The Historical Simon Kenton Inn in Springfield, Ohio

Growing up in Springfield, I was well aware of several historical names associated with my town.  From George Rogers Clark to Shawnee chief, Tecumseh, one name stands out in the history of our city, Simon Kenton.

Friend to Daniel Boone, Kenton traveled to Ohio from Virginia and settled on 50,000 acres of land between today’s Springfield and Urbana.   Building a cabin on the outskirts of Springfield, his former property is now the Simon Kenton Inn and was the first white settlement in the state.

As a result of financial hardship, Simon would lose the land, passing it down to the McCord family in the early 1800s.  In 1828, the land was divided into parcels and sold.  The Hunt family, having made their wealth in textiles, moved from Princeton, NJ and settled on land they had purchased from the McCords.

Katie had taken my reservation and kindly greeted me when I arrived.  I decided to visit on Wine Wednesday with $1 off glasses of wine and found a great wine that would pair nicely with my meal.  I ordered the High Note, a Malbec with cassis and raspberry fruit flavors with a touch of chocolate and sweet spice.  Reservations are highly recommended for Fridays and Saturdays, where waits can take up to thirty minutes.

The Inn offers live music on certain weeknights and weekends.  Enjoying the music and the beautifully restored historic home, I was introduced to current owner, Theresa Siejack.  Energetic and passionate about her new adventure, Theresa was eager to talk about Simon Kenton Inn and her life experiences that led her here.

The house had been empty for three years.  There were lots of potholes on the road and many trees were down.  There was only one lit candle in the window.

Because of the holidays, Theresa was unable to go inside of the home until mid-January but as soon as she was able to visit, she made an offer within 10 minutes.  At the time of purchase, the housing market was doing well and she was able to secure the money for the purchase. With no inspection, she purchased this dilapidated old house on four acres for 250,000.  She had a vision, becoming the third owner of this property.

Originally from Baltimore, Theresa’s parents died when she was young and she was raised by her grandparents until they too passed.  Brought up in foster homes, she would marry young and join the Air Force as a flight nurse.  She retired after thirty years and one day, realizing she wanted to run a bed and breakfast.

With plans to stay in Ohio, she found her first opportunity in South Charleston and later decided that she wanted to make a home in Clark County.  Driving on the outskirts of Springfield with a friend on a cold and rainy day in December, Theresa noticed that the property was for sale.

My meal had arrived and it was absolutely delicious selecting the pistachio crusted salmon and cheesy risotto.

I was happy to continue our conversation as Theresa detailed the defining moment when she knew she had to purchase this  beautiful place.  She explained that in between the process of signing the papers and meeting for the official close,  she would drive up to the property to watch the sunset and enjoy the view from atop of the hill.  One morning, she noticed a woman on the property who was throwing feathers in the air as if conducting a ritual of some sort.  Theresa went to meet with this mysterious woman.  What the woman would say, was a foretelling of Theresa’s ownership of Simon Kenton Inn.

This woman stated that Theresa was going to be the next owner of the house, just as the spirits had told her.  She mentioned Simon Kenton’s Indian name and explained that she, herself, was a descendent of the Shawnee.  Theresa knew that this was the confirmation she needed and thanked Barbara for her visit. They would become long friends and Barbara would be able to provide additional information about the property and its role in the lives of the Kenton and Hunt families.  Barbara was also instrumental in developing the logo.

Theresa mentioned that when she cleared the attic of the home, she found wooden crates with the name Ischy Hunt, who was part of the Hunt family.  They were most likely used to carry their belongings for the east all the way out to this area in Ohio.

The property had a barn towards the back, but it was falling apart and she felt it could potentially be a hazard as children liked to go back to check it out.  She had it imploded and the remains were buried in the spot where it once stood. During construction, Theresa lived above the kitchen and there were loft rooms above the laundry as well.

In 2005, the property underwent a 1.1 million dollar renovation and an expansion was added in 2009.  A breezeway was later built to connect the two.

Recently the Inn hosted a Craft Beer and Wine event during their anniversary where 160 people attended. With 52 wines and 27 craft beers from 7 Ohio wineries and 12 Ohio breweries, the event was a huge success.

