Places to go and things to see by Gypsy Bev

Archive for the ‘Back Roads’ Category

Deloris Ullmann Discovers Painting

Live your life and forget your age

Sometimes a hand reaches out and touches you in an unexpected way leading you on a new pathway. Such was the case with Deloris Ullmann, a retired educator from Shenandoah.

This painting shows her hometown of Mt. Ephraim many years ago.

Deloris grew up in Mt. Ephraim and started her education at a two-room school there before graduating from Sarahsville High School. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Ohio University and later her Master’s Degree from Marietta College.

Her family enjoyed music. Dallas Bond, front left, and her mother played on WILE in the late 40s.

In her younger years, Deloris was surrounded by a family that enjoyed music. Her parents organized “Dallas Bond and The Musical Farmers,” which was the first live musical group to air on radio station WILE in the late 40s. Deloris and her sisters also performed on WILE a few years later as “The Bond Sisters.” Because of that interest, Deloris can play piano, guitar, violin, and mandolin.

Deloris played guitar and sang at her retirement assembly.

She played guitar and sang “Love Letters in the Sand” at 4-H camp during Talent Night and played the fiddle with Jim’s Jammers at a Grange Banquet at Shenandoah High School. Even when she retired, she played the guitar and sang at her retirement assembly.

After retirement, a new path opened unexpectedly one day ten years ago when her neighbor Judy McKee, an art teacher from Shenandoah, came across the road for a visit. She asked Deloris, “Did you ever think of painting?”

Deloris smiled as she said, “I can’t even draw a circle.” Deloris said at that time the only thing she had ever painted was a paint-by-number picture.

Judy was persuasive and told her, “You can learn. I’ll give you lessons in my studio.”

She enjoys stopping along the road and painting an outdoor scene or whatever catches her eye.

Thus began a weekly encounter where Deloris learned something different every week. Judy had her try different paints – acrylic gouache wash, oils, and watercolors. They would take rides in the country and stop to paint a house, a church, a friendly animal, or flowers that caught their eye.

This painting is her favorite winter scene sharing one of her many barn pictures.

Barns became a favorite object for her paintings. They drove out Route 564 and she took pictures of all the barns along the road. Then from the photos, she painted pictures of those barns on 11×14 canvas.

This set of her cards share the series of barn pictures that she drew. Nice for a quick note to a friend!

Those paintings were also converted into cards that make delightful colorful notes to friends. It’s a creative way for more people to be able to enjoy her paintings.

Deloris remembered picnics at Coen’s Church grounds near Seneca Lake after it closed in the 1930s.

Something she especially enjoys is painting a scene from the past. It might be an old church or town that no longer exists. Recreating them from old pictures makes great paintings and great gifts.

She enjoyed painting Izzy, her sister’s dog.

While Deloris does sell her paintings, quite often she uses them as gifts to friends and family. When asked if she painted every day, Deloris shook her head, “I was taught to only paint when you feel like it. Never throw anything away. Let it set for a couple of days, then go back and add what is needed.”

Some of her paintings were displayed an at art guild show at Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center.

Her instructor, Judy, began painting at the age of four and participated in a local Art Guild. At one time, Judy encouraged Deloris to display her paintings with the guild when they had a show at Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center. Her paintings were also displayed in Art Market 649 in downtown Cambridge a few years back.

This painting shows their barn on Mud Run Road. Her paintings are filled with memories.

During this time, Deloris also wrote a book just for her family. The title of the book is “Two D’s in a Pod,” a clever way of mentioning her and her husband, Don. It is a collection of pictures and stories of their family from childhood on. It also includes many of her paintings.

In her spare time, she often plays piano at Mr. Ephraim Methodist Church. She recently sewed 100 aprons for an Eastern Star fund raiser. Don and Deloris also enjoy traveling. They have visited Germany several times, did a European tour, and have enjoyed many trips in the United States including Alaska and Hawaii.

Her teacher, Judy McKee, and Deloris enjoyed painting at the Guernsey County Library.

While Deloris discovered painting late in life, she finds it a wonderful relaxation. “Painting makes me really happy.”

This colorful painting of flowers reminded me of summertime.

Visit her Facebook page to see some of her paintings. If you would like to have Deloris paint something for you, send her a picture of your house, barn, animals, or flowers and her painting is sure to please you. Contact her at 740-509-1672 or drudou@gmail.com. Visit her website at http://www.delorisullmannart.com where most of her work is posted both old and new. Some items can be purchased online.

Age is just a number. The mind has the real potential for learning at any stage of life. Deloris Ullmann is proof of that.

Category:

Art, Back Roads, Farming, Gardens, Ohio

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Quilt Barn Tour in Harrison County

Quilts are a patchwork of memories!

Quilt Barns have become a popular feature in several Appalachian areas. They not only preserve those old, precious quilt patterns but also tell the story of a family that used that barn.

Henry Law Farm – Windmill Quilt Pattern

Quilts bring back special memories of our forefathers to help us realize the dedication and hardships they faced. Every quilt has a special story that needs to be kept for future generations to understand.

Gwen and Bob Stewart Barn – Goose Tracks Quilt Pattern

The idea was born when Donna Groves, a field representative of the Ohio Arts Council put a quilt on her barn in Adams County, Ohio. The idea quickly caught on with similar Quilt Barn Tours being developed in many Ohio counties and even in surrounding states.

Dawson Farm – Log Cabin Quilt Pattern

While the idea began in 2001, a few years later in 2005 Harrison County became involved. Their plan was to paint 15 quilts on area barns, one in each township. All quilts that were considered were owned by residents of Harrison County. Twenty-eight quilts were submitted for consideration. The effort was coordinated by the Puskarich Public Library, the OSU Extension Office, and the Harrison County Community Improvement Corporation.

