Echoes Magazine March/April 2020

MAGAZINE

MARCH & APRIL 2020 QUEENS OF THE HEARTLAND

BERNADINE STETZEL

CRADLE OF EQUAL SUFFRAGE

SISTERHOOD IN THE RING

African American Women Make Their Mark on Ohio

Ohio’s Own Grandma Moses

South Newbury Union Chapel

Page 32

Page 28

Page 38

When Columbus Was the Center of Women’s Professional Wrestling Page 42

MAGA ZINE

Cover: Anna Julia Cooper (1858–1964) graduated from Oberlin and become one of the leading scholars of her generation. She is one of 30 African American women with Ohio ties celebrated in the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center’s new exhibit Queens of the Heartland, opening April 11.

Vol. 59, No. 2 EDITORS

Contents M A R C H & A P R I L 2020

28

Bernadine Stetzel— Ohio’s Own Grandma Moses

32

Queens of the Heartland— African American Women Make Their Mark on Ohio

38

Cradle of Equal Suffrage— South Newbury Union Chapel

42

Sisterhood in the Ring— When Columbus Was the Center of Women’s Professional Wrestling

Bill Eichenberger Tom Wolf CONTRIBUTORS

Emmy Beach Erin Esmont Sharon Hatfield David A . Simmons Emily Walker ADVISORY BOARD

Donna DeBlasio Youn gstown St ate Unive r sit y

Nishani Frazier Miami Unive r sit y

Rober t G enheimer Cin cinn ati Muse um Ce nte r

Stephen G eorge O hio Histor y Conne c tion

Alex Hastie O hio v. the World

G eorge Ironstrack Miami Unive r sit y

Chester Pach O hio Unive r sit y

Roger Pickenpaugh Historian an d Auth or

Daniel Rivers T he O hio St ate Unive r sit y

Erin Wingfield

I N E AC H I S S U E

2 4 4 6 13 14 21 46 48 50

Contents From Our Editors What’s Your Story?

In the News Historic Sites & Museums At the Ohio History Center & Ohio Village Featured Events & Exhibits I Wish I’d Been There Young Eyes on the Past Reviews

O hio Histor y Conne c tion

Echoes Magazine (ISSN 0012-933X) is published

THANKS TO OUR OHIO HISTORY CONNECTION STRATEGIC PARTNERS:

bimonthly and distributed by the Ohio History Connection as a benefit of Ohio History Connection membership.

Editorial Offices: Ohio History Connection, Ohio History Center, 800 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, OH 43211-2474 Phone 844.836.0012 • Email echoes@ohiohistory.org Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Echoes Magazine, Ohio History Connection, Ohio History Center, 800 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, OH 43211-2474 Entire contents © 2020 by the Ohio History Connection.

All rights reserved. Nothing may be reprinted or electronically reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. The Ohio History Connection accepts no responsibility for facts and opinions expressed by the authors.

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Contact us at membership@ohiohistory.org or 800.686.1545 to share your new address.

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Bernadine Stetzel OHIO’S OWN GRANDMA MOSES Fremont’s Bernadine Stetzel (1927–2016) peopled her paintings with the inhabitants of small-town America. She once described her work as “recording history in art form.” By the time she died, she had produced some 1,000 paintings, including many capturing daily life in her hometown of Tiffin during the 1930s and early 1940s and 71 that chronicle the life of John F. Kennedy.

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Queens of the Heartland AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN MAKE THEIR MARK ON OHIO

32

In Ohio, African American women had already been rising for more than 150 years before poet Maya Angelou’s popular poem, Still I Rise, was published in 1978. Thirty of those women are celebrated in a new exhibit, Queens of the Heartland, opening April 11 at the Ohio History Connection’s National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center in Wilberforce. We talk with curator Hadley Drodge.

Cradle of Equal Suffrage SOUTH NEWBURY UNION CHAPEL

38

In 1857, future president James Garfield—then a teacher at what’s now Hiram College—was invited to Geauga County to give a speech.

Worried his talk would be controversial, the local Congregational church disinvited him. That didn’t sit right with some of the townspeople, so they decided to build a place that would welcome all ideas. Thus began the long history of South Newbury Union Chapel, a place where reformers— mostly women, but men, too—pushed for progress considered radical for its time.

Sisterhood in the Ring WHEN COLUMBUS WAS THE CENTER OF WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING

42

For 26 years from 1936 to 1962, Columbus-based trainer and promoter Billy Wolfe was at the pinnacle of the women’s wrestling world, grossing more than $5 million a year. Echoes Magazine talks with retired professional wrestler Ramona Isbell, who played a pivotal role, along with several other pioneering African American women, in paving the way for her gender and race to establish careers in the sport, and with journalist Chris Bournea, whose documentary, Lady Wrestlers, premiered in 2018.

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Suffrage Centennial This year marks the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment. While we celebrate the voting rights it afforded to many women across the United States, we prefer to use the term “commemorate” when we speak of the anniversary more broadly.

Even after the 19th Amendment’s ratification, there was still tremendous work to do to ensure the enfranchisement of all women—primarily women of color.

It’s also important to note that the suffrage fight had a long history before 1920.

The abolitionist movement in the United States is often called the “offspring” of the women’s rights movement—it gave rise to women’s participation in writing, giving speeches and organizing in support of political action. Ohioan Lucy Stone traveled across the U.S. in the 1840s and 1850s building support for the abolition of slavery alongside her fight for women’s rights. She became a national figure and later founded the American Woman Suffrage Association.

The fight for voting equality continued for many decades—American Indians couldn’t vote until the Native American Citizenship Act was passed in 1924.

Asian Americans had to wait even longer, when the McCarran-Walter Act allowed them to become citizens and to vote in 1952. In some parts of the country, African Americans weren’t fully enfranchised until poll taxes were abolished in 1964 and the Voting Rights Act was passed in 1965.

Today, voting rights are still a topic of conversation. Voter ID laws, restrictions to early voting and gerrymandering are cited by activists as new forms of suppression.

The Ohio History Connection is exploring the history and the evolution of this dialogue on Sat., March 14, at the Ohio History Center. We’ll present a day-long program commemorating the women’s suffrage centennial and 100 years of Ohio women’s activism. (See page 6.)

The Ohio History Connection has also created two exhibits: Ohio Women Vote—100 Years of Change, that will travel across the state; and Votes for Women—100 Years of Change, that can be seen at the Ohio History Center from March 14 through Jan. 3, 2021. (See page 7.)

As we continue to preserve and share stories about this historic fight, we’re actively working to fill gaps in our museum collections to ensure that we’re fully representing the experiences of all women. To help accomplish this goal, we’ve initiated a public call for collections. (See page 8.)

We hope you’ll partner with us to recognize this important anniversary and our ongoing work to share even more women’s history. In the words of activist and Oberlin College graduate Mary Church Terrell (1864–1954), “With courage, born of success achieved in the past, with a keen sense of responsibility which we shall continue to assume, we look forward to a future large with promise and hope.”

For information about all suffrage events across the state, visit ohiosuffragecentennial.com/plan and womensvote100.org/ohio.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS AND CONTENT MARKETING 4 Echoes | MARCH & APRIL 2020

What’s In every issue of Echoes Magazine, we feature the stories of Ohio History Connection members and other Ohioans to stoke memories and shed light on our shared past.

For this issue, we asked,

“What is the one thing that you think has changed the most in your community over the years?”

Here are some of your responses: DELAWARE COUNTY The thing—actually it’s an area—that has changed the most over the years for me is where I grew up during my high school years. More specifically, I’m talking about Delaware County and the Olentangy Local Schools district.

When I graduated from Olentangy High School in 1989, the entire district (K–12) was under one roof on Hyatts Road.

Thirty years and one population boom later, the district now has 26 schools— four of them high schools. In the ‘80s, it was a big deal when the Meijer and McDonald’s opened on Route 23 just north of Powell Road, mostly still surrounded by open fields and wooded areas. Now the district boundaries include Polaris Mall, an IKEA, a Top Golf, various strip malls and countless housing developments. The flow of traffic to the Delaware County suburbs and the sheer volume of stoplights on Route 23 make the commute to my mother’s home much longer these days.

I guess that’s the price of progress … or maybe just urban sprawl.

—Erik Harden, Columbus

Your Story?

LIMA I moved from Lima in 1994 and didn’t look back. Well, except for the food. There’s something about your hometown food that sticks with you no matter where you move to and how much your palate has been refined.

Every trip back to visit my family involved a trip to one of the Holy Trinity of Lima restaurants: Kewpee Hamburgers, Happy Daz Drive-In or Fat Jack’s Pizza. If it was a particularly stressful visit due to a funeral, aging grandparents or getting stopped by the fourth train while trying to cross through town, sometimes I indulged in a three-course meal with my favorites from all three places. The more things change—declining population, industries moving away, grandparents’ homes now filled with new families— the more things stay the same: those cheeseburgers with “pickle on top (that) makes your heart go flippityflop,” the giant pork tenderloin sandwiches and the pizza that beats all other Ohio pizza.

—Amy Harkins, Columbus

COMMUNIT Y CHANGE

have a new coat of shiny paint, but sadly it’s lost some of the past charm it held for certain residents.

—Nathaniel R. Wallace, Athens

YOUNGSTOWN I grew up in Youngstown when it was flourishing in the 1960s and ’70s. Some great things still remain there, such as the natural beauty (highlighted by Mill Creek Park), a thriving arts and culture scene, blue-collar sense of humor, ethnic food and proximity to Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Akron. What has changed? Fewer people and more vacant lots, as the city has downsized. The bustling downtown and vibrant neighborhoods have shrunk. Yet a spark remains. Last winter I walked down my old street on the north side, now mostly vacant. Among all the dark shadows, one house was lit up in bright lights and festive decorations, as if it had never changed from the old days to the present. Now that’s the spirit!

—Greg Sanders, Oak Park, IL

NEWARK

FROM RAYMOND TO BROADWAY

Within the past few years, Newark, Ohio, has had a major facelift to its downtown square, resulting in the demolition of 10 street blocks in the dilapidated and vacant areas surrounding the historic Licking County Courthouse. This community effort has led to the closure of cherished old businesses and the arrival of new ones that cater to the upper class. Sadly, less spoken about are the resulting increases in property values and rents that have made living in the immediate area more expensive and difficult for working individuals and families. In the not-too-distant past, folks were able to make it financially in this location, but since this new renovation project, they have been priced out of the neighborhood and struggle to make ends meet.

Aesthetically, downtown Newark may

The thing that has changed the most over the years in any Ohio town is the amount of time it takes to get from point A to point B. Even in the second decade of the 20th century, my grandfather had to use a horse and buggy on dirt roads to court my future grandmother—taking about an hour to travel the three or so miles from Raymond to Broadway, Ohio (two unincorporated communities northwest of Marysville), a trip that now takes less than five minutes on a good day. For longer distances, say Delaware to Columbus, the Interurban lines in 1911 could get you to your destination in just over an hour. But getting from Raymond to Richwood, the closest station, then from Richwood to Delaware, would add several more hours to the trip.

Automobiles sped up the processes

greatly, but even then, two-lane roads, some unpaved or simply tarred, would slow the process. If you wanted to go from Raymond to Miami, Florida, you could take a train out of Columbus and travel the rest of the way in style, but the trip would still take quite some time and the ticket price was not cheap. Even in the early 1960s, driving to Florida was a slow proposition.

Before I-75 was completed, Route 23 with its hundreds of small towns and speed traps, along with some nice mountain roads, made for a long ride. In today’s world, driving from Raymond to John Glenn International Airport is easy and quick, then a few hours of flight time and you are there.

Thus, getting there has become far quicker, easier and definitely safer, and has changed the way our society lives, works and acts.

—Jim Perine, Grove City

WHAT’S YOUR STORY? We want to know your stories, so in every issue of Echoes Magazine we ask you a question, then run selected answers in the following issue. Here’s the question for May & June: What are your memories of the shootings at Kent State University on May 4, 1970? Were you a student at the time? A protester? A member of the National Guard? If you were in college in 1970 but not at Kent State, what was it like on your campus during those early days of spring?

Email your story responses (50 to 150 words) by March 10 to echoes@ohiohistory.org or, if you follow us on Facebook, send us a Facebook message.

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In the News Suffrage Centennial

100 Years of Ohio Women’s Activism One hundred years ago, many Ohio women were about to vote for the first time. That’s when the 19th Amendment, passed in 1919 and ratified in August 1920, gave most women the right to vote.

The Ohio History Connection’s commemoration of the campaign to “Let Ohio Women Vote” gets underway Sat., March 14, with 100 Years of Ohio Women’s Activism, a day of special activities at the Ohio History Center.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., visit the museum to learn about the campaign through a day of programming for all ages. Talk with representatives of the League of Women Voters and other groups, meet and learn from suffragists, make your own suffrage banner or sash and tour the museum to learn about women in history over the years through related artifacts on display. At 2 p.m., hear a panel of women featured in the exhibit Ohio Women Vote—100 Years of Change share their experiences in women’s activism, moderated

by Dr. Katherine Jellison of Ohio University.

The 19th Amendment was not the end of women's activism, but the beginning.

SAT., MARCH 14

MEET A 1919 SUFFRAGIST

100 Years of Ohio Women’s Activism

10 A.M. & 3 P.M.

OHIO HISTORY CENTER

MAKE YOUR OWN SUFFRAGE BANNERS & SASHES

Included with museum admission.

Seating capacity requires advance registration for the 2 p.m. keynote panel discussion Modern Activists in Action—800.686.1541 or ohiohistory.org/womensactivism.

VOTES FOR WOMEN 10 A.M.—5 P.M.

See a new exhibit featuring our most significant suffrage objects—a parade blouse and jacket, plus sashes worn during the fight for women’s suffrage and a suffrage parade banner made by Columbus Sign Co. in 1910.

COLLECTIONS TABLES 10 A.M.–1:30 P.M.

Meet curators and see artifacts, letters, photos and other documents used in creating the special exhibits Votes for Women—100 Years of Change and Ohio Women Vote— 100 Years of Change.

VOTER REGISTRATION 10 A.M.–1:30 P.M.

Check your voter registration status or register to vote.

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Suffrage Blouse and Sashes

Hear how she plans to win the vote.

10 A.M.–3 P.M.

Join the campaign!

PLAY YOUR PART 10 A.M.–4 P.M.

Talk with women’s organizations about what they do and how you can get involved.

GUIDED MUSEUM TOURS 11 A.M. & 1 P.M.

See objects related to women’s history.

KEYNOTE PANEL DISCUSSION

MODERN ACTIVISTS IN ACTION 2–3 P.M.

Hear three women represented in the traveling exhibit Ohio Women Vote—100 Years of Change talk about their own experiences with activism. Moderated by Dr. Katherine Jellison, chair of Ohio University’s History Department, with panelists Rhiannon Childs of the Ohio Women’s Alliance; Paula Haines, executive director of Freedom a la Cart; and Julia Applegate, director of Equitas Health Institute.

From Ohio History Connection Archival Collections

Image courtesy of Cowan’s Auctions

Suffragists at the Statehouse in 1914

Suffrage Centennial

Exhibits Share Stories of Women’s Activism Curators have been busy preparing two new exhibits about the Ohio Women’s Suffrage Centennial and activism by Ohio women over the years. One is traveling the state, and the other will be at the Ohio History Center in Columbus from March 14 through Jan. 3, 2021.

OHIO WOMEN VOTE

Five copies of the exhibit Ohio Women Vote—100 Years of Change are traveling to venues throughout Ohio through the end of 2020.

The exhibit commemorates the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment and celebrates the century of women’s activism that followed. It poses 10 questions such as “What does it mean to be a woman?” and “What does voting give you the power to do?” to Ohio women active in suffrage and other social causes over the years.

“We made extensive use of Ohio History Connection library and manuscript collections and pored over published collections of letters and essays, autobiographies and published speeches for great quotes,” says curator Lisa Wood.

“Fortunately, finding writing or speeches and interviews that were recorded by many of the women wasn’t difficult, as many of these women were prolific writers.

“Their answers reveal that the 19th Amendment was not the end of women’s activism, but the beginning,” Wood says. “Voting enabled women to further their educations, pursue careers, change laws, create social service and cultural organizations and run for office.”

The exhibit is currently slated to travel to Akron, Alliance, Athens, Bowling Green, Caldwell, Canton, Cincinnati, Coshocton, Lakeside, Marion, Mount Pleasant, North Canton, Oberlin, Steubenville, Toledo and Wapakoneta.

Find the exhibit schedule with dates and locations at ohiohistory.org/learn/ suffrage-centennial.

Ohio Women Vote—100 Years of Change is sponsored in part by Ohio Humanities, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio.

VOTES FOR WOMEN

Starting Sat., March 14, during 100 Years of Ohio Women’s Activism, a special event at the Ohio History Center (see page 6), see Votes for

Women—100 Years of Change.

