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May 2010 Magazine Edition ©
OHIO'S #1 MAGAZINE AND #2 TOURISM SOURCE ONLINE
THE
OTHER AMISH COUNTRY
Ohio’s Best Kept Secret!
Northeast Ohio is known to have the largest Amish population in the world – so large and commercial now, Amish way of life is threatened.
Over the past two generations, families have set out in search of more solitude creating a modern wagon train across Ohio and the country. Deep in the foothills of Southern Appalachia Ohio, the rural and traditional Amish way of life is preserved. The community is known as the Wheat Ridge Amish because of the long and winding country road that seems like a journey back in time to Nineteenth Century America.
Out on Wheat Ridge Road in West Union, Ohio the senses dance to the rhythmic spin of a buggy wheel, the harmony of a handcrafted armoire getting fine tuned, and the hypnotizing breeze that carries oven-fresh-baked apple pie across the field. It’s a special place where time stands still and Sundays are still reserved for God.
Stop the world and enter Ohio’s other Amish Country.
The old saying, they don’t make it like they used to, isn’t even thinkable at Miller’s Bakery, Furniture and Bulk Foods stores. There, not much has changed over the decades since Harry and Lydia Miller settled on a 300-acre farm in 1977. From the get-go, they introduced the surrounding countryside to their family’s original baking recipes. Ma and Pa plus their six children used to line the porch of the farmhouse with goods straight out of the oven so they can cool. It wasn’t long before they shared their fixings with curious neighbors. Then the secret was out.
Before the Miller family knew it, more and more people stopped by wanting to buy bread, pies, cinnamon roll, you name it. Eventually, even handmade furniture entered the mix. Harry would often visit Holmes County, Ohio and bring back furniture, which sold, well, like hotcakes. The more trips Harry made, the more furniture he sold. So, the farming days for the Miller’s, raising cattle, hogs, sheep and such gave way to a thriving baking and woodworking business.
As years and then decades past, the Millers kept expanding to meet the ever growing demand. Today, there are 34,000 square feet of furniture under one roof, plus more outside, and a separate building for the bakery and another for the bulk food store. The cash registers are powered by wind-generated energy. Plus the Miller’s use a lot of solar energy and air compressors. In the parking lot, it’s not uncommon for a horse and buggy to be standing next to a BMW.
In its third generation, with a fourth learning the ropes, the thriving Amish merchants of Adams County, Ohio have regular visitors from Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Portsmouth and Kentucky. They even meet mail-order demand from across the country and overseas. Most of Harry and Lydia’s children run things now. Daniel is at the Furniture Store, Larry at the Bakery, and Harry Jr. at the Bulk Food Store. Malinda helps too. The other two sons, Gerold and David come back often to visit. All together, the six children have provided Harry and Lydia more than 20 grandchildren. With that, the family business and legacy looks like it will continue for many years to come.
Every year, the Miller’s show their customers appreciation by offering special events and sales during Memorial Day Weekend, Labor Day Weekend, Fall Cookout, End of Year Clearance and from time-to-time, quilt auctions and other special occasions. Their 2010 calendar of offerings includes:
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May 14 school benefit auction
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May 28, 29 and 31 of 2010: Memorial Day storewide sale (furniture store only, excluding outdoor building and gazebos). Ten percent off all items in stock and special orders placed during sales dates.
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September 2, 3, 4 and 6: Labor Day sale (furniture store only, excluding outdoor building and gazebos). Ten percent off all items in stock and special order placed during sales dates.
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September 4: Thirteenth Annual Amish School Benefit Cookout (hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, fresh pie, homemade ice cream, coffee and soft drinks.
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September 24 school benefit auction
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October 2 is the 33rd Annual Miller's Anniversary Customer Appreciation Day. Get your free 2011 calendar with our sale dates (BBQ chicken, baked beans, cole slaw, fresh pie, homemade ice cream, coffee and soft drinks).
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November 26 & 27: Miller's Thanksgiving Sale (furniture store only, excluding outdoor building and gazebos). Ten percent off all items in stock and special order placed during sales dates.
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December 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 2010 and January 1, 2011: End of Year Clearance Sale. Ten percent off all items in stock at furniture store. Bakery will have free coffee and cookies. Bulk Food Store will have free cheese and candy samples.
Miller’s is a crossroads in time. The Amish offerings at Miller’s Bakery,
Furniture and Bulk Foods are plentiful and diverse. You name it they have
it. But if by chance they don’t, they’ll make it – just like they’ve been
doing since they settled in the middle of nowhere years ago.
Miller's Furniture, Bakery & Bulk Foods is located at 960 Wheat Ridge Road in West Union, Ohio 45693. They are open 9am-5pm Mondays through Saturdays and closed on Sundays. For directions and further information, call 937-544-8524 or visit ohiotraveler.com/ohio_amish_stores.htm.
