Places to go and things to see by Gypsy Bev

Posts tagged ‘Cambridge Ohio’

Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Weekend

Who-dun-it? Use your sleuthing skills to discover the guilty party. The game is afoot!

Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Weekend returns to Cambridge Ohio November 7-8. This year’s “Sherlock Holmes and Problem of the Two-Faced Spector” is the 9th Holmes inspired play cleverly written by local playwright, Anne Chlovechok.

Fictional Detective Sherlock Holmes is well known for his ability to solve mysteries with the help of his partner, Dr. John Watson. Holmes is famous for his logical reasoning and drawing conclusions from minute details that others miss. Watson is his intelligent loyal friend and assistant, who doesn’t have the ability to see the fine points.

The idea for a Sherlock Holmes Weekend developed from a school assignment given to Janine Bock’s daughter, LeeAnn, by Mary Ann Wilson at St. Benedict in 2003. She was to do a report on “The Hound of the Baskervilles” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Turned out that Janine got hooked on Sherlock Holmes and read all the stories about him. She even got her husband interested.

Jim and Janine Bock visited Cape May’s Sherlock Holmes Weekend.

Before you know it, Jim and Janine Bock were headed to Cape May, New Jersey in 2008 for a Sherlock Holmes Weekend. They stayed in a beautiful Victorian hotel and dressed in Victorian fashion.

When they returned to Cambridge, the Dickens Victorian scenes were appearing along Wheeling Avenue. The Sherlock Holmes sagas take place in Victorian times about the same time as tales of Charles Dickens plus there were many beautiful Victorian buildings downtown. Janine told Jim and LeeAnn. “I think we can do a Sherlock Holmes Weekend here in Cambridge.”

This has been the logo for Sherlock Holmes Weekend from the very start.

On the way home, Janine called Anne Chlovechok, a newspaper reporter, and was telling her about the exciting weekend. “Anne, you should write a play about Sherlock Holmes.”

Anne had never written a play before, so this was a surprise. After careful consideration, the two of them began planning for a January production with help from friends at Cape May.

At that time, St. Benedict was needing a fundraiser to send their junior high students to Washington, D.C. every other year for a field trip. The parents all chipped in to help. Some were actors in the play, others worked on scenery, and several prepared the food for the guests. That first play, “Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Taylor Tontine,” took place in St. Benedict’s Social Hall in 2010. An enthusiastic group had been organized.

Debbie Robinson and Sister Theresa helped with publicity back in 2009.

Publicity became an important issue and Debbie Robinson from the VCB and Fran Taylor from Main Street were asked to help get the word out. Jonett Haberfield at Taste of Ohio helped by setting up a place to buy tickets on her website. Gift bags were organized. That first year 36 people decided to become sleuths.

This was the cast for the first show in 2010, “Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Taylor Tontine.”

During the second year of the Sherlock Holmes Weekend, they decided to perform all three acts for the public at CPAC. The venue was switched from St. Benedict to CPAC for the entire weekend in 2019 and in 2020 to Pritchard-Laughlin Civic Center, where is it still held today.

Throughout the years, many of the same people have been involved in the production. Of course, Anne Chlovechok and Janine Bock work in some capacity every year, with Anne writing and directing all the shows, and Janine producing. Katrina Mazaher, Jeff Ricketts, and Dick Wayt were also part of all eight shows. Debbie Robinson still does their publicity. Mitch Mazaher was Sherlock Holmes that first year and will be performing that same role this year in “Sherlock Holmes and Problem of the Two-Faced Spector.”

Former Chief of Police Dick Wayt played the role of Watson in eight of the performances.

When Anne was questioned about how she gets the ideas for the plays she writes, she responded, “Often I get an idea during the show when something happens or someone makes a comment. I write lines to fit the person playing the part and always like to add a little humor.”

The Sherlock Holmes Nutcracker was on display from Steubenville Nutcracker Village.

Each year, the game’s afoot when Act I takes place on Friday evening so participants can meet all the characters who will entertain them for the weekend. Guests enjoy mingling and meeting the playwright with heavy hors d’oeuvres, desserts, coffee, and teas. Cash bar is available. It’s a great time to begin forming theories as they search the Clue Sheet with a map showing the location of all the clues.

Cast views the dead body in the 2017 show, “Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carbuncle.”

Saturday morning brings more drama and a hearty brunch with Act II. In the afternoon, time is spent chasing clues in downtown Cambridge visiting historic Victorian homes, businesses and the Dickens characters themselves. Sleuths may encounter Holmes and Watson on their quest for clues as they enjoy a self-guided tour. Clue Sheets are completed during the tour as each person develops their own theories. The Clue Sheets are turned in for grading before Act III, where the answers to all questions will be revealed.

Mystery is solved! After Act III on Saturday evening enjoy an assortment of desserts, coffee, and teas. One lucky detective will walk away with the grand prize of $250. A prize is awarded for the best Victorian costume and for those who have traveled the farthest. There’s even a prize for “The Clueless Wonder,” who didn’t have many good answers on their Clue Sheet.

Pictured is the cast from the 2023 show, “Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Candy Cane Codicil.”

This year “Sherlock Holmes and the Problem of the Two-Faced Specter” will be presented at Pritchard-Laughlin Civic Center on November 7-8 for those striving to be top-notch detectives and solve the mystery of who-dun-it.

Tickets are available for the Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Weekend at VisitGuernseyCounty.com under Events, Sherlock Holmes. Last year nearly 60 people enjoyed the role of detective.

If you want to see the entire play the following weekend, Friday and Saturday, November 14 and 15 at 7 pm, or on Sunday, November 16 at 3 pm, call Pritchard-Laughlin Civic Center at 740-439-7009. Tickets will be available at the door.

Mitch Mazaher portrayed Sherlock Holmes in the first presentation and will again take that role this year.

