Making Friends with the Early Ohio Settlers at Sauder Village, Part 1

24 October 20233 May 2025

Celebrating forty years as Ohio’s Largest Living History Destination, Sauder Village is an amazing replica of a small town dating between 1803 to the 1920s. From the Natives and Newcomers Exhibit to the Pioneer Settlement, there are close to forty buildings that will transport you back to a simple life on the prairie.

Arriving in Archbold, the Welcome Center was my first stop to purchase my ticket and pick up a map to plan out my day. This expansive center includes a café, gift shop, restrooms and the Greenburg Gallery.

Crossing the threshold, I was immediately transported into another place and time. There were several shops, exhibits and eateries on the Village Green. Surrounded by a small community of historical homes, I began my self-guided tour at Erie’s Farm Shop, “where it all began.”

Erie Sauder felt it was important that people would have a place to visit where they could learn about pioneer life and experience it for themselves. It was his vision that led to the development of Sauder Village.

Since 1976, thousands of visitors have explored this living museum where costumed volunteers reenact the pioneer days and local artisans preserve their amazing craft. Keeping history alive at Sauder Village is a great way to appreciate the challenges and hard work of those who first settled this area.

Erie’s Farm Shop, where 16-year old Erie Sauder began his woodworking company, displays some of his original tools and replicas.

Each building is clearly numbered and guides in period costumes are available to answer any questions.

Sauder’s Cabinet Shop contained more woodworking tools. Having once owned a Sauder bookcase, I was interested in learning about his craft. I learned that Sauder had expanded their products to include church pews in the 1930s.

The Basket Shop was located next door to the cabinet shop where I watched creative craftsmen assemble baskets of all shapes and sizes. The final products were available for purchase in their store.

Exiting the Basket Shop I arrived at the Roth Barbershop which was set up as it would have been in the early 20^th century. Children giggled as they sat in the barber’s chair begging for a hair cut. Playfully, the attendant declined their wish but set out to explain all of the interesting barber’s tools used for a cut and a shave. While she had their attention, she told us that the men were not permitted to sit in the barber’s chair while chewing their snuff. They had to put it on a shelf were it would stay until the barber services were completed and then they could pick it up and put it back in their lip. The children asked so many questions and it was fun to see them so engaged.

One of the most fascinating stops o my tour was the Tinsmith’s Shop. I was amazed by all of the products that were created here. From candle holders to chandeliers, the extensive collection included a fabulous selection of household items as well as tools and decorative pieces.

At the Black Swamp Cooperage, I learned that the local craftsman who made the barrels and buckets was called the Cooper. There is a beautiful display of these items that have been handcrafted by experienced woodworkers that one can purchase from the workshop. I love the contrast and design of the wood on these buckets and barrels and was hoping to find a cutting board.

At Anna’s Spinning Shop, a spinner showed our group how to make yarn. Using various types of wools, she explained how first, the wool must be combed and washed before the spinning process could begin. She also told us that the craftsman could control the size of each strand by how tight he pulled the wool as the wheel spun the fibers into string. Children as young as 3 years old would help in the process of making yarn and it was usually their job to comb the wool. From the start of creating the yarn to the knitting of a sweater, the process could take anywhere from six to twelve months.

Stepping into the herb shop, my eyes were immediately drawn to the ceiling where bundles of herbs hung from the rafters. Herbs were not only used for cooking, but for other medicinal purposes, decorating needs and to freshen their homes. It smelled fantastic as I steeped inside to look over the herbs and spices they offered for sale.

Feeling a bit underdressed entering St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, I was greeted with a smile by the organist. She was eager to play a song on the organ. Once a local German Lutheran church, it was once a place of worship for Black Swamp families in the 1900s. Equipped with church pews, a pulpit and an authentic pipe organ, the acoustics were perfect for a rendition of Amazing Grace on the 100 year pump organ.

I explored the sites surrounding the Village Green and looking back into the circle, I realized how much I had learned about the first settlers that arrived in Fulton County. Next stop, the Elmira Depot.

The Elmira Depot was an original train stop along the Wabash Railway just a couple of miles from Archbold. Passengers could ride the Wabash Cannonball on the Detroit – St. Louis route starting in 1949. The depot was in use until It was brought to Sauder Village in 1968 and this is definitely one of the highlights of the park.

Inside, kids had a blast weighing themselves on the scale used to weigh goods transported by train.

I entered through the door opposite of the scales into the administrative office. Passengers could purchase their tickets while assistants sent telegraphs and carried out secretarial tasks.

My favorite part of the depot was the Baggage Room where objects that were transported on the railways were on display. Shipping routes were published on a large map while a placard displayed the American Morse Code. I watched a group of children try their hand at sending a telegraph using the morse code chart above the machine. Most of them opted to tap out their names and were having a great time pretending to send messages from one station to the next.

Just a few feet away I explored Dr. McGuffin’s Office. I was reminded of how far we’ve come from the medical care that was available back in the late 1800s. Sometimes the doctor would not only have to help the local people who were sick, he may have also had to act as the local dentist by pulling a tooth or make house calls to tend to an injured horse. He had a very important job within the community and was a well-respected figure.

