Places to go and things to see by Gypsy Bev

Archive for the ‘Family Fun’ Category

Memories of Early Lions Club Minstrel Show

The 2026 Cambridge Ohio Lions Club Music and Comedy Show is over but the memories of those early shows live on. Several of the members who have been with the show for many years have shared their memories of those early days. The poster is from that first Minstrel Show in 1974.

Dave Wilson

Back in 1974, my life was centered around a group of a couple dozen guys and girls. We attended church together, sang together, played together, and ate a lot of Wally’s Pizza together. I had heard some of them mention something about a Minstrel Show but I had no idea what it was; much less the impact it was going to have on my life.

One thing that I knew for sure was that I had no one to hang around with on a Sunday afternoon because most of my friends were practicing for that “Minstrel thing.” I knew the rehearsals were being held in our church basement, so I thought I’d simply stop by, kill some time until it was over, and enjoy the rest of the day.

Among my friends were Jan and Pam Jonard. Their dad, Bob, was in Lions Club Minstrel Shows in Adena as a young man and loved the shows so much that he brought the idea to the Lions Club in Warsaw, where he was employed by the General Telephone Company.

I knew Bob well (since the Jonard home was a favorite gathering place) and he was like a second dad to me. I saw him as the ultimate “music man” and wasn’t surprised to see him leading the rehearsal. Almost immediately after I took a seat at the back of the room, Bob walked up to me, dropped a stack of music onto my lap and told me to “get up here and sing!”

I told him I was just there to meet up with my friends, but it didn’t matter. Let’s just say Bob was a pretty persuasive man and, suddenly, I was a member of the chorus in the first Cambridge Lions Club Minstrel Show. And little did I know of what my future now held.

I was under the impression that the Minstrel Show was simply a concert. Boy, was I wrong! Sure, there was the opening number; nothing unusual about that. And then, the emcee, referred to as “The Interloctor” (a term I had never heard before!) came forward and introduced the Lions sitting in the front row dressed in loud, kinda’ goofy looking outfits called “End Men” (yet another new term!). Still things seemed to be following what was in the printed program.

Then it happened: out of the blue, a man emerged from hiding in the orchestra pit in front of the Vergari’s State Theater stage. The man climbed onto the stage and actually interrupted the show, playfully threatening the Interloctor! The man, by the way, was Bob Wells and the Interlocutor was Andre Odebrecht, who I had as my high school trigonometry teacher less than two years earlier. And, believe me, at the time, that was weird.

It was at that point, I realized this show was more than just a concert. It was non-stop spontaneity and organized mayhem, a never-before-tasted brew of music (some great, some not-so-great), jokes (some funny, some not-so-funny) and interruptions served up with hysterical laughter.

Minstrel, Variety or Music and Comedy Show; whatever the name, what can I say? I was hooked for life and I’ve been on stage for every show. Thank you, with love, Bob Jonard.

Ron Guthrie

Convincing members of the Lions Club to have that first Minstrel Show was not an easy task. When Bob Jonard presented the idea to the club, there were many who didn’t think the idea would work. Ron was on the committee for that first Minstrel Show as knew they needed a different fund raiser since the light bulb project had reached its limit.

After much discussion, the group decided to try the idea at the State Theater. Ann Jonard got the wives together to make costumes for the members, who often made fools of themselves on stage to the delight of the audience. They arranged with Cambridge Singers to use their risers for the performance.

That first year, profits weren’t as plentiful as expected and soon they enlisted the help of sponsors. That list grew and grew by people who were enjoying the show as well as the purpose of the Lions Club to provide eye care in the form of glasses to many in the area.

Ron recalls Bob Wells wearing long underwear and streaking across the stage when the back flap accidentally came down a little. Another memorable moment was when Charmaine crossed the stage in a grass skirt with Andre Odebrecht chasing her with a lawnmower.

The first solo Ron sang at the Minstrel Show was “I’ll Kiss You on the Back Porch.” After that he often sang Elvis or Willie Nelson songs. When Ray Chorey joined the group, they sang duets at each show. This year they are going to sing, “Some Guys Have All the Luck,” a repeat from a previous show. Ron was also one of the original End Men, sneaking in jokes that sometimes weren’t previously approved.

Ron’s State Farm Insurance office sold tickets for that first show. You can tell Ron enjoys the show as he has been in it for all 50 years along with Dave Wilson. He is pleased that the proceeds are used for eye care. They have recycled 20,000 pairs of glasses and some years in the past have purchased nearly 200 pair of glasses for those in need. At the age of 90, Ron is now retired but enjoys the Lions Club because he remarked, “We do good things.”

Peggy Mehaffey Ringer

Bob Jonard brought the “Minstrel Show” to Cambridge Lions Club from Warsaw. If I remember correctly, Bob asked my dad, Commissioner J. O. Mehaffey, to be involved, don’t know in what capacity but I know he was involved in some of the antics. In that first show, J.O. performed his immortal “Ode to the Outhouse.”

They also got my mother, Frances, involved to help with music & other things, which included makeup and special makeup, outfits, and wigs for different interruptions. She also helped choreograph different dances and she along with some of the chorus girls did the Charleston. I still have her “Charleston” dress.


Mother was in charge of makeup.  I think the first makeup helpers she had were Shirley Bistor and Maxine Henderson.  Later Peggy Creek, Linda Johnson and I did makeup…and are still doing makeup this year. Not sure if there were any makeup people between the first I mentioned and the last three.