Put on your detective hat to discover why Holmes and Watson have been called from London to Cambridge to find out why the Cambridge Police Chief has been acting very strangely. Bring a friend, a magnifying glass, and a heightened sense of deduction to the Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center to uncover the mystery.

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Cambridge, Just for Fun, Ohio

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The Many Talents of Manny Theodosopoulos

Manny tells about his first pipe sign for Theo’s.

The influence of parents makes a big difference in our lives. Manny Theodosopoulos is a perfect example of that. He’s a man of many talents that were developed through the examples of his parents.

As a youngster, he liked to hang out in the workshop of his dad, who was a chemical engineer before leaving the corporate world to buy Coney Island. In his dad’s workshop, Manny enjoyed building things. The first thing he remembers building by himself from wood was the stand for a telescope, which he had received as a gift. This was a time when he also enjoyed sketching and drawing comics.

Their entrance sign was highlighted with a piece of their famous fresh peach pie.

At the same time, Manny worked at Coney Island with his parents. His first job there in second grade was bagging french fries for $.50 an hour. Today that popular Coney Island is now called Theo’s, one of the favorite dining places in the area. In fact, Manny says, “I’ve been working here for 50 years. Everyone in the family is a good cook but Dad was the best cook of all.” His sister went to culinary school in Paris and works at an upscale restaurant in Phoenix. His brothers Steve and Alex have popular local restaurants, Theo’s and The Forum.

Another clever Theo’s sign is decorated for Christmas each year.

After graduating from Cambridge High School, Manny went to Miami University where he majored in accounting and finance. His dad told him, “If you want to run a business, you have to know the numbers.” For over eight years, Manny was the owner/operator of Becky Thatcher Restaurant in Marietta.

He recently constructed a bookcase for his vast collection of books.

He recalls making cabinets, tables, and shelves over the years. For Manny, building these things is “fun” and relaxing. The things he builds are usually for himself or gifts for friends.

His bookcase has a top shelf of pipe figures – a man, woman, and a dog.

At home, Manny has constructed a large bookshelf that contains over 1,000 volumes of books he has collected, many of them concerning art but he also likes great literature. The bookcase is made from pipes and the top shelf contains a man, woman, and dog all formed from pipes.

His county maps are taking the shape of the state of Ohio on his wall at home.

Traveling the back roads of Ohio is something he enjoys for relaxation. No GPS for Manny! He likes the county maps that have all the backroads on them. These he places on a wall in his living room, which is beginning to look like an outline of the state of Ohio.

Cashew peanut butter is one of the culinary delights Manny creates at home.

It’s only natural that he also enjoys cooking but he doesn’t do much of that at Theo’s, where he is general manager. At home he likes to create special items. Often he bakes cakes and cookies but recently he has been experimenting with different twists on peanut butter making cashew butter and almond butter, for example.

This lamp made of cans and pipe has a unique on/off switch

Always active in the community, Manny made a unique lamp using his ironwork for the Living Word auction one year. The lights were made from Cambridge Dairy bottles and the switch was an old water knob. He also has “fun” making lamps with a liquor bottle for their base and perhaps a cheese grater attached.

Photos of Cambridge are placed on canvas and can be seen around the restaurant.

Today several of his artistic touches can be seen on the walls at Theo’s, the former Coney Island. Some of the signs are ‘ironwork’ with twisted pipes and connections. Since another hobby of his is photography, there are also local photos he has taken and placed on canvas. Manny returned to the family business in 2005 and as the general manager of Theo’s, he always greets customers with a friendly word.

Manny’s Wine sign highlights one wall at Theo’s. Look for it on your next visit.

Manny takes pride in his ironwork and his restaurant work. He likes for everyone to work together to do the best job possible while sharing in the credit. “People will exceed expectations given the proper tools and training.”

Next time you stop in Theo’s for a delicious meal, look carefully at the walls to see what Manny has created. He’s likely to stop by your table and say “Hi.” Save room for a piece of their famous pie or delicious cheesecake.

Visit Theo’s Restaurant in downtown Cambridge, Ohio at 632 Wheeling Avenue. The restaurant began in 1931 as Coney Island and still carries on the tradition of homecooked meals at a fair price and friendly service. Always save room for dessert as their pies are a specialty. Be sure to check out the walls for Manny’s many artistic displays.

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Art, Cambridge, Ohio, Uncategorized

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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.

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Art, Cambridge, Family Fun, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Grow & Show Garden Club Touches the Community in Many Ways

To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.

Creative ladies who enjoy gardening, flowers, and nature started the local Grow & Show Garden Club sixty-one years ago. As part of the Ohio Association of Garden Clubs, their purpose is to stimulate knowledge and love of gardening among members, increase their interest in knowing, growing, and sharing, and to promote protection of our environment.

Members of Show and Grow Garden Club prepare to decorate the Downtown Branch of the library for Christmas. Pictured are Kay Bennett, Kat Bennett, JoEllen Hayes, Marti Reed, and Sue Cowden.

One of their first projects was a flower show downtown. Area residents have fond memories of the beautiful Guernsey County Fair booths and the Christmas wreaths they used to display.

The committee working on the Scarecrow named Garden Goddess Antheia-Flora included Paula Shockley, Marti Reed, Kat Bennett, and JoEllen Hayes.

Today they enjoy decorating for many occasions. Just recently they took part in the Scarecrow on Parade Decorating Contest at the Great Guernsey Trail. They built a ten-foot-tall scarecrow with grasses for the skirt, a wreath collar, and a hat decorated with plants and flowers. After the contest, they moved the scarecrow to the Guernsey County Senior Center so it could still brighten someone’s day

They decorate two fireplaces each year with greenery and Christmas decor.