Through the voices of Ohio women over time, it examines how women have taken part in activism through the suffrage movement and related causes, such as voting and citizenship.

Curator Becky Odom says “Votes for Women will feature our most significant suffrage objects—a parade blouse and jacket and sashes that were worn by Mary Stuart Andrews during the fight for women’s suffrage.”

Odom says Andrews, of Warren, Ohio, worked for the Ohio Woman Suffrage Association, which was based in Warren.

The exhibit will also feature a women’s suffrage parade banner made in 1910

by Columbus Sign Co. and pictures of women quoted in the exhibit.

“The exhibit we’re putting together is a way to incorporate some of the content from the traveling exhibit onto the museum floor while also incorporating our fabulous objects,” Odom says.

See Votes for Women—100 Years of Change at the Ohio History Center from March 14, 2020, through Jan. 3, 2021.

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Dysheen Davis

Library of Congress

Gloria Steinem, 1972

Ohio Women’s March, 2017

Suffrage Centennial

Read about some other recent additions to our collections related to women’s activism over the years at ohiohistory.org/ activismcollections.

Gloria Steinem Papers Did you know that feminist Gloria Steinem was born in Toledo? Cofounder of the National Women’s Political Caucus, Women’s Action Alliance, Coalition of Labor Union Women and Ms. magazine, she’s still actively organizing. For Steinem, activism is intergenerational—in 1904, her grandmother, German immigrant Pauline Perlmutter Steinem, became the first woman elected to Toledo’s school board.

The Ohio History Connection recently acquired a set of papers related to Gloria Steinem, among them:  A 1941 school paper in which her older sister, Susanne, wrote of the Steinem family, including her sister Gloria, whom she loved very much.  A 1956 letter in which Gloria Steinem writes about her recent breakup, career aspirations and indecision about a haircut.  A copy of Steinem’s famous 1970 speech, Living the Revolution, with handwritten editing notes, in which she wrote, “You don’t have to play one role in this revolutionary age above all others. If you’re willing to pay the price for it, you can do anything you want to do. And the price is worth it.”

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Suffrage Centennial

Explore More HISTORY BLOG

Through October, our History Blog features a monthly guest writer.

Hear from authors about Ohio women’s activism over time, Ohio women activists they’re studying or causes they’re active in today at ohiohistory.org/learn/collections/ history/history-blog.

OHIO MEMORY

In our January & February 2020 Echoes Magazine, we told you about Ohio Memory, an online source where you can explore more than a million items from collections of history-related organizations in Ohio. Find hundreds of suffrage-related artifacts, ranging from a program for the 1903 Ohio Woman Suffrage Association Convention in Sandusky, to a circa 1891 photo of Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, to a 1910s anti-suffrage postcard. Perform your own search at ohiomemory. org to learn more about women throughout Ohio's history.

OHIO WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE CENTENNIAL

Communities throughout Ohio are honoring this year’s centennial with special events—many more than we can list here. Find a calendar of them plus resources for planning your own at ohiosos.gov/secretary-office/ office-initiatives/ohio-womenssuffrage-centennial.

OHIO WOMEN’S HALL OF FAME

Explore 402 inspiring and accomplished Ohio women in history at resources.ohiohistory. org/womenshof. Suffrage Centennial

Call for Collections To commemorate the Ohio Women’s Suffrage Centennial, we’d like to expand our collection of materials related to activism by Ohio women over the years. Items of interest include, though are not limited to, letters and diaries, organizational records, photos and videos, banners, buttons and clothing.

Have something that you think may be of interest? Learn more at ohiohistory.org/activismcollections or contact our curators at collections@ohiohistory.org, 800.686.6124 or 614.297.2535.

HISTORIC SITES

Grant Furthers Preservation of Lundy House and Free Labor Store The Ohio History Connection has been awarded a Save America’s Treasures grant to aid in preserving the Benjamin Lundy House and Free Labor Store in Mount Pleasant, Ohio.

The $228,160 grant will aid in stabilizing the early-19th-century landmark, which was in danger of being lost after many years of neglect before being acquired by the Ohio History Connection in 2015 (see “Antislavery Landmark Gets New Life,” Echoes, January/ February 2017).

Located in east central Ohio near the Ohio River and West Virginia (then Virginia), Mount Pleasant was a center of abolitionist activity for decades before the Civil War. Lundy published an antislavery newspaper there called The Genius of Universal Emancipation, and the Free Labor Store sold only goods produced by slave-free labor. “As far as we can determine, this is the last of 37 free labor stores in the United States,” says Ohio History Connection architect Fred Smith.

“Saving it is essential to preserving and sharing the story of Mount Pleasant’s role in Ohio’s antislavery and abolitionist movements.”

Mount Pleasant was a largely Quaker community. Its early19th-century character is wellpreserved, with more than 40 properties that collectively embody the story of the town, including the 1814 Quaker Yearly Meeting House, also preserved by the Ohio History Connection.

Much of the village has been designated a National Historic Landmark district, which is the highest designation awarded to historic places by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

The grant will enable foundation and structural repairs, replacement of damaged floors, reconstruction of exterior brick walls and new roofing, all toward the long-term goal of restoring the house and store as a museum sharing the story of Lundy and Mount Pleasant.

The Save America’s Treasures grant is from the Historic Preservation Fund administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Park Service.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION

State Supports 23 Preservation Projects The Ohio Development Services Agency has awarded $24,565,849 in Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credits for rehabilitation of 23 historic buildings in Ashtabula (2), Canton, Cincinnati (9), Cleveland (3), Columbus (5), Dayton (2) and Delaware. Together, the projects are expected to leverage about $261 million in investment by private developers in rehabilitating the historic buildings. Notable among the projects are a $75 million rehab of the 1913 Union Central Life Insurance Co. Building, also known as the Central Trust Building, an early skyscraper that’s a landmark in downtown Cincinnati, and the Third Street Arcade in downtown Dayton, a 1904 shopping arcade that’s part of a larger Dayton Arcade project.

The Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit program is administered in partnership with the Ohio History Connection’s State Historic Preservation Office. Find the complete list of recently awarded projects at development.ohio.gov/ media/media_pr.htm. Learn more about the tax credit at ohiohistory. org/preserve/state-historicpreservation-office/taxincentives/ ohptc.

OCTAGON EARTHWORKS

Appeals Court Rules On Jan. 29, Ohio’s Fifth District Court of Appeals unanimously affirmed Judge David Branstool’s earlier ruling that the Ohio History Connection has the authority to acquire the lease at the Octagon Earthworks in Newark, Ohio.

In his decision, Branstool said the “Ohio History Connection has a public duty to operate, protect and maintain the Octagon Earthworks and promote the state memorial for public use.”

The Ohio History Connection has owned the Octagon Earthworks site since 1933. It is currently under a long-term lease to Moundbuilders Country Club that would expire in 2078. “This latest decision by the court brings us closer to our goal of making the Octagon Earthworks accessible to all,” says Ohio History Connection Executive Director and CEO Burt Logan.

In February, Moundbuilders Country Club appealed the Jan. 29 ruling to the Ohio Supreme Court, which has discretion to decide whether to accept the club’s appeal and hear the case, or not. A decision by the Ohio Supreme Court to hear the case or not is expected in the coming year.

While this legal process is ongoing, we welcome you to join us on Sun., April 5, and Mon., April 6, at the Octagon Earthworks Open House, one of only four times a year that the full site is currently open to the public.

Find details on page 21, where you’ll also find the related event Retracing Ancient Pathways on Sat., April 18.

Ohio’s Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, including Newark’s Octagon Earthworks, have been approved for nomination to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. If accepted, they would become Ohio’s first World Heritage Site and the 25th World Heritage Site in the United States.

As we move forward in our effort to make Octagon Earthworks fully accessible to all, we’ll continue to provide you with regular updates on our progress. You can stay connected with this work at ohiohistory.org/ statement.

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Castalia Trout Club

Recent Ohio Additions to the National Register of Historic Places AKRON • SUMMIT COUNT Y

UNIVERSIT Y CLUB 105 Fir Hill

Locally significant for its Georgian Revival architecture, the University Club was designed by Akron architects and engineers Harpster & Bliss, and opened in 1919. A men’s social and recreational club, it peaked in popularity during the heyday of Akron’s rubber industry.

CASTALIA • ERIE COUNT Y CASTALIA TROUT CLUB 604 N. Washington St.

This clubhouse, dining hall and cottage overlooking scenic trout streams is believed to be Ohio’s oldest fishing club. A private trout club and preserve founded in the 1870s, it reflects the role that sportsmen’s clubs played in the conservation movement. Castalia Trout Club earned a national

10 Echoes | MARCH & APRIL 2020

reputation for propagating trout. Its hatchery provided fish to the state conservation division and other trout clubs. Underground waters supply Cold Creek, a local natural phenomenon that’s the source of private trout fishing, fish hatcheries and sightseeing in Castalia. The club land also includes Blue Hole, a Lake Erie region tourist attraction from the 1920s to 1990.

migrant trained as a mason, who personally funded roads and sewers to make his neighborhood of allbrick homes a reality. He was joined

by African American developers William Woodridge, Rufus Ranaldson, Albert Taborn and Carr & Dillard.

CLEVELAND • CUYAHOGA COUNT Y

CLEVELAND • CUYAHOGA COUNT Y

MYRTLE-HIGHVIEW HISTORIC DISTRICT 16209 to 16408 Highview Dr. & 16200 to 16409 Myrtle Ave.

This neighborhood of midcentury ranch and split-level houses is associated with the story of African American suburbanization in the Cleveland area. Several African American developers built houses in Myrtle-Highview from 1949 to 1967, including Arthur Bussey, a Southern

WHK STUDIO ONE 4900–5002 Euclid Ave. near E. 55th St.

Housed in five buildings dating from 1912 to 1932 that front on Euclid Avenue, WHK Studio One was home from 1949 to 1977 of radio stations WHK-AM and FM (WMMS). They aided in jump-starting the careers of many rock and roll musicians and played a part in Cleveland’s development as a national break-out market for rock and roll.

All photos on pages 10 and 11 courtesy State Historic Preservation Office

Howell and Anna Powell Farm

FAIRFIELD • BUTLER COUNT Y HOWELL AND ANNA POWELL FARM 2720 Cincinnati-Brookville Rd.

Located 18 miles northwest of Cincinnati, the Powell Farm illustrates the impact of the pork industry in this region. In the earlyto-mid-19th century, Butler County was Ohio’s leading corn and hog producer. Good land for growing corn to feed hogs, together with an established trail system to Cincinnati markets, produced large profits.

Howell and Anna Powell settled the farm in 1816 and farmed it until 1861. Since 1982, Stephen and Mary Decker have restored the house, barn, corncrib and shed.

FINDLAY • HANCOCK COUNT Y

COLUMBUS • FRANKLIN COUNT Y

for low-income citizens, higher education for young women and

support for orphans, children with disabilities, Marion Public Library and local schools.

TOLEDO • LUCAS COUNT Y L ANDERS BROTHERS CO. BUILDING 443 10th St.

A variety of automobile parts made at 443 10th St. from 1904 to 1940 had strong ties to Willys Overland, eventual makers of Jeeps for military and civilian purposes, reflecting Toledo’s role in the rise of the automotive industry.

TOLEDO • LUCAS COUNT Y OVERMYER BUILDING 15 S. Ontario St.

THE STANDARD BUILDING 174 E. Long St.

FINDL AY COUNTRY CLUB GOLF COURSE 1500 Country Club Dr.

This six-story office building built in 1917 is associated with downtown development from 1900 to 1920, when the city’s population grew from 125,000 to 237,000. Developer George L. Gugle secured the district office of Standard Oil Co. as his anchor tenant. Standard’s intent to lease the top two floors was announced with Gugle’s plans for the building, and Standard Oil remained a tenant until 1955.

Added to the National Register for its well-preserved 1929 design

by Scottish American golf course architect Tom Bendelow, Findlay Country Club Golf Course is locally significant as an example of landscape architecture and for its association with the history of outdoor recreation in Findlay.

COLUMBUS • FRANKLIN COUNT Y WINDERS MOTOR SALES CO. 182 E. Long St.

This 1905 Colonial Revival style house has hosted meetings of the Marion Women’s Club since 1905, and has been home to Marion County Federation of Women’s Clubs since 1945. Through both groups, local women have organized to support civic causes such as a new hospital, better health care

Built in 1916 adjacent to the Standard Building, 182 E. Long St. housed an early Chevrolet dealership, Winders Motor Sales, until 1925. Red brick and white glazed terra cotta frame large windows originally used to display cars.

This 1912 warehouse with a 1917 addition is locally significant as an example of the transition to reinforced concrete slab construction—embraced as fireproof with superior load-bearing strength—in the early 20th century.

MARION • MARION COUNT Y MARION WOMEN’S CLUB HOME 1126 E. Center St.

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Willis Bing Davis, Ancestral Spirit Dance #415, 2018

RIFFE GALLERY

Ohio Diaspora Through April 11, the Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery in downtown Columbus presents Ohio Diaspora: Art from the Collection of the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center and Ohio Artists, curated by Rosa Rojas, curator for the Ohio History Connection’s National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center in Wilberforce.

“The exhibit features 69 works by 17 artists who live in Ohio, have ties to African American culture and are strong visual communicators,” Rojas says. Five are recipients of the Ohio Arts Council’s Individual Excellence Award.

“I handpicked these artists not only because of what they all have in common, but perhaps more so because they speak to me on a deeper level as individuals. Each uses his or her unique perspective, style and creative skill to process, explore, document and raise awareness of the African diaspora today.”

Some of the works in the exhibit are from the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center’s collection of more than 1,500 art objects. “The fine and folk art collection was largely acquired with two major grants from the Ford Foundation following the museum’s opening in 1988. The first phase of collecting focused on art associated with the Black Protest /

12 Echoes | MARCH & APRIL 2020

Black Nationalist Movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Since then, new acquisitions have come through a combination of works bequeathed by individual collectors, family members of artists or the artists themselves.”

The Riffe Gallery is at 77 S. High St. in downtown Columbus. The exhibit, sponsored by the Ohio Arts Council, is free and open to the public. Find hours and more information at oac. ohio.gov/Riffe-Gallery/On-View.

MAKE RESERVATIONS NOW

Big Shindig April 19 Benefits Ohio's History Fund The Ohio History Connection’s fundraising support group, Conestoga, hosts its annual fundraiser Sun., April 19, at the Ohio History Center in Columbus, and you’re invited. This year, proceeds will benefit Ohio’s History Fund, a competitive matching-grants program that supports projects by history- and preservation-related organizations throughout the state.

From 5 to 8 p.m., enjoy great food, fine refreshments—including a “History in the Makings” specialty cocktail—plus interesting table talks, an awesome silent auction and an opportunity to explore the center’s many exhibits in a relaxed and uncrowded atmosphere.

Conestoga provides an important volunteer corps of support for the Ohio History Connection. Since its founding in 1986, Conestoga has

given more than $676,000 to the Ohio History Connection in support of programs, exhibits and Ohio Village.

“This year we’ve chosen the History Fund as our focus, recognizing the opportunity to help close the gap between the number of grant requests and the available grant funds,” says Conestoga member Laura Ecklar.

Since the History Fund began in 2012, it has made 73 grants in 37 counties for a total of $694,569. However, during that same period, there have been 388 grant requests from 66 counties, totaling more than $4.7 million.

History- and preservation-related organizations from communities across the state compete for the grants annually. Projects have ranged from digitizing archival materials, to oral-history projects, to replacing roofs and repairing windows of landmark buildings, to school and community programs.

“The projects and the people behind them are helping to ensure that important historic places, artifacts and images are preserved for future Ohioans,” Ecklar says. “The impact of a significant gift from Conestoga for the 2020–2021 grants will be felt around the state.”

Early donors to the event include Laura and Pat Ecklar; Joanne and Chris Figge; Lois Fulmer; Dareth Gerlach; Marilyn Goodman; Beth and Bob Hamilton; Peg and Larry Neal; Ruth Paulson, Sally Pugh; Sally Rogers; David Timmons; and Betsy and Charles Warner.

The April 19 benefit event is open to all. Tickets are $100/person, a portion of which is tax-deductible.

For tickets or to learn more, contact Development Officer Truda Shinker at 614.297.2334 or tshinker@ ohiohistory.org by April 13.

Can't attend on April 19? Give to the Ohio History Fund on your state tax return. Learn more about Conestoga at ohiohistory.org/conestoga and find more about the History Fund at ohiohistory.org/historyfund.