The inn is also a popular wedding venue with a large, covered seating area, gorgeous setting for photographs and overnight accommodations.

Theresa has big plans for Simon Kenton Inn to include further expansion and more events.  I’m looking forward to seeing what she  has in store for this, beautiful, historic place where the spirit of the Indians still roam.

Have you visited Simon Kenton Inn?  Did you enjoy a meal here?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my dinner and discussion with Theresa at Simon Kenton Inn and wishing you many Happy Travels.

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

What to Do and What to See:

Simon Kenton Inn
4690 Urbana Road
Springfield, OH  45502
Telephone:  937 399 9950

Where to Stay:

Simon Kenton Inn
4690 Urbana Road
Springfield, OH  45502
Telephone:  937 399 9950

Where to Eat:

Simon Kenton Inn
4690 Urbana Road
Springfield, OH  45502
Telephone:  937 399 9950

More favorite Springfield eateries:

  • Schuler’s Donuts:   Their chocolate cream-filled doughnut is their best seller…”home of homemade”. The bakery has several locations in Springfield.
  • Simon Kenton Inn:  This historical home is an inn, restaurant and entertainment venue.  With great food, I love the atmosphere of the Simon Kenton Inn.
  • Guerra’s Krazy Tacos:  One of my favorite places to eat in Springfield, Guerra’s is known for their unique gourmet tacos.
  • Salato Deli:  I love stopping by this deli for their charcuterie board
  • Le Torte Dolci Bakery;  Located next to the Salato Deli, this European French bakery also serves amazing gelato.
  • Mike & Rosie’s Deli:  This staple of Springfield is located near the Wittenberg campus and I am extremely fond of their Reuben sandwich.

Where to Drink: 

What to Read:

  • The Book of Springfield, Ohio, 1906, by Springfield Commercial Club
  • Springfield, Ohio:  A Summary of Two Centuries, by Tom Dunham
  • Ridgewood in the Country Club District, by Tamara K. Dallenbach
  • Still Standing:  A life of pain, adversity and perseverance, by James Cooper
  • Hometown Killer, by Carol Rothgeb

Photo Guide for Springfield, Ohio:  

  • Hartman Rock Garden
  • Westcott House, Frank Lloyd Wright House
  • Glen Helen Nature Preserve in nearby Yellow Springs
  • Heritage Center of Clark County
  • Tecumseh Land Trust in nearby Yellow Springs
  • Ohio Caverns in nearby Bellefontaine
  • Oakes Quarry Park in nearby Fairborn, Ohio

Hathaway’s Diner, Then and Now

Update:  Please note that Hathaway’s has now closed.

My first experience at Hathaway’s Diner was more of a Cincinnati induction than a breakfast.  It was here that I first experienced Goetta and would order my morning coffee from that point forward.  Conveniently located on the first floor of Carew Tower, the diner was my first stop before reaching the elevators to the 9th floor.

I had just moved to Cincinnati from Raleigh, where I had taken a position at Kendle International as a Marketing Manager and was excited to be working downtown.  The Carew Tower was considered not only one of the most prestigious locations to work just as historic.  The tallest building in the city, it included its own parking garage as well as a network of store shopping and restaurants.

Hathaway’s Diner was one of the first floor restaurants which first opened in 1956 by Lloyd Hathaway and his wife, Vera.  A 1950s diner with black and white checkered flooring and seafoam green naugahyde chairs, it was a popular place for Kendle employees to stop for lunch, an afternoon coffee or an old-time milkshake made from ice cream and milk.  It was also popular enough for a visit by Elvis Presley in 1977,  only seven weeks before his death.

The servers wore dining uniforms from the 1950s and took our order on a green Guest  Check pad and pen.  For lunch, I looked forward to ordering the cheeseburger and mashed potatoes combo with a vanilla milkshake and if I was extra hungry, I would add a piece of chocolate cake.  The comfort food served at Hathaway”s has always been amazing.

I later learned that the Food Network had visited Hathaway’s Diner in 2019 and named the restaurant the Best Diner in Ohio and I couldn’t agree more.

