Places to go and things to see by Gypsy Bev

Marietta Trolley

October 7, 2010

On the banks of the Ohio River, climb aboard the Marietta Trolley for a ride back in history through the brick streets of Marietta, Ohio.  The one hour tour is narrated today by a lady who has lived in the area all her life so knows the history quite well. Interesting stories of famous people who have visited the area were part of the adventure.  It is a beautiful day so push open the windows and get some great pictures of the landmarks as we have frequent stops for narratives.

Marietta is the oldest city in Ohio founded in 1788 and named for the Queen of France, Marie Antoinette.  LaFayette Hotel is its oldest hotel opened in  1918.  Located where the Muskingum River meets the Ohio River, this hotel is our starting point and will be our lunch stop later in the day.

An interesting sidelight of the tour are the flood markings on many of the downtown buildings showing how high the flood waters came.  1913 looked like the year of a very high flood.  Many times the flood marks were up to the second story of the old brick buildings.

Religion played a large role in the early days of Marietta thus there are many old churches of various religions throughout the town.  The St Mary’s Catholic Church originally housed the  College for Women in its present-day parish.

The Great Mound in Mound Cemetery was part of the tour.  The cemetery is thought to be the burial place for the largest number of  Revolutionary War officers buried in one location. Wonder if their spirits still dwell on the hillside?

Meigs House was built in 1802 (before Ohio became a state in 1803) for Jonathan Meigs, Ohio’s first postmaster, governor and US senator. This beautifully restored brick dwelling that has been used as a home and office, but appears to be a perfect place for a bed and breakfast.

The trolley ride ended with a ride through Historic Harmar Village where you can see the Coca Cola Museum as well as the Children’s Toy and Doll Museum. Gives you lots of interesting places perhaps for another day.

Bouncing back to the Ohio River, our ride ends with lunch in the Gun Room of the LaFayette Hotel.  Maybe you can come back again with some friends and enjoy another trip through Marietta. What an interesting ride!

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Museums, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Schnormeier Gardens

October 4, 2010

Garden Time again!  Have just received word that these tranquil gardens will be open from June 1-5. 2011 from 10-4 daily.  The owner has added two days to the schedule to accommodate the growing number of annual visitors.  Hope you can find the time to enjoy their beauty.

Tranquility and serenity are two words describing the Schnormeier Gardens near the village of  Gambier, Ohio.  Once a year, usually in June, these beautiful gardens are open to the public. They are also open by appointment for groups during the year.  Take a walk with me and experience their beauty.

Each year the gardens have additions that catch the eye and provide a spirit of peace over fifty gently rolling acres in central Ohio.  As you walk down the grassy hillside to the lake, you breathe in the natural beauty of your surroundings.  In the distance you hear the sound of a waterfall dashing over rocks at a thousand gallons per minute.  Getting closer, you find a seat on a nearby rock and soak in the ambiance of your surroundings.

Walk over the red Chinese bridge to Swan Island and isolate yourself from the cares of the world.  Everywhere the plants have been chosen carefully to create a relaxing atmosphere.

Nearby is the Japanese Tea House, one of my favorite places for inspiration. Here you can hear the waterfalls as it bubbles over the rocks and view the lake through the tea house doors.  Outside there is a stone water basin with a long handled dipper.  Traditionally, this was the place to purify yourself by pouring water over your hands before entering the tea house. Wash away the impurities of the temporal world.

Their home inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright is the central point of the property.  While it is not open to the public, the patio area has several chairs and benches where you can rest and let the peace of the gardens surround you.

There are many paths through quiet woodlands with original sculptures surprising you along the way.  This is a place for meditation and peace.

One pond has a zig zag bridge which is a challenge to your balance.  The swans watch as you pass by and the beautiful water lilies are plentiful.

Words alone can not describe the beauty of the gardens.  This is a place you need to experience first hand. If you enjoy the beauties of nature and want a day of tranquility, take a stroll through the Schnormeier Gardens.

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Gardens, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Zane Grey Museum

August 30, 2010

Driving along the Old National Trail, now known as Route 40, we notice the Zane Grey Museum  setting back in a relaxing hillside. Located in beautiful Southeastern Ohio between Cambridge and Zanesville, this museum takes you on a trip back in time to the beginning of the National Trail.