I drove my mother, probably with my little boys on some occasions, to Columbus and Wheeling, West Virginia to buy makeup.  She was very particular about the kind and color. At that time, we never heard of online purchases, but she had to personally pick it out.

I would meet Mother after I got off work and help her carry in the makeup and supplies and get the makeup area ready.  At that time, the Scottish theater had 3 stations with great chairs so there was a chair for each person to work.  After the theater was remodeled, they removed one of the chairs, but we still had 3 gals.

Mother also sang in the chorus until she was close to 90 years old. However, she attended the shows until she was 100. I have enjoyed singing in the chorus for nearly 3o years.

John Voorhies

John joined the Lions Club Minstrel Show that first year along with other members of that Faith Methodist Church Choir, which was where Bob Jonard was active with the young people’s group. John played guitar in that first band and recalls singing down front. They wore heavy make up so they didn’t appear washed out on stage.

He said, “We were one big group of happy, Christian, young people. We would gather at Jonards with a tray of Wally’s Pizza and either listen to music or play music.”

John moved from the area after those first years but never lost contact with his friends, many who were in the Lions Club.

Several years later, John was helping a neighbor charge their car battery. Someone make a wrong connection and the battery blew up in John’s face causing him to lose an eye. He was rushed to Guernsey Memorial and then to OSU, where they tried to make his face look more symmetrical by suggesting a prosthetic eye. This was an expensive undertaking for John, and his friends at the Lions Club bought the prosthetic eye for him. Later, he began wearing a patch on that eye. John has a special reason for caring about the Lions Club.

When he returned to the show, he played guitar again and often sang duets with Cheri Harding. John feels a strong dedication to the Lions Club and this year he paid for all the copyrights on the songs they are using, and is their music coordinator.

Cheri Harding

Bob Jonard was the reason Cambridge HAS the show in the first place. The Jonard kids and their friends were invited to help in the beginning. I joined by the 2nd or 3rd show…I was on the road with a band for awhile. Dave Wilson introduced me to Jan Jonard and the Jonards became my surrogate family for a few years…Papa Bob convinced me to join-up.

The Jonard family was all so musical and talented. Mom Ann was a violinist and wonderful singer, Papa Bob was an amazing performer, and all their kids could really sing! Pam and Rob were also very involved with CPAC,

Music has changed over the years from that first group at “The Minstrel Show” where there was a piano, guitar, bass, and drums in the band. When Berk Jones became the musical director, he used the City Band to accompany the show way back when it was at Vergari’s Theater and there was an actual band pit down front of the stage. Chorus’ Kids were a big part of the show back then.

When the show was developing, all the end men were required to perform a solo which was interesting because there were always a few that really didn’t want to sing solo. Bob Bistor and Ed Barborak were two state troopers in real life and always had special skits to throw into the show. Bistor and Barborak were a great team for Interruptions.

Back at my first show, I stood out in front of the main curtain singing “Am I Blue” while the stage scenery was changed behind the curtain. I’ve enjoyed being part of this fun endeavor created by our local Lions Club for many, many years.

Ray Chorey

The Cambridge Lions Club dedicates this 50th anniversary show to the Lions and many community members who have helped us bring a little laughter and love over these five decades. It is with this legacy of dedication, talent, and traditions that we have had the honor to share musical talent, some hoopin’ and hollerin’ that promotes the spirit of our community.

The hospital was building a new tower back in 1974 and the Lions Club had made a substantial pledge to the project. Bob Jonard just moved here from Wooster, where their Lions Club had an annual Minstrel Show. He suggested that the Cambridge Lions Club try that same thing to raise some money for the hospital. Their current project of selling light bulbs just wasn’t enough.

Bob Jonard, “the Father of the Cambridge Minstrel Show,” proposed something bold- local Lions stepping on stage to sing, joke, dance, and entertain. Skepticism was high.

As times changed, so did the show. What began with a Dixieland flair evolved with the audience, becoming the Variety Show in 2005, and the Music & Comedy Show we know today.

Music and Comedy have been headlined by the Endmen and Interruptions. The Endmen are not the end all – though some of the audience may wish so. Crowd reaction to their jokes and off key solos were readily endured. In the end, forgotten lyrics, slightly off-key renditions by ordinary members of our community would lead to memories full of laughter. Who can forget Wilson and his Hum Hum-burger joke? Scott Wilson and Tom Davey with their dry one liners?

None of this has captured the many Lions behind the scene doing ticket sales (Guthrie State Farm and Country Bits), ushering, building the stage (John Harmon and Jim Caldwell shout out!), lights, program and finance.

Thank you for celebrating 50 years of Music & Comedy with us.

Category:

Cambridge, Family Fun, Ohio, Organizations, Uncategorized

Tagged with:

Cambridge Lions Roar at 50th Anniversary Show

Pop the champagne! Throw the confetti! Fifty years have gone by as fast as a spring breeze. We have experienced a terrorist attack, the birth of the internet, cell phones, and a global pandemic. Now it’s time to celebrate the 50th Golden Anniversary Cambridge Lions Club Music and Comedy Show on March 19, 20, and 21 at 7:30 in Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center. You’re sure to enjoy an evening filled with music, and laughter for only $10 a ticket. Good times never seemed so good.

The show began in 1974 when the Lion’s Club made a substantial pledge to Guernsey Memorial Hospital for the construction of a new patient tower. There was only one concern. How could they raise the money to meet their pledge? A long-time fund raiser of selling light bulbs door to door was no longer fruitful.

Bob Jonard brought the idea of a minstrel show to Cambridge Lions Club when he moved here from Warsaw.

