44691 Magazine September/October 2019

Sept . /Oct . 20 1 9

44691

PEOPLE, PLACES AND EVENTS THAT SHAPE OUR LIVES

Preserving A local legend: Kister Mill ownership, mission passes to conservancy group

2

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

Inspired by Neil...

44691 MAGAZINE VOL. 1 ISSUE FOUR OWNER/PUBLISHER: OFFICE MGR.:

Jerry Klingerman

Michele Janney

EDITORIAL ASST.:

Meredith Klingerman

Laurie Harley, Laurie Sidle, Barb Lang, Dottie Sines, Greg Sharpless, Richard Weiner

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

This publication and its contents are copyright 2019, Dutch Country Publishing, LLC. Individual copyrighted items, trademarks, etc. contained within are the property of their copyright holders.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or redistributed by any means without the expressed, written authorization of the publisher.

PUBLISHED BY:

Dutch Country Publishing, LLC 148 E. Liberty St., #210 Wooster, OH 44691 330-275-8097 330-439-4231

PHONE FAX

Send inquiries to: editor@44691magazine.com Visit us on Facebook: fb.me/44691magazine

On the cover: A 1979 artists’s rendering of “Kister’s Mill, Millbrook, Wayne County Ohio” shows how the historic structure may have looked when it was a vital link in the local economy.

44691 | S EP T EMBER/OCTOBE R 2 019

eil Zurcher made them famous. We’re tipping our hat to him.

N

If you’ve enjoyed our “Just Down the Road” articles thus far you might have realized that these features are a tip of the hat to Zurcher, whose legendary “One Tank Trips” earned him a permanent spot in Northeast Ohio broadcast lore.

What you might not recall is that Zurcher’s features were a byproduct of the economic turmoil of the 1970s. While those of us who grew up in that era might have fond memories of our youth (cruising downtown Wooster, for example!) no one looks back at the economic conditions of the 1970s with fondness. No one.

Briefly, there was an oil embargo, gas shortages, high gas prices, inflation, high unemployment and it seemed there was a span of time that you couldn’t turn on the TV without hearing about yet another factory closing or mass layoff.

If there is a succinct way to describe the entire decade, it would be that Americans got used to expensive gas, unemployment, inflation and a general economic downturn. The good old days weren’t really so good!

All of that culminated in the simple reality that many Americans who had enjoyed unprecedented prosperity and upward mobility since the end of WWII, simply couldn’t afford to go on a big, expensive family vacation.

In a true stroke of genius Zurcher realized he could make good television and provide a valuable service to viewers by helping them explore their own back yard. Say what you want about Ohio, but we truly are one of the most culturally and geographically diverse states in the nation. Long before someone coined the term “staycation,” Zurcher proved that exploring within a few hours of your home turf could yield interesting, informative and fun results. Neil Zurcher’s One Tank Trips made it OK to spend a day or two at Cedar Point or Old Man’s Cave as opposed to a week at Disney World. There was something about his folksy charm, and his knack for finding the unusual that made people gravitate to his broadcasts.

Zurcher logged more than a million miles, went through several cars and is widely credited for creating an entire genre of travel reporting. His One Tank Trips segments spawned imitators across the country and he received a number of awards. (You can still find him on the Web and Facebook, and his books are on Amazon.com.)

So, we thought we would share with readers our inspiration for this feature and give credit where credit is due!

In this issue we’ve decided to take a closer look at our neighbors just to the west in the Richland County city of Mansfield. Admittedly, we did not know until very recently that Mansfield is a bona fide multi-stop tourist destination. Hit hard by the overall decline in US manufacturing this city has worked very hard to recover, and we think you’ll enjoy what we’ve discovered “Just Down the Road.”

Thanks for reading.

Jerry Klingerman, Publisher

3

MICHELE JANNEY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WCHS PLANS “FRIENDLY” GHOST WALK 6 Passing The Torch Iconic Kister Mill Ownership Passes to Western Reserve Land Conservancy

14 Forestry In The Foothills Annual Paul Bunyan Show Celebrates Forestry in a Big Way

22 Friendly Ghosts Raise Funds Annual “Ghost Walk’ is Major Wayne County Historical Society Fundraiser

24 The Stones That Hold Our History: Part II A Second Installment Experiencing Wayne County Cemeteries

28 Renaissance in Richland County Mansfield Area Has Plenty of Entertainment, Cultural Opportunities 4

22

44691 | S EP T EMBER/OCTOBE R 2 019

5

Torch Is Westerve Reserve Land Conservancy takes over mission to restore, reopen iconic Kister Mill

By Jerry Klingerman

F

irst things first: The Kister Mill is in good hands, and has a bright future ahead.

The historic structure, located on Kister Rd. (pronounced “kee-ster”) just west of St. Rte. 226 between Wooster and Shreve has incredible historical significance for Wayne County.

Constructed in 1816, the mill — which has served a number of functions in its life — has the distinction of being the oldest known industrial site in Wayne County, once was said to be the oldest continuously operating mill in the country, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. That’s quite a pedigree!

So, one can rightfully conclude that Richard and Cyndi Boyer, who purchased the mill in 1998, did not easily come to the decision to sell it. But the Boyers have, in fact sold the historic property, along with a separate 15-acre parcel of environmentally significant land across the road from the mill.

The Western Reserve Land Conservancy (WRLC, or “The Land Conservancy”) officially took title to the properties in May of 2018.

The organization is a “a nonprofit organization that provides the people of our region with essential natural assets through land conservation and restoration.” And while it works closely with various government agencies to secure funding for some

>>> Story continues on page 8 6

Passed...

The Kister Mill, between Wooster and Shreve, dates to 1816 and is set for a major renovation. Foreground: The mill as it appeared in 1980. Background: The mill today.

44691 | S EP T EMBER/OCTOBE R 2 019

7

of its projects, it is not itself a government agency. Again, in Walking through the mill and talking with Richard on a terms of people wondering about (or perhaps worried about) crisp, sunny late-summer day a number of things become clear: the future of the mill, they can rest easy, because The land He’s truly passionate about the property. He also is — underConservancy not only has ambitious plans for restoring the standably — a bit wistful about passing the torch to the next mill and reopening it to the public, but also has secured a sigstewards of the mill. And finally, over the years and countless nificant amount of funding commitments for the project. hours spent there, it’s clear he has absorbed a great deal of When Richard Boyer first approached me with the idea of knowledge about the structure and its inner workings. doing a story about the transition that has taken place, I readRichard began his journey as a mill aficionado at a young ily agreed. I knew the Boyers owned the property and that the age, when he and his father, Arden, resurrected an old sawmill. mill had some serious local history behind it. But honestly, It was located on a farm near Wooster that the elder Boyer had even though our daughters are friends and classmates at Triway dealt with some 50 years earlier. Upon meeting the High School, I didfarmer/sawyer’s grandn’t know much son at his workplace, more about the Arden inquired about unique, massive the sawmill, only to structure. (At that find out, as Richard extime the idea for plains, “That it was 44691 magazine buried in the woods. was still just that: So, my dad and I went An idea. So, I wasn’t out and dug it up. It exactly sure how we literally had trees growwould go about ing up through it, and publishing this all the wood was rotted. story, once written.)

And we restored that Not long after sawmill,” Richard said. that initial converHe credits that experisation Richard beence for instilling in stowed upon me him a love of old mills. what could only be Years later, while described as a large helping friends restore a treasure trove of house on Kister Road, newspaper and Richard drove by the magazine articles, Kister Mill frequently. photographs and After passing it by a bits of historical number of times, “It memorabilia gathkept itching at me,” so ered in the years he tracked down the since he and his owner and called him. family have owned That first inquiry was the mill. The oldest supposed to only be article dated back to about a water wheel, 1959, and the col“because I had acreage lection of docuwhere I knew I had ments included an water,” and he’d had important letter thoughts of building (Above) In this letter dated April 25, 1881 John Kister, “Practical Mill Wright and dating to 1881. his own water wheel.

Mechanical Expert” informs a Mr. Freese of Crestline, OH that he has purchased the After a number of conThe Kister Mill has been the subject mill and “will turn it into a wood working establishment immediately.” Kister further versations, including disadvises Freese that he’ll have to remove some machinery owned by Freese because, of dozens and dozens “the machinery will be in my way.” cussions as to whether of newspaper and the mill might be for magazine accounts sale, Richard and Cyndi spanning decades. As I waded through the archives I began to “went out and looked at it, and fell in love with it instantly.” understand why Richard takes very seriously his involvement Not long after, the Boyers found themselves the owners of with the mill. Speaking directly with him only reinforces that the mill, the former blacksmith shop across the road from the fact. mill and the aforementioned additional acreage.

8

At various times the Boyers had plans to turn the mill into a people down here.” home. “We had the plans drawn up and everything,” Boyer Richard often used the mill to operate the cider press at says as he points out where the kitchen, living room and bedthose events. “That’s what everyone wants to see,” he says. He rooms would have been. Turning the mill into a home was part also used a portion of the machinery to make homemade ice of their original plan, but when the Boyers started a family, cream five gallons at a time!

Richard realized that the idea of living in the mill while conMultitasking machinery verting it to a residence, simply wasn’t practical. “We decided Part of the mill’s allure, and one of the aspects that attracted that was too dangerous.” .

Instead, the Boyers eventually moved from their home in Wooster into the former blacksmith shop across the street.