Every history buff will enjoy exploring the three sections of the museum: Old National Trail, Zane Grey, and Ohio Art Pottery. We had a very good guide, who as a volunteer gave interesting  historic facts about items viewed, which included many antique cars.

Old National Trail, today’s Route 40, provided the earliest way for the settlers to head Westward. An actual life size replica of a Conestoga Wagon gives visitors an idea of the method used for transporting goods across the country. In a detailed diorama you can see that Route 40 had many toll houses with tolls charged for every animal, person, and wagon that was using the dirt highway.  This 136 foot long diorama depicts many of the activities of those early days of traveling down the Old National Trail.

The second area is devoted entirely to the life of Zane Grey.  From his early years as a dentist, following in his father’s footsteps, to his life as a fisherman, baseball pitcher and writer, there were many interesting displays showing items that he used throughout his life. Zane Grey wrote over 80 books and a life size model of him is shown in his reconstructed study.

Displays of Ohio Art Pottery fill a large center section and shows the fantastic craftsmanship of local artists in the Zanesville area. The hand painted designs are beautiful works of art.

After the tour, we stopped in their small theater to view a movie showing the life of Zane Grey and his wife, Dolly.  Learned many things about his early years and followed him as he went West to discover the land he would later write about and share in his movies.

No visit is complete without visiting the gift shop.  Here you could purchase Zane Grey books either new or used as well as other books written about the history of the area.   Other items available ranged from pencils to jewelry.

This could require an extra trip as sometimes they show the old Zane Grey movies in the evenings at an Open House for the public.  Each year they try to show a different movie, so it is an interesting spot for those who would like to catch a glimpse of a silent movie.  Might even get some popcorn!

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Museums, Ohio

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Warthers Woodcarvings

August 6, 2010

Ernest and Freida Warther were two hard working individuals, who loved their family above all else.  Their life and accomplishments can be seen in Dover, Ohio at the Warther Museum.  Ernest had only a second grade education but that never stopped him from being curious about how things were made.  Sometimes we think we just don’t have enough time, but Ernest made time by working from 2-7 every day before the family ever got up.

His fantastic creative abilities were inspired by a man who was making a pair of small pliers from a single block of wood.  This fascinated him and led him to make multiple pliers and designs from one block.

If you are going to carve, what is the thing you need the most?  A good knife!  Ernest, called Mooney by his friends, couldn’t find a knife that stayed sharp and had lots of strength. Thinking sometimes the best way to get something done right is to do it yourself, he developed a knife that would keep its sharp edge.  Those knives today are the finest kitchen knives you can find.  Furthermore, a knife was needed to be strong enough to carve ebony and ivory.  So Mooney developed quite a few different knives that can be seen and purchased at the museum.

His carvings of trains are something you have to see firsthand to understand their intricacy and detail.  Smithsonian Institute says this collection is a “priceless work of art.”  A favorite of young and old alike is the Funeral Train of Abraham Lincoln, which has fantastic details both inside and out. There are 64 ebony, walnut, and ivory train carvings on exhibit.  Remember that every piece is carved by hand.

Even a stop at the restroom is interesting as the walls of the Ladies room displayed many of Freida’s button designs. Had to ask what was on the walls of the Men’s restroom, and the answer was framed designs of Mooney’s arrowhead collection.  There is beauty everywhere.

Don’t forget to also check out Freida’s Buttons.  The lady of the house made beautiful designs out of 73,000 buttons that are displayed in the original workshop. Some are just for beauty but many have a story to tell.  All are quite lovely.

Outside the workshop is a lovely Swiss Style Garden.  This is a peaceful place to relax as there are plenty of benches for visitors.

Just this year, the Warthers’ original family home has been opened and is part of the guided tour.  You can just imagine the family with five children working and playing within its walls.  Many of Mooney’s early carvings are on display here also.

Before you leave, stop by the gift shop and purchase  one of the Warther Cutlery knives.  My little paring knife was purchased there nearly twenty years ago and is still like new.  Whenever you happen to be in the area, visit their knife shop where they will sharpen your Warther knife for life at no cost. When you stop by, they will ask you which hand you use to cut with so they can sharpen the blade accordingly.  They strive for perfection.