Robert Jonard, “The Father of the Cambridge Minstrel Show”, had just relocated with General Telephone to Cambridge from Warsaw, Ohio. The Warsaw Lions Club had been hosting an annual Minstrel Show for several years. What was a Minstrel? Bob explained it was a group of entertainers who performed songs, dances and comic routines.

J.O. and Frances Mehaffey played instrumental roles in that first show.

This opportunity became a hot topic of debate in the club. Several leaders were adamant it would never work. Bob found a listening ear in Ron Guthrie. Soon J.O. and Frances Mehaffey became strong supporters with J.O. helping with antics like his “Ode to the Outhouse,” while Frances did make-up, special wigs, and choreography. This team put together the first show after many nights around a kitchen table. It was simply called A Minstrel Show.

Bob and Ann Jonard were active members of the skits and the chorus.

Where would the talent come from this group of Lions? Bob found it by taking Lion members out of their comfort personalities and having them perform. Some sang or told jokes while others took part in some hijinks. Many familiar faces appeared in that first two-day event at the State Theater. They included Jim Caldwell, Bill Channel, Bob Jonard, Andre Odebrecht, Commissioner J.O. Mehaffey, Judge Henderson, Wayne McCracken, Harold Knouff, Howard Cherry, Bill Lilienthal, Jack Taylor and yes – Ron Guthrie.

Dave Wilson and Ron Guthrie are the only two who have been in all 50 shows.

Two of the young men in that first show have appeared in all 50 shows. Ron Guthrie and Dave Wilson are dedicated Lions and add fun to the shows.

Ron Guthrie at the age of 90 is “King of the Front Line” by telling jokes (some good and some bad) and singing solos or duets. Ron has been an Endman for 44 years and was Interlocutor for three shows. In those early days, his State Farm Insurance office was a primary outlet for tickets to the show.

This ad appeared in the Jeffersonian for their first show back in 1974.

Dave Wilson was one of those young people just out of high school and part of the Faith Methodist Church High School chorus. They led the musical portion of the show. Sheryl Eynon and John Voorhies were also part of that group that appeared in the first show and are back performing again. Many remember Dave as being the voice of AVC before he became a County Commissioner. He has been an Endman for 44 years, an interlocutor one year, and the powerful voice that closes the show.

The original chorus was composed of many of the Faith Methodist Church High School Chorus.

While funny jokes and skits filled the State Theater during that first show, music was still the main feature and still is today. At that time, the chorus only had a mimeographed copy of the music and made up their own harmony. Some of the songs included A Bird in a Gilded Cage, Daddy Sang Bass, Sweet Gypsy Rose, and Mammy.

Frances Mehaffey wore this dress in 1974 with a group performing the Charleston.

The Flappers danced their ways into people’s hearts with the Charleston and the then popular Ballin’ the Jack. Over the years, the can-can, black light dance specials, tap dancing, and line dancing have entertained the crowd. You never know what to expect at a Lions Club Show.

Howard Cherry and Dave Wilson were well dressed for that first show in 1974.

Then and now, the Endmen and Interruptions provide laughter with their own brand of humor and often dress in outrageous costumes as well. No shots are barred as they are aimed at local politicians, business people, and innocent members of the audience. People still remember State Patrolmen Bob Bistor and “Chicken George” Ed Barborak doing “Who’s On First?”

The Interruptions Crew, composed of Kim Conrath, Steve Gierhart, Mike Carpenter, Mike Edwards, Matt Dolan and Jon Hudon for many years, did just that. They interrupted the show with skits like Paper Dance, Olympic Swimmers, Rubber Balloons, and Mike Edwards doing the news. All brought laughter from the audience.

Cheri Harding, Charlie Steel, and Janice Jonard Steel sang together in 1976.

Over the years the show themes moved from a Dixieland style repertoire to music that blended with changing crowds. In 2005, to become politically correct, the show was rebranded as a Variety show. Three years later it became what it is known by today as the Music and Comedy Show.

Amy Hudson, Emmy Wilson, Cheri Harding, and Barbara Simmons have fun in the alto section.

Now the focus for the Cambridge Lions Club is to help the blind and visually impaired. These Knights for Sight use all the proceeds from the show to purchase eye glasses and needed eye treatments to area individuals. Because of the great support from the community through attendance or community sponsorships, over $600,000 has been raised to provide care for those who need eye exams, eye glasses, diabetic supplies, and more. Your ticket purchase goes for a great cause.

Get your tickets for this special 50th Golden Anniversary Show to be performed at Pritchard-Laughlin Civic Center on March 19, 20, 21 at 7:30 each evening. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Civic Center, saved for pick up, or saved at the “Will Call” window. Call 740-439-7009 for ticket information.

Karen Boyer directed the chorus in the 2025 Lions Club Show as well.

Many of the songs will be so familiar you will want to sing along. The show features director Karen Boyer with John Voorhies arranging the music. Most will recall songs like Country Roads Take Me Home, Sweet Caroline, and Life is a Highway.

Get ready to enjoy an evening filled with familiar songs, lots of laughter and some surprises along the way as you Hear Those Lions Roar.

Category:

Cambridge, Family Fun, Music, Ohio, Organizations, Uncategorized

Tagged with:

Buckeye Lake Winterfest with Benny the Bass

A frozen Buckeye Lake is the scene if the annual Buckeye Lake Winterfest.

Join Benny the Bass at Buckeye Lake on the last Saturday in January for one of the biggest parties of the year. The festivities are kicked off with a spectacular fireworks display at 6:30 am on January 31, 2026.

