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OPENING DOORS TO TROY
An award-winning outdoor sculpture exhibit returns to downtown Troy this summer. Twenty eight doors have been magically transformed into stunning art by local businesses, organizations, and artists for the 2011 Sculptures on the Square.
The exhibit’s theme, Opening Doors to Troy, showcases the creativity, talent, and spirit of local artisans and community groups using full sized doors as palettes. The artists were given wide latitude in developing the theme for each door. Materials used to embellish the doors vary and include copper, paint, felt, wood, glass, fencing, recyclables, and more. Photographs, mosaics, and a variety of door vintages and styles are present in the unique exhibit.
Twenty eight doors stand proudly throughout downtown Troy on sidewalks spanning two the three blocks in each direction around the town square. Walking tour brochures can be picked up at any of the downtown restaurants and shops and provide visitors with the stories behind each door.
“Late for School” features the work of local muralist Diana Barrett. Ms. Barrett depicts a young boy in blue striped pajamas standing outside peering into the window of his classroom with school already in progress. The reverse side of the door features the interior view—classmates at their desks with the boy’s horrified face looming in the window.
The creativity and diversity in the sculptures bring the streets of Troy alive. The Goliath-sized shoe growing out of a door makes “Foot in the Door” a magnet for visitors. “Open Mic Night”, conveniently planted outside the Leaf and Vine, depicts what goes on inside the local bar on certain nights. An actual saxophone and other music-related items adorn the door, and it can even play music.
Artist Karen Purke created “Barn Door” painting vignettes of local quilt barns in the door’s raised panels. Ms. Purke also collaborated on two other interesting door sculptures. “Door to the Arts” utilizes over 1,000 photographic images in a mosaic to form a door-sized photo of the local arts center. “Unlocking the Door to Personal Excellence” displays the work of hundreds of students who contributed artwork and prose that reflect their individual achievements.
The remarkable historic architecture of downtown Troy stands in juxtaposition to “Unlocking the Smart Door”, a new age door with mobi tags that resemble quilt patterns. Smart phone operators can scan the mobi tags and are taken to websites to learn more about a local college and the exhibit.
Visitors to Troy’s downtown this summer can also take advantage of free outdoor summer concerts in the square, a Saturday morning farmers market, interesting shops, and award-winning restaurants. “Our desire is to provide an exhibit that allows Troy to share its creative and symbolic work with our community, our region, and the world, thus we are Opening Doors to Troy” says Diana Thompson, chairperson of the Sculptures on the Square Committee. Troy, Ohio was named one of Ohio Magazines “Best Hometowns” due, in part, to its commitment to the arts by offering a variety of free cultural events and quality exhibits to residents and visitors.
Walking tour brochures for Sculptures on the Square are available through Troy Main Street, the Miami County Visitors Bureau, and most downtown businesses. At the conclusion of the exhibition, all doors will be presented for auction to the public on September 17, 2011.
Sculptures on the Square is made possible through the generosity of Clopay, a grant from the Troy Foundation, and in partnership with the City of Troy. For more information, call Troy Main Street at 339-5455 or visit www.troymainstreet.org.
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WORTH THE DRIVE
Festival Fun & Historic Settings
With
the price of gas hovering at an all time high, many people are making sure
every drive is a trip worth taking. Two great festivals in west central
Ohio this month make the cut by offering a fun time, great music, terrific
free entertainment all in beautiful historic settings.
The 106th Fort Recovery Harvest Jubilee is scheduled for June 16th through the 19th. The activities take place at Ambassador Park and the adjacent Fort Site Park with views of the Fort Recovery block house buildings and stockade, historical museum and log cabins. The Thursday evening “Jubilee Kickoff” activities on the 16th include a softball tournament, a hog roast, the Tug-of-War challenge, music by The LumberJacks and “Kids Movie Night” at the Van Trees Park Amphitheater.
Events on Friday, Saturday & Sunday include a rib cook off,
pie baking and wing eating contests. More fun includes the Adult Obstacle
Course, Kiddie Tractor Pull, the car show and the Famous Fort Recovery
Racing Ducks. New this year, with three shows on Saturday, will be the
“High Action Bikes BMX Stunt Show”.
