, dolls from around the world, and many new displays this year.
The Old Post Office is a center of attraction right beside their train display. Lydia Young served as postmaster here from 1864-1885 in what was also her notary shop. While there aren’t many places for shopping in Harmar, you’ll find several places for delicious food as all have crowds of people at lunchtime.
Busy Bee is right next door to the Post Office and has been serving fresh ingredients from local farms since 1944. Everything is made from scratch with breakfast their specialty. Larry loves the area and has plans for starting three new businesses there: a bakery, butcher shop, and distillery.
Stop for a meal at Spagna’s Italian Restaurant right next door to Harmar Tavern. Spagna’s offers authentic southern Italian cuisine and an extensive wine list. Or go next door to the tavern, a neighborhood gathering place that almost never closes. They are known for their “Soon to be famous” Fried Bologna Sandwich.
If you are planning to attend their Fourth of July Celebration or the Sternwheeler Festival, you might enjoy heading to Lookout Point on Harmar Hill. Here you can see many vistas of Marietta as well as the beautiful Ohio and Muskingum Rivers winding their way through the scene. It’s a great place to watch the fireworks! Harmar is a great place to visit any time of the year.
Jake Graham’s Writing Journey
September 5, 2022
If you don’t have a dream, how you gonna’ make a dream come true.
Since the age of twelve, Jake Graham has been writing poetry. His first poem emerged during a disturbing time in his life and was on the stormy side. Then he fell in love with poetry.
As a student at Meadowbrook High School, he also wanted to play football. So poetry was set aside as his main passion for a while. However, he never stopped writing poems in his notebooks as it helped him to understand the world around him.
Jake is a veteran of the Marines where he served in the infantry in Iraq. His reason for serving was to protect our freedoms, which are very important to him. He appreciates all who have served.
He went to Muskingum University to follow his football passion but while there his professors gave him encouragement and guidance in his writing. Today Jake is a learning consultant at Muskingum University where he tutors students with learning disabilities in their PLUS program. His youthful spirit helps students feel they can accomplish their goals.
Most of his poetry is written about him and his life…and for him. It’s very therapeutic to write about feelings. Growing up, Jake was very close to his grandfather so some of his poetry such as the book “Plucking Chickens from the Pines with Grandpa” developed from experiences with him.
Jake felt that the lessons he learned from his grandpa were more important than anything he learned in school…if he had paid attention! Actually, Jake wanted to keep his grandfather’s Patchen name alive since he had no sons and uses Jacob Paul Patchen as his author name.
His novels are fiction and based on ideas that float through his mind. “When something hits you, you have to act on it,” Jake explained. When he writes, he pictures it in his head as playing out as a movie. His stories center around love, family, war, and learning things the hard way. These are the things that made him the man he is today so he feels it important to spread that message.
Due to his Marine service, his books that are related to the war are based on real experiences he has felt himself or witnessed. He seriously cares about the number of suicides that are committed each day by veterans who have problems living with the world they have seen. Of Love and War is based on his war experiences through poetry and prose.
Words That Matter – Family begins a children’s series of picture books that help them focus on what is important in life. His plans are for a ten-book series for children to help them with issues in many parts of their lives.
Telling it like it is has become his style. He doesn’t hold back on telling things that really do happen even if he is writing them in a fiction format. His style is easy to read and has already won six book awards. He writes stories for children, teens, young adults. and adults. Every book has a purpose with a touch of Jake’s great sense of humor.
Recently, author Jacob Paul Patchen has had the opportunity for speaking engagements as well as book signings. He enjoys talking to other writers and constantly looks for ways to improve his own writings.
It was a special privilege to come back to Meadowbrook High School and speak to students on Career Day, as well as to classes at Muskingum University. Perhaps along the way, he can help someone have a better understanding of a personal problem through his writings.
A couple of these books have become required reading for counselor training classes as they explain the turmoil that accompanies problems faced in today’s world. His words paint a clear picture of what victims endure. For those suffering past or present from abuse or severe trauma, these books touch the soul.
His most recent book, “No Pistol Tastes the Same” a PRSD Novel, gives a clear picture of what the war zone was like and the problems many military men and women have when returning to civilian life. Jake’s choice of words and comparisons make reading easy, yet you can feel their pain.
This author wants to impact others with his writing so much that they try to change for the better. Finding happiness in the form of love, freedom, and purpose would be his goal. Someday he’d like to own some land, a house, an RV…and maybe even an island!
Jacob Patchen encourages others by telling them,
“Go do more than just exist. Go be.
Go inspire and achieve.
Go do the things that make you breathe.
Find a way to make us better.”
That would be a great lesson for all of us to follow. Find the things in life that bring you enjoyment, then focus on those things.
For questions or scheduling a talk, contact the author at Jacobpaulpatchen@yahoo.com.
Gypsy Road Trip 