Gypsy Road Trip

Places to go and things to see by Gypsy Bev

Richland Carrousel Park Features Hand-Carved Animals by Carousel Works

April 8, 2019

Two bronze horses guard the entrance to Richland Carrousel Park. In the summer, pink rose bushes surround the building.

Riding the carousel, or merry-go-round as it is often called, has always been a thrill. But usually, this was only possible at a fair or carnival event. In Mansfield, you can ride the Richland Carrousel any time during the year…for only $1.00! This is possible because the carousel is inside a building in cooler weather, with sides that open during the summer months.

Carousel Works’ owners, Art and Dan, tell their story surrounded by their creations.

Wanting to provide communities with a touch of the past, Art Ritchie and Dan Jones formed Carousel Works in 1986. Their goal was to repair old carousels and build new wooden carousels at an affordable price.

Art became interested in carving back in grade school. He first began carving covered bridges in his basement in Connecticut. When someone brought him a valuable antique rabbit to refurbish, they asked him if he could make something similar. That began Art on his journey to refurbishing antique carousels and making new ones.

A colorful seahorse is one of their latest creations.

Due to his excellence at carving beautiful wooden animals, he especially needed help with restoration. That’s when he contacted Dan, a friend of the family, to help with restoration and finances. Soon the pair moved their business to Mansfield – a central location to many major cities in the United States – where they created their first complete carousel as Carousel Works.

Rides on the carousel are enjoyed by people of all ages.

Richland Carrousel is the first hand-carved carousel since the 1930s. Used as an idea to spur downtown development, the pavilion was opened in August 1991 when cost was 50 cents for a ride. This carousel measures 80′ X 80′ X 30′ tall at its highest point.

Above the carousel, there are paintings that depict various local attractions.

All 52 figures were designed, carved and painted by Carousel Works of Mansfield in the style of G.A. Dentzel, a revered carver from the early 1900s. Music for carousel riders is provided by a Stinson Band Organ, made in Bellefontaine, Ohio.

Children carefully choose their favorite horse or animal to ride.

Here you’ll find 30 horses but also four bears, four ostriches, four cats, four rabbits, a goat, giraffe, lion, tiger, zebra and a mythical hippocampus ( part horse, part fish). The inside animals go 3.71 mph, while the outside animals travel 6.77 mph. Children and adults enjoy choosing which animal they will ride. Or maybe you prefer to ride in a chariot!

Rich has been constructing carousel animals for 28 years at Carousel Works.

Richland Carrousel is only one of the many carousels that have been built or restored by the amazing artisans at Carousel Works. Their work can be found coast to coast in nearly sixty places such as Kentucky Horse Park, Denver Zoo and Royal Caribbean cruise ships.

Our guide, Ashlea, hand paints each flower individually so each is unique.

Most of the Carousel Works’ creations include carousels where handicapped can ride easily. The horse in front of each of the chariots swivels and the chariot seat flips up to accommodate a wheelchair. Everyone gets a chance to experience the thrill of riding on the carousel.

Shawshank Fans can pick up a bottle of Andy’s Root Beer or Red’s Strawberry soda.

Don’t forget to stop by the Richland Carrousel Gift Shop and concession area for inexpensive gifts and great treats you won’t find anywhere else: musical carousels, toys, a Ladies Boutique and Old-Fashioned Shawshank Soda – Red’s Strawberry and Andy’s Root Beer.

Ashlea holds the book that tells the story of this magical horse in “The Secret of the Carousel” written by Art’s granddaughter, A.R. Blakely.

First Friday is Family Fun Night with five rides for $2. They always have special food that kids enjoy such as hot dogs, corndogs, cookies and popcorn. Hours are from 4:00-8:00 on the first Friday of every month. Join them at the Carrousel for a child’s birthday party or just for a night of enjoyment.

The detail on each of the Carousel Works’ creations makes them extra special.

Richland Carrousel Park is open from 11:00-5:00 seven days a week every day of the year with the exception of five major holidays. Plan now to take the whole family for a ride they won’t soon forget. It’s full of old-fashioned charm in a fun, modern setting.

You have to grow older, but you don’t have to grow up!

Richland Carrousel Park is located in downtown Mansfield, Ohio at 75 N. Main Street. From I-77 take exit 104 west, which is Route 30. Follow Route 30 all the way to downtown Mansfield.

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Art, History, Just for Fun, Music, Ohio, Uncategorized

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FMJ Indoor Shooting Range Promotes Firearm Education and Safety

March 29, 2019

fmj shooting range To become good at anything takes practice. Shooting is no exception.

The FMJ Indoor Shooting Range has only been around for a couple years, but its popularity has caught on quickly. Phil and Stephanie Lappert were vacationing in Missouri several years ago when they noticed indoor shooting ranges at several places. They brought that idea back to Guernsey County and built a new facility on Glenn Highway just west of Cambridge.

Experienced staff includes Justin Wilson, manager Dave Scurlock, owners Stephanie and Phil Lappert and Shane Lappert.

An important function of FMJ is their concealed carry classes, which are held each month. After completing this eight-hour class, an applicant must then file an application with the Ohio Attorney General. Before a license is issued, an extensive background check takes place.

This map is colored coded to enable students to see which states recognize an Ohio concealed carry license.

First Shots, an introduction to shooting, is frequently held at the facility so check their schedule for available dates. You never forget your first shots, and FMJ would be the perfect place for that experience. The seminar will include safety instructions, information on gun ownership requirements, and recreational uses. If you’ve been thinking of giving shooting a try, this is a great opportunity.

Thirteen computerized shooting stalls give an opportunity for practice.