By Frank R. Satullo, The OhioTraveler
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PLANTING THE SEEDS
Troy Strawberry Festival
One of
the sweetest treasures of the Buckeye State is the strawberry a tasty
fruit that is hard to resist. Strawberries are a prized harvest in Miami
County.
Bringing together people and a purpose, the Troy Strawberry Festival provides the unique ingredient of fun. In 1977, Troy held the first Strawberry Festival. The festival was the idea of Steve Hamilton, an active community member in Troy. Steve saw the festival as a way to provide nonprofit clubs and organization of Miami County a chance to make money instead of hosting so many car washes and bake sales all year. That original vision is still the vision of the festival today. Every spring, the City of Troy and the Strawberry Festival roll out the red carpet to welcome visitors. Guests come from near and far to enjoy the food, arts and crafts, entertainment, children and family events and of course the Strawberries.
In the 1970’s Fulton Farms just outside Troy, Ohio had one of the largest irrigated strawberry fields east of the Mississippi River. The farm supplies some of the thousands of strawberries used by various groups to prepare the many strawberry delicacies festival weekend. The first week of June is a great time to celebrate the berry harvest and the festival is always held the first full weekend of June. In the early years, the Troy Strawberry festival hosted just a few booths. Now visitors can peruse more that 260 art and craft vendors. Artist from over 12 states participate in the annual Troy Strawberry Festival. You will find handcrafted items of glassware, jewelry, holiday items, metal works, and pottery. Visitors will want to browse clothing and toys for children there are even items for the family pet. Many of the art and craft vendors have been participating in the Strawberry Festival 15+ years.
The
Art and Crafts are just the beginning the food choices are endless and
include chicken dinners, fresh corn on the cob, Cajun chicken, burgers,
brats, roasted nuts, BBQ, pizza, even strawberry hot wings. Make sure you
save room for the strawberries! More than 60 food booths offer everything
from strawberry pizza, strawberry salsa, strawberry kabobs, strawberry
funnel cake, strawberry cotton candy, strawberry lemonade you can even try
the strawberry burritos! How do fresh chocolate covered strawberries
sound? The Troy High School Band parents have offered their strawberry
doughnuts since the very first Strawberry Festival in 1977. Today band
parents fry their famous doughnuts in shifts a round the clock to keep up
with the demand. Expect to stand in line but the wait is worth the tasty
results. You will find people who purchase several dozen doughnuts to ship
all over the country to former Trojans who have fond memories of the
strawberry doughnuts. Come and enjoy the strawberry, shortcaked,
chocolate dipped, blended, sliced, fried and funnel caked. Best of all
with each delicious bite the proceeds help raise funds for area non-profit
organizations throughout the Miami Valley. You can enjoy the many food
items dining under a food canopy on the many picnic areas overlooking the
Miami River.
In addition to the food and crafts, the festival is filled with live music and other activities geared for families and children. On Saturday morning, the annual Troy Strawberry Festival parade marches down the streets of downtown Troy. The parade offers over 160 units. The Strawberry Festival parade that is televised live offers equestrian units, bands, floats, steam driven calliope and the Strawberry Festival Queen’s Float. At the festival site on the levee you can watch the diaper derby on center stage, as well as the kid’s crawl that features a plastic pool filled with strawberries always draws a crowd. The strawberry pie-eating contest has been a long time crowd favorite. There are categories for children and adults. Spend some time by the river and watch the Strawberry beach volleyball. This year marks the return of Fireman’ water ball. Area fire departments try to move a barrel on an overhead line with their firehouses. An event you can plan on watching and being a little wet. Enjoy the live music of the Saturday Night Concert at Hobart Arena.
On Sunday afternoon, sit back for a laugh with the backseat driver contest. Couples will drive a golf cart through a course with the driver blindfolded and the spouse giving directions. Also on Sunday, enjoy the Strawberry Festival car show featuring over 300 classic cars. There are three stages offering free entertainment of the festival weekend. Strawberry Festival visitors come from near and far. Strawberry lovers have returned year after year to Troy, visitors have traveled from Kentucky, Indians, Illinois, W. Virginia and Michigan.
Close to 150,000 people, attend this family- friendly event in Southwestern Ohio. Follow the strawberries painted on the streets of Troy past the fountain in the city square that has been dyed to strawberry pink water for the festival. The Strawberry Festival offers free parking and free shuttle service from four locations creating easy access to the festival site. All this and much more await your visit to the festival known as the "best" in the Midwest. For more information on the 34th Troy Strawberry Festival visit: www.Gostrawberries.com.