I was impressed with the medical instruments encased in cabinets and the medicines and herbal remedies that were sitting on the shelf. The doctor was also in charge of prescribing medication which would have been kept on the premises. From his office, he could administer the treatment or make house calls.

The next building on my Sauder Village map is the District 16 Schoolhouse which was an original one-room school house where children attended school. The teacher played an important role, not only in the teaching of the children, but attending to additional duties. Some of these responsibilities included chopping firewood for the stove or ensuring that there was plenty of water in the bucket from which the children would drink throughout the day. Children that attended rural schools were only required to complete an 8^th grade education and the ages of the school children could range from ages 6 years to 21.

With so many levels of education coming together in one room, it must have been a challenge for the teacher not to mention giving each student the attention they deserved.

I was nearly halfway through the list of historical buildings when I happened upon the Stella Leona Chocolates & Coffee shop. It was a welcome sight to enjoy a café mocha and the milk chocolate shavings. I was tempted to try one of their delicious chocolates, but decided to wait until after lunch. With a little energy boost, I was ready to tackle the remaining sites.

For those that love to quilt, the Threads of Tradition Quilt Shop should be on the top of your list. I was able to find out anything and everything I have ever wanted to know about quilting. There are over 3500 bolts of fabric, patterns, instructional books, gifts and hand quilting demonstrations….every quilter’s dream.

Not far from the Quilt Shop is Lauder’s General Store. This place is a museum in itself with so many products that were popular in the 19^th and 20^th centuries as well as those items that even interest kids today. I took a walk down memory lane checking out past toys that I remembered as a child. In some ways it reminded me of the mercantile in Little House on the Prairie but with a focus more on toys, dolls, and its candy collection. I could have easily spent hours in this store.

I quickly passed by the The W.O. Taylor Printing Office on my way to visit Burlington Glass Works. The building was closed for the day, but it was once the newspaper office of Archbold in the early 20^th century. It would have been fun to see the printing presses and possibly some historical newspapers.

I overheard that the glass maker, Mark Matthews had just fired up his oven and was preparing to create one of his internationally acclaimed glass products. When I arrived, the glass was heating up so I decided to stay. Within minutes he began to manipulate the glass that would later be used to create some of his fascinating, colorful marbles.

I was surprised at the length of the process, so I did not to see the final masterpiece, but I am sure it was spectacular. Inside of his studio, he displayed many of his works which were available for sale.

My last stop before heading out towards the perimeter of the village was the Broom Shop.

It was entertaining and educational to watch the talented broom maker create a decorative broom. There was a large selection of brooms for sale and it took some time for me to made a selection. I have often heard that handmade brooms work amazingly well when sweeping floors and was happy to have purchased one.

Exiting the ship, I realized I was close to the parking lot, so I took my new broom to the car and would start my tour again at the 1920s Grime Homestead. I couldn’t wait to explore the rest of this amazing village.

Please note that this is Part 1 of my visit due to the extent of the amazing opportunities to learn about the historical sites. Check out Part 2 and Part 3 to read about the second half of my exploration of Sauder Village.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Sauder Village? What was your favorite place to visit or activity while you were here? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Sauder Village Living History and Farm
221611 OH-2
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 419 446 2541

Admission Fee: Adults: $24; Students, Ages 4 – 16: $18; Children, Ages 3 and under: Free; Seniors 60 and over: $22. person is permitted. 2-day Admission: Adults, $38; Students, Ages 4 – 16: $26; Valid for 2 consecutive days, non-transferable. AAA Discount: $2
Hours: Spring (May 3 – 27): Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10AM to 3:30PM; Saturday 10AM to 4PM; Summer (May 31 – September 2): Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10AM to 5PM and Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Fall Hours (September 6 – October 8); Open Wednesday to Friday from 10AM to 3:30PM and Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
Length of the Tour: From 2 hours to 2 days.
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes as you walk through time visiting historical buildings. Download the map ahead of time and plan your day. There are several classes and demonstrations that you won’t want to miss. While there are several small shops to visit, make plans to eat at the Barn Restaurant for down-home cooking.

Where to Stay:

Sauder Heritage Inn
22611 State Route 2
PO Box 235
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 800 590 9755

If you are traveling by RV, make reservations at the Sauder Village Campground.

Where to Eat:

The Barn Restaurant
22611 State Route 2
PO Box 235
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 800 590 9755

Select the buffet or order from the menu loaded with down-home recipes.

What to Eat:

Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes
Soups and Salads
Fried Chicken
Roast Beef Dinners

What to Read:

Heritage of the Black Swamp, by Cynthia Covert Harger

Photo Guide to Sauder Village

Visit Sauder Village in the spring for newborn baby animals

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

Operation Finale: The Capture and Trial of Adolf Eichmann

6 October 201616 September 2024

“Operation Finale: The Capture and Trial of Adolf Eichmann”, was listed as an exhibit at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage. I had heard of Adolf Eichmann while attending an exhibit at the National Underground Freedom Railroad Center and recently checked out the book by Hannah Arendt, “Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil”.

