Places to go and things to see by Gypsy Bev

Archive for the ‘Christmas’ Category

Life Made Better at Dresden & Company

Dresden wishes to maintain their title as America’s Basketmaking Capital.

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.

Jim Lepi, Dresden & Co. president, talks with a basketmaker in their Workshop.

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.

This display shows a sampling of the variety of baskets made by Dresden & Company.

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.

Their showroom displays most of their Made in America products.

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.

Christmas stocking baskets are their most popular item.

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.

Andy Wolfe, manager of product development, explains the machine that makes basket protectors.

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.

For over 40 years, Mary has been making baskets. This one is for a cruise amenity.

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 portion of each Arlington Basket sold goes for scholarships to children of Wounded Warriors.

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.

Michael Kennedy, creative director, discusses pottery designs with Ohio Stoneware of Zanesville.

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.

A wide array of kitchen products will delight your taste buds. They are perfect for treats at home or as gifts for friends.

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.

The showroom at the Welcome Center gives an overview of their many available products.

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.

Use many of their kitchen products to enhance your dining experience.

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.

Hang a Dresden & Company stocking ornament on your Christmas tree.

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.

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Art, Christmas, Ohio, Uncategorized, Zanesville

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Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights

Lighting up your Holidays Today and Always

The entrance to Fantasy of Lights welcomes everyone.

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.

Butch Bando and his family always enjoyed the holiday season.

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.

Driving through tunnels of lights is always fun.

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.

The popular O-H-I-O can be found at the end of the drive.

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!

Find a beautiful lighted church along the way.

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.

Snowflakes add beauty to the USA display.

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.

This family is enjoying the light show along the wall of lights.

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.

Santa’s House is located next door at Cross Creek Campground.

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.

Enjoy a house decorated for Christmas.

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.

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Christmas, Family Fun, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Romance Blossoms at Dickens Victorian Village

A loving heart is the truest wisdom.

~Charles Dickens

There was a special connection the first time they met.

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 decorates her tree with her longtime collection of Hallmark ornaments.

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.”

Shannon was walked down the aisle by her brother with the Dickens characters in the background.

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.

Curtis and Shannon were married at the Guernsey County Courthouse with snow falling just for their ceremony.

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!

Christmas with her Christmas tree is a special time of the year for Shannon.

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.

Being bikers is an important part of their lives and they enjoy having their hot dog stand at biker events.

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 hot dog stand keeps them busy on weekends.

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.

Their logo incorporates the fact that Curt is a volunteer at the fire department.

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!

Riding Curt’s Harley is one of their favorite pastimes.

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

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Cambridge, Christmas, Festivals, Just for Fun, Ohio

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Dickens Victorian Village Bus Tours

Buses have coned places for parking in front of the Welcome Center.

Step back in time at Dickens Victorian Village in Cambridge, Ohio during the months of November and December. The friendly small-town atmosphere will have you feeling like you’ve arrived in jolly old London during the late 1800s. Bus groups get special treatment during their visits and we usually have nearly fifty groups a year during that season.

While this article is basically for the tour groups, you will find many things here that make it a great place for a family weekend adventure.

As soon as a tour group arrives in Cambridge,  you will get that Victorian feeling. A costumed guide will step on your bus at the edge of town and stay with you throughout the day as they tell how Dickens Victorian Village began sixteen years ago.

Our mayor welcomes you to Cambridge along with Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim.

Tour venues are very flexible as each group has particular interests. Most groups begin the day with a slow bus tour of six blocks of downtown Cambridge. During November and December, there is a Victorian scene under every lamppost in those six blocks. In 2021, there were 168 life-size mannequins in 96 different scenes.

A touch of snow adds to the holiday cheer on one of the Victorian scenes.

The scenes are based on Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” and also scenes from London during Dickens’ time. Each scene has a brass plaque attached, which explains its connection to that time in history.

Everyone enjoys a tasty treat from Kennedy’s Bakery.

Along the way, almost every bus group stops at Kennedy’s Bakery, a hometown favorite that has been in business since 1925. Three generations of the Kennedy family have created the same tasty pastries year after year. Bus groups stop back again and again.

Mosser Glass still produces glass at their factory with a beautiful Gift Shop included.

If you arrive in the morning, Mosser Glass provides an interesting stop as they are still making glass on site. Watch them create some beautiful glass pieces. Cher purchases turkey candy dishes here each year for her guests at Thanksgiving dinner. They have even provided beautiful glass Easter eggs to the White House. Their showroom is outstanding.