This is a great place to take family or friends as there is something to interest all ages.  Also their story is an inspiration to organize your time so you can create something special and still leave time for your family.

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Museums, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Ride the Rails in Ohio’s Coal Country

July 25, 2010

All Aboard! Stepping on the old passenger car, guests on the Byesville Scenic Railway are immediately handed a paper fan since the day is sweltering hot and there is no air conditioning. But the coal miners using this car many years ago would not have had AC anyplace. Their cool spot will be discovered later in the trip.

The whistle blows and the steam engine of the Byesville Scenic Railway begins its journey down the Marietta Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad that originally ran from Marietta to Dover back in 1872. The 1918 passenger car being used today can hold 60 people and originally was part of the Illinois Rail.

The train rails lead through the Wills Creek area from Byesville to near Pleasant City. Along the way you can see the remains of many old coal mines, bridge abutments, flowering fields, plus homes of today in the countryside of Southeastern Ohio. The Inter-Urban street car had lines running right along side the railway. These street cars were used as transportation for the miners to and from work at the mines.

The train excursion lasts approximately an hour with lots of information, history, and even some music. Water and soft drinks are available throughout the trip for a donation.

But the highlight of the trip is the interesting narrative supplied by family and friends of those coal miners of bygone days. First we hear about the history of mining in the area. The most dangerous job in the world is said to be coal mining. Coal is older than the dinosaurs and has a wide variety of uses. About the time of WWI there were nearly 3,000 mines in this area. They were all closed by 1928.

Since the miners worked an eleven hour day most often, there was little time for fun when the day ended. If perhaps there was no work that day, the miners would get together and play cards, reminisce about their life in the European countries, or tell stories of their adventures in the mines. But they didn’t want a day off as they only got paid when they worked and according to the number of tons they mined that day.

Arriving at the half way point of the trip near Pleasant City, we were told about the former Ohio Valley Glass Company that was located nearby. One of the main things produced there were the insulators for the railroad.

Next we were told the life of a coal miner by Coal Miner Dave dressed in clothes which appeared to be covered with coal dust. Even his face looked like he had just come out of the mines. As he picked his way down the aisles squatting like the miners had to do in the low mines, the passengers joined in singing “16 Tons.”

Passengers were led to imagine going down into a deep, dark coal mine with just the small light on their hat guiding the way. This was the cool spot for the miners as it was always around 54 degrees deep in the mine. But it was also damp from the underground water so clothes got wet in a hurry. Here the miners picked coal out of the sides, used explosives, and loaded the coal by hand into carts that were pulled away by donkeys. You will be surprised at the things the miners had to furnish for themselves!

The Coal Miner showed us interesting things used by the miners. Have you ever heard of Universal Toilet Paper or West Virginia Cole Slaw? Join the next excursion from Byesville to learn more about the interesting life of a coal miner.

The future of the Byesville Scenic Railway seems bright right now. With the help of local patrons and businesses, plans are to extend the rails all the way to Cumberland, OH where the WILDS is located. When there, you will be able to enjoy an excursion through the WILDS Safari and see animals not native to this part of the world.

Plans are also underway for a Coal Miner Statue to honor all the men who worked long and hard hours in the mines. Many of them came here from European countries in the late 1800s for a better way of life. The cost of the statue is approximately $38,000 and over half has already been raised. It will be a lasting memory of all coal miners who struggled to make a better life for their families.

This isn’t a one time adventure. There are special events throughout the year. Cost for adults is $12 while children (ages 3-9) are $9. Those under 3 are free. The Spirit of Halloween and Spirit of Christmas rides are favorites of young and old alike. Even Santa enjoys riding on the Byesville Scenic Railway .

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Ohio, Uncategorized

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Cambridge City Band Concerts

July 13, 2010

Music! Music! Music!  That is what you hear if you stop by the Cambridge City Band Concerts at the Cambridge Park on many Thursday evenings.   Old and young alike enjoy listening to the music and visiting with their friends.