Paolano Farm – Double Wedding Ring Quilt Pattern

Decision was reached on the fifteen quilts that would be displayed in a very unique way. Harrison County Election Board was demonstrating a new electronic voting machine at the Harrison County Fair in 2005. Pictures of the quilts were downloaded on the election machine and fairgoers had a chance to vote on their favorite. The winner was a quilt in a dahlia pattern submitted by county resident Barbara Besozzi. The quilt was sewn by her grandmother, Mary Henderson and is now on a barn on the homestead where it was sewn.

Henderson Farm – Dahlia Quilt Pattern

They proceeded with a Make a Difference Day project which consisted of making eight-foot square painted replicas of the quilts that were chosen. Then they were installed on barns throughout the area – one is each township. A “Drive It Yourself” tour was established.

Joseph Barn – LeMoyne Star Quilt Pattern

This was a real community project. The Harrison County Commissioners applied for a grant to support the project. Harrison Central High School industrial arts students made the frames, which held the paintings of the chosen quilts. Two of the paintings were done by students in the Arts department at Harrison Central High School and smaller squares were done by 4-H clubs in the county. The rest were painted by volunteers from Harrison County.

Harrison County Home – Make a Difference Day Quilt

The first barn quilt was installed at the Harrison County Home in August, 2005 while the rest were installed in October, 2005 on Make a Difference Day Ohio. Funds for this project were raised through contributions from individuals, businesses, civic groups, and grants.

Rocking M Farm – Dresden Plate Green Quilt Pattern

The goal of the organizers was to have the quilts and barns tell the story of the residents of Harrison County. In this way, people would know the background of the people who created the quilts and lived on the farms where the barns are located.

Center Farm – Dresden Plate Red Quilt Pattern

A lady, who now lives at the Harrison County Home, quilted the Dresden Plate that is now on Dr. John Center’s Barn outside of Scio. Mary Henderson’s dahlia patterned quilt is on the barn at her old homestead. Stories like this need to be preserved.

McMillen Farm – Multiple Stars Quilt Pattern

The Harrison County Quilt Barn Tour gives you views throughout the county. If you are not familiar with the area, you should get a list of the Quilt Barns either online at www.harrisoncounty.gov.quilt-barrn-project or stop by Harrison County Tourism and pick up a brochure.

Lawther Farm – Fan Quilt Pattern

Today there are 20 barns on the Harrison County Quilt Barn Tour. Some of those original 15 are no longer present. This self-guided tour reminds us of our pioneer and agricultural heritage.

Rinks Farm – Lone Star Quilt Pattern

Take a drive through the hills of Harrison County and watch for the barns that have quilts painted on their side. You might pass some every day. Once you have read about them and taken a Quilt Barn Tour, it’s amazing how often they appear when you are traveling throughout Ohio and neighboring states.

Every quilt tells a story. Watch and listen!

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Art, Back Roads, Farming, History, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Relax at Rocky Fork Ranch Resort

Adventure Awaits!

Stop at their Ranch House for registration and General Store.

Enjoy the outdoors when camping at Rocky Fork Ranch Resort near Kimbolton while still enjoying the conveniences for a relaxing and comfortable vacation. You’ll have a great time regardless of the weather with their many indoor and outdoor events.

Sharrie Yarber, manager, and Aaron Johnson, asst. manager, enjoy greeting campers.

This member based campground at 74978 Broadhead Road, Kimbolton has been part of the Travel Resorts of America Family since 1982. It’s the kind of place where neighbors become friends, and friends become like family. Many might remember camping there in the past when it was called Grand Haven or even before that Bucket Hill.

Their new General Store has just about everything a camper might need…and then some.

When you enter the campground, first stop will be the Ranch House which is headquarters for registration and also their General Store. The store has been moved and reorganized this year and includes just about everything you would need for your camping experience. They also have an ice cream, pizza, and sandwich sh

Cabins in the woods are the perfect place for relaxation.

Camping can take several forms at Rocky Fork as they have over 200 campsites and 101 lodging facilities. There’s rustic camping, RV sites, and cabins on 850 acres of wooded and rolling hills. Explore the territory by taking a hike as you enjoy the view through beautiful woods with streams scattered throughout if you like going on foot. Or perhaps you would rather explore the area on horseback as they have a dozen horses that enjoy following the trails through the area.

Indoor and outdoor swimming pools are available for guests.

On a rainy day, you can enjoy their clubhouse with indoor pool, gym, hot tub, adult lounge, pool tables, and game room. A laundromat has been added with all new machines for campers’ convenience.

Miniature golf is a fun family activity.

Guests can find entertainment and excitement in a wide variety of outdoor activities. There’s a golf driving range, paint ball at the Gun Slinging Corral, miniature golf, tennis courts, Native American Pow-wows, and guided nature walks. Let the children enjoy several play areas scattered throughout the campgrounds.

Their five acre lake is a great place for boating, fishing, and relaxing.

Their catch and release 5-acre lake paints a serene scene with a lighthouse built from an old stone house on the property on one side. Across the way is a friendly gazebo with a relaxing swing. Here people can use kayaks, canoes, or pedal boats to enjoy the calm waters.

A Nature Center has many cool animals like Rex their bearded dragon. He loves fresh greens and likes to stretch his legs in the planetarium. Other animals the children enjoy are Curly – a curly tailed lizard, rabbits, turtles, and fish.

Rocky Fork Rodeo gives youngsters a great chance to experience rodeo events at an early age.