Volunteers at the Welcome Center are dressed in Victorian garb to welcome guests.

Down the street, the bus will have a coned off place to park near our Dickens Welcome Center. Here Father Christmas will greet the bus. Volunteers at the Welcome Center will talk about how the figures are made and encourage you to dress in Victorian clothes at Imagination Station. Have your picture taken for a fond memory with a beautiful Christmas tree or the figure of Charles Dickens himself.

Several unique shops help make this stop a pleasure for those who enjoy shopping.  Find a unique gift for yourself or a friend from several shops which include locally made articles.

Francis Family Restaurant has a large banquet room for buffets.
Mr. Lee’s Family Restaurant provides great meals and service
Theo’s Restaurant has delicious buffets and serve their homemade pies.

Of course, lunch is always an important stop of the day. Three local restaurants have delicious buffets that are only prepared for bus tours. Take your choice of Francis Family Restaurant, Lee’s, or Theo’s for a buffet that will leave you satisfied.

The Queen’s Tea takes place at the beautiful Cambridge Country Club.

Some wish to have an upscale lunch or dinner and choose to have dinner with Queen Victoria at the Cambridge Country Club where she tells about her life growing up in London from childhood to adult.

Victorian ladies greet you at the Cambridge Glass Museum.

Several museums give a great place to spend a couple of hours. Cambridge Glass Museum greets you with ladies dressed in Victorian costumes and tells you of Christmas at the Glasshouse. They will give you many hands-on activities to keep your group smiling.

Coal Miner Dave tells the story of those early coal mines in the area.

Another possibility is the Guernsey County Museum where you can meet Coal Miner Dave, who tells of those early years in the county.  At the same place, you will discover a one-room classroom and a teacher who will give you a lesson and perhaps even a test. Those are highlights of a museum packed with historic pieces.

Ladies enjoy wearing hats and shawls as they enjoy tea and sweets.

You might prefer having afternoon tea at one of our local churches. They will provide a short program of music and information before serving tea, scones, and cookies.

Finish off the evening with the Courthouse Holiday Light Show.

We always end the day with the Holiday Courthouse Light Show, which has over 65,000 lights synchronized to holiday music. An entire hour is different! The show starts every evening from Nov. 1 – Dec. 31 from 5:30 – 9:00. You can even watch it from the coach.

These are just a few ideas you might include in your trip to Dickens Victorian Village. If you would like to learn more please contact me at DickensGroupTours@gmail.com for additional places to visit.

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Cambridge, Christmas, Family Fun, Festivals, Museums, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Handcrafted Wooden Toys & Collectibles by Wayne Dyer

Trucks were the first thing Wayne made and still a favorite.

Everything starts from a block of wood when making wooden toys and collectibles at River Valley Custom Woodworking in Port Washington. Wayne Dyer has become a skilled craftsman at building his highly detailed toys and barns.

His love of building began long ago at the age of ten when Wayne helped a lady pull nails from the boards of a building that was being torn down in Newcomerstown. Before you knew it, Wayne was helping her build.

After high school, Wayne enlisted in the Army and was sent to Vietnam where he became a bulldozer operator. After service, Wayne worked at many jobs for 43 years driving large equipment – creating landscapes, housing developments, and coal mining.

He takes pride in his vehicles both inside and out.

Now you can see why he enjoys making this large equipment in intricate detail. He knows it well so can make the small parts to perfection. If they aren’t just right, Wayne has been known to redo them three or four times until he gets the perfect part he wants.

Even before his retirement, Wayne enjoyed making furniture for 25 years. But that was too hard to store and move for display so he decided to make smaller things that he had room for.

A car begins with an outline on a block of wood.

The first piece he made was a small truck. When someone wanted to buy it, Wayne was reluctant to sell it as it was the beginning of a new life for him.

Wayne placed his label on the bottom of my wooden car.

His workshop is a busy place where he usually builds about six hours a day since his retirement in 2012. He doesn’t look at this as work or a job but instead pure enjoyment. That’s why he doesn’t have an online store but instead likes to take his finished products to fairs, festivals, and community events.

His school bus has detailed moveable signs, seats, and doors that open.