This state of the art indoor shooting range has 13 lanes, each having a maximum distance of 25′. Each lane features Fusion Targets, a digital motorized target placement material so the shooter can set the distance he wants to practice and the target will automatically be placed there. Important ear and eye protection are always available.

If you’re trying to decide on what gun to purchase, here’s the place to rent a gun just for practice to see if it fits your purpose.

FMJ’s Lightning Works Gun Repair features an ultrasonic gun cleaning machine.

This isn’t just a place for shooting though, as they also have a gunsmith room, Lightning Works, to make needed minor repairs to guns. Included is an ultrasonic gun cleaning machine.

Black Rifle Coffee would make a great gift for any outdoorsman.

Their store has a wide variety of firearms, ammunition, firearm parts and accessories. You’ll be surprised at some of the things that you’ll find there from stun guns and pepper spray to tee shirts and Black Rifle Coffee.

Members of Cambridge Writers recently held a field trip there to gather information for their mystery novels. Pictured are Orval Gosnell, manager Dave, Cindy Stonebrook, Barbara Allen, and Paulette Forshey.

Dave Scurlock, the manager, presented an educational slide show that gave background information and was required viewing for all applying for a concealed carry license. Their Training and Conference Center holds up to 90 people and can be rented for business meetings.

Dave explains safety regulations and instructions for setting targets in each lane.

Dave grew up shooting and fishing so loves the outdoor sports. He introduced his granddaughter to her first rifle at the age of four. Dave thinks that everyone should know how to handle a gun properly. He recommends shooting fifty rounds a month for better aim. “Practice, practice, practice.”

Dave explained different bullet types and sizes as well as the benefits and weaknesses of each.

When being attacked, it is recommended to aim for a large part of the body. “Aim small, miss small” is a slogan they follow. Revolvers are most reliable but they don’t recommend a lady carrying one in her purse.

They highly recommend that ladies carry pepper spray with them.

In its place, ladies might carry a taser gun or pepper spray to defend themselves. It’s available at their store in varying strengths. The pepper spray that can carry for 10′ is most desirable as it can even stop a rattlesnake or bear.

A wide variety of people come to the facility for many different reasons. Many teachers are coming here for their concealed carry permit since school boards have seen the need to approve having someone on staff to carry in case of emergency. School boards that have approved include Caldwell, Cambridge, East Guernsey, Rolling Hills and Shenandoah.

One lane is specifically designated for handicapped use.

Men and women participate at the shooting range but staff reported that as a whole, women shot 90% better than the men. People often come in wheelchairs and have a special handicapped lane in which to practice. Their oldest frequent visitor is an 80-year-old man, who served in Vietnam.

In their showroom, the history of guns is honored through this personal collection.

Their facility had some surprise uses in my opinion. Birthday parties, bachelor parties, and family reunions find FMJ the perfect place to meet and have a little target practice. My suggestion was a divorce party, but that hasn’t happened yet.

A bit of artwork in the form of “Rattlesnake” by Frederic Remington graces the counter.

At FMJ, you can target practice, purchase firearms, have services of a gunsmith and receive training. Their staff has years of experience in the firearms industry so can give good guidance when needed.

Stop by FMJ Indoor Shooting Range on Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00–5:00 to learn more about gun safety and perhaps practice shooting a little yourself. Practice makes gun safety perfect.

FMJ Indoor Range and Training Center is located at 6653 Glenn Highway on Route 40 west of Cambridge, Ohio. If you are coming in on I-70 take exit 176, then take a right at the light. Check out their website at www.fmjrange.com

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Cambridge, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Canonsburg PA McDonald’s Honors Musical Stars

March 21, 2019

McDonalds When friends suggested a stop at McDonald’s during our visit to Canonsburg, PA, it was difficult to figure out why they insisted on eating here this evening. But once we entered the doors, the sound of popular songs of Perry Como, Bobby Vinton, and The Four Coins filled the air.

All these local men, who had gone on to become musical legends, were honored here by owner and operator, Ron Galiano. When the old McDonald’s on Bobby Vinton Boulevard needed to be replaced, Galiano wanted the new building to have a local connection. The new two million dollar home-town themed restaurant did just that.

This Hit Parade listing just inside the front door lists the popular singles recorded by Canonsburg artists since 1944.

Inside the front entrance, they proudly display “The Canonsburg Hit Parade”, which lists songs that have been released by Canonsburg artists from 1944 to 2006. This is just a sample of over 400 songs that fit that description. This was and still is a musical town.

Major focus began on Canonsburg’s native sons Perry Como, Bobby Vinton and The Four Coins. Together they had 196 top hits. Canonsburg was proud. The most recent addition has been Jason Walker, who is climbing the pop-dance charts.

Several photos of Perry Como at all ages can be found throughout the restaurant.

Pierino Ronald Como came from a large family and early in life became a prominent local barber. In the 1940s he joined the popular radio show, Chesterfield Supper Club as a vocalist.

Perry Como’s wife painted this picture for him.

Perry had his own television variety show and also appeared in several movies. During his career, he sold over 100 million records. His first big hit, “Till the End of Time”, stayed number one in the charts for eleven weeks in 1945. One of my favorites was “Don’t Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes”.

Bobby’s version of “Blue Velvet” hit the charts at No. 1 in 1963

Bobby Vinton was born Stanley Vinton, namesake of his father who was a popular bandleader. When Bobby was 16, he formed his first band. After attending Duquesne University and a short time in the Army, Bobby took his band to Guy Lombardo’s “Talent Scouts”, where he was awarded a contract with Epic Records.

