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December 2008 Edition |
Ohio’s history is filled with truths stranger than fiction. The Buckeye State is home to an inordinate number of nationally acclaimed comedians, former Presidents and fly boys. It birthed “rock n roll” and Rockefeller. It fielded the first professional baseball team and houses the professional football hall of fame. The 17th state of the union is as diverse as its landscape which features the north coast, Ohio River and Appalachia regions. It bridged the original states of the union to the rest of what would later become the lower 48 as “The Gateway State.” Welcome to the wonderful world of Ohio history. It’s as unique as the building that contains it. In the capital city of Columbus, Ohio’s past is presented in all its glory at the Ohio Historical Center. Its permanent collections, traveling exhibitions and special events deliver a new experience every visit. Many innovative and interactive displays engage the minds of young and old in impactful settings.
Ohio’s
ancient past explores more than 15,000 years of Ohio’s prehistoric and
historic Native American heritage. Interesting discoveries are revealed
here including the Adena Pipe, the mica hand, and the Wray figurine. Not
only are visitors able to see life as it was thousands of years ago in
these lands, but computer stations allow for even deeper exploration for
information. Try the Ohio Historical Society’s Archaeology blog and tour
the
First Ohioans on-line exhibit.
Located on the third floor of the Ohio Historical Center is the Archives/Library. It is there that researchers, historians and otherwise curious minds gather to delve into every nook and cranny of Ohio’s documented history. It also houses the State Archives of Ohio. Genealogists are one of the most popular patrons of the Archives/Library. Adjacent to the Ohio Historical Center is Ohio Village. Ohio Village is designed to recreate the typical county-seat town in Ohio during the mid 19th century. The buildings are fully operational and complete, not just merely facades. The village is only open to the public for special events, school groups and private events.
On
December 6 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., Ohio Village features The
Pleasure of the Cup: Drinks of the 19th Century for visitors 21 years
of age and older. Visitors may sample several odd-ball yet tasty
concoctions while learning the lore of 19th-century drinks and parlor
games at different buildings throughout the village. The “pub crawl” ends
with refreshments and tavern songs at the American House Hotel. Admission
is $30/person plus $4 parking/vehicle. Reservations are required by
calling 614-297-2266 or 800-686-1541. Traveling Exhibits: The Ohio Historical Center is a major hub for many of the world’s most renown or talked about traveling exhibitions. Rockwell’s America, the largest Norman Rockwell exhibit in the world, is featured at the Ohio Historical Center until March 1, 2009. Visitors experience Rockwell’s legacy in three dimensions featuring life-size interactive sculptures of his most famous paintings, including a recreation of the artist’s studio. It also shares 322 Saturday Evening Post covers, costumed guides at various scenes broken into the various eras of American history spanning Rockwell’s career. Admission to Rockwell’s America is an additional $3/person after normal museum admission. Along with Rockwell's America, there’s an exhibition of 19th-century Currier & Ives lithographs from Ohio Historical Society's Christopher Collection. As printmakers, Currier & Ives billed themselves as "Publishers of Cheap and Popular Pictures." From 1835–1907, the company produced more than one million prints by hand-colored lithography. They were credited with mass marketing art to ordinary Americans helping to pave the way for illustrators like Norman Rockwell. These exhibits and the whole Center become even more enchanting December 13 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and December 14 from 2 – 4 p.m. when The Music Men Barbershop Quartet entertains everyone with their a cappella singing. Upcoming Special Events: The Center’s Echoes in Time Theatre presents Twas the Night Before Christmas: An Evening with Clement Clarke Moore December 4, 11 and 18 at 7 and 8 p.m. when the solo performance explores the poet’s life and the Christmas poem for which he is most known. The Center’s Holiday Craft Workshop December 6 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. lets visitors make beeswax ornaments, mini-gingerbread houses, pomanders, beaded snowflakes, elaborate cut-out snowflakes and paper Moravian stars. It is intended for ages 14 and older. It costs $30/adult and a box lunch is available for $12. For reservations, phone 614-297-2266 or 800-686-1541. More to explore: The Center offers education programs for school groups with a wide range of subject-focused field trips. Group tours may be arranged for seniors, church groups, large families, students and youth groups by calling 614-297-2915. Private events and parties may be planned in the Center or Ohio Village for meetings, weddings and banquets of all kinds. Call 614-297-2915 to plan your special occasion. The Ohio History Store offers books and magazines, posters, ceramics, historical reproductions and much more. The Ohio Historical Center is open Thursday from 9am – 9pm, Friday and Saturday from 9am to 5pm and Sunday from Noon to 5pm. Admission is $8 for those age 13 or older and $4 for ages 6-12 plus $4 per vehicle for parking.