Rocky Fork Rodeo, the oldest competitive youth rodeo in Ohio, is organized by the Rocky Fork Rodeo Company and takes place ten times a year in the Rocky Fork Ranch arena. It has been a source of fun, learning, competition, and a stepping stone to larger rodeo competitions since the 1990s. The rodeo season runs May – September rain or shine.

They wish to preserve the sport of rodeo while teaching sportsmanship, honest competition, and safety measures. There are over twenty events including bull, steer, and calf riding, team roping, goat tying, barrels, and flags. A small membership fee is required to participate and receive prizes. Youth ages two to nineteen by January 1st are welcome to take part. Public is welcome to watch this event.

Salt Fork Shooting Club held a Hot Shots Youth Team Trap Shoot.

Salt Fork Shooting Club is a private club organized in 1992 and has a clubhouse at Rocky Fork Ranch with target, trap, and archery ranges available for all Salt Fork Shooting Club members. Anyone interested can join their group for a reasonable fee.

The group is NRA affiliated and encourages organized rifle, shotgun, and pistol shooting among members of the community. They stress the important of knowledge of gun safety, proper care of guns, and improved marksmanship. They offer planned shooting events May through October.

Rocky Fork Resort’s mascot, Rocky the Raccoon, appeared at a recent Home Schow.

By cooperating with other organizations such as those listed above, Rocky Fork Ranch hopes to give back to the community. They also participate in many local events to promote their resort.

Aloha! Hula Dancers entertained campers at a recent Luau Weekend.

While visiting, I had the opportunity to witness one of their many exciting evening affairs with Hula Dancers from the big island of Hawaii. Volcano Choy and his family take you on a journey to the tropics. Volcano provides the vocal and instrumental music while their six daughters dance various hulas, which were taught to them by their mother, a former hula dancer. A young son demonstrates the fire dance. It’s a real family affair.

Campers enjoyed participating in hula lessons and became part of Rocky Fork Hula Troop.

Campers joined in the fun by participating in hula lessons for young and old on what their leader Volcano called Rocky Fork Hula Troop. Special events like this happen nearly every weekend like Christmas in July, Water Wars, Watermelon Crawl, or Dog Daze of Summer.

The beautiful old trees at Rocky Fork Ranch make being surrounded by nature a real pleasure. Many come from the city for a breath of fresh air. In the evening, the smell of the campfires relaxes the mind.

To learn more about Rocky Fork Ranch Resort visit their Facebook page. Call 888-829-6341 for more information or to make reservations.

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Back Roads, Family Fun, Just for Fun, Nature, Ohio, Uncategorized

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The Station on Twenty- Two for Delicious Ice Cream

The Station on Twenty-Two often holds events that the entire community enjoys.

Ice cream is a highlight at The Station on Twenty-Two in Antrim but The Station has so much more to offer. Stop by for a light lunch, find a favorite book to read, and shop in their small boutique.

This family-owned business is located in a renovated gas station along Route 22 in Antrim. The station, known as Glenn’s Service, was previously owned by Glenn and Martha Cole. Glenn ran the gas station and garage while Martha ran the Convenience Store. In those early days, Martha sold Damsel’s ice cream for a nickel a dip and even served as a notary. Glenn serviced Madison school buses.

This early picture shows The Station when it was a garage and general store.

When the station became available for purchase, Ron Miller thought it would be a great place for an ice cream shop. While he purchased it in 2013, it was 2021 before they were open for business. They did a lot of remodeling while attempting to keep the appearance of the old station.

Ron mentioned his reason for opening the business. “I want this to be a place where the community can hang out and get to know each other.”

Ron Miller, owner, is shown with his three daughters, Karin, Robyn, and Tricia, who help run The Station.

Ron Miller, three of his daughters and a son provide hand-dipped Yoder’s ice cream, milkshakes, and sundaes. A cousin Jenna Weaver is in charge of making and designing the sandwiches. This is their third year at The Station and they continue to add new and exciting things all the time.

Their Cousin, Jenna Weaver, creates and prepares delicious sandwiches.
Their Apple Orchard Sandwich is a customer favorite.

The daughters, Robyn and Karin, were kept busy dipping ice cream, making milkshakes, serving sandwiches, and answering the phone on the day of my visit. However, they always took time to talk to the customers, greet them by name, and even get some hugs exchanged. It’s a friendly and happy atmosphere with everything neat and clean.

When asked why she liked working at The Station, Robyn, the manager, said, “We see all our neighbors and make new friends.” Her sister, Karin, added, “Every day we see all the good people we live around.”

Karin and Robyn check over the display of flavors currently available.

You might wonder why they chose Yoder’s Old Fashioned Premium Ice Cream for their specialty. Yoder’s is a Mennonite/Amish Company based in Sarasota, Florida. Bill Yoder remembered his dad cranking homemade ice cream by hand every Saturday. Since that time, he always dreamed of having his own old-fashioned ice cream company for families to enjoy. Today he tells everyone, “I truly hope you love our ice cream as you enjoy it with friends and family.”

The Millers’ uncle delivered for Yoder’s to Ohio and an aunt said they made the best ice cream she had ever tasted. So without ever tasting it themselves, The Millers went on the word of family and made the choice. By the way, it is delicious!

Robyn, the manager, brought me their special waffle cone with a dip of my favorite chocolate ice cream.

Popular ice cream flavors are triple peanut butter and butter pecan served in your choice of a cup, regular cone, or waffle cone, which is freshly made by the family. Their flavors change frequently and there is always a weekly special.

Relax at their shuffleboard court just behind The Station.

Outside, you will even find a shuffleboard court. There’s no cost to play! Plans for the future include a playground and pickleball court. This family likes to have fun whether inside or out.