By Frank R. Satullo, The OhioTraveler
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YES, THERE’S OPERA
IN WAYNE COUNTY
Face it; most of us are aware of the fact that Wayne County, Ohio is part of the world’s largest Amish settlement. Home to Lehman’s Hardware, The J.M. Smucker Company Store and Café, Everything Rubbermaid, and The Cat’s Meow Village. Historic Downtown Wooster has become an eclectic blend of unique shopping, great restaurants and nightlife. But were you aware that the Ohio Light Opera, summer resident opera company of the College of Wooster, is gearing up for their 32nd festival season?
The 2010 season, which runs June 19 through August 7, opens with Alexander Borodin’s “Kismet.” The company will open its second show on June 22 when Jule Styne’s “Gypsy” takes the stage.
“Ohio Light Opera productions are enjoyable, entertaining, and easy to follow,” says Executive Director Laura Neil. “Each show is performed in English. The sets are breathtaking, the costumes are beautiful, and the music is magnificent.”
Also part of the troops productions this summer are “The Count of Luxembourg,” John Philip Sousa’s “El Capitan,” two Gilbert & Sullivan classics “Iolanthe” and “Patience ” and “The Gypsy Princess” opens on July 8th.
Ohio Light Opera performers are chosen from auditions that are held each fall and winter in up to eight cities across the country, including New York and Boston. The artists that make up the residency ensemble are chosen for their ability to perform and participate at the highest level used in the repertoire-singing, acting, and dancing. Many former OLO performers have gone on to successful careers elsewhere, including the New York Metropolitan Opera.
Over 20,000 patrons from across the country and around the world come to Wooster for the Ohio Light Opera performances in the intimate confines of Freedlander Theater, which is located on the College of Wooster Campus. Individual tickets are $45 for matinees, which begin at 2pm, and $41 for evening performances, which begin at 7:30pm. Tickets for students (ages 16-23) are just $20, and admission for children (ages 3-15) is just $10. Group discount rates are special packages are also available. VISA, MasterCard, and Discover Card are accepted.
Additional information about the Ohio Light Opera is available by phone (330) 263-2345 or online at OhioLightOpera.org. Further information about Wayne County can be found at www.waynecountycvb.org or by contacting the Wayne County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the area’s premier tourism authority, at 800-362-6474.
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Tired of the office? Tired of school? Tired of being indoors? Get outside and play! Paintball – it does the body good.
Nothing rejuvenates the mind, body and soul like running around the woods and fields on Niederman Family Farm chasing co-workers, classmates, friends or family trying to pop a cap in their gluteus maximus. Whether it’s the fresh air, exercise, camaraderie or opportunity to settle an old score, playing war games makes any heart run young.
“We have everything paintball here,” said Bob Niederman. “If you want smaller speedball courses with bunkers and barriers, we have six different varieties. If you prefer more strategy and want to cover vast areas of woods and streams, we have three woods fields.”
Paintball is fast becoming the ultimate group activity. Corporations throughout Southwest Ohio like it for team building exercises. Families come for the fun of seeing three generations laughing like they are all 12-years-old. Even scout and church groups use the activity for the sheer fun of it.
“The past couple generations have been dubbed the insiders because they don’t play outside like their parents and grandparents once did,” said Bethann Niederman. “When asked if we could play, we was not spelled Wii. But when we get them on our farm, rain or shine, nobody wants to go home.”
Something about getting dirty, at any age, is part of the fun.
The Niedermans make it easy too. All you have
to do is show up and they will suit you up with safety goggles,
guns, paintballs and anything else you need to join the excitement. There
are a lot of walk-ins. Those players are added to groups on various
courses throughout the farm according to skill level. Any size group can
reserve a field of play. Group events include church outings, bachelor and
birthday parties, corporate team building exercises, family reunions,
youth day camps, and sports teams.
“I’m looking for something that is outside, physical and mentally challenging for my scout group,” said Becky Cox. “I never thought the answer would be paintball – But it’s so much fun for girls and boys alike! Who knew?”
It’s contagious.
“One of the nice things about reserving a field for a special occasion is that the game goes on no matter the weather conditions,” said Bethann Niederman. “Besides, we have covered pavilions and barns to keep everyone dry for parties while not on the field of play.”
Niederman Family Farm’s paintball courses are open year-round on weekends without appointments. There are about 50 players any given Saturday or Sunday. Groups may play anytime of week by making a reservation.
“We even host major competitive tournaments and themed events,” said Bob Niederman. “Our props get very elaborate and range from Star Wars to The Wizard of Oz.”
Niederman Family Farm is a working farm in the middle of Cincinnati and Dayton’s ever encroaching suburbs. In its fourth generation, the Niederman’s have diversified parts of their farm in order to survive and preserve their way of life.
Ongoing activities feature barn rentals, primitive cabins (with heat and air conditioning), bonfire pits and many seasonal events plus group tours. Group accommodations are routinely made for families, Mom’s clubs, school groups, day care centers and home school groups. The Niederman’s also accommodate large family reunions and corporate events in a restored 1890s barn with modern amenities.