In the mid- 60s, Bobby even outsold Elvis Presley and therefore has been called the most successful male vocalist of the rock era by Billboard Magazine. His first No. 1 hit was “Roses Are Red” and later recorded one of my favorites, “My Melody of Love”, which Bobby recorded partially in Polish. The Polish Prince stopped by McDonald’s to sign autographs on a recent visit to Morgantown, WV.

In 2003 the group reunited and continue to perform at Doo Wop shows around the country.

The Four Coins all grew up in Canonsburg as well. They formed a high school band and combined with Bobby Vinton to form the “Band of Tomorrow” orchestra. They were of Greek heritage and began singing as The Four Keys until they discovered that name was already being used by another group.

They were known for their great harmonies and Doo Wop sound. Their biggest hit was “Shangri-La”, which earned a gold record. They appeared on numerous television shows, movies and toured the world with song.

Perry Como received a Grammy Award and five Emmys. He has three stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Bronze busts of Perry Como and Bobby Vinton are situated within. They automatically play songs like “Catch a Falling Star” and “Roses are Red” when customers walk by. There’s a large number of memorabilia on the walls or in showcases donated by or purchased from local residents, collectors, and auctions.

Billboard Magazine called Bobby Vinton the “all-time most successful love singer of the Rock Era” from 1962 to 1972.

There’s so much interesting information that it might take several visits to enjoy it all. Check out the many photos, albums, yearbooks, clothing and instruments on display. They have discovered so much memorabilia that exhibits have to be rotated periodically.

McD Vinton favorite tux and highschool sax

Bobby’s favorite tux is featured in an enclosed case along with his high school saxophone and a red rose.

This popular restaurant is located near I-79 so has a lot of traffic in their double-laned drive-thru. But you’ll want to head inside to view this special collection. It’s one of the few McDonald’s where after you place your order, they actually bring the food to your table.

Sit back and relax over a Big Mac and your favorite soft drink while checking out the memorabilia that will take you on a journey back in time.

McDonald’s in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania can be reached off I-79 at Exit 45 – PA 980/Canonsburg. You are sure to spot the McDonald’s sign off the interstate. The restaurant is located at 100 Bobby Vinton Blvd.

Category:

History, Museums, Music, Pennsylvania, Uncategorized

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Cathy Gadd Combines Creative Abilities: Artist and Bluegrass Musician

March 13, 2019

cathy redone Creativity runs through Cathy Gadd full steam ahead. Not only is Cathy an excellent artist, but she also plays bass in a musical group with her husband. Her creative side comes to life after working all day for Cambridge City Schools, where often she uses her creativity as well.

This old barn has a fencerow of sunflowers.

All her talents were present from early childhood. Perhaps it started as doodling on her papers, but soon her teachers discovered this little girl had talent. She took art courses in high school and later in life took lessons from Sue Dodd. But even back in grade school and high school, Cathy was receiving first place ribbons for her artwork.

Cathy was playing bluegrass with her dad back in 1968/

Music also occupied much of those early years. When she was eight, her dad, Richard Frasher, a Bluegrass musician, introduced her to the mandolin. After that, she began playing guitar and today she plays the upright bass. It’s important what we instill in our youngsters.

What a peaceful country road!

At the age of ten, Cathy went with her parents to the Frontier Ranch Festival, where Loretta Lynn was performing. Eager young Cathy got as close to the stage as she could. When Loretta Lynn began singing “You Aren’t Woman Enough to Take My Man”, Cathy sang along. Loretta reached over the side of the stage and brought that little girl on stage to sing with her. What a memorable moment for an aspiring young singer!

This bouquet she painted seems appropriate for Valentine’s Day or any romantic occasion.

In seventh grade, she won a Country Music Contest in Woodsfield and four years later was singing in the All Ohio Youth Choir, which performed at the Ohio State Fair and around Ohio. The following year she took part in their European tour, a great time for a young girl from Barnesvillle.

After her children were grown, Cathy again began performing with her dad on stage at various festivals and venues. Their talents were known from the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival to the Ohio River’s edge in Fly.

This painting was donated to an auction at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Guernsey County.

Today many find out about her skill at painting through their Bluegrass connection. Cathy often donates one of her paintings to raise money at benefits. The orders follow.

This flag barn in the snow certainly fits the winter season.

Most of her pictures are painted with specific requests. Someone will send her a picture of a barn or house that they want to be painted. Within 7-14 hours, Cathy has re-created their favorite picture with her brushes on canvas. Her pictures reflect reality so well.

This painting is on the Wall of Veterans in a home in New Martinsville, WV.

One of her favorite things to paint is barns with the American flag. She has painted several of these on large 16′ x 24′ canvas. She’s always admired old barns and added the flag after her son served in Korea and Iraq and returned home safely.

Frank and Cathy have always had that special musical connection.

Life has been exciting for Cathy and her husband, Frank, as they have had many chances to demonstrate their Bluegrass talent. They formed the Wills Creek Band and for twelve years have performed all over Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

Several times they have appeared on The Wheeling Jamboree, at the Pennyroyal Opera House, and festivals all over southeastern Ohio. Gospel music is a favorite of theirs and they frequently sing at their home country church, Wesley Community Chapel.

Frank and Cathy played at the Wheeling Jamboree Roadshow.

An interesting sidenote is the fact that Cathy doesn’t read music. In fact, she says that bluegrass performers like to have ‘jam sessions’, which require that they just go with the flow of the music. Very adaptable!

Cathy also likes to write songs and one of them is on this Stoneycreek CD.