There are plenty of places to enjoy your ice cream inside and visit with friends.

They have special events for the community as well. Some evenings they have special live music. A Hunter’s Storytelling Night featured hunting stories and hunting tips. A Thanksgiving Pie Contest was a tasty event. Their Christmas at The Station featured Arts & Crafts as well as holiday music performances. Of course, there was always ice cream available to make the evening more delicious.

Young Annie Miller proves that “Kids need ice cream like gardens need water.”

Stop by and get a special treat during summer hours at The Station on Twenty-Two on Tuesday through Saturday 11 – 8. Sandwich service stops at 6. They are closed on Sunday and Monday. Visit The Station on Twenty-Two on Facebook for up-to-date information, dates, and hours.

The Station on Twenty-Two is located in Antrim about 15 minutes north of the main entrance of Salt Fork Park so a nice final touch to a day at the lake. An ice cream cone, sundae, or milkshake is the perfect break on a hot summer day.

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Back Roads, Family Fun, Just for Fun, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Dogwood Pass Celebrates Christmas in Old West Style

Enjoy a touch of the Old West as you enter Dogwood Pass during the Christmas season.

Howdy, partner! Catch the feeling of an Old West Christmas at Dogwood Pass in the hills of Southern Ohio. Many roads head in that direction. All are scenic.

Enjoy the spirit of Christmas as you walk down the street in this Old West town.

Their Christmas season begins the first Friday after Thanksgiving. They are open in December from Thursday thru Sunday until Christmas. At this time, their Western town transforms into a winter wonderland filled with colorful lights, the Christmas spirit, and performances with holiday themes.

Candy Cane Lane leads to interesting Old West places of business.

Take a walk through Dogwood Pass and step inside all of their buildings, which are decorated in the spirit of that era. Here you’ll find a saloon, jail, church, general store, bank, freight office, gun shop, livery stable, and more. Along the way, you’ll find many original pieces from long ago. The only things modern are the twinkling Christmas lights.

The saloon was the first building constructed at Dogwood Pass.

Happy trails to you while visiting their Roy Rogers Memory’s Museum with classic memorabilia. Here you’ll find original movie posters, Roy and Dale’s Western outfits, and their guns. They continue to search for Roy Rogers’ memorabilia to add to their collection. Then, stop at the saloon for a drink…root beer is what they serve.

Watch a bank robbery take place during one of their Wild West Shows.

On weekends at 3 pm, their Wild West Shows are full of action, gun-slinging, lively cowboys, and horses. Watch lawmen and outlaws fight it out in the streets of Dogwood Pass. Often there is a bit of comedy thrown in and you might even see a cowboy riding his horse backward. Calamity Jane often makes an appearance as she argues with the cowboys to add a little humor.

The Grinch tries to steal their Christmas spirit.

Santa and the Grinch appear every open day after the Wild West Shows to create more Christmas cheer. The Grinch tries to steal the spirit of Christmas from Dogwood Pass but that’s impossible.

Santa enjoys arriving in his new buggy.

Santa arrives in his new buggy, which delights both children and adults. The singing interactive snowmen are a big hit and everyone likes to touch them and see their reaction. Children might enjoy a horseback ride through the town.

John T. Wayne, grandson of the famous Western actor John Wayne, will make an appearance on the weekend of December 15-17. He will be there to talk about and autograph his books. He has written his autobiography as well as eight books set in the west with the latest book being “Peace in the Valley.”

Sharlene and Mike “Frog” Montgomery live the Old West life on a daily basis.

This Western town in Beaver, Ohio began as an idea of Mike “Frog” Montgomery. Frog always had a passion for history and the life of a cowboy. He actually grew up on the farm where Dogwood Pass is located and married his wife, Sharlene, on this spot about thirty years ago.

The saloon, their first building, is still an important part of Dogwood Pass today.

One thing Frog always wanted was a saloon to hang out in after he went horseback riding or hunting. In 2009, he built that saloon in his own back yard…just for a hobby! He said his hobby went wild…Wild, Wild West, that is!

The dressmaker was an important person in the days of the Old West.

The family now has the help of about 70 volunteers who all dress in authentic Western costumes. Actually, Frog dresses that way all the time so people are used to seeing him in town with guns in his holsters. Volunteers make it special as they come to have fun. Everyone there is so friendly, you’ll want to come back again.

You know it’s an authentic Western atmosphere when you learn that three Western movies have been filmed there. “Western World” tells the story of a sheriff faced with more corruption than he thought possible. “Brimstone Saint” involves a preacher who became a gunslinger to stop witchcraft in his small worn. The most recent movie, “Showdown in Yesteryear,” thrusts a wannabe cowboy back in time 160 years through a mysterious door.

Snowmen, some of them interactive, give a special touch to a snowy day at Dogwood Pass.

For 2023, Dogwood Pass at 726 Adams Rd., Beaver, Ohio opens on Friday, November 24, and continues weekly from Thursday to Sunday until December 23. Admission on Thursday is $10, with children under 6 free. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, admission is $15 with children under 6 free. Hours vary on different days so check out their schedule on Facebook for updates.

Mike enjoys talking to visitors and telling them the story of Dogwood Pass.

Mike and Sharlene live just outside the Dogwood Pass fence so welcome people throughout the year even though most events take place on Friday and Saturday. If you don’t have time to head out West, visit the biggest Old West Town east of the Mississippi. Mike is a country boy and loves to talk to visitors. You’ll definitely feel welcome at Dogwood Pass!

Bring your family, bring your kin, and come on down to Christmas at Dogwood Pass where the West meets the North Pole for a rootin’, tootin’, good time!