Niederman Family Farm is located at 5110 LeSourdsville-West Chester Road in Liberty Township, Ohio between Cincinnati and Dayton. Reservations are required. Call 513-779-6184 or visit
www.niedermanfamilyfarm.com if you want to run around and have fun outside. And if it’s going to be outside, it might as well be at Niederman Family Farm.By Frank R. Satullo, The OhioTraveler
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Due to public
demand, memorabilia from the
“This collection has strong link to state
history,” said Elizabeth Higgins, OHS curator of History. “The band’s
musical voice was developed in
The group’s name is based on the idea that
the human race is in a process of devolution, a concept that members first
read about in the 1924 pamphlet “Jocko Homo Heavenbound.” Later editions
(2nd -5th) editions of this anti-Darwinism pamphlet were published in
While DEVO has achieved international fame
with popular songs like “Whip It,” their roots are firmly centered in
their home state,
Once called “the band of the future” by
trendsetting singer David Bowie, DEVO has released nine albums, received
international acclaim and has embedded themselves in the American psyche
as a pop-culture icon. The band recently performed at the 2010 Winter
Olympics in
Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are DEVO! can be seen Thursdays from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturdays from 9-5 p.m. in the Archives-Library. Admission to the museum, which is open Saturdays only, is $8 for adults, $4 for youth (6-12) and free for children under 5 and Ohio Historical Society members. Parking at the Ohio Historical Society is $4 and free to Ohio Historical Society members.
The
Photo credit:
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This annual celebration of the Arts, scheduled for Friday, May 21, just keeps on growing with a full evening of fun that includes art demonstrations, children’s entertainment and strolling musicians. This year’s Taste of the Arts will feature fourteen restaurants offering taster size portions of popular menu items.
Headlining the entertainment for the very first time is the Kim Kelly Orchestra, a 17-piece Dayton based big band orchestra that has never performed in the Piqua community before. This orchestra has been a regular at The Fraze and Riverscape in Dayton and they routinely travel throughout the United States. Their most recognizable out-of-state performance was at the Super Bowl Gala. Band leader Kim Kelly says the reason the group is so popular is because their music ranges over many different styles and appeals to all ages with selections running the gamut from modern swing music like Harry Connick to Michael Buble to classic rock favorites including The Spencer Davis Group, Chicago and Blood Sweat and Tears. Their shows will also have a heavy dose of traditional big band music including works by the Stan Kenton Orchestra, Frank Sinatra and the Duke Ellington Band. Their performance is 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the 300 block of N. Main Street.
Gather your family and friends and make a day of it…come early to explore the quaint shops of downtown Piqua, have a leisurely lunch at a unique restaurant and spend the evening at the Taste of the Arts, 5:00 – 9:00 pm. Taste of the Arts is presented by Mainstreet Piqua. For more information call 937-773-9355, or visit www.mainstreetpiqua.com.
For complete details to plan a visit to Piqua and the surrounding area any time of year, call the Miami County Visitors Bureau at 1.800.348.8993 or see their web site at www.VisitMiamiCounty.org .
As one of Ohio’s premier festivals, the annual Troy Strawberry Festival, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, June 5 and 6, is a family oriented festival that celebrates strawberry cuisine in grand style, making Troy the “Strawberry Capital of Ohio”. Non-profit organizations from across Miami County offer a wide variety of great foods and beverages, many with strawberry as the central ingredient: strawberry salsa, strawberry pizza, strawberry burritos, strawberry lemonade and shakes, chocolate covered strawberries, pies, shortcakes, fresh strawberries, and of course the world famous strawberry doughnuts and more. Each year seems to bring a new twist on how to eat your berries!
With over 275 top art and craft exhibitors, displaying unique handmade crafts, shoppers won’t go home empty handed. Visitors can watch FREE, wholesome entertainment on three outdoor stages during the entire festival weekend, or try their skills at game booths sprinkled amidst the food booths. This year’s Saturday Night Concert at Hobart Arena brings the “Gas Pump Jockeys”, a 60’s & 70’s cover band that promises the audience a great time! Throughout the weekend, other events including the Parade on Saturday morning, pie eating contest, diaper derby, car show, the duck race, corn toss, children’s area, waterball and beach volleyball, will be enjoyed by audiences of all ages.
This year’s theme is “Volunteers, Changing the World” and reflects the Strawberry Festival roots. The festival was originally organized to provide an opportunity for non-profit organizations to raise funds for their specific charities and civic groups. All food, beverage and game booths are sponsored by non-profit organizations staffed by volunteers. The Festival Committee is comprised of hundreds of volunteers -- all with the mission to make the world a better place.