Have you visited Hathaway’s Diner?  I would love to hear about what you ordered and your dining experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my longtime admiration for Hathaway’s and wishing you many Happy Travels.

Where to Eat: 

Hathaway’s Diner
441 Carew Tower
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone:  513 621 1332

Hathaway’s Diner has moved closer to the Hilton Netherland Plaza with a new address at 25 West 5th Street, Cincinnati, Ohio  45202.

Five Tips for Saving Money on Your Next Flight

I recently learned that Tuesdays are the best day to purchase airline tickets.  But did you also know that flying on Wednesdays will reduce your airfare?   Here are five more tips for finding airline tickets to fit your travel budget.

  1. The earlier the better,  Flights booked early in the morning are usually the least expensive.
  2. Book your flight AND hotel together, Many online search engines provide package deals for purchasing more than one travel service, including rental car reservations.
  3. Check the airline’s website. You may be surprised to find that the same flight you booked through a travel site is cheaper on the airline’s website.
  4. Fly one airline to your location and another one on your return.  Flight times vary with each airline, so don’t be limited to one airline’s schedule.
  5. Sign up for sites such as Airfarewatchdog or TripAdvisor for FREE airfare alerts. It’s as easy as providing basic flight information and your email.

There is no better time than today Tuesday to book your next flight,

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Mound Cemetery in Marietta, Ohio

History enthusiasts visit Mound Cemetery in Marietta for its large number of American Revolutionary War gravesites as well as its ancient Adena Mound.  The cemetery was initially built in 1801 to protect the ancient burial site and is known for having the most American Revolutionary soldiers buried within this place.

A map of the soldiers buried at this location is displayed within the cemetery.

The grave of Rufus Putnam, who was the founder of Marietta, is located here.  He died in 1820 from causes unknown.

Within a complex known as the Marietta Earthworks, many of the mounds were destroyed when the city of Marietta was built in 1788.

The Adena Mound dates between 100 to 500 BC as part of a larger settlement of the Hopewell Indians,  It is thought that the Chieftains of this Indian tribe are buried here.  In 1990, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History conducted excavations at the site and confirmed the Conus mound was that of the Hopewell Indians.  A set of stairs was constructed so that visitors could climb up to the top of the mound and look out into the city of Marietta.  This space was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

Have you visited Mound Cemetery in Marietta, Ohio? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

What to See and What to Do:

Mound Cemetery
5th and Scammel Streets
Marietta, OH  45750

  • Admission Fee:  Free
  • Hours:  Mound Cemetery is open from dawn to dusk, year-around.
  • Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear comfortable shoes for walking and taking the stairs to the top of The Mound.

Where to Stay:

The Hackett Hotel 
203 1/2 2nd Street
Marietta, OH  45750
Telephone: +740 374 8278

Where to Eat:

Boathouse BBQ
218 Virginia Street
Marietta, OH  45750
Telephone:  +740 373 3006

You have to try the Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese!  Amazing!

What to Read: 

A Guide to Historic Marietta Ohio, by Lynne Sturtevant

 

Piatt Castles: Mac-A-Cheek and Mac-O-Chee

Approaching the drive of Mac-A-Cheek Castle, I stopped in amazement of this beautiful limestone home located in West Liberty, Ohio.  Built by Abram Piatt between 1864 and 1871, the three story home took seven years to build with its spectacular towers, spacious interior and gorgeous gardens.  The home is exquisite both inside and out with an incredible exterior stone facade.  Beautiful hand-painted murals by French artist Oliver Frey adorn the walls and ceilings, reminiscent of gothic European castles and halls.

The Piatts arrived in Ohio from New Jersey when Abram’s father, Benjamin M. Piatt, relocated his family to open his legal practice in Cincinnati. Later becoming a Federal Circuit Judge, Honorable Piatt would eventually resettle north of the city in rural Logan County until his death in 1867.

In 1828, Judge Benjamin Piatt purchased a large farm in West Liberty Salem called Macochee by the Shawnee Indians, the name of the Indian village that once stood here.  Additional displays showcase Native American artifacts as well as war relics and weapons.