The chamber president wears a Benny the Bass hat.

The event was started in 2015 by Buckeye Lake Region Chamber of Commerce to help local businesses during the off season. It was based on the ever popular Ground Hog Day celebration with Punxsatawney Phil.

Thousands gather to see if Benny the Bass will Take the Bait.

On Saturday, join the crowd at North Shore Boat Ramp for Winterfest activities from 6:30am – February 1, 2:30 am. Watch to see if Benny the Bass in his heated tank will take the bait offered him at Buckeye Lake Village. Thousands of people show up no matter how cold it is to watch the event with music and dancing continuing throughout the day.

The event gets bigger and better each year. Now Benny the Bass has his own truck with new graphics, a custom boat tank and trailer. He even has his own song! In fact, Benny the Bass has become so popular that he appears at Buckeye Lake events throughout the year.

The Winterfest truck pulls the boat carrying an aquarium with Benny the Bass inside.

Benny, the star of the show, arrives on a boat in an aquarium. Minnows are added to the tank at 7:00am and a timer is set for three minutes. If Benny eats one of them in that time frame, it predicts an early spring. If he refuses breakfast, six more weeks of winter…or a fish fry! So, move over Punxsutawney Phil, Benny the Bass will make that decision. The crowd echoes the desire for spring by chanting, “Take the bait! Spring can’t wait!”

Benny the Bass mascot takes a walk along Buckeye Lake.

Afterwards, Benny the Bass is moved in his tank to the Buckeye Lake Brewery, where you can see him swimming all day. Perhaps you will also see the live mascot of Benny dancing throughout the day in area businesses to his own song.

Benny the Bass, Buckeye Lake’s Winterfest song, was written by David Spires. The Bennyettes dance to the music. It begins:

After Santa Claus has come to town

And New Year’s streamers are fallen down

The last Saturday in January

Buckeye Lake Region Chamber of Commerce

Throws a party

Where the mascot’s a fish

And we pray for an early spring.

Winterfest

Benny the Bass, Benny the Bass,

Take the bait, Spring can’t wait.

Regardless of the verdict, the party begins! Winterfest is celebrated with activities around the lake, live music, art shows, dancing, food and drink specials, food trucks and more. With street performers, costumed characters, and fire pits scattered around the town, it feels more like a winter carnival than a sleepy lake town. Visit over 40 local participating businesses in the Buckeye Lake Region. Wander around and see what the lake has to offer.

The brave jump into the icy waters for the Polar Plunge.

For more excitement, stay around for the next day, Sunday, February 1st for one of the most talked about lake traditions, the 12th Annual Polar Plunge at the Buckeye Lake Winery at 11:00am. Sounds like a shivering experience where brave souls jump into the chilly waters of Buckeye Lake. All proceeds from the event go to the United Way Foundation.

This group won the costume contest in 2025.

You’ll find a mix of first-time plungers, seasoned jumpers, and teams dressed in full costume. Past years have seen everything from superheroes and tutu-clad teams to clever group outfits. There are prizes for individual and team costumes while the live music, food, and wine continue.

If you don’t want to participate in the Polar Plunge, bundle up and watch Benny the Bass and the Polar Plunge while enjoying the party.

An ice sculpture of Benny the Bass draws the attention of the crowd.

During Winterfest weekend, you can download the Escape to Buckeye Lake app to see all the participating Winterfest businesses, their events, live music, and food and drink specials. If you need a ride, many shuttle services will be available in the area to safely transport you and your party during the event.

Benny and friends prepare for the annual Buckeye Lake Winterfest celebration.

Over the years, Benny the Bass has become a local legend. His likeness appears on shirts, hats, mugs, and even tattoos that people enjoy throughout the year. People cheer, take selfies, and toast the unofficial start of Buckeye Lake’s event season- even if it is cold and there is still snow on the ground.

Winterfest weekend has become a popular, growing tradition and is the perfect time to beat cabin fever and make lasting memories with friends. It’s the best cure for the Winter Blues and the warmest cold-weather event you’ll ever attend.

Category:

Family Fun, Festivals, Just for Fun, Ohio

Tagged with:

Stopped on Top

How do you like to go up in a swing?

Up in the air so blue?

Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing

Ever a child can do.

Swinging! As a young child, Sarah always ran to the swing set whenever her family went to the Cambridge City Park. She tried to go as high as she could until she almost felt like she was flying.

However, when she was nine, the school bus took her class to the Guernsey County Fair. There she spotted the Ferris Wheel high above everything else. She knew she had to ride it.

Ferris Wheels at the County Fair in the 1950s had open seats – easy to rock!

At that time, the Ferris Wheel had single seats big enough for two or maybe three people with a bar across the front. Three young friends fit into one seat and headed around and around. Then they stopped at the very top to let someone off the wheel. One of the boys decided this was the perfect time to rock the seat. Sarah didn’t mind but her friend Betty squealed and yelled, “Stop, stop!”

The Century Wheel at the Ohio State Fair was a big attraction.

Through the years, Sarah never lost her enjoyment of a ride on the Ferris Wheel. She took her granddaughter, Emily, to the Ohio State Fair, where both of them decided to ride the Ferris Wheel, called the Century Wheel, that was 86 feet tall. Cost of the ride was $4 each. How they enjoyed going round and round until…it suddenly stopped. Sarah and Emily happened to be on the top when this happened.

Emily was concerned, “Grandma, when will the wheel start again?”