Visit
www.ohiohistory.org
or dial
614-297-2300 or 800-686-6124
for special holiday hours, discounts, announcements and directions.
The Ohio Historical Center is located at 1982 Velma Avenue in By Frank R. Satullo, The OhioTraveler
A PLACE
OF PEACE
Bishop Purcell became aware of the needs of these humble German speaking people, and when in Rome, he searched for a German speaking missionary who would be willing to come to America to serve these valiant folk. Fr. Francis de Sales Brunner, a Swiss priest who had become a Precious Blood Missionary encountered Bishop Purcell and offered to come to Ohio, rather than to Africa, where he had anticipated going. This courageous priest was born in the small rural town in the north western corner of Switzerland, not far from Mariastein. After Fr. Francis De Sales Brunner became a priest he and his Mother, Maria Anna Brunner, established a community of Women Religious which were named “Sisters of the Precious Blood”. In 1843 Fr. Brunner, along with seven Priests and seven Religious Brothers, came to America to serve the German immigrants in north western Ohio. In 1844, six Sisters of the Precious Blood arrived in this new land and began their nightly vigils of prayer in the wilderness. In 1846 the Sisters came to what was then called St. Johns. The convent, built a half mile from St. John church became the first permanent Mother House of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. Maria Stein was the name given the convent after Mariastein in Switzerland, where Fr. Brunner had studied. In time that name replaced St. Johns to identify the whole surrounding area. Sisters have prayed and ministered at Maria Stein without interruption since their arrival. In the early years their life was quite simple – a life of prayer and manual labor. The Sisters and Brothers did all the practical things to keep a large community flourishing. This freed the priests to devote themselves to the spiritual care of the German speaking people of the area. Today the main attraction is the ornate Shrine Chapel which was built in 1890. In the niches of the beautifully carved wooden alters are a thousand relics of Men and Women who lived lives of exceptional holiness. Honoring the Saints with their relics was a common way of expressing devotion to the Saints. Fr. Francis de Sales Brunner was an ardent collector of relics. He brought a few with him on his first voyage to America. In 1845 he was presented with a gift of 600 relics. In 1875 A collection of 175 relics were brought to Maria Stein and placed in the care of the Sisters. Relics of more recent Saints have been added, some of which are those of Mother Theresa of Calcutta, Maximilian Kolbe, Damian of Molokai, Pope John XXIII, and various others. Devotion to Saints, or the Holy Ones who have gone before us, is a tradition that lies within the human heart. As far back as in the Old Testament, Joseph, speaking to the Israelite people, petitioned them to take his bones with them when they would leave Egypt. Chapter 11 of Exodus states that Moses took the bones of Joseph with him when they entered the Promised Land. The practice of visiting departed loved ones in a cemetery shows the same reverence as given to relics of the saints. For the many that come and enter the quiet of the chapels, peace returns to their lives. It is a place where energies are renewed. It is where the cares, problems and worries of daily life can be placed in God’s hands. For many, healing of mind and spirit are sought and obtained. This tranquil country setting allows the heart and soul to find respite from the turbulence of fast living. It is where peace and serenity can return to the mind and spirit and be renewed and strengthened. In the old convent building there is a gift shop located on the first floor. It carries many articles of devotion, statues etc. On the second floor, there is a museum with a history of the Sisters and early rural life in Mercer County. The outside patio has pictures of the area churches that dot the country side hanging on the walls. A statue garden of various Saints provides a quiet place for reflection and prayer. The National Marian Shrine of the Holy Relics, a place of peace where all are welcome, is located at 2291 St. Johns Road, Maria Stein, Ohio. They are open Tuesdays through Sundays, noon to 4:30, closed Mondays and Holidays. www.mariasteincenter.org.