O HI O HIS TO RY CO NNEC T I O N

Historic Sites & Museums NORTHWEST OHIO 1. Armstrong Air & Space Museum 2. Cedar Bog Nature Preserve 3. Cooke-Dorn House 4. Fallen Timbers Battlefield Memorial Park 5. Fort Amanda Memorial Park 6. Fort Jefferson Memorial Park 7. Fort Meigs 8. Fort Recovery Museum & Monument 9. Glacial Grooves Geological Preserve 10. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums 11. Indian Mill 12. Inscription Rock Petroglyphs 13. Johnston Farm & Indian Agency 14. Lockington Locks

NORTHEAST OHIO 15. Custer Monument 16. Fort Laurens 17. McCook House 18. Museum of Ceramics 19. Quaker Yearly Meeting House 20. Schoenbrunn Village 21. Shaker Historical Museum 22. Tallmadge Church 23. Youngstown Historical Center of Industry & Labor 24. Zoar Village

SOUTHWEST OHIO 33. Adena Mansion & Gardens 34. Davis Memorial Nature Preserve 35. Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve 36. Fort Hill Earthworks & Nature Preserve

CENTRAL OHIO

SOUTHEAST OHIO

37. Harriet Beecher Stowe House 38. John Rankin House 39. Miamisburg Mound

47. Big Bottom Memorial Park 48. Buckeye Furnace

26. Hanby House

40. National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center

27. Logan Elm

41. Paul Laurence Dunbar House

50. Campus Martius Museum

28. Newark Earthworks

42. Serpent Mound

51. John & Annie Glenn Museum

29. Ohio History Center & Ohio Village

43. Story Mound

52. Leo Petroglyphs & Nature Preserve

30. Shrum Mound

44. U.S. Grant Birthplace

53. National Road & Zane Grey Museum

31. Wahkeena Nature Preserve

45. U.S. Grant Boyhood Home & Schoolhouse

54. Ohio River Museum

32. Warren G. Harding Home & Memorial

46. William Henry Harrison Tomb

55. Our House Tavern

25. Flint Ridge Ancient Quarries & Nature Preserve

49. Buffington Island Battlefield Memorial Park

Ohio History Connection members enjoy free regular admission to these museums and attractions.

Find locations, hours and more at ohiohistory.org/places.

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Ohio History Connection Archival Collections

P R O G R A M S & E X H I B I T S AT T H E

Ohio History Center & Ohio Village

March is Women’s History Month.

Follow the star to Women’s History Month programs in this issue of Echoes Magazine.

Z

Enjoy the following programs free with museum admission.* Questions? Call 800.686.6124.

STAFF PICK

Inside the Sampler Case Z SUN., MARCH 1 F 2–2:30 P.M. Meet us in Gallery Two, where we’ll unlock a special case where handcrafted samplers are stored and share stories of 19th-century young women learning the practical art of needlework.

STAFF PICK

Mae Takasugi’s Parasol Z SAT., MARCH 7 F NOON–12:30 P.M. Mae and Kingo Takasugi of Alliance, Ohio, were among more than 100,000 Japanese American citizens forced to leave their homes and relocate to government-run internment camps during World War II. Learn about the internment and see a parasol Mae Takasugi owned before she left Ohio.

Becoming the Anthropologist Z SAT., MARCH 7 F 2–2:30 P.M. Erika Eichhorn Bourguignon dedicated her life to studying and teaching anthropology at The Ohio State University. Join us for a family-friendly activity as we take a look into what it takes to be an anthropologist.

ECHOES IN TIME THEATRE

Exercise Machines or Instruments of Torture?

SAT., MARCH 7 & 21 PERFORMANCES AT 1 & 3 P.M. While today’s exercise machines can be difficult to figure out, they’re easy compared to those of the Victorian era. In the late 19th century, Swedish physician Gustav Zander introduced the idea of improving health by using machinery. Hear a Victorian “mechanotherapy” machine representative introduce some of the newest contraptions to improve your health.

TOUR

Ancient Fossils SUN., MARCH 8 F NOON–12:30 P.M. From shallow sea to massive glacier, learn about animals and plants that lived in ancient Ohio and get hands-on with their fossils.

Spring Checklist— Waking Up the Garden SUN., MARCH 8 F 1–2:30 P.M. Join Tisa Watts, founder of Columbus Garden School, to learn how experienced gardeners anticipate seasonal change and simplify gardening tasks. Learn how to make good plant choices based on your needs (low-maintenance, edible garden, kids’ play area, etc.) and complete a gardening checklist so you have a customized action plan for spring. Bring questions—new gardeners welcome.

Free with required advance registration.

800.686.1541

Cleveland Rocks!

SUN., MARCH 8 F 2–2:30 P.M. Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame opened in 1995. Learn about people and events of the 1950s–1970s that made Cleveland a worthy home for “the house that Rock built.”

14 Echoes | MARCH & APRIL 2020

Suffrage Centennial

100 Years of Ohio Women’s Activism Z SAT., MARCH 14 F 10 A.M.–5 P.M. Visit on this special day and enjoy activities for all ages commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment.

See artifacts related to the campaign to “Let Ohio Women Vote” and explore women’s activism over the years in a new exhibit, Votes for Women—100 Years of Change.

Make a suffragist banner or sash, sing songs sung by those seeking the vote, meet a suffragist and see artifacts related to women in history on a museum tour. At 2 p.m., hear a panel of women activists featured in the traveling exhibit Ohio Women Vote—100 Years of Change share their own experiences. Due to seating capacity, the 2 p.m. program requires advance registration— call 800.686.1541.

ABOUT LET OHIO WOMEN VOTE The Ohio Woman Suffrage Association used this poster design

by Cincinnati artist Cornelia CassadyDavis (1870–1920) on stationery from 1912 to 1917. See postcards and letters of the time with this emblem at ohiomemory.org. Find Let Ohio Women Vote journals and other suffrage centennial gifts in our Ohio History Store at the Ohio History Center or ohiohistorystore.com.

*Museum admission through May 22, 2020, includes Ohio History Center and is $13; $11/ages 60+; $7/ages 4–12. Ohio History Connection members and ages 3 & under enjoy free admission.

Courtsey Tisa Watts

Spring Checklist—Waking Up the Garden MARCH 8

OHIO–CHAMPION OF SPORTS STAFF PICK

OHIO–CHAMPION OF SPORTS FILM SCREENING

Soap Box Derby Cars

International Incidents

SUN., MARCH 15 NOON–12:30 P.M. Learn more about Soap Box Derby, a sport with roots right here in Ohio. See cars on display and discover how the sport has changed from the 1930s to the present.

SAT., MARCH 21 F NOON–1:30 P.M. See the documentary International Incidents, which chronicles the three International Hockey League teams that called Columbus home between 1966 and 1977.

F

See Base Ball (Yes, Two Words) Played by 19th-Century Rules!

2020 HOME & AWAY SCHEDULE ohiohistory.org/muffins or 800.686.6124

OHIO–CHAMPION OF SPORTS STAFF PICK

Cincinnati Reds Before 1950 SUN., MARCH 15 F 2–2:30 P.M. Did you know that the Cincinnati Reds, founded in 1866, are the oldest professional baseball team in the country? Learn about the team before 1950 in this staff-led program.

School’s Out— Museum’s Open!

OHIO HISTORY CENTER MUSEUM OPEN DAILY F WEDS., MARCH 18–SUN., MARCH 29 F 10 A.M.–5 P.M. From March 18 through 29, the Ohio History Center museum is open 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. seven days a week, just in time for spring break. That’s two extra days to check out the special exhibit Ohio— Champion of Sports, snoop in the closets and peek in the drawers of our 1950s Lustron house, explore Ohio’s natural history, learn about the first Ohioans in Following in Ancient Footsteps and enjoy lunch from the Plaza Cafe!

Suffrage Centennial

Florence Kenyon Hayden Rector—Pioneering Woman Architect, Suffragist, Social Reformer Z SAT., MARCH 21 F 2–2:30 P.M. Join architectural historian Barbara Powers to learn about Florence Kenyon Hayden Rector (1882–1973) of Columbus, a fascinating woman who led an extraordinary life. One of Ohio’s first women architects, her buildings, including Oxley Hall—The Ohio State University’s first women’s dormitory— show the influence of the early 20th century Arts and Crafts movement through her use of natural materials, quality craftsmanship and simple designs. Active in the National Women’s Party, she held positions at the local and national levels and was a champion of prison reform, public housing and children’s issues.

Our progressive cocktail parties pair authentic adult beverages with experiences of days gone by.

Monocles & Brandy • March 21 Drinks of the Speakeasy • May 9 Advance registration required Find our full 2020 schedule at ohiohistory.org/cup • 800.686.1541

View Echoes Magazine online anytime!

Visit ohiohistory.org/ memberechoes and enter your member number.

March is Women’s History Month.

Follow the Star Z to Women’s History Month programs in this issue of Echoes Magazine.

OHIOHIS TORY.ORG

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Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve

Courtesy Tisa Watts

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Native Plants for Residential Landscapes

Parkitecture— Historic Rustic Park Architecture in Ohio Parks

APRIL 18

APRIL 18

Kenner Toys & Star Wars

TOUR

TOUR

Dangerous Collections

Museum Highlights

STAFF PICK

SUN., MARCH 29 F NOON–12:30 P.M. From arsenic to asbestos, collecting the stuff of history can be dangerous. Explore the museum with a staff guide who’ll show you all the hazardous substances on display. Leave your gas mask at home—everything is safely behind glass!

SUN., APRIL 5 F 2–2:30 P.M. Get an introduction to our collections on this guided tour. Learn about the first man to integrate Major League Baseball’s American League, how Shakespeare’s words brought an invasive species to America and where George R.R. Martin might’ve gotten his inspiration for dragon glass in Game of Thrones.

SUN., MARCH 22 F NOON–12:30 P.M. Get a look at how Cincinnati toy company Kenner Products got first rights to make Star Wars toys, and learn about some of the quirky toys Kenner produced.

German Mauser SUN., MARCH 22 F 2–2:30 P.M. Did you know that Han Solo’s famous blaster is based on a real World War I handgun? Stop by for a look at a real German Mauser.

TOUR

Women’s History Highlights Z SAT., MARCH 28 F NOON–12:30 P.M. SUN., MARCH 29 F 2–2:30 P.M. Tour the museum with a staff guide and explore women’s history in Ohio through artifacts on display.

FAMILY HISTORY

The Story Beyond the Name Z SAT., MARCH 28 F 2 P.M. Hear African American genealogist Dedria Humphries Barker share how Ohio birth, marriage and death certificates helped her find the rest of the story about her Irish great-grandmother, “Grandma Alice.” Extreme emotions, including Humphries Barker’s own immense curiosity, swirled around this relative, the matriarch of their black family.

Humphries Barker is author of Mother of Orphans: The True and Curious Story of Irish Alice, a Colored Man’s Widow.

16 Echoes | MARCH & APRIL 2020

ECHOES IN TIME THEATRE

Prohibition— When America Went Dry SAT., APRIL 4 & 18 PERFORMANCES AT 1 & 3 P.M. At midnight on Jan. 17, 1920, the Volstead Act took effect, beginning the period known as Prohibition. With few exceptions, the manufacture, sale and transport of alcohol became illegal, changing life for many people. Listen as one drinking establishment patron, portrayed by Grace Matchett, regales you with tales of this dry period in history.

STAFF PICK

Ohio Art Company Toys SUN., APRIL 5 F NOON–12:30 P.M. See colorful Ohio Art Company toys of the 1930s to 1970s from our collection.

While they’re usually in storage, you’ll get a special opportunity to examine them up close!

OHIO–CHAMPION OF SPORTS EXHIBIT TOUR

Strange Sports Stories SAT., APRIL 11 F NOON–12:30 P.M. Sometimes sports history is stranger than fiction. On this guided tour, hear stories from Ohio’s sporting past, including how an early football team served as a marketing tool to sell dogs and about a turtle used as a trophy.

Nancy Drew— Ohio’s Girl Detective Z SAT., APRIL 11 & 25 F 2–2:30 P.M. From books, movies and TV shows to computer games and more, Nancy Drew is a timeless icon, with more than 200 titles to her name. But who’s Carolyn Keene, and how is Nancy’s mysterious author connected to Toledo?

*Museum admission through May 22, 2020, includes Ohio History Center and is $13; $11/ages 60+; $7/ages 4–12. Ohio History Connection members and ages 3 & under enjoy free admission.

OHIO–CHAMPION OF SPORTS EXHIBIT TOUR

A CONESTOGA EVENT

ECHOES IN TIME THEATRE

Breaking Barriers

Big Shindig SUN., APRIL 19 F 5–8 P.M. See page 12. $100/person, a portion of which is tax-deductible. For tickets or to learn more about donor options, contact Development Officer Truda Shinker, 614.297.2334 or tshinker@ ohiohistory.org by April 13.

Dr. Kellogg—A Man Ahead of His Time

SAT., APRIL 18 F NOON–12:30 P.M. From Alta Weiss, Ohio’s “Girl Wonder” of baseball, to Larry Doby of the Cleveland Indians, first black player in the American League, Ohio athletes have many firsts under their collective belts. Hear some of their stories on this guided exhibit tour.

Parkitecture— Historic Rustic Park Architecture in Ohio Parks SAT., APRIL 18 F 2–2:30 P.M. Yellowstone’s Old Faithful Inn and Yosemite’s Ahwahnee Hotel are worldfamous examples of rustic architecture, often called “parkitecture.” Ohio has its own rich legacy of parkitecture, most of it built by New Deal organizations such as the Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration. Join Terry Seidel, director of protection for the Nature Conservancy, to learn about these irreplaceable structures, each carefully handcrafted to harmonize with the natural world, and see beautiful examples from Ohio’s national, state and local conservation lands.

STAFF PICK

The Toledo War SUN., APRIL 19 & 26 F NOON–12:30 P.M. Today, Ohio and Michigan are mainly opponents on the college gridiron, though there’s a deeper story of competition between them. Hear about the Toledo War of 1835, the boundary dispute that began a long rivalry.

EXHIBIT TOUR

World War I Display Z SUN., APRIL 19 F 2–2:30 P.M. Tour our open-storage World War I display. You’ll see real helmets, uniforms, gas masks and personal effects collected from Ohio servicemen and women.

1950S—BUILDING THE AMERICAN DREAM

Lustron—The House America’s Been Waiting For SAT., APRIL 25 • NOON–1 P.M. See a documentary about the rise and fall of Columbus’s own Lustron Corporation, which made thousands of steel homes from 1948 to 1950.

Lustron—The House America’s Been Waiting For is a production of WOSU and KND Videoworks Inc. Before or after, explore a real, fully furnished Lustron steel house in the exhibit 1950s— Building the American Dream.

SAT., MAY 2 & 16 PERFORMANCES AT 1 & 3 P.M. In 1876, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, a physician, nutritionist and renowned health activist, took over management of the Battle Creek Sanitarium. It quickly grew in popularity, treating over 700 people at a time by the turn of the 20th century. Learn about Kellogg’s methods and accomplishments as you listen to a patient, portrayed by Joby Easley, recount her experiences at the health resort. Echoes in Time Theatre lasts about 30–45 minutes and includes a post-performance Q&A

All hands on deck!

GIVE TO THE

Ohio History Fund

EXHIBIT TOUR

Civil War Battle Flags SUN., APRIL 26 F 2–2:30 P.M. Visit the exhibit Follow the Flag with a guide to see real Civil War battle flags and learn about our efforts to conserve them.

Get special access to a case where flags not on display are stored.

ON YOUR

State Tax Return.

An easy way to support your community!

Your donation funds local history grants in Ohio.

STAFF PICK

Kent State SAT., MAY 2 & SUN., MAY 3 NOON–12:30 P.M. See items on display that are related to the May 4, 1970, Kent State shootings and explore the stories behind them with a staff guide.

Understanding Kent State SAT., MAY 2 F 2–2:30 P.M. Join archivist Lisa Wood, who’ll share some of the challenges historians have faced in trying to record what happened at Kent State University on May 4, 1970. See written accounts and other documents from the archives that tell the story in participants’ own words and convey differing interpretations of the day’s events.

ohiohistory.org/OHFund

Commodore Oliver Perry featured in Perry’s Victory, painted by William Powell of Cincinnati Credit: Capitol Square Review & Advisory Board and Garth’s Auctioneers & Appraisers, Inc.

SPRING BREAK HOURS

Ohio History Center Museum 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

March is Women’s History Month.

Follow the Star Z to Women’s History Month programs in this issue of Echoes Magazine.

OHIOHIS TORY.ORG

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Pleasures of the Cup— Monocles and Brandy

Lustron—The House America’s Been Waiting For

MARCH 21

APRIL 25

MORE FEATURED EVENTS • • • GENEALOGY WORKSHOP

DNA: A Case Study— A Mystery First Cousin SAT., MARCH 14 F 10:30 A.M.–12:30 P.M. Have you ever wondered how amateur and professional genealogists identify unknown matches from the major DNA-testing companies? Join DNA expert Kelli Bergheimer, who’ll explain the steps to discovering who a person in your autosomal match list is. $20, $15/Ohio History Connection member.

Advance registration recommended.

800.686.1541 or ohiohistory.org/ genealogy

Sat., April 25 • 7–10 p.m.

Bad Medicine We’ll open the vault and share fascinating medical history stories!

