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The Ross County
45 WEST FIFTH STREET
CHILLICOTHE, OHIO 45601
(740) 772-1936
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web Site: www.rosscountyhistorical.org
Fall 2012 ISSUE
Upcoming Events & Programs Local Connections to War of 1812
2011 Fall Speakers Series
Commemorated
Commemorating the Civil War Sesquicentennial,
the War of 1812 Bicentennial, & More!
Wednesday, October 31, 7:30 p.m., “The Buck Stops
Here: An Evening with President Harry Truman,” featuring Ken Hammontree, living historian, lecturer, and
author, Ashland, Ohio.
Wednesday, November 14, 7:30 P.M., “Steve Ball Presents the Songs of the Civil War,” featuring Steve Ball,
living historian, musician, and entertainer, Columbus.
Thursday, November 28, 7:30 p.m., “Soldering in the
Over 70 reenactors and living historians brought
Northwestern Army during the War of 1812,” featuring
Larry Strayer, author, collector, living historian, Dayton.
the War of 1812 to life on the grounds of Adena Mansion &
Gardens the weekend of July 21 and 22. The event, which
All three programs are open to the general public free of commemorated the bicentennial of Captain Henry Brush’s
charge. (Please see page 3 for more details.)
militia campaign to re-supply Fort Detroit during the summer of 1812, was co-sponsored by the Adena Mansion &
Gardens Society, the Ross County Historical Society, and
the Ross/Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau. Feaat the
tured were military encampments of authentically uniformed and equipped soldiers and militiamen who conductRoss County Heritage Center
ed drills and recreated camp life of the period. Other event
Holiday Junior Member Program
features included an 1812 period Native American enSaturday, December 1, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
campment, a historical drama inside the Adena Mansion,
and displays of War of 1812 artifacts by private collectors.
Christmas Open House
Twenty-five Ross County Historical Society Junior MemSaturday, December 8, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
bers attending the event (pictured below) experienced
what it was like to be a soldier in the war by participating in
Volunteer Appreciation Christmas Banquet
military drills and other hands-on activities.
Friday, December 14, 6:00 p.m.
2012 Holiday Season Programs
2012 Museum Hours
April — December:
Tuesday — Saturday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed major holidays
2012 McKell Library Hours
1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday .
Closed major holidays
A Friendly Reminder
The use of articles, photographs, and other items in the
Recorder is prohibited without the express written consent
of the Board of Trustees of the Ross County Historical Society, 45 W. 5th St. Chillicothe, OH 45601.
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Fall 2012 — PAGE 2
THE ROSS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY RECORDER
President’s Report, by Bob Nelson
The last two years have certainly been important
mile-posts in our nation’s history. Last year was the 150th
anniversary of the Civil War and this year is the 200 th anniversary of the War of 1812. Hopefully, you have attended
one or more of the outstanding Speaker Series programs
that our Director, Tom Kuhn, has organized. I also hope
that you have visited the very informative special exhibits
that our staff has developed utilizing significant documents
and artifacts from our collections.
I can also report to you that steady progress is being made on our Artifact Preservation Facility building program. We have been working with our architect and the
final construction plans are nearing completion. The old
Carriage House is being cleared out in preparation for demolition, and all items that have been preserved there are
being be moved to other locations.
Finally, our building fund drive is making steady
progress. We continue to meet with potential donors and
are confident that we will be on schedule to put our project
out for bid yet this year. If you have not made your tax deductible contribution to this important project, I would encourage you to do so. Thank you.
Director’s Report, by Tom Kuhn
Fund Raising Campaign Nearing Goal
Thanks to the generosity of so many of our members, friends, and other supporters in the community we
are now close to having ninety percent of the funds necessary to begin the construction of our new $315,000 artifact
preservation facility. The success of the campaign thus far
provides us with the confidence that we will be able to
raise the balance by the end of this year, put the project
out for bid this coming winter, and begin construction next
spring. As I mentioned in my last report, if you are considering making a contribution to our project, we would be
happy to have your support. (The contribution reply form
below has been provided for your convenience.) Thank
you.