Great Lakes
Science Center
The Great Lakes Science Center will be hosting break camps during winter and spring breaks to educate and entertain kids K – 8th grade with a myriad of interactive content and exhibits. Camp content is designed according to age level, ensuring a high-quality experience for kids of all ages. Ranging from days filled with building and destroying bridges, to designing LEGO robots similar to the current robots on Mars, the kids’ days will be far from boring. “Great Lakes Science Center’s mission is to stimulate interest and increase understanding of the sciences through interactive and hands-on education programming,” said Emily Fletcher, Manager of Camps, Classes and Outreach. “Science Camps offer many opportunities for young scientists, inventors, and engineers to explore our world in a fun way.” The Winter Break Camp will start Friday, December 26, and continue the following Monday, December 29 – January 2. The two Spring Break Camps offered will be March 23 – 27 and April 13 – 17. All the camps will run from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. each day, with extended hours of 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Highlights include “It is Rocket Science!”, where campers will get to build model rockets inside and outside the science center; “LEGO Robotics: Amusement Park” will teach kids how to create miniature models of their favorite amusement park rides; and “Charge it Up! High Voltage” will let campers create and store electricity, shock their instructors (literally), and create the bridge of fire and the science center’s plasma ball. “Whether it’s designing a package to drop an egg 150 feet, building and programming a robot to complete a task, or exploring the night sky in our portable planetarium, our camps are designed to create authentic, hands-on, minds-on experiences – allowing the students to become the scientists,” said Fletcher. “Our campers are not only exposed to and engaged in science, they also have the opportunity to make new friends who share an interest in science.” Fees for each camp are $42 per day and $38 for each additional day with reduced fees for members. Extended care fees are $5 before camp and $10 for after camp on a daily basis. The following is a list of all classes offered during the winter and spring break camps:
For a full schedule of the weeks’ events, please visit the Web site at www.greatscience.com or call (216) 621-2400. Online registration will soon be available via the Web site.
Niederman Family Farm has 85 volunteers that meticulously erect eleven acres of life-size figures depicting biblical scenes annually with a half-mile handicap accessible walkway for people to pilgrimage through the bible on crisp winter nights from the day after Thanksgiving through December. Christmas music is heard across the farm setting a joyous mood and at the end of the illuminated journey an inner peace gives way to hot cocoa and cookies in a warm barn with musical entertainment and hearty laughter. And it’s all FREE! In addition, guests may explore the other barns and see goats, sheep, ducks, pigs, lamas, a donkey and antique farm equipment and tractors. “It’s a gift to remind us about the true meaning of Christmas,” said Bethann Niederman. “Nothing for sale, nothing commercial, even the hot cocoa and cookies are free.” The Niederman family’s gift may be free to all those who come but it certainly is no small production to provide electricity to what may be a million lights, not to mention all the other extras they provide complimentary. The Niederman Christmas Walk is like nothing else around. But it has been around. Many of the refurbished pieces were purchased at auction from the late Carl Rudd. In 1969, he started a Christmas display in Dayton before moving to a farm in Adams County where he and his wife Judy provided Christmas joy year round on their farm. Their farm became a traditional holiday stop for families that may now wonder whatever happened to that enchanting place? Rudd eventually grew too old to keep the million lights aglow and after the Niederman’s bought it, Rudd came to visit their farm and the torch passed hands to another Ohio farm family destined to keep the tradition alive. This year, three generations of Niederman’s had a hand in assembling the display. Today it incorporates even more than the Rudds passed on. Robert and Janet Niederman had saved nearly 70 Sunday school papers with beautiful biblical pictures. Standard Publishing permitted the Niedermans to reprint 15 of the pictures in giant 8’ x 8’ lifelike pictures. The Niederman’s have been growing the display for eight years now and attract more than 10,000 people annually. There are more than 20 biblical scenes from the old and new Testaments that end in an outdoor nook where three 10-foot angels swoon overhead with their trumpets. The guestbook shows that people have made the Christmas Walk an annual family tradition and even international visitors in the area for the holidays have visited. The entertainment is all Christmas related and includes the Franz Klaber Orchestra December 12 at 7:30 and 8:15, West Chester Symphony December 14th at 7pm, WFCJ Christian Radio Show December 13th at 7pm and 8pm plus a variety of other entertainers including church choirs, string groups, children’s programs, family singers and a jazz band. A newer barn with modern amenities is available for rent for private Christmas parties, church groups, youth groups and corporate groups and parties. For cozier stays, the Gregory Creek Inn beckons. The Christmas Walk is at Niederman Family Farm, conveniently located near I-75 between Cincinnati and Dayton at 4972 LeSourdesville-West Chester Road in Liberty Township, Ohio. Call 513-887-0725 or visit www.niedermanfamilyfarm.com for more information. By Frank R. Satullo, The OhioTraveler