Over time the Boyers have renovated, remodeled and added on to the blacksmith shop, turning it into a beautiful home.

Boyer also once had hoped to use the mill as an incomeproducing retirement project. A tool and die maker who began working for Luk while still in high school, and has been there 37 years now, Boyer has the skills and knowledge to operate and repair the mill. That’s a considerable statement when you walk through the four-story structure and look at all the machinery, gears, belts, etc. As a side note, one has to be in awe of the mind it took not just to conceive the mill, but to build, run and repair it. To say such skills are a lost art would be an understatement.

The mill has long been fully operable, including during the Boyers’ ownership. One of the first tasks Richard undertook was construction of a new water wheel. The last wheel had been built in 1967 by Guy Kister, when he was an impressive 82 years old. Kister was concerned that future caretakers might not be able reproduce the wheel that his father had last replaced circa 1925, so he dedicated himself to rebuilding the wheel, and in fact completed the project before selling the mill in 1968.

Boyer soon discovered that Guy Kister left behind guide boards and patterns for the wheel’s construction. He and his father, along with other helpers, used those items to create a new wheel. The new wheel worked perfectly from virtually the first moments it was set in place.

Richard and Cyndi kept the mill up and running, and occasionally opened it for events. “We could get a thousand (Top) An old handbill advertises the mill’s services. (Above) One of the people down here with a two-week notice, Richard said” The signature products of the Kister Mill was “Pure As Gold” water-ground mill also has been featured on the Wayne County Farm Fo- corn meal. It was ground and bagged at the mill, and sold locally in Wayne County stores until the 1960s. The machine appears as if it’s still liage tour, and “For the Farm Foliage tour, we’d have 5,000 ready to serve.

44691 | S EP T EMBER/OCTOBE R 2 019

9

(Above) In 1967, at the age of 82, Guy Kister rebuilt the water wheel he stands beside. Kister feared that whoever eventually took over the mill would not be able to duplicate the 18-foot structure that hadn’t, at that time, been replaced since 1925. When Richard and Cyndi Boyer bought the mill in 1998, one of the first tasks Richard tackled (along with his father, Arden) was again rebuilding the water wheel. Guy Kister had left behind guide boards and patterns, so the Boyers were able to exactly replicate the wheel.

the WRLC, is that it performed so many functions. At one time it either singularly or simultaneously served as a woolen mill, gristmill, sawmill, cider press, woodshop and planing mill. It’s also fair to say that in some respects it is a machine shop. The mill still is capable of all of those functions except wool milling.

At one time there were seven mills operating in the area known as Mill Creek (as well as at least one distillery). Although he admittedly has no direct proof, Boyer speculates that, as the other mills up and down Mill Creek went out of business, one of the Kisters bought up various parts of those mills and incorporated them into the Kister Mill. “I can’t prove it, but it makes sense,” Boyer said.

Changing plans As much as he is dedicated to the mill, over the years, and

10

as various life events took place, Richard began to question whether his retirement dream would come to fruition.

Enter former Wayne County Commissioner Dave Kiefer. Boyer said a rather happenstance meeting took place one time when Kiefer drove by the mill, and stopped for an impromptu discussion about its future.

Richard said Kiefer also happened to be a former teacher of his, whom he “admires very much.”

From that initial discussion between Kiefer and Boyer, to the introductions to the WRLC, to final closing took quite a while — probably at least six years, based upon previously published press accounts.

Richard Boyer does not strike you as someone to give up on projects. But sometimes, life gets in the way of even the most well-thought-out, solid plans. And although you can hear a bit of melancholy in his voice, Boyer readily states that knowing the WRLC has taken stewardship of the mill, “Gives me a sense of peace.”

Reflecting upon WRLC’s success in obtaining funding, Boyer seems even more at ease, saying, “When they came and showed us what their mission was, and what their ideas were, I was like, ‘You know what? This is the perfect group for this.’ They are able to get the money; they know they can get the money to fix it up and open it to the public.”

He continued, “I could never do that. It would take me over 20 years to raise the kind of money that they were able to get, just to restore it, let alone run it,” he said. “So, I figure, especially if I get to help work here, to be a part of it, then it’s a win-win.” Boyer is hopeful that he will, indeed, be able to have some kind of ongoing role at the mill. “It makes sense,” he said, and summarizes the sale thus: “I see it as a win-win for everybody, for us, for (WRLC) and for the community.”

Funds secured According to the Western Reserve Land Conservancy’s press release announcing the acquisition, funding has been provided by “a Clean Ohio Conservation Grant administered by the Ohio Public Works Commission, the State of Ohio Capital Budget, in addition to significant gifts from the Donald E. and Alice M. Noble Charitable Foundation, J. M. Smucker Company, Gayle and David Noble, Ralph R. and Grace B. Jones Foundation, and many individual donors.”

Andy McDowell, Vice President of Western Field Operations for WRLC explained that the government-sourced funding component of projects like this involves a number of steps that essentially boil down to this: First you have to get approved for the money, then, with respect to the various government entities involved, you have to go through a different set of steps to actually get it.

“The majority of the funds that we have yet to receive are coming through the State of Ohio’s capital budget,” having been allocated over the last two capital budget cycles. Over those two cycles, McDowell said a total of $550,000 has been

approved for the restoration phase. He also credited former state Sen., and current Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose as being one of the driving forces behind those funds being awarded to the mill.

McDowell explained, “The way that process works, is they say ‘Here’s your award, but you still have to go through the motions to get it.’” What that means is, even though the funds have general approval in the state’s capital budget, WRLC then has to work directly with the specific state agencies that will provide the actual funds.

“In our case that is the Ohio Facilities and Construction Commission,” McDowell said. “They have to review your whole project, which takes time for them to do.” He added, that “Because the mill is on the National Register of Historic places, all the plans also have to be reviewed and approved by the state’s historic preservation office in Columbus,” before the other agency will start looking at it to approve it. “It’s like there’s a double layer of approvals,” McDowell said.

The current status is, all the necessary paperwork has been submitted, is under review by the state agencies involved and, “At this point our goal and hope is that we can get the approvals in time this calendar year to at least get the new roof put on and a couple other things before winter hits.”

McDowell continued, explaining “That means the lion’s share of the work” to perform other improvements will be done next year (2020). Once that work is complete, “Then Richard Boyer is going to start to rebuild and construct a new water wheel” when most of the other contractors have completed their work. “That will kind of be the last phase,” before the project is complete,

(Above) Richard Boyer examines one of the many small treasures in the Kister Mill, a bank of drawers containing patterns to make lag bolts. The cabinet — which has 78 individual drawers — was most likely built by John Kister or his son, Guy (pictured at far left and below at left.)

and the mill is opened to the public.

As far as a timetable for getting the mill open, McDowell said, “It probably won’t be until around this time next year, at best.”

McDowell said the project is on its second set of architectural drawings, and that Vince Mariola Construction of Wooster has been selected as the general contractor. He explained that, “We wanted to keep it local,” and work with a Wayne County-based contractor if possible, and as WRLC began searching Wayne County for a contractor to do the job, “Their name came up repeatedly.” He said the company had a good reputation, and has experience with historic renovations.

McDowell also said he is hopeful that Boyer will be available to consult with the contractors as renovations take place. “Nobody knows that mill better than Richard Boyer,” he said. >>> Continued on page 12 (Left) Originally published in 1959 in The Cleveland Plain Dealer, Guy Kister demonstrates how the “Pure As Gold” Kister-branded corn meal is packaged, one bag at a time, in 5 lb. bags.

44691 | S EP T EMBER/OCTOBE R 2 019

11

Long-term ownership So, what exactly does Western Reserve Land Conservancy plan to do with the Kister Mill? McDowell says WRLC’s goal is, “To open it and operate it as an educational and tourism location. We haven’t established what hours of operation will be, but our thought at this point is that it will be a gradual buildup, and open first to groups for tours.” He continued, “Ultimately we want it to be an educational and historic tourist attraction for group tours, school tours and the general public.” McDowell said the facility will most likely be open seasonally, adding that there probably wouldn’t be much interest in the winter months.

“We also plan to use it eventually for environmental education,” McDowell said. The 15 acres of additional property that WRLC purchased includes the mill race, and has been permanently preserved. According to information published by WRLC, “Biologists who have surveyed the property have found several rare plants including the carnivorous sundew plant and queen of the prairie.” So, it seems like a hand-inglove process to offer educational/experiential opportunities with the mill itself and the surrounding ecosystem.

While McDowell is uncertain what kind of schedule and hours the mill will have when it reopens, he also notes there still are other practical things to consider such as staffing, and installing an environmentally friendly septic system that potentially could handle larger crowds the mill is expected to attract.

McDowell also shared that the Kister Mill project is a somewhat unique undertaking for the WRLC, saying that, “We are primarily a land conservation organization,” that focuses on permanent land preservation. “That’s kind of our bread and butter.” But the Kister Mill project is not without

(Above) The cider press at Kister Mill dates to the 1890s and still functions.

precedent, McDowell said, as he described two other projects WRLC has tackled, the most notable of those being the White North Stables property in the Chagrin River Valley. McDowell said the White North property is “very iconic and very scenic,” having originally been owned by the Windsor-White family, of White Motors fame.

Looking ahead, McDowell said WRLC sees itself keeping the Kister Mill property for the foreseeable future. “We plan on operating it and owning it long term. We anticipate owning it for the long haul,” which should come as great news to everyone who cherishes this significant historical property.