“Don’t worry, Emily, we’ll just enjoy the view while we sit here. They’ll get things fixed shortly.”

“We’re really high, Grandma. Was there ever a taller Ferris Wheel?”

This shows the early construction of the Ferris Wheel at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

“Actually, Emily, the first Ferris Wheel of note offered rides way back in 1893 at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. That towering structure reached 264 feet high. It was designed by George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr., thus the name Ferris Wheel.”

“Wow! That’s a long time ago. Were people afraid to ride it?”

“Really,” Sarah continued, “millions of people wanted to ride on that magnificent piece of modern technology.”

“Were there Ferris Wheels before that time?” the curious Emily continued.

“Yes, some say there were smaller wooden wheels back in the 1500s. I read that they had what they called ‘pleasure wheels’ long ago where passengers rode in chairs suspended by large wooden rings and the wheel was turned by men!”

“How much did it cost to ride the Ferris Wheel in Chicago?”

Seats were enclosed on this Ferris Wheel at the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893.

“At the Exposition, they charged 50 cents a ride. People were taken around the large wheel twice, which took over twenty minutes to complete. The 36 cars on that wheel were enclosed boxes with tables and bolted down revolving chairs in each box. 20 people could fit in one box!”

In Sarah’s mind, that early Ferris Wheel was a symbol of joy and having fun during leisure time. She had lots of information to share about the Ferris Wheels she had read about and seen in her lifetime. So while they were seated on top of the wheel, she told Emily stories about other Ferris Wheels.

“Have you ever been on a Ferris Wheel bigger than the one we are on?” Emily asked.

We rode the Great Smoky Mountain Ferris Wheel while at a travel expo in Tennessee.

“Bigger than this one but not bigger than the one in Chicago. One time I was at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee at The Island. The Great Smoky Mountain Ferris Wheel sits at the edge of the National Park there. It is 200 ft. high with a great view of the area. Each glass-encased gondola holds up to four passengers. It’s the highest Ferris Wheel in Tennessee. A cost of a ticket there is $16.99.”

No progress was being made on getting the Ferris Wheel moving so Sarah had to keep telling stories to keep Emily calmed down as she was afraid they might have to stay there all night.

The High Roller in Las Vegas is the highest Ferris Wheel in the United States.

“We are lucky not to be on the highest Ferris Wheel in the United States. It is called the High Roller in Las Vegas and is 550 feet high. Do you think you might like to ride it someday?”

Emily told her, “We have to get down from this one first.” They had been at the top now for over an hour and Emily had other things she wanted to do at the fair that day.

The Ferris Wheel on Bluewaters Island in Dubai is the tallest in the world.

To distract Emily from her fear, Sarah continued telling stories, “The tallest Ferris Wheel in the world is on Bluewaters Island in Dubai, where it soars to 820 feet into the air. Each air-conditioned enclosed cabin can hold up to 40 people. It takes a half hour for one rotation! A regular ticket costs about $50.”

“Grandma, I think we are moving again! Maybe we can get some cotton candy when we get off here. I’m thirsty too.”

Soon they reached the bottom platform where they could get off the Ferris Wheel. Emily skipped down the steps and headed for the nearest concession stand to get something to drink. They spent a few more hours at the fair, got some cotton candy, and headed home after a busy day.

“Thanks, Grandma for telling me all about the Ferris Wheels. That was interesting. Maybe we can go to Las Vegas someday and ride that high one.”

This flower ferris wheel is in Clyde up in the northwest corner of the state.

Sarah drove home still excited about spending the day with her granddaughter. All of a sudden, Emily shouted, “Look. Look at the side of the road. See that little Ferris Wheel? The seats are filled with flowers! This has been a special Ferris Wheel day from beginning to end. You are the best grandma ever.”

Category:

Family Fun, History, Just for Fun, Ohio, Tennessee

Tagged with:

Deck the Hall at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

Celebrate the holidays at Deck the Hall when you visit Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens from November 28 – December 30. While Deck the Hall began in 1988, every year is bigger and better. There’s always something new. You’ll be amazed at over 1.4 million lights throughout the estate in this magical Christmas wonderland. While it is lovely all year long, the holidays bring an extra glow that everyone will enjoy.

This lighted tunnel guides you through the grounds.

Many know Stan Hywet as a beautiful historic house in Akron. This was the original site of a stone quarry and gets its name from Old English, where Stan Hywet means stone quarry. This was the country estate of Frank A. Seiberling, one of the co-founders of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in 1898.

From hospitals and housing to parks and education, their family legacy of giving built a stronger, more connected community. At Stan Hywet, they carry on that spirit of generosity every day by preserving the home they created for the public good. Above the Manor House front door is a sign that reads “Non Nobis Solum” (Not for us Alone), a mantra Gertrude Seiberling included when Stan Hywet was being built and a mantra that continues to inspire all they do today.

Great Hall holds the beauty of an old-fashioned Christmas.

Your Deck the Hall ticket gives you access to a self-guided tour from 3-7:30 pm of the stunning Manor House with it’s dazzling winter-themed décor in twenty rooms. There are also many Christmas displays as each room has a special theme that often brings the beauty of nature inside. There’s even a Lego room that the kids especially enjoy.

Santa and Rudolph are favorites of children and the young at heart.

Visit Santa and Rudolph in the Carriage House Courtyard through December 23. They love to greet the children and have pictures taken with them. Stop in Molly’s Courtyard Cafe for cocoa, gingerbread cookies, beer, or wine and find some great gifts at Molly’s Shop. There’s a new digital Christmas tree on display here.