This Show
features some
of the worlds Top BMX bike riders and extreme sports athletes who
currently perform in the X Games and the Dew Tour. The Jubilee’s free
musical entertainment will include Country Mile, Grove Hill & Effexor
Unleashed. The Fireman’s Parade begins at 2 on Sunday and is followed by
a chicken BBQ. The weekend includes rides, games and other great festival
food. So make your way to the banks of the Wabash and enjoy the Fort
Recovery Harvest Jubilee. The complete events schedule is available at
www.fortrecovery.org/
Jubilee/2011%20JUB%20Brochure.pdf
The Maria Stein Countryfest, scheduled for June 24th through the 26th , takes place on the grounds of the Maria Stein Relic Shrine, which will be open for tours during the festivities. The most unusual event at Countryfest is the legendary Tractor Square Dancing. Check out the choreography as local costumed farmers do-si-do their tractors in time to the music. Other free entertainment includes the Edge Motorsports Show, Go Kart Racing, Antique Tractor Pull and Mini Indy Racing.
With the area’s strong German heritage you will find delicious brats, mets, sausages and cabbage rolls as well as the festival’s signature turtle soup and fried chicken. This year’s Countryfest free musical entertainment will include performances by Empty Tank, Free Lance, Robbie V & Heidi and Mustang Sally. The weekend also includes rides, games, great food, a 5K run and a petting zoo. We promise you a great time in the country when you visit the Maria Stein Countryfest, June 24th, 25th & 26th on the grounds of the Maria Stein Relic Shrine in west central Ohio. For a complete schedule of events you can check out: www.mscountryfest.com.
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Coshocton is the Place to be this Summer
with
FREE Family Events and Fantastic Getaway Packages
Save
time, money and gas this summer by spending time close to home enjoying
some great family fun in Coshocton. You'll find affordable getaway
packages and free events in Coshocton perfect for your family vacation.
From balloons to corvettes, to traditional Appalachian music to Civil War
history, Coshocton is just the place to spend your summer.
On June 10-12, visitors can enjoy the oldest hot air balloon event in Ohio—The Frontier Power 30th Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival which takes place at the Coshocton Co. Fairgrounds at 707 Kenilworth Ave. Admission and entertainment are free.
This family fun affair features midway attractions, craft booths, carnival rides, fireworks, photo contest, kiddie tractor pull, 5K race, flag ceremony, food vendors and many other family-oriented activities. On Friday night, enjoy free musical entertainment by country music entertainer, Timothy Paul from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday night Phil Dirt and the Dozers will perform oldies favorites at 7:30 p.m. with the popular balloon 'Night Glow' immediately following the concert.
Balloon launches and fly-ins will take place (weather permitting) on Friday, June 10 around 6:00 p.m.; Saturday, June 11, around 6:00 a.m. and again around 6:00 p.m.; and Sunday, June 12, around 6:00 a.m. For more information go to www.CoshoctonChamber.com.
Corvette enthusiasts will love the Corvettes at Roscoe Cruise-In on June 12. Over 200 corvettes will converge on the street in Historic Roscoe Village at this event hosted by the Classic Glass Corvette Club. Spectator admission to the cruise-in is free. Visitors will enjoy strolling along the street admiring the cars while listening to the tunes of 50s and 60s music. For more information, visit www.RoscoeVillage.com.
Coshocton County is also the host of the longest running heritage music festival in Ohio—Coshocton Dulcimer Days, which is also the second oldest event of its kind in the United States. This year marks the 37th Anniversary of this nationally significant Appalachian musical event, which will be held on Coshocton County's Courthouse Lawn on June 17-19, with workshops and the Saturday evening concert to be held at the Coshocton Presbyterian Church. As part of the festival, the Mid-East Regional Dulcimer Championships are held and winning competitors at Coshocton's festival go on to compete in the national competition.
Visitors to the event will enjoy music vendors, artists' booths and traditional Appalachian music.