McDowell also commented on how much it meant to him to be involved in the Kister Mill project. “It was great to have so much involvement with this Mill and Wayne County. It’s very personal for me because of my affection for mills, and the fact that I used to work in a mill in Pennsylvania. It’s great that the residents and donors in Wayne County think the same way,” McDowell said.

(Above) Part of the main floor of Kister Mill. The entire structure is a fascinating amalgam of belts, gears, wheels, pulleys and other mechanical devices, as well as oneof-a-kind wooden structures.

12

44691 | S EP T EMBER/OCTOBE R 2 019

13

Forestry in the Foothills

14

Annual Paul Bunyan Show brings together lumberjacks, forestry professionals and everyday landowners from across the state and beyond

By Gregory Sharpless

A

s a youngster, my favorite story about Paul Bunyan recounted how he was so fast that he could flip the light switch and be in bed before the room went dark. For weeks after reading that tale, I tried doing the same – alas, I was never successful, and only ended up doing some pretty severe damage to my lamp, my bed’s headboard and my pride.

Over the years, equally fantastic accounts were spun about Bunyan and his enormous companion, Babe the Blue Ox. They were said, for instance, to have created

44691 | S EP T EMBER/OCTOBE R 2 019

a score of natural landmarks around the country: from Niagara Falls and the Great Lakes, to Oregon’s Mount Hood and even the Grand Canyon.

Ohio has a Bunyan connection as well, albeit one that’s a bit more grounded in reality: The annual Paul Bunyan Show is a celebration of all things forestry related – and the event gives attendees a chance to brush up on their chain-sawing and tree-felling basics, learn about new equipment and tools, and have more than a bit of forestry fun.

Celebrating forestry Produced and managed by the Ohio Forestry Association, the show’s 2019 edition will take place October 4-6 at the Guernsey County Fairgrounds in the Cambridge area, about 30 miles east of Zanesville in the Appalachian Foothills.

The very first Paul Bunyan Show made its debut in 1957 in McArthur, OH and the event has moved >>> Continued on page 16

15

around a bit since then. Various areas hosted the show in its early years, including Mansfield, New Lexington and Columbus, and it then found a 30-year home in Nelsonville (just outside of Athens). For the past 14 years, the show has set up camp at the Guernsey County Fairgrounds.

“Our current site is at the confluence of two major interstates – I-70 and I-77 – which allows show exhibitors to easily get their equipment in and out. Plus, it enables more people to attend,” says the show’s Event Manager, Gayla Fleming.

That attendee number is growing every year, says Fleming.

“We expect 14,000 attendees this year,” she forecasts, noting that the event now attracts show-goers from across the country, Canada and even overseas – as far away as New Zealand.

It’s important to keep in mind that the show isn’t aimed only at forestry professionals. While that is indeed a core audience for the event, everyday landowners can also garner something from the show.

“Attendees have the opportunity to see all kinds of forestry equipment in action (and) we have equipment at the show for everyone – from your backyard chainsaw user to professional loggers and sawmills,” says Fleming.

This year’s show will have nearly 150 exhibiting companies in all. A quick look at the exhibitor list reveals an impressive array of names – from Husqvarna (the show’s title sponsor), Arborwear clothing, Fecon forestry equipment and Haix USA footwear, to Nyle dry kilns, Rayco cutting tools, Seppi mulchers, Wood-Mizer sawmills and many others. Everyday landowners can also find such items as weed trimmers, ropes, knives, trailers, ATVs and even remote-controlled lawnmowers.

Competitions, education and more Of course, the show is about more than all the “heavy iron” and other equipment and tools you’ll find there.

“We also have woodcrafts and furniture, jewelry and pottery, wood turners and chainsaw carvers, exhibits by the Ohio Divisions of Forestry and Wildlife, educational seminars, lumberjack entertainment, competitions and more,” says Fleming.

Here’s just a sampling of the numerous competitions and demonstrations that will be on-site during the three-day event (visit the show website for a complete list up-to-date schedules): Lumberjack Competitions: Two of these will take place – the Ohio competition and International competition. In the Ohio contest, lumberjacks from across the Buckeye state will compete in horizontal chopping, open chainsaw, axe throwing and cross-cut sawing. In the International clash, you’ll see contenders in the underhand chop, open chainsaw, axe throwing, standing block, spring board, Jack and Jill crosscut, two-person crosscut, women’s underhand chop and more.

Great Lakes Timber Show: Essentially a “show within the show,” this event will feature chainsaw carving, axe throwing, log rolling, wood chopping, one- and two-man crosscut saw-

16

ing, modified chainsawing “and loads of clean family humor.” Says Fleming: “These guys are a hoot!”

Women’s Amateur Chainsaw Competition: The winner of this event takes home a new Husqvarna chainsaw.

Bobtails & Boom Truck Cruise In: Truck owners from around the state will show off their rigs, with show attendees able to vote for their favorites.

Log Loader Competition: Skilled loader operators will strive to move a series of logs from one bunker to the next in this timed event.

Antique Chainsaw Demonstrations: Lichtfield-based House-O-Saws will showcase and demonstrate its collection of antique chainsaws.

For those looking to pick up an instructional tip or two, educational opportunities will also abound at Paul Bunyan, including the following (again, see the website for complete schedule): Chainsaw Safety and Cutting Techniques: How to safely operate your chainsaw, plus tips on cutting techniques; presented by North American Training Solutions (NATS).

Technical Tree Cutting and Felling: A session on how to safely fell a tree and land it accurately, presented by NATS. Introduction to Lumber Drying: What to consider when it comes to drying hardwood and softwood lumber — including suggested drying methods and equipment for small operators, the basics of how wood dries, and the defects associated with drying. Presented by Brian H. Bond, extension specialist in the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials, Virginia Tech.

(Note: additional fee for this session.)

Technical Tree Climbing: Tree climbing safety and techniques, presented by NATS. Introduction to Sawing Logs: Maximizing the value of material produced from a hardwood log by utilizing various sawing patterns. Plus, learn different sawing methods and the best way to apply each, including live sawing, cant sawing and grade sawing. Presented by Brian H. Bond. (Additional fee for this session.)

Hardwood Log Grading: When purchasing or selling logs, you first have to determine its value, which requires estimating the volume, quality and value of potential products produced.

Presented by Brian H. Bond. (Additional fee for this session.) >>> Continued on page 19

Show Tips, What Not to Miss and More It’s all about the walking: You’ll do a lot of this, so be sure to wear your most comfortable shoes. Keep in mind that no golf carts or ATVs are permitted on show grounds.

Rain or shine: The show goes on, no matter the weather – many of the exhibits are under tents and, after all, a little rain never stopped Paul Bunyan.

Don’t bring Fido: Nor are pets allowed at the show. At times, this can be a very loud event, and it’s simply “not a pet-friendly environment,” says Fleming.

Speaking of noise: As noted above, with all of the equipment and competitions going on, the noise level gets quite high – ear plugs might come in handy, especially for the youngsters.

Flapjacks for lumberjacks: Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings (7-11 a.m.) features pancakes with Ohio homemade maple syrup, plus sausage (cost is by donation, which supports the Ohio Tree Farm Committee).

Chainsaws and chippers: “Be sure to spend some time watching the chainsaw carving,” says Fleming. “And the tree chippers and grinders are really cool to watch when they all fire up at the same time.”

Auctioning the wood: The OFA and its members bring in 12 to 15 truckloads of logs for the exhibitors to demo their machines. On the event’s last day, all wood processed during the show – firewood, sawn boards, slabs, etc. – goes up for auction and is sold to the highest bidder.

44691 | S EP T EMBER/OCTOBE R 2 019

17

18

The spirit lives on Paul Bunyan and his mythical accomplishments likely originated with loggers’ tales in the early 1900s, perhaps inspired by a very tall, very strong lumberjack (or perhaps not). Various sources indicate that the Red River Lumber Company in Minnesota then took these Bunyan-esque tales and used them to promote its own products and services, magnifying the Bunyan legend across America throughout the early 20th century.

Today, you can get up close and personal with “real sized” representations of Paul Bunyan scattered around the lower 48, some that have been in place since the 1950s. The tallest: a 49-foot statue of Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox at the Trees of Mystery park (treesofmystery.net) near Klamath, California.

In addition, you’ll find statues measuring more than 30 feet tall in Bangor, Maine and Portland, Oregon, as well as a 26footer in Cheshire, Connecticut.

You won’t find any similarly sized statues of Paul Bunyan at the Guernsey County Fairgrounds, but two chainsaw carvings of this most famous lumberjack do serve to greet visitors to

the event. Just as importantly, his immense spirit certainly lives there.

Based in Cincinnati, freelance writer and editor Gregory Sharpless always measures twice before making the first cut.

Basics @ Bunyan • Show dates: Oct. 4-6 • Show hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday; 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sunday • Admission: $10 (free for kids under 7) No pets allowed; • No ATVs or golf carts • Primary show sponsor: Husqvarna • Website: www.ohioforest.org

Educating Forestry’s Next Generation Beyond producing and managing the Paul Bunyan Show, the Ohio Forestry Association (OFA) supports the management of the state’s forest resources and provides its many members with training, educational programs, networking opportunities and other events, support for industry issues and more.