Snacks and cash bar Advance registration required ohiohistory.org/afterhours or 800.686.1541

18 Echoes | MARCH & APRIL 2020

HISTORIAN IN TRAINING

Let’s Grow!

AGES 3–6 F WEDS., MARCH 18 & SAT., MARCH 21 F 10–11 A.M. Spring is just around the corner. Learn about Ohio plants through stories and hands-on activities. $5/child, Free/ adult. Advance registration required.

You must participate with your child.

(Don’t worry—we’ll give you things to do!) 800.686.1541 or ohiohistory.org/ littlehistorians OHIO VILLAGE | PLEASURES OF THE CUP

Monocles and Brandy

SAT., MARCH 21 F 7–9:30 P.M. A delicious way to enjoy history with friends, our Pleasures of the Cup events are progressive cocktail parties that pair authentic adult beverages with stories, characters and experiences of days gone by. On March 21, join the Monocles and Brandy Society for drinks and revelry as they recruit new members. Be on the lookout, though, as there’s a criminal in their ranks. Can you solve this 1880s mystery before it’s too late? Must be 21+ to attend. Advance tickets required. $40, $35/Ohio History Connection member. 800.686.1541 or reservations@ ohiohistory.org Thirsty? Purchase tickets for the entire Pleasures of the Cup series! Series tickets include five events: Monocles & Brandy, Sat., March 21; Drinks of the Speakeasy, Sat., May 9; Mad for Martinis, Sat., Aug. 29; Spooky Spirits, Sat., Oct. 3; and Drinks of the 19th Century, Sat., Dec. 5. All events are 7–9:30 p.m.

A limited number of series tickets are available and must be purchased before March 21. Must be 21+. Series tickets are $175, $150/Ohio History Connection member. 800.686.1541 or reservations@ohiohistory.org HISTORIAN IN TRAINING

The Great Outdoors AGES 3–6 F WEDS., APRIL 15 & SAT., APRIL 18 F 10–11 A.M. Learn skills to help you be safe and have fun while camping, going on a hike or enjoying other outdoor activities. $5/ child, Free/adult. Advance registration required. You must participate with your child. 800.686.1541 or ohiohistory.org/ littlehistorians

Native Plants for Residential Landscapes SAT., APRIL 18 F 2–4 P.M. Turn your backyard into a pollinator paradise and a destination for songbirds and other wildlife by adding some “powerhouse” native plants. Add longterm, low-maintenance beauty to your landscape with tough native shrubs, trees, perennials and grasses. We’ll discuss familiar favorites like purple coneflowers and oakleaf hydrangeas, and you’ll meet new treasures like blue vervain, winterberry and the pagoda dogwood. You’ll receive detailed plants lists, general care guidelines and local resources to help you find your new favorite native plants. $25, $20/Ohio History Connection member. Advance registration required. 800.686.1541

*Museum admission through May 22, 2020, includes Ohio History Center and is $13; $11/ages 60+; $7/ages 4–12. Ohio History Connection members and ages 3 & under enjoy free admission.

Ohio History Connection Archival Collections

“““

Votes for Women— 100 Years of Change MARCH 14-JAN. 3

HISTORY AFTER HOURS

Bad Medicine

SAT., APRIL 25 F 7–10 P.M. Explore the Ohio History Center after hours, grab a drink and some snacks and dive into the interesting world of medical history. We’ll explore historic health and wellness fads, take a look at medicines and cure-alls, show shocking medical history and much more in this fun adults-only evening. Cash bar. Must be 21+. Advance tickets required. $25, $20/Ohio History Connection member.

Member tickets go on sale Mon., March 2.

Remaining tickets go on sale Mon., March 9. 800.686.1541

The Kent State Shootings in the Context of the Time SAT., MAY 2 F 6–7 P.M. Hear Dr. David Steigerwald of The Ohio State University place the May 4, 1970, Kent State University shootings in the context of the 1960s and early 1970s. Free with advance registration required due to seating capacity. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with reception after the program.

800.686.1541.

GENEALOGY WORKSHOP

Latinx Genealogy SAT., MAY 9 F 10:30 A.M.–12:30 P.M. Explore how to trace Latinx roots in the United States with Nicole MartinezLeGrand, multicultural collections coordinator for the Indiana Historical Society. Learn the history of Latinx immigration in the early 20th century and how to use online sources—both free and subscription—to discover your ancestors.

Advance registration recommended.

$20, $15/Ohio History Connection member. 800.686.1541, 614.297.2663 or ohiohistory.org/genealogy OHIO VILLAGE | PLEASURES OF THE CUP

Drinks of the Speakeasy SAT., MAY 9 F 7–9:30 P.M. Travel back in time to 1930, to a world of bathtub gin, cool jazz and flappers.

Explore the underground world of Ohio Village with an escort as you learn how Prohibition sent alcohol from bars and taverns to secret watering holes. Must be 21+. Advance tickets required. $40, $35/Ohio History Connection member.

Member tickets go on sale Mon., March 9. Remaining tickets go on sale Mon., March 16. 800.686.1545 or reservations@ohiohistory.org

FEATURED EXHIBITS • • •

Ohio–Champion of Sports Z THROUGH SUN., SEPT. 6 Ohio—Champion of Sports features more than 70 stories and 35 oral histories covering more than 25 sports ranging from baseball, football and basketball to roller derby, skateboarding and e-gaming. The exhibit showcases the Ohio athletes, coaches, owners and fans at the center of the action and explores sports through the themes of Character, Adversity, Innovation, Identity, Tradition and Victory—values that relate to the human condition—to connect a broad audience to Ohio’s national sports history. You can test your basketball skills at the Wall of Hoops, record a “victory dance” to share with family

March is Women’s History Month.

Follow the Star Z to Women’s History Month programs in this issue of Echoes Magazine.

and friends, run an obstacle course and record your own “One Minute Legends” sports story. Follow Ohio’s great sports stories on our blog at ohiohistory.org/ champion.

RELATED PROGRAMS: See bold headings on pages 15–17.

800.686.6124 or ohiohistory.org/ Sports

Suffrage Centennial

Votes for Women— 100 Years of Change Z SAT., MARCH 14–SUN., JAN. 3 Votes for Women commemorates the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. Through the voices of Ohio women, explore women’s activism in the suffrage movement and other related social movements—such as voting and citizenship—from the 19th century to the present. Featured are a suffrage parade blouse, jacket and sashes worn in the 1910s by Mary Stuart Andrews of Warren, who worked for the Ohio Woman Suffrage Association, and a suffrage parade banner made in 1910 by Columbus Sign Co. See page 7.

RELATED PROGRAMS: 100 Years of Ohio Women’s Activism—See Sat., March 14.

If you really love an Ohio History Connection site near your home, consider becoming a volunteer!

Visit ohiohistory.org/volunteer to get started.

OHIOHIS TORY.ORG

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Ohio History Center Hours Museum WEDS.–SUN. 10 A.M.–5 P.M. CLOSED MON.–TUES. CLOSED EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 12 The Ohio History Center will close at 4 p.m. on Sat., April 25, to prepare for History After Hours.

Third Floor Research Room WEDS.–SAT. 10 A.M.–5 P.M. CLOSED SUN.–TUES.

Plaza Cafe MON.–SUN. 11 A.M.–2 P.M.

Ohio History Center COLUMBUS

1950s—Building the American Dream ONGOING Get a look at life in the 1950s. Peek in the closets and snoop in the drawers of a real, fully furnished Lustron steel house made right here in Ohio. From the contents of the cupboards to the news on TV and the toys in the yard, this hands-on exhibit is a fascinating journey back in time. RELATED PROGRAMS: Lustron: The House America’s Been Waiting For—See Sat., April 25.

Save the Date!

Our annual Member Celebration is Sat., May 23.

Ohio Village opens for the summer and there'll be music in the air. Watch for details by mail and in your May & June issue of Echoes Magazine.

World War I Display ONGOING See equipment, weapons, uniforms and memorabilia commemorating the centennial of World War I. RELATED PROGRAMS: German Mauser—See Sun., March 22. Exhibit Tour, World War I Display—See Sun., April 19.

The Plaza Cafe is open 11 a.m.– 2 p.m. seven days a week and serves soups, salads, sandwiches, a variety of sides and desserts, coffee and Pepsi products. Ohio History Connection members save 10% at the Plaza Cafe.

NOW OPEN

Creative Ohio—Artists, Artwork & Their Inspiration ONGOING Through pieces from Ohio History Connection collections, explore the artwork, inspiration and creative processes of four Ohio artists—PaulHenri Bourguignon (1906–1988), Emerson Burkhart (1905–1969), William Hawkins (1895–1990) and Josephine Klippart (1848–1936)—and create your own artistic masterpiece!

Open 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Seven days a week SERVING:

• Soups • Salads • Sandwiches • Sides

• Desserts • Coffee • Pepsi products

Ohio History Connection

MEMBERS SAVE 10% at the Plaza Cafe!

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*Museum admission through May 22, 2020, includes Ohio History Center and is $13; $11/ages 60+; $7/ages 4–12. Ohio History Connection members and ages 3 & under enjoy free admission.

F E AT U R E D O H I O H I S T O R Y C O N N E C T I O N

Events & Exhibits STATEWIDE

Call for History Day Judges & Volunteers SATURDAYS IN MARCH & APRIL 9 A.M.–5 P.M. MARCH 7: Cleveland, Fremont, Piqua & Rio Grande. MARCH 14: Bowling Green, Canton & Zanesville. MARCH 21: Cincinnati. APRIL 4: Youngstown.

Volunteer as a judge for fourth- through 12th-grade history projects at one of our 10 regional Ohio History Day competitions or the April 25 state contest in Delaware, Ohio. Learn more and register at ohiohistoryday.org— click on “Get Involved.” 800.686.6124, 614.297.2526 or ohiohistoryday.org.

Regional History Day Contests SAT., MARCH 7, 14 & 21 & APRIL 4 F 9 A.M.–5 P.M. See fourth- through 12th-graders present their history projects, competing for a chance to move on to our April 25 statewide History Day competition.

MARCH 7: Cleveland, Fremont, Piqua & Rio Grande. MARCH 14: Bowling Green, Canton & Zanesville. MARCH 21: Cincinnati. APRIL 4: Youngstown. Get details at 800.686.6124, 614.297.2526 or ohiohistoryday.org

Ohio Local History Alliance Regional Meetings SAT., MARCH 7, 14, 21, 28 & APRIL 4 F 9 A.M.–4 P.M. Active in local history? Register now for the Ohio Local History Alliance Regional Meeting in your vicinity. These annual gatherings of local historians and others active in local historical societies, museums and related organizations start Sat., March 7. This year’s theme is History is Happening Now. Each meeting includes a session related to the theme, plus additional skill-building sessions; reports from the Ohio Local History Alliance and the Ohio History Connection; an opportunity to share

what your organization is doing; and a tour of a nearby museum or site.

Advance registration required. MARCH 7: Southwest (Region 8) in Loveland & Southeast (Region 10) in Coshocton.

MARCH 14: West Central (Region 7) in Wapakoneta & Southeast (Region 9) in Logan. Register by March 6. MARCH 21: East (Region 5) in Steubenville & Central (Region 6) in Columbus. Register by March 13. MARCH 28: North Central (Region 2) in Mount Gilead & Northeast (Region 4) in Sebring. Register by March 20. APRIL 4: West Central (Region 1) in Defiance & Northeast (Region 3) in Westlake. Register by March 27. Get full details and register at 614.297.2538 or ohiolha.org

Ohio History Day State Contest SAT., APRIL 25 F 9 A.M.–5 P.M. Ohio Wesleyan University, Gordon Field House, 105 S. Sandusky St., Delaware See regional Ohio History Day contest winners compete in the state finals for a chance to move on to National History Day at the University of Maryland, College Park, in June. 800.686.6124 or 614.297.2526 or ohiohistoryday.org Special thanks to Champion Sponsor CollegeAdvantage, Ohio’s 529 Savings Plan FEATURED EXHIBITS • • •

Suffrage Centennial

Ohio Women Vote— 100 Years of Change Z TRAVELING TO COMMUNITIES STATEWIDE This traveling exhibit produced by the Ohio History Connection commemorates the centennial of the 19th Amendment. Twelve banners share the story of women’s activism in the suffrage movement and how that intersected with other social movements such as abolition and temperance. See Featured Exhibits listings below for upcoming dates in your region.

March is Women’s History Month.

Follow the Star Z to Women’s History Month programs in this issue of Echoes Magazine.

CENTRAL OHIO

CENTRAL OHIO

Octagon Earthworks Open House SUN., APRIL 5 & MON., APRIL 6 7 A.M.–8 P.M. F SITE OPEN DAYLIGHT TO DUSK F GUIDED TOURS AND PROGRAMS NOON–4 P.M. Newark Earthworks, Newark 4 A National Historic Landmark and Ohio’s official prehistoric monument, Octagon Earthworks is one of several ancient Hopewell ceremonial earthworks in Ohio soon to be considered for designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During two days of special programming, take a 45-minute guided walking tour of the Octagon, try ancient technologies, see Hopewell artifacts and discover other earthworks nearby. Free. 740.344.0498

Retracing Ancient Pathways SAT., APRIL 18 • 8:30 A.M.–4 P.M. Meet at 101 Union St., Newark 4 Join a 7.5-mile hike retracing the four-squaremile Newark Earthworks. This guided walk goes beyond the best-preserved Great Circle and Octagon to explore remnants of the Square and Ellipse shapes and other fragments of the Newark Earthworks in today’s urban environment. BYO lunch.

Free with advance registration required

by April 16. 740.344.0498 or ohiohistory. org/newark-earthworks FEATURED EXHIBITS • • •

Ohio Diaspora—Art from the Collection of the National AfroAmerican Museum & Cultural Center and Ohio Artists THROUGH SAT., APRIL 11 Riffe Gallery, 77 S. High St., Columbus See page 12.

NORTHEAST OHIO

NORTHEAST OHIO

Region 3 History Day Contest SAT., MARCH 7 F 9 A.M.–5 P.M. Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland 4 Papers, Documentaries & Websites Deadline: March 2

OHIOHIS TORY.ORG

21

Counties: Cuyahoga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Summit. 800.686.6124, 216.721.5722 ext. 1503 or ohiohistoryday.org ZOAR SPEAKER SERIES

Separatists, Moravians, Anabaptists & Quakers SAT., MARCH 7 F 11 A.M.–NOON School House, Zoar Village, Zoar Hear experienced volunteer docent and tour guide Craig Stambaugh compare religious beliefs and practices of Zoar’s Separatists with those of three other sects. Free. 800.262.6195 or historiczoarvillage.com

Trivia Night MON., MARCH 9 & APRIL 13 F 6:30 P.M. Museum of Ceramics, East Liverpool Teams of one to four players compete for half the night’s take in a general trivia contest on the second Monday of every month. $10. BYO beverage.

Snacks provided. 330.386.6001 or themuseumofceramics.com/trivia

Region 5 History Day Contest SAT., MARCH 14 F 9 A.M.–5 P.M. McKinley Museum & Presidential Library, Canton 4 Papers, Documentaries & Websites Deadline: March 7 Counties: Carroll, Columbiana, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Stark, Tuscarawas, Wayne. 800.686.6124, 330.455.7043 or ohiohistoryday.org FORT LAURENS SPEAKER SERIES

John Heckewelder & Post’s Cabin SAT., MARCH 21 F 11 A.M. Fort Laurens, near Bolivar 4 Hear Tuscarawas County Historical Society Curator Kim Jurkovic discuss 18th-century Moravian missionary to the Ohio country John Heckewelder (1743–1823) and Post’s Cabin, where he lived. Free. 800.262.6195 or fortlaurens.org

Museum March SAT., MARCH 28 F 6–8 P.M. Museum of Ceramics, East Liverpool This gallery-crawl-style event includes admission to the historic Sturgis House, C. C. Thompson House, Lou Holtz Upper Ohio Valley Hall of Fame, St. Aloysius Catholic Church and Museum of Ceramics. A shuttle bus will transport you to the sites, where hosts will welcome you and answer questions. The evening ends with refreshments at the

22 Echoes | MARCH & APRIL 2020

Museum of Ceramics. $20. Advance tickets required. 800.600.7180 or themuseumofceramics.com

Lepper on The First Ohioans and Climate Change. Free. 800.262.6195 or fortlaurens.org

Tallmadge Church Open House

Earth Day School Day

SUN., MARCH 29 2–4 P.M. Tallmadge Church, Tallmadge Step inside the 1825 Tallmadge Church, a Federal-style architectural landmark and reminder of northeast Ohio’s New England heritage, and the nearby Old Town Hall and Museum (1859)—both on Tallmadge Circle and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Free. 990.283.5993 or ohiohistory.org/ tallmadge

FRI., APRIL 24 F 9 A.M.–2 P.M. Zoar Village, Zoar 4 Zoar’s Spring Homeschool Day takes an Earth Day theme.

