Mother’s Day has become a time-honored holiday in our society but how did it start? Anna Jarvis (1864–1948) of West Virginia is the founder of Mother’s Day in the United States. She attended college and worked in West Virginia’s public school system. Anna later moved to Tennessee and worked as a bank teller for a […]
Lori Adams, Ashland County Historical Society
Posted inLife and Culture
Holiday traditions differ beyond U.S. borders
ASHLAND — At this time of the year, most Americans are busy attending school Christmas programs, shopping for gifts, cooking, meeting with friends and family, decorating, and attending church services. It’s a busy time of the year here but did you ever wonder what people in other countries do to celebrate the Birth of Jesus? […]
Posted inArea History
Here’s the meaning behind the lyrics of Yankee Doodle Dandy
ASHLAND — Many of us are familiar with the catchy tune Yankee Doodle which starts out “Yankee Doodle went to town a-riding on a pony, stuck a feather in his cap and called it macaroni…” This little melody is still known today as a patriotic and fun children’s song. But who was Yankee Doodle and […]
Posted inArea History
Here’s how Ohio’s 88 counties got their respective names
ASHLAND — In 1788, General Rufus Putman who was labeled the “Father of Ohio” and 47 adventurers landed at a site near what is now Marietta and claimed 1.5 million acres of land for the New England Ohio Company. The area was named Washington after George Washington who was serving at that time as the […]
Posted inArea History
Vaccines have complicated, controversial history worldwide
ASHLAND — Communicable illnesses have been a worldwide concern for thousands of years. It was in 400 BC that Hippocrates described mumps, diphtheria, epidemic jaundice and other illnesses. Many mummies have been found to have smallpox lesions including Egyptian pharaoh Ramses V who died in 1156 BC. Smallpox was of a great concern especially after […]
Posted inArea History
Christmas traditions date back centuries in America
ASHLAND — Through the centuries, as Christianity spread throughout the world, so did its many rich traditions. These traditions are very diverse and can be defined by climate, religion, culture, native foods, social structure and other factors. Whether it’s a palm tree decorated patio in Mexico, roller skating to Mass on Christmas Eve in Venezuela, […]
Posted inArea History
Hess & Clark started with free samples from a horse-drawn carriage in Perry Township
ASHLAND — It’s amazing to take an in-depth look at the number of successful manufacturers that once made Ashland boom into an industrial haven. One of those companies was Dr. Hess & Clark and they sold their products worldwide. Dr. Gilbert Hess (1859-1923) was born and raised in Perry Township in Ashland County and graduated […]
Posted inArea History
Peter At Law was an Ashland equine champion
ASHLAND — Early on, harness racing became a popular activity in recreational circles. Nearly everyone owned horses so racing them as a fun neighborhood activity was bound to happen. After all, who doesn’t like a little friendly competition? Races were originally held on village streets and country roads among neighbors but as early as 1825, […]
Posted inArea History
Lucky Teter and the Hell Drivers were Ashland’s daredevils in the 1930s
ASHLAND — Did you know that Ashland had its own version of Evel Knievel back in the 1930’s and early ‘40’s? His name was Earl Moseman Teter and his stunt shows were very popular. Earl entertained under the name “Lucky” Teter and was lovingly referred to as “Tete” by his closest friends. Lucky was born […]
Posted inArea History
Ashland County had a vibrant scene in the 1970s
ASHLAND — The 1970’s was the decade of disco music, wide-collar shirts, eight-track tapes, shag carpet, pet rocks, Atari, Saturday morning cartoons and mood rings were all part of the scene. But what was the actual “lifestyle” people lived in Ashland during this time and what was going on here? Ashland was still considered the […]