The Strawberry Festival offers FREE parking and FREE shuttle service from four locations creating easy access to the festival site. All this and much more await your visit to the festival known as the "best" in the Midwest. Come and have a berry good time! The Troy Strawberry Festival is an event of the Troy Area Chamber of Commerce. For more information on the 34th Troy Strawberry Festival visit: www.Gostrawberries.com or call 937.339.7714. To plan a visit to the surrounding area during the Festival or any time of the year, contact the Miami County Visitors and Convention Bureau, 1.800-348-8993 or visit the website, www.VisitMiamiCounty.org.
Miami County is part of Ohio’s Historic West, a regional tourism cooperative, including Auglaize, Darke, Logan, Mercer, Shelby and Van Wert counties. For more tasty destinations in Ohio’s Historic West, go to www.OhiosHistoricWest.com or call to request a brochure at 800-860-4726.
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Main
Street Medina’s
4th
Annual Chalk Art Festival is on Saturday, May 22nd from 9am-5pm. The
festival will be held in the historic business district around the town
square. In addition to the live chalk art demonstrations, there will be
demonstrations and classes by Asian Martial Arts, children’s activities,
and fun for the whole family. There will also be the Medina Music Festival
on Broadway Street from 2-10pm. The events will be held rain or shine.
The Chalk Art Festival will feature more than 20 professional artists creating original works of art in chalk and pastel on large boards. Each artist and their work is sponsored by a merchant or business in the Historic District. In addition to the professional artists, art students from Oberlin College, Cleveland Institute of Art, and Baldwin Wallace College are anticipated to participate. Children and families of the community may sign up the day of the event to create chalk drawings on the sidewalks in and around the square. Chalk will be provided for working in the Square.
All sponsored chalk art will be created between 9am-2pm, and judging will take place between 2-5pm. Prizes and awards will be given to the top three in each category, Professional, College, High School, and Children. Following the Festival, the boards will be displayed in storefronts throughout the Historic District.
Businesses participating as sponsors for the 4th Annual Chalk Art Festival will distribute a guide throughout the day. Each sponsor will offer some special deal or discount in the month of June. The guides may be taken to whichever store you like to get it stamped, then bring it back in June to claim the discount.
Applications for professional and college artists are being accepted until May 15th, 2010. For more information or for an application, please contact Ruth Nitz at Tandem Trolley at 330-723-2613 or email missmollys@gmail.com.
The first Medina Music Festival is a new addition this year. From 2-10pm, over ten local and regional high school jazz and rock & roll bands will showcase their talent onstage on Broadway St. An impressive line-up of both Medina and Cleveland Rock Off winners have been signed up to participate in this musical showcase including:
-
M
Cheyne-Stokes – 2009 Runner Up of the Cleveland High School Rock Off
Trancemitter – 2010 Second Runner Up of the Cleveland High School Rock Off
The Shoobies – 2010 Winner of the Medina Rock Festival
The Trio Life – 2010 Runner Up of the Medina Rock Festival
Stefani Reeder – 2010 Finalist of the Cleveland High School Rock Off
Desiree Boardwine – signed artist with Gateway City Records
Minds Without Purpose – 2010 Finalist of the Cleveland High School Rock Off
Oh! The Humanity – 2010 Finalist of the Cleveland High School Rock Off
“It’s a great partnership,” stated Matt Wiederhold, executive director of Main Street Medina. “It gives us a chance to reach out to the youth and families of the community and to bring them Uptown to experience the Square. It also effectively extends the hours of Chalk Art so that more people can walk around and see these works of art. We’re very happy to partner with Bill Green and John Adams on the Medina Music Festival.”
For more information on either event, please visit Main Street Medina or Medina Music Festival on Facebook.
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Recognized
as perhaps the most traveled route to freedom, hundreds, maybe thousands,
of runaway slaves passed through Cincinnati and Warren County on the
Underground Railroad (UGRR). The mostly Quaker communities of Springboro,
Waynesville and Harveysburg in
Warren County hosted numerous secret stops along the trail. “The
Underground Railroad: From Slavery to Freedom,” by Wilbur Henry Sieber
(1898), said the Sharonville to Springboro route was the “busiest in
Ohio.”
According to John Zimkus, Historian of the Warren County Historical Society, “at least two major trails on the UGRR enter Warren County from the south and fanned out in northern Warren County among the large Quaker communities of Springboro, Waynesville and Harveysburg.”
Springboro’s elaborate tunnel system and homes with secret nooks and tunnels hid runaways from bounty hunters. Much of this history has been preserved through the collection of documents, maps, and artifacts at the Springboro Historical Society Museum. Groups can schedule guided tours with costumed re-enactors or pick up a walking tour brochure from the Springboro Chamber of Commerce and experience living history with a self-guided walking tour of the community’s 27 documented safe houses. Some buildings are businesses and are open to the public, however several are private residences which must be viewed from the sidewalk.