Students can learn about historic methods of recycling, reusing and upcycling. We will also look at the history of water energy, extinction, electricity and climate change through hands-on activities. Tours of the village will also be available. $7 per student. One adult per group admitted free. Additional adults $7 each. Advance registration required. 800.262.6195 or historiczoarvillage.com

F

Region 4 History Day Contest SAT., APRIL 4 F 9 A.M.–5 P.M. Youngstown State University Registration Deadline: March 13 Papers, Documentaries & Websites Deadline: March 20 Counties: Ashtabula, Geauga, Mahoning, Portage, Trumbull. 800.686.6124, 330.941.1601 or ohiohistoryday.org ZOAR SPEAKER SERIES

The Zoar Wetland Arboretum SAT., APRIL 4 F 11 A.M.–NOON School House, Zoar Village, Zoar 800.262.6195 or historiczoarvillage.com

Brezelfest (Pretzel Day) FRI., APRIL 10 F 11 A.M.–4 P.M. Zoar Village, Zoar 4 Zoar’s Separatists made pretzels on Good Friday as a religious tradition. Join us for a fun and flavor-filled day that includes a noon demonstration by a Zoar descendant on making original-style Zoar pretzels, plus kids’ activities and museum tours. $10, $5/youth, Free/age 5 & under.

800.262.6195 or historiczoarvillage.com

Books, Printing & Paper FRI., APRIL 10 F NOON Museum of Ceramics, East Liverpool Hear local artist, author and historian Craig Wetzel talk about paper and printing from the 18th through 20th centuries, and explain why a wasp, rags and a cow were so important. Free. 800.600.7180 or themuseumofceramics.com FORT LAURENS SPEAKER SERIES

The First Ohioans & Climate Change SAT., APRIL 18 F 11 A.M. Fort Laurens, near Bolivar 4 Hear Ohio History Connection archaeologist Brad

History Trail SAT., MAY 2 F 1–4 P.M. Zoar Village, Zoar 4 Walk or bike along the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail and encounter figures from local history, including Separatists, “Canawlers,” 18thcentury mercenary Henry Bouquet, Revolutionary War soldiers, railroad engineers and levee engineers. This can be a three-mile hike if you opt to go the whole distance. Advance registration required by April 24. $10. 800.262.6195 or historiczoarvillage.com

Revolutionary War School Day FRI., MAY 15 F 9 A.M.–2 P.M. Fort Laurens, Bolivar 4 Open to all public, private and homeschool students, this event in partnership with the Brigade of the American Revolution focuses on Revolutionary War history with handson curriculum-based activities. Stations include Artillery, Field Music, Spy Decoding, The Printing Process and Food for the Common Soldier. Admission $5 per student. One adult per group admitted free. Additional adults $7 each.

Advance registration required by April 24.

800.262.6195 or fortlaurens.org TALK

Stories I Couldn’t Put in Print FRI., MAY 8 F NOON Museum of Ceramics, East Liverpool Hear local columnist Fred Miller share the stories that weren’t “fit to print” in his recently published collection of stories, Worshrag, Shark & Seed.

Free. 800.600.7180 or themuseumofceramics.com

Obama’s Victory by Tracy Ameen Photo by Talitha Sydnei’a, National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center

“““ “““

Retracing Ancient Pathways

Ohio Diaspora

NEWARK, APRIL 18

RIFFE GALLERY, COLUMBUS, THROUGH APRIL 11

Maifest SAT., MAY 9 F 10 A.M.–5 P.M. Zoar Village, Zoar 4 Celebrate spring with a traditional German festival featuring beers, brats and bands, games and make-and-take art projects for kids, a carriage parade, German car show (10:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.; register starting at 10 a.m.), plein air artists, free museum tours and a Maypole. $5, Free/age 12 & under.

800.262.6195 or historiczoarvillage.com ZOAR SPEAKER SERIES

Horses in History SAT., MAY 9 F 11 A.M. School House, Zoar Village, Zoar Hear veterinarian, equestrian and Civil War reenactor Holly Ray discuss Horses in History. Free. 800.262.6195 or historiczoarvillage.com FEATURED EXHIBITS • • •

Suffrage Centennial

Ohio Women Vote— 100 Years of Change Z THROUGH MARCH 9 Historic Fort Steuben, Steubenville 740.283.1787.

MARCH 1–APRIL 4 Stark County Law Library, Canton 330.451.7380.

MAY 1–AUG. 31 Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum, Roscoe Village, Coshocton 740.622.8710.

See page 7.

A Celebration & History of the African American Vote— Exclusion & Inclusion THROUGH SUN., MAY 31 F WEDS.–FRI. 11 A.M.–5 P.M., SUN. 2–5 P.M. Shaker Historical Museum, Shaker Heights 4 See a new exhibit exploring the impact of influential African Americans in local politics and Martin Luther King Jr.’s visit to Shaker Heights to promote the election of Carl B. Stokes. $5, Free/ Ohio History Connection member.

800.860.6078 or shakerhistoricalsociety.org NORTHWEST OHIO

NORTHWEST OHIO

Region 2 History Day Contest SAT., MARCH 7 F 9 A.M.–5 P.M. Terra State Community College, Fremont Counties: Ashland, Crawford, Erie, Huron, Marion, Morrow, Ottawa, Richland, Sandusky, Seneca, Wyandot. 800.686.6124, 419.332.2081 ext. 246 or ohiohistoryday.org

Region 7 History Day Contest SAT., MARCH 7 F 9 A.M.–5 P.M. Piqua Junior High School, Piqua Counties: Auglaize, Champaign, Clark, Darke, Greene, Logan, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, Shelby. 800.686.6124, 800.752.2619, 937.773.2522 or ohiohistoryday.org

Region 1 History Day Contest SAT., MARCH 14 F 9 A.M.–5 P.M. Bowling Green State University Papers, Documentaries & Websites

March is Women’s History Month.

Follow the Star Z to Women’s History Month programs in this issue of Echoes Magazine.

Deadline: March 1 Counties: Allen, Defiance, Fulton, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Lucas, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert, Williams, Wood. 800.686.6124, 419.372.7916 or ohiohistoryday.org

Mammals SAT., MARCH 14 F 10 A.M. Cedar Bog Nature Preserve, near Urbana Discover the mammals of Cedar Bog. $10, Free/Ohio History Connection member.

800.860.0147 or cedarbognp.org

Tea & Historic Craft SUN., MARCH 15 F 2–4 P.M. Fort Meigs Museum & Visitor Center, Perrysburg 4 Enjoy a cup of tea and learn a new craft inspired by skills of yesteryear.

Included with museum admission: $5, $4/senior, $3/child, Free/Ohio History Connection member or age 5 & under.

800.283.8916 or fortmeigs.org

Suffrage Centennial

“Finding Her Voice” Book Club Z WEDS., MARCH 18 F NOON–2 P.M. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Fremont 4 Read and discuss books about women’s history at this free book club.

MARCH 18: The Hello Girls by Elizabeth Cobbs, the story of the first official U.S. Army female officers, who worked for the Signal Corps in France during World War I. Free. 800.998.7737 or rbhayes.org Finding Her Voice is made possible in part

by Ohio Humanities, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

OHIOHIS TORY.ORG

23

Presidential History Book Club WEDS., MARCH 25 F NOON–1 P.M. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Fremont 4 Read biographies of U.S. presidents and enjoy lunch-hour discussions at this free book club. Bring your lunch if you like. MARCH 25: Truman

by David McCullough. Free. 800.998.7737 or rbhayes.org GENEALOGY WORKSHOP

Beginning Genealogy SAT., MARCH 28 F 9:30–11 A.M. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Fremont 4 Learn how to get started on tracing your family history. Librarians John Ransom and Pat Breno will highlight resources that are available at Hayes Presidential Library. $10. Advance registration required. 800.998.7737 or rbhayes.org RETRO ROUNDTABLE

Telling Stories Through Artifacts SAT., APRIL 4 F 9:30–11 A.M.

Telling Stories Through Photos SAT., APRIL 11 F 9:30–11 A.M. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Fremont 4 APRIL 4: Bring a family heirloom, item of clothing or letter and share its story with the group. Each participant will have 10 minutes.

APRIL 11: Hayes Head of Photographic Resources Gil Gonzalez will discuss five images from the museum’s collections.

You’re invited to bring your own historic photos and share stories behind them, too. Each participant will have 10 minutes.

Observers are welcome to attend both sessions and hear the fascinating stories behind these items. To present, you must preregister: 800.998.7737 or rbhayes.org

Birds SAT., APRIL 11 F 10 A.M. Cedar Bog Nature Preserve, near Urbana Migratory birds pass through Cedar Bog throughout the spring. A naturalist will share information as you discover these colorful spring migrants. $10, Free/Ohio History Connection member.

800.860.0147 or cedarbognp.org WORKSHOP

Beginning Tinsmithing SAT., APRIL 11 F 10 A.M.–3 P.M. Fort Meigs, Perrysburg 4 Get an introduction to 18th- and early-19th-

24 Echoes | MARCH & APRIL 2020

century tinsmithing, covering use of hand tools, stakes and forms, development and layout of patterns and several construction techniques. Work will involve soldering irons and thin, sometimes sharp, pieces of tinplate. There is risk of burns and cuts.

Wear full-length pants and closed-toe shoes. $60, $55/Ohio History Connection member. All materials included. Advance registration required. 800.283.8916 or fortmeigs.org

Hayes Easter Egg Roll SAT., APRIL 11 F 2–3:30 P.M. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Fremont 4 Kids ages 3–10 are invited to participate in a variety of egg games replicating the famous White House Easter Egg Roll that President Hayes started in 1878. Prizes are awarded in six age categories, and each child receives a balloon and treats. Admission is three hard-boiled colored eggs for use in the egg games. Enjoy face painting, cornhole, crafts and visits with the Easter Bunny. Event moves indoors if weather is inclement. 800.998.7737 or rbhayes.org

An Evening with Gen. William Henry Harrison THURS., APRIL 16 F 7:30 P.M. Fort Piqua Plaza Ballroom, 308 N. Main St., Piqua 4 Join character actor and scholar Frank Butwin as he brings the story of military and political giant William Henry Harrison to life. $30, $25/Ohio History Connection member. Advance registration required by April 13. Proceeds benefit Johnston Farm & Indian Agency.

800.752.2619 or 937.773.2522

Fort Meigs After Dark FRI., APRIL 24 & MAY 8 F 8–10:30 P.M. Fort Meigs, Perrysburg 4 Led by War of 1812 guides, tour the fort after dark by lantern light. Witness a nighttime musket demonstration and experience the battlefield as soldiers did in 1812–1813.

Advance registration and payment required. $12, $10/senior, $7/child.

800.283.8916 or fortmeigs.org

Hearthside Cooking Class SAT., APRIL 25 F 9 A.M.–NOON Fort Meigs, Perrysburg 4 Experience life in an 1812 kitchen. Learn to cook on an open hearth using period kitchen tools.

Annette Bristol, a volunteer with over 20 years of open-hearth experience, teaches this class for 12 registrants. Get handson experience in creating a dish from

scratch, then sit down to a meal at the end of class. Enjoy the fruits of your labor and take home a cookbook of recipes used in class. $50, $45/Ohio History Connection member. Advance registration required.

800.283.8916 or fortmeigs.org/hearthside

Earth Day Walks SAT., APRIL 25 F 10 A.M. Cedar Bog Nature Preserve, near Urbana Naturalists will guide you along the boardwalk as you experience this one-ofa-kind natural site and learn how it fits into Earth’s mosaic. Free. 800.860.0147 or cedarbognp.org

RootsMagic Workshop SUN., MAY 3 F 1–4 P.M. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Fremont 4 Learn how to get the most out of RootsMagic Genealogy & Family History Software from the man who wrote it. RootsMagic Founder and President Bruce Buzbee will offer an overview and demonstration of RootsMagic software and help you with your genealogy questions. Free with advance registration.

800.998.7737 or rbhayes.org

Kids Days at Hayes SAT., MAY 9 F TIME TBA Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Fremont 4 Kids can enjoy a Victorian tea party. Advance registration required.

800.998.7737 or rbhayes.org FEATURED EXHIBITS • • •

Suffrage Centennial

Women of Spiegel Grove Z THROUGH SUN., MARCH 29 F MON.– SAT. 9 A.M.–5 P.M. & SUN. NOON–5 P.M. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Fremont 4 See a special exhibit about the many women who played important roles at Spiegel Grove, estate of 19th president Rutherford B. Hayes and first lady Lucy Webb Hayes. Also shared is the national story of women in America, from the suffrage movement, to the pursuit of social and workplace equality, to the #MeToo movement. This exhibit is part of Finding Her Voice, a program honoring the centennial of the 19th Amendment.

Included with regular admission: $20/ site pass (Hayes Home + Museum), $13/ Museum-only, $5/ages 6–12, Free/Ohio History Connection member or age 5 & under. 800.998.7737 or rbhayes.org Finding Her Voice is made possible in part

by Ohio Humanities, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

EAST LIVERPOOL, MARCH 28

Suffrage Centennial

Ohio Women Vote— 100 Years of Change Z

Courtesy Rod Berry Photography

Museum March

C. C. Thompson House, East Liverpool, courtesy Wikimedia Commons

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“““

Revolutionary War School Day FORT LAURENS, NEAR BOLIVAR, MAY 15

Museum-only, $5/ages 6–12, Free/Ohio History Connection member or age 5 & under. 800.998.7737 or rbhayes.org

THROUGH MARCH 30 Various Toledo locations hosted by the League of Women Voters of ToledoLucas County 4 419.475.4371.

SOUTHEAST OHIO SOUTHEAST OHIO

APRIL 3–MAY 31 Auglaize County Historical Society, Wapakoneta 4 419.738.9328.

A Dance with Death— A 1950s Sock Hop Gone Sour

See page 7.

Ohio—An Unnatural History THROUGH SAT., OCT. 31 Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Fremont 4 Explore legendary creatures and spooky tales from across Ohio and get a look at the role of folklore in our culture. Included with regular admission: $20/site pass (Hayes Home + Museum), $13/Museum-only, $5/ages 6–12, Free/ Ohio History Connection member or age 5 & under. 800.998.7737 or rbhayes.org

The Press and The Presidency FRI., MAY 1–SUN., FEB. 28, 2021 Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Fremont 4 Since George Washington, presidents have had to respond to negative press and use media to their advantage. Explore how the press and presidency have coexisted throughout American history in this special exhibit, included with regular admission: $20/ site pass (Hayes Home + Museum), $13/

MYSTERY DINNER THEATRE

SAT., MARCH 7 F DOORS OPEN 5:30 P.M. SHOW 6–8 P.M. Campus Martius Museum, Marietta This 1950s prom is a doo-wop disaster!

When a death on the dance floor makes this prom night a party foul, it’s up to you to figure out whodunit and get this dance back on track. $60/person. Ticket includes dinner, dessert, drinks and show. Advance registration required.

800.860.0145 or mariettamuseums.org/ events/mystery-dinner-theatre

Region 10 History Day Contest SAT., MARCH 14 F 9 A.M.–5 P.M. Ohio University Zanesville 4 Papers, Documentaries & Websites Deadline: March 6. Counties: Belmont, Coshocton, Guernsey, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Washington. 800.686.6124, 740.453.0391 or ohiohistoryday.org

March is Women’s History Month.

Follow the Star Z to Women’s History Month programs in this issue of Echoes Magazine.

Fiber Artisans Fair SAT., MARCH 14 F 9:30 A.M.–4 P.M. Campus Martius Museum, Marietta Spend the day with experts and hobbyists in the fiber arts field. Have your questions answered about weaving, knitting, quilting and more. Many artisans will offer items for sale. $7, $4/student. 800.860.0145 or mariettamuseums.org BROWN BAGGIN’ THROUGH HISTORY

The Talking Machine Works FRI., APRIL 3 F NOON–1 P.M. Campus Martius Museum, Marietta Greg Brown, a member of the Antique Phonograph Society, represents a passionate group of people whose interest is in preserving antique phonographs, gramophones and records. Join us to learn more about his passion for preserving the history of pre-digital recordings. Free.

800.860.0145 or mariettamuseums.org

Buckeye Furnace Spring Festival SAT., MAY 9 F 10 A.M.–4 P.M. Buckeye Furnace, near Jackson Visit the picturesque rural site where this early Ohio ironmaking furnace stands and enjoy a celebration of spring with vendors, food, music, demonstrations and more. Kids can make a free craft for Mother’s Day. Free. 740.384.3537 or buckeyefurnacefriends.com

OHIOHIS TORY.ORG

25

Harriet Beecher Stowe House

Dave Dyer, Ohio History Connection

“““

The Seven Squirrels & Seven Woodpeckers of Ohio FORT ANCIENT EARTHWORKS & NATURE PRESERVE, NEAR OREGONIA & LEBANON, APRIL 4

FEATURED EXHIBITS • • •

Suffrage Centennial

Ohio Women Vote— 100 Years of Change Z MARCH 16–APRIL 4 Southeast Ohio History Center, Athens 4 740.592.2280 APRIL 5–26 Ohio University Alden Library, Athens 4 740.593.2699.