One project at this season of the year is decorating the Downtown Branch of the Guernsey County Library for Christmas with a Victorian touch to honor the popular Dickens Victorian Village. The library display continues through November and December.

Charles Dickens writes beside the Christmas tree decorated with handmade Victorian angels.

The tree is decorated with handmade Victorian angels. Marti Reed’s grandmother made the doilies and the club members turned them into angels. Marti’s grandmother always took her to the library so she thought it fitting her doilies would end up there. Large wreaths hang above two fireplaces and the mantles are covered with greenery and touches of the holiday. The 12 Days of Christmas vignettes appear in the windows.

Next time you visit the library, take time to appreciate the work involved in creating a holiday venue.

A special Easter Egg tree is part of the holiday decorations during the Easter season.

But that’s only one season of decorations for the group at the library. Another time they enjoy decorating is at Easter. At that time, they have stuffed animals and an Easter egg tree. Fluffy yellow chicks and bunnies of all sizes rest on the shelves and windowsills.

The first week of December, Grow & Show holds a Gingerbread House workshop for their members at Crossroads Library. Wonder if their gingerbread houses have plants or flowers around them.

Members take time to visit Cardinal Place each month where they take candy and treat bags to the residents while visiting them. They hope to expand this to other care facilities in the future.

A tree was planted for Sue on her 50 years of being a member. Pictured are Cheryl Lowry-Miller, Kat Bennett, Sue Cowden, Marti Reed, and Pat Graven.

The garden club plants and helps maintain trees that are dedicated in someone’s memory or just to honor someone special. There are two gardens where they plant trees. One is Shafer Park in East Cambridge while the other is a donated park at the corner of Beatty Ave and Clark St.

Jo Lucas has not only a beautiful flower garden but many fruit trees. At this time, she placed parachutes over them to protect the fruit from the birds.

They hold one public meeting related to gardening each year at the Cambridge Senior Center. This year the topic will be Gardening for Pollinators. Light hors d’oeuvres and a selection of desserts will be available. Reservations must be made for this March 26 meeting. Cost is $15.

Kat Bennett, Violet Scott, and Pat Graven explain using straw bales for planting.

Every year in May, they hold a Mother’s Day Garden Sale the Saturday before Mother’s Day where you can find some beautiful plants or flowers for mom. This year the event will be on May 10 at the Cambridge City Park Big Pavilion from 8-12.

Indoor plants are also a joy. Pat Graven has a green house in her bathroom.

Purchasing a couple hanging baskets to beautify downtown Cambridge is one of their projects. Some of their members also participate in watering the baskets throughout the summer months.

Much work has been done on the Great Guernsey Trail by members. They have contributed benches, trees, and flowers as well as helped with the Butterfly Garden. Plans are now being made for another display of plants there.

As you can tell, their community is very important to the members and many projects revolve around the beautification of Cambridge.

Bonnie Perkins has a beautiful koi pond in her yard surrounded by a variety of plants and flowers.

Grow & Show Garden Club meets the fourth Wednesday of each month at Crossroads Library at 1:00. Programs are always garden-related. A couple of times a year, the group visits a member’s garden. Some of them include waterfalls surrounded by plants, while others might have plants inside or a garden or orchard for their own food. Perhaps they might also visit a greenhouse or apple orchard. New members are always welcome so if you have an interest in gardening, stop by for a meeting..

These busy ladies know how to have fun while making the world a more beautiful place!

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Art, Gardens, Nature, Ohio, Organizations, Uncategorized

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Volunteer Month Highlights John Harmon

April was Volunteer Month and a chance to give recognition to those who help in our communities. Without their help, many organizations would not survive. This year, we give special recognition to John Harmon, who has served the community in many different capacities during his years in the Cambridge area.

John Harmon remembers that volunteering has always been a family tradition since he was a child. They were always the last family to leave their Lutheran Church in Upper Sandusky after making certain that the dishes were washed, chairs were put away and the floors swept. Here John sang in the church choirs, while his mother played piano and organ.

By the time John was in Boy Scouts, they were always volunteering for community projects and the older scouts would be teaching the younger ones. The Harmon family reunion was often spent cleaning up and making repairs at the Girl Scout Camp where his sisters attended.

This old newspaper clipping tells about John participation at the Salt Fork Festival.

After graduating from Muskingum College, John taught social studies and English in Rolling Hills. A few years later, he decided to move to Cambridge Junior High to teach math and English. He enjoyed the junior high students and introduced them to the use of the computer in the classroom. He especially enjoyed finding out why some students were struggling and finding ways that he could help them. He retired after 35 years of teaching.

John spends most of his time volunteering these days. When asked what his favorite project or organization was, he answered diplomatically, “The one I’m working on now.”

John designed and helped build this back porch for Luther Hall for his ch

He joined Christ Lutheran Church in Cambridge and began singing in their church choir. Today, John is still very active at that church where he designed the new porch for Luther Hall, and enjoys doing repair work there. Many members are thankful for the ramps he has built for their homes making their mobility easier. He also serves as their treasurer and member of their board.

The stage for the Performing Arts Tent, where awards are also given, was also built by John.

At the Salt Fork Festival, John helps in several capacities. He places direction signs around town so vendors and visitors can more easily find Cambridge City Park, where the festival is held. He is also responsible for building and tearing down the stage year after year in the Performing Arts Tent.

Father Christmas, portrayed by John, greets tour buses at the Dickens Welcome Center.

During the Dickens Victorian Village season, John volunteers as Father Christmas at the Welcome Center and greets tour buses. He coordinates times with Jim Thomas, who also portrays Father Christmas so there is always someone there. They often have their picture taken with visitors.

His truck and trailer are used to move the Dickens Victorian scenes from the warehouse and back.