One OFA program in particular that caught our eye: Camp Canopy, a summer camp for highschool students that combines traditional camp activities (think campfires and talent shows) with educational activity sessions centered around forestry and wildlife. The camp takes place at Ohio FFA Camp Muskingum on Leesville Lake in Carroll County, and is the perfect avenue to become an expert on all things outdoors in the Buckeye State.

On the last day of camp, campers take a test to vie for one of five college scholarships: to The Ohio State University’s School of Environment and Natural Resources, Hocking College’s School of Natural Resources or Ohio University’s Department of Environmental and Plant Biology. In addition, another scholarship is awarded for a student to use at a natural-resources school of their choice. The OFA awarded $8,000 in scholarships in 2019.

Registration is $375 per camper (sponsorships may be available to help offset the registration fee). The 2020 dates are already set: June 7-12. For more information: campcanopy.com.

44691 | S EP T EMBER/OCTOBE R 2 019

19

Featured Business

Broehl Law Office Offers “Caring, Compassionate, Comprehensive Legal Services”

20

The thought of going to a law firm can be intimidating and talking about planning for the future can be overwhelming. Life gets busy and you always think you will make the time to sit down, talk things through, and prepare. You’ll get to that one of these days. Someday.

Someday sounds good in theory. But the reality is that families are caught in the midst of work, children’s activities, education, and caring for aging parents. Farmers are busy tending to the business of the farm. Entrepreneurs are focused on meeting the needs of their clients. And many people don’t think they need to plan for the future, and offer justifications such as: “I don’t have enough valuables, assets, or money.”

“I’m too young.”

“I’m too old.”

“I heard there is an Ohio Law that passes everything to my family.”

“It’s too expensive.”

“I don’t have any papers organized.”

Somewhere in the middle of someday and today, planning for the future—of your health, wealth, business, and family—needs and deserves your attention. It requires careful consideration of individualized solutions and legal expertise from a firm that genuinely cares about you, your family, and our community.

Meet the Broehl Law Office.

Broehl Law Office is a boutique law firm focusing its practice in Estate Planning (Wills and Trusts), Estate Administration, Farm and Small Business Formation, Advising and Succession Planning, Medical Advocacy, Personal Injury, Disability, Adoption, Guardianship, Special Education Advocacy, Small Business and Corporate Services, Contracts and Privacy.

The firm was founded by local attorney Margo E. Broehl in the Garden Level of her home. Alongside her dedicated staff, Robin Miller, Leanne Robison, and Tony Sigler, Mrs. Broehl grew the firm so much that additional space and staff were needed. In 2015, Broehl Law Office moved into Wooster’s historic G.P. Emrich/William Annat house and Margo welcomed a Partner, Attorney Elizabeth Krieder Wright. Since then, the firm has added the likes of Attorney

Joshua E. Montgomery, Lynda Varno, Alisa Odenkirk, Brandy Burkett, Cecelia Gingery and Sue Overmier to continue to best serve clients and their families.

Broehl Law Office is a place where people feel welcome and valued. The attorneys and staff provide caring, compassionate, comprehensive and result-driven legal services to clients and their families.

“It is a remarkable honor to now be serving our fourth generation of client families. We have always felt that our clients are part of our larger, extended family and we love to see their families grow! Each generation comes with their own set of challenges and rewards, so it has been a wonderful experience to lend our support and legal expertise to our clients,” said Margo Broehl.

Mrs. Broehl remains committed to providing clients with empathetic ears, lending strong shoulders of support, and truly helping clients and their families with their legal needs.

Along with her Partner, Attorney Elizabeth Krieder Wright, and Attorney Joshua E. Montgomery, Mrs. Broehl strives to provide a stress-free experience by delivering legal solutions tailored to each client’s needs.

Clients often ask Mrs. Broehl about how she expanded her firm. “I had been thinking about the transition of this firm for some time to be certain that clients would have a continuity of service and, most importantly, would find lawyers who shared the same approach to client care and customer service that our firm has provided all these years,” Broehl said. “I couldn’t be more delighted with the compassionate legal expertise provided by Elizabeth and Image © Briana Krites Photography Josh. Plus, the tenure and care of our dedicated, terrific staff are assets to our clients. We are growing, and we’re not going anywhere.”

Additionally, Broehl Law Office is an enthusiastic supporter of entrepreneurs and values small businesses, family farms, and corporations. The firm takes great pride in being a full-service, in-house legal counsel for small to medium businesses. From the idea of starting a new business, protecting the legacy and business of the family farm, or discussing a vast array of employment, contract, technology and privacy

client second,” said Joshua E. Montgomery. “I feel honored to be concerns with a variety of entities. From engineering firms to part of Broehl Law Office and appreciate the focus of our practechnology companies and veterinary offices, Broehl Law Office tice. We offer tangible, measurable legal solutions to positively is equipped to meet your legal needs and to help protect and impact our clients, their families, and our community.” Montgrow your business. gomery has a passion for the areas of Special Education and Dis“I really enjoy helping people overcome their worries about a ability Advocacy, as well. Mr. Montgomery enjoys helping project being ‘too big’ to address,” said Elizabeth Krieder Wright. families and children with spe“I like to make people feel cial needs obtain the services, comfortable and have their care, and support they need wishes memorialized, but also and deserve. make sure that they understand “The personalized, compassionate approach Setting up an appointment every piece of paper and the to legal care provided by the firm is part of with the Broehl Law Office is details of their estate planning.” Krieder Wright is quick their unique tapestry. They take time to meet as simple as a phone call. You don’t need to bring anything to point out the legal needs of to your initial appointment, as small businesses and their posi- with a whole family on estate planning matthe attorneys just want to tive impact on our community. meet you, have a conversation, “I have a particular passion for ters, provide clients with valuable resources, and discuss your goals. The small businesses, especially and build positive community. “ Broehl Law Office will help those who think that they are you and your family to be well ‘too small’ or ‘can’t afford’ legal prepared and know that you services. I am here to be their have a legal resource in your corner. “Come to us when you need legal resource and be part of their team. I want to help protect a lawyer who leads with compassion and acts like a friend,” said what they are passionate about.”

Margo Broehl.

Broehl Law Office offers wrap-around services for clients to address their personal and family legal needs, as well as their proThe Broehl Law Office is located at 558 N. Market St. in downfessional and business needs. The personalized, compassionate town Wooster. Hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM- 4:00 PM. The approach to legal care provided by the firm is part of their unique office closes daily from 11:30 AM- 12:30 PM for lunch. Phone: tapestry. They take time to meet with a whole family on estate (330) 264-9897. Website: www.BroehlLawOffice.com. Follow along planning matters, provide clients with valuable resources, and on Facebook: @BroehlLawOffice build positive community. “I love that the focus here is on caring for people. Everyone who comes to our office is a person first and

44691 | S EP T EMBER/OCTOBE R 2 019

21

Wayne County Historical Society plans “Friendly” Ghost Walk

By Laurie Sidle A Civil War soldier, a doctor who made his rounds in a horse and carriage in the early 1900s, and a woman fighting for the right to vote will come to life as part of the Wayne County Historical Society’s annual “Ghost Walk through History” Friday, Oct. 18, and Saturday, Oct. 19.

The event features actors playing historical figures connected to Wooster or surrounding areas. In all, six “ghosts” will be located in various buildings on the historical society campus at 546 East Bowman St. Wooster.

“They are not scary ghosts,” historical society board member Carolyn Sheron explained. “This is history. All of the characters portrayed are real people from history and they try to tell as much of their stories as they can.”

Society member Julie Mennes is a familiar “ghost” in the Beall-Stibbs Home, built in 1816 by General Reasin Beall. She usually portrays Reasin’s wife, Rebecca and can be found in the summer kitchen preparing food and trying to deal with the rat problem. But for the October Ghost Walk, Mennes will take on a different role, that of Elizabeth Pope, who is visiting the Stibbs-Beall House to organize volunteers to support the Civil War effort.

The historical society’s president-elect, Doug Jones, will step into the character of one of four Stibbs sons (descendants of Reasin Beall) who served in the Union Army during the Civil War. Each year, the society rotates characters for the walk so visitors see new “ghosts.”

People are taken in groups for the walk and each character presentation lasts about five minutes.

Those purchasing a $50 ticket for Patrons’ Night on Friday will get a chance to meet the performers as well as enjoy refreshments made from historic recipes. Entertainment will be provided by “Standard Time Jazz Trio.”

Patrons’ Night begins at 6:30 p.m. and is limited to 50 people.

Tickets for Saturday’s walk are $20 each and tours begin at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. A limited number of tickets are available each hour.

For both nights, attendees are encouraged, but not required, to dress in historical-themed costumes representing “Americana from colonial times through the Roaring Twenties.”

Tickets may be purchased at the historical society campus during regular hours (Tuesday and Friday 1-4 p.m.), or at the Wayne Center for the Arts Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Ghost Walk is this year’s major fundraiser for the historical society, helping the group to maintain its facilities, artifacts and collections as well as operate its school programs. >>>Pictured in their costumes are, from left to right, Julie Mennes, who in her role as Elizabeth Pope is showing Emeline Stibbs (Robbin Christman) how to make supplies for Civil War soldiers in the Beall-Stibbs House. Doug Jones dresses the part of a Civil War soldier from the Stibbs family. Julie Mennes also is pictured in her role as Rebecca Beall cooking in the house’s downstairs summer kitchen. Beall is a popular character during school tours and has been a part of the Ghost Walk in the past. The Ghost walk is a fundraiser for the Wayne County Historical Society.