A newly-restored Goodyear blimp gondola was brought by truck from Goodyear’s Wingfoot Lake Airship Operations base to the MAPS Air Museum, where the gondola will be placed on permanent display. The gondola is the flight cabin of a modern blimp. A pilot and copilot operated the lighter-than-air aircraft from the controls located at the front of the gondola. Up to eight passengers could also be seated in the gondola. The gondola houses the radar and avionics in its nose. Two aircraft engines, mounted to the outside of the gondola, propelled the blimp up to 50 mph. A group of eight volunteers from MAPS, lead by former Goodyear engineer Don Block, spent several weeks restoring the gondola at Goodyear’s Wingfoot location. With Goodyear’s help, the volunteers have brought the gondola back to its original pristine condition. Mr. Lorney Elbert of Elyria, Ohio donated the services of Elbert Construction to transport the 36 ft. long gondola, weighing almost 10,000 lbs. to the gondola’s new home at the museum. Mr. Elbert and Goodyear had to meticulously plan the route the truck took to the museum, making sure that the heavy load would clear any bridges and low-hanging signs and wires. The gondola was placed in the hangar gallery at the museum. Once it is settled into its spot among the other aircraft in the hangar, the windows will be fitted to the gondola to complete the restoration effort. Visitors will be able to walk through the gondola to see the pilot controls and passenger accommodations of a modern blimp. The museum offers a wide array of exhibits from the first air ships, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam to the present day. More than 22 aircraft adorn this unique museum, ranging from the 1908 Martin Glider, the first heavier-than-air aircraft to carry a woman aloft, to the massive F-14 Tomcat, made famous by the movie Top Gun. This is a hands-on museum allowing visitors to sit in a Russian Mig-17 fighter, control a World War II anti-aircraft gun, tour a Goodyear blimp gondola and more. Active restoration projects allow visitors to witness planes being brought back to life, including several Cold War era fighters, and one of the last World War II B-26 Marauders bombers known to exist. Many artifacts, uniforms and original artwork adorn this attraction. In addition, there is a large gift shop. Handicap accessible, and guided or self-guided tours are available. MAPS Air Museum is located at 2260 International Parkway, off of State Rte. 241 (Massillon Rd.) on the West side of the Akron-Canton Airport in North Canton, Ohio 44720. Admission is $8/adult, $7/senior (age 60+), $5/child (age 6-12). Group rates apply for tours of 15 people or more. For hours and other information, call 330-896-6332 or see www.mapsairmuseum.org. CEDAR POINT TO CHRISTMAS POINT
Spearheaded by Sandusky State Theatre Executive Director Thomas T. Kazmierczak III, Sandusky will take on the spirit of Christmas Point, USA and welcome visitors to recall a time when the holidays were less about commercialism and more about tradition and family connections. The transformation begins with the premiere of twelve nostalgic, animated window displays throughout downtown Sandusky storefronts, reminiscent of 1940’s Americana. The windows, much like a mini-Broadway show, will tell the classic Dickens’ tale, “A Christmas Carol,” through the use of story boards and vintage life-like figures. The figures were originally created by world-famous holiday window designer Spaeth Design – the same company responsible for creating window designs featured at Manhattan’s landmark department stores. Visitors will follow a walking tour, reading the story from window to window and viewing the character scenes. Holiday music will be broadcast onto the street from the State Theatre, adding to the festive atmosphere. The windows will be lighted and animated daily from 11 am – 9 pm until January 1, 2009. The displays will be in storefronts on Sandusky’s Columbus Avenue, Water Street and Market Street in the city’s historic Main Street district. A free self-guided tour map will be available at the Christmas in the City gift shop located in the Sandusky State Theatre, which is open daily. The Theatre will host several special events in conjunction with the holiday windows. Most notably, there will be a walk-through display of 40 breathtaking holiday-decorated trees, called Holiday Sparkle at the State. The trees can be viewed