The talent of this self-taught man has created so many special vehicles – school buses, helicopters, bulldozers, cement mixers, and drilling rigs. While trucks are his favorite things to build, another specialty is replicas of barns. This has led to many awards in recent years.

His barns are one of his big sellers. People will send him a picture of their barn and ask him to make a miniature just like it. Some he designs himself and always adds an American flag. He uses a blow torch on the roofs of the barns to give them an older look.

A replica he made of the Tuscarawas Fair Barn is on display there.

Many blue ribbons have been placed on his barns at the Tuscarawas County Fair. This year he also took blue ribbons for a tractor-trailer backhoe and a drilling rig, which is his newest creation.

He received awards both years he exhibited at the Salt Fork Festival.

Wayne was a new artist at the Salt Fork Festival in 2019 and has since won two People’s Choice Awards. Last year he also won the George Eikenberry Award for “Natural Beauty.”

Much of his work is done from pictures. Wayne has been doing this so long that he doesn’t need a blueprint to build things to scale. After he draws the outline on wood, he then cuts it out with his band saw. Most of the time he uses oak so his creations are strong, but sometimes he adds maple for variety.

Wayne built a cement mixer for a Christmas present.

While visiting, Wayne was working on Christmas presents. One of them was a wooden cement mixer, where the mixer actually turned. He’s great at adding special little details to everything he does. He was cutting out parts for several mixers at once to save himself time.

His firetruck contains over 500 individual pieces.

One of his popular sellers is a 1948 Woodie station wagon like that used by the Beach Boys. He uses a picture of it on his business card.

The Apache helicopters have become collector’s items.

His greatest joy in making his toys is seeing people buy things for their kids. He has fun building things and considers it “a labor of love.” However, all his toys are not purchased for children. He has many adults who have collections of his wooden replicas of fire trucks, army tanks, and Apache helicopters.

Wayne drove a bulldozer like this so knew the details well.

Wayne creates all this in his workshop near his home and enjoys the challenge of customer requests. But if it is something he feels he just couldn’t do to perfection, he won’t attempt it. You can find his things for sale at Atwood Fall Festival, Dutch Valley, Gnadenhutten Farmers Market, Salt Fork Festival, and Tusky Days Festival. He enjoys participating in shows that support the community.

A wooden manger is popular during the Christmas season.

You can reach Wayne by phone at 740-498-4686 or watch for him at one of the local festivals. You’re sure to be pleased with his detailed work. He’s always thinking of something new to build.

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Art, Christmas, Festivals, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Storybook Christmas in Muskingum County

Santa enjoys “Twas the Night Before Christmas” at the Muskingum County Library.

Children and adults look forward to favorite Christmas stories year after year. Muskingum County has taken those favorites and turned them into window decorations, paintings, and outdoor displays that make you want to pick up a book and read those stories again.

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” decorates the lawn of Park National Bank

Nearly 100 businesses in Zanesville, New Concord, and Dresden have developed displays of favorite storybooks. It’s the perfect time to take a ride or walk to see how creative they have become. The displays can be seen until Jan. 1. It’s fun to look for them along the way!

All this is possible due to the combined efforts of Muskingum County Community Foundation, the Muskingum County commissioners, and Zanesville-Muskingum County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. When groups combine their efforts, it’s amazing what can be accomplished.

“The Polar Express” arrives at New Concord’s Village Hall

This Christmas Storybook adventure began in 2014 when it was decided to add a musical light show to the courthouse. Then over 50 businesses in Dresden, New Concord, and Zanesville picked a favorite holiday storybook and decorated their places to match the theme.

This rustic manger scene, “The Very First Christmas,” at First Baptist Church in Dresden explains the real meaning of Christmas.

You’ll probably find all your favorite stories and characters someplace along the way as today there are even more. Some of my favorites were Rudolph by the new Santa house at Secrest Center, the Charlie Brown window paintings at Community Bank, and the old, rustic manger scene at the First Baptist Church in Dresden.

Window displays at Goss Supply have been a special attraction for many years.

Once the Storybook Christmas began, ideas began to form for added decorations and events throughout the season. Everything expanded and Goss Supply added a Coloring Contest with teddy bears for winners. That contest continues to this day with two winners being chosen from each age 4 – 12.

Santa’s House is a new addition to Storybook Christmas this year.

By 2016, horse and carriage rides were added at Zane’s Landing and many additional Christmas lights were placed there. The Storybook Christmas Parade began that year also with Santa welcoming in the holiday season.