Admission and parking are free. There will be a freewill offering for the Saturday night concert featuring dulcimer players Rob Brereton and Sam Rizzetta. For more details check out www.DulcimerDays.com.
On July 19-23, Coshocton will host Ohio Chautauqua, presented by the Ohio Humanities Council, featuring first-person Civil War era performances each evening. At this Coshocton Bicentennial event, you'll 'meet' Harriet Tubman, Major Martin Delany, Mary Chesnut, Mary Edwards Walker and Abe Lincoln at this free Ohio Humanities event.
The Coshocton Civil War Encampment and History Days is another free Coshocton Bicentennial event that will be held on August 12-14. Your whole family will enjoy learning about Union and Confederate camps, see live demonstrations and battles, and take part in a Civil War Ball. For more information about these events go to www.VisitCoshocton.com.
Enjoy your summer at these free, family-fun events and find out why Coshocton has twice been named by Midwest Living magazine as 'One of the 100 top towns to visit.' To learn more about affordable and fun getaway packages, the Horse-drawn Canal Boat Ride, Historic Roscoe Village, Unusual Junction, Coshocton's five wineries, family-fun events and more, call 1-800-338-4724 or go to www.VisitCoshocton.com.
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Explore the Summer Adventures Awaiting You in Butler County
Summer Events Exploding in The BC
It’s time
to break out the shorts, flip-flops, beach towels, and sunscreen; summer
is here! Celebrate the warmer months with a summer adventure in Butler
County. The BC is the perfect spot to spend time with family, reconnect
with friends, and soak up all the fun summer has to offer. The BC features
a sizzling selection of summer events that will keep you, and your family
and friends, entertained all season long!
Beat the heat this June at Jungle Jim’s International Beer Fest at the Oscar Event Center on June 17. For one evening each summer, Jungle Jim’s becomes the center of the Beer Universe! Join the brew masters and diehard beer connoisseurs for an event that features over 70 breweries and 350 beer selections available to sample during the event. Each ticket includes admission, a beer tasting glass, beer samples, and picnic style food. It’s guaranteed to be a refreshing time for all!
“Our Beer Fest has something for everyone,” said Ed Vinson, International Beer Manager at Jungle Jim’s. “We’ll have exotic and hard-to-find beers from the best breweries around!”
Fashionistas: get ready, get set…SHOP! Head over to the Cincinnati Premium Outlets this summer for fantastic sales, the latest fashions, and live entertainment. Cincinnati Premium outlets features over 100 designer outlet stores, including Michael Kors, Coach, Nike, J. Crew, Banana Republic, Saks Off Fifth, and more! You’ll also be entertained by the live outdoor music running from July through September.
Where can you see dozens of beautiful hot air balloons filling the sky this summer? Right here in Middletown, you can see these at the MidUSA Ohio Challenge in Smith Park on July 15-17. You won’t want to miss all the hot air balloons, Team Fastrax professional skydiving team, the best of regional music, a classic car show, arts and crafts, food, tethered hot air balloon, airplane, and helicopter rides, and more at this summer event!
“Ohio Challenge brings large crowds to Butler County for a great time,” said MidUSA Publicist, Ann Mort. “It’s smiles all around when people look up at a group of big, beautiful hot air balloons floating overhead.”
The BC is proud to host the 2011 World Disabled Water Ski Championships this summer. Held at VOA Park in West Chester on August 25-28, this event will feature three main events, including slalom, tricks, and jumping. Within each event, athletes will be grouped into the three categories of seated (paraplegics and quadriplegics), standing (arm and/or leg disabilities with or without prosthesis), and vision impaired (partially or totally blind.) The event was last held in Vichy, France in 2009 and drew 47 competitors from 18 countries.
“Summer is an exciting time for Butler County,” said Mark Hecquet, Butler County Visitors Bureau Executive Director. “All of the events happening in our county are not only entertaining, but economically stimulating.”
The Butler County Visitors Bureau is dedicate to promoting tourism across Butler County through sporting events, group tour, tourist events, and attractions. The BCVB is located at 8750 Union Centre Boulevard in West Chester, Ohio.