Spend the night in Springboro’s Wright House B&B, a documented safe house built in 1815. Guests enjoy a gourmet breakfast and personal guided tour of the house. A hiding place built into the attic floor has been opened and can now be seen from one of the guest rooms. The western chimney is whitewashed on only one side, serving as a sign to runaway slaves that the house was a station on the journey north to freedom. Also in Springboro, the Null Cabin is the oldest on-site log cabin in the county, and former “station” on the UGRR.
Nearby Waynesville’s large Quaker population also held strong anti-slavery sentiments and played an important role in the UGRR. Historian Zimkus has also indicated that, a network of tunnels connected the Miami House Inn on the corner of Main and North St. to the Little Miami River close by. This building was demolished in 1955; however the Williamson House at 88 S. Main St. still stands and was also part of the UGRR, connected to the same network of tunnels.
Four miles southeast of Waynesville is the village of Harveysburg which was also home to several “depots” on the UGRR. Standing in its original location and available for private tours, Harveysburg’s First Free Black School, built in 1831, houses artifacts and photos of the community and the school house. Restored by the Harveysburg Community Historical Society, the First Free Black School is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Washington D.C.
For complete information about the UGRR, area attractions connected to it and other nearby attractions, visit www.ohioslargestplayground.com.
Area Attractions connected with the UGRR:
A tributary of the Little Miami River, Caesar Creek is located approximately 3 miles south of the Village of Waynesville in northeast Warren County. The creek is named after a slave who was captured and later adopted by the Shawnee Indians in the late 1700s. According to Zimkus, legend has it that he named the creek after himself, and often traveled south from the Shawnee village to hunt and fish along its banks.
The Caesar Creek valley was impounded in 1978 by the Army Corps of Engineers to assist with flood control in the Little Miami River watershed. The resulting Caesar Creek State Park includes a 2,830 acre recreational lake, 4,700 acre park and adjacent 2,500 acre wildlife area known for birding, fossil collecting, hike, bike and bridle trails.
A second prominent feature in the Warren County landscape is the Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail. The trail follows the old route of the Little Miami Railroad whose abandoned rails have been converted to paved multipurpose hike and bike trails. The Little Miami Railroad connected Cincinnati to additional way stations ultimately routing passengers north to the Lake Erie port and Sandusky. By 1851 “underground” passengers were traveling these routes after dark.
The Warren County Historical Society Museum in Lebanon, Ohio, is considered one of the finest county museums in the country housing the largest collection of Shaker artifacts. The lower level contains the Foster-Butterworth cabin, and artifacts from Butterworth Station one of Warren County’s most authenticated “depots” on the UGRR. The Butterworth’s were the original Warren County settlers and their homestead, located along the Little Miami River and Little Miami Railroad, became the focal point from which many routes diverged north.
Nearby URGG Attractions:
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati is home to inspirational exhibits serving as a memorial to the heroes of the Underground Railroad, and those who continue the struggle for freedom today. Running through May 31st, the Freedom Center is showing Without Sanctuary: Lynching Photography in America. The graphic images displayed in this exhibit serve as a reminder of the violence endured by African Americans and thousands of other people regardless of race, nationality, or gender.
The Rankin House in Ripley, Ohio is a National Historic Landmark and another popular stop when exploring Ohio’s roots to the Underground Railroad. The John Rankin family sheltered more than 2000 slaves who climbed the “Stairway to Liberty” from the Ohio River to their home.
For additional information, visit www.ohioslargestplayground.com or call 800-433-1072.
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Photo
courtesy of Nathan C. Crook,
Cultural
Anthropologist
and Assistant Professor of Communication at The Defiance College
This just in ─ The World's Largest Cuckoo Clock has been relocated. No worries, it's still in Ohio! Since much has been written about this curiosity over the years, we wanted to make sure nobody makes a pilgrimage to the wrong place since many guide books currently on bookshelves have it in Wilmot, Ohio at the now closed Alpine-Alpa Restaurant. No more ─ it's now on it's way to the Village of Sugar Creek.
But don't head there yet! The enormous 24' x 24' is currently being restored and expected to make its debut in the Village of Sugarcreek in late 2010 or early 2011. Sugarcreek is fittingly known as The Little Switzerland of Ohio. Did you know more Swiss Cheese is made there than anywhere in the US?
When the reworked giant Cuckoo Clock is finally unveiled it may not be exactly as those remember it but it should be close.
Before being dismantled, the clock delighted spectators for decades. Its imported wooden figurines featuring a bird and dancing Cloggers moving to the sound of oom-pah music attracted crowds every 30 minutes.
Although its reign as the world's largest Cuckoo Clock has been put to the test by other giant Cuckoo Clocks, it will always have the credentials of being crowned as such by the Guinness Book of World Records once upon a time.