Judge Piatt’s sons Abram and Donn built homes on this property in the late 1800s.  Abram’s brother Donn, completed his home ten years later and named it Mac-O-Chee located within a mile of Mac-A-Cheek.

Descendants of Judge Piatt lived in the castles up until 1985 where tours continued into the early 1990s.  Tours are available today to include “The Family Haunt” which takes place on Halloween night where literary works by the Piatt women are performed and on display.

Mac-O-Chee, now an Ohio landmark listed on the register of Historic Places, was purchased by the Cole family in 2019 with the intentions of preserving its history. Mac-A-Cheek Castle holds a wealth of historical exhibits from the Piatt Castles to include family portraits, furniture, Civil War artifacts and works of art covering 200 years of Ohio history.

Have you visited the beautiful architecture of the Piatt Castles?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

What to See and What to Do:

Mac-A-Cheek Castle
10051 Township Road 47
West Liberty, OH  43357
Telephone:  937 465 2821

  • Admission Fee:   $13 for adults; $7 for children ages 5 – 15; $11 for Seniors age 65+ and AAA discount.  The grounds and outdoor exhibits is free.
  • Hours:  Open seasonally, so check the venue’s website prior to your visit.
  • Amenities:  Self-guided tours, Exhibits, Special Events
  • Length of Visit:  1 hour

Where to Stay:

The Cabins at Maple Grove
5040 OH-29
Urbana, OH  43078
Telephone:  937 620 4952

Where to Eat:

The Syndicate
213 South Main Street
Bellefontaine, OH  43311
Telephone:  937 210 5165

With an amazing brunch menu, try the Big Bad Burrito with a Jalapeno Mimosa.

The Garst Museum – Currier & Ives

I remember the first time I set eyes on a Currier & Ives print was in Mrs. Hallum’s room at the Masonic Home.  My mother was a pharmacy tech at the retirement center and so my sister and I would visit the sweet elderly residents on occasion.  I was only six at the time but the artwork had made such an impression on me.

I suppose the shock could be attributed to the print’s graphic nature.  The lithograph was titled The Assassination of President Lincoln at Ford’s Theater.   I remembered seeing the cloud of powder exiting the gun and remembered how close the gun was to the President.  I had always wondered why it was displayed in her room to view each day.

Fast forward a few years and I remember seeing Currier & Ives maps from New York City, Philadelphia and New Orleans on display in a law office where I worked.  I loved the historical prints showing the earlier times of a big city. long before they had been established and the everyday lives of Americans during a time when life was more simple and carefree.

On a recent visit to The Garst Museum in Greenville, Ohio, I happened to notice a small display of Currier & Ives lithographs and learned more about the company.  Nathanial Currier began his career as a successful printer and James Merritt Ives a  self-trained artist before they partnered together in 1857.

While I enjoyed the beautiful scenes of upstate New York, my favorite print was that of the death of George Washington.  Another historical piece, it was created in 1799.

Nathanial and James left their business to their sons who continued until 1907.  In total, the company designed 7500 different titles and printed over 1 million prints.  The company took a backseat to printing presses until the 1920s when the prints became popular again.  Many of the scenes are beautiful depictions of everyday life and spectacular scenes and are incredible collector’s items even today.

Have you heard of Currier & Ives or seen one of their original prints?  I would love to hear if you have visited The Garst Museum to see these prints as well and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Garst Museum
205 North Broadway
Greenville, OH  45331
Telephone: 937 548 5250

  • Admission: $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, $9 for youth, $9 for Darke County Genealogy Society Members, Free for children aged 5 and below and for DCHS Members
  • Hours:  Tuesday – Saturday from 10AM to 4PM & Sunday from 1PM to 4PM, Closed Mondays, Major Holidays and the Month of January
  • Amenities:  Historical exhibits, educational exhibits, research center, historic figures, museum store and special events
  • Tips: Allow yourself plenty of time to visit each of the exhibits and wear comfortable shoes.

Where to Stay: 

The Inn at Versailles
21 West Main Street
Versailles, OH  45380
Telephone:  937 526 3020

Where to Eat: 

The Merchant House
406 South Broadway
Greenville, OH  45331
Telephone:  937 459 4405

Pig candy and the Monte Cristo sandwich….absolutely amazing!