For more information or to request a FREE Visitor’s Guide, visit www.gettothebc.com or call 888-462-2282.
Get To The BC, Get To The FUN!
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So many visitors to Wayne County have asked for suggestions for one day, drive yourself car trips that we decided to give it a try! You will find the following one day trip a great way to see some of what Amish Country has to offer, while enjoying the back roads buggy style. Enjoy this tour appropriately named:
Wayne County, Wander the Wonders!
Start your day off in the Southern part of the county in the Village of Shreve and the Des Dutch Essenhaus Restaurant, known for their jumbo cinnamon rolls, a great way to start the day! See the gang at Shreve Hardware next door, an old fashioned hardware store that still has its original creaky hardwood floors or one of the many quaint village shops or bakeries.
Des Dutch Essenhaus Restaurant
176 N. Market St. (Rt. 226)
Shreve, OH 44676
Next stop, the Pine Tree Barn & farms. Shop in a restored 1868 barn with spectacular views of the Killbuck Valley. You will love this beautiful Christmas tree farm which houses a licensed Williamsburg Shop with 18th century furniture reproductions, accessories, and a Christmas Shop.
Pine Tree Barn & farms
4374 Shreve Rd. (Rt. 226)
Wooster, OH 44691
If you are looking for something a little different, try Care-N-Share, a great store with a wonderful story. Beautiful quilts, baskets, crafts and gift ideas are made by our Amish friends with medical handicaps and the Amish widows, and then sold to the public. Amish craftsmanship at a fraction of the cost. A true Wayne County treasure.
Care-N-Share
10412 Dover Rd.
Apple Creek, OH 44606
Depart Care-N-Share for Lehman’s Hardware in Kidron. Shop where the Amish shop for nonelectric goods and toys. Find a wonderful collection of wood burning stoves and all of the gadgets you remember from Grandma’s kitchen.
Lehman’s
On the Square in Kidron Ohio
4779 Kidron Rd.
Dalton, OH 44618
Lunch time! Try a local Amish Restaurant, the Das Dutch Kitchen and Bakery that is right on the way to the next stop. You can try their soup and salad bar, order from the menu, or go the more traditional route with an Amish family-style meal. Whatever your choice save room for a piece of pie. Don’t worry if you just don’t have room, stop by the bakery for a fry pie to take home with you.
Das Dutch Kitchen & Bakery
14278 E. Lincoln Way (US Rt. 30)
Dalton, OH 44618
No trip to Wayne County is complete without a trip to the P. Graham Dunn Gallery, the maker of fine laser engraved wood pieces for your home. Watch items being made in their factory and be sure to stop by their seconds showroom. Have a name or anniversary date engraved on a piece for that one of a kind special keepsake item.
P. Graham Dunn Gallery
630 Henry St.
Dalton, OH 44618
“With a name like Smuckers, it has to be good!” Next stop The J.M. Smucker Company Store & Café in Orrville, Ohio. Stop by this charming company store for samples and special sale items from the Smucker’s family brands such as Pillsbury, Jif, Martha White, Crisco, and Folgers Coffees.
The J.M. Smucker Company Store & Café
333 Wadsworth Rd.
Orrville, OH 44667
Now, here’s a little secret about this tour…no admission is charged to any of these attractions and parking is free! Wayne County is not only a great place to visit; you can save your money for more important stuff like shopping and eating. So why spend $50.00 per person to stand in line at amusement parks when you can wander the back road wonders of Wayne County taking your time and not spending a dime.
Even though this makes for a full day, there are plenty of great places left to visit in Wayne County. How about spending the night and staying an extra day. Accommodations are available to fit your budget starting at just $55.00 a night, including an extended Continental breakfast and pools.
If you would like more information on these or other attractions in the area, or for a copy of this tour with complete driving directions, please visit www.waynecountycvb.org.
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There’s Calliope And Fishing Along The Banks Of The Ohio River
A
different kind of steamer is headed to the historic Ohio River town,
Gallipolis.