Dogwood Pass is located in southern Ohio at 726 Adams Rd., Beaver, Ohio. It’s directly south of Columbus, Ohio in the direction of Portsmouth, and not far from the Ohio River, Roy Rogers’ boyhood stomping ground.

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Back Roads, Christmas, Family Fun, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Fall Fun at Tipple’s Country Pumpkin Patch

Venture inside the cornstalk teepees for a fall picture.

Pick a pumpkin! Get lost in a corn maze! Take a wagon ride! These are all things you can enjoy when visiting Tipple’s Country Pumpkin Patch on Simmons Road just a few miles north of Cambridge toward Indian Camp. They decided to call it Country Pumpkin Patch since Simmons Road is a scenic, country road.

Vonda and Ted Tipple started the Country Pumpkin Patch in 2001 on their farm.

It all began 22 years ago when Ted and Vonda Tipple decided to grow some pumpkins. In prior years, they had purchased pumpkins just down the road from Ned Thomas before he retired from the business. They built their pumpkin farm from the ground up. That first year, they placed a wagon loaded with pumpkins in their front yard with a can to place money in if someone wanted a pumpkin. It worked!

Now her son, Josh, Jess and the grandkids have been helping for several years, But Ted and Vonda still are responsible for most of the Country Pumpkin Patch.

The whole family from adults to children plant the pumpkins by hand in the spring.

The grandchildren help them with the patch from planting to harvest. They also give them ideas of what children might like. It’s a great experience for them to learn how to run a business, handle cash and make change.

Picking out a favorite pumpkin isn’t always easy but something fun for the children.

They decided to expand the pumpkin patch to a place where kids could have fun as well as pick out their favorite pumpkin. Each year they add more activities that children and adults will enjoy.

You’ll find a great selection of mums to make your home have a touch of fall.

There is no admission charge if you are just stopping by for a pumpkin or some of their other fall decorations. Prices for the pumpkins range from $.50 to $20.00 depending on their size. Mums, Indian corn, corn stocks, straw bales, and gourds are also available. 25 different varieties of pumpkins and gourds can be found here.

There’s also a nice selection of gourds, cornstalks, and bales of hay.

If you want to enjoy all the activities, there is a $5 admission charge per person – those under 2 are free. This includes a wagon ride, corn maze, crackers to feed the animals, and all the games they want to play.

They opened just a little later this year as they had to replant the pumpkins four times due to weather conditions. They are lucky to have lots of help dropping the seeds in the ground.

You might want to start your day at Tipple’s Country Pumpkin Patch by taking a covered wagon ride around the entire area to see what is being offered. The tractor is driven by Josh and the wagon is quite comfortable with padded seats.

A box filled with shelled corn gives many opportunities for play.

The corn maze, which is five acres in size, is always a popular event at the pumpkin patch. Most people enjoy getting lost…at least for a while. A box filled with shelled corn provides a great place for children to use their imagination.

Children enjoy feeding tame goats, chickens, and sheep.

Their petting zoo includes goats, chickens, sheep, and horses. Children enjoy feeding crackers to the animals and being able to get up close to pet them since the animals are very tame.

For those under 3, there is a small bounce house they are sure to enjoy. There’s also a nice play area with toys to ride and places to explore.

A nice play area gives children a chance to run some of their extra energy off.

There are many games scattered throughout the Pumpkin Patch area for everyone to enjoy. There is a Duck Race with water jets, a basketball gravity wagon to practice your shots, a new slide, and a Tire Bridge for kids to climb on and over.

Wagon rides are fun for the entire family.

Several area pre-schools have been frequent visitors to the Pumpkin Patch. They come for a wagon ride and go home with a small pumpkin. It’s a chance to show children how the pumpkins are grown and let them see the animals up close for an educational experience.

Groups enjoy roasting hot dogs over a campfire or making smores.

A special treat on Friday or Saturday nights can be arranged for groups with reservations. Many 4-H and Scout troops enjoy this adventure. This is a Nighttime Walk through the corn maze with flashlights, take a wagon ride, roast a hot dog at the campfire, and build your own smores. All this fun for $5 per person! Make reservations by calling Vonda at 740-432-3263.

Children get a chance to see how pumpkins are grown.

The Guernsey County Library will sponsor an event at the Country Pumpkin Patch on October 16th from 5-7 pm. The library staff will be on hand to supervise the event. Up to 150 kids will receive a free small pumpkin, and the library will have painting supplies available for them to paint a face on their pumpkin. While there, they can enjoy the play area.

As you can imagine, this is not a job for just six weeks of the year. All year long plans are being made and items are constructed and painted. Fields must be prepared, planted, and weeded. A Pumpkin Patch requires dedicated work month after month.

This sign lets you know you have arrived at Tipple’s Pumpkin Patch.

Tipple’s Country Pumpkin Patch is open daily the entire month of October from 12-7 just a few miles from Cambridge in the country at 6176 Simmons Rd. For the convenience of the customers, purchases can be made with cash or credit card.

“We want to give everyone a personal experience at a small but friendly Pumpkin Patch.” They love what they do!

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Back Roads, Cambridge, Family Fun, Just for Fun, Ohio

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Hershberger Petting Zoo

The Petting Zoo is just one part of the Hershberger Farm & Bakery complex.

Petting and feeding animals are things that most children enjoy. A trip to Hershberger Petting Zoo, located between Berlin and Millersburg in Amish Country, makes this possible in a friendly setting. An indoor barn holds many of the animals in pens for easy access but not too close for small children who might be a little afraid of petting these animals.

Mini-donkeys were located near King Buck for size comparison.