*****
*****
Welcome New Members
The Society welcomes the following new members since the
last issue of the Recorder (names are in alphabetical order):
John R. Cook & Family
Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Higley & Family
Leila Martin
Martha Oetken
Terressa Reep
Ann Salomone
Diane G. Saxton
Jeff & Jennifer Thompson & Family
David Tillis
Patricia G. Ward
New Life Members
We welcome the following individuals who have recently
become life members of the Ross County Historical Society:
Iris Hazelton
Joseph Hazelton
Noah Schilder Tubbs
The Society’s Wish List
Artifact Preservation Facility
Contribution Reply Form
Ross County Historical Society
45 West Fifth Street
Chillicothe, Ohio 45601
Yes, I/we will support the Ross County Historical Society’s Artifact
Preservation Facility Construction Project. Enclosed is my/our taxdeductible contribution for the following amount: $_______________.
Contribution Categories
___Benefactor’s Club
$100,000 and over
___Director’s Club
$50,000 — $99,999
___Curator’s Club
$10,000 — $49,999
___Conservator’s Club
$5,000 — $9,999
___Registrar’s Club
$1,000 — $4,999
___ Preservationist’s Club
$500 — $999
___Collector’s Club
$100 — $499
___Curatorial Assistant’s Club
$10 — $99
Donations of everyday items such as tools and other types
of equipment help our staff and volunteers complete a
multitude of projects. Recently, the Society received a
wheelbarrow from Pat & Al Heierman — thank you. If you,
or anyone you know, have any of the following items to
donate to the Society, please call 772-1936. (We would be
happy to make arrangements to pick up your donation.)
(Please make your check payable to the Ross County Historical Society.
If you choose to donate appreciated stock, please contact our office.
1.
2.
3.
City & State________________________________ Zip___________
Hand tools in good condition (all types)
Gas or electric powered leaf blower
Desktop computer (PC) with at least a 200 GB hard drive
I/we also wish to pledge an additional gift of $______________ by the
following date______________.
Name___________________________________________________
Address_________________________________________________
___I choose not to be publicly recognized for my gift.
THE ROSS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY RECORDER
Fall 2012 — PAGE 3
Fall Speakers Series 2012
Ross County Historical Society
45 West Fifth St., Chillicothe
Free & Open to the Public
Commemorating the Civil War Sesquicentennial
The Buck Stops Here: An Evening with Harry Truman
Featuring Kenneth Neff Hammontree, Living History Productions, Ashland, Ohio.
Wednesday, October 31, 7:30 p.m.
Ken Hammontree has entertained and enlightened us on a number of previous occasions as Simon Kenton, Tecumseh, Meriwether Lewis, and General George Patton. In keeping with the current presidential campaign season, he will appear this
time as Harry S. Truman, 33rd President of the United States. The weight of the
world seemed to fall on Truman’s shoulders when he inherited a host of wartime
problems to solve following the death of Franklin Roosevelt on April 12, 1945.
Without much time to prepare, he made some of the most crucial decisions in history, including the order to drop atomic bombs on Japan. Hammontree will tell the
compelling story of a president who meant it when he said, “The Buck Stops Here.”
Steve Ball Presents the Songs of the Civil War
Featuring Steve Ball, living historian, musician, and entertainer, Columbus.
Wednesday, November 14, 7:30 p.m.
The last time he was here, two years ago, he performed to a packed house. Now
Steve Ball will return for another enjoyable evening of Civil War era music. Steve
has been a musician and singer for over 40 years. For the past twelve of those,
he has been combining his love of music with his interest in Civil War history performing at numerous Civil War events, festivals and reenactments across Ohio.
His program narrates the creation of many of the popular tunes of that period and
includes interesting tales about the people who wrote them. Many of these tunes
are still heard today. Steve will present many of the favorites from his last trip
here as well as others he has recently added to his repertoire. Please plan to join
us for another enjoyable evening of history through music.
Soldering in the Northwestern Army during
the War of 1812
Featuring Larry Strayer, author, collector, living historian, Dayton.
Wednesday, November 28, 7:30 p.m.
Larry Strayer is a well-known author, reenactor, and member of the First Regiment Volunteers, an authentic and dedicated group of War of 1812 living historians from greater Ohio, who recently participated in the Brush's Company bicentennial event at Adena Mansion. He has done extensive reading in primary accounts regarding Ohio troops and their material culture during this often overshadowed conflict. Larry will be attired and accoutered as an Ohio volunteer
from the War of 1812 and will speak on the life of the common soldiers in the
Northwestern Army, including an outline on Ohio's volunteers, enrolled militia,
and U.S. Regulars organized within the Buckeye State from 1812-1814.