22

44691 | S EP T EMBER/OCTOBE R 2 019

23

The Stones That Hold Our History: Part II

By Laurie Esposito Harley Wayne County has not always been what it is today. The stories of our past involve murder, ghosts and war heroes, as described in the first part of this article in our July/August issue. But our history has so much more to teach us and so much more to tell through the stones that stand erect — in rain, snow, sun and darkness of night. The grave markers that remain after the individuals are long forgotten can tell much more than birth dates and death dates. We must only read on and remember.

Burial site of Col. Jacob R. Beam, a veteran of the War of 1812, and one of the early settlers of Mt. Eaton.

24

The story of Peleg Durfee Sometimes the land saw death, but no marker was erected and no body was buried.

Such is the case with Peleg Durfee.

In 1820, Peleg Durfee, the son of James and Cynthia Durfee, went into the woods with his uncle, David Souls. The two entered the deep forest near the Wayne and Lorain County line in search of a runaway hog. Peleg was about three years old, according to his birth and death records, although some genealogy sites report that Peleg was actually closer to eight years old.

For unknown reasons, Souls left little Peleg behind. Several sources report that the boy grew tired of walking. Others say that he was asked to guard an opening in a fence. Whatever the reason, Souls walked on, and Peleg was left alone in the forest. After some time passed, it began to rain. It’s assumed that the boy decided to walk home on his own. He never made it.

Ben Douglass refers to Peleg’s disappearance in The History of Wayne County, recounting what Michael Totten (an early settler of Wooster) said about the event. He states that when Souls returned to where he left Peleg, or “Little Jim,” he immediately began searching for him upon realizing he was missing. A heavy snow began to fall, covering any tracks the boy may have made in the mud, making the search even more difficult. Souls “hallooed, but without result,” according to Totten, so he returned and “gave alarm to the family and neighbors.”

The Durfees lived near Perrysburg,

Several families have erected what we would describe as “grave benches” in Mt. Eaton’s Westlawn cemetery. The view to the north showcases beautiful vistas of the surrounding rolling hills and farmsteads.

“seven miles north-west of Congress, then in Wayne county,” according to Douglass. After Souls’ alert, the whole neighborhood, Totten included, began to search for the boy. They were soon joined by people from remote townships, but after 12 days of searching, his family presumed that he was dead and abandoned all hope of finding him.

The recovery of Peleg’s remains varies between authors, with several people claiming that his bones were found in the spring thaw, and it was assumed he was eaten by wolves. The Pioneer History of Ashland Co., Ohio reports that the boy’s remains were discovered just a quarter mile from Perrysburg and two miles from his father’s house. The book also adds that David Souls, Peleg’s uncle who was responsible for him that day, “later became a Mormon and died in Nauvoo, IL.” Totten’s version of the recovery of Peleg’s body is different. He states that Historical accounts say Mt. Eaton’s James weeks after his disappearance, in the Galbraith was the last victim of a local cholera month of March, Totten himself found outbreak sparked when a French immigrant the body. Totten had “gone out coon family entered the town — with a deceased hunting,” when he found the young child in their wagon; the child having died of cholera. The disease spread quickly, killing one boy’s body near a brook. “It is supposed in 10 people in the town. Two markers with the he had fallen, and, getting out, had name James Galbraith are adjacent to each frozen to death, covered by snow.” other, this one bearing a date of death in 1831.

44691 | S EP T EMBER/OCTOBE R 2 019

Totten explains that when he found the child, “Locks of his hair were afterwards found strewn over the snow.”

Douglass ends his discussion of Peleg Durfee with the note that during the search for the child, Totten “entered a ‘Yankee slash,’ and there shot a huge buck.”

The history of Wooster County and the reminders of those who have passed away offer a glimpse into the past that is sometimes amazing, sometimes scary, and sometimes impressive. And the historic writings of our early beginnings provide a viewpoint into what was truly relevant at the time.

Mt. Eaton/Westlawn Cemetery Mt. Eaton, the first village platted in Wayne County, wasn’t always called by that name. According to an article in the Evening Independent newspaper, the area was originally named Paintville, because “A spring there had so much mineral material in it that the water was colored red.” Douglass explains that not only did the waters resemble red paint, but anything they touched were “painted” the color as well. A historical marker at the current town line notes that the village was platted in 1813 and called Paintville.

The name was changed to Mt. Eaton >>> Continued on page 26

25

in 1829. Harrison “Harris” Desvoignes, a local school teacher and funeral director, is cited by the Evening Independent as explaining the origin of the new name. The “Mt.” is because the city is located on a hill.

The “Eaton” part of the name came about because the residents had problems with their chickens being stolen. The chickens were then roasted over a fire and “Eaton” (eaten) by the thieves!

Desvoignes’ father, Jules, founded a furniture store and funeral home at 15900 East Main Street in Mt. Eaton, the current location of the Spidell Funeral Home. Upon his father’s death, Desvoignes took over the business until 1973, when C. Waid Spidell purchased the firm. In 1980, Desvoignes passed away at 81 years old and is buried in Westlawn Cemetery.

The Westlawn Cemetery, which is located on the west side of State Route 94, just north of US 250, is situated at the top of the Just steps from busy Portage Rd. in Wooster is the “Plank Amish Cemetery.” It also is variously known as Highland Park Cemetery and President’s Cemetery — the latter due hill and offers a beautiful view of the to the fact that Jacob Plank actually willed the land to President Franklin Pierce. The countryside. The road that runs through the cemetery contains what are believed to be some of the oldest graves in the Wooster area, gravestones is little more than the impression dating back to at least 1833. of tire tracks over the years, two evenly disease spread quickly among the residents. spaced, gravel-strewn ruts that lead visitors through the lush It began when David Boyd, who was intoxicated at the grass. It is here that some of Mt. Eaton’s time, approached the wagon “to see own war heroes have been laid to rest. how a cholera victim would look,” John Anderson, a veteran of the War according to Douglass. By that of 1812, is buried in Westlawn. He evening, Boyd was dead. Over a fourenlisted in the army in August 1812, at week period, 26 people died from the age 40, and was discharged one month disease, with many people fleeing later in September 1812. For his service, from Mt. Eaton to avoid the he received a land bounty and moved his epidemic. James Galbraith was the last family from Kentucky to Mt. Eaton. He person to fall victim to the illness, passed away in 1833, shortly after with one in 10 citizens in the town receiving his pension. dying from cholera after all was said Another war hero buried at Westlawn and done.

Many members of the Plank family rest in the Cemetery is Colonel Jacob R. Beam, We found Mt. Eaton’s Westlawn “Plank Amish Cemetery,” including Jacob Plank’s who is a veteran of the Mexican War. He, parents.

Cemetery to be one of the most along with James Galbraith — who was beautiful, peaceful sites we have one of the first settlers of the township, visited to date.

It has picturesque views of the entire northeast were responsible for changing the village’s name to Mt. Eaton. to northwest horizon.

Perhaps in recognition of that, several Beam died in 1858. His gravestone reads that he was “aged 68 families have erected stone benches as grave markers, ys. 3 ms. & 2 ds.” something we had never seen before.

James Galbraith was well-known in the early days of Mt. Eaton, holding several political and civil posts within the The doomed lovers of Popolat Rocks growing village. However, he was also remembered for A final Mt. Eaton tale: Galbraith fought in the War of something else… something morbid and tragic.

1812 and is buried in the back of Westlawn Cemetery.

In 1833, a French emigrant by the name of Benedict However, his tale of a local geological site, “the Popolat Beaverstine arrived in Mt. Eaton with his family. One of Rocks,” has lived on, thanks in part to the fact that Douglass Beaverstine’s children had died of cholera, and the body was included the legend in his book on Wayne County. with the family as they entered the village. But the bacterial

26

Paul Locher, staff writer with the Daily Record, relates the background of the Romeo-and-Juliet-style story, providing information about a huge rock formation that existed in the southwest quarter of Section 14 in Paint Township. The rock overhung present-day U.S. Route 250 and consisted primarily of sandstone, which was later extracted and sold.

The rock formation was filled with “various caves, narrow passageways, overhangs and alcoves people could wander through and almost become lost in,” according to Locher. It was known as Popolat Rock, or Po-Po Rocks by the locals.

This is the setting of the Indian legend told by Galbraith.

A young Native American named Turkey Gobbler — or Prince Oppopolat, from whom the geological feature took its name — fell in love with a beautiful woman named Fisfisalee, or Pheasant Tail. However, Fisfisalee was a member of an opposing tribe. The two married anyway, even though their tribes were at war, and Oppopolat was banished from east of the Blue Ridge in Virginia, according to Galbraith.

Both Oppopolat and Fisfisalee left their home and found their way to what eventually became Paint Township. They spent the winter in the caves within the rock formation until members of his tribe found and seized Oppopolat. Fisfisalee followed the group as far as the Ohio River, where she threw herself into the water and faced her death. Oppopolat was carried home and killed by his own tribe for his actions.

A Presidential gift There are many more cemeteries in Wayne County that could easily have made our list, and perhaps at another point in the future, we’ll revisit this feature — the first article generated a great deal of feedback, which we’re grateful for.

But for now, we would be remiss if we didn’t at least briefly discuss the “Presidential Cemetery” on Portgage Road in Wooster.