“A Charlie Brown Christmas” brightens the corner downtown.

During all this time, the committee had wonderful assistance from students at Mid-East Career and Technology Center. They continue to construct decorations for the storybook themes and help hang lighted pole decorations to this day.

Take a selfie with the Elfie.

While this all began six years ago with the courthouse light show, Christmas activities have expanded dramatically since that time. This year they added the Santa house and a 5K Run and a 1 Mile Walk. It will be exciting to see what the future holds.

“Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer” stands near Santa’s home at Secrest Center.

Children will want to visit Santa at his new home by Secrest Auditorium. He is there Thursday through Sunday when he has time to visit. Check the schedule on www.VisitZanesville.com for accurate times.

Mail letters to Santa at North Pole Express mailboxes throughout the county.

If Santa’s not home, you might want to drop off a letter to Santa. There are eleven North Pole Express Mailboxes throughout Muskingum County where letters can be mailed. They will then be read on WHIZ-TV and also posted on the website.

Visit “A Special Place for Santa” at White Pillars Christmas House in Norwich.

If you happen to be in the Zanesville area in the evening, there are several places that have very nice light displays. Zane’s Landing’s Holiday Trail of Lights is filled with Christmas cheer as well as the Lemmon Family Christmas Light Show at 909 Lindbergh Avenue.

“The Nutcracker” stands at the door of Smore Baskets in Dresden.

Of course, you’ll want to end your evening in Zanesville with their Courthouse Music and Light Show, which should certainly put you in the Christmas spirit.

Windows at Community Bank are painted with “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

When you return home, perhaps you’ll enjoy finding an old Christmas storybook you have enjoyed over the years. Sit down with a cup of hot chocolate and read one of those classic tales that will never grow old.

Wishing all my readers out there a very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with precious memories.

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Christmas, Family Fun, Ohio, Zanesville

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Jerry Thompson Portrays Civil War Santa

Jerry Thompson overflows with the Christmas spirit as he enjoys portraying the Civil War Santa as well as today’s traditional Santa Claus. Usually, it is the adults that enjoy his Civil War stories while the children prefer the modern Santa.

Jerry participated in a Dickens Marathon Reading dressed as Civil War Santa.

While Jerry majored in history at Miami University, his interest in the Civil War began with his great-great-grandfather, Sgt. Major Alfred Weedon. Alfred was born in 1845 on a farm just outside of Liberty, (now Kimbolton) Ohio. In July 1861, he enlisted in the 26th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

Inspiration was received from a Harper’s Weekly cover by Thomas Nast.

One day, Jerry saw the cover of an old Harper’s Weekly magazine, where they did a story about the Civil War Santa on January 5, 1863. Thomas Nast drew a Civil War Santa distributing gifts to the Union soldiers. It was his first Santa Claus cartoon and the only Civil War Santa he ever drew. From that one publication in Harper’s Weekly, the troops jumped on the idea and it ran through the camps of the Union soldiers.

Jerry then jumped on the idea of portraying Civil War Santa to honor his great-great-grandfather. A seamstress from Claysville looked at the picture and designed a costume for Jerry. She used red and white awning material for the pants, and a navy-blue sweatshirt with white stars sewed all over it. The finishing touch was a red hat encircled with holly.

These Civil War historians presented a program at Roscoe Village.

Jerry had been a member of the Southeastern Ohio Civil War Roundtable for many years and served as president. So, it seemed only natural to begin presenting programs at Civil War Roundtables and various Christmas outings. There he told the story of Christmas during the Civil War and especially shared the story of the Civil War experiences of Alfred Weedon, his great-great-grandfather.

You might find interesting some of the highlights he tells. After Alfred enlisted, he fought and was captured in Perrysville, Kentucky, and in 1862 was exchanged and paroled to home for one year, as was a custom at that time. Every week, Alfred had to go to Camp Chase in Columbus by train from Kimbolton to report in.

When his year was up, he was sent to Chatanooga, Tennessee where he participated in the Battle of Missionary Ridge. Even though weak and sickly, Alfred crawled with the rest of the troops to the top of that ridge for a Union victory. Seven months later, during the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, Alfred was shot in the leg, discharged from the service, and limped through the rest of his life.

Jerry stands by the house on Madison Avenue, where his great-great-grandfather lived a hundred years ago.