The pens hold pigs, chickens, geese, llamas, alpacas, and calves. There are also some free-roaming animals under cover like peacocks, rabbits, goats, and more. Pick up a rabbit and feel its soft hair or cuddle a piglet. If the child falls in love with a rabbit, you can even purchase one to take home with you.

Baby Piglets are always an attraction.

One mother told me, “My daughters get to pet and feed animals, we get to see them smile. The produce and fry pies are amazing also!”

Mother goat is very protective of her triplets.

Maybe you might even get lucky and a baby goat will let you pick it up. Baby animals are always favorites of children and adults. Often you will find animals that have wandered away from their cages. One small goat decided that my slacks would be a good snack but did no damage. That reminded me of an old song that I learned when beginning to play the piano.

Bill Grogan’s goat was feeling fine

Ate three red shirts right off the line.

Hershy’s King Buck is the largest horse every raised on their farm.

Children and adults will also like seeing and petting Hershy’s King Buck, a massive, registered Belgian horse – the biggest horse ever raised on their farm. He was born in September of 2021 and weighs 3,126 pounds. Feed King Buck a carrot to make him happy. He is amazing!

Their aviary holds a special attraction for those who enjoy close contact with the birds.

A large screened-in area contains an aviary, which holds many local and colorful birds with a variety of places for them to rest. Outside pens where the animals have more room to roam contain llamas, calves, ponies, and even longhorn cattle.

A large horse carousel entertained youngsters with a ride on a large draft horse.

There’s a live carousel inside where children can have a draft horse ride. This is not on King Buck but on some of the other beautiful, large horses at the farm. There are additional charges for the horse and buggy rides.

Buggy rides took visitors on a tour of the farm.

Take a relaxing ride in an Amish buggy while visiting. Kids and adults both enjoy the buggy rides, with stories by an Amish driver, that take you around the Hershberger Farm to see the animals out in pasture.

Goats like to climb on benches, platforms, and even the roof of the barn.

This is a family day that everyone is certain to remember. Don’t wear your Sunday best clothes even if you watch your step. Picking up the small animals is likely to get a little dirt on your clothing.

This young boy spent a lot of time feeding and petting the small goat.

Entry fee for the Petting Zoo is $5 per person. Kids 3 and under are admitted free. Take along some one-dollar bills or quarters so you can purchase whole carrots or sliced-up carrots to feed the animals. It’s always fun to have them eating out of your hand!

Most, especially moms, like to visit the Farm Store while they are there.

Before leaving, moms especially will want to visit the Farm Store or the on-site bakery where they can pick up some delicious cream sticks to eat in the shade or take home. Some think the bakery alone is a good reason to visit. Cheese and kettle corn are also available. There’s a place to get ice cream or a fresh Angus hamburger. There’s plenty of outdoor seating here to relax and enjoy a snack.

Hershberger’s Petting Zoo at 5452 State Route 557, Millersburg is open from March 1 – December 24. During that time they are always open from 10 – 4. Closed on Sunday throughout the year. Amish Country is a very busy place so visit on a weekday if you can. This is a place your children will want to go back to again and again.

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Back Roads, Family Fun, Nature, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Motorcycle Memorial 30th Anniversary

If “lick, gap, hollow, or creek” are in the name of the road, take it!

~Motorcycle wisdom

This overview of the wall shows the dedicated brick sidewalk by friends of the Memorial.

Hopedale is home to the Fallen Motorcycle Memorial, a monument to riders gone too soon. A Motorcycle Memorial Wall, similar to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC, contains names of fallen brothers and sisters from all 50 states and other countries. The memorial, established in 1993, is funded by the Motorcyclist Memorial Foundation, which cares for the memorial which is located behind the American Legion Post 682.

Motorcyclists will be attending by the hundreds for the rededication.

Gas-powered motorcycles began back in 1885 in Germany. This early motorcycle was a wooden frame with a gas engine attached. Things have certainly progressed from that early time and today there is a wide assortment of motorcycles from which to choose.

Riding a motorcycle is fun and exciting with the freedom to enjoy the open road with a sense of adventure. Some like it for speed, while others find it a relaxing way to spend a day as they ride the back roads and enjoy the scenery. Many like the camaraderie of riding in groups where they often help with community projects such as collecting toys for Christmas giving.

Of course, riding a motorcycle is an easy way to commute to work and saves on the gasoline bill. Their gas mileage rivals the most economical small cars. Caution must be taken to stay out of a car’s blind spot and motorists need to be aware of watching for motorcycles on the highway.

Words on this Indian Black Marble were written by Dan Waterfield.

Those who enjoy the thrill of riding motorcycles directed the building of the Motorcycle Memorial Wall with incredible detail. Milligan Memorials of Coshocton etched the Indian Black Stone, the darkest of all marbles, which stands atop a grassy knoll. The words written on the stone were written by Dan Waterfield of Oregon, Ohio. Anne Milligan etched the image of the man and woman riding their motorcycles on the winding road while Tim Milligan installed and etched the names of the loved ones lost on the gray pillars.

At each end of the wall is a moveable marble full-size motorcycle.

Each end of the wall is bookended by a full-size 2-D motorcycle carved from that same black granite. The bikes can slide outward as new sections are added for fallen bike riders. In 1993, there were only two slabs with names. Today there are dozens of slabs listing names of bikers who have gone on so there will be a permanent memory of fallen brothers and sisters of the open road.

Anne Milligan etched this picture on the black marble of cyclists going down a winding road.