Where to Drink: 

Kennedy Vineyard
3911 State Route 722
New Madison, OH  45346
Telephone:  937 273 8381

What to Read:

  • The Treaty of Green Ville, by Frazer Els Wilson
  • Indians Timeless Tales, by Paul Wonning
  • Life and Legacy of Annie Oakley, by Glenda Riley
  • Currier & Ives Printmakers to the American People, by Currier & Ives
  • The Great Book of Currier & Ives, by Walton H. Rawls

The Garst Museum: Lowell Thomas

 

While visiting The Garst Museum, I found the life of Lowell Thomas to be very interesting.  Born in Woodington, Ohio, Thomas and his family moved to Colorado when Lowell was eight years old.  After graduating from the University of Denver, Lowell took a job at the Chicago Journal and became known for writing about rail travel.   When the United States became involved in World War I, Thomas left for Europe to write about the conflict.

Thomas would eventually travel to Palestine to write about the conflict, fascinating Americans back home.  He returned with video pictures of the Middle East and gained recognition for his reporting of British officer T.E. Lawrence, who was known for his role in the Arab Revolt.  The culmination of reporting would result in the movie, “Lawrence of Arabia”, which starred Peter O’Toole as T. E. Lawrence while Arthur Kennedy would play the role of Jackson Bentley which was loosely based on the life of Lowell Thomas.

Thomas would eventually became a radio commentator in 1929 and 1930 where he discussed his worldwide travels. While this lead to a program at CBS Radio Network, it was through television where Thomas would become known.  Travel would always be Thomas’ first love and when his wife Frances passed, he remarried Marianna and took a 50,000 mile honeymoon.  Thomas died four years later and is buried in Christ Church Cemetery in Pawling, New York.

Have you heard of Lowell Thomas or Lawrence of Arabia?  I would love to hear about your visit to The Garst Museum if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to the museum and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Garst Museum
205 North Broadway
Greenville, OH  45331
Telephone: 937 548 5250

  • Admission: $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, $9 for youth, $9 for Darke County Genealogy Society Members, Free for children aged 5 and below and for DCHS Members
  • Hours:  Tuesday – Saturday from 10AM to 4PM & Sunday from 1PM to 4PM, Closed Mondays, Major Holidays and the Month of January
  • Amenities:  Historical exhibits, educational exhibits, research center, historic figures, museum store and special events
  • Tips: Allow yourself plenty of time to visit each of the exhibits and wear comfortable shoes.

Where to Stay: 

The Inn at Versailles
21 West Main Street
Versailles, OH  45380
Telephone:  937 526 3020

Where to Eat: 

The Merchant House
406 South Broadway
Greenville, OH  45331
Telephone:  937 459 4405

Pig candy and the Monte Cristo sandwich….absolutely amazing!

Where to Drink: 

Kennedy Vineyard
3911 State Route 722
New Madison, OH  45346
Telephone:  937 273 8381

What to Read:

  • History as You Heard it by Lowell Thomas, by Lowell Thomas
  • The Voice of America, by Mitchell Stephens
  • Back to Mandalay, by Lowell Thomas

 

The Garst Museum and a Look at Home Life in the mid-1900s

The Garst Museum exhibits an American collection of nostalgic household items. which would have been found in early homes of the 1900s.   Many of these items were gifted to the museum from various family collections.  While some of these items may be familiar to many, there are also items that are no longer in use or have been replaced by modern inventions.

The formal dining room was once a separate space where families would gather together to enjoy an evening meal.  Our family also celebrated birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions in our dining room creating long-lasting memories. This room was one of our favorite places in the house.  The table was built by my father and a matching hutch was placed up against the wall.  Light floral wallpaper decorated the wall with a window that looked out into the cornfields behind our backyard.

The style of the Garst Museum dining room reminded me of our grandparents’ dining room with an area rug, chandelier and multiple windows.

While our home did not have a formal children’s playroom, our basement was where most of our toys, games and electronics were stored.  As we grew older, there was a television, couch and desk that was built up against the wall.

The Garst Museum children’s playroom seemed to have been built for an upper middleclass family.  The items within the room included a China tea set, China dolls and a baby buggy.