When he returned to Ohio, he first went back to his original home in Kimbolton but later moved to Cambridge on Madison Avenue. Mr. Weedon taught school at Birmingham and built the first house at Guernsey Station. He served as Clerk of Courts in Guernsey County, was a member of the Methodist Protestant Church and the Cambridge G.A.R. Post. He’s buried in Northwood Cemetery in Cambridge.

Often Jerry joins other Civil War historians to share stories at libraries and festivals. Roscoe Village held a special Civil War Tree Lighting program, which included many historians from around the area who sang and spoke about the Civil War. Jerry appeared as Civil War Santa.

This image by Thomas Nast helped create our modern version of Santa.

Thomas Nast, born in 1840, is also credited with being the man who invented Santa Claus as we know him today. When he changed the color of Santa’s coat from tan to red, his Santa became the inspiration for the Coca Cola Santa we know so well.

Jerry has also portrayed the traditional Santa at many venues for over 40 years. He’s made thousands of children happy in his Santa appearances at places like Lazarus and many malls. Being Secret Santa for Cassell Station was a pleasure for 25 years.

After 9/11, Santa wore an Uncle Sam hat during the Christmas Parade in the bucket of the firetruck.

In the Cambridge Christmas Parade, that was Jerry that waved as Santa from the bucket of the fire truck for about 20 years. One special year was 2001 after the event of 9/11 when he wore Uncle Sam’s hat instead of the traditional Santa hat.

Santa rode a motorcycle to help promote Christmas in July.

A motorcycle has even carried Santa on a couple of adventures. At Colony Square Mall, he participated in the Motorcyclists for Kids Toy Ride. Then Mark Dubeck from Moore’s Jewelers asked him if he would advertise their Christmas in July sale by riding around town on a motorcycle. Jerry knows how to have fun even if that July day reached 97°.

Santa and Moose the Wonder Dog posed for pictures at Pound Partners.

Pets with Santa sponsored a fundraiser for Pound Partners where people could get their pet’s pictures taken with Santa. Moose the Wonder Dog, the Pound Partners’ mascot, received a lot of special attention.

Of course, Santa only takes up a small portion of his life. Activities in the community and with his family fill his schedule these days.

In 2019, Jerry managed the Heritage Tent for the Salt Fork Arts & Crafts Festival. There was a large variety of local talent displayed in that tent from potters and weavers to quilters and fabric designers. Local organizations also took part such as Guernsey County Museum, Cambridge Amateur Radio Association, and The National Road/Zane Grey Museum. In 2021, Jerry managed both the Heritage Tent and the Marketplace.

Jerry won the 2019 Muskingum County Hospitality Award.

The Muskingum County Hospitality Award was awarded to Jerry in 2019 for his dedication as a staff member at the Old National Road/Zane Grey Museum. His friendly manner as tour guide and host makes guests feel welcome as soon as they enter the door.

Acting has been something that Jerry has done for years as part of the local Cambridge Performing Arts Center. He played a variety of roles there for around 40 years. Some of his favorites were William Jennings Bryant and Dr. Einstein in Arsenic and Old Lace.

In 2020, Jerry took part in Macbeth at Zanesville Community Theater. Its themes of greed, corruption, violence, and fear seem to have reappeared in 2020. He shook his head when he admitted that learning the lines is harder these days.

Motorcyclists gathered at Colony Square Mall for a Toy Ride.

During the past few years, Jerry has participated in the Dickens Marathon Reading held during the Dickens Victorian Village season. This year Jerry will be in charge of that event and is moving it downtown so more people can enjoy the readings. He always seems to find a way to help the community.

Jerry has led an interesting life locally from radio announcer to dyslexia instructor at Muskingum University. However, one of his favorite activities has been portraying Santa Claus and especially the Civil War Santa in memory of his great-great-grandfather, Alfred Weedon.

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Cambridge, Christmas, History, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Oglebay Festival of Lights Brings Winter Joy

A tunnel of twinkling lights welcomes you to the Oglebay Winter Festival.

Christmas wonder fills the air with a drive through the beautiful Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights in Wheeling, West Virginia. Adults and children alike catch the holiday spirit as they witness six miles of ninety lighted scenes on 300 acres. Here you’ll find one of the largest light shows in the nation.

Oglebay’s Good Zoo continues to light up for the holidays.