Most like to come early to visit and have a hot dog or sloppy joe at the Band Concession Stand.  They also have some great home baked treats to enjoy along with many cold drinks.

Most likely you will see Berk Jones there early getting everything organized for the evening.  Berk has been with the City Band for a long time and is its present director.  He makes the evening fun for everyone with his unique costumes, sense of humor, and sometimes he even sings.

Residents of Cambridge and the surrounding area feel lucky to have such an entertaining evening at no cost.  The band is a combination of high school students and retired adults who just love music.  They practice weekly and come up with some entertaining programs.  These are skilled musicians who just want a chance to perform and make people happy with their music.

After the concert or even at intermission, you will see many enjoying an ice cream cone or sundae from the nearby Parkside Tastee Freeze.  You are never too old for an ice cream cone!

Check out their schedule and join in the fun the next time you get the opportunity.  You’ll be glad you did.  And as Berk would say, “Keep Smilin’.”

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Cambridge

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Franklin Park Conservatory Botanical Gardens

June 17, 2010

Ah!  The beautiful fragrance as you approach the entrance to the Botanical Gardens.  It welcomes you to a day of relaxation and education.

At this time beautiful blown glass pieces by Dale Chihuly are the special exhibit.  So it is no surprise that when you enter the building there is a video of Chihuly showing many of his creations and techniques.  Since there are many gardens to see, after a few minutes we tear ourselves away from this interesting story.  Since my Dad was a glass blower, this was especially interesting to me.

Admission to the gardens is a very reasonable price, especially for seniors at $9 and free parking close to the entrance.  Would be an excellent place to have a membership if you lived in the area as they have interesting events and displays throughout the year.

Exhibits ranged from tropical plants to those of the desert.  For a person who enjoys plants, this is a perfect spot to spend a day or several days.  Waterfalls, rocks, and small pools made you feel that you were actually there. The tropical plants held a special interest to me on this day as they took me away to a different location in our world without leaving Ohio! Strategically placed blown glass bubbles and balls added to the beauty of the exhibits.

Overhead the skylights were filled with glass pieces designed by Chihuly. So you needed to keep on your toes not to miss another beautiful scene either around the bend, at your side, or overhead.

One of the busiest places was the butterfly exhibit in the tropical foliage and flowers of the Blooms & Butterflies Center. After you watched the butterflies emerge from their chrysalises, you could then see them released in the Pacific Island Water Garden.  This was a place of much excitement as the guide took them out one by one at first and let the children hold them.  They all had their fingers stretched out for a butterfly! The child in me got to hold one as well.

Checking out the gift shop finished our day there.  Had to buy a plant to take home as a memory of a day of exploring the Franklin Park Conservatory.  This is a place for a return trip especially during a different season of the year.  Wish I lived closer!

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Gardens, Ohio

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Daniel O’Donnell Concert

June 7, 2010

Everyone aboard to hear the Irish singer, Daniel O’Donnell?  Time for the Buckeye Tours’ coach to leave Cambridge, OH and head north to Cleveland.  There are two coaches filled with Daniel fans from the Southeastern Ohio area.  They are anticipating a fun filled day listening to their favorite singer.

The sky is heavy with clouds but the spirits are not dampened by the dark clouds overhead.  As we head North, the sun peeks through the clouds now and then giving the effect of a spotlight on a farm on the hillside.

First stop was at the Hometown Buffet in Akron for a delicious but quick lunch.  What is more important today, Daniel or lunch?  There is no question with this group!  Lunch was very good and their coconut cream pie brought memories of Aunt Julie’s pies to mind.  Yum!

Seating is very comfortable on the Buckeye Tours Coach.  We have Carol for our guide and she is lively and friendly with lots of trivia about the city of Cleveland and she points out The Jake, Tower City, and Terminal Tower build in the 1920s.  Of course, we see lots of old friends from previous trips and even a neighbor or two in the group.

Arriving in downtown Cleveland at the Allen Theater, the bus pulls right up to the door.  That makes it quick and easy to get into the theater.  We are all sitting right in the middle so our view is perfect!

Daniel and Mary Duff along with their band of many years put on quite a performance.  Daniel and Mary have been singing together for 24 years so their voices blend perfectly on any song they sing.  Their energy level is amazing as after three hours, both are dancing full steam ahead as well as singing.