Hundreds of motorcyclists, their friends and family members are expected to converge on this Harrison County community on this Memorial Day weekend, May 26-27, for the 30th annual rededication of the Motorcyclist Memorial. Every year during Memorial Day weekend, they rededicate the wall and add more names to the granite pillars on each side of the monument. Nearly 1200 show up annually for this event.

Motorcycle enthusiasts will enjoy a trip to Hopedale just east of Cadiz to see the wall for themselves. Visit during their Rededication Ceremony on May 26-27. Activities include a ceremony at 11:30 when the names of newly fallen riders will be put on the black marble monument, plus live bands, vendors, and a bike rodeo. Charge for admission is $15 per person for the weekend with funds used to care for and update the wall.

The Memorial Wall is located at 48225 Rabbit Road in Hopedale. If you have any questions, call (740) 317-3433. Come join in the celebration on May 26-27.

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Back Roads, History, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Explore Ohio Art Corridor in Southeastern Ohio

School of Fish along the Muskingum River was the first sculpture made especially for the Ohio Art Corridor.

Sunday drives are the perfect time to explore The Ohio Art Corridor in Southeastern Ohio. There are over 150 miles of road to follow at a leisurely pace so you can enjoy the unique local art. Why, it’s like a Drive-Thru Art Gallery!

This public art trail contains everything from murals to oversized sculptures as it winds through the Appalachian region. It’s open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

David is pictured under his Tree of Life, which can be found in Lancaster.

David and Rebekah Griesmyer are the masterminds behind the Ohio Art Corridor. David created School of Fish, the first piece of sculpture made just for the art trail. The fish swim through the air along the Muskingum River in McConnelsville across from the fairgrounds. Each fish measures 15- 20 feet in length.

His sister-in-law, Rebekah is the director of this non-profit organization. Their idea was to provide Appalachia access to culture, art, and educational experiences along a trail that would boost tourism in small towns and areas often overlooked.

This bronze statue of a soldier stands along the Muskingum River at Zane’s Landing.

The Ohio Art Corridor is working with welding and art programs throughout Southeastern Ohio to teach skills needed to create jobs. Interns are invited to help with creating the giant art sculptures along the corridor. They are hoping to partner with local schools in the future to involve students in designing the sculptures.

Flight of the Hawk Park in Lancaster has objects on the ground as well as in the air.

If you have an art piece you would like included on the trail, it has to meet certain criteria:

  1. The piece must be outdoors and free of charge.
  2. Stand-alone sculptures must be of a generous size.
  3. If the artwork is smaller than12 feet, there must be a collection of three or more sculptures in one location.
  4. Pieces must be accessible to everyone.

At this time the trail winds through Circleville, Lancaster, Athens, Portsmouth, McConnellsville, and Zanesville, and the list continues to grow daily as new pieces are added. These “micro parks” reflect the local history and beauty of that particular area.

This Circleville mural celebrates 100 years of the Pumpkin Festival there.

Ten large murals by Eric Henn can be found in downtown Circleville. One celebrates the bicentennial of Circleville while another depicts the many activities involved with their annual Pumpkin Festival, which has been celebrated for over 100 years.

A red-tailed hawk at Flight of the Hawk Park in Lancaster alights on its nest 42′ above the ground.

In Lancaster, Ric Leichliter has sculpted several metal vultures in the branches of a tree in the Flight of the Hawk sculpture park just outside of town on Highway 33.

This turkey sculpture joins other turkey and deer sculptures throughout the park.

Turkeys are scattered across the field. The main feature here is a 42-foot tall metal hawk with a wingspan of 14 feet. It’s even lit up at night!

Portsmouth has a Flood Wall over 2000 ‘ long covered with murals.
This section of the Flood Wall actually shows the flood of 1937.

Portsmouth has a floodwall, which is 2,200 feet long and covered with murals by Robert Dafford the entire length. It tells the history of Portsmouth during the last two centuries.

Locks of Love in McConnelsville is the newest addition to the corridor.

A recent addition in McConnelsville is Locks of Love “A Great Place to Fall in Love” created by David Griesmyer. Two large metal hearts are meant to have locks of love put on them just like the bridge in Paris, France. While the hearts have only been in place for a short time, locks are beginning to accumulate.

View the sidewalk art at any time at Alan Cottrill’s studio in downtown Zanesville.

Zanesville features Alan Cottrill’s bronze works in a sidewalk display outside his studio with an Indian atop his building to give recognition to his heritage. In Zane’s Landing Park, there are other bronze statues as well as murals that have recently been added.

This mural can be found in Zane’s Landing Park.

The Ohio Art Corridor will be the longest and largest outdoor art gallery in the world. It’s over 150 miles long! The other large outdoor gallery in Stockholm is 70 miles in length. Surrounded by parks, tables, and benches, The Ohio Art Corridor will be a place for generations to gather for years to come.

A bicentennial Legacy Monument depicts four notable people in the history of the Zanesville area.

You might want to take a long Sunday drive, or break the corridor up into sections and do several small day trips. That way you’ll be able to spend more time in the communities along the way. Whichever way you choose, if you enjoy art you are certain to find this an enjoyable trail to explore.

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Art, Back Roads, History, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Ride the Rails to the Pumpkin Patch on Zanesville and Western Scenic Railroad

Pumpkins go home to make jack-o-lanterns or pumpkin pie.

Pumpkin Train rides highlight the month of October in Mt. Perry, Ohio. Board the historic Zanesville and Western Scenic Railroad for a 45 minute ride through scenic southeastern Ohio. At the end of the ride in October, the train stops at the Pumpkin Patch where each child has an opportunity to go out in the field and pick out their own pumpkin.

Engineer Scott took control of diesel engine 4541.