He also volunteers his time, truck, and trailer to help move the Victorian scenes downtown in October and back to the warehouse in January.

His bass voice is a welcome addition to Cambridge Singers.

It wasn’t until 1990 that John began singing in groups locally. It all began with a Men’s Chorus organized by Andy Call, Bob Marks, and Berk Jones. That was just the beginning as today John sings in the Cambridge Singers, which has two major shows each year.

Chordial Chorus performed in barbershop style at Birds Run Church.

Chordial Chorus is a group of barbershop voices that perform throughout the year at various functions. He also participates in the Lions Club Chorus at their annual shows and is one of the Lions Club members. A friend convinced him to join the Coshocton Community Choir, which sings basically religious music.

John learned many building skills from his dad. When John was about eight years old, his dad was building a pole barn on their farm. John was on the roof driving in nails at that early age.

While attending Muskingum College, he became interested in a course taught by Louis Palmer regarding architecture. He later took a course in drafting at Muskingum Tech but soon discovered that he preferred home construction over commercial development,

He worked on this house on Deerpath Drive for Habitat for Humanity.

His work at Habitat for Humanity is one of his special projects. Volunteers help people with lower incomes build their own house and become homeowners. Currently, they are building a home on Deerpath Drive in Cambridge. Flipping for Habitat will be a project to raise money to flip a house for some area family. Like most organizations, they need more young people to help with this construction work.

To assist him in his many building projects, John saves every piece of wood or any construction supplies that he can. “I might use it someday or be able to give it to someone who can use it.” These supplies come in handy quite often.

At the Living Word, John portrays Nicodemus listening to Jesus.

The Living Word Outdoor Drama features many local people who all volunteer their time to produce amazing weekend performances. John serves on the board of trustees there and is chairman of the building and grounds committee. He also participates in the performances in many roles such as King Herod, Judas, Joseph, and Nicodemus. His first speaking part came unexpectedly when a thief on the cross was not able to make it to the performance.

John helped the Lions Club when they made benches for Echoing Hills.

So much more could be added. Photography is another hobby that he enjoys, and he takes many pictures everywhere he goes. For a while, he enjoyed demonstrating the potter’s wheel at the Salt Fork Festival. And as John remarked, “We’ve just scratched the surface.”

John is impressed with the many great volunteers who make the Cambridge area a great place to live. “You are helping someone and they might pass it on. When you see someone who appreciates your volunteer work, it helps them and it helps you.” Many local organizations operate basically on a volunteer basis. Perhaps you would like to help out on a project of your choice sometime soon. You’re sure to be appreciated.

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Art, Cambridge, Christmas, Festivals, Music, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Gross Mansion Through the Years

The Gross Mansion is still beautiful after over 100 years.

When driving down 7th Street in Cambridge, a mansion on the hilltop catches the eye of locals and the breath of visitors. Gross Mansion has been a place of beauty for over 100 years. While most know where it is, few know the history of the first family to call it home.

When Charles F. Gross from Washington County was twenty-one back in 1868, he worked in the oil fields of Ohio, West Virginia, and Oklahoma. He saved his wages and began buying shares of The Hill Oil and Gas Company, which was based in Columbus, Ohio.

During this time, he met the love of his life, Harriett Allender from Clio, a town now underwater at Salt Fork Lake. They married and lived on Clark Street in Cambridge.

The Gross Mansion was under construction in 1915.

Hill Oil and Gas Co. had extensive holdings in Oklahoma and Texas. Charles increased his shares steadily until he had one-fifth interest. The Cushing Field in Oklahoma consisted of 6,000 acres and produced 20,000 barrels of oil a day. When Charles sold his interest for $12 million, he had enough money to purchase some land in 1916 and begin building a house. Charles was the only millionaire in town at that time.

Charles became an active member of the community. He served on the board of directors of The National Bank of Cambridge until his death in 1942. His funeral was held at the Gross Mansion.

The front doors are beautiful anytime of the year.

Charles adored his wife, Harriett, and always tried to please her. Since Harriett had her heart set on having the nicest house in Cambridge, that was what Charles set out to accomplish. He purchased nearly a city block between Sixth and Seventh Streets in a residential area.

Notice the carved newel posts as you climb the stairway.

No cost was spared for this 12,000-square-foot home with 24 rooms. That was a mansion back in 1916. Even today it still shows qualities of richness with beautiful tile floors, walnut paneling, carved stone fireplaces, and a beautiful stairway with carved newel posts.

Harriette enjoyed her flowers, especially the azaleas.

Situated in a park-like setting, a winding carriage lane wove through a beautiful landscape of flowers and trees. Harriett loved her flowers, especially her azalea bushes, and Charles relaxed by working in the garden, a special time for him. He also enjoyed hunting and had several prize hunting dogs.

Charles built this library to please Harriette.

During the years the Gross family lived at the mansion, many recall the elaborate parties and weddings that took place there. Harriett enjoyed entertaining and having teas with friends as she was so proud of her home. She must have enjoyed reading also as Charles had a beautiful library built just for her. He wanted to make her happy.

Young Harriette spent time in the safe confines of the sunroom.

They had a daughter, also named Harriett, who attended 9th Street School. Teachers were served an annual dinner by the Gross Family. The children all remembered that day well since when the teachers went for their special lunch, school was dismissed for the rest of the day.

At Halloween, a friend who lived nearby remembered that trick-or-treaters, who were brave enough to approach the big house, were rewarded with a fifty-cent piece. She always planned a stop there!

A spiked fence was built for the safety of young Harriette.

Neighborhood children recalled seeing young Harriett riding her brown and white pony inside that tall fence around the mansion. That high fence had spikes all along the top of it to protect their only child. This happened shortly after the kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby. The Gross family feared that with their known oil well money, Harriet might be a target. They even had a hidden staircase built inside the house for easy escape and were most likely the first in town to have fire sprinklers in their home.