In 1980, Oglebay’s Good Zoo staff decided they would decorate the Good Zoo with lights to attract more visitors in the winter months. “The Good Zoo Lights Up for You” began with dazzling lights and a holiday laser music show in the Benedum Planetarium.

The carnival atmosphere helps you enjoy the beautifully lit carousel.

Seeing the success of this project, the commission decided to expand it throughout Wheeling Park. Winter Festival of Lights began in 1985 when it had 125,00 lights placed on trees, buildings, and scenes. Five years later, the size of that show had doubled and continues to have added attractions and improvements each year.

Enjoy the lighted ferris wheel and the strong man ringing a bell.

No one tires of seeing the lights or driving in long lines of traffic to witness them. That just gives more time to enjoy the displays. Plan to spend the evening having a leisurely drive that captures the spirit of Christmas.

An Ohio River paddleboat sees its reflection at the park.

More than one million people enjoy this light display each year. It has become a popular drive-thru for tour buses as well as family cars. The ability to see the displays from a higher view makes tour bus visits extra special. Or you can catch the trolley at Wilson Lodge on a first-come, first-served basis unless you make reservations in advance.

There are still several original displays that are visitors’ favorites. These include the Candy Cane Wreath, the Twelve Days of Christmas, a 60′ tall Poinsettia Wreath, and the large Polyhedron Star. Some things never lose their charm.

A new feature this year is a 70′ tall Holiday Tree at The Hilltop

In 2021, a 70′ high Holiday tree is their newest feature. You can find it at The Hilltop. Enjoy thousands of dancing lights that combine color, music, light, and animation into the evening sky.

Santa directs the musical light display at Oglebay Mansion this year.

Sounds of the Season have been added to fourteen scenes so you might sing along as you drive the trail. Stop and watch Santa at the Oglebay Mansion as he conducts the musical synchronized light show there.

Families enjoy a walk through lighted blossoms in Gardens of Light.

They haven’t forgotten the reason for the season. Inside the Carriage Glass House, you’ll find a life-size nativity scene. It glows with the beauty of the season since the “Christmas Tree Garden” with 30 live decorated trees is nearby. Don’t forget to walk through the “Gardens of Light” with lighted hanging baskets and illuminated flowers along the path. It’s breathtaking!

Dinosaurs always catch the eye of youngsters.

The Winter Festival of Lights at Oglebay runs from Nov. 4, 2021, to Jan. 9, 2022. That gives you plenty of time to watch the light show after the holiday rush when you have more time to relax. It’s a great way to start the new year.

New this year is a Holiday Dinner Show “Jingle This” at the West Virginia Public Theatre in Oglebay. Enjoy a holiday meal, then listen to the music and stories of several talented performers. This happens two weeks in November and three in December from Sunday through Thursday. Check their calendar for dates and reservation information at www.oglebay.com.

Christmas tin soldiers guard the roadway.

The gates open at 5:30 each evening and there may already be a line at that time. They suggest a $25 donation per vehicle to maintain and improve the Festival of Lights. Every $25 donor receives a Festival of Lights Vehicle Pass valid throughout the holiday season as well as an Oglebary Rewards book. However, it is a free show…donations are appreciated but not mandatory since it is a public park.

Don’t miss the sights and sounds of Christmas at Oglebay!

Watching the Festival of Lights inspired Bob and Sue Ley to initiate a Christmas holiday tradition in downtown Cambridge. Dickens Victorian Village was created as well as their fantastic Courthouse Holiday Light Show.

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Christmas, Family Fun, Festivals, Uncategorized, West Virginia

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Celebrate the Holidays at Dickens Victorian Village

Mayor Orr along with Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim welcome visitors to Cambridge, Ohio

Charles Dickens would have enjoyed a walk down Wheeling Avenue in Cambridge to see the scenes from his book, A Christmas Carol, as well as scenes from old England. Dickens Victorian Village takes you back in time to those long-ago days each November and December.

Many special events are planned throughout the months for the enjoyment of area residents as well as the multitude of visitors that pour into town each season on buses and in cars. They all enjoy the friendly atmosphere as they are greeted by Victorian dressed volunteers throughout the town.

Victorian Scenes

The glassblower scene can be found on the corner of 9th Street on the way to the Cambridge Glass Museum.