See page 7.

Celebrating The Pioneers THROUGH SUN., NOV. 1 MON.–SAT. 9:30 A.M.–5 P.M., SUN. NOON–5 P.M. Campus Martius Museum, Marietta See the museum’s newest exhibit, based on the new book The Pioneers by David McCullough. The Ordinance of 1787 opened a vast wilderness west of the Ohio River for settlement, spurring “Ohio fever.” Members of the Ohio Company of Associates, a real estate company formed in Massachusetts in 1786, led the way. Get a look at the lives and personalities of some of the people mentioned in the book, and see personal objects associated with them. Included with museum admission: $7, $4/ages 6–college with ID, Free/Ohio History Connection member or ages 5 & under.

800.860.0145 or mariettamuseums.org

26 Echoes | MARCH & APRIL 2020

Cincinnati Suffrage Walking Tour APRIL 18

SOUTHWEST OHIO

SOUTHWEST OHIO YEAR OF THE WOMAN

Sisters in Solidarity? Z

WEDS., MARCH 4 HOUSE OPENS FOR TOURS AT 6 P.M. DISCUSSION 7–8:30 P.M. Harriet Beecher Stowe House, Cincinnati Why wasn’t Harriet Beecher Stowe more supportive of another Harriet (Jacobs) when the latter sought help publishing a narrative of her enslaved years? We’ll consider the relationship between Uncle Tom’s Cabin and Jacobs’s Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl. Find suggested readings at stowehousecincy.org, under Join the Discussion—Year of the Woman Discussion Series. Led by Xavier University Professor Emeritus John Getz, Ph.D. Suggested donation $5. 800.847.6507 or stowehousecincy.org

Suffrage Centennial

Women’s Suffrage— Myth and Reality Z SUN., MARCH 8 F 4–5:30 P.M. Harriet Beecher Stowe House, Cincinnati Dr. Hilda Smith of the University of Cincinnati will connect the Ohio History Connection traveling exhibit Ohio Women Vote—100 Years of Change to the broader story of national and global women’s suffrage. $7. 800.847.6507 or stowehousecincy.org

Region 8 History Day Contest SAT., MARCH 21 F 9 A.M.–5 P.M. University of Cincinnati 4 Registration Deadline: March 2 Papers, Documentaries & Websites Deadline: March 9 Counties: Adams, Brown, Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton, Highland, Warren. 800.686.6124, 513.763.2316 or ohiohistoryday.org YEAR OF THE WOMAN

Harriet Beecher Stowe & Two Contemporary Women Reformers Z WEDS., APRIL 1 HOUSE OPENS FOR TOURS AT 6 P.M. DISCUSSION 7–8:30 P.M. Harriet Beecher Stowe House, Cincinnati We’ll look at Harriet’s personal and literary connections with two women she knew who also used writing to encourage causes they believed in: Julia Ward Howe and Rebecca Harding Davis. Find suggested readings at stowehousecincy. org, under Join the Discussion—Year of the Woman Discussion Series. Led

by Xavier University Professor Emeritus John Getz, Ph.D. Suggested donation $5.

800.847.6507 or stowehousecincy.org

The Seven Squirrels & Seven Woodpeckers of Ohio SAT., APRIL 4 F 10:30 A.M.–NOON Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve, near Oregonia and Lebanon Can you name the seven species of squirrels that live in Ohio? How about the seven species of woodpeckers? Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Dave Woehr

will describe them all in this PowerPoint presentation. Learn about their habitats and diets, and the best places for sighting them. $7, $6/ages 6–17 or 60+, Free/ Ohio History Connection member or age 5 & under. Advance registration recommended. 800.283.8904 or fortancient.org

Adena Pottery Construction SAT., APRIL 11 F 10:30 A.M.–12:30 P.M. Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve, near Oregonia & Lebanon Artist Pam Hall will teach you the coil method of construction that American Indians of the ancient Adena culture used 3,000 years ago. Smoothing out surfaces by shell and stone, make a finished pot from self-hardening clay. $10 material fee + site admission: $7, $6/ages 6–17 or 60+, Free/Ohio History Connection member or age 5 & under. Advance registration recommended. 800.283.8904 or fortancient.org

Suffrage Centennial

Cincinnati Suffrage Walking Tour Z SAT., APRIL 18 F 1 P.M. Harriet Beecher Stowe House, Cincinnati Cincinnati was home to some of the nation’s earliest and most progressive leaders of the women’s movement. Many began as abolitionists and temperance reformers. Learn how local families like the Beechers, Blackwells and Tafts contributed to the national suffrage movement and helped change the roles of women in modern society.

About 1.5 hours including several stops to discuss places related to suffrage history. $7. Advance registration required.

800.847.6507 or stowehousecincy.org

Wildflower Discovery Tour SAT., APRIL 25 F 10:30 A.M.–12:30 P.M. Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve, near Oregonia & Lebanon Learn about early spring flowers and plants on this hike through the woods and prairie with Rick Hoffman and other Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalists. $7, $6/ages 6–17 or 60+, Free/Ohio History Connection member or age 5 & under.

Advance registration recommended.

800.283.8904 or fortancient.org SEMI-COLON BOOK CLUB

From Eve to Evolution Z SAT., APRIL 25 F NOON–2 P.M. Harriet Beecher Stowe House, Cincinnati Join us for a discussion of the book From

Eve to Evolution: Darwin, Science and Women’s Rights in Gilded Age America by Kimberly A. Hamlin. Suggested donation $5. 800.847.6507 or stowehousecincy.org

Suffrage Centennial YEAR OF THE WOMAN

Cincinnati Literary Sisters Z WEDS., MAY 6 HOUSE OPENS FOR TOURS AT 6 P.M. DISCUSSION 7–8:30 P.M. Harriet Beecher Stowe House, Cincinnati Sisters Alice and Phoebe Cary grew up in Cincinnati while Harriet Beecher Stowe lived there. All devoted their lives to literature and social reform, including abolition and women’s rights.

We’ll explore their literary and political similarities and differences. Find suggested readings at stowehousecincy.org, under Join the Discussion—Year of the Woman Discussion Series. Led by Xavier University Professor Emeritus John Getz, Ph.D. Suggested donation $5. 800.847.6507 or stowehousecincy.org

Walk the Grounds with an Archaeologist SAT., MAY 9 F 1–3:30 P.M. Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve, near Oregonia & Lebanon Get an in-depth look at the history of Fort Ancient on this two-mile walk with archaeologist Jack Blosser. Fort Ancient, a 2,000-year-old American Indian earthwork on a site high above the nearby Little Miami River, is one of several ancient Hopewell ceremonial earthworks in Ohio soon to be considered for designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. $20, $10/student. Advance registration recommended. 800.283.8904 or fortancient.org FEATURED EXHIBITS • • •

Suffrage Centennial

Ohio Women Vote— 100 Years of Change Z

MARCH 4–22 & APRIL 16–MAY 31 Harriet Beecher Stowe House, Cincinnati 4 800.847.6507

Taft Research Center, Cincinnati 4 513.556.0000 MARCH 25–APRIL 11 University of Cincinnati Langsam Library, Cincinnati 4 513.556.1424.

See page 7.

March is Women’s History Month.

Follow the Star Z to Women’s History Month programs in this issue of Echoes Magazine.

Suffrage Centennial

Queens of the Heartland Z SAT., APRIL 11–SAT., FEB. 27, 2021 WEDS.–SAT. 9 A.M.–4 P.M. National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center, Wilberforce See page 32. Included with museum admission: $6, $5/senior, $3/ages 6–17, Free/Ohio History Connection member or ages 5 & under. 800.752.2603 or ohiohistory.org/naamcc

African Americans Fighting for a Double Victory ONGOING F WEDS.–SAT. F 9 A.M.–4 P.M. National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center, Wilberforce Explore the many ways African Americans served our country during World War II, and get a look at the impact black veterans had on postwar advances in civil rights. Included with museum admission: $6, $5/senior, $3/ages 6–17, Free/Ohio History Connection member or ages 5 & under. 800.752.2603 or ohiohistory.org/naamcc

Behind the Mask— Black Power in Comics ONGOING F WEDS.–SAT. 9 A.M.–4 P.M. National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center, Wilberforce Interest in black comic book characters is exploding, thanks to the hugely successful Marvel film Black Panther. In this exhibit, explore the painful and triumphant history of African Americans in comic books.

Included with museum admission: $6, $5/ senior, $3/ages 6–17, Free/Ohio History Connection member or ages 5 & under.

800.752.2603 or ohiohistory.org/naamcc WHAT’S IN YOUR ATTIC?

Selections from the Permanent Collection ONGOING F WEDS.–SAT. 9 A.M.–4 P.M. National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center, Wilberforce Opened in 1988, the Ohio History Connection’s National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center pioneered in preserving and presenting African American history and culture. See milestones of museum history and get a look at some of the fascinating history, art and pop culture items in our collection.

Included with museum admission: $6, $5/ senior, $3/ages 6–17, Free/Ohio History Connection member or ages 5 & under.

800.752.2603 or ohiohistory.org/naamcc

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The Fourth of July 28 Echoes | MARCH & APRIL 2020

Bernadine Stetzel

OHIO’S OWN GRANDMA MOSES

BY JERRI DONOHUE

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oviegoers dressed to the nines mill about a theatre showing Casablanca; men, women and children cluster around the neighborhood’s sole radio; a small army of women and girls make apple butter outdoors on an autumn afternoon.

Bernadine Stetzel peopled her paintings with these and other denizens of 1930s and 1940s small-town America.

“I’m almost in a trance,” Stetzel said in a 2014 interview. “My subject comes alive in my mind, and I can remember it just as vividly as if it was happening [now].”

Auctioneer John Whalen discovered Stetzel’s art in 2011 when she invited him to her home to appraise antique furniture. Smitten with her work, Whalen contacted Dorinda Shelley, a gallery owner in Grand Rapids, Ohio. Shelley promptly arranged a show of Stetzel’s acrylic paintings.

“They remind many of us of our own childhood pleasures, such as ice skating, making Valentines, waving Fourth of July sparklers and baking cookies,” Shelley says. “Looking at her paintings cheers you up, even on the darkest day.”

A NATIVE TALENT

Although she chose marriage and children over formal training, Stetzel did not abandon her art.

She painted realistic portraits and still-life pictures until 1960, when a good deed prompted her to modify the subjects of her paintings and even her style.

The artist routinely took supper to a widowed neighbor who displayed a reproduction of a snow scene by folk artist Grandma Moses (Anna Mary Robertson Moses). The picture—and her neighbor’s appreciation for it—intrigued Stetzel.

It reminded her friend of happy times long past.

Passionate about history, Stetzel already was familiar with primitives from the Civil War. She

Jerri Donohue

Born Bernadine Puffenberger in Tiffin in 1927, Stetzel descended from land-grant settlers who arrived in Seneca County in the 1840s. Praise from her teacher at St. Mary School piqued her interest in art. She later worked as a telephone operator, saving her wages for art school. Those plans changed after she met Fred Stetzel on a blind date. The couple married in 1949 and made their home in Fremont, where they eventually raised two sons and a daughter.

Bernadine Stetzel with her series of classroom paintings.

All images courtesy Our Town Gallery, photographed

by Jeremy Wadsworth except where noted.

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decided to experiment with this style and soon discovered she enjoyed it.

Just as Grandma Moses had captured the long-gone world she knew, Stetzel mined her own childhood for material. She often depicted parents and children working or relaxing together. In one painting, for instance, a father fishes in a winding stream while his wife and children picnic behind him.

Stetzel used a palette of primary colors without mixing or diluting them, further evoking a view of small-town life as seen through the eyes of a child.

Details reflect the era. Kitchens feature woodburning stoves and old-fashioned iceboxes. In an era when chores were assigned by gender, women bake bread, sew and wash and iron clothes. They invariably wear dresses, never slacks. Stetzel devoted entire paintings to hat shops and their customers.

Trains became one of her favorite subjects. She painted red, blue, green and yellow boxcars in snowstorms and beneath the summer sun. Stetzel’s brother served with the Army in Burma and China during World War II. Before he shipped overseas, the family awaited him at the depot when he came home on leave. This memory led to Stetzel’s Central Train Station Street Scene. African American porters bustle about while uniformed soldiers and sailors greet or say goodbye to sweethearts and relatives.

In addition to exhibits in Ohio, Stetzel held three successful one-woman shows at the upscale Morgan Rank Gallery in East Hampton, New York.

The late Gov. John J. Gilligan honored her with a reception in Columbus during his tenure. Her paintings hung in Sen. John Glenn’s Washington, DC, office until he retired. In 1987, Bowling Green State University produced a documentary about her that aired on PBS stations.

THE KENNEDY PROJECT Although inspired by the past, Stetzel was firmly rooted in her present. An enthusiastic supporter of John F. Kennedy, she was horrified when the energetic president was assassinated in 1963. During a visit to his grave in Arlington National Cemetery, she resolved to record his life on canvas as a tribute.

From 1968 until 1985, she worked sporadically on the project. The resulting 71 paintings illustrate the president’s life, from his baptism to the eternal flame on his grave.

In some cases, Stetzel painted scenes found in magazine photographs, including one of JFK with

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his toddler son in the Oval Office. She tapped her own imagination for others, such as her representation of his childhood bedroom.

Throughout the years, Stetzel displayed her Kennedy series at various venues in Ohio. Rather than break it up, she donated the entire group of paintings to The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas, in 2011. Located in the one-time Texas School Book Depository, which had sheltered the sniper who killed Kennedy, the museum presents a timeline of the president’s murder, as well as the world’s reaction to it.

“Her paintings help us better understand the deep impact that President Kennedy and his tragic death had on the nation and the world,” says museum curator Stephen Fagin.

UNFLAGGING DEVOTION TO ART Health problems plagued Stetzel as she aged, including a stroke, but she never stopped painting. Instead of filling the 3-foot by 5-foot canvases she once favored, she concentrated on smaller works.

They remind many of us of our own childhood pleasures.

Her career unexpectedly revived when Dr. Dorinda Shelley discovered Stetzel’s art.

Enchanted, Shelley devoted her Library House Gallery in Grand Rapids, Ohio, to a one-woman show in 2013.

The following year, Stetzel fell and broke her hip after the opening of her show at the Wolfe Gallery in Toledo. She doggedly completed physical therapy, chafing to return to her easel.

In late July 2016, Stetzel was working on a picture of the county fair when she suffered a final relapse. She died on Aug. 5, 2016, at age 89.

Applauded as a “memory artist,” Stetzel once described her work as “recording history in art form.” By the time of her death, she had produced 1,000 paintings or watercolors, most of which chronicle daily life in Tiffin during the 1930s and the early 1940s.

Jerri Donohue is senior writer for DD 214 Chronicle, a bimonthly newspaper for veterans living in 14 Ohio counties.

Her work has appeared in publications as varied as Cleveland Magazine and Irish America.

LEARN MORE

To see Bernadine Stetzel’s entire collection of JFK paintings, go to The Sixth Floor Museum website, jfk. org. Click on “The Collections.” Then, under “Collection Highlights,” choose the link to “Stetzel Paintings.”

Stetzel appears in Volume 2 of American Folk Art by Kristin G. Congdon. Today her work is sold at Our Town Gallery in Grand Rapids, Ohio, ourtowngallery.com.

Left: Blizzard in the Country Below: Freight Train Through Wheat Field

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Virginia Hamilton wrote more than three dozen children’s books, including M.C. Higgins, the Great, which won a National Book Award and a Newbery Medal in 1975. Her lifetime achievements include the Hans Christian Andersen Award and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award.

Kent State University Libraries, Special Collections and Archives | Carlo Ontal, photographer

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Queens of the Heartland AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN MAKE THEIR MARK IN OHIO

M

aya Angelou’s popular poem, Still I Rise, was first published in 1978.

It began, “You may write me down in history / With your bitter, twisted lies, / You may trod me in the very dirt / and still, like air, I’ll rise.”

But in Ohio, African American women had been rising for more than 150 years before Angelou’s poem was written. Thirty of those women will be celebrated in a new exhibit, Queens of the Heartland, opening at the Ohio History Connection’s National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center in Wilberforce on April 11.

“The exhibit is designed to focus on a story that’s rarely been told,” says museum curator Hadley Drodge. “One of Ohio’s greatest legacies is that it was the first free state in the Northwest Territory. There is a legacy of African American women who were either born here or chose to come here in search of an education, a place in society, an occupation.”

The women’s stories will be told through panel text and three-dimensional objects, and the exhibit will feature portrait illustrations by New York-based artist Nichole Washington, whose work focuses on identity and celebrates the African American woman.

The 30 women in Queens of the Heartland were born between 1825 and 1981. Nine are still living.