Cathy also writes her own songs. Often requested is her song, “Table of Memories”, which tells of her mother’s kitchen table, which was rather small, but filled with great family memories. One song she wrote is on a CD by Stoneycreek and is entitled, “Walk Along with Me”. This lady has so much talent.

“Table of Memories”

Mom’s in the kitchen fixing dinner

The smell of fried chicken fills the air.

Soon we’ll all be sitting around the table

Making some memories to share.

Years later I look at that little table

And think of the years that have gone by

Someday I’ll get that little table

And keep the memories alive.

Vacationing is something they hope to do more in the future. Here they visit the Badlands.

As she thought about their musical life, Cathy remarked, “We are truly honored and privileged to have picked with some great talents.” Perhaps that’s because Frank and Cathy are great fun to be around as well as being known for their exceptional harmony. They are well known in Bluegrass circles.

Her cat, Millie, likes to watch her paint.

Cathy focuses on her paintings right now and dreams of traveling more when she retires. She has her eye on the New England states. Wherever she goes, this creative lady will find pictures to paint and songs to sing. What a talented artist!

Category:

Art, Music, Ohio, Uncategorized

Sarris Candies Chocolate Factory and Ice Cream Parlour

March 5, 2019

Made By Our Family Just For Yours

Sarris Chocolate Factory occupies an entire city block.

Visiting the Sarris Candies Chocolate Factory is a candy lover’s dream come true. Most adults feel like a kid again in this total candy atmosphere from the ceiling chandeliers to walls covered with candylike themes. Even their handrails look like pieces of licorice.

Athena and Frank Sarris

Frank Sarris developed this dream after trying to find the perfect gift for his sweetheart, Athena. Frank presented her with a gift to match her sweetness – a box of chocolates. The box he purchased just wasn’t the quality he expected so Frank began making his own chocolates.

Their 12′ high Chocolate Castle contains 2600 pounds of sweetness at a cost of $130,000.

Sarris Candies has been on the scene since 1960 when Frank started making chocolates in the basement of their Washington County, Pennsylvania home. He learned the secret of producing chocolate from a lifelong friend John Macris, the founder of Philadelphia Candies.

A friendly bear greets you inside the front door.

It wasn’t long before the business outgrew their basement and he built a small candy shop next door to their house. Over the years, this company has grown to over 350 employees and $16 million in annual sales.

Their Ice Cream Parlour offers all combinations of cool ice cream treats.

Licorice handrails led to their busy ice cream parlour.

Frank never forgot going to the soda shop or buying penny candy and wanted to incorporate those items into his candy store. In 1982, his son, Bill, helped him create his very own old-fashioned ice cream parlor complete with red and brass booths and crystal chandeliers.

Sarris’ Odd Fellow Sundae has a chocolate topping, of course.

People come from miles around to sample homemade Sarris Ice Cream with wonderful toppings. You can select one of their many favorites or design your own sundae.

A painting of Frank’s candy-striped orchid can be found near the Chocolate Castle.

As a philanthropist, Frank donated to many local organizations and causes. After Frank’s kidney transplant in 2002, their family established the Frank Sarris Outpatient Clinic, which provides pre and post-surgical care to transplant patients. There’s a library named for him and even a candy-striped orchid at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

Their candy counter is the perfect place to select your favorite piece of chocolate.

Even their ceiling is decorated with Candy Land scenery.

Before Frank’s death in 2010, he arose early each morning, seven days a week, to greet his employees and customers. He cared about his hometown and returned the rewards of his success and good fortune to make it a better place to live. His love for every piece of candy will continue to make the world a sweeter place for years to come.

Their chocolate covered pretzel is a hometown favorite. Shelves were a little bare when stopping just after Valentines Day.

Today his son, Bill, continues the legacy of fine chocolates with the help of his mother, Athena, his sister and brother-in-law, and his two daughters. The family chocolate tradition continues with customer favorites being the peanut butter meltaway and their chocolate covered pretzels.

Life-sized stuffed animals can be found throughout the store.

Now the Sarris Chocolate Factory and Ice Cream Parlour in Canonsburg take up the length of a football field. That’s 100 yards of chocolate, penny candy, ice cream, gifts for every holiday and lifelike plush toys. It’s always great to find a place that contains products made in the USA.

Their trucks are always ready to deliver products for a fundraiser to your school or organization.

But it doesn’t stop there, as now Sarris has expanded to over 1,200 locations in over ten states. Their mail order business is very popular as well as their fundraising opportunities for schools and churches.

This singing statue of Perry Como had laryngitis during a recent visit. Nice to see the town still remembers musical legends from Canonsburg.

While in town visit the statue of home-town singing barber Perry Como. Stop by McDonald’s where you’ll find walls covered with a tribute to local musical artists Perry Como, Bobby Vinton and the Four Coins.

Decorative stained glass marks the entrance to the Ice Cream Shoppe.

Be sure to stop at Sarris Candies on your next trip through Canonsburg and surround yourself with the smell and taste of chocolate. It’s more than a candy store!

The love story of Frank and Athena continues through their candy stores. After one taste, you too will fall in love with Sarris Chocolates.

Sarris Chocolate Factory and Ice Cream Parlour are located just a couple blocks off I-79 at Exit 45 – Canonsburg. The street address is 511 Adams Avenue. There’s plenty of parking very handy to the store.

Category:

History, Just for Fun, Pennsylvania

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Laura Bates – A Lifetime of Community Involvement

February 28, 2019

Behind every success is effort.

Behind every effort is passion.

Behind every passion is someone with the courage to try.

Laura was a member of the Salt Fork Festival board and treasures this painting of her old family church in Noble County painted by a festival artist, Jim Secrest.