daily from 11 am – 8 pm until December 15. Holiday Sparkle at the State and the animated window displays are made possible through the generous sponsorship of local organizations, including civic, commercial and non-profit groups. Holiday movies, live appearances, performances and dining events among the Holiday Sparkle are all a part of the Sandusky State Theatre’s exciting holiday schedule. While strolling the streets of historic downtown Sandusky, visitors will want to be sure to check out the holiday decorations and light displays at Washington Park. Shoppers won’t want to miss the ChristmasMarkt, a holiday-themed flea market in the tradition of the German ChristmasMarkt (sometimes called Christkindlmarkt). Several downtown Sandusky storefronts will be filled with merchants selling traditional Christmas wares such as candy, food, nutcrackers, holiday ornaments, handmade items, toys, books and jewelry. All downtown merchants will also be featuring their best holiday gift ideas and decorations for the season. Many area hotels and resorts, including Sandusky’s famed indoor waterparks, offer holiday getaway packages. Log on to www.SHORESandISLANDS.com for lodging packages and holiday event information. Understanding many people don't have the discretionary income they may have had as little as a year ago, OhioTraveler.com's focus is on admission-FREE tourism. Most sections of OhioTraveler.com feature places with FREE ADMISSION at the very top of menu options. Find your free fun now:
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STAYS FOR A’s PROGRAM
Hard-working students can celebrate the ultimate report card success (earning an “A”) by treating their parents to a discounted stay at an Ohio State Park Resort any time during the school year. The Stays for A’s program is simple: show report cards and get up to $50 off the published room rate! Ten dollars is subtracted for each “A” up to five A’s. The program is valid now through June 7, 2009, and the offer is subject to room availability. One report card per room may be applied for the discount, and families must present the original report card upon check-in. Rooms can be reserved online or by phone. To reserve online visit www.atapark.com and use the promo code “Stay4A.” For additional information about the Stays for A’s program and other offers at Ohio State Park Resorts, call 1-800-ATAPARK (1-800-282-7275). “The Stays for A’s program gives families a chance to make a big deal out of good report cards with the bonus of some good memories for the whole family, including siblings who will benefit from their brother’s or sister’s success,” said Dianna Rom, regional director of sales for Ohio State Park Resorts. “All seven resorts feature a variety of activities, from game rooms to indoor swimming pools, so children as well as the parents can find many ways to blow off steam after weeks of scholastic focus.” The seven Ohio State Park Resorts operated by concessioner Xanterra Parks & Resorts are located throughout the state and within an easy drive of major cities in Ohio and surrounding states. The resorts are Shawnee State Park Resort in south central Ohio near Portsmouth, Hueston Woods State Park Resort in southwestern Ohio near Oxford, Burr Oak State Park Resort near the southern Ohio town of Glouster, Salt Fork State Park in central Ohio near Cambridge, Mohican State Park Resort in north central Ohio near Loudonville, Punderson Manor State Park Resort in northeastern Ohio near Newbury and Maumee Bay State Park Resort in northwestern Ohio near Toledo. Unlike cookie-cutter brand name hotels, each Ohio State Park Resort is distinctive and reflective of its natural surroundings. A common denominator, however, is a wide range of recreational activities. For example, Hueston Woods State Park Resort and several of the other resorts offer a huge, old-fashioned arcade with an array of games such as pinball and the new and highly popular Dance Revolution. At Burr Oak State Park Resort, an entire room has been turned into a kid-friendly nature center, and the resort naturalist leads frequent games, experiments and nature hikes. Beginning in April, Mohican State Park Resort hosts a Saturday-night birds-of-prey demonstration. Known for its abundance of winged wildlife, guests are often treated to glimpses of bald eagles and wild turkeys. Also, bicycles, paddle boats, canoes and rowboats can be rented at many of the parks. Most of the resorts feature an indoor pool and exercise room, and guests can borrow a variety of board games to take back to their rooms or play in the lobby areas. Complete information about the facilities at each of the seven Ohio State Park Resorts operated by Xanterra Parks & Resorts is available online at www.atapark.com or by calling 1-800-AT-A-PARK (1-800-282-7275). There is an indefinable fascination that most people have with old mansions. And, there’s more to the allure than simply revisiting opulence of another era, because unlike ordinary houses, these dwellings were never built by ordinary people, and there’s a story behind every door. Usually these builders were the wealthy that did things their