Our family owned a three-bedroom, one bath bi-level home with a garage.  My sister and I shared a bedroom where we each had a bed and our own dresser and my brother had his own room as well.  My youngest sister arrived while I was a freshman at Bible College, so they created a bedroom in the basement for my brother when I moved back home over the summer. My parents’ room was not much bigger than our rooms and was modestly decorated.

At the Garst Museum, the bedroom predated indoor plumbing and heating.  Modestly decorated, the early bedrooms were decorated with trundle beds (a bed that could be pulled out from the main bed) and chamber pots (in place of a bathroom for nighttime emergencies).  Many family members in the early 1900s would have slept in the same room.

It wasn’t until my mid-20’s that I had learned the purpose of a parlor.  Staying with a friend in Illinois, their family home had a separate living space which they referred to their parlor, decorated with formal furniture and a fireplace.  Noticing the bay window with additional storage, I learned that the original use for this room was to hold wakes for family members who had passed.  Today, many older homes with parlors have been converted into offices or playrooms.

The kitchen was my favorite display with antique appliances and gadgets.  Our family had the same blue and white checkered tablecloth and I clearly remembered my grandparents’ hutch in the dining room, displaying their white and brown dishes.  The exhibit was a great representation of an early open-style kitchen.

The displays began to move forward in time with more modern furnishings.  Canopy beds and colorful rugs had replaced the trundle beds and wooden floors from previous decades.  French-style furniture was adorned with elaborate pulls and small electric lighting replaced tapered candles.

Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello home is credited for creating the formal dining room.  Largely used for entertaining, many American homes followed the tradition including a room set apart for large gatherings.  Large dining tables were equipped with extensions to expand for additional guests.  The buffet was added to set out side dishes while the hutch displayed the beautiful China dishes.

While many homes have kept the traditional, formal-style dining room, there seems to be a shift in the home design. With an open floor plan to include a large kitchen and an island that extends to the family/living room, the space has become the main focal point of the home.  Additional features may include large walk-in pantries, upscale appliances and of course, wine refrigerators, but the importance of the family home and its design remain ever changing.

Have you visited the “Family Life” exhibit at the Garst Museum in Greenville?  Do you remember some of the items on display? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Garst Museum and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Garst Museum
205 North Broadway
Greenville, OH  45331
Telephone: 937 548 5250

  • Admission: $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, $9 for youth, $9 for Darke County Genealogy Society Members, Free for children aged 5 and below and for DCHS Members
  • Hours:  Tuesday – Saturday from 10AM to 4PM & Sunday from 1PM to 4PM, Closed Mondays, Major Holidays and the Month of January
  • Amenities:  Historical exhibits, educational exhibits, research center, historic figures, museum store and special events
  • Tips: Allow yourself plenty of time to visit each of the exhibits and wear comfortable shoes.

Where to Stay: 

The Inn at Versailles
21 West Main Street
Versailles, OH  45380
Telephone:  937 526 3020

Where to Eat: 

The Merchant House
406 South Broadway
Greenville, OH  45331
Telephone:  937 459 4405

Pig candy and the Monte Cristo sandwich….absolutely amazing!

Where to Drink: 

Kennedy Vineyard
3911 State Route 722
New Madison, OH  45346
Telephone:  937 273 8381

What to Read:

  • Annie Oakley, by Charles J. Shields
  • Annie Oakley:  A Captivating Guide to an American Sharpshooter Who Later Became a Wild West Folk Hero, by Captivating History
  • Life and Legacy of Annie Oakley, by Glenda Riley

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Garst Museum and the Treaty of Green Ville

Following the Revolutionary War, American settlers left the east coast in search of land and opportunity.  As they began to journey West, the pioneers began to encroach on the lands of the Indian tribes. These American Indians had lived here long before the English had arrived, crossing from Asia in the north.  They had migrated throughout North America and as far as Central and South America.  While many in the southern hemisphere established civilizations throughout, the Indians in the Northwest Territory were nomadic, moving from one location to the next in search of food and shelter.  An estimated number of 15,000 had lived in Ohio at the time of the American Revolution.