Molly’s Courtyard is a favorite stop for lights, snacks, and great gifts.

The ticket also gives you access to see all the outdoor lights, Gingerbread Land, and the Dazzle Light Show, an animated light show set to holiday music, in the Great Garden. Step outside into seventy acres of beauty where you are surrounded by the magic of the Christmas season. Twinkling lights around every bend of the walk are incredible.

Find a beautiful poinsettia tree inside Corbin Conservatory.

Corbin Conservatory was originally used by the Seiberling family to grow produce and plants. For Deck the Hall, it is filled with poinsettias of every color imaginable. Pick out your favorite color for a reminder of your visit when you return home.

The playground is always decorated with something the children will enjoy.

Homes of Nature / Children’s Playgarden is a favorite spot for youngsters with decorations that attract their attention. There is so much to explore here from the music of Harmony Hill, the barking of a St. Bernard at Joe’s Dig, or the Model A Ford with rubber tires to remind everyone of the former owner.

Special nights are planned throughout the season. Visit their website at https://stanhywet.org/events/deck-hall for detailed information.

  • Dinner, Ballet, and Deck the Hall features The Little Nutcracker presented by the Cleveland Ballet on December 3 and 4.
  • Dinner and Deck the Hall includes a festive holiday dinner in the Manor House Reception Hall on December 5, 10, 11, and 12.
Take home a poinsettia in your favorite color from the Conservatory.

Deck the Hall at 714 N. Portage Path, Akron is open Nov. 28 – 30, Dec. 4 – 7, 11 – 14, 18 – 23, 26 – 30. They are closed on December 24 and 25. Your visit can begin at 3pm with the last admission being 8 pm.

All tickets must be purchased in advance at stanhywet.org or by calling 330-315-3287. Many nights sell out so get your tickets early. Admission is $28 for adults and $15 for youths (3-17). Children two and under are free. Members of Stan Hywet receive a discount.

Once inside, you can remain on the grounds until 9pm. Parking is free in their Main Lot. When that lot fills, there will be auxiliary lots with shuttle service. Beverages, food, and strollers are not permitted inside the Manor House. There is an area just outside the Manor House to park strollers.

Walk through the sparkling lights to be surrounded by the holiday spirit.

Dress warmly as this celebration is a walking experience that takes you both inside and outside. If you want to see everything, allow yourself two to three hours to see this winter wonderland that sparkles with holiday cheer.

Families make Deck the Hall an annual tradition.

Many families have made Deck the Hall a family tradition. Take time from your busy schedule this year and make it part of your family’s celebration.

Category:

Christmas, Family Fun, Gardens, Museums, Ohio

Tagged with:

Intriguing Jackie Beardmore at 90

Jackie enjoys listening to the Cambridge City Band Concert in the park.

At the age of 90, Jackie Beardmore has experienced many special things during her lifetime and brought to life many memories of Guernsey County. Her life began in Swan Hospital, where the total bill for her birth in 1934 was $12.

Her family was involved in moving a safe to Central Bank by Express Wagon..

Jackie still has the rocking chair that her grandmother sat in on the front porch. Jackie remembers sitting on the porch beside her. Her ancestors owned Nicholson Mines and 400 acres including where Southgate Parkway businesses are today.

Her grandmother’s rocking chair and pillow are precious memories for Jackie.

As a youngster, Jackie’s family vacationed in Canada near North Bay every summer starting when she was four, as her dad wanted to fish for walleye. While there, for several years they would visit Quintland, which was home to the Dionne quintuplets.

When the Dionne quintuplets were born, their parents already had several children so were taken under the care of the Red Cross, Dr. Defoe had a nursery built across from their home. It was shaped like an octagon with windows on every side. In the center was a place for the children to play. For a small fee, Jackie’s family was able to walk around the outside of the house and see the changes in the girls year after year.

Her first painting of horses hangs in her house.

She attended Garfield School when Harry Pine was the principal. Then it was on to freshman year at Brown Junior High and the remaining three years until graduation at Cambridge High School on Steubenville Avenue. One thing she always remembered her dad telling her was, “Don’t tell it ’til you know it’s right.”

For Jackie’s 16th birthday, she wanted to vacation someplace different. Her request was to go to Wyoming and spend time at Jackson Hole. From there, they went backpacking with other families, including the daughters of Richard Nixon, who was then a senator from California.

After graduation, Jackie was married and her husband joined the U.S. Navy. In 1953, he happened to be stationed on Aquidneck Island at Naval Station Newport. On Sept. 12, their commander told the sailors they were to have the day off. It could be spent relaxing on the island or perhaps they might like to attend the wedding of Jackie Bouvier and John Kennedy that was taking place that day.

Jackie and her husband attended the Kennedy wedding.

Jackie and her husband decided to attend the wedding at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. They watched and listened making happy memories as John and Jackie Kennedy were wed, and then got in their car to head to the reception.

The Bouviers at that time lived on a large horse farm in a beautiful mansion. All the windows were covered in dark blinds due to the Russian submarines not far offshore. The Beardmores toured the island that day to see all the beautiful homes there.

Using a Time magazine cover, Jackie drew this portrait of JFK.

A special talent of Jackie’s is painting beautiful pictures, especially portraits. She started sketching when she was nine years old and when she was 12 took a series of art lessons. Years later, the cover of Life Magazine carried John Kennedy’s picture. From that picture, Jackie drew a portrait of Kennedy, which took her 40 hours.

She enjoys drawing portraits – this one of herself.