A personal memory as a young girl recalls my mother delivering fresh eggs and chickens, that she dressed that morning, to the back door of the mansion. Mom let me carry a couple dozen eggs while she took the chickens. Dad waited patiently in the car.

Step onto the original tile in the entryway.

Their daughter Harriett had her wedding at Gross Mansion when she wed Howell Bates, an ensign in the Navy. Later Harriett and Howell, who then lived in New York, would be the ones to sell the mansion in 1958, after her mother died in an automobile accident, at a very low price to the Cambridge YMCA.

When the YMCA moved to new quarters at the old Cambridge High School, the building sat empty for a while. Some wanted to tear it down, but locals who knew the history worked hard to keep that from happening.

Today the Gross Mansion is being restored to its original beauty.

The house was purchased in recent years by Lynn Bernard, a lady from Florida who fell in love with Gross Mansion and has made many improvements to restore it to its original beauty with the help of her friend, Jeremiah Miller. They are active in the community where Jeremiah is the manager of CORT – Cambridge Ohio Relief for Tragedies – and often goes to assist areas in the country where they are having tragedies such as floods and hurricanes. He’s always an advocate for those in need.

They have an annual Easter Egg Hunt and Rosie’s Girls have a Prom Dress Giveaway at the mansion. Decorating for Easter, Halloween, and Christmas brightens up the area. Drive by the Gross Mansion at 703 N. 7th Street to enjoy all the improvements being made. Perhaps you’ll be fortunate enough to attend a party, tea, or reunion there and see its beauty.

How nice to see life at the Gross Mansion once again.

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Cambridge, History, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Cambridge Fire Department Celebrate 150 Years

Today the fire station is located at 902 Gaston Avenue.

Fighting fires back in the early 1800s in Cambridge was very different than today. The most common method was the bucket brigade where leather buckets were passed by hand from a well or stream to the fire and back again. Those methods did not prove adequate before long.

The 150th Anniversary Commemorative Coin pictures that original pumper.

A fire on Water Street in June of 1873 was the catalyst for organizing a volunteer fire department in Cambridge. At that time on what is now Turner Avenue, workers at Simmons Brothers foundry were coating castings when hot pitch tar overflowed from a kettle onto the fire below. Soon the entire building was on fire and a wind spread the fire throughout the area burning twenty-two buildings before it was extinguished.

Local citizens banded together to fight the inferno but were ill equipped to fight such a fire. Barnesville and Zanesville sent hand pumpers, a steam engine pumper, hose carts, ladder wagons, and over 150 men via train to assist in putting out the fire, which took three days. As a result of this, buildings were better constructed in the future and Cambridge Fire Department was organized as a volunteer department.

The original Relief pumper from 1873 has recently come back home to Cambridge.

Cisterns were built around town so an ample water supply would be available for their new Relief Steam-engine Pumper that cost $6500 and had to be pulled by hand. Four and a half minutes after water from the cistern was in the boiler, water would be pulsed from the hose. That was much better than the bucket brigade!

The original hose cart from 1873 can now be seen at the Cambridge Fire Department.

In 1873, the fire engine was housed at the Old Town Hall on Steubenville Avenue. Community men served as volunteers for over 60 years. T.W. Scott and S.M. Burgess were some of those fire department founders. In 1874, the city gave the fire department $500 for uniforms, which consisted of a cap and a badge.

Fourth Street School Fire happened in February 1898 with temperatures of 32 below zero.

In 1898, the fire department moved to the old Simmons Brothers Factory on Turner Avenue. When you imagine how tiring it would have been to pull the engine by hand to a fire, it was important that early automobiles and the streetcar were used to haul volunteers and equipment back to the station.

Since the men all had full-time jobs, they often had to go to work covered with smoke and dirt from the fires. In 1902, Branthoover & Johnson installed plumbing at the firehouse as well as a bathtub,

In 1910, the city decided that these men should get a little pay but only when they were fighting a fire. Rates at that time gave the Chief $3 a fire, and the volunteers received $2 a fire if water was needed or $1 a fire if no water was needed.

Progress was being made as in 1915, fire hydrants were installed around the city. A new motorized, chain driven fire truck was then purchased. That original Relief Steam-engine Pumper and Hose Cart have now been returned from a Cleveland Museum and are kept at the Cambridge Fire Department.

In 1932, they moved into the Municipal Building where they stayed for over 40 years. By this time they had a new Seagrave pumper that could spray 600 gallons a minute.

Harry Siegfried is pictured on a 1928 Seagrave fire engine just outside the firehouse.

Harry Siegfried, a nozzleman, was one of those long-time volunteers along with several family members. Harry’s daughter, Bess, remembers going with her dad to the station when she was a child. “I polished those nozzles until you could see your face in them.”

Pictured are Chief Callihan and driver Walter Stage with a 1928 ladder truck.

Cambridge First Department became a fully paid fire department in 1946. Now someone was at the station 24 hours a day for a quicker response time. The first Fire Chief was H.C. Callihan, who served as a volunteer and chief for 62 ½ years.

Engines were parked in front of the Municipal Building in 1938.

Early in 1959, many will recall the disastrous fire at McMahon Gymnasium that destroyed the gym, industrial arts room, and band room at an estimated loss of $250,000. The cause was blamed on an overheated furnace. Nearby Central High School and St. Benedict Parochial School were saved due to the Cambridge Fire Department with assistance of fire departments from Byesville, New Concord, State Hospital, and Old Washington.

All available firemen were summoned in 1968 to a major fire at Variety Glass Company on the corner of Foster Avenue and North 2nd Street. Of high concern was the possible damage of glass molds – some from the Cambridge Glass Company. An estimated $300,000 in damage was partially covered by insurance, which was used to rebuild the facility.