THE ROSS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY RECORDER
Fall 2012 — PAGE 4
From the Archives, by Pat Medert
World’s Fairs have been held periodically for more
than 150 years. The first took place in 1851 in London under the auspices of Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria. It was known as “The Great Exhibition of the Works of
Industry of All Nations” and proved to be an excellent venue for countries to gain worldwide recognition for their industrial and cultural accomplishments. Publications about
this and successive expositions provide vivid descriptions
of the sites where the fairs were held and knowledge of the
advancements that had been made in industry, agriculture,
and social development. In the McKell Library, there are
books about the fairs held in 1851, 1876, 1893, 1904, 1934,
and 1939. By far, the fair most written about was the Columbian Exposition held in Chicago in 1893. There are
more than ten titles in the library and archives on this subject.
During the late 1880s, plans for a fair to celebrate
the 400th anniversary of the discovery of the New World by
Christopher Columbus in 1492 were being developed in
this country. On Dec. 24, 1890, President Benjamin Harrison issued a proclamation announcing the selection of Chicago as the city where the Columbian Exposition would
open in October 1892. Planners for the exposition had only
two years to prepare a site and to construct the necessary
buildings for the exhibits.
The site selected was 633 undeveloped acres on
the southern shores of Lake Michigan. Nationally known
architects were asked to submit plans featuring the BeauxArts style for the 14 massive exhibit halls, each of which
would specialize in international exhibits showcasing transportation, mining, manufacturing, electricity, agriculture,
machinery, and many other areas of interest. Frederick
Law Olmsted, the country’s leading landscape architect
best known for his layout of Central Park in New York City,
was hired to design the landscaping of the grounds.
Manufacturers & Liberal Arts Building
Interior of the Manufacturers & Liberal Arts Building
Pictured above is the Agricultural Building, one of the 14
massive exhibit halls, with Lake Michigan to the left.
The exterior walls of all the main structures were
covered in white stucco; therefore, the site became known
as “The White City”. The floor space of the combined
structures was 63 million square feet. In addition to the
large exhibit buildings, there were 200 other buildings on
the grounds. At their own expense, foreign countries erected twenty-three of the structures, and the individual states
of the U. S. and its territories built forty-three.
The Ohio Building did not house exhibits, but was a
comfort station for visitors. It had numerous elegantly furnished rooms, including a drawing room, separate parlors
for ladies and gentlemen, and reading rooms. An interior
gallery surrounded the second floor and had doors that led
out onto balconies. In front of the building was a bronze,
granite, and limestone sculpture designed by Levi Tucker
Scofield, of Cincinnati, for the exposition. It was titled
“These Are My Jewels” and featured famous Ohio political
and military men from the Civil War: Ulysses S. Grant, William T. Sherman, Philip Sheridan, James A. Garfield, Salmon P. Chase and Edwin Stanton. At the conclusion of the
fair, the sculpture was taken to Columbus and placed on
the statehouse grounds. A seventh statue, that of Rutherford B. Hayes, was added to the group.
continued on next page...
Fall 2012 — PAGE 5
THE ROSS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY RECORDER
...continued from the previous page
The Ferris Wheel, a staple of today’s carnivals,
fairs, and theme parks, made its first appearance at the
Chicago fair. It was designed by George Ferris and was the
centerpiece of the Midway. The wheel was 264 feet in diameter and carried 36 cars. Each car measured 24 by 13
feet by 10 feet high and would hold 60 passengers, only 38
of which could be seated. For 50 cents, a patron could
make one revolution with six stops to allow riders to board
the cars and then make a non-stop revolution, which took
nine minutes. The Ferris Wheel was so popular that it seldom provided a ride with less than its full capacity of 2160
people.
The Ohio Building with “These Are My Jewels” monument
Located outside the main area was the Midway
Plaisance which provided entertainment with its representations of German, Dutch, Austrian, Turkish, and Indian villages and Moravian and Irish castles, as well as animal
shows and balloon rides.
Austrian Village on the Midway
Dedication ceremonies for the Columbian Exposition took place on Oct. 21, 1892, but the opening of the fair
was delayed until May 1, 1893. Bad weather, labor problems, and the enormity of the undertaking made it impossible to complete the work by the scheduled date. Chicago
became the vacation destination for millions of American
and foreign visitors during the summer and fall. Many vacationers from Chillicothe and Ross County were among
the attendees. Vacationers riding on elevated railways and
electric boats that traversed the canals and lagoons could
see the displays they had selected from the 65,000 exhibits
available. By the time the fair closed on Oct. 31, more than
27,000,000 people had attended the fair.