It’s the calliope – an organ where its keys activate steam whistles. And that’s just part of the entertainment at the Carousel Band Organ Rally on June 11 and 12, 2011. It’s one of only a few national stops by the Carousel Organ Association of America this year.
What is it about the sound of carousel music, fairground organs, hand cranked organs, circus calliopes or even street organs that puts a smile on everybody’s face? It’s festive, innocent and fun.
If you want to feel like one of the happiest people on Earth, head to the quaint Southeast Ohio River town of Gallipolis for the free concert. It’s not just the music that transforms everyone and whisks their problems away, it’s the activities and setting too. Don’t miss the Mark Wood Fun Show along the sprawling shaded lawns and gardens of the historic Gallipolis City Park – a focal point of the small town downtown bustling with interesting storefronts and mom and pop shoppes.
In the center of the park is The Bandstand, a mainstay since 1876 surviving flood after flood. To get an idea of what a river town flood was like, meander over to the Flood Marker near the edge of the park. It tells a grim story by indicating the high water mark of 1913 at 66.5 feet.
The park overlooks the Ohio River and tree lined banks of West Virginia. In fact, Gallipolis will be the host city for the 2011 Ohio High School State Fishing Championship on July 9, 2011.
Registration will be on Friday night from 4-6 pm at the tent located in the Gallipolis City Park. This will be a two person team format with a coach and/or boat captain comprised of any students in the State of Ohio in grades 9th to 12th. Gallipolis will host several other fishing tournaments throughout the summer, including the American Bass Anglers on June 26th and on August 13, 2011 the Cabela’s King Kat Tournament along with a youth fishing event at the Farm Pond located on historic Bob Evans Farm property in Rio Grande.
For more information about the Carousel Band Organ Rally or any fishing tournaments, call 1-800-765-6482, or visit www.visitgallia.com.
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Urbana:
Art, Architecture and (Lighter Than) Air!
At
three events this summer, visitors to Urbana will discover the many charms
that gained the west central Ohio city Best Hometown recognition this year
by Ohio Magazine:
-
The 19th Annual Champaign County Preservation Alliance Historic Home and Garden Tour - June 25 and 26
-
The 6th Annual Champaign County Balloon Fest - July 8-10
-
The 7th Annual Art Affair on the Square - July 16
Historic Home and Garden Tour - www.ccpahomeandgardentour.com – features eight historic homes in Urbana and nearby Westville area (including one currently under restoration), five gardens, the newly restored Scioto Inn Bed and Breakfast in Urbana, the Urbana Senior Citizens Center and the Johnny Appleseed Educational Center and Museum in historic Bailey Hall of Urbana University (celebrating its 160th anniversary). The museum houses the largest known collection of Johnny Appleseed memorabilia and documents.
The tours are from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, June 26. Free shuttle are available to all the stops, leaving from behind the Urbana Municipal Building, 205 S. Main St. (U.S. 68). Advance tickets are $10. Tickets on the day of the event are $12. Children 12 and under are free. Tickets good both days until all sites are punched. For more information, please call 1-800-791-6010.
Other tour features unique arts and crafts, live entertainment, good food, and The Preservation Garden Shoppe, along with garden advice. And while you’re there, visit the Champaign County Farmers’ Market, next to the main Home and Garden Tour shuttle stop (behind the Urbana Municipal Building). Open Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. In 2010, the market was named the nation’s best small town farmers’ market by American Farmland Trust. Enjoy a concert by The Ohio State University Alumni Band at 7 p.m. Saturday at Urbana’s beautiful Melvin Miller Park.
Champaign County Balloon Fest - www.champaignoh.com – is fun for all ages, featuring 15 hot air balloons, including the hot air balloon of nearby Ohio Caverns. There are four scheduled flights; 6:30 p.m. on Friday, 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 7 a.m. on Sunday. Two balloon glows are scheduled at 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Other features include balloon building workshops for grades four through adult at 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, carnival rides, food, DJ with kids’ activities, face painting and Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest at 5 p.m. on Friday, with a rain date of 5 p.m. Saturday.