Cambridge Scottish Rite Auditorium in flames in 1968.

Later in 1968, firemen were called to the Scottish Rite Auditorium where another disastrous fire was discovered on the third floor. Over a hundred firemen from seven area fire companies and many local citizens helped fight the blaze which caused destruction or damage to Scottish Rite Auditorium, Suitt Furniture Company, and the theater workshop.

In 1975, Cambridge Fire Department moved to its present home at 902 Gaston Avenue. Shortly after that move in July 1979 one of the most tragic area fires in recent times happened at Holiday Inn on Southgate Parkway where several died of smoke inhalation.

Members of the Cambridge Fire Department are pictured in this recent photo.

In more recent years, there have been several downtown fires where buildings have been destroyed. The Cambridge Fire Department always arrives quickly and keeps the fires from spreading to nearby buildings.

Chief Deeks heads the Cambridge Fire Department today.

Today the Cambridge First Department consists of 25 full-time personnel operating from one central station with Jeff Deeks serving as Chief. These dedicated men train continuously. They have two fire engines, a ladder truck, heavy rescue vehicle, water rescue, and two utility vehicles.

This fire engine is the latest at the Cambridge Fire Department. What a change 150 years has made!

They protect the citizens and property of the City of Cambridge and Cambridge Township. These firemen risk their lives for not only family and friends but complete strangers as well. Thanks for 150 years of service to our community!

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Christmas in Dickens Victorian Village

Tiny Tim and Bob Cratchit join in welcoming guests to Dickens Victorian Village.

Enjoy the spirit of a Victorian Christmas in Cambridge during the months of November and December. The main street is filled with Victorian scenes inspired by the book “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens.

Each year local dignitaries along with Queen Victoria participate in the ribbon cutting at the Opening Ceremony.

The official Opening Ceremony in 2023 was in downtown Cambridge on Saturday, November 4 with many exciting and interesting events. These included caroling by Cambridge Singers, the Akron Bagpipe Band, several storytellers, and many food carts just to give you a touch of what was happening. Of course, there was a ceremony at the Courthouse with local dignitaries followed by the 2023 Holiday Light Show. Then everyone moved to the Guernsey County Library for more entertainment and light refreshments. It’s an evening all those attending enjoyed. Similar events happen each year.

In its 18th season, the charm of jolly olde England can be felt right here in Cambridge. As you walk down Wheeling Avenue view 96 Victorian scenes with 169 characters that depict life at the time of Charles Dickens. Every scene has a brass plaque telling its connection to olde England and also lists the sponsor of that scene.

Father Christmas plays a big role in the festivities.

Father Christmas stands at the Courthouse Square along with Tiny Tim and Bob Cratchit. Scrooge and Marley can be found near Theo’s Restaurant. Look for shopping and caroling scenes along with Queen Victoria, who reigned during the time of Charles Dickens.

Scrooge and Marley are shown in this Victorian scene based on “A Christmas Carol.”

Many of the scenes depict people in Victorian trades. The candlemaker, apple seller, sled maker, and coal miner are examples of ways that people made a living during those times. It’s a long walk from 6th Street to 11th Street but that is the best way to enjoy all the scenes that appear under each lamppost. Some scenes are in store windows so watch for them as you walk along.

Imagination Station gives opportunity to dress as a Victorian lady or gentleman.

While downtown, you’ll want to stop at the Dickens Welcome Center to learn more about the history of Dickens Victorian Village. There you can see how the heads are made for the characters as well as their inside skeleton. At the back of the center, dress Victorian yourself at Imagination Station where there is a wide variety of capes, hats, scarves, coats, and more to turn men, women, and children into Victorian figures. You might want to take a picture and use it on your Christmas card next year.

Historic trolley rides are narrated by local historian, Rick Booth.

Weekends are filled with special events. The Historic Trolley Tour has been a highlight for several years and is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Rick Booth, local historian, narrates a memorable ride as the trolley goes from downtown all the way to the City Park. Locals will discover things they may never have known about their town. Find out why there were three bridges across Wheeling Avenue in the early 1800s and why they disappeared. Hear the importance of Col. Taylor in downtown Cambridge and the present day Col. Taylor Inn. You’ll be amazed at all the information Rick has discovered about Cambridge. The Trolley Tours in 2023 will happen on Saturdays Nov. 18, Dec. 2, and Dec. 9 from 10am-5pm.

Couples and friends enjoy having a traditional English tea at the Masonic Hall in this picture.

Three Victorian teas are held during the season. The Queen’s Tea will be held on Nov. 18 at the Cambridge Country Club with Queen Victoria telling the story of her life between courses of the meal. Two Victorian teas will take place at the Masonic Lodge Temple on Dec. 2 and Dec. 16. Join in the fun and wear your favorite hat or Victorian attire while sipping English tea and listening to some local entertainment. Reservations are required for the teas.

Each year, a group of local actors participate in the Cemetery Tours making history come alive.

The “Coming Alive Cemetery Tour” took place in the Old City Cemetery behind the Senior Center in 2023. The six living characters portrayed all had veteran related stories this year from the War of 1812 to WWI with the Civil War in between. Cost for the popular tour, which happens each year with a different theme, is $5 per person and can be paid at the gate.

The local library also honors Charles Dickens with a Marathon Reading.

The tradition of the Dickens Marathon Reading will continue at the Main Branch of the Guernsey County Library with the library sponsoring this event. Listen as local fans of Dickens read “A Christmas Carol” and perhaps some other Christmas works of Charles Dickens. Each person will read a 15 minute segment while visitors are encouraged to listen to parts of this well-known tale. It’s a great chance to get out of the cold and relax in the warmth of the library. What better place to read a classic novel?