She still enjoys doing portraits and has even done a self—portrait. Pictures of Wills Creek, Jesus, and her first picture drawn of horses at the age of ten hang in her room. She also enjoys painting on slates.

These sketches portray the life of Jesus.

Even today, Jackie still carries a sketch book with her wherever she goes. You never know when you’re going to meet an interesting character or special scene. She also enjoys photography and writes down information that might someday be in her memoirs.

In the early days of Salt Fork Arts & Crafts Festival, Jackie drew people’s hands. She feels that a person’s hand tells a story as there are no two exactly alike and they are all interesting.

Slate painting is something else she enjoys.

Singing was another thing she enjoyed. She recalled growing up with Marty Jones, who was her lifetime friend. Along with Blanche Arnold and Shirley Knight, they enjoyed singing at schools and various places around the area. They were part of Mother Singers, a group that evolved into the Land O’Lakes Chorus singing barbershop style.

Today she still maintains a connection with the Jones family as enjoys going to the Cambridge City Band Concerts and watching Berk Jones conduct. Her son, Brent, records the concerts and they are now making some CDs for everyone to enjoy.

One of her first jobs was assistant registrar and later registrar. She remembered the day that John Glenn came in and got his driver’s license from her.

When she was manager of Dutch Pantry, Peter Falk who played Columbo, stopped there every weekend and was usually accompanied by an employee of Disney’s, who drew cartoons for everyone at the restaurant.

Around 1980, Jackie opened up a commercial cleaning business. Cambridge Commercial Cleaning worked around the clock at Colgate for 25 years She said they probably had cleaned every building downtown at one time or another.

Refurbishing the floors of the courthouse was a special project she managed.

One of their well-remembered projects was restoring the tile on every floor of the Guernsey County Courthouse about five years ago. The floors were stripped of layer after layer of old wax to reveal brightly colored tile in a variety of shapes. The project took time and patience to complete but seeing the beautiful floor was their reward.

When Jackie was a youngster, her goal was to be a psychiatrist, but girls weren’t supposed to do that. Now when her friends have a problem, Jackie is the one they call or visit to talk over the issue. Perhaps her wish came true after all.

Category:

Art, Cambridge, Family Fun, Ohio, Uncategorized

Tagged with:

Musical World of Brent Miller

Brent Miller plays a role in many community events. Most are in the field of music where his rich baritone voice is a favorite at area concerts and performances.

The five Miller children often sang together with Eric and Brent in the front while Scott, Grant and Lynn stand behind.

His singing began as a youngster. While Brent started life in Cambridge, for most of his life he lived near Indian Camp with his parents, Glen and Alleen Miller and four siblings. “We always sang hymns at home and music was always part of our family reunions.” He recalled that one of his earliest public performances was when he and his three brothers and sister sang at the Indian Camp Grange. Family has been important to him throughout his life.

Brent graduated from Cambridge High School before heading to Ohio Valley (College) University. He then finished his education at Harding College in Arkansas where he was part of the Harding A Capella Chorus. It was at Harding that he met his wife, Judy, who was from Mesquite, Texas.

Brent has been part of the Cambridge Singers for 44 years.

When he returned to Cambridge after graduating from Harding College, the first group he joined was the Cambridge Singers, perhaps the oldest continuously performing mixed choral group in Ohio. They officially became Cambridge Singers in 1965 after the group won the Fred Waring Sacred Heart Competition in New York City. Brent has been part of that group for 44 years now.

In an early Lions Club Show, The Decades Quartet sang dressed as farmers, which included Brent, his dad Glen, Berk Jones, and Roger Love.

For a short time, he was part of a harmonious group called “The Decades Quartet.” It was comprised of Brent, his dad Glen, Berk Jones, and Roger Love. They enjoyed singing throughout the state as well as locally.

Anne Chlovechok and Brent took the lead roles in “Hello Dolly.”

His first show was at the Cambridge Performing Arts Centre playing a small role of Prince Charming in “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” Since then he has played a variety of roles there as music is a source of relaxation for him.

Brent has appeared in many musicals at CPAC, The Living Word, and Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center. Some of his favorites include “The Music Man” where he played Harold Hill, the band leader. Playing Captain Georg Von Trapp in “Sound of Music” had a wonderful setting at The Living Word as the songs echoed off the hills in the outdoor amphitheater.

Jim Whitehair and Brent are always a big hit in “White Christmas.”

A favorite of Brent’s and many who appreciate local musicals was his performance paired with Jim Whitehair in “White Christmas.” People never tire of hearing the wonderful songs from this holiday movie. Brent and Jim bring it to life on stage year after year.

In the role of Daddy Warbucks in “Annie.” Brent even had his head shaved.

A couple other favorites include “Beauty and the Beast”, “Annie” where he actually shaved his head to play Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks, and “Little Mermaid” in the role of King Titan.

His parents, Glen and Alleen Miller, were a tremendous influence in his life.

Brent often leads singing at the Stop Nine Church of Christ, where he also serves as a deacon. His faith is a very important part of his life as he feels, ‘This life is just a pathway of the life to come.”

During the summer months, Brent can be found at the Cambridge City Band concerts held in the big pavilion at the Cambridge City Park. This band is Ohio’s oldest continually performing community bands beginning in 1841. There his rich voice delights the crowd with old favorite songs. He also gives a little historical background on some of the pieces…if he can read Berk Jones’ handwriting!

Brent and his wife Judy have been happily married for 42 years.