The festivities are July 8-10. Balloon flights only will be on Friday, July 8 from 6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.; Saturday, July 9 from 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Sunday, July 10 from 7 a.m. at Grimes Field airport, 1636 N. Main St. (U.S. 68), Urbana. Weekend passes for adults are $2 and children (all ages) are $1.
While you’re there, explore Urbana’s aviation heritage at two museums located at Grimes Field: The Grimes Flying Lab Museum — a part of the National Aviation Heritage Area, paying tribute to Warren G. Grimes. Known as the Father of the Aviation Lighting Industry, he founded Grimes Manufacturing of Urbana and donated the airport to the City of Urbana. The jewel of the museum is the restored Grimes Flying Lab, a Beech 18 used to test Grimes’ innovations. The Champaign Aviation Museum features World War II-era aircraft and the ongoing restoration of a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress.
Art Affair on the Square – Art Affair on the Square – is a juried show that features for sale the work of more than 60 artists from several states, including painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, textiles, collage, mixed media, photography, jewelry and other fine crafts. It is sponsored by Monument Square District, Inc.
This event also features a continuous performing arts on the courthouse plaza and throughout the festival area, specialty and gourmet foods served by vendors and downtown restaurants, a children’s art tent, and guided riding and walking tours of the city's 19th century architectural treasures, including a building that served as military headquarters during the War of 1812 and now is a general store in business since 1893.
The Art Affair is 10 a.m.-6 p.m on Saturday, July 16 at Monument Square and North Main Street (U.S. 68) in Urbana’s historic downtown district. There is no admission charge.
While you’re there, be sure to visit the downtown Urbana gallery of nationally-known artist Mike Major, which is also home of the Champaign County Arts Council. Explore downtown Urbana’s boutiques, antique stores and other specialty shops, many offering Art Affair sales. Dine at any of several locally-owned downtown restaurants. See the work of Urbana native John Quincy Adams Ward, known as the Dean of American Sculpture, at Urbana’s Oakdale Cemetery, 319 Patrick Ave. Ward designed the monument of legendary frontiersman Simon Kenton. Ward’s own monument features a replica of his sculpture “The Indian Hunter,” which stands in New York City’s Central Park.
For more information, visit www.champaignohio.com.
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Want travel deals and discounts at Ohio's Lake Erie Shores
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these great discounts and offers at many local attractions, shops, restaurants,
and even lodging accommodations!
www.shoresandislands.com/visitors/specials/
-
Family fun is heating up in Preble County’s Hueston Woods
State Park Lodge. Package includes two nights of lodging, S'mores fixings for
four, marshmallow roasting sticks, box of firewood, a movie rental, hiking kit
(compass and hiking trail map), two-hour use of a global positioning system
(GPS) unit for guests who enjoy geocaching and value coupon book. Rates start
at $115.00 per night.
www.huestonwoodsstateparklodge.com
/Packages-884.html#smore
-
Bridges, Bikes & Blues, Saturday, June 18th. Register by June 1st, save $5 & get a free T-shirt! Preble County Historical Society’s 63 mile tour of 7 Covered Bridges, collect chances to win prizes at each bridge, arrive at Main St. party with live music, bike contest, beer & food.
-
Summer of Slumber Weekend Special! Visit Preble County for any festival, fair, or show between now and September 1st and save $30 if you stay at the Fairfield Inn in New Paris, Ohio! www.preblecountyregion.com/
Fairfield_Inn_New_Paris.htm
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Ohio travel and tourism guide to Ohio tourist attractions and Ohio vacation destinations in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and all Ohio featuring Ohio travel information on festivals and events, tours, museums, arts, restaurants, lodging, wineries, parks, historic sites, outdoor activities, recreation and leisure activities and entertainment coupons, discounts and other travel deals along Ohio's roads less traveled.