By Frank R. Satullo. The OhioTraveler
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by
OUR
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Everything Rubbermaid
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Hocking Hills Tourism Association
Hocking Valley
Scenic Railway
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Guest Ranch
Keim
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A BASKET
FULL OF DREAMS
By Robert Carpenter
If you’re driving through Newark and you see a seven-story market basket looming in the distance — handles and all — don’t start rubbing your eyes to dissolve the illusion. It’s real, and it houses the home offices of the Longaberger Company, the nation’s premier maker of — you guessed it — woven baskets.
The building is much more than an example of extraordinary architecture. It was the vision of one man and a consummate representation of his foresight.
Dave Longaberger was the quintessential entrepreneur, coming from nothing, overcoming adversity with hard work, a special vision, and a drive that created success not only for him, but thousands of others. His spirit was the essence of what made our country great — something we see too little of today.
The fifth of twelve children, Dave came into the world with three strikes against him: his family was impoverished, he was epileptic, and he stuttered so badly he was barely understandable — but he was also unstoppable.
From an early age he worked at anything that made him a nickel: mowing grass, delivering papers, shoveling snow, or hauling trash. His ambition earned the title from his family, of the “25-cent millionaire.”
Held back in school several times and unable to graduate until the age of 21, Dave served in the army and drove a bread truck—not unlike a great many young men finding their way in the early 1960’s. But Dave possessed a rare intuitive business sense that soon invigorated his hometown of Dresden.
Dresden, a small community in Muskingum County had once been a thriving canal town. But by mid-century, time had passed it by and its major life support obliterated by modern industrialization. Still, Dave Longaberger saw opportunity.
He had a knack for seeing possibilities indiscernible to conventional business scrutiny. He first bought a small outdated dairy bar and then rejuvenated a defunct grocery store, succeeding beyond anyone’s imagination in the withering town of 1500 people.
In the early ‘70’s Dave noticed a market upsurge of imported baskets. Dave’s father was a master craftsman, who during the Depression worked for, and owned a Dresden basket making business. At Dave’s urging his father made a few samples that sold briskly, convincing Dave that there was a market for these more exquisite handcrafted, hardwood versions.
So, it was off to a new venture with five basket makers weaving their creations from strips of maple veneer, signing and dating every piece—a practice that remains.
Even though progress was slow through conventional retailing, expansion was inevitable, and Dave transformed another Dresden eyesore—an abandoned woolen mill where his mother had once worked—into his new basket factory.
In 1978 a friend suggested they try selling the baskets through home shows, a la Tupperware. Soon, with salespeople who could describe the craftsmanship and tradition, the business began to get traction.
By the late ‘80’s business was booming, and Longaberger baskets with their brass nameplates and superior artistry were recognized as prestigious household items to be showcased with fine china and silverware—destined as heirlooms.
It was about this time that Dave in his unselfish manner began his quest for revitalizing Dresden. The Longaberger Company was behind the development of a fitness center, swimming center, senior citizen complex, and a school addition. They designed landscaping, parks, and a 23-foot-high woven basket that is the town’s symbol—and according to the Guinness book of records, the largest in the world.
The success formula that Dave believed in was offering quality products, fair employment policies, and support of the community. One of his unwritten management rules was that 25 percent of the day should be dedicated to having fun.
A true entrepreneur’s dreams are never completed, but before Dave Longaberger died in 1999, his holdings incorporated retail stores, restaurants, a golf course, and real estate that included a hotel and the “basket” corporate office building that he was told could not be built (each of the two handles weighs 75 tons) because of the engineering challenge.
Today his daughter Tami carries on with the vision he handed down. Tami serves as CEO and has led the company into the expansion of other home and lifestyle products such as pottery, wrought iron and fabrics.
The company currently employs about 1,000 people locally and has 45,000 independent home consultants nationwide. It has won numerous awards over the years including recognition as one of the 10 most generous companies in America.
Dave’s vision of Dresden as a tourist attraction is only one of four destinations of interest. If you’d like a planned tour, call 740-322-5588 or check into www.Longaberger.com.
However, the public is always welcome and if you’d like to tour at your own pace, a suggested starting point is the “basket” building in Newark. There, if you wish, you can combine your visit with a stay at their hotel—The Place off the Square. And then 15 miles east to Frazeysburg you can visit the Longaberger Homestead — a seven-building complex of retail shops, restaurants, demonstrations and presentation of company history.
Next door is the factory store and current basket making facility. You can watch the beehive of weavers working in one of the few traditions that has resisted automation, and with the guidance of a Longaberger artisan, you can make your own basket.
If you’re so inclined, bring your clubs, because the Longaberger Golf Club, a few minutes away in Nashport is top notch. Designed by renowned architect Arthur Hills, it has been rated by Golf Digest in the “top 100” courses nationally that are open to the public, and by Golfweek as the number one public course in Ohio.