Many new products were introduced at the Columbian Exposition and some remain popular to this day.
These include carbonated soda, the zipper, Aunt Jemima’s
syrup, Cracker Jacks, Cream of Wheat, Juicy Fruit gum,
and Pabst Blue Ribbon beer.
The Ferris Wheel
Sites for World’s Fairs are not developed with permanence as the goal. Once the fair is over, evidence of its
existence gradually disappears. (The Eiffel Tower from the
Paris World’s Fair in 1889 and the Space Needle in Seattle
which hosted the fair in 1962 are exceptions.) Such was
the case with The White City. The only building remaining
from the exposition is the Palace of Fine Arts which was
renovated and is now occupied by the Museum of Science
and Industry in Chicago.
(The illustrations were taken from The Magic City and Midway Plaisance and Shepp’s World’s Fair Photographed.)
*****
Fall 2012 — PAGE 6
THE ROSS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY RECORDER
From the Photo Archives, by Lisa Uhrig
Photos of Ross County Towns Recently
Donated
Recently added to the photo archives was a collection of images of the Londonderry and Richmond Dale areas. We are always interested in obtaining photographs of
the small towns in Ross County, including people, buildings, bridges, schools, etc. If you have any photos to
share, please contact us at 740-772-1936. If you do not
want to donate the original photographs, we would be more
than happy to scan the image and return your originals.
Liberty Township High School (Londonderry) Girls Basketball Team, c. 1930. Front Row: Marilla Thomas, Lucille
Bethel, Luella Graves, Genevieve Perry, Leoria Graves,
Lucille Thomas. Back Row: J.G. White – coach & principal, Katie Jones, Marjorie Dixon, Opal Elliott, Alice Climer,
June Hollcomb.
Londonderry Elementary School, c. 1905. This building
was located on Vigo Road and later burned. The building
on the right was the Township Hall.
Dixon Mill on Salt Creek, east of Londonderry on Dixon Mill
Road, c. 1915.
Friends Church (Quakers), Londonderry, Ohio, c. 1905,
Homer Dixon – teacher. The banner the young men are
holding reads “Ever Ready Class”, which was the young
people’s Sunday School Class.
*****
Gillespieville (later renamed Londonderry) Main Street, c.
Higby Road Bridge showing the damages of the 1893 1910
Flood.
*****
THE ROSS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY RECORDER
Recent Acquisitions of the Museum and Library
(Listed in order received since the last issue of the Recorder)
55. Book – Ranck; the history of the Ranck family of Ross County, written & donated by P.J. & Nancy Frampton Ranck.
56. Photograph – Hope Town School, 1909, donated by Chris Diehl.
57. City Directories – (2) Chillicothe, Ohio, 1980 & 1985, Anonymous Donation.
58. Commemorative Medallion – “Official Civil War Centennial Commission Commemorative Medallion”, c. 1961, donated by William Martin.
59. Political Pin – “I.K.E.”, c. 1952 (pictured at right),
donated by Helen Phillips.
60. DVD – “Vision The Ports Future Project”, directed
& produced by Casey Howard, in association with the
Ohio University, donated by Ohio University.
61. Photograph – portrait of Chief Justice Celebrezze,
donated by Deborah Engleman.
62. Photographs – (16) Sesquicentennial Parade,
1938, donated by Caroline Noble Whitten.
63. Book – Jefferson’s Children: The Story of One
American Family, published by Random House, 2000, donated by Helen Phillips.
64. Photograph – (copy) Luther Montgomery Maddy, Sr., age five, 1912, donated
by Maxine Holte.
65. Depression Ware – (9 pieces) 1930s, donated by Linda Herrnstein.
66. Toys – (6) doll house furniture &
tea set; Fraternal Items — Masonic
apron, (pictured at right) fez, and tie
clasp, donated by Terry Fout.
67. Mortar & Pestle – early 20th century; Lusterware – (4) pitchers donated by Darwin Drake
68. Wooden Planes – (7) various
types, local dealers markers, early to
mid 19th century, donated by Roy
Ebersole.
69. Photograph – of Merit Shoe Company, Chillicothe, OH, c. 1950, donated by Lynn & Norma Jean Carter.
70. Shoe Dubbing – WWII Army issue (shoe polish); Photographs – local events,
1996 & 2003, donated by Al & Pat Heierman.