Courage to promote local attractions is something Laura Bates still has a passion for after many years of community involvement. There’s no way to describe all her contributions in one short article, but here are a few highlights.

Brothers Eugene and Robert Williams sat with Laura on their farmhouse steps.

Although Laura isn’t likely to tell her age, she will say that she was born on the day they repealed prohibition. Laura Williams grew up in the New Concord area and graduated from New Concord High School.

Andy and Laura celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2012.

While in high school, Laura worked part-time at Ohio Valley Dairy, where she met her husband, Andy Bates. Although she went to Columbus and worked for a couple years, it didn’t take her long to return to New Concord, get married and raise a family of three sons.

While raising her family, Laura worked part-time at WILE writing continuity, scripts for advertising, and was the first woman to have a weekly community show from New Concord, Byesville and Caldwell.

One interesting project at the radio station involved Betty Crocker coupons, which gave great rewards. The station collected 700,000 coupons with which they were given a dialysis machine. It was donated to Riverside Hospital in Columbus, their first dialysis machine ever, in memory of Betty Lou Showman, a Bloomfield lady who had needed a kidney transplant.

Laura helped with the Bicentennial of Guernsey County when Boyd Glass created a commemorative tomahawk.

For nearly ten years, Laura worked with the Salt Fork Arts & Crafts Festival. She served on their board, wrote publicity for the festival and was in charge of the Performing Arts. She served as president of the board at a time when there were 225 exhibitors.

Church has always been an important part of her life. Bloomfield United Presbyterian Church considers itself fortunate to have Laura as an active member there. As a cancer survivor, Laura feels she is indeed blessed, “There are no crumbs at God’s table. He uses everything.” She feels God has a use for each of us.

Modeling at the Daffodil Luncheon was pure enjoyment for Laura.

Working with local Channel 2 TV, Laura was host of a popular “Two About Town” show – every day for fifteen years. Here she talked to many local organizations about their promotions and activities. She was a natural as everyone knows that Laura enjoys talking, but more importantly, she’s a great listener.

Laura organized the Hopalong Cassidy Festival and usually emceed the event.

The most recent avenue for involvement has been with Hopalong Cassidy. Laura worked at the local radio/television station and was conducting an interview with a lady, who remarked, “I can’t believe your town hasn’t done something special with your Hopalong Cassidy heritage.”

Visiting Boyd’s home in California, Laura tried on Hoppy’s boots.

Bill Boyd, later known as Hopalong Cassidy, was born in 1895 at Hendrysburg and later moved to Cambridge, where he attended Park School and Second United Presbyterian Church. His dream even then was to be a cowboy in the movies. Before long, Bill left for Hollywood, and the rest is history.

After the interview, Laura thought about this, and realized there were many people still interested in Hopalong Cassidy. That’s when she came up with the idea for a Hopalong Cassidy Festival, which was held each May for 47 years.

Laura and Grace Boyd, Hoppy’s wife, became good friends.

Not only did Laura direct the Festival, but she began her own collection of Hopalong Cassidy memorabilia and had the recent Hopalong Cassidy Museum in Cambridge. Grace Boyd, Hoppy’s wife, became one of Laura’s closest friends.

Dan McLean, singer-songwriter, wrote the introduction to “Hopalong Cassidy an American Legend”. Laura attended one of his concerts to give him a Hoppy watch.

In 1984, Laura was named the Jeffersonian Person of the Year and later given the Sidlo Award by the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce. These were given because of her excellence in vision, leadership and legacy to promote the community.

This Hopalong Cassidy statue was dedicated at the Senior Center with Laura and Alan Cottrill, sculptor, present.

When the festival came to an end, Laura still wanted Hopalong to be remembered in the area, so she began a drive to raise funds for a bronze statue of Hopalong Cassidy to be created by Alan Cottrill, an international sculptor. Today that statue can be found at our Senior Center.

No wonder Hopalong Cassidy’s faithful buckaroos say, “Laura is the best friend Hoppy ever had.” Hoppy fans all over the world know this lady and keep a strong connection by visits, cards and gifts.

Traveling is something she has enjoyed throughout her life with trips to Scotland, England, Ireland, Mexico and nearly all the states. Andy and Laura even renewed their wedding vows on a cruise in the Caribbean. A short trip she’d still like to take is one to see the Ark Encounter in Kentucky.

Laura treasures this Hopalong Cassidy book with its unique cover. Someday she plans to finish her own book about the cowboy legend, Hopalong Cassidy.

Laura mentioned a couple of other things she’d like to do. Jokingly, she says she’d like to have her house cleaned up, but she has so many other things to do that are more enjoyable. Most important, she has started a book about Hopalong Cassidy and his local connection and plans to spend more time getting it organized.

Family is most important to Laura with three sons, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Most important of all is Family. Her feelings for her family were expressed by saying, “My family moments are more important to me than anything I have ever done. Our 50^th wedding anniversary when everyone was here was a very special day.”

While Laura lives life to the fullest and continues to promote her community, now we’ll have to keep on the lookout for Laura’s book about Hoppy. In the meantime, have a Hoppy Day!

Category:

California, Cambridge, Festivals, History, Ohio, Organizations

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Family Memories of Guernsey County’s Annie Oakley

February 13, 2019

This old metal sign from 1913 stirred up family memories of their great-aunt, Emma Sherby.

Memories awaken when a picture or object appears that opens doors to the past. Recently, an original Thompson Feed Company sign brought back memories to the family of Emma Sherby as it stated: No Hunting Without Permission.

This popular feed mill was located at 125 N. 7th Street, where the Genealogical Society is located today.