BORN IN OR DRAWN TO OHIO “This is the story of women who were not islands, but built on each other’s work, stood on each other’s shoulders,” Drodge says. “They were part of the Reform Movement—they advocated for the abolition of slavery, for women’s rights, for reform in education.”

A dozen of the earliest women featured in the exhibit either attended, taught at or were associated with Oberlin College and Wilberforce and Central State universities.

Top: According to the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Edmonia Lewis was the “first sculptor of African American and Native American descent to achieve international recognition,” in the mid-19th century. Walters Art Museum, Baltimore Middle: Charity Adams Early was commander of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, which delivered mail during World War II to more than 7 million soldiers.

National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center Collection, courtesy of Charity Adams Early Bottom: Susan Maria Steward attended the New York Medical College for Women in 1867 and graduated as valedictorian in 1869. Engraving by E.G. Williams & Bro., New York, from the History of Greene County, Ohio: Its People, Industries and Institutions, Volume 2.

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Rita Dove’s verse novel Thomas and Beulah (1986) won the Pulitzer Prize. Her collection On the Bus with Rosa Parks (1999) was a finalist for the National Book Critics Award.

Rita Dove Collection, photographer Ray A. Dove

“Oberlin’s trustees voted to admit people of color in 1835,” says college archivist Ken Grossi, “and began coeducation, the joint education of the sexes, in 1837.

The anti-slavery cause and Underground Railroad activity illustrate the college’s efforts to provide opportunities for both women and African Americans prior to the Civil War.” Wilberforce, the first American college to be owned and operated by African Americans, was founded in 1856 by Cincinnati’s Ohio Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church and the African Methodist Episcopal Church to provide classical education and teacher training for black youths.

African American women played significant roles in a wide range of occupations and endeavors. The women in the exhibit were suffragists, scientists, journalists, teachers, authors, businesspeople, judges, civil rights leaders and more.

A COLLECTION OF FIRSTS Lucy Stanton (Day Sessions) was born in Ohio in 1831 and became the first black woman to complete a fouryear course at an American college, Oberlin, in 1850.

“She paved the way for Mary Jane Patterson,” Drodge says, “who, in 1862, became the first to earn an official bachelor’s degree when she also graduated from Oberlin.”

Drodge said narrowing down her list to just 30 African American women was a daunting task. She’s excited

34 Echoes | MARCH & APRIL 2020

Born enslaved in 1858, Anna Julia Cooper became an author, educator, sociologist, speaker, Black Liberation activist and one of the most prominent African American scholars of her generation. Oberlin College Archives

every time she’s asked about the women who did make the cut.

Her thoughts on seven of them: Edmonia Lewis (circa 1843–1907): “She was a complex person who had a complete grasp on her public identity. She refused to accept the false narrative imposed on African Americans at the time. She may have been the only African American woman of her time to study art in Rome.”

Anna Julia Cooper (1858–1964): “She was an intellectual and a lifelong learner. And she was prolific. She was a tutor at age nine as a way to pay for her schooling. Later she would focus on ensuring that education for African Americans was both technical and scholarly.”

Mary Church Terrell (1863–1954): “Her parents were both born enslaved but during the Civil War they rose quickly to become one of the wealthiest families in the South (Memphis). She was inspired to teach, and personified the motto of the National Association of Colored Women, ‘Lifting as we climb,’ which is really the theme of our exhibit.”

Ione Biggs (1916–2005): “One of the most fascinating women in the exhibit to me. One of the first female police officers in Cleveland, she used her platform to march against the war in Vietnam, for labor rights and to end homelessness in Cleveland.

She fought for rights of American Indians, too.”

Mary Jane Patterson became the first African American woman to receive a bachelor’s degree when she graduated from Oberlin College in 1862. She served as principal of the Preparatory High School for Colored Youth (known today as Dunbar High School) in Washington, DC, from 1873 to 1884.

Oberlin College Archives

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Frances Ellen Watkins Harper was an abolitionist, suffragist, poet, teacher, public speaker, writer and one of the first African American women to be published in the United States.

Historical Society of Pennsylvania

36 Echoes | MARCH & APRIL 2020

Poet Yona Harvey gained acclaim with the publication of her first collection of poems, Hemming the Water, in 2013. She contributed to Marvel Comics’ World of Wakanda with Ta-Nehisi Coates and Roxane Gay and collaborated again with Coates on Black Panther & The Crew. Yona Harvey, Sarah Huny Young, photographer

Ida Gibbs Hunt graduated from Oberlin College in 1884. In 1905, she helped found Washington DC's first Young Women’s Christian Association for African American women. She participated in the Niagara Movement—an early-20th-century civil rights movement— and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Oberlin College Archives

Charity Adams Earley (1918–2002): “She’s a longtime favorite at the museum since we launched our World War II exhibit in September 2017. She was the first African American woman to become an officer in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps. Her autobiography, One Woman’s Army, is so good.”

Faye Wattleton (1943–): “A health professional, she was interested in ensuring that African American women got proper medical care. She interned in Harlem and worked in low-income neighborhoods. She was the first African American woman to become president of (the) Planned Parenthood (Federation of America).”

Irene Long (1951–): “I love Irene in this exhibit. We hear so much about the arts and liberal arts education, but rarely do you encounter an African American woman scientist. She was madly in love with the idea of outer space. She was dreaming big. She became the first female chief medical officer at the Kennedy Space Center, where she worked for 31 years.”

AN EXEMPLARY QUEEN Rita Dove was born in Akron to a father who worked as a chemist for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. and a mother who shared her passion for books with her daughter.

Dove won the 1987 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry for her collection Thomas and Beulah and served as Poet Laureate of the United States from 1993 to 1995.

In an email to Drodge, Dove writes, “Those who have nurtured and supported me are too numerous to count: my mother, who loved to read and would recite

Shakespeare in the kitchen; my father, a research chemist who taught his children the intricacies of the slide rule as well as opened the marvels of the universe through his telescope.”

Also, “the high school English teacher who showed me how the music of language underscores its meaning; the college cello instructor who taught me how to listen to music as conversation; the poet-professor who mentored my first forays into poetic sequences in grad school; my husband’s abiding love, encouragement and advising.

“In short, the village that raised me is global and continues to expand.” –EM The exhibit Queens of the Heartland and related programming are made possible in part by grant support from the Ohio Arts Council.

LEARN MORE

See Queens of the Heartland on exhibit at the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center in Wilberforce, Ohio, near Dayton and Springfield, from April 11, 2020, through Feb. 27, 2021. Artist Nichole Washington, whose portraits are featured in the exhibit, will offer workshops teaching young artists to discover themselves and design their own language through her Make Your Mark symbol-creating series. After its debut, Queens of the Heartland will be offered as part of the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center’s traveling exhibits program. For more information, call the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center at 800.752.2603 or visit ohiohistory.org/naamcc.

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38 Echoes | NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2019

Suffrage Centennial

Cradle of Equal Suffrage SOUTH NEWBURY UNION CHAPEL BY ERIN ESMONT

L

ittle about South Newbury Union Chapel’s outward appearance hints at its rich history.

The 162-year-old small white structure stands back from the road on a large patch of grass. It’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it attraction on Ravenna Road in Geauga County.

Venture closer and a plaque near the front door gives a clue–it’s a coveted designation from the National Register of Historic Places.

Inside, with sun spilling through curtained windows, the cozy space looks much as it did in its heyday in the second half of the 19th century. Wooden benches line the walls, two long pine tables give a place to gather and a black kerosene fixture hangs overhead, a relic from the days before electricity.

THE QUEST FOR REFORM Here, community reformers—mostly women, but men, too—pushed for progress considered radical for its time. Newbury, like other nearby towns, had been settled by travelers from the East, many from Massachusetts, then considered the center of culture and “advanced thinking.”

A plaque outside South Newbury Union Chapel says the building was "dedicated to free speech by James Abram Garfield."

State Historic Preservation Office

The first reform movement, in 1870, called for women to dress without “unnatural and unhealthy” corsets, bustles and sweeping skirts. “Dress reform” advocate Ellen Munn caused quite a stir when she showed up at a community picnic in trousers.

The following year witnessed the most significant crusade in the chapel’s history—to secure the right of women to vote. The chapel served as an incubator for the budding suffrage movement, and became home to the second-oldest women’s suffrage group in Ohio. It also was the place where nine women cast ballots—illegally— in 1871.

Charles J. Mintz

More women would show up at subsequent elections to cast ballots.

An account in the Geauga Republican newspaper from 1873 stated the election judges were “courteous and gentlemanly, as usual” but declined the votes.

The women—and the men who supported them—inscribed 50 ballots: “People’s Ticket. Equal Suffrage for All Citizens of the United States, an Inalienable and Constitutional Right. Knowledge and Truth in Opposition to Ignorance and Prejudice.”

This Ohio Historical Marker was dedicated at a ceremony in South Newbury on Aug. 26, 2010.

Wikimedia Commons

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On Aug. 23, 1919, suffragists marched from South Newbury Union Chapel to a wreath-laying at the nearby Centennial Oak to commemorate the 19th Amendment. Ohio History Connection Archival Collections

A “MASS CONVENTION” The newspaper noted that the number of people who sent in ballots in support of suffrage was almost double that of those who had voted in the last presidential election. While those efforts were largely ceremonial, larger and more impactful events unfolded at the chapel. In 1873, women and men gathered for a two-day “mass convention” on human equality that resulted in 82 signatures on a petition sent to the constitutional convention in Columbus.

The chapel’s beginnings stemmed from an act of censorship involving a future president. Thus began a long history of ensuring the right for all to speak freely on any topic.

In 1857, future president James Garfield, then a teacher at what is now Hiram College, came to town to give a speech. Worried his talk would be controversial, the local Congregational church, where he was to speak, disinvited him.

That didn’t sit right with some of the townspeople, so they decided to build a place that would welcome all ideas. A neighbor donated the land, and the residents set out to build one. They hauled wood from their lots, rolled up their sleeves and donated their time as carpenters and masons.

THE FREE SPEECH CHAPEL The property’s deed reads: “To be used for literary, scientific, moral and religious purposes, and free for lectures upon all useful subjects, open and free for all denominations, but to be monopolized by no one or to the exclusion of anyone.”

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On the walls hang photos of famous visitors—social reformer and women’s activist Susan B. Anthony, who spoke at the chapel in 1879, and author Louisa May Alcott, who legend has it visited, too.

The three trustees who care for the chapel—Sandy Woolf, Carole Drabek and Bill Ward—gathered there recently to share stories of a time when spirited debates reverberated within its walls.

“It’s mind-boggling that people were so progressive so long ago,” Woolf says. A seventh-generation resident, she counts among her relatives Ruth Munn Fisher, who wrote the constitution establishing the Newbury Women’s Suffrage Political Club and was its president.

Drabek came to the chapel as a young girl with her mother and grandmother, Lucy Walker Simpson.

As Drabek speaks, behind her on the wall is a

Suffragist Harriet Taylor Upton speaks at the Centennial Oak planted in 1876 by members of the Newbury Woman's Suffrage Political Club, organized at South Newbury Union Chapel in 1874. Ohio History Connection Archival Collections

photograph of a group of women at an Aug. 23, 1919, march that includes her grandmother.

“She was a rabble rouser,” Drabek says.

She wasn’t alone.

After the chapel tour, Woolf drives up the road and into the South Newbury cemetery. She walks among the graves and points out markers of nine women who formed the suffrage club. She’s a direct descendant of several of them.

Nearby stands a towering oak tree that several of them planted in 1876 to commemorate the centennial of the Below: The note accompanying this photo taken on Aug. 23, 1919, reads that South Newbury Union Chapel “maintained the oldest Equal Suffrage Club in Ohio and one of the oldest in the United States.”

United States and symbolize their suffrage movement taking root.

Only one of the original members of the suffrage club—Dr. Julia Green, a medical doctor from Newbury—would live to see the 19th Amendment pass in 1920.

Erin Esmont is a freelance writer and editor. An Ohio native, she worked in newspapers in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

She lives in Columbus with her family.

LEARN MORE

South Newbury Union Chapel at 15829 Ravenna Rd. in Geauga County is open 1–4 p.m. on the first Sunday of the month from May through September 2020. A consortium of Northeast Ohio history organizations is producing a series of trading cards titled Valiant Visionaries of the Vote. For more information, go to Facebook and search for “Northeast Ohio Suffrage Centennial.”

Read more about suffragist Harriet Taylor Upton in the May & June 2019 issue of Echoes Magazine.

Learn more about the 19th Amendment and explore more places related to it on the National Park Service web page The Nineteenth Amendment at nps.gov/articles/the-nineteenth-amendment.htm The National Votes for Women Trail highlights more than 1,000 sites across the country— including South Newbury Union Chapel and other places in Ohio—significant to the struggle for women’s suffrage. Find an interactive map with details at ncwhs.org/votes-for-women-trail/about-the-trail/.

Ohio History Connection Archival Collections OHIOHIS TORY.ORG

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42 Echoes | MARCH & APRIL 2020

Sisterhood in the Ring WHEN COLUMBUS WAS AT THE CENTER OF WOMEN’S PROFESSIOINAL WRESTLING

P

rofessional wrestler Ramona Isbell wasn’t a household name, even in her own household.

“My children did not know much about my wrestling,” Isbell says.

“I tried to keep my wrestling apart from my kids.”

But she played a pivotal role, along with several other pioneering African American women, in paving the way for her gender and her race to establish careers in the sport.

Isbell, a Columbus native, wrestled from 1962 until 1981, traveling to Japan, Nigeria, Canada and Australia and throughout the United States. She trained in Columbus with wrestling promoter Billy Wolfe, working regularly with the African American sisters Ethel Johnson, Marva Scott and Babs Wingo.

“Babs took one of my children to Billy’s gym one day when we were training. I didn’t like that,” she says. “I’m not sure I can say why, but I didn’t.”

Journalist Chris Bournea was working for a weekly newspaper in Columbus in 2006 when he was introduced to Ethel Johnson. He was captivated by her stories of wrestling in the 1950s and 1960s and wrote a piece about her that subsequently ran in The Columbus Dispatch.

TELLING A BIGGER STORY But there was so much more to the story than he could fit in a lone newspaper article, and he began to work on a full-length documentary, Lady Wrestlers, that premiered in 2018 at the Wexner Center for the Arts in Columbus.

“I thought their stories needed to be told (in detail),” Bournea said during the recording (with Isbell) of an oral history at the Ohio History Connection in the summer of 2018. “It needed to be told in the same way that the stories of the African American women mathematicians and engineers at NASA needed to be told in the movie Hidden Figures.”

Left: Pioneering African-American women wrestlers broke through the sport’s color barrier beginning in the early 1950s. Here, Ethel Johnson performs a drop-kick on her opponent (and sister), Babs Wingo.

Hesburgh Libraries, University of Notre Dame

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Jeff Leen, an editor at The Washington Post, wrote The Queen of the Ring about Mildred Burke, “the longest-reigning champion of female wrestling,” who won her first title in 1937. Burke was unhappily married to Billy Wolfe for more than a decade and trained regularly with Johnson, Scott and Wingo.

“It’s important to remember the pioneering women of wrestling because their stories are extraordinary accounts of courage and toughness,” Leen says, “involving women trying to carve a new path, at a time when society tried to keep the female sex in its place.”

The stories “speak to our current moment, because such a struggle is never really over, but it also is the universal story of the unconquerable human will.”

Isbell was best known in the ring for her patented move, “the monkey flip.”

“I’d work my opponent into the ropes, put both my hands around her neck and use my feet to flip her over,” Isbell says.

PREJUDICE ON THE ROAD She says she encountered racism but “was lucky that it wasn’t worse. I remember doing a radio show in Montreal and when I entered the studio they said, ‘Where’s Kingfish?’” He was a character from the Amos ‘n’ Andy television program in the 1950s, which was described by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People as “a gross libel of the Negro and distortion of the truth.”

“And, of course, when we traveled in the South we couldn’t stay in the same hotel with white people,” Isbell recalls. “But that wasn’t so bad. It meant we got to stay in the same hotels with entertainers like Ray Charles and the Harlem Globetrotters.”

The stories speak to our current moment, because such a struggle is never really over, but it also is the universal story of the unconquerable human will.

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ENTERTAINMENT OR A SPORT? Though many of the wrestlers’ moves were choreographed and many of the bouts scripted, Isbell said her training was intense and that her time in the ring often left her “bloodied and bruised.”

Bournea said he’s taken aback when people ask him whether women’s wrestling is a sport.

“It’s like asking a ballet dancer, ‘Are you a real dancer?’ because the dancer’s moves are choreographed, too,” he says. “But everyone acknowledges that to be a dancer is difficult work that takes an enormous amount of discipline.

These wrestlers were high-performance athletes who took their skills into battle.”

Though Billy Wolfe was a notorious womanizer and cheated nearly all the women who wrestled for him—including Mildred Burke—out of huge sums of money, Isbell said she never had a problem with him “until Ethel complained to me that he wasn’t paying us enough.”