Wait...what?! No; there are no US Presidents buried in Wooster. But that’s not for lack of a grand gesture and bequest on the part of John Plank, who in 1853 willed a plot of land to then-President Franklin Pierce.

Apparently, Plank thought it might be a good idea to set aside a plot of land for US Presidents to be buried on, just in case they liked the location. President Pierce, and subsequently the US Government, thought otherwise! Pierce and the government never formally accepted Plank’s gift and over the years (particularly with respect to the plot being annexed into the City of Wooster) the question of ownership has been what one could describe as vague.

If you research cemeteries, you might find out that the question of ownership can sometimes be dicey: Access, maintenance and other issues all can be impacted by who exactly owns the cemetery.

The late Elanor Taylor, whose name readers might recognize from her years as a writer for The Daily Record, once famously wrote of the plot of land Plank tried to gift, “The federal government won’t take it, the state doesn’t want it, and township trustees ignored it before the area was annexed to 44691 | S EP T EMBER/OCTOBE R 2 019

the city.” However, the Wayne County Auditor lists the owner as “United States of America,” so at some point apparently the issue was resolved — and the US Government apparently accepted Plank’s gift! In terms of the very old cemeteries we have visited in recent months, this one is well maintained, and a number of the stones have been repaired.

The cemetery is one of those hidden plots that probably 99 percent of current area residents don’t even know about, even though it is just steps off of Portage Rd., on the site of Spruce Hill Apartments complex, on Cardinal Court.

Remember From a missing child, to eating stolen chickens, to forbidden love...Wayne County’s past is interesting and memorable. We should make a point to remember it.

We are responsible for keeping our past alive by talking to our little ones about loved ones who have passed away and retelling stories of our collective history. We are responsible for telling the stories behind the stone markers that line our roadways… the grave markers that slowly, almost imperceptibly, increase and spread across the countryside. We are responsible for our past as much as we are responsible for our future.

Correction: In the July/August installment of this story we incorrectly identified Newt Zech as “he.” In fact, Newt is a woman, and we apologize for the error.

One of the more poignant modern-era monuments in Mt. Eaton’s Westlawn Cemetery is that of father and son Donald P. Hauff, Sr. and Jr. The younger Hauff died in a tragic accident just shy of age five.

Twenty-five years later, when Donald P. Hauff, Sr. realized he was losing his battle with leukemia, he requested that he be placed alongside his son. Donald Jr. was an avid “Ghostbusters” fan, and his father was a gifted guitarist.

27

Just Down the Road...

Renaissance in Richland County: Mansfield is the perfect day trip

By Barbara Lang Less than 40 minutes west of Wooster, Mansfield is the county seat of Richland County and provides a quick getaway for an afternoon but also gives visitors plenty to do for an entire weekend.

This city of 47,000 was established in 1808 and named after Jared Mansfield, then Surveyor General of the United States. It has the highest elevation of any city in Ohio and is situated on ground made of pink sandstone that was quarried and shipped worldwide. With a distinctly industrial vibe, manufacturing still makes up the largest sector of employment. Whether your interest is history, arts, shopping or dining, it’s well worth spending time to revisit favorites and/or to experience something new. In the fall, Mansfield and Richland County offer lots of spooky fun, beautiful foliage and fall festivals.

If you enjoy history, you’re in luck! Mansfield is fortunate to offer many captivating historical attractions and museums thanks to forward-thinking citizens and the historical societies. These include residents Julie Rohl and Tracy Bond,

28

who saw a need to involve younger people in preservation, so they formed the Richland Preservation Action Group to help connect homeowner with resources. Preservation consultant and advocate Steve McQuillin, who owns the Vermillion Institute in Haysville, is currently restoring the Hedrick House just north of downtown.

Mansfield is home to a wealth of museums and historical buildings but if you do plan a trip, be sure to call ahead, as most are staffed by volunteers and thus have limited hours.

Other venues, such as Malabar Farm, Kingwood Center Gardens and the Ohio State Reformatory have full-time staff.

If you have limited time, a must see is the Ohio State Reformatory. This castle-like former prison built in 1896 was the movie set for “Shawshank Redemption,” “Air Force One” and “Escape Plan 3.” Both guided and self-guided tours are available daily and give ample opportunity to explore the creepy corridors and solitary confinement.

There are seasonal haunted tours in September and October including an event called “Blood Prison.”

“Shawshank Redemption” has spawned an industry almost unto itself, including Shawshank Bus Tours, which gives

movie buffs the opportunity to visit additional sites from the film. Tours are offered most Saturdays and Sundays with a starting time of noon and duration of approx. four-and-a-half hours.

Richland County’s own “Stan Hywet” Another favorite destination is Kingwood Center Gardens.

This mansion was the home of industrialist/Ohio Brass CEO and Chairman Charles Kelley King and his first wife, Edith, who purchased the 47-acre property in 1912. Upon King’s death in 1952, a private trust was created and in 1953 Kingwood Center opened to the public. Many readers probably are familiar with Akron’s Stan Hywet Hall, but we have to say that Kingwood is absolutely on par with it. The gardens, greenhouse, etc. are simply beautiful — and a favorite for special events such as weddings. Visitors can explore the gardens in season, historic mansion and the greenhouse for just $5 (free for those 12 and under). An annual “Pumpkin Glow” normally takes place in the fall, but due to road construction this year there will be special fall events every weekend in October every Thursday and Friday from 6 p.m. to 8:30 pm.

If you’re driving to Kingwood Center from downtown Mansfield, check out the many fine examples of historic architecture en route, like the former Robert Sandiford house at 544 Park Avenue West, and the Park Avenue Baptist Church at 296 Park Avenue. Just south of Park Avenue is the Martin Bushnell House at 34 Sturges Avenue.

Located in nearby Lucas Ohio, Malabar Farm is another must see. This 900-acre country estate of Pulitzer Prizewinning author Louis Bromfield is now a state park.

Bromfield’s 32-room country home was a getaway for movie stars of the 1940s, including Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, who were married there in 1945. The house has been preserved exactly as it was when Bromfield died in 1956.

Ghostly sightings of Bromfield and his beloved boxer dogs have been reported by staff and visitors alike in the “Big House.” There’s an artesian spring that runs year-round at nearby Malabar Inn, a former stagecoach inn, that is still used to cool produce grown at the farm.

There’s even a Malabar/Shawshank crossover: Pugh Cabin at Malabar Farm was in the opening scene of “Shawshank Redemption” when Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is sitting in his car, drinking and handling a revolver.

Antique lovers who like primitives, pottery and folk art will enjoy the 43rd Annual Ohio Heritage Days Festival Sept. 2829. There’s also a Barn Dance on Sept. 28. “Hauntings at the Harvest” takes place Oct. 18 and 19; and the fall Color Hike at Malabar is Oct. 19 from 11 am to 1 pm.

If you’re in town on a Sunday, be sure to take a tour of beautiful Oak Hill Cottage. Built in 1847 and known as one of the most perfect Gothic houses in the country, it was constructed with seven gables, five double chimneys and seven Italian marble fireplaces. For 101 years it was owned and >>> Continued on page 30

Photo credit: Destination Mansfield

44691 | S EP T EMBER/OCTOBE R 2 019

29

occupied by the Jones family and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Louis Bromfield played at Oak Hill as a child and his memories of the home were the basis for “Shane’s Castle” in his 1924 novel The Green Bay Tree. The house contains all the family’s original furnishings and artifacts (open Sundays 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. April through December except Easter).

Mansfield is fortunate to be home to many other wonderful museums including: the Mansfield Art Museum, Little Buckeye Children’s Museum, Mansfield Memorial Museum, North Central Ohio Industrial Museum, Mansfield Fire Museum, Richland County Museum, Ohio Genealogical Society, and Ohio Bird Sanctuary.

to ethnic. The newest is an upscale fine dining venue called “Hudson & Essex” and includes the Cypress Hill Winery, as well as a deli and coffee shop. Located in a former automobile dealership, Hudson and Essex has the look and feel of an oldstyle “supper club” restaurant, and has been painstakingly renovated, restored and transformed. One the same level is the deli/coffee shop (the coffee is amazing!), while downstairs is the incredibly welcoming Cypress Hill Winery, with a decor that is second to none.

Secret: The Hudson and Essex building also is connected to a series of underground caverns. While the caverns themselves could be the subject of an entire story, we’ll just say that they have a rich history! The owners hope to have the caverns open to the public in late 2019, and have plans to make the space available for private functions. The entire place is one of the most beautiful establishments we’ve seen in a long time, and it’s clear that no expense was spared in the building’s renovation.

World famous carousel Another famous landmark located in downtown Mansfield is the first new, handcarved carousel built and operated in the United States since the 1930s. Richland Carrousel Park has 52 figures designed, carved and painted

by Carousel Works of Mansfield. They also Wet your whistle restored the antique If you’re in the rounding boards, mood for spirits mirrors and mural (the liquid variety), frames. There are 30 Mansfield has you horses and 22 covered with menagerie figures, Martini on Main including bears, and the Phoenix From automobile showroom to fine dining. The Hudson and Essex building in downtown Mansfield is home to three distinct experiences: The fine dining venue and a coffee shop/deli Brewing Company ostriches, cats, encompass the first floor, while the Cypress Hill Winery is located on the lower level. rabbits, a goat, both located giraffe, lion, tiger, downtown. zebra and a mythical hippocampus (part horse, part fish).