In 1913, Ohio decided that hunters needed to have a license. Young Emma at the age of 17 purchased one of those early licenses for the fee of ONE DOLLAR in Cambridge at the Guernsey County Clerk of Courts. She was a very slim girl as the license listed her at 5’9” and 120 pounds with light hair and blue eyes.

Emma was the first woman to have a hunting license in Guernsey County, and perhaps in the state of Ohio.

Since the law went into effect on November 12 and Emma purchased her license on November 15, she definitely was one of the first to purchase a license and also the first licensed female hunter in Guernsey County.

Word of this early license spread quickly and an article titled “Girl Hunter Bags Rabbits for Tables of Mining Settlement” was written in the Cleveland Press on November 29, 1913. Hank Sherby still has that original article as well as the cloth hunting license issued to his great-aunt Emma.

An article about Emma appeared in the Cleveland Press in November, 1913.

Using a W. Richards Double Barrel Shotgun, her hunting ability was well known in the area as she liked to explore the out-of-doors and often bagged wildlife not only for her own family but for the neighbors as well. Some even called her Guernsey County’s Annie Oakley.

Back in 1896, Dr. Robbins came to the farm’s log cabin on horseback to deliver baby Emma. A large ledger contains this information about the day she was born: “May 8, 1896, Emma born Friday at 4 o’clock on the farm in the afternoon.” Two months later they moved to the house where Emma lived the rest of her life.

She spent her entire life in this house on Cherry Hill Road.

Her parents, Michael and Josephine Sherby, had four children: Elvin, Emma and twins Ella and Emanuel. Michael was a headhunter recruiting miners for Cambridge Collieries and rented houses on Buffalo Mine Road to miners. Later he worked for Byesville State Bank.

Dependable seems a proper word to describe Emma. She worked hard all her life. Emma never married but cared for her family by working the farm to pay bills, raising a large garden, canning chickens for winter food, and was a beekeeper to keep honey on the table. Hank describes her as “a hunter/trapper/fisherwoman..a true country girl.” Sounds more and more like Annie Oakley!

Their farm pond supplied fish for the family and also water for the miners’ homes.

Sometimes when money was scarce during the Depression, Emma would take feathers from the chickens and ducks and barter them for goods at the general store. People enjoyed having the feathers for their pillows and comforters.

Hank and his brother, Robert, fondly remember bringing in a bucket of blackberries to Emma in the summertime. She would then fire up the wood stove and bake them a blackberry pie in a small tin. Still sounds delicious! It was no secret that Emma had a sweet tooth as well.

These traps were used by Emma to capture animals for fur.

Although she had the important hunting license, Emma never cared to get a driver’s license. In fact, it is said that Emma never left Guernsey County in her life except when she had to register for Social Security.

She worked so hard that one wonders what she did for relaxation. Every day the flowers she grew gave her pleasure, but on Sundays, she could often be found riding her white horse on a trail ride in the vicinity of Cherry Hill.

Hank Sherby feels lucky to still have his great-aunt’s gun.

Having grown up in the Depression, Emma saved everything and some would say she was a hoarder. In their barn, she had saved a pile of cherry boards that she always said would be used for something special. When Emma died at the age of 93, they made her casket from these cherry boards and had the funeral at the farm where she lived her entire life.

This lady lived from 1896 – 1983 so would have seen many changes in our world. After living through the Great Depression, it’s easy to understand why Emma saved everything. She didn’t want to have to do without again. Imagine her excitement at seeing those first automobiles, telephones, television, and even a man landing on the moon. Family remembers that Emma kept up with the news and they received four newspapers in their house.

Emma hunted with a W. Richards double-barrel shotgun, a gift from her dad.

Annie Oakley expressed her feelings when she said, “Any woman who does not thoroughly enjoy tramping across the country on a clear frosty morning with a good gun and a pair of dogs does not know how to enjoy life.” Have a feeling that Emma would have agreed.

Liberated women have been with us throughout history. That’s nothing new. Emma certainly depicted that image from a very early age and continued to do things throughout her life that people today would label as ‘liberated’. Emma Sherby was just ahead of her time.

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Farming, History, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Today’s Fairview – Yesterday’s Pennyroyaldom

February 5, 2019

The late Keny Keylor shared stories of Fairview and Pennyroyal Reunions.

Those who have lived in Fairview for a long time, have great memories to share that perhaps some have forgotten. Kenny Keylor had been around for 91 years. He shared some stories and pictures with me during a recent visit.

Bradshaw Tavern and Inn along the old Zane’s Trace had famous visitors such as Henry Clay.

A group from Maryland led by Ralph Cowgill and Hugh Gilliland stayed at the Bradshaw Inn as they walked the old Wheeling Road. When they stopped along the way some climbed a hill and are said to comment, “My, what a fair view.” The name stuck!

This is a view of Fairview’s Main Street back in the 1800s.

The town was laid out by Hugh Gilliland in 1814 on the border of Guernsey and Belmont counties. He platted thirty lots, each one-fourth of an acre and fronting on each side of the Wheeling Road. By 1866, 555 people lived there – it’s highest population.

A painting of the pennyroyal pant hangs in the Opera House today.

A big attraction back in 1806 were the fields of pennyroyal that grew wild in the area. The herb received its name because it was a favorite of the English royalty who treated headaches, cold, arthritis and dizziness with this oil. Thus, the name Pennyroyaldom for the area.

Pennyroyal Distillery, where they made the “cure-all oil”, was captured on this old postcard.

Benjamin Borton had learned how to distill the pennyroyal oil while living in New Jersey. His sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons continued in the business selling this “cure-all” oil after the family moved to Fairview.