Bill Ratz, Scott Dunbar, and an enthusiastic group of men and women enjoy spending weekends and free time working on the train, the tracks, and new ideas to make the train enjoyable. The sound of the train whistle and the call of “All Aboard!” thrills everyone who loves to ride a train.

Bill Ratz, train man, explained the history of Z&W Scenic Railroad.

Bill has been in love with trains since his first Lionel train as a child. When he became a paper boy, he always stopped to watch the trains along his route. Then his life turned a different direction when he met his wife, Pat, at Miami University where he majored in nuclear engineering. In recent years, he worked for IBM in Columbus City Schools as a software computer operator. His love of trains always remained as he worked with a tourist train there during his time off.

This unique dump truck runs on the tracks but has a bed that swivels to unload on the side.

The Zanesville & Western Railroad (Z&W) extended throughout southeastern Ohio in 1902. It connected Columbus to many of the coal and clay mines in the area. Locals knew the line over a hundred years ago as “Zigzag & Wobble.” It often carried coal that was mined in many areas of Ohio, or Glass Rock’s silica sand to places manufacturing glass, pottery, dinnerware, and fire brick.

Beginning in 1982, the Buckeye Central Scenic Railroad operated out of Hebron, Ohio. In 2003, they loaned their train to Byesville, Ohio until Byesville Scenic Railroad purchased their own equipment in 2006.

That same year of 2006, Bill and Pat heard from a friend, Ron Jedlicka, about an abandoned train track, that was owned by the State of Ohio. They took a ride to Mt. Perry to look the scene over and found the track was so overgrown that it couldn’t be seen in places. However, a dream was born that day.

A new coat of paint brightened up the flat car so it is ready to roll.

Ron had a huge interest in railroads as had been one of the founders of Buckeye Central. Ron met Scott at a train meeting and convinced him to join their efforts at Mt. Perry. Soon some of the equipment from the old Buckeye Central was moved to Mt. Perry via rail. The flat car being used today is one of those pieces of equipment.

Conductor Dennis made sure everyone was in place before the train moved.

The first thing Bill purchased for the Z&W Scenic Railroad was a locomotive. It was built for the U.S. Navy in 1941. His next purchase was the Indiana Coach from 1920. It has seats, which are being recovered as time permits, from the Long Island Railroad. His last purchase was the transfer caboose. All of these cars were brought to Mt. Perry over the highway.

Scott has purchased other equipment that is used for the train. Bill will admit that although he loves trains, Scott is the one with the mechanical skills to keep things running. They make a great railroad team.

In 2008, the Zanesville and Western Scenic Railroad was born just a few miles off Interstate 70 between Columbus and Zanesville on SR 204. It operates out of Mt. Perry on the Glass Rock Spur along Jonathan Creek. The route today is about three and a half miles from Mt. Perry to East Fultonham and back. They have a flat open air car and an enclosed passenger car for your riding pleasure and a ramp for entering with ease.

The track goes through a shady tunnel of trees.

The tracks must be sprayed every spring so the train can ride smoothly along its route. Side branches are trimmed to avoid accidental brushes with riders. A bright blue coat of paint has been applied to the open-air car making it look like new. These volunteers work hard to make the best of what they have available. The entire route shows the beautiful countryside with everything well maintained along the way.

Board the train in Mt. Perry for a work in progress. The route will eventually cross 13 bridges and have 12 miles of track. They are hoping to add several new events such as a wine tasting ride in the future.

Dave Adair cooks a hobo dinner for Hobo Camp Weekend.

There are many possibilities for a train ride. School groups, senior citizens, and Boy Scouts enjoy riding the rails. Hobo Camp Weekend encourages passengers to wear their best hobo clothes and join them for a hobo meal around the campfire.

A Hobo Camp Weekend encourages passengers to wear their best hobo clothes and join them for a hobo meal around the campfire. You will probably be treated to beans and wieners or hobo stew!

Grassman Weekend gives an opportunity to watch for Grassman, or Bigfoot as he is often called. This is a great chance to share stories about personal experiences and viewings.

The Pumpkin Train stops to let everyone pick their own pumpkin from the patch.

Children get special treatment on many of the train rides. In October the Pumpkin Train runs rain or snow every Saturday and Sunday on October 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, and 30-31, 2021. The train leaves on the hour each hour from noon until 4:00. Kids love this time. A stop along the way gives children the opportunity to go out in the field and pick their own pumpkin.

The conductor greets passengers on the Christmas Train.

In December, an evening Santa Train on December 11-12 and December 18-19, 2021 is decorated inside and out for the season. Children love this ride as everyone gets a bag of candy and also a wrapped gift when they depart. A highlight, of course, is a special visit from Santa.

Santa welcomes everyone when he arrives riding on the engine.

60-80 people can ride the train easily. If you would like to have the whole train for your group even during the week, please call Bill at 614-595-9701 for a group rate. Parking is handy across the road in the Mt. Perry Foods parking lot.

Happy children pose with their pumpkins.

Cost is very reasonable with $8 for adults, $5 for children 6-15, and children 5 and under are free. Plus this year, everyone will have the pleasure of getting their own pumpkin from the patch.

Meet the Z&W in October at the Pumpkin Patch!

Western & Zanesville Scenic Railroad is located just a few miles from I-70 at Exit 142. Turn south on Mt. Perry Road for four miles, then turn right onto Coopermill Road. After about half a mile, turn right on Ohio 204. Parking is on the right hand side of the road in the Mt. Perry Foods parking lot. Or you can put 5700 State Route 204 NE, Mt. Perry, Ohio in your GPS!

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Back Roads, Christmas, Family Fun, Just for Fun, Ohio, Uncategorized

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