way, regardless of tradition. And tradition, as quoted by Kurt Adler is “What you resort to when you don’t have the time or money to do it right.” Their riches not only offered them the most extravagant comforts, but a flamboyant way of showcasing it. Sometimes too, it was the less than wealthy eccentrics who were out of step with the times who built them, but with all the variations, the fact that the owners were making a personal statement, is the one consistency. In Bryan, Ohio there is a brick three-story, nineteen-room Victorian Italianate home that projects as much of an individual declaration today as it did for the wealthy doctor who built it in 1874. The present owners would probably prefer not to be described as eccentric, but they do use the old mansion in an unusual way—even though the announcement is one of cheer and good will to all. It’s known as Christmas Manor. It’s open to the public only from September 20 through December 31 and nearly every room is decorated with a Christmas theme. It started with a family named Goldsmith who purchased the house in 1962. After a few years, just as they were considering downsizing they happened upon an unusual Christmas shop in Rhode Island, and decided they could do something similar, only on a much larger scale with their house back in Bryan. They started with the porch and three rooms, and with each season the premise grew. With one owner between them and the Goldsmiths, the present owners, Loretta and Max Musser have continued the ritual to the near ultimate. It is a bed and breakfast, but Christmas displays consume all but one bedroom. However, it is a very special room for those lucky enough to rent it. Access is gained through large double doors and up a winding walnut staircase to a room with a twelve-foot ceiling, fireplace, a sitting room and amenities. In the upstairs room used as Musser’s office there is a trap door leading to servant’s quarters, but there will be no servant bringing breakfast to your bed like the original family was accustomed. However, a voucher for a belt-busting meal at a local restaurant will satisfy the most ravenous morning appetite. This is one museum-type house where the imported Italian parquet floors, antique chandeliers and bookcases, as beautiful as any, are completely overwhelmed by spirits—the kind that make you feel good—and the Mussers work to maintain that atmosphere. On their buying trips they look for the most unique gifts and decorations, with creativity foremost in their designs that change yearly. Each room is a different color and diverse motif—seventeen rooms in all. A few examples are the Christmas kitchen, a country room, a room just for kids, and a winter park converted from an indoor swimming pool with every imaginable size and style of Christmas trees and candy canes everywhere. This is a business, of course, but many people tour the Christmas Manor just to rekindle their Christmas spirit, and the Mussers are quick to confirm that everyone is welcome. In this year of economic woes some people may not be filled with the usual cheer, but a tour of this old mansion with every nook and cranny stuffed with Christmas gaiety is guaranteed to turn up the wick on that inner flame. For more information go to www.christmasmanor.com. The Mussers also point out that the Spangler Candy Co. located in Bryan is the world’s largest producer of candy canes. If you want to know more about the red and white candies that are as decorative as they are tasty, the company offers tours and a museum. Call 888-636-4221 or go to www.spanglercandy.com for more details. A few minutes north of Christmas Manor you can visit the Stoneyridge Winery where tours are given and tastes of tangible holiday spirits are available. Go to www.stoneyridgewinery.com. About twenty minutes northeast of Bryan you will find Sauder Village and an old-fashioned Christmas celebration that will take you back to the era when the Christmas Manor house was the newest and most exclusive architecture to be ogled. This region sits on the northwest fringe of Ohio’s Great Black Swamp—a part of Ohio’s history and geography that is nearly forgotten. The Black Swamp was a wetland, resulting from the glacial period thousands of years ago, extending westward approximately from Sandusky to a short distance over the Indiana line. At one time it was so ominous—so goes legend—that unsuspecting travelers venturing in were never seen again. Habitation was decades behind surrounding areas. It wasn’t until the late 19th century and early 20th that swamps were drained and the wilds tamed. In 1976 Sauder Village was recreated depicting the lives and hardships of northwest Ohio’s pioneers so that this period of our state’s history would not be overlooked. Otherwise the fertile farmland reclaimed from swamps and marshes suggests another age never existed. This time of year Sauder Village offers a slice of history along with a special holiday experience. A joyous occasion? Of course. The old-fashioned kind? Yes, it is—and maybe it’s just what we need this year. Merry Christmas. Call 800-590-9755 or go to www.saudervillage.com for more details.