Fairview looking west on National Road - UP Church in foreground

United Presbyterian Church sat along the old National Road looking west.

This oil, along with tobacco, both “cash crops”, were shipped by freight wagons on the Old National Road to the eastern markets. Fairview produced more Pennyroyal Oil than any other place in the nation. Its medicinal purposes were still being sold in the 1980s until the government labeled it a possible carcinogen.

The home of Dr. H.J. Arnold in 1915 still stands today.

Since the town was growing, Fairview became filled with many needed businesses: general stores, grist mill, millinery store, two hotels, and three cigar factories. Over twenty different occupations found a place in town to hang their shingle: dentist, doctor, undertaker, barber, and blacksmith to name a few. As you can tell, this was a thriving little community.

O.G. Boyd had this costume house in town and organized their Pennyroyal parade.

A medical school existed in Fairview taught by Dr. T. McPherson. If someone wanted to become a doctor, he had to serve three years in the school and then one year in Columbus. They even had two local grave robbers who supplied cadavers to the school.

To maintain their heritage, every August from 1880 until 2014, residents of Fairview and descendants of Fairview residents gathered for the Pennyroyal Reunion to enjoy music, food and a chance to share stories of Fairview.

A large crowd attended the Pennyroyal Reunion in 1945.

The first reunion was held in 1880 in Gardenia Grove just west of Fairview with 4500 people present. Organized by David Taylor, editor of the Guernsey Times, Sarchet’s History of Guernsey County states that Taylor was “the presiding genius and program maker of the Pennyroyal Reunion.” He gave the organization state-wide recognition as the greatest of all harvest-home picnics.

People lined Fairview’s Main Street to watch the annual parade.

The Governor of Ohio spoke at the Pennyroyal Reunion. He stayed in Barnesville and a horse and buggy brought him to Fairview, where he gave a speech in the afternoon. Five officials, who later became Presidents of the United States, also joined in the celebrations.

Pennyroyal Royalty highlighted festivities at the reunion.

Kenny Keylor has been a big supporter of his community and the reunion for all his life. He played his guitar as part of the entertainment. His collection of Pennyroyal Reunion programs has only five years missing.

In earlier years, entertainment took many forms. Minstrel shows were very popular and one year a three-act play was performed. Most recently their entertainment has been bluegrass music. But every year a chorus performed their Pennyroyal Song, Down in Ohio, with lyrics and music written by John H. Sarchet, who directed the chorus for many years.

The building for today’s Pennyroyal Opera House has been around for over 150 years.

Since those early days of Pennyroyaldom, today Fairview survives as a small town with a population of between 80 and 85. But their heritage is never forgotten as seen in these words from the first Pennyroyal Reunion program in 1880:

“As each returning year revolves in time,

May all true sons of childhood’s happy home

Return from distant places, where they roam,

And keep a day in stories and in rhyme.”

~Robert B Buchanan Fairview sign

Fairview is located along I-70 today between Wheeling, WV and Cambridge, OH. Take exit 198 to the north of the interstate and turn left into the small town of Fairview. You might want to visit sometime when the Pennyroyal Opera House has some great bluegrass music.

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Back Roads, Festivals, History, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Canton Palace Theatre Presents Year-round Entertainment

January 28, 2019

Today the Palace Theatre seats nearly 1500 guests.

Visit a theater where movies can be seen as they were in the 1920s. It still exists in downtown Canton, where you’ll find the Palace Theatre, a nostalgic part of Canton’s Downtown Arts District.

Sale of the Tonsiline medication provided funds for the million dollar theatre.

Hard to believe this all began with the financial support of a local entrepreneur who made cough syrup. In 1909, Harry Harper Ink received a patent for Tonsiline, a product to cure tonsilitis, sore throats, colds and coughs. The bottle containing the medication was in unique giraffe shaped bottles. Advertisements for this product said:

If you had a neck as long as this fellow

And a sore throat all the way down,

Tonsiline would quickly relieve it.

An original long-necked Tonsiline bottle with a giraffe pictured.

When the theater opened on November 22, 1926, two giraffe-shaped plaques were located above the stage arch as reminiscent of this motif to honor Ivy, who gave this gift to the community. Gasoline only cost pennies a gallon then, so people had funds available for a night on the town. Even though there were nine other movie theaters at the time, the million-dollar Canton Palace Theatre was considered the “jewel in the crown”.

The original Air Conditioning system is still being used today.

Designed by Austrian-born architect, John Eberson of Chicago, the Palace sought to re-create a Spanish courtyard on a midsummer night. Its ceiling appears as a starry night with wisps of clouds floating across.

Today the Palace still has that original cloud machine that projects that dreamlike quality overhead. Ivy suggested long ago that you sit in different places during each visit to view the constellations that appear at various angles.

This postcard view highlights the beautiful Canton Palace Theatre.

Their gigantic silver screen, measuring 21′ x 46′, still remains the largest movie screen in Canton. The orchestra pit has seating for eighteen musicians while downstairs there are eleven dressing rooms, a chorus room, and much more.

Their first show was a silent movie, “Tin Hats”. Admission was 25 cents and the 1900 seat auditorium was filled. The early shows presented a full evening of entertainment beginning with an organ/orchestra concert, a short silent film, live vaudeville acts, and ending with a full length feature silent film. That’s a great night of entertainment for a quarter!

An upstairs lounge displays a restored mahogany bench with original tile in the background.

This was the time of the Charleston craze. Motion pictures featured Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford. As time marched on, many famous stars appeared including George Burns and Jean Peters. Big Bands, such as Harry James and Count Basie Orchestra, found it the perfect fantasy setting for a concert.