As the Europeans left the east coast in search of land in the Ohio Valley, the tribesman began to stand their ground to defend their lands, resulting in the American Indian Wars.  By 1790, President George Washington sent General Josiah Harmar to fight against the Indians but was unable to defeat them.  A second attempt, under the leadership of Anthony Wayne, the Indians were defeated at the Battle of Fallen Timbers on August 20. 1794.   Within the next year, the Indians were invited to participate in a peace conference at Fort Green Ville.  Shortly thereafter, the Treaty of Green Ville was signed on August 3, 1795, documenting land boundaries and providing compensation for the land in hopes of a peaceful compromise.

A beautiful painting by Howard Chandler Christy details the moment the Treaty of Green Ville was signed.  Christy, a talented painter and Ohio native, had a passion for Ohio history.  Mr. Christy was selected to paint the Signing of the Treaty of Green Ville in which he completed in July of 1945.  This painting is on display at The Garst Museum in Greenville, Ohio.

The attendees are identified as the following, starting from the bottom left to right: Leatherlips, the Green Ville Treaty Calumet and Bad Bird.  Above these Indians starting from left to right:  White Pigeon, Tarhe: The Crane and Blue Jacket.  The tall standing Indian is Little Turtle, then Buckongehelas.  To the right of Little Turtle is William Wells, and continuing right are Isaac Zane, Meriwether Lewis and John Mills.  The Indian signing The Treaty of Greene Ville is The Sun.  The standing colonist is Anthony Wayne followed by William Clark, William Henry Harrison, David Jones and Henry De Butts.

Have you had the opportunity to visit The Garst Museum and see the Signing of the Treaty of Green Ville?  I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about the Treaty of Green Ville and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Garst Museum
205 North Broadway
Greenville, OH  45331
Telephone: 937 548 5250

  • Admission: $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, $9 for youth, $9 for Darke County Genealogy Society Members, Free for children aged 5 and below and for DCHS Members
  • Hours:  Tuesday – Saturday from 10AM to 4PM & Sunday from 1PM to 4PM, Closed Mondays, Major Holidays and the Month of January
  • Amenities:  Historical exhibits, educational exhibits, research center, historic figures, museum store and special events
  • Tips: Allow yourself plenty of time to visit each of the exhibits and wear comfortable shoes.

Where to Stay: 

The Inn at Versailles
21 West Main Street
Versailles, OH  45380
Telephone:  937 526 3020

Where to Eat: 

The Merchant House
406 South Broadway
Greenville, OH  45331
Telephone:  937 459 4405

Pig candy and the Monte Cristo sandwich….absolutely amazing!

Where to Drink: 

Kennedy Vineyard
3911 State Route 722
New Madison, OH  45346
Telephone:  937 273 8381

What to Read:

  • The Treaty of Green Ville, by Frazer Els Wilson
  • Indians Timeless Tales, by Paul Wonning
  • Life and Legacy of Annie Oakley, by Glenda Riley

The Garst Museum and Greenville’s Early Beginnings

As I entered the Garst Museum, it was eerily quiet as I passed through the threshold of a beautifully restored campus house.  A table stood in the entryway with several flyers and maps to assist me with touring the galleries.  To the left I began my exploration of Greenville’s history titled “Crossroads of Destiny” and found several materials pertaining to this venue.

Starting with the Paleo period are remains of prehistoric animals that once roamed this area of Darke County.  On display are several bones and teeth of a Mastodon and Wooly Mastodon which were hunted by the Paleo Indians between 6,000 and 13,000 BC.

In addition to the animal finds are arrowheads dating back to the Paleo and Archaic Periods.  Used for hunting and spearing fish, the Indians gradually improved their weapons and tools to include chisels and axes.

By the early 1600s, the English made their way to the New World and settled along the East Coast.  In hopes of more opportunities, they began to move west, encroaching on Indian Territory.    Fighting broke out between the Indians and the European Americans which eventually led to the 1795 Treaty of Green Ville.  The “treaty of peace” included a cease fire between the Indians and Americans, provided compensation to the Indians in exchange for land that included two-thirds of southeast Ohio.