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OUR
ADVERTISERS
Auglaize & Mercer County CVB
Butler County CVB
Champaign County Chamber & VB
Clinton County CVB
Coshocton County CVB
Everything Rubbermaid
Gallia County CVB
GoodSeed Farm
Granny's Garden School
Great Mohican Pow Wow
Hocking Hills Tourism Association
Keim
Family Market
Lake Erie Shores & Islands
Lake
Erie Marine Trades Assoc
Lima / Allen County CVB
Miami County Visitors
Bureau
Millers Furniture & Bakery
Niederman Family Farm
Ohio Caverns
Ohio's Historic West
Preble County Economic Dev
Put-In-Bay Chamber
Quilt Trail Gathering
Roscoe Village
Troy Main Street
Union County CVB
Wayne County CVB
WASHBOARD
MUSIC
FESTIVAL
The hills of Hocking County will surely come to life as the annual Washboard Music Festival kicks off with another great year of entertainment beginning Thursday, June 16 with none other than the legendary Arnett Howard. Arnett is known around Central Ohio for his special brand of Jazz, Creole, and Blues music and no matter what he plays, he brings out the crowds. Arnett and his band will appear for a “one night only” performance on the Main Stage to kick off this year’s festivities. This is one show you won’t want to miss and believe it or not, but you can see Arnett for FREE!
This year’s festival is going to be great! There is a huge variety of musical entertainment which includes Dixieland, Blues, Swing, Hot Jazz, Jugband, Bluegrass, Funky Creole, Old-Time Country, Ragtime and even Celtic. Some of this year’s performers include Skeedaddle, who will be appearing for the first time at the festival. The group from North Carolina will be entertaining on the Main stage Friday and Saturday.
Another group of fine entertainers is the Farnum Family from Southwest Missouri. This family of eight has delighted audiences everywhere with their blend of bluegrass, gospel and old time western music. Rant Maggie Rant returns for their second year from Ontario, Canada performing their style of Celtic music. Other groups performing include: Buffalo Ridge Jazz Band; Sister Jean & Kenan; Michael & Rebecca; Kaye Wade; Bill Bailey; and the delightful sounds of Ellen and Priscilla known in the Columbus area as Delightful Sounds.
In addition to toe-tappin’, washboard strummin’ music, the festival will feature arts and crafts from many of the area’s Appalachian artisans; a beautiful quilt show featuring quilts from Brown County, Ohio; a Civil War era exhibit; delicious, mouth-watering food; tours of the Columbus Washboard Company; antique tractors and hit ‘n miss engines; a parade on Saturday night; and so much more.
And, as in past years, there will be FREE rides for the kids and entertainment by the world famous puppeteer Grandpa Cratchet. This is truly one festival you won’t want to miss. Mark this one on your calendar for June 16, 17 and 18 and bring the whole family out for a great weekend of fun and entertainment in the beautiful Hocking Hills. For more information on the festival visit the website washboardmusicfestival.com.
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The Fighting McCooks
The McCook clan was not known as a cantankerous bunch, but no one questioned their courage or their fierce defense of the Union cause. When the War Between the States broke out, they volunteered. All fifteen of them.
The Civil War was personal. What kind of men rush into a conflict knowing they might have to fight their own neighbors or relatives? What goes through the mind of a man who encourages his brother and sons to join the fight knowing the odds are that some, maybe all of them will fail to return? It has been said that it is “the passion of fools, and the most foolish of passions.” Patriotism.
To whatever instincts that were imbedded in the genetic code, it was definitely a passionate response by the McCooks—the fighting McCooks, as they became known.
Recollection of American history frequently summons heroic names from both sides such as Sherman, Grant, Jackson and Lee. However, from schoolbooks the McCook name barely jingles a distant bell, but it should chime with clarity—there was hardly a Civil War battle, north or south of the Mason Dixon line, without the participation of a McCook.
But now you can discover what academia left out. The saga of the McCooks is related through chronicled accounts and memorabilia displayed at the antebellum McCook House Museum in Carrollton. The house is owned by the Ohio Historical Society and managed by the Carroll County Historical Society.