By
Robert Carpenter
BIKE WITH Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park has released its schedule of bicycle tours of historic Dayton sites for 2009. The “Bike with a Ranger” program, sponsored by the National Park Service, provides a healthy and environmentally friendly way to explore Dayton’s exceptional history. In the spirit of the Wright brothers’ roots in bicycling, the casual tours are paced so that participants can socialize and enjoy as well as learn about the region’s rich heritage. There will be three separate bicycle programs offered next year during the spring, summer, and autumn months. One ride, which takes place only on the third Sundays of May and September, explores Dayton’s creative past and will include sites in Downtown Dayton, the Oregon Arts District, and the Wright-Dunbar Historic District. During the summer months, rides will alternate on the second and fourth Sundays of June, July, and August. The tours on the second Sundays include some of the Gem City’s historic homes and sites, including John H. Patterson’s birthplace, Patterson Homestead, and Orville Wright’s mansion, Hawthorn Hill. The rides on the fourth Sundays tour the “birthplace and cradle of aviation,” Huffman Prairie Flying Field and include stops at Huffman Dam, Wright State University archives, and the Wright Memorial. The rides are all four to five hours in duration and travel along urban streets and some bike trails. Parts of the rides can be challenging since they require riding up and down hills. Pre-registration is required so that detailed information can be sent to participants beforehand. All participants should be present no later than 8:30 a.m. the day of the program for tour and safety orientation. For all rides, cyclists are required to wear properly fitting helmets and have safe and functional bicycles. Bring personal gear, including water and food. Bicycles are subject to a safety inspection. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a cycling adult. For more information on the bicycle rides, please contact Park Ranger Mark Dues at 937-425-0008. Tour 1: Third Sundays of May and September Location: The Wright Cycle Company, 22 South Williams Street, Dayton OH 45402 Dates & Time: May 17 and September 20, 2009; 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (4 hours) Program: “Creative Dayton: Invention, Innovation, and Art in the Gem City” This moderately difficult bicycle ride along urban streets will stop at locations that tell the story of Dayton’s “creative class.” Sites visited will be the “Inventors’ Walk” and the Engineers Club at Riverscape Metropark; the NCR collection at the Dayton History Archival Center; the Oregon Arts and Historic District; and the home of internationally-renowned poet, Paul Laurence Dunbar. The tour ends where we started--in Wright-Dunbar Village. The Wright Cycle Company Complex is located at the intersection of West Third and South Williams Streets just west of Downtown Dayton. Tour 2: Second Sundays of June, July, and August Location: The Wright Cycle Company, 22 South Williams Street, Dayton OH 45402 Dates & Time: June 14, July 12, August 9, 2009; 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (5 hours) Program: “The Gem City: Historic Homes & Sites of Dayton” This somewhat challenging bicycle ride along urban streets and hilly terrain will stop at locations that tell the story of Dayton in the early 20th century. Homes on the tour include Orville Wright’s mansion, Hawthorn Hill; and Patterson Homestead, birthplace of NCR founder, John H. Patterson. Other sites will include Woodland Cemetery and Carillon Historical Park. The tour ends where we started--in Wright-Dunbar Village. The Wright Cycle Company Complex is located at the intersection of West Third and South Williams Streets just west of Downtown Dayton. Tour 3: Fourth Sundays of June, July, and August Location: Huffman Prairie Flying Field Interpretive Center 2380 Memorial Rd., Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433 Dates & Times: June 28, July 26, and August 23, 2009; 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (4 hours) Program: “A Living Legacy: Huffman Prairie to Wright-Patterson AFB” Discover how one of the largest aviation complexes in the world, Wright-Patterson AFB, began as a humble 84-acre cow pasture just a few miles northeast of Dayton. This moderate-to-easy bicycle ride down mostly bicycle trails and less-traveled roads will take the trail leading to Huffman Prairie Flying Field, Huffman Dam, and the Wright State University Archives. The tour will end where we started--at Wright Memorial Hill. Wright Memorial Hill is located close to the intersection of State Route 444 and Kauffman Road, just 1.5 miles east of the National Museum of the United States Air Force. Registration & Other Information: Pre-registration is required. Please register by calling 937-425-0008 and ask for Mark. All participants should be present no later than 8:30 a.m. for sign-in and orientation. Bicyclists should be in good physical condition and feel comfortable gearing up and down hills. Tours may be cancelled due to inclement weather. Huffman Prairie Flying Field is located on an active military installation and may be closed without prior notice. Participants are required to bring their own bicycles and personal gear, including snacks and/or lunch. Proper wear of helmets is required. Bicycles should be in good operating condition and are subject to safety inspections. Call 937-425-0008 for the latest information.
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