PERRYSVILLE — Around 1917, a local council of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics (a secret fraternal organization) formed in Perrysville as The Mohawk Council. The Council (and national Junior OUAM) provided charitable activity and community service in Perrysville, but were also known as an Insurance Order — helping provide for the families of […]
Area History
Posted inArea History
The Passing of the Pigeons
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was originally published on Richland Source in 2014. There are different phenomena of nature in America we can experience in our lives that are so epic, so hugely beyond the ordinary, so grand and soul-lifting that when we witness them our spirits are awed and transported to a rarely tuned awareness […]
Posted inArea History
Jeromesville’s Hargrave Tavern may be the oldest structure in Ashland County
JEROMESVILLE — Seeing a need for a rest stop for weary travelers, Richard Hargrave began construction in 1812 on what was to become the Hargrave Tavern. Today, it may be the oldest structure in Ashland County — or is at least one of them. The building possesses a strong history as settlers traveled west in […]
Posted inArea History
The First National Bank of Loudonville traced its roots to 1867
LOUDONVILLE — The First National Bank of Loudonville once issued legal U.S. currency bearing its, and the town’s, name. Following the National Banking Act of 1863, the United States Treasury authorized the establishment of a series of “National” banks with a federal charter and oversight. These banks were required to deposit bonds in the U.S. […]
Posted inArea History
The Civil War’s “Fighting McCooks” had local connections
GAMBIER — The Civil War tore the United States apart. Many families and friends were split on ideological lines, some supporting the North, others the South. But there was one family that went down in legend for their unusual level of commitment and unanimity in the conflict: “The Fighting McCooks” contributed a total of 15 […]
Posted inArea History
Then & Now: Lucas in the shade
EDITOR’S NOTE: This piece was originally published in 2014. The charming tree-lined and shady neighborhoods approaching downtown Lucas are evident in photos from every decade of its history. Nestled in and on and around hills shaped by the Rocky Fork River, the village has an American hometown quality that is timeless… and most welcome on […]
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Flxible motorcycle sidecars were born in Mansfield
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story originally published on Richland Source in 2014. Many people around Richland County, and around the world, are familiar with the name FLXIBLE: as one of the principal manufacturers of buses in the United States during the 20th century. Throughout the decades of motorcoach evolution, from the 1920s through the 70s, Flxible […]
Posted inArea History
A dare led to an early air disaster in Sparta
SPARTA — Back when I used to labor away in the news mines at the Mount Vernon News, I always enjoyed the assignments of covering small-town festivals. All you had to do was show up, observe, get a picture, and then drive — slowly — back to the newsroom. I always volunteered for the furthest […]
Posted inArea History
Bromfield’s famous friends created a dollop of drama
LOUDONVILLE — Louis Bromfield, local author and conservationist, was well known for hosting Hollywood elites at his farm, but he was also close friends with many literary figures. During his years in Paris, Bromfield became a respected member of what was known as the “Lost Generation” of poets and writers, many of whom became celebrated […]