Join a Christmas Candlelight Walk to hear stories of the VIctorian scenes downtown.

A Christmas Candlelight Walk will fill you with the holiday spirit as you walk downtown through the scenes. A tour guide will tell you stories about the scenes, and lead you in some Christmas carols. The tour begins at The Welcome Center at 6:00 on December 16. Here you can pick up a candle for the tour if you didn’t bring a candle or lantern from home. Admission is free for this event.

Many enjoy the thrill of an old-fashioned carriage ride through the downtown area. (Photo by Calvin Chester)

Everyone enjoys the thrill of riding in a carriage pulled by a beautiful horse through the streets of town. The ride begins on W. 8th Street beside the courthouse and tickets can be purchased there. On the weekends, check the Dickens Victorian Village Facebook page to see if the Horse and Carriage rides are going to happen. It all depends on the weather.

A special feature of the evening is the Holiday Light Show which gets bigger and better each year.

Every evening people gather at the Guernsey County Courthouse to watch the Holiday Lights created by AVC Communications. Watch and listen as the courthouse comes alive with the sights and sounds of Christmas. Over 66,000 lights pulsate in time to familiar Christmas songs. You’ll probably be singing along.

Music and scenes, from children’s favorites to classics and modern, entertain with different displays for an entire hour. The shows begin at 5:30 each evening and continue until 9:00, longer on holidays. There are benches on the lawn where you can comfortably sit to watch the lights or perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to find a parking spot close by to watch from your car. This Holiday Light show has become a holiday tradition with many families.

Scenes such as these can be found for five blocks in downtown Cambridge. Snow adds to the holiday spirit.

For more information, visit http://www.DickensVictorianVillage.com or check out their Facebook page. There’s so much to see and do that it is difficult to list everything. Come celebrate the 18th season of Dickens Victorian Village and get in the holiday spirit!

In the words of Charles Dickens, “Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts.” That’s still good advice today.

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Friends of the Library Love Book Sales

Mystery. Romance. Comedy. History. These are just a sampling of the kind of books you will find at a Friends of the Library Book Sale.

Their book sales have two purposes. First, you can stock up on books for your reading pleasure at a reasonable price. The last couple of years, the Friends have simply asked for a donation from books that have been selected. You can’t beat that! They also have delicious home-baked goods available for donation as well. There are some pretty tasty treats available from candy to cookies and even homemade bread.

Book Sales at Crossroads are held in this room where new window coverings, tables, and chairs were purchased from book sales.

The second purpose would be to provide special items for the library that they might not be able to purchase themselves. That has become an impressive list over the last few years.

During the early years of the group, which was founded in 2010, funding could only provide money for purchase of books from the best-seller list as well as the Newberry Award books. But as funding increased, so did the size of their projects.

New book bins were purchased for Cambridge Main and Byesville from Book Sales.

Colorful return book bins have been placed outside the Byesville and Main branches for easy return of books and videos. The logo on the bins was designed by local artist, Steve Lowe. The large meeting room has been enhanced with new window coverings and comfortable folding chairs.

They have contributed to the Summer Reading Programs for children at the library, and recently they purchased 15 wonder books with ready-to-read audiobooks inside, and 5 Launchpads for use in the Children’s Library. These Launchpads can also be borrowed from the library and contain learning aps, games, videos, and more for hours of fun. No Wi-Fi is needed.

A Discovery Backpack Program enables children to check out an exploration kit from the library. These include books, magnifying glass, headlamp, walking stick and more.

Stephanie Laube of United Way accepts a check for Dolly Parton Imagination Library from Friends representative, Mary Sikora-Skeslock after a book talk by young author, Gage Shepherd.

One of their favorite community-minded projects promotes the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Guernsey and Noble Counties with 887 children enrolled. The project began in 1995 in Dolly’s home county and was inspired by Dolly’s father who never learned to read or write. She wanted the children of their area to develop a love of reading.

This was the recent book mailed to youngsters during the month of January.

Here a child can receive a new book mailed to them each month from birth to the age of five. Pick up an application at any of the Guernsey County Libraries or go online to register at http://www.imaginationlibrary.com. Over 172 million books have been given away by the foundation as of December 2021. What a great way to promote reading.

An evening of folk music by Adam Miller was presented at the library.

Some of the early community projects the Friends sponsored were family movie nights at the library, guest speakers, and promotion of young authors. They encouraged sharing stories through musical or even dinner theater with a lovely catered meal at the library.

Jerry Thompson dressed as Father Christmas reads during the Dickens Marathon Reading.

Several years ago, Friends of the Library began a project with Dickens Victorian Village. Each season they schedule a day to have a Dickens Marathon Reading of Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol.” This has become a popular annual event with a new reader every 15 minutes throughout the day.

Chris Hart has performed several one-man shows at the library as well as at the end of the Steeple Walk as part of Dickens Victorian Village.

Another event involving Dickens, has been an annual presentation of a Christmas-themed tale told by Chris Hart. This traditionally is performed at the end of the Steeple Walk. Chris has a wide variety of Christmas based stories he uses for this occasion.

A paranormal program captured attention with presentations by Shone Winegartner and his daughter of Cumberland and Mark Jordan from Malabar Farms. Joan Albaugh introduced the speakers.

There are approximately 90 members of this organization. They organize the books prior to the sale, help customers during sale days, as well as provide delicious baked goods. If you would like to be a member, you can pick up a form at the libraries. Fee is $15 for individuals or $10 for seniors 60+. Fill out the form and leave it at the library.

Children’s books are a popular item and always go quickly.

Perhaps you have some books you would like to contribute to their Book Sales. Donations are only accepted on sale days during the sales. There’s always a need for cookbooks, craft, and quilting ideas.