Brent and Judy, who have been married for 42 years, have a beautiful family of four daughters and several grandchildren. Three of those daughters have participated in the Cambridge City Band keeping the family music tradition living on. Brent is owner/manger of Milfair Carpet & Linoleum in Cambridge which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. Judy is a Fourth Grade Teacher at North Elementary in Cambridge.

Much of his time is spent being owner/manager of Milfair Carpet & Linoleum in Cambridge.

If you want to listen to Brent’s performances this summer, check the Cambridge City Band’s schedule on Facebook. They usually perform on Thursday evenings or at special events around ten times during the year. He’s also part of the Salt Fork Festival Chorus, which performs each season during the festival.

You will also be able to listen to Brent at the Cambridge Singers Spring Concert “Get Happy” on May 3-5 at the Scottish Rite Auditorium as well as their Christmas Concert “Holiday Magic” on December 7 -8.

This area is home to many excellent voices that bring enjoyment throughout the year at concerts and special events. Brent Miller is one of those popular voices.

Category:

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

Tagged with:

Epworth Park for Peacefulness of Days Gone By

Epworth Park is located in the center of Bethesda, Ohio.

Escape from the fast pace of life at Epworth Park in Bethesda. Experience the peacefulness of days gone by as you stroll along the lake, enjoy the beautiful fountain, and reminisce under the majestic oaks. It all began in 1870 as the “Garden of Oaks” for use as a Methodist Camp Ground – a place for spiritual fellowship, instruction, and renewal.

Many came by train to those early camp meetings at Epworth Park.

Horse-drawn wagons and trains carried as many as 10,000-15,000 people to camp meetings in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. With the park’s rising popularity, cottages were built in the late 1800s to serve as a retreat for people who wanted to escape city life. Epworth Park was “the place to be.”

In the early 1900s, the camp meetings were replaced by the National Chautauqua movement, which focused on education, culture, and entertainment for those living in small towns. It began at the Methodist retreat on Chautauqua Lake, New York. The Chautauqua assemblies attracted the most famous actors, musicians, and lecturers of the time including William Jennings Bryan and William McKinley.

These beautiful old oaks make the perfect place for an outdoor chapel meeting.

Today that heritage continues with an annual Chautauqua Homecoming Days and the Bethesda Festival during the second weekend in July with a new, more modern form of entertainment. This is a community event where everyone comes to celebrate the history of Epworth Park through a variety of activities including entertainment, a car show, fishing tournament, and vendors.

In its day, Epworth Hotel was ‘the place to stay’ at Epworth Park.

A beautiful, three-story hotel was added in those early days as well as a lake and auditorium. Unfortunately, the hotel no longer exists but in those early days was near the site of today’s concession stand. The lake not only added to the beauty of the park but provided a place for swimming and boating. Today a fountain adds beauty along with two bridges over the lake.

Boating on the lake was a popular way to spend the day.

This seven-acre park is surrounded by a grove of oak trees and consists of sixty privately-owned Victorian cottages, a common house for meetings, and the original outdoor chapel/amphitheater for services, weddings, and concerts with room for up to 250 guests.

Concerts, meetings, and weddings are held in their large outdoor amphitheater.

May through October is the perfect time for a wedding in the “Garden of Oaks” in their open-air, covered auditorium. Take time to stroll down the sidewalks and enjoy the old Victorian cottages that have been around for quite some time. Notice all the beautiful flowers, gardens, and American flags on your walk.

The water fountain adds a peaceful touch.

Until 2018, the Methodist Church East Ohio Conference owned the entire park. Today they have maintained ownership of Epworth Center but the remaining land has been sold to cottage owners and the Village of Bethesda.

Epworth Center was originally part of the Methodist campground.

Epworth Lodge, the present home of Epworth Center, was built in 1967 as a learning center. Their outreach missions include home repairs, food pantry distribution, and community support. Today, it is a wonderful place for seminars, retreats, meetings, and weddings. Four cabins house 44 people and there are extra rooms at the lower level of the lodge.

Take a walk along these early Victorian-style cottages.

Cottages are owned primarily by folks from the Upper Ohio Valley and have been passed down from generation to generation. Most are used as summer homes. The village purchased the south side of the property where the lake is located and has a wonderful recreational area there now with playground equipment, ball fields, and basketball court. It’s a great place for a picnic or family reunion as there are several shelters.

A playground close to the lake is provided by the town of Bethesda.

Many from Bethesda and nearby towns come to enjoy the fun of fishing with their children in the nearby Epworth Lake even if it is catch and release. It’s a great place to teach children the joys of fishing. While at the lake, take time to walk on a bridge across the edge of the lake so you can watch the fish below. It’s the perfect place to watch or feed the ducks and geese that live there.

For over 150 years, the people of Bethesda and surrounding area have enjoyed visits to Epworth Park. There are activities all year long from Easter Egg Hunts to concerts in the park – quite often on Saturdays. There are many locations perfect for photo opportunities.

Lakeside seems the perfect place to take a photo…or your fishing pole!

Perhaps you will want to visit Epworth Park and see its charm. Check their schedule at www.epworthpark.org for upcoming events such as concerts and movies in the amphitheater. While it may not have the glamour of those early days, it’s still a great place for relaxation and family togetherness. Experience the tranquility of days long ago any time of the year at Epworth Park.

Epworth Park is located off I-70 Exit 208. Go south about two miles to the town of Bethesda. The park is located off Route 147. You can’t miss the entrance way!

Category:

Family Fun, Festivals, History, Nature, Ohio, Uncategorized

Tagged with:

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.

Category:

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

Tagged with:

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.

Category:

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

Tagged with: