Middletonian Summer 2022

The Middletonian

MIGHTY MIDDIES Recalling the amazing rise of the undefeated 2010 team led by coach Jason Krause

BY REID MAUS

SPIRIT AND SPORTSMANSHIP

Special Olympics day returns to Middletown with joyous tears and cheers

SUMMER 2022

READY, SET, KINDER! ENROLL YOUR ITTY BITTY MIDDIE TODAY! MiddletownCitySchools.com/enroll

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Summer 2022 • Vol. 4, No. 3

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Events Calendar

BANKS & CREDIT UNIONS

KETTERING HEALTH NETWORK

MIDUSA CREDIT UNION

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Check out Middletown’s events this Summer

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Might Middies

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Spirit and Sportsmanship

The rise of the undefeated 2010 team

MIDDLETOWN EYE CARE CHILD CARE

513-424-0339

YOUTHLAND ACADEMY

MIDDLETOWNEYECARE.COM

513-217-5444 YOUTHLANDACADEMY.COM INSURANCE

Special Olympics day returns

14

Attorney Spotlight

16

Big Time

19

Recipe Spotlight

Kruger & Hodges

Cleveland-Cliffs

Million Dollar Deviled Eggs

20

Middletown History Stephen Vail

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INSURANCE ASSOCIATES COMMUNITY

888-423-2488

MIDDLETOWN

INSURANCEASSOCIATES.NET

VISTOR’S BUREAU 513-320-8477 ITSMIDDLETOWN.ORG

SCHOOLS, COLLEGES, AND EDUCATION BUTLER TECH

ENTERTAINMENT

513-868-6300

SORG OPERA HOUSE

BUTLERTECH.ORG

INFO@SORGOPERA.ORG SORGOPERAHOUSE.ORG

MIAMI REGIONALS 513-727-3200 MIAMIOH.EDU/REGIONALS

FOOD & BEVERAGE RICHARD’S PIZZA

MIDDLETOWN CITY SCHOOLS

513-988-2326

513-423-0781

RICHARDSPIZZA.COM

MIDDLETOWNCITYSCHOOLS.COM

WEST CENTRAL WINE

JOHN XXIII CATHOLIC SCHOOL

513-804-7426

513-424-1196

WESTCENTRALWINE.COM

STJOHN23SCHOOL.ORG

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

SPORTS AND RECREATION

HOSPICE CARE OF

BROWN’S RUN COUNTRY CLUB

MIDDLETOWN

513-423-9401

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PUBLISHER: One Pride Publishing, LLP WRITERS: Richard O Jones, Laura Leavitt, Reid Maus PHOTOGRAPHER: Bailey Osborne GRAPHIC DESIGN: Eric Marquard PRINTER: Hamilton Graphics

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The Middletonian

CONTACT: The Middletonian, 131 North 3rd Street,

Hamilton, Ohio 45011 | 513-816-1450

HAMILTON OFFICE

220 S. Monument Avenue, Suite 100 Hamilton, Ohio 45011 (513) 894-3333 a MIDDLETOWN OFFICE

YOUR HOMETOWN INJURY LAWYERS

Life doesn’t always go as planned, and when the worst possible scenario becomes reality, legal action can become necessary.

We’re continuously working for and with the community.

300 N. Main Street, Suite 375 Middletown, Ohio 45042 (513) 805-9841 a EATON OFFICE

111 S. Barron Street Eaton, Ohio 45320 (937) 733-6079

2022 Middletown Ohio Challenge Balloon Fest

Freaky Friday the Musical

Jazz on the Square

JULY 15–16, 2022 The Ohio Challenge Balloon Fest TIME: 4:30 p.m.—11 p.m. (Both Days) LOCATION: Smith Park DESCRIPTION: Hot Air Balloons, Night Balloon Glow, Car Show, Firework Show, Balloon Rides, Plane Show & Rides, Skydivers, Carnival Rides, and MUCH MORE!! Please visit ohiochallenge.com for more information.

book by Bridget Carpenter—the coexecutive producer and writer on the beloved TV hits, “Friday Night Lights” and “Parenthood.” Music and lyrics

by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey - the Pulitzer Prize-winning composers of “Next to Normal” and “If/Then.” When an overworked mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right again. Freaky Friday, a new musical based on the celebrated novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films, is a heartfelt, comedic, and unexpectedly emotional update on an American classic. By spending a day in each other’s shoes, Katherine and Ellie come to appreciate one another’s struggles, learn self-acceptance, and realize the immeasurable love and mutual respect that bond a mother and daughter.

This performance is presented by INNOVATheatre and made possible in part by generous grants from the

Middletown Community Foundation and First Financial Bank.

JULY 21–24, 2022 Freaky Friday the Musical TIME: Thurs and Fri 8 p.m.—11 p.m., Saturday 3 p.m.—6 p.m., and 8 p.m.—11 p.m., Sunday 3 p.m.—6 p.m.

LOCATION: Sorg Opera House DESCRIPTION: The new musical, Freaky Friday, is based on the beloved 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films. It is developed by Disney Theatrical Productions expressly for licensing to theatres, and features a

LOCATION

DOWNTOWN MIDDLETOWN 1120 CENTRAL AVENUE MIDDLETOWN, OH – 45044 WESTCENTRALWINE.COM

JULY 23, 2022 Jazz on the Square featuring C. Baccus & Co. TIME: 6 p.m.—9 p.m.

LOCATION: Governor’s Square Park DESCRIPTION: Come join us at Governors Square on Saturday, July 23 for toe-tapping, head-bopping, and finger-snapping fun! C Baccus & Company are a jazz group from Dayton, Ohio, and they will be moving and grooving all night long. All are welcome!!! Bring a chair or blanket, limited seating.

JULY 30, 2022 Thunderfest Cruise In TIME: 11 a.m.—4 p.m.

LOCATION: Middletown Area Family Y DESCRIPTION: Join us for the 9th Annual Thunderfest Cruise-In in

HOURS

MON TO THUR 11AM – 11PM FRI TO SAT 11AM – 1AM

50+ BEERS

|

COCKTAILS

|

CHEESE + EATS

Summer Events Thunderfest Cruise

First Friday—August

downtown Middletown on July 30, 2022 from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. We will be in the parking lot of the downtown YMCA and behind the Pendleton Art Center.

This event is a free family friendly event. Calling all classic cars, hot rods, street rods, rat roads, pulling tractors, motorcycles (soft colors only), Jeeps and MORE! Hourly cackle fest—ear plugs recommended! Flyover by a WWII era plane around noon. Come spend the day exploring unique cars, boutiques and eateries in historic Downtown Middletown!

AUGUST 5, 2022 Save the Date—First Friday: August TIME: 5 p.m.—9 p.m.

LOCATION: Downtown Middletown DESCRIPTION: In the Summer Time Theme! Join us the First Friday of every month when your downtown Middletown neighborhood businesses,

Like You, We Care.

4435 MARIE DRIVE MIDDLETOWN, OHIO 45044 513-217-5444 MIDDLETOWN@YLACORP.COM

Hops in the Hangar

boutiques, eateries, & galleries keep their doors open late, just for you!

Explore all the new faces and places downtown, visit with your neighbors, and have a great time! The fun is from 5–9 p.m., we hope to see you here in downtown Middletown!

AUGUST 20, 2022 Hops in the Hangar 2022 TIME: 4 p.m.—9 p.m.

LOCATION: 1701 Run Way, Middletown, Ohio 45042 DESCRIPTION: Check out hopsinthehangar.com for more information on this event!

AUGUST 27, 2022 Simply Queen TIME: 8 p.m.—11 p.m.

LOCATION: Sorg Opera House DESCRIPTION: SIMPLY QUEEN a world class act! This live tribute performs all the iconic songs that have made Queen

Simply Queen

one of the most legendary rock bands of all time and faithfully recreates the grand scope of Queen’s live shows, both musically and visually, capturing the amazing live Queen experience that has filled stadiums around the world. Canadian based from Windsor, Ontario, the band is fronted by Freddie Mercury impersonator extraordinaire Rick Rock (dynamic entertainer, vocalist, guitarist and pianist). Wayne Brauer (guitar/keyboards/vocal), Mitch Taylor (bass/vocal) & Phil Charrette (drums/vocals). All veteran musicians who have performed in festivals, theatres and arenas across North America and beyond!

SEPTEMBER 2, 2022 First Friday—September Fall In Love With Art TIME: 5 p.m.—9 p.m.

LOCATION: Downtown Middletown, Inc. DESCRIPTION: When the leaves start

Care for Children 6 Weeks thru 12 Years of Age BUSINESS HOURS: 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

First Friday—September

Port Middletown Arts

Dog Day Downtown

changing and the nights become cool & comfortable. That’s when it’s the perfect time to Fall in Love with Art! Head downtown for September First Friday where our eateries, boutiques, breweries, bars, art studios and shops will be open late for you! In addition, the PAC artists will be in full force and have activities inside and out. Come explore and support your downtown!

This is the perfect time to check out our downtown businesses, show your favorites some love and win prizes at the same time! It’s time to FALL in love with ART and your downtown.

place in the center of the arts, shopping and entertainment district, this year’s festival will showcase handcrafted, fine artisans and vendors who will line the streets along Central Ave. between Main St. and Verity Parkway. We feature a varied selection of regional artisans, musicians, crafters, merchants, and performers. Plus live music, family friendly activities, consumable delights, food trucks, local shops and restaurants for our attendees to enjoy at the event and all that our downtown businesses have to offer. A fully immersive experience you won’t want to miss!

SEPTEMBER 10, 2022 7th Annual Port Middletown Arts & Music Festival TIME: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

LOCATION: Governor’s Square Park DESCRIPTION: You are invited to come and explore the arts through all your senses at this epic event located in the historic, charming and revitalized downtown Middletown. This highly anticipated, annual festival draws three thousand plus participants from the tri-state area and beyond. Taking

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022 Dog Day Downtown 2022 TIME: 5 p.m–8 p.m LOCATION: Downtown Middletown DESCRIPTION: Downtown Middletown is going to the dogs, again! Join us in downtown Middletown for the 7th Annual DOG DAY DOWNTOWN! This evening is all about you and your best friend! Bring your BFF’s (Best Furry Friends) to downtown Middletown to enjoy loads of free treats (trick or treat style for your pooch!). Stay tuned

PROVIDING PROGRAMMING FOR THE CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION, EDUCATION, AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF MIDDLETOWN AND ITS REGION

Night Fever

fur more information coming soon!

We look forward to meeting your friendly, vaccinated and leashed dogs downtown! WOOF! YIP! ARF! SEPTEMBER 17, 2022 Night Fever TIME: 8 p.m–11 p.m LOCATION: Sorg Opera House DESCRIPTION: They sold out the Sorg the first time and now they’re returning! The Most Authentic Tribute to The Bee Gees in the world is drawing large crowds at Casinos, Festivals, and Corporate events. “Night Fever”— The Bee Gees Tribute is the largest production of the Bee Gees in the world. The group has been touring for the past ten years, from Disneyland to Russia, recreating the look and sound of the Bee Gees. Capturing a full history of the Bee Gees, “Night Fever” includes songs from “To Love Somebody,” “Massachusetts,” “I Got to Get A Message,” “I Started A Joke,” “Jive Talking,” “More Than A Woman,” “Night Fever,” “You Should Be Dancing,” “Tragedy,” “Stayin’ Alive,” and many more.

63 SOUTH MAIN STREET MIDDLETOWN, OH, 45044 EINFO@SORGOPERA.ORG oWWW.SORGOPERAHOUSE.ORG I@SORGOPERAHOUSE

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ALEC FULTZ, KYLE SCHWARBER, CHRIS SHORT, AND AARON KIMBROUGH (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT).

MIGHTY MIDDIES

Recalling the amazing rise of the undefeated 2010 team led by coach Jason Krause ■ ATHLETES IN THIS CITY stand the test of time. While companies and politicians come and go, the titans that once adorned the glorious purple Middie jerseys stay in our memories forever. Sometimes, what they accomplished on the field or court hangs in the rafters forever.

It’s the fall of 2010. Middletown, like its neighbor to the south, Hamilton, and so many other cities in the rust belt at the time, was feeling the effects of a great recession. While jobs were few and far between, there was one bright spot in the 10

The Middletonian

city. And that bright spot lit up the night’s sky every Friday at Barnitz stadium.

The Middies, led by Jason Krause, had a season they’ll never forget.

After taking Monroe to the state Final Four twice in three seasons, Krause defected up the road to Middletown.

Taking over a squad that won four games the previous season, and entering the Greater Miami Conference for the first time in his coaching career—this was a tall order for Krause.

Luckily for the Middie faithful, he was the perfect coach for the time.

BY REID MAUS

In his first year (2008), the Middies improved their record by two wins, from 4-6 to 6-4. Though they missed the postseason, they got a touted win over Colerain (who went on to the regional championship).

In 2009, they took the next step. They went 9-1 in the regular season, with their lone loss against those pesky Cardinals of Colerain in a 10-7 nail-biter. In the postseason, they took down the men of Moeller 45-10, before losing to Anderson in the next round. The table was set for the best Middie season in 76 years.

Middletown high school has had two undefeated seasons in its history. The first was a 10-0 season back in 1934.

The second was in 2010. Perhaps more impressive than that 2010 undefeated season was how the Middies outscored their opponents by a whopping 252-19.

Names that still echo through the halls of Middletown strapped up in purple that season. Kyle Schwarber, the MLB All-Star who famously helped the Cubs break their World Series curse, was an all-state linebacker and occasionally got handed the ball on the goal line. Jalin Marshall, who won a National Championship with the

Kyle Schwarber, Jalin Marshall, Zach Edwards, Zach Davis, Alec Fultz, Wayne Gregory, Kevin Henderson, and Cody Quinn. Second-Team honors went to: Austin Downing, William Peters, Dylan Rowe, and Chris Short.

The Middies started the season off by dominating three non-conference opponents at home. They topped Simon Kenton 34-0, Troy 38-7, and Lima Senior 49-14.

In their first GMC game, they traveled to West Chester and beat Lakota West, 24-13. They followed that up by beating Butler County rival, Hamilton, 42-9.

pair both scored just a minute later, the latter being an 82-yard dash by Marshall, they beat the Hawks 49-35.

The next week, that same pair did it again. Edwards scored with 10 seconds left in the third quarter to give his squad the lead. Marshall put the nail in the coffin and put the Middies over Princeton 32-21.

The Middies perfect season was complete, 10-0. They were only the second team in school history to accomplish this. Unfortunately, they ran into a buzzsaw in the first round of the playoffs. Wayne, and their

,In 2010, Middletown had eight First-Team, All-Conference players, as well as four Second-Team All-Conference athletes KYLE SCHWARBER (LEFT), AND JALIN MARSHALL

JALIN MARSHALL

Ohio State Buckeyes before entering the NFL draft, was the stand-out dualthreat quarterback for the Middies.

Zach Edwards was a two-way star for Middletown before becoming a standout in the secondary for the University of Cincinnati.

In 2010, Middletown had eight FirstTeam, All-Conference players, as well as four Second-Team All-Conference athletes. First-Team honorees include:

In the next three games, they beat Sycamore, Mason, and Fairfield before facing their most challenging tasks of the season. Lakota East and Princeton to close out the season.

Against Lakota East, the Middies took a 35-21 lead into halftime. The Thunderhawks battled back and tied the game in the fourth quarter.

Luckily, Middletown had Zach Edwards and Jalin Marshall. The

quarterback Braxton Miller beat the Middies 21-0 and finished their season. In 2011 the Middies went 10-2, beating Centerville in the postseason.

In the three years from 2009 to 2011, Middletown had a record of 30-5.

In the decade since those seasons, Middletown hasn’t had a winning season and has won just 19 games.

Still, the undefeated season of 2010 will live on forever.

Summer 2022

11

Special Olympics day returns to Middletown with joyous tears and cheers

Spirit and Sportsmanship ■ ALL CHILDREN with special needs deserve a special day and over the years Middletown Schools have made an annual sports event designed just for these students one of the district’s trademark specialties.

The “Middie Olympics”—on the track and football field of Middletown High School—also marked the first time in two years the event was conducted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hundreds of special needs Middletown students—from all 10 of the city 12

The Middletonian

schools—were joined by their families and friends in the sports-themed celebration that saw them participating in modified track and athletic events.

On this day, everyone was a champion and joyous smiles reflected the sunny day happiness of the kids.

“The Middie Olympics are such a wonderful tradition for our schools and after a two-year hiatus, today was the perfect day to gather and compete together,” said Elizabeth Beadle, spokeswoman for the 6,300-student school system.

“All you see on the field are smiles, dancing, hugs and high fives. It’s a good day to be a Middie,” said Beadle.

Students exited school buses and entered the sports stadium through a corridor of high school cheerleaders, shaking pom-poms and shouting encouragement.

A skydiver brought a giant American flag down from above while the national anthem played. Soon after each of the participating schools’ athletes marched together behind their teams’ handcrafted banners as the traditional world

Photographs by Nick Graham

Olympics theme music played over the stadium’s speakers.

Then teams of students split up and began—with the help of dozens of teachers, classroom assistants and district officials—to compete in a variety of competitions especially designed to allow even those with physical challenges to join in the fun.

Meghan Davidson, special needs intervention specialist at Middletown High School, stood at the center of the artificial turf football field and looked around at all the joyful energy, saying “this is super important” for the kids.

“This is our first Middie Olympics we’ve had since COVID-19 and our kids are very excited and these students are very deserving. It’s an awesome day to celebrate them and our special needs community,” said Davidson.

“This is also a very exciting opportunity for parents to get to see their children. We have a very, tight-knit special needs community and this is just an awesome way to celebrate all those aspects of what makes Middletown city schools a great district,” she said.

Middletown school parent Paula Dixon was smiling watching her son among the athletes enjoying the games.

“This is his first year here so it’s really special for us. I love it and it’s a great opportunity for him,” said Dixon.

Everyone went home with Middie Olympic medals and fun memories.

Chelsea Corcino, a classroom paraprofessional from Mayfield Elementary, said “this day is very important for the children.”

“They don’t get to do a lot of field trips and they get so excited,” she said.

“Something like this is very important for them to be a part of.”

Story Contributed by the Journal-News

ATTORNEY SPOTLIGHT

KRUGER & HODGES

BY REID MAUS

1. In what area of law do you practice and why did you choose this?

Josh Hodges: Personal Injury. I’m competitive. I like helping my clients, and I like to win. I only get paid if I win.

Scott Kruger: I practice criminal defense. I really have a passion for the 4th Amendment. That’s what we’re doing most of the time, defending the Constitution. Making sure our clients’ rights aren’t violated, then providing 14

The Middletonian

them with the support and legal advice they need.

2. What did you want to be when you grew up?

Josh: In the back of my mind, I always kind of wanted to be a lawyer. I grew up and watching TV crime shows and always thought this was what I wanted to do. Then when I was 19 or 20 I got selected for jury duty and saw two lawyers go to trial—I saw that and thought I could do it.

Scott: I bounced around a bit in undergrad. At first I thought about marketing and business, then I switched to criminology. So I was thinking about being an FBI or CIA agent. But because of my contacts back here where I grew I went down another route.

3. What would you be doing if you weren’t a lawyer?

Josh: I’m all in on being a lawyer. But if I

had to pick something else, I would pick to be a teacher in high school or college.

4. What do you like best about practicing law?

Josh: I like being able to right a wrong.

Our clients are usually just everyday folks who are going against giant companies who have a lot of power.

And they know they have a lot of power, so they try to take advantage of other people. We try to stop that and turn the tables on them a little bit.

Scott: It might sound cliche but I do like the human interaction it allows. I also like being a source of comfort for my clients. I think my personality and perspective on life enables me to be a calming force for my clients. I can help them realize that they have help, I know what I’m doing—that’s something I can provide and I enjoy it.

5. What is the best career advice you have received?

Josh: You’ve got to believe in yourself.

If you don’t then it’s already over.

Scott: Preparation is everything. When you do it long enough, you can do it on the fly, but I would never advise it. You need to know your case. Know your client, know your witnesses, know the people involved. It boils down to hard work and being prepared.

SCOTT KRUGER

WE HAVE BUILT A COMPASSIONATE LAW PRACTICE COMMITTED TO PURSUING JUSTICE FOR OUR NEIGHBORS IN HAMILTON AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS.

JOSH HODGES

6. Who is your hero?

Josh: Muhammed Ali. He was obviously great at what he did as a boxer. He had a lot of confidence to push forward with things where people thought he was crazy but he did it anyways. He stood up for what he believed in politically. He lost a lot for standing up for things he didn’t have to. He was someone that would’ve been great at anything.

Scott: Two people. My mom is first.

She is the most genuine person I know.

She loves just about everybody she comes in contact with. She remembers everyone she has ever taught, and I find that inspiring. Secondly, my younger brother Stephen. He is the most loyal person I know and he is so hard working.

7. What is your strongest asset?

Josh: I think I’m good at thinking ahead of where most people are thinking. I’m not just thinking about what’s on the paper in front of me. I’m thinking about what’s ahead in six months or six years. I’m good at seeing the big picture.

Scott: Honesty. Sometimes I think it’s easy to provide false hope, because everyone wants good news. I’ve found over the years that clients appreciate someone who is going to give them an honest and fair assessment of their case.

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BIG TIME Cleveland-based steel plant owner Cleveland-Cliffs has experienced tremendous growth

Cleveland-Cliffs purchased AK Steel for $1.1 billion in 2020. After that the Cleveland-based company bought the U.S. assets of ArcelorMittal for $1.4 billion, officials said.

■ CLEVELAND-CLIFFS, which owns and operates the Middletown steel plant, continued its “remarkable transformation” by being named to the Fortune 500 list, said Lourenco Goncalves, chairman, president, and CEO.

Today, Cleveland-Cliffs announced it was named to the Fortune 500 list for the first time since its transformation from a mining company to become 16

The Middletonian

the largest flat-rolled steel company and the largest supplier of steel to the automotive industry in North America.

The company’s ranking of 171 on the list for 2022 surpassed its highest ranking ever of 366 in 2012. The Fortune 500 list ranks companies that are incorporated and operate in the U.S. by total revenues for their Story Contributed by the Journal-News

Cleveland-Cliffs was named to the Fortune 500 list for the first time since its transformation from a mining company to becoming the largest supplier of steel to the automotive industry in North America.

respective fiscal years. Goncalves said despite all the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the “long lasting consequences” to supply chains still affecting its clients, ClevelandCliffs grew from $2 billion in revenues in 2019 to over $20 billion in revenues in 2021.

The company has 26,000 employees with almost 20,000 of them represented by unions.

This year’s Fortune 500 marks the 68th running of the list. According to Fortune, together the 500 corporations on this year’s list generated a record $16.1 trillion in revenue and $1.8 trillion in profits.

Neil Douglas, president of IAM Local 1943, said every union employee received more than $10,000 last year in profit sharing and he hopes that benefit continues this year. He said the Middletown plant is looking to hire at least 200 employees.

Summer 2022

17

Recipe Spotlight

Million Dollar Deviled Eggs INGREDIENTS

• 12 large eggs • ¼ cup mayo (55g) • 1 tablespoon butter softened to room temperature • 2 teaspoons yellow mustard • 2 teaspoons dijon mustard • 2 teaspoons sweet gherkin pickle juice • 1 teaspoon sugar • 1 /8 teaspoon salt • 1 /8 teaspoon pepper • dash Tabasco sauce (optional) • paprika for sprinkling • bacon pieces (optional) DIRECTIONS

1. Boil eggs 2. S lice eggs in half lengthwise.

3. Remove yolks and transfer to a medium-sized bowl.

4. A dd mayo, butter, mustards, pickle juice, sugar, salt, pepper, and Tabasco sauce. Use a fork to mash well.

5. Spoon filling into each egg white.

Sprinkle with paprika and bacon (if using) and serve.

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MIDDLETOWN HISTORY

STEPHEN VAIL

The Man Who Put Middletown on the Map

BY RICHARD O JONES ■ EARLY IN THE MORNING of November 1, 1802, 65-year-old Stephen Vail left his log cabin on the east bank of the Great Miami River on horseback.

Accompanied by his neighbor James Sutton, Vail was on his way to the Cincinnati, Hamilton County seat, with important documents, including the maps that would create a village of 52 lots on his property. He had already built the first cabin in the section on what was to become Main Street and his large family several others, with still more already under construction on Third Street.

Aerial view of Middletown.

The Great Miami River is near the top of the photo.

When he returned that evening, he showed his neighbors the advertisement he had placed in the Cincinnati newspaper.

Middle-Town. The subscriber has laid off a town on the eastern bank of the Great Miami River, about one mile above the prairie, where lots are now ready for sale.

“The town is beautifully situated, on ground high and dry, which has heretofore proved healthy. There is adjoining the town a grist mill, a saw mill, and fulling mill, all going. Water of good quality may be had by digging 15 to 20 feet. From its central situation and many other advantages which it enjoys, expectations are entertained that it will soon become the seat of justice of a county as soon as a division 20

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takes place and for this it is calculated — ground for a court house, jail, grave yard, church, et., having been laid off in good situations. The terms of sale may be known, and a plan for the town seen by applying to the subscriber on the premises. Stephen Vail.”

Although he had only been in the section for about two years, Vail clearly had a great vision for the area.

In October 1787, John Cleves Symmes applied to purchase over a million acres of land between the Great Miami

and Little Miami Rivers, which had been opened for settlement under the Land Act of 1785. The first families to come to this section of the valley were, like Symmes, from New Jersey, including Daniel Doty and Stephen Vail, who had purchased portions of this land, and began arriving as early as 1796.

Stephen Vail was born October 19, 1739, and fathered 10 children in three marriages. He was a Quaker, and known as a man “quiet and temperate in his manners.” The 1905 Centennial

History of Butler County called him “a man of great foresight and enterprise, which was backed by the highest character and probity. He was a man who could initiate measures and execute them as well.”

After purchasing the land from Symmes, he made careful plans for his move West. He was already approaching 60 years old, but he was in good health. Still, he sent his oldest sons Shobal and Aaron to go ahead of him in 1797.

In 1800, Stephen Vail came to Cincinnati and purchased land in the downtown section there, and traded one of the lots for a new leather saddle.

On this saddle, he rode north to the land north of Dick’s Creek, “above the prairie,” to meet with fellow New Jersey families that had already settled there. He noted that while the land there proved abundant, life was hard for the settlers all around. Although they could grow a lot of corn, they had to grind it by hand, there being yet no mill in that section.

Still, Vail saw the potential for the village he named Middletown, including industrial development, and soon began making plans for his country village. Being halfway between Cincinnati and Dayton, he named it “Middletown,” which was a familiar name to the New Jersey transplants, and some sources say it was Stephen Vail’s hometown. Passage

by land was still difficult, but the river would provide transportation for produce and other goods. He and his two sons had erected a brush dam across the river north of his proposed town from which “race ways” carried water to power the three mills that he and his sons constructed: a grist mill for wheat and corn, a saw mill for lumber to build a town, and a fulling mill to turn raw wool into cloth.

At least one of his sons, Shobal, had already married and started a family by the time his father arrived. All of Vail’s children joined him in the new settlement, and according to the 1882 History of Butler County, they were all central to the “social, industrial, educational and moral development of Middletown...No family connected with the early days of this settlement made a more kindly impression on men and measures than did these Quaker folks.” Sons Aaron and Randal began doing business on the west bank of the river, building their mills for the convenience of residence farmers, as there was no bridge built yet. Hugh, the youngest son, stayed in town and facilitated the construction of the growing village.

Vail and the other residents of the area believed that Cincinnati was too far away, too inconvenient to be the county seat, and anticipated that Hamilton County would soon be portioned off into others. They were

correct, but when the newly-admitted state of Ohio carved out Butler County not quite a year after Vail had filed the plats, the legislature didn’t even consider Middletown and the lots Vail had set aside. Israel Ludlow, the man who platted Hamilton, had set offered an entire block for a courthouse that would be neatly in the center of the new county. Hamilton also had the advantage of being a larger city of 200, nearly double that of the fledgling Middletown.

It would also turn out that John Cleves Symmes had underfunded his speculation and ensuing legal entanglements would complicate the deals he had made. In fact, some of the land Symmes had sold did not actually belong to him, including the acreage above Dick’s Creek that Vail and other early Middletownians had purchased.

This made the issuance of deeds and recording of titles to be “a long drawn out affair,” according to George Crout’s A Middletown Diary.

Vail died in 1808 without having actually received title to the properties that he had platted and sold, and neither could he offer his buyers official legal documents, but they made their purchases purely on the strength of his character and reputation. His heirs kept up the fight, and eventually petitioned the Ohio Supreme Court which granted them the authority to issue the deeds Vail had promised.

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