Of course, there are always books left over at the end of the sales. Some are saved for future sales. Friends have registered with Operation Paperback for the military and will use this as an outlet to diminish their paperback supply and also give some reading pleasure to our military.

Michele Hatcher, Carol Marlyne, and Joan Albaugh prepare for another Friends Book Sale.

Plan now to attend the Friends of the Library Book Sales for year-round reading enjoyment. Everyone needs some good books at home ready for a relaxing evening. While there, pick up some of their delicious home-made treats. Remember, everything is by donation and there’s no limit on how many books you can take home with you.

“When I think of all the books still left for me to read, I am certain of further happiness.”

~Jules Renard

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Cambridge Performing Arts Center

Cambridge Performing Arts Center is located in the old Strand Theatre.

As a youngster, Saturday afternoons at the Strand Theatre were spent watching westerns which included my hero Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, and Hopalong Cassidy. This was a time when you could attend a movie and get popcorn with a quarter…and have change!

Camelot was performed at CPAC several years ago.

It wasn’t until the 90s that I returned to the theater when a friend was playing in the orchestra. I so enjoyed the feeling of that old theater that I’ve made it a place I return to several times a year. Over the years, the abundance of fantastic local talent has always impressed me.

In 2012, a play I wrote The Magical World of Dickens was performed at CPAC on three weekends. It was a great chance for many locals to have their first chance on the stage and found they enjoyed it.

But how did this all begin?

The Strand was built in 1915 at a cost of $50,000, which included $10,000 for a fine pipe organ used as background music for the silent films. The new theater was built of bricks and concrete to make it basically fireproof. There was plenty of room for viewing as it seated 500 on the floor and 250 in the balcony.

This Roy Rogers film from 1950 is one I might have enjoyed.

It opened the day before Thanksgiving with a movie entitled Graustark. Stars of that film included Beverly Bane, Francis X. Bushmane, and Edna Mayo. They continued to operate as a movie theater for 43 years when the owners, the Shea Corporation, decided it was time to close the doors in 1958.

Nearly twenty years later in 1976, the Cambridge Performing Arts Center was organized under the direction of Don Mercer. They hoped to restore the Strand Theatre so live theatrical entertainment would be presented in Cambridge. First, they had to clear twenty years of rubbish from the old theater.

During a college summer break, Rick Booth recalls helping do restoration tasks at the old Strand Theater. “Some days I was the only volunteer working with Don as he worked alone for a while. I remember doing work on the arches that lead from the box office to the main auditorium. It seems like it was through Don’s incredible effort that the place got restored at that time.”

Sound of Music featured the talents of many outstanding local entertainers.

The doors opened again on September 10, 1977, with the musical Gypsy starring Barbara Jones. Soon afterward, Cambridge Performing Arts Center merged with the Cambridge Community Theater and with funds bequeathed by the late Sara Cowgill purchased the Strand Theater for the enjoyment of the community.

In the early 1990s, Dick Pavlov and friends decided to revive the tradition of showing movies on weekends when there were no theatrical performances. They obtained a couple of working projectors from a nearby theater and began renting hits like Toy Story, Sound of Music and original Westerns. Sometimes the theater was so packed, people even filled the balcony.

Money raised all went to CPAC. Their first project was rebuilding the seats with new upholstery and repairs as needed. The movies were shown for about four years. Dick recalled, “Two of my happiest memories were running the projectors for the movies and playing in the orchestra for the live performances.”

Ghost Hunters came to explore the spirits at CPAC.

An invitation to a Ghost Hunt at CPAC is something this gypsy could not possibly turn down. The Southeastern Ohio Paranormal Investigators were going to spend the late evening and early morning hours there as many stories have been told of hauntings in the building. Cameras and voice recorders were placed throughout the theater to catch voices and movement. Spirits seem to be plentiful there!

The performance of Willy Wonka drew large crowds to the theater with many children being involved.

Throughout the years, many locals have had a chance to be on stage at the theater and that continues to this day. Getting young people involved guarantees a future for the theater and gives them an outlet for their talents.

Reindeer Games was a popular comedy show involving many children.

Mary Beth Sills, director of Main Street, loves to talk about CPAC. “I have been in many roles and love to entertain. It helps me and others forget their trials and tribulations for a short time. CPAC is a valuable space in our community with a rich history.”

Pirates of Penzance was another favorite of years gone by.

Now extensive renovation is needed at the old Strand Theater with the original estimate being $3.5 million. At this time approximately $100,000 has been raised with $75,000 of that being from a Paul Bruhn grant. Their goal is to maintain the 1900 ambiance of the theater. One of the first things that must be replaced is the roof. Then attention will be given to the seats, box office, plumbing, heating, and electricity.

When exploring the old building, the original movie projectors were found that ran those silent movies and Western serials for Saturday matinees. Several movie tins were also found but have not been opened.

Debi DiVenti. CPAC president has great hopes for the future. “We plan to have a variety of performing arts with not only stage shows but magicians, musical groups, and even revive those old Western movies.” At this time, they are receiving a grant to purchase a movie projector so they can again entertain one day a month with Saturday matinees of those popular old Westerns that so many enjoyed.

Sister Amnesia’s Nunsense Country Western Jamboree will be performed June 9-11 and 16-18, 2023.

Shows in the future include Ron Spangler, magician from Columbus, who keeps the audience involved with amazing magic and wholesome content. Upcoming shows include another popular Nunsense directed by Anne Chlovechok and The Little Mermaid involving many local children.

Fund raising is taking place to ensure this treasure will be around for future generations. The renovation team is working hard to collect the monies needed to renovate the theater. If you are interested in performing, directing, building sets, helping with costumes, or contributing to the renovation give them a call at 740-785-1400 or visit their website at www.cambridgetheater.org.

Support the theater by attending their performances and maybe you too will get bitten by the theater bug.

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