Daniel has a soft spot in his heart for older ladies as his Mom in Ireland is very special in his life.  After intermission he takes time to sing a special song to a lady who is 103.  Then he dances the polka with a lady celebrating her 91st birthday.  The crowd loves him!

Daniel has made it a tradition to close his shows with “How Great Thou Art”, which makes your heart fill with joy to hear the entire crowd join him in that spiritual song.  Gives you hope that all will be fine in the world.

We are the last bus to leave but we have enjoyed the day.  The sky is clearing now making way for a safe trip back to Southeastern Ohio.  One last stop at Arlington Exit for a sandwich and drink at a great selection of fast food restaurants.  We have worked up an appetite singing and swaying to the music all afternoon.

Back in Cambridge we say our goodbyes and thank Jennifer for her great job driving the bus today.  She made us all feel safe on the journey.  It was a great day for another road trip.

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Ohio, Uncategorized

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Desolate New Mexico Highway

May 26, 2010

Appearances can be deceptive as Route 9 across the bottom of New Mexico seems to be a desolate stretch of nearly one hundred miles.  But upon closer observation, the beautiful desert scenery holds many interesting experiences especially since it is just three miles to the Mexican border.  This road is not as lonely as it first appears.

As we leave Columbus, NM and Pancho Villa State Park, the desert is filled with low growing plants and the roadway is lined with the burnt orange blossoms of the Indian Paint Brush. You might even notice a Mexican here or there hiding behind one of the mesquite bushes.

One industrious rancher added an artistic touch to this desert road. They have piled up rocks in various formations and painted them in brilliant colors to add a little interest to the lonely road. A bright yellow cross catches your eye.

Listen! Overhead you hear a Border Patrol helicopter watching for illegals crossing the border. It sounds like it is getting closer. Hope they aren’t after us! This is a new and interesting landing as they are right behind us and landing in the road. Let’s keep on going but watch behind as the Border Patrol gets out and heads to the desert on foot. Something or someone close must have been spotted from above.

Cows roam across the road as we travel on since this is Open Range territory. You will notice the absence of fences replaced by cattle guards.

Ahead a man is standing in the road beside his truck and trailer and waving his arms. Let’s slow down and see what he needs. We can see that he is dressed casually with sandals, shorts and tee shirt and he has a long white beard and ponytail. A flat tire seems to be his problem. Since there is no cell phone service in this area, he asks if we will call 911 in the next town about forty miles away and have asssistance sent.

“How about a ride?” we ask.

“No way,” he replies. “My motorcycle is in the trailer behind and I can’t leave it here unguarded.”

Just then the Border Patrol appears in their SUV and as usual give needed assistance. While the illegals try to hide from them, the Border Patrol is a real safety net for those traveling the area. As we pull away, notice the lettering on the back of his trailer: All Who Wander Are Not Lost. That has always been one of my favorite sayings!

Up ahead you see a small town called Hachita located between the Big Hatchet and Little Hatchet Mountain ranges. There is a gas pump here and a small store for essentials. If you want to get away from it all or hide away, this would be the perfect place!

Many think this is a lonely road, but as you can see it is never boring.

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Desert Highway, New Mexico

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Springtime at Salt Fork Lake

April 25, 2010

Gentle breeze blows across  Salt Fork Lake causing rippling waves to lap the shore.  The deep blue of the lake reflects the clouds and trees as their leaves appear in the most gorgeous shade of spring green.

This is the perfect place for meditation. Peace seems to reign as the world comes alive with Spring in all its glory.  Time to think about the future, relive pleasant memories of the past, and enjoy the moment. There is a feeling of freedom as the worries of everyday life seem to lift away and are replaced by calm within.

Others have the same idea as a picnic table at the edge provides a good photo setting for a young family as they too enjoy the beauties of Mother Nature.

Along the bank, a father and his young son are enjoying some quality time fishing together quietly.  The bond they build will last for a lifetime.

Water calms the spirit so this is a great place to relax all through the year.  When you need a place to get away from it all, take a drive to the dam at Salt Fork Lake and find some peace.

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Ohio, Uncategorized

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