Finishing the tour at Dresden, another few miles east, you’re on your own to spend as much time as you like, shopping, dining and sight seeing in this bustling little town, that if not for Dave Longaberger, may have been expunged from the map by now.
There is so much more to the inspirational Longaberger story than can be related here, but if you visit like the 300,000 others each year, you can get the whole saga first hand.
And surely you will come away believing that contrary to the old disparaging adage of where things are headed; Dave Longaberger proved that anything is possible if you have a basket full of dreams.
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GET THE SCOOP
ON POOP
Discover the science behind dinosaur dung, giraffe droppings and porcupine pellets this summer with “The Scoop on Poop,” Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s newest exhibit. Blending fecal facts with fun, this interactive exhibit runs from Saturday, May 22 through Sunday, September 12 at the Zoo.
“The Scoop on Poop,” is a one-of-a-kind exhibit that teaches visitors of all ages about the exciting world of excrement. Featuring colorful graphics, three-dimensional models and interactives, The “Scoop on Poop” takes a tactful approach to the topic, carefully using both science and humor.
As part of their education in defecation, Zoo visitors can listen to a grizzly bear’s digestion, test their No. 2 IQ in “stool school” and hop on a scale to see how long it’d take an elephant to defecate their body weight.
Believe it or not, feces can be fascinating – especially for kids. Animals use poop to build their homes, hide from enemies, attract mates, and even nourish themselves. Humans use it to make fertilizer, fuel power plants and diagnose medical conditions.
The “Scoop on Poop”, based on the popular book by Dr. Wayne Lynch, is a traveling exhibit designed by Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland in Allenwood, Pennsylvania. It will sit on several thousand square feet of Zoo grounds, including The RainForest, the Exhibit Hall and the Primate, Cat & Aquatics Building.
So mark your territory this summer at the Zoo and get The Scoop on Poop, running Saturday, May 22, through Sunday, September 12. Free with regular Zoo admission.
Plus, there will be lots more to “doo” this summer at the Zoo:
DINOSAURS! returns for its fifth BIG season with a new crew of larger-than-life robots, and FLUTTER! flies back into town with an array of tropical butterflies. Professor Wylde’s Animal Show, camel rides and the A-MAZE-ing Amphibians Maze round out another summer of fun at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
To learn more, visit www.clemetzoo.com or call (216) 661-6500.
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“Lakeside, Ohio -- Neat old cottages, kid friendly, lots of arts and crafts, nightly shows at the Hoover auditorium, beach, tennis and shuffleboard. A wonderful getaway on the shores of Lake Erie and only about an hour and a half from Cleveland. What could be better than that:)” - Victoria Van Dress Bartholomew
“Put-in-Bay....SELF EXPLANITORY” - Kristie Hosier
“I'm with you Kristie, Put-in-Bay...in fact I think I'll go this weekend =)” - Robin Burris Cadez
“Yup, P I B, that's THE place! Columbus Zoo or Berlin/Amish country would be tied for 2nd. …@ Victoria: I went to Methodist high schoolers' camp in Lakeside--it was a neat old town then, but if it has lots of 'funky' shops now, I think I want to go again!” Cheryl Jane Cotner
“Serpent Mound, because I've never been there. - Karen Dobek LaRocque
“Cedar Point, I always have a great time there. Didn't get a chance to go last year.” - Jim Evans
“Cedar Point-Sandusky, Ohio..because it's been so long since I've been there. I'm sure there are a few roller coasters I haven’t seen or ridden yet.” - Sam S Satullo II
“Rolling
Ridge Ranch Animal Park in Amish Country. Cheap, fun, it's like a wild
African safari … You hand feed things like a "Bama" (Buffalo + Llama) The wagon
ride is worth the price. Over 500 animals and it’s impressive.
For FREE: Air Force Museum near Dayton.” - Jennifer Jancik
“Mineral Spring Lake Resort, best kept secret (oops!) in Peebles, Ohio. Love it there :o)” - Kathy Lewis Dee
“Kelly's Island and have lunch at the state park campground looking out at the lake.” - Christine LaRocque Tiedemann
“ I agree with A. Christine. Kelly`s Island. It`s quieter than Put-in-Bay. Great island for riding your bike!” - Linda Satullo
“Hocking Hills of course where ALL THE PARKS ARE FREE!!” - Debra Stephenson
“If you like old cars, crafts, visit downtown Loudonville on Sat. July 3rd for their giant festival, packs the streets. Located in the heart (along) the Mohican River... you can rent canoes and go for a leisurely ride!” - John Shapiro
“Sauder Village in Archbold . . . or Hocking Hills . . . or downtown Wauseon for Cruise Night! Do I have to pick just one?!?” - Cheryl Maxson
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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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