The Phoenix Brewing Company, located diagonally across Open year-round except for major holidays, there are special the street from Hudson and Essex at 131 N. Diamond St., is events monthly. The carousel was one of the first new entrants no small part of the downtown renaissance. to the revitalized downtown Mansfield, but it’s certainly not Mansfield’s only brewery, it is located in a former furniture the last. A stroll through the downtown, also known as the store and mortuary. Yes, you read that right! We’ve found the Carousel District, includes shopping, restaurants, thrift stores, Phoenix to be a “spirited” place with high-quality brews and art galleries, antique shops, upscale retail, a coffee house and one of the friendliest, most welcoming atmospheres you’ll find much more. On First Fridays, the shops stay open late and anywhere. there are special events and sales. On Final Fridays during The brewery capitalizes on the building’s storied past, with summer months, “The Brickyard” hosts thousands when it tap handles shaped like tombstones and beer names that morphs from a large brick parking lot by day to a nightlife reflect some interesting stories of the building’s previous concert venue with food trucks, music and more. Adding to “guests.” Dedicated to the whole craft beer revival, Phoenix the mix of fun downtown very soon will be “Ax,” an axBrewing Company’s motto is, “Resurrecting tradition, one throwing social and billiards club that is scheduled to open batch at a time.” There are 16 taps, and they also just this fall. introduced a new single-malt whiskey, brewed in partnership All this touring is sure to work up an appetite, which can with Iron Vault Distillery in Galion. The whiskey uses “wort” be satisfied by the numerous eateries ranging from traditional produced at Phoenix. Live music is a regular feature, and >>> Continued on page 32

30

Photo credit: Destination Mansfield

(Above) Mansfield offers a number of unique experiences including a new “classic” style carousel, and (right) the expansive, impressive Kingwood Gardens and mansion.

numerous special events are held throughout the year.

Like many craft breweries Phoenix Brewing Company has begun partnering with local charitable organizations for some of their events, raising money for charitable causes. One of their most-recent events was “Mansfield’s Coolest Dog,” contest where they partnered with the local Kiwanis club to find Mansfield’s most lovable pup, while raising more than $13,000 for to purchase a new bus for Friendly House community center in Mansfield. The winning hound, “Homer” the mastiff, even had a special beer brewed bearing his name, “Homer’s Big Head Odyssey Red Ale.” If you’re looking for an even more “spirited adventure,” Richland County offers a Wine and Ale Trail with nine locations in Mansfield and around the county.

See the show...or get a thrill!

Entertainment lovers can rejoice in the Mansfield Playhouse, Renaissance Theatre, and Theatre 166.

44691 | S EP T EMBER/OCTOBE R 2 019

Those who crave the thrill of the supernatural, can visit Haunted Mansfield Ohio to learn more about paranormal investigations, ghost hunts, classes, pricing, lodging, packages and details of each of the haunted sites, including Mansfield Fire Museum. The building now houses preserved fire trucks, artifacts as well as history and traditions of firefighting.

Employees and visitors alike have witnessed a side mirror on a fire truck that appears to move on its own. Unexplained sounds, lights that flicker, and shadowy figures have also been seen.

Another spooky stop is the beautifully restored and elegant Renaissance Theatre. Opened as a movie palace in 1928, it is >>> Continued on page 32

31

now a performing arts venue but also is known for ghostly encounters.

Footsteps have been heard coming from the grand staircase, dark hallways and balcony. Voices have been heard in the projection booth and whispering in the catacomb-like rooms under the stage and lobby where a 1929 murder took place.

The Gill House in nearby Galion also is included in the Haunted Mansfield Trail. This 6,000-square-foot home, built in the early 20th century, has many unexplained reports of footsteps, laughter, physical contact, traveling shadows and full body apparitions witnessed by many!

Malabar Farm and the Ohio State Reformatory round out the Haunted Mansfield experience.

With everything Mansfield has to offer, there’s much more to enjoy including Pleasant Hill Lake and Dam, Mohican State Park, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Prairie Peddler in

MA TT

Butler, and Snow Trails for downhill skiing, snowboarding and tubing.

Web resources: 812blockhouse.com Kingwoodcenter.org Richhistoryalliance.org Hauntedmansfield.com Phoenixbrewing.com Hudsonandessex.com brickyardmansfield.com

“Out of the Ashes like a phoenix.” The Phoenix Brewing Company (left), located in Downtown Mansfield on the edge of the Carousel District, is housed in a former furniture store and mortuary!

(Above) Beer flights are served in holders that resemble a tombstone.

M A N U FA C T U R I N G

QUALITY TWO-SIDED BEDDING

New Style Adjustable New Additional Features!

ffor over 35 yea s

Made in our o shop Just a few miles east e of Wooster! o

W ith over 15 diff we have F

choose from, ll your needs. e Master Suite

WE HAV VE A L SPECIA

Y | MOST SIZZES AND STYLES IN STOCK ODGESS AND STUDENT HOUSING

Prestige 2 COMFOR T ZONEES IN 1 MATTRESS! F I R M N O N E S I D E | S O FT E R O N T H E O T H E R

Princeton 32

High-quaality Mattresses Hand-Made Heere in Waayne County!

2696 S. CARR ROA AD, 94A | APPLE CREEK, OHIO 44606 Hours: Monday,, Tuesday u y & Friday 8-5 | Weednesday 8-7 Saturday 8-3 8 | Closed Thursday & Sunday

Now available! Subscribe to 44691!

44691 is mailed to most — but not all — of the Wooster area.

However, subscriptions are now available.

Here’s how it works: • If you already receive 44691 in the mail, there is no need to subscribe. If, however, you would like to help support this publication, you can purchase a “voluntary” subscription.

• If you have a friend or loved one who lives out of town or otherwise does not receive the magazine, you can purchase a gift subscription on their behalf. We’ll e-mail you a nice gift certificate notice that you can give them. (Christmas is coming!)

• If you don’t currently receive the magazine in the mail and would like to, you can subscribe for yourself.

• Price: $24.95 for a one-year subscription (six issues) We accept checks and credit cards. ~Please~ do not send cash!

Note: We do NOT keep credit card numbers on file. Our records will only indicate name, address and when your subscription is up for renewal. Providing a valid e-mail address below will allow us to let you know when it’s time to renew.

Thank you for your support of 44691!

Billing Name _______________________________________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________________________________ City ____________________________State __________ZIP _____________ Phone _______________________________E-mail________________________________________________ Payment Type ____Check Enclosed ____Bill my credit card Subscription Type

___________Personal

__________Gift ________Voluntary

Price: $24.95 for a one-year subscription (six issues) Your Name as it appears on card _______________________________________________________________ Card number _______________________________________________________________________________ Exp. date (MM/YEAR)

_______/20___ CVV (3 digits on back) _________

If this is a gift subscription, to whom should we send it?

Gift Subscription recipient name _______________________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________________________________ City ____________________________State __________ZIP _____________ Make checks payable to: Dutch Country Publishing, LLC Mail to: Dutch Country Publishing, LLC, 148 E. Liberty St. #210, Wooster, OH 44691 44691 | S EP T EMBER/OCTOBE R 2 019

33

An “All Star” Experience Story and photos by Jerry Klingerman

A

s I get older, the list of simple pleasures I enjoy gets shorter and shorter — dinner with family and friends, the occasional evening spent around a campfire, etc. But one of the other things at the top of that list is attending Cleveland Indians baseball games at Progressive Field. (It’s hard for me not to call it Jacobs Field, but life also has taught me that change is a constant thing, so, Progressive Field it is!)

For me, it doesn’t get much better than being at the “Corner of Carnegie and Ontario” under the lights on a summer Friday night. What makes it even better is that my 88-year-old dad and I attend most of the games in our 20-game package together. When dad can’t make it, my oldest daughter usually makes the trek up I-71 with me. So, either way it’s an exercise in family bonding.

By way of explanation, we originally signed up for our package late in 2016 as the Indians made their incredible (but ultimately heartbreaking) run to the World Series. The Indians ticket office sent me an e-mail that promised early access to playoff tickets for 2016, if you bought a package for 2017.

Fair enough. As it turns out, the cost of a 20-game package is surprisingly reasonable: two tickets and a parking pass in the adjacent garage is actually less than what you would pay for dinner for two at a casual restaurant.

We’ve got great “seat neighbors” and truly enjoy the games, so we’ve renewed every year since. Last November I received an e-mail from the Indians outlining the process for becoming

a volunteer for the 2019 Major League Baseball (MLB) All Star Game.

If you’re not a baseball fan, you might not know that hosting the MLB All Star Game (ASG) is a huge deal for the host city. The last time Cleveland hosted prior to 2019 was 1997, when former Indians catcher Sandy Alomar, Jr. was named the ASG Most Valuable Player, capping off what turned out to be a career year for Alomar (who currently serves as the Indians’ first base coach).

With 30 MLB teams, and ASG hosting shared on a rotating basis it wasn’t hard to conclude that this might be a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity for me. I won’t divulge my own age, but if you noticed that I said my father is 88, it doesn’t take a math whiz to conclude that I am...over 29! The original e-mail discussing the All Star opportunity was sent Nov. 1, 2018. I responded immediately, and began what turned out to be an eight-month process from start to finish.

Chief Wahoo: Going, going, gone...