The heartbeat of the village lies in 168 scenes that line the street. They can be found under every lamppost and in some store windows. Each has a brass plaque explaining its relationship to London and Charles Dickens. The scenes are designed and refurbished annually by a Creative Team that takes great pride in making the characters appear real.

Dickens Welcome Center

Dickens Welcome Center contains many items with a touch of Old England.

Everyone needs to stop at the Welcome Center to pick up information about the downtown area and hear how the project began. Here you will find the first figure created for the village, that of Charles Dickens. Dress in Victorian clothes at a fun Imagination Station where you can step back in time yourself. Of course, there are wonderful gifts available to bring back memories of your visit.

Sherlock Holmes

A Sherlock Holmes mystery provides weekend entertainment.

Every other year Holmes fans await the newest Sherlock Holmes mystery written by local playwright Anne Chlovechok. Can you figure out the murder mystery this year surrounding Sherlock Holmes and the Chlosterphobic Conundrum?

Performances will be at Pritchard Laughlin on November 12-14 and 19-21 at 7:00 on Friday and Saturday with a Sunday matinee at 3:00. Join in the fun of this tantalizing mystery that begins at the Colonel Taylor Inn.

Trolley Tours

Ride the trolley to learn local history from historian, Rick Booth.

Three weekends during the season, hop on a Trolley Tour of downtown and the city of Cambridge. Learn the story of how Dickens Victorian Village began and about the history of Cambridge from its founding. Hear stories of some of those settlers from the Isle of Guernsey who made Guernsey County the special place it is today.

Tours are still offered in 2021 at $10 a person on the following Saturdays: December 4 and December 18. They run hourly beginning at 10:00 am with the last trolley leaving at 5:00 pm. You’re sure to hear some special stories from trolley guide and local historian, Rick Booth.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

Relax to the sound of horses’ hooves on an evening carriage ride.

If you prefer taking a slower ride through town, climb in the carriage and enjoy viewing the Victorian scenes to the clip-clop of the horses’ hooves. It’s also a special way to experience the Courthouse Light Show as you listen to the music all snuggled up in a blanket surrounded by the cool evening air.

Carriage rides will be available from November 12 to December 18 for $10 for adults and $8 for children under the age of 12. Catch the carriage on West 8th Street beside the Courthouse. Availability depends on the weather.

Victorian Teas

Ladies dress in their finest for a Victorian Tea.

Ladies and gentlemen enjoy dressing in their finest clothes and wearing beautiful hats as they enjoy teas in the Victorian style. There are three teas during the season where English pastries, confectionaries, and fruit accompany a wide assortment of teas. Every tea has entertainment for the enjoyment of those in attendance.

Two of the teas take place each year at the Masonic Ballroom in downtown Cambridge while the third tea is held at the Cambridge Country Club each November with Queen Victoria in attendance. Reservations are required for all of the teas by calling 740-421-4956. There is only one tea remaining in 2021 and that will be on December 11 at the Masonic Ballroom at a cost of $18.95.

Christmas Candlelight Walk

Cindy, Lindy, and Mayor Tom Orr prepare for the Christmas Candlelight Walk.

Get in the spirit of Christmas! Bring your own candle or lantern and join your friends at the Dickens Welcome Center on December 18 at 6:00 pm to begin an evening stroll as you pass the scenes of Victorian characters. Charles Dickens often took strolls through downtown London so would approve of this entertaining evening.

Guides will tell stories regarding the scenes during this free event. Learn more about the time of Charles Dickens. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bundle up in case snow flurries happen to fall.

Courthouse Holiday Light Show

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Courthouse Holiday Light Show.

Be dazzled by the 65,000 lights synchronized to holiday music on the Guernsey County Courthouse. People line the streets to watch this spectacular light show presented by AVC Communications. It’s a favorite of tour buses and local residents. Children enjoy dancing to the music.

Enjoy this Holiday Light Show any evening from November 1 through December 3 1 from 5:30 – 9:00 pm. Watching from the courthouse lawn or sitting on the benches enhances the show but you can view it from your car and tune to the radio station to listen to the music.

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As you can tell, there’s plenty to see and enjoy while visiting Dickens Victorian Village. For more information visit www.DickensVictorianVillage.com or check out their Facebook page.

Charles Dickens wrote in A Christmas Carol, “There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.” Create happy memories with your family and friends this holiday season at Dickens Victorian Village.

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Cambridge, Christmas, Family Fun, Festivals, 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!

Category:

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

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