71. Book – The Wilderness Warrior, by Douglas Brinkley, 2009, donated by Jean
Foor.
72. Yearbooks – (2) Uniotoan, 1955 & 1956, donated by RCHS Purchase.
73. Christmas Decorations and Cards – c. 2010; Postcard & Ornament – Ohio
Bicentennial, 2003; Quarters in case – “Fifty State Commemorative Quarters”,
2008; Booklet – The Ateco Cake Decorating Tools, donated by Jane Hilty.
74. Clothing – children’s, 1925; Uniforms & Accessories – Cub Scouts, 1978;
Books, Sheet Music & other items, donated by Jane Mitten.
75. Book – Sociology and Modern Social Problems, 1925; Catalogs & Stamp
Booklet -- merchandise for redeeming Green Stamps & True Value Stamps, 1950
& 1956; Printed Material & Manuscripts – speeches given to The Sunset Club,
1912 – 1964, donated by Ivan Reed.
76. Scrapbook – newspaper articles about WWII and President Truman, donated
by Patricia Griffith Burnett.
77. Flags – (2) “WE Remember 9/11”, 2012, donated by James Bliven.
78. Sheet Music – various titles and dates, donated by Vicki Cox.
79. Carpet Cart – c. 1900, from Cruit’s Furniture Store, Chillicothe, Ohio, donated
by Mashall Baum.
80. Box of M & M candies – with presidential seal & stamped signature of Bill
Clinton, c. 1993, donated by Bernard McNeely.
*****
Fall 2012 — PAGE 7
The Ross County Historical
Society Welcomes
__ New Member
__ Renewal
Name________________________
Address______________________
City, State, Zip________________
Phone_______________________
Date_________________________
Are you interested in volunteer work?
Yes__
No__
I have enclosed a check made out to
the Ross County Historical Society
for $___________________.
( ) My employer will match this gift.
Employer’s name:_______________
_____________________________
MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP
Junior (12 & under) ......... $10.( )
Teacher ........................... 15.( )
Individual ......................... 20.( )
Family ............................. 30.( )
Contributing..................... 75.( )
Group/Club or
Business ......................... 100.( )
CONTINUING MEMBERSHIP
Life (per person).............. 500.( )
Patron ............................. 750.( )
Benefactor ...................... 1,000.( )
Your benefits as a member of the
Ross County Historical Society
include:





Quarterly newsletter
10% discount in museum store
Free admission for museum
visits by member and out-oftown guests
Free admission to many Society
programs
Reduced fees for workshops and
special programs
The Ross County Historical Society
is a non-profit 501(c)(3) institution.
Your gift may be tax deductible
Please make checks payable to:
THE ROSS COUNTY HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
45 West Fifth Street
Chillicothe, Ohio 45601-3227
(740) 772-1936
Non-Profit Org.,
U.S. Postage
Ross County Historical Society
PAID
45 West Fifth Street
Chillicothe, Ohio 45601-3227
Chillicothe, Oh 45601
Permit No. 230
NEWSLETTER
DATED MATERIAL
•
OPEN AT ONCE
Fall 2012 — PAGE 8
Officers and Trustees of
the Ross County
Historical Society
Bob Nelson................................ President
Henry Herrnstein ......... 1st Vice President
Erc Picciano ............... 2nd Vice President
Tim Barada................................ Secretary
Bob Casari ................................Treasurer
Tom Kuhn ................... Executive Director
Ron Bowen................................... Trustee
Vic Cleary ..................................... Trustee
Lewis Coppel................................ Trustee
Alan Davis .................................... Trustee
Richard Enderlin ........................... Trustee
Chris Harrod ................................. Trustee
Robin McKell ................................ Trustee
Pat Medert.................................... Trustee
Laversa Motes .............................. Trustee
Julia Pierson................................. Trustee
THE ROSS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY RECORDER
The RCHS Welcomes Junior Member...
Name_____________________________Telephone # ____________
Address __________________________________________________
City________________________State______Zip Code ____________
Birthdate_______________________Grade in School _____________
Parent/Guardian’s Name _____________________________________
Parent/Guardian’s Signature __________________________________
What are your hobbies? _____________________________________
Are your parents members of the Historical Society? - Yes
Is this a gift membership? - Yes
- No
- No
From Whom?______________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________
Please send $10 with this form to
The Ross County Historical Society
45 W Fifth Street
Chillicothe, OH 45601-3227