Additional treaties were signed and eventually the Indians were forced to settle in the West.  At this point, Tecumseh, a Shawnee Indian from modern-day Columbus, Ohio was determined to fight against the loss of their land by the Americans, but his efforts failed.  Eventually, Tecumseh joined the new Americans and fought in the War of 1812, where he died in October of 1813.   The story of his life is depicted in an outdoor drama titled, “Tecumseh” which is performed during the summer months in Chillicothe, Ohio.

Growing up about an hour east of Greenville, I was familiar with the historic figures from the area such as Blue Jacket and Simon Kenton.  Blue Jacket was a Shawnee War Chief who fought against American settlers who were in pursuit of the Indian’s land.  He was defeated in 1794 during the Battle of Fallen Timbers which resulted in his signing the Treaty of Greenville in 1795, ceding to the settlers.  Each year, the city of Xenia hosts performances of the outdoor drama ,”Blue Jacket” in a gorgeous, scenic amphitheater in remembrance of this local celebrity.

Simon Kenton was also a key figure as a frontiersman who was a friend of Daniel Boone. Kenton also fought alongside George Rogers Clark during the Revolution.  Kenton was kidnapped by the Shawnee Indians on several occasions.  Impressing the Shawnee by his ability to escape, he was eventually adopted by the Shawnee as they lived harmoniously in what is known today as Champaign County.  He is buried in Urbana.

Today, Greenville is known for its farming of corn and soybean.  Visitors can take a step back in time to visit Bear’s Mill, a working gristmill that sells freshly ground flour in their gift shop.    Greenville’s Main Street is a great way to spend the afternoon with a visit to the Anna Bier Gallery displaying the artwork of local artists.  My favorite stop is the KitchenAid experience to browse the latest KitchenAid mixers and gadgets for sale.  In addition, the store houses a museum that shows the evolution of the KitchenAid mixer since 1941.   The Merchant House is a highly recommended stop for lunch or dinner or venture to nearby Versailles for a local winery experience and its charming downtown.

From its humble beginnings to its modern day advancement in kitchen appliances, Greenville is an incredible historic stop and one of America’s greatest examples of Main Street, America.

Have you visited Greenville?  What activities and restaurants did you decide to visit?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my lovely afternoon in Greenville and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Garst Museum
205 North Broadway
Greenville, OH  45331
Telephone: 937 548 5250

  • Admission: $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, $9 for youth, $9 for Darke County Genealogy Society Members, Free for children aged 5 and below and for DCHS Members
  • Hours:  Tuesday – Saturday from 10AM to 4PM & Sunday from 1PM to 4PM, Closed Mondays, Major Holidays and the Month of January
  • Amenities:  Historical exhibits, educational exhibits, research center, historic figures, museum store and special events
  • Tips: Allow yourself plenty of time to visit each of the exhibits and wear comfortable shoes.

Where to Stay: 

The Inn at Versailles
21 West Main Street
Versailles, OH  45380
Telephone:  937 526 3020

Where to Eat: 

The Merchant House
406 South Broadway
Greenville, OH  45331
Telephone:  937 459 4405

Pig candy and the Monte Cristo sandwich….absolutely amazing!

Where to Drink: 

Kennedy Vineyard
3911 State Route 722
New Madison, OH  45346
Telephone:  937 273 8381

What to Read:

  • Annie Oakley, by Charles J. Shields
  • Annie Oakley:  A Captivating Guide to an American Sharpshooter Who Later Became a Wild West Folk Hero, by Captivating History
  • Life and Legacy of Annie Oakley, by Glenda Riley

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • step back into timw
  • historical destination with over 300,000 artifacts on display over 35,000 square feet of exhibit space within six building wings
  • Major Exhibit Venues include:
    • Crossroads of Destiny:  The story of General Anthony Wayne, Little Turtle
    • Lowell Thomas – pioneer broadcaster
    • Military History – 1812 to War in Iran
    • Commander Zachary Landsdowne – Captain of the Navy Airship USS Shenandoah and early advocate of military air power
    • Early Pioneers & Period American Furnishings
    • Early Village Settlement Shops
    • Currier & Ives Collection
    • Darke County Research Center