No discussion of the 2019 ASG would be complete without mentioning the disappearance of the Indians’ beloved, but controversial, “Chief Wahoo” logo from the stadium and players’ uniforms. According to an article by venerable sports reporter Terry Pluto of The Cleveland Plain Dealer, there was no actual quid pro quo in removing Chief Wahoo and awarding Cleveland the 2019 ASG. Pluto reports that Indians owner and CEO Paul Dolan gave MLB about half of what they wanted with respect to the Chief. Reportedly, MLB’s first demand was that the Indians not only remove Chief Wahoo, but also rename the team!

Dolan refused to change the team’s name, but agreed to remove Chief Wahoo from Progressive Field and the players’ uniforms.

Whether or not individual fans believe the logo should have been removed, and whether or not people believe that the awarding of the ASG was a payoff for doing so, in the end it doesn’t matter.

Pragmatic people will realize it was just a matter of time before MLB was going to force the Indians to remove the logo, one way or another. From the first discussions it was a done deal. Like it or not; believe it or not, there was no way MLB was going to let the Indians continue to use what many people believe is, at best, a culturally inappropriate logo, and — at worst — a racist logo.

Perhaps one of the ultimate ironies in all of this is the fact that in order to protect the trademark on the Chief Wahoo logo, the Cleveland Indians continue to sell hats, clothing, etc. with the logo. So, while the team and stadium don’t display it, the logo is A partial view of the convention floor at Huntington Convention Center in downtown still on full display at every home game.

Cleveland, OH. The convention center hosted dozens of events, displays and activities inside and out as part of the Major League Baseball “Play Ball Park” associated with the All Star Game this past July.

34

Chain of events Fast forward to April of this year, when the

This lifelike, lifesize photo cutout of the “Washington Homestead Grays” Negro League team perched at the top step of their dugout was an awe-inspiring glimpse of a moment in time.

next contact came from MLB, not the Indians. It contained additional information about how the process would evolve, and also explained that the flagship weeklong fan-based event was being rebranded under the name “Play Ball Park.” As I would later learn, this event took up every inch of event space in Cleveland’s Huntington Convention Center, inside and out.

The next steps in the process included: • Attending one of two information sessions at Progressive Field.

• Completing a background check • Attending volunteer orientation to pick up (free) volunteer wardrobe items and get a sneak peak of Play Ball Park.

my opportunity to be a part of the event. An e-mail outlining my window of opportunity — a one-hour window in the second week of June — to select volunteer events went unnoticed until the time window had passed. I’m not making excuses, but I receive an average of 50 to 100 e-mails a day, across multiple accounts, and simply missed the one from MLB telling me what time I should log in and choose my preferred events. >>> Continued on page 36

No free game I chose to attend the first information session on May 30, as did several thousand volunteer hopefuls. MLB officials made two things crystal clear from the outset were: No volunteers would be used at the ASG itself, and volunteering did not get you a free ticket to the game. MLB used paid staff only to assist at the ASG itself, but they needed approx. 2,000 volunteers to help staff all the events leading up the game.

After several executives spoke, we were then directed to a massive line of staff, all seated at computers. We were told that everyone would speak briefly with a staff person to conduct a brief “speed dating” style interview. I don’t know how many people attended that session, but I’m sure it was at least 3,000, maybe more. So as the lines began to form, I braced myself for a long wait. Things went quickly, though, and I waited only about 20 minutes.

I must have answered the questions correctly, because just hours later I received an e-mail inviting me to complete the background check, which I did right away. The world being what it is these days, it was an understandable request.

Missed opportunity?

After jumping through all those hoops I very nearly blew 44691 | J U LY / AU GU ST 2 019

A brush with fame: Former Indians second baseman Carlos Baerga, part of the powerhouse 1990s Indians teams, signs autographs.

35

(Below and right) Fans of the Penny Marshall film “A League of Their Own” will instantly recognize these images of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.

Seeing the display up close showed how accurately the film depicted the league’s uniforms.

(Below right) A large part of the Play Ball Park displays was incredible informational history displays such as this one, that discussed the Negro Leagues.

When I realized what had happened, I was heartbroken! At that point, it was a process that had lasted six months, and included the special trip to the stadium. Again, I was heartsick, and not just a little angry at myself for such a simple mistake.

Fortunately, my disappointment was short-lived: One week after I missed my original window, MLB sent a follow-up email announcing another opportunity in a few days. Keep in mind that at the in-person event held at Progressive Field on May 30, Robert Field, MLB’s manager of special events, told attendees they had received more than 8,000 applications for 2,000 spots. Field said it was, by far, the most applications they have ever received and he congratulated the City of Cleveland for their enthusiastic response to the opportunity.

So I was thrilled that I still had the chance to participate.

Trust me when I say that I was at the keyboard and logged in

House of cards — one of the more unusual exhibits at Play Ball Park was this “house” constructed of 750,000 Topps baseball cards.

36

the moment the second and final window opened!

I don’t know if my error caused me to miss out on the chance to take part in baseball royalty meet-and-greets, or perhaps to drive celebrity ballplayers from one destination to the next, but every one of my fellow volunteers with whom I later spoke said that when they logged in, the only opportunity available was Play Ball Park, where the vast majority of volunteers were assigned.

The next step after selecting events (I chose three days’ worth) was an orientation, held at the Huntington Convention Center on July 1, just eight days before the game itself, and two days before all of the events associated with All Star Week were set to begin. In addition to Play Ball Park, the schedule included rock concerts, a parade and much more.

The big day My first assigned volunteer time was Friday, July 5. Free parking and shuttle bus service were provided, and once inside the convention center, all volunteers waited in a large meeting room for the day’s assignment. We were assigned by zones, and no one knew from one day to the next where they would be working.

It would take far more space than I’ve already taken to explain even a few of the displays and events associated with Play Ball Park, so I’ll just summarize it: This was like the

biggest convention you’ve ever attended, all centered around every aspect of baseball you can imagine — history, players, stats, interactive exhibits, autograph sessions...even the World Series trophy itself was on display.

The entire thing was amazing. I’ve done some event planning in my career, but I can only imagine the amount of time and number of people it takes to stage something like this. I’m sure it’s a never-ending process, with one year’s events playing out while the next year’s, and beyond, are being planned.

Like any large organization, MLB has its critics and naysayers, but the folks who pulled this off were true pros.

My assignments varied for the three days I volunteered, and I had a ball — if you’ll pardon the pun!

My first day I was situated with a half-dozen others at the end of the giant 180-degree entrance tunnel (pictured at right), simply greeting and directing attendees. We quickly learned that this was a popular spot for selfies and family photos, and gladly obliged when we were pressed into service as photographers.

On day two, I was assigned to a security detail for one of the outdoor concerts. Now...again...the age thing: I had no idea who the band was, but they certainly drew a good crowd.

Essentially all I did that afternoon was herd people, and point them in the right direction. The whole assignment lasted only about 45 minutes. After that, the event supervisor released us.

I was offered free admission to the concert but chose instead to go back inside the convention center and tour the exhibits as a fan.

My final day of volunteering was on Sunday, and I was assigned to a photo detail. We were positioned in front of a large display that spelled out the familiar “Cleveland” script, and took pictures of families, etc. posing behind the letters. There were a couple added bonuses that day: First, My daughter attended, using the lone extra free pass all volunteers were given.

Next, at the end of the day, the Budweiser Clydesdales walked (clomped) right by us.

In all it was three different days of doing completely different things for a crowd that was very nice, and mostly in awe of

all the opportunities surrounding them. Again, it was a first class operation from start to finish.

Swag Bag The reward for all of my efforts was a “swag bag” including an official ASG hat, special volunteer T-shirt, official MLB All Star baseball, the drawstring backpack itself, free entry to all of the Play Ball Park events and two free tickets to “a game to be named later.” Honestly, I appreciated the gifts, but I think most volunteers including me would have done it just for the experience. Side note for retirement: I am now considered “All Star Game Alumni,” and can volunteer again at any ASG in the nation. In fact, there were quite a few “alumni” in Cleveland, some of whom had volunteered at multiple ASGs. Hmmmm...

Post-game wrap up For me personally, volunteering for the ASG Week events was a thrill and an honor. Representing the Cleveland Indians in this small way, and helping showcase the City of Cleveland was a great experience. If you followed the media coverage it was clear that the outside media, which often is critical of Cleveland (that’s putting it mildly), was quite clearly impressed by the events MLB and Cleveland produced.

I’m old enough to remember when the Cuyahoga River made national news for catching on fire, and various malcontents have referred to it as “The mistake on the lake” virtually my whole life. I don’t think it’s projecting too much to say that Cleveland has fought long and hard not only to rehabilitate its image, but also the city itself. For one brief week, the entire country noticed that Cleveland Rocks!

A final note: Cleveland proved to the whole country that it can successfully host a world class event. So, I’m going to put this in writing: If Cleveland is good enough to host the MLB All Star Game, and good enough to be the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of fame, how about we move the annual Rock and Roll Hall of fame induction ceremony OUT of New York and In to Cleveland?!

Everybody Loves Frankie! (Including the writer, pictured right.) Without question this image of Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor was one of the most-photographed displays at “Play Ball Park.” Located at the end of the 180-degree entrance tunnel (pictured above), it was a favorite location for selfies and family pictures.

44691 | J U LY / AU GU ST 2 019

37

MONEY MATTERS

Cody A. Austin Austin Wealth Solutions

38