Wolfe died in 1963, when Isbell was in her second year of wrestling.

Twelve years earlier, Wolfe was at the pinnacle of the women’s wrestling world, his enterprise often grossing him more than $5 million a year, according to a 1951 feature story in The Columbus Evening Dispatch. (The story featured the headline, “Male Wrestlers, Watch Out! The Girls Are Muscling In!”) Isbell says she especially loved the travel afforded by her chosen career.

“I can tell you something about the women wrestlers in Japan—they hurt. They really hurt.

They didn’t play,” she says with a laugh. “A male wrestler was named Tojo, and he told me, ‘You’re in Japan now, Ramona.’”

At 80, Isbell is still in great shape, getting her workouts “out in my garden.” She says she’s not a big fan of contemporary women’s wrestling. “It’s a burlesque show to me. I always wore a one-piece suit. We were not trying to sell sex or lingerie.”

She’s glad, she says, that people are getting to hear the story of African American women wrestlers, even if it’s half a century after the fact. –EM

Ohio History Connection

Photographs of former professional wrestler Ramona Isbell (top) and documentarian Chris Bournea (bottom) taken during their oral history interview with the Ohio History Connection.

Editor's note: It was a particular challenge gathering images for this story. Though she had a 20-year career, Ramona Isbell has only two publicity photos in her possession—no newspaper clippings, no action shots. (The rare action photo of Ethel Johnson that leads off this piece comes from the Jack Pfeffer Collection in the University of Notre Dame’s Hesbrugh Libraries.)

The Ohio History Connection is always on the lookout for items of historical significance, especially in subject areas that have been underrepresented in the past, including, it turns out, African-American women’s wrestling.

LEARN MORE

See the Ohio History Connection’s oral history recording with Ramona Isbell and Chris Bournea at ohiohistory.org/wrestling or in the exhibit Ohio—Champion of Sports at the Ohio History Center through Sept. 6.

Watch Ramona Isbell wrestle Debbie Combs in 1980 and see Isbell's "monkey flip" at ohiohistory. org/wrestling2.

Two books worth checking out are Sisterhood of the Squared Circle: The History and Rise of Women’s Wrestling, by Pat Laprade and Dan Murphy, and The Queen of the Ring: Sex, Muscles, Diamonds and the Making of an American Legend, by Jeff Leen.

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I Wish I’d Been There

THE SPIRIT ROOM OF JONATHAN KOONS BY SHARON HATFIELD

Visitors making the steep ascent to the ridgetop farm of Jonathan Koons in Athens County, Ohio, in the early 1850s were about to witness a wonder that rivaled P. T. Barnum’s attractions in faraway New York City.

Koons, a humble farmer turned spiritualist medium, had built a rude log cabin for public séances. It was here that spirits of dead loved ones were said to speak to the living, not only to reassure them of “the continued life” beyond the grave but to serenade them with celestial music.

Over a three-year period, hundreds and possibly thousands of travelers from the Midwest, eastern United States and Canada visited the Koons farm in remote southeastern Ohio.

Most evenings they filled the spirit room in groups of about 20—a mix of devoted spiritualists and truth-seekers, grieving widowers and tourists on a lark, with a sprinkling of skeptics and debunkers. Some were millennialists, reformers who wanted to perfect society to hasten the return of Jesus Christ to Earth. Others rejected organized religion altogether.

In the spiritualist movement, women could play an authoritative role, either through their work as mediums or by becoming public speakers (very rare at that time). Some were called “trance speakers” and others were more conventional orators. Some spiritualists also believed that the Divine had a female element as well as a male one.

Waiting to greet the unannounced visitors was Koons, a Pennsylvania transplant in his 40s. With heavy dark eyebrows, long brown hair and a full beard, Koons wore the mantle of a holy man. He was an iconoclast, eager to distance himself from mainstream Christian thought, especially rejecting the Calvinistic notion that only a select few would evade hell.

“The Messiah taught the doctrine of peace, love, goodwill, and forgiveness to all mankind in general; which of itself was sufficient without the brimstone,” Koons wrote. Joining

Koons at the séances were his wife, Abigail Bishop Koons—said to be an herbalist and a clairvoyant—and his eldest son Nahum, reputed to be the most powerful medium in the family.

HELD FREE SÉANCES The Koonses conducted séances in the darkened spirit room several nights a week without charging admission. Jonathan began by playing his fiddle until other instruments mysteriously joined in and voices sang. Visitors reportedly felt the chill of strange breezes, saw ghostly lights and received messages scribbled by spirit hands on paper. A trumpet was said to float about the room, regaling the audience with sermons, songs and jokes from the Koons family’s spirit guide, King.

A spiritualist and physician, Dr. J. Everett, was so enthralled that he collected the sayings from the spirit room in a slender volume called A Book for Skeptics, which was published in Columbus in 1853.

But not everyone was enamored of Koons. Visitors strolling the grounds near his home might have noticed the remains of Koons’ barn, which had been destroyed by an arson attack just before Christmas in 1852, consuming his tools and a year’s harvest. Koons blamed the local religious establishment—particularly the Methodists—for inciting the

EQUALIT Y OF ALL SOULS

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Ohio University Press

What united these Victorians was their support for the abolition of slavery and women’s rights. Spiritualists at the time believed in the equality of all souls, even though some souls were more highly evolved than others. This belief led some social reformers to become spiritualists supporting the rights of women and people of color.

Jonathan Koons built his “spiritual machine” out of wood and metal to help the spirits better concentrate their energy during séances. The drawing was published in 1854.

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arson by condemning him for alleged “devil worship.”

Replicas of his famed spirit room were built in Ohio.

By 1855 the mostly favorable coverage that Koons had enjoyed in the spiritualist press gave way to more negative articles. Some critics charged that the séances were a clever hoax engineered by Koons and his large family. However, Koons’ supporters, such as the painter Selah Van Sickle of Delaware County, vouched for the authenticity of the Koons family’s demonstrations.

By the late fall of 1855, Koons had closed the vaunted spirit room, but his days as a medium were not over.

He and his son Nahum, sometimes with his wife and daughter, took to the road, touring Cincinnati, Delaware and Morrow counties, Cleveland and even New York City.

FADED AFTER 1858 Koons mostly faded from public view after he moved to Illinois in 1858, but he remained a spiritualist until his death in 1893. Today Koons is considered by historians of religion to be the innovator of the trumpet used for voice communication in séances.

Replicas of his famed spirit room were built in Ohio, Indiana, New York City and beyond.

If I had been present at a Koons séance back then, would journalistic objectivity have guided my observations and reporting? Or would I have been enthralled by the magic that so many visitors to the Koons Spirit Room joyfully attested to?

I wish I could have been there to find out.

Sharon Hatfield is the author of Enchanted Ground: The Spirit Room of Jonathan Koons, published

by Swallow Press in 2018. She is a recipient of the Ohio Arts Council’s Individual Excellence Award in nonfiction.

LEARN MORE

Find Dr. J. Everett’s A Book for Skeptics, published in Columbus in 1853, at ohiohistory.org/seance.

The Ashgate Research Companion to Nineteenth-Century Spiritualism and the Occult, published in 2017, was “designed both for those new to the field and for experts. The book is organized into sections covering the relationship between Victorian spiritualism and science, the occult and politics, and the culture of mystical practices.”

Robert Cox, the head of the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Special Collections and University Archives, gives an hour-long talk on 19th century spiritualism produced by the Amherst History Museum. Hear his talk at ohiohistory.org/spiritualism.

Top: Artist’s conception of the Koonses’ Spirit Room in 1852.

Jonathan and Abigail Koons and their guests (5) sat in a semicircle around a mediums’ table (4).

Drawing by Sandy Plunkett.

Bottom: Spiritualists Jonathan and Abigail Koons, circa 1852–1855.

Brandon Hodge, MysteriousPlanchette.com

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Tragedy & Triumph— The Great Chicago Fire YO U N G E Y E S O N T H E PA S T BY EMILY WALKER

The topic for the 2019 History Day project was “Triumph and Tragedy.” When I began to think of all the topics I could choose to study, I became very interested in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

While many people know that there was a tragic fire and have sketchy details of a cow in a barn and a lantern, few know the historical significance of this great tragedy.

Even fewer realize that this horrific event actually improved fire-safety then and even now.

I was intrigued with the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 because, even though the city went through such a horrible tragedy, Chicagoans were able to rebuild and influence the United States.

BEFORE THE FIRE Between the years 1837 and 1871, Chicago was a rapidly growing city. With a booming economy and a growing population of nearly 300,000 in 1870, the city had earned its nickname, the “Queen of the West.” However, on Oct. 8, 1871, the reputation the city had built came crashing down when Catherine O’Leary’s barn caught fire and burned to the ground, along with 17,000 other buildings in Chicago.

The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 turned a once-bustling city into a pile of ashes. Nevertheless, the citizens of Chicago turned this tragedy into a triumph and worked

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to bring their city back to its former glory.

TRAGEDY STRIKES The Great Chicago Fire, which burned from Oct. 8 to Oct. 10, caused damages of more than $200 million. Thousands of businesses and government buildings were destroyed and over 150,000 citizens were left homeless.

While the statistics alone may be terrifying, they are nothing compared to the horror the citizens of Chicago felt seeing their city in ruins. As one said in a letter to a friend, “You can scarcely imagine the desolation. If a man wants his mind impressed with what the end of the world will be, let him come here.” But such cynicism did not account for the city’s resilience and the triumphs that were to come.

TRIUMPH IN THE FACE OF TRAGEDY Even though the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 was devastating, the Great Rebuilding that resulted from the fire was an undeniable triumph.

The fire challenged people to come together and make economic, architectural and fire-safety improvements that would change the reputation of their city forever.

For example, many businesspeople were attracted to Chicago because of the clean slate the fire provided.

With the availability of cheap land, entrepreneurs could start up their own companies, or establish new

headquarters for their previously existing companies. The rebuild also helped provide jobs to those put out of work by the fire.

Chicago’s reconstruction efforts helped employ 50,000 people.

Chicago’s political leaders soon began to focus on fire prevention and safety in the structures of their city. Within weeks of the tragedy, new fire-safety laws were drafted, including restrictions on woodonly construction.

Architects began to experiment with new fireproof materials. For example, Peter B. Wright’s terra cotta, a type of fireproof clay used for tiling, began to be widely used in architectural ornament. Fireresistant materials such as stone, brick and limestone were also frequently used in construction.

The popularity of these materials in the rebuilding efforts made Chicago one of the most fireproof cities in America.

Buildings constructed by Chicagoans following the fire were not just safe but also innovative and influential. William LeBaron Jenney, who was hired to design a new headquarters for the Home Insurance Co., used his knowledge of steel bridges and applied it in the design of a sturdy, steel-framed building.

He used steel for the inner skeleton of the building and “draped” masonry on these frames similar to curtains, allowing the building to

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be built 10 stories high. This design made the Home Insurance Building among the world’s first skyscrapers.

Architectural breakthroughs that followed the fire, such as Jenney's skyscraper, changed the face of not only Chicago but also many of today’s major cities.

NEVER GIVE UP The Chicago Fire of 1871 devastated a booming industrial city. The city’s tragic fire resulted in hundreds of deaths and millions of dollars lost in structural damage. Recovery seemed impossible.

However, the people of Chicago did not give up hope. Although facing many challenges along the way, the citizens of Chicago were able to make many improvements to their city’s economy, architectural style and fire-safety regulations. Chicago burned to the ground in a mere day and a half, but it triumphantly rose from the ashes, surpassing its previous beauty and success.

RESEARCH

Along with the interview, we also set up two tours that took us through the city and showed us how the architecture had changed throughout the years. The interview itself helped me learn and understand the people behind the architectural advances in Chicago.

Overall, researching the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 taught me that you should never give up hope, no matter how hopeless your situation feels.

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In my research, I was able to set up an interview with Adam Rubin, director of interpretation for the Chicago Architecture Center. Instead of doing a phone interview, my father and I drove to Chicago. I was able to connect and learn more about the triumphs that followed the fire by experiencing them in real life.

Emily Walker is a junior at Gallia Academy High School in Gallipolis. She participates in the College Credit Plus program, taking full-time classes at Rio Grande University.

She loves to run, read and take private voice lessons. Emily also enjoys traveling and recently returned from Paris, where she was able to enjoy the Louvre, Palace of Versailles and many other historic landmarks.

Never give up hope, no matter how hopeless your situation feels.

Top: After the Great Chicago Fire in October 1871, the city quickly began to rebuild. The Home Insurance Co., one of the first American skyscrapers built using steel-skeleton construction, stood at the corner of Adams and LaSalle streets from 1885 until being demolished in 1931.

Bottom: The Great Chicago Fire destroyed roughly 3.3 square miles of the city and took more than 300 lives.

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Reviews BOOK

Hold on with a Bulldog Grip: A Short Study of Ulysses S. Grant

by John F. Marszalek, David S. Nolen, Louie P. Gallo and Frank J. Williams

This short (114 pages) collection of essays written by four leading Ulysses S. Grant scholars aims to “present facts about Grant to help” readers “get to know who he really was.” Chapters include “College Life,” “The Evils of Slavery,” “Just a Taste of Liquor” and “Fighting the War.” In “Just a Taste of Liquor,” the authors provide us with muchneeded context

(Americans drank on average 2.1 gallons of distilled alcohol a year per person) and a nuanced investigation of Grant’s battle with the bottle. Many other officers drank much more than Grant, but Grant was less capable of holding his liquor. He first grappled with alcohol in 1849 and turned to his Methodist pastor, George Taylor, for help. His relapse in 1854 while stationed at Fort Humboldt near Eureka, California, led to his ouster from the Army and nearly prevented him from rejoining the Army when the Civil War began in 1861. “And so, was Grant a drunk? It is fairer to say that he had a low tolerance for alcohol and was a binge drinker who sometimes drank

more than he could handle,” the authors write. The collection, which takes its title from Abraham Lincoln’s exhortation to Grant during the war to “hold on with a bulldog grip,” asks other pertinent questions such as “Was Grant a butcher?”, “Was Grant corrupt?” and “What was Grant’s real relationship with Lincoln?” The book ends with Grant’s final, resounding victory, the writing of his memoirs, “which went on to become one of the most-praised books of nonfiction in American literature.”

—Bill Eichenberger, Echoes Magazine

BOOK

Little Ohio: A Nostalgic Look at the Buckeye State’s Smallest Towns by Karen Robertson From Adelphi to Zoar, Ohio History Connection curator Karen Robertson spent a year crisscrossing the state, dropping in on 100 towns with populations of 500 or less in order to write Little Ohio: A Nostalgic Look at the Buckeye State's Smallest Towns. The smallest town she visited was Holiday City, population 47, in Williams County in the far northwest corner of the state, and the largest was Coolville, population 498, in Athens County, in southeast Ohio.

(Gist Settlement southwest of Columbus might be even smaller than Holiday City, but its current population has not been recorded.)

Little Ohio can be read from beginning to end, but it’s just as wellsuited to randomly dropping into it to glean fascinating nuggets of local history. Did you know that Otway resident and apple farmer Harry Hoople discovered “around 1960 … a new type of Golden Delicious apple

50 Echoes | MARCH & APRIL 2020

growing on his trees”? The apple is now grown across the United States and is known as Hoople’s Antique Gold. Or did you know that Yankee Lake in northeastern Ohio (Trumbull County) was a bootlegging hotbed during Prohibition thanks to resident John Jurko? In 1924, Jurko joined forces with a neighboring farmer to dam Yankee Run Creek to create Yankee Lake. An inn was built at the site in 1928. “In 1941, about 4,500 people made their way to the Yankee Lake Ballroom to see Glenn Miller perform with his band.” Miller didn’t come cheap. He was “paid a total of $2,500 for the performance, which, adjusted for inflation, would be about $44,700 today.” In addition to doing all the traveling and research for Little Ohio, Robertson also took most of the color photographs that appear in her charming and engaging book.

—Bill Eichenberger, Echoes Magazine

These books are available in our Ohio History Store, online at ohiohistorystore.com or at the Ohio History Center in Columbus (Weds.–Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.). Ohio History Connection members enjoy a 10% discount online and in person at the Ohio History Store. Use code MEMB1803.

Library House Gallery, Jeremy Wadsworth, photographer

Artist Bernadine Stetzel relied on her memories of growing up in Tiffin, Ohio, in the 1930s and 1940s to create colorful scenes of small-town America. This painting is called Wash Day. See page 28.

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OHIO HISTORY CONNECTION 800 E. 17th Ave. Columbus, OH 43211-2474 ohiohistor y.org

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100 YEARS OF OHIO

Sat., March 14 • 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Join us as we commemorate the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted many women the right to vote. Learn about Ohio women’s activism— past, present and future—and see museum collections related to this historic fight.

ohiohistory.org/womensactivism