The house recently reopened after a $300,000 renovation kept it shuttered the past six months. It’s easy to recognize. It’s the large building on the southwest corner of the Carrollton town square, notable for its Federalist architecture—meaning a two-story red-brick box-like structure with prominent chimneys on either side, no porch or portico, and numerous windows. The house was built by Daniel McCook, a Carrollton attorney, in 1837 and occupied by his family that included eight sons and three daughters until 1848. The other part of the clan was Daniel’s brother John and his five sons, hailing from Steubenville (as did President Lincoln’s Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton.)
You may explore the house at your leisure, but guided tours are more rewarding, especially for Civil War buffs. Downstairs you will see the parlor, Daniel’s law office, dining room (now a Civil War display) and the original small kitchen. Then head upstairs to view the four large bedrooms.
Manager and tour guide Shirley Anderson says, “People are always surprised at the amount of items displayed here.” There are five Civil War swords belonging to the McCook sons; Daniel’s Henry rifle; GAR medals, period furniture; and a large set of china purchased in Paris in the 1860s. There’s also a large painting of Daniel and his sons (it is a copy of the original hanging in the Statehouse in Columbus).
When the war began Daniel McCook was 63 years old—elderly by the standards of that era—but he volunteered as a nurse. Early in the conflict, he was present at the battle of Bull Run where his son Alexander commanded the 1st Ohio regiment, and his eighteen-year-old son Charles fought in another regiment.
Outnumbered, it was a humiliating defeat for the Union and Charles joined his father who was tending the wounded. When the field hospital was overrun by Johnny-Rebs, Charles set off to rejoin his company, dispatching the first Reb with a well- placed shot, but was quickly surrounded and ordered to surrender. Seeing the futility, Daniel called upon the boy to submit, but Charles refused, calling back, “Father, I can never surrender to a Rebel. I will never surrender to a traitor.” At that point he was shot in the back.
Word of the young man’s brave resistance traveled fast—told and retold hundreds, possibly thousands of times, plus the various accounts in print, but the premise never deviated. Charles McCook became the cause celebre—his death the resulting harmony among those irrational impulses driving the war.
John McCook and his five sons, all of whom were officers, were in for the duration, fighting every battle that came their way, and safely returned home. Daniel and his sons—five of whom were generals—possibly because of displaying extraordinary valor, did not fare as well.
Daniel’s son, General Robert McCook was seriously wounded but returned to the battlefield while still debilitated and issued orders from an ambulance wagon. When Rebels attacked the ambulance he was unable to defend himself and was killed.
In 1863 Daniel who was not a cavalryman, but by then an aged paymaster, spontaneously seized a vacant command and led an advance party in an attempt to intercept marauders who had crossed the river near Cincinnati, and died in the skirmish.
A quote by an unknown officer of the time exemplifies the McCooks: "They were born leaders; they were all men of noble bearing, such man as would naturally be selected in conflict requiring valor, judgment, and influence with men."
Nothing more epitomizes that statement than the actions of Dan McCook Jr. Perhaps in a lapse of judgment, General William Tecumseh Sherman in his march across Georgia, ordered a near-suicidal assault on a Confederate stronghold atop Kennesaw Mountain. Colonel McCook, leading one of the three prongs of attack, quoted to his men inspirational historic verse about “how better to die than against fearful odds,” before making the charge up the mountain where he fell.
Displayed in the museum are two original military commissions for Alexander McDowell McCook. One has the signature of Abraham Lincoln—the other usually found more interesting—is signed in 1854 by Jefferson Davis, at the time Secretary of War. Of course, later, Davis was President of the Confederacy against which commissioned officers were sworn to fight. It was a deliberative and confusing time.
Much has been said about the present understanding of honor and responsibility, compared with the concept a century and a half ago. Willingness to fight one’s neighbors and relatives, even over the most serious of disagreements, seems today, a distortion of duty. But through all the mistakes, it can be said that they did what they thought was right. Where the McCooks were concerned, the simplest explanation may be that they just didn’t know when to quit.
The McCook House Civil War Museum is open Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p. m. Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for children age 6-12, and free for those under age 6. Call 1-800-600-7172 or 330-627-3345 for more information click here.
By Robert A. Carpenter, publisher of www.FlaTrips.com
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