Pietro Caproni bronze statues appear throughout the theatre.

But in the 60s and 70s, downtown Canton had a period of neglect as businesses moved to the suburbs. It’s marquee last sparkled on its 50^th Anniversary in 1976. The building was slated for demolition.

The balcony seats are originals and a ghost is frequently seen here.

Just one week before the wrecking ball was scheduled, the Canton Jaycees acted as a holding agent until citizens could be organized to make the Palace Theatre a place to be enjoyed once again. The Canton Palace Theatre Association was formed and restoration has been going on ever since. Since 1980, over four million dollars have been spent in restoration and updating.

Historic Canton Palace Theatre presents concerts, movies and live events.

Today, it’s marquee again burns brightly above Market Avenue and welcomes you to its grand foyer. Over 300 events are held here each year with an attendance of over 100,000 guests. Their great variety includes concerts, stage plays and movies, but you might also find public meetings using it as a perfect place to seat a large crowd.

Jay Spencer brings to life the original Kilgen Wonder Organ.

Silent films are a special feature as they are accompanied by Jay Spencer on the original Kilgen Wonder Organ, which is a showpiece all by itself. The sound vibrates throughout the entire auditorium as it captures the happenings of the silent movies. The next silent movie special will be “The Cameraman” with Buster Keaton on Thursday, April 4.

Check out their schedule for future events on their website at cantonpalacetheatre.org. Of special interest is their First Friday family-friendly movie night each month. It’s free for the whole family!

Make plans to attend the Canton Palace Theatre sometime soon to enjoy a great movie, concert or stage performance. Relive old memories and make new ones. Feel the magic!

Canton Palace Theatre is located at 605 Market Avenue N. in Canton, Ohio just a couple blocks west of I-77.

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Art, History, Music, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Possum Products Creates Basic Wooden Toys

January 20, 2019

Russell uses a special saw to cut out pieces for his wooden toys.

Toys for kids of all ages can be found at Possum Products in Newcomerstown. Russ Riggle creates quality handmade wooden toys from over seventy different items he has designed.

The popular trend today is to return to the basics with his small wooden car.

Making toys was a hobby for Russ for many years. He’s always had a passion for building things from wood and remembers a very rough wooden car he built at the age of five. By the time he was in fourth grade, he built a wooden Viking ship. Now his toys are more elaborate and much better quality.

The wheels for his toys are all custom made and attached with wooden pegs.

After working as a mechanical engineer for many years, his job moved overseas about seven years ago. At that time, he started selling some of the toys he made at the Newcomerstown Farmers’ Market. Sitting around isn’t something that Russ enjoys, so he began experimenting with new designs and products. Russ claims that he makes “anything with four wheels or that can fly in the sky”.

Assembling the toys is a bit like putting a puzzle together.

Besides their being quality toys, they are all made right here in Newcomerstown, Ohio with U.S.A. materials. All toys are smoothly sanded but there is no finish applied. They are lead-free, with no metal or plastic parts and the glue is even food grade in case a young child just happens to chew on it.

Now he travels to festivals and craft shows all over the state and has even expanded his shows to some out-of-state venues. His toys are very popular as people like to buy things that are created with American-made materials and craftsmanship.

Son Adam helps his dad Russ set up the booth at the Paul Bunyan Festival.

His sons enjoy helping at the festivals and even make a few wooden toys of their own. Adam and Ben frequently appear to help their dad with setting up the booth. Both enjoy talking to the customers as much as Russ does, and Russ says they are both great salesmen as well.

Children like to play with the many toys on display at festival times.

Having seen Possum Products at the Paul Bunyan Show, Salt Fork Arts & Crafts Festival, and Algonquin Mill Fall Festival, it became evident that their products were something that people from birth to ninety years old enjoy. Boys and girls walk up to their booth and roll the toys along the table, often reorganizing it. It’s a great tool for developing their imagination.

This wooden log truck complete with pine logs is his most popular toy.

One little girl found a snowplow on the table, picked it up and walked outside. There she decided to move some gravel around with the snowplow. She put that toy to work.

Their display includes a large selection of small wooden animals, which the children pick up and name. One youngster was naming the animals and came to one they called “Cloud”, which was really a sheep. Another cute name the children came up with was “Fast Food” for a pig on wheels.

Get two wooden toys together with this semi carrying a race car.

Since Russ works out of his basement at home, purchases must be made from the website and festivals he visits. They are busy with shows, and just recently had done eight shows in three weekends. Now you see why it’s important to have his sons involved.

A rather popular way of using the wooden items is to laser etch the customer’s logo onto the sides. Then they can hand out the wooden truck or tractor with a long-term advertisement. While he doesn’t do custom work, he does get many ideas from his customers for future toys.

This made a great gift for a helicopter pilot.

This is Russ’ only job right now and he spends many long hours doing something that he thoroughly enjoys. Making trains, planes, trucks, and tractors takes time and patience as he uses his own designs and even custom-makes his wheels. His prices are very reasonable ranging from $2 for small animals to $72 for a train.

Possum Products displayed at the Salt Fork Arts & Crafts Festival.

Visit Russ on his website www.possumproductsllc.com or see his toys in person at a festival or consignment shop near you. In the coming year, Possum Products will be going to Algonquin Mill Fall Festival, Pike Elementary, Roscoe Village and the Salt Fork Arts & Crafts Festival.

For the guys at Possum Products, the best thing about making toys is the look on a child’s face when they pick up the toys. Russ takes pride in the wooden toys he makes. When he isn’t making toys, he’s playing with them!

Category:

Art, Festivals, Just for Fun, Ohio, Uncategorized

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