I have to admit the exhibit piqued my curiosity. Arendt wrote about the criminal trial of Adolf Eichmann which brought about controversy throughout Europe and the United States. Her book was based on these writings and the transcripts from the trial held in Israel. For the victims, it was an opportunity to tell their story, which was so full of atrocities against the Jewish race, that it was obvious, Adolf Eichmann was a monster. It seemed unbelievable that such a man as Eichmann could elude capture and prosecution for such a long time, I wanted to know the story of his arrest. I wanted to see justice for the Jews.

In preparation for the tour, the guide asked us to pack ourselves into the small area located at the entrance. Our conductor asked us to imagine standing in this space, packed with family, friends and strangers. He then asked if we would be able to stand here for days without food and water and only a bucket to relieve ourselves as a makeshift toilet. We realized that we were standing in a space with the exact dimensions of the railroad cars that were used for transportation to the concentration camps.

A placard posted at this exhibit read, “The Nazis and their collaborators murdered approximately six million Jews across the length of Europe and into North Africa. In some countries, as many as 90 percent of pre-war Jewish populations were eliminated. Communities and cultures that had existed for millennia were obliterated as men, women and children were hunted down like prey, herded into ghettos and enslaved in labor camps and slaughtered in extermination camps. WWII was the most lethal military conflict in human history. Six million of the dead were civilians whose only crime was their Jewish identity.”

Our guide provided us with background information about Adolf Eichmann and his life before joining the SS (Schutzstaffel), a major paramilitary organization under Adolf Hitler. Born in 1906, Eichmann grew up around Jews, had a Jewish best friend and once worked for a Jewish family. He later took a position with an American oil company where he learned about transportation.

Eichmann joined the Nazi party in 1932 and having claimed to be an expert in Jewish relations, was provided a position where he would command the deportation of Jews. On display at the museum were documents of Eichmann’s Nazi Party Assignment. The Iron Cross Award was presented to him for the exile of more than 400,000 Hungarian Jews to Auschwitz.

A 1942 German meeting held in Wannsee would be a major turning point in the war. The Nazis came together to determine a “solution to the Jewish question”, which would result in mass genocide. Over the next three years Eichmann was responsible for accelerating this order, killing Jews at an overwhelming pace.

At the time the Germans were defeated in 1945, Eichmann was captured by the Americans and was incarcerated under the alias, Otto Eckmann. He escaped and remained in hiding in Europe until he was able to reach the country of Argentina. Under the assumed name of Ricardo Klement, Eichmann reached South America where many Nazi War Criminals had fled to elude capture.

Israel’s Secret Service, the Mossad, were intent on finding the Nazi War Criminals in hiding. A tip from German immigrant, Lothar Hermann provided one of these leads. Hermann, a Dachau holocaust survivor, became suspicious of a young man that his daughter was dating. The lad, Nick Eichmann bragged about his father’s Nazi affiliation. Hermann contacted Dr. Fritz Bauer the prosecutor-general of the West German state of Hesse with the information. Operatives could not imagine that Eichmann was residing in the poor living conditions on Gribaldi Street in Buenos Aires and no further action was taken. It would take four more years until Eichmann’s arrest.

A dedicated team of members of the Moussad, El Al and the Israeli police were known as the Grab Team. They assisted in the final capture of Adolf Eichmann which took place in 1960.

The Team learned that Eichmann had a job with Mercedes Benz in Argentina. It seemed most likely because he spoke German. Each night, his schedule proceeded like clock work. His agenda was so precise that it was determined that they would arrest him when he arrived at home around 7:30PM.

On May 11, 1960, the day had come for the Team to apprehend Eichmann. In preparation for the take down, they wore gloves in the event Eichmann would take poison or spit on them. They were also concerned that he may try to commit suicide with a gun, should he become aware of his arrest. It was imperative that they capture him alive so that they could bring him to trial in Israel.

When it was his scheduled time to disembark the train, Eichmann was nowhere to be found. The Grab Team was ready to abandon their operations but waited for the next train scheduled to arrive at 8:10PM. Once the Team noticed Eichmann leaving the train, he was detained. According to the Grab Team, they were able to confirm his identity with photographs. In the end, it was his earlobes that gave him away.

Upon capture, the Team asked Eichmann to give them his name. He immediately gave up his SS number and they completed their identification by confirming his scars.

Over the next nine days, the Grab Team would hold Eichmann in a number of safe houses, waiting to deport him to Israel. Ironically, El Al Airlines had just begun flight service from Buenos Aires to Israel. Eichmann was dressed up as a flight attendant, wore a set of goggles and was drugged during transport.

The Team had also been conducting surveillance on another Nazi War Criminal, Dr. Mengele. Some of the Team remained in Buenos Aires in hopes of capturing him but soon learned that the doctor was on vacation. Dr. Mengele was never caught.

It would take less than a year for Adolf Eichmann’s trial to begin on April 11, 1961. Eichmann’s defense was that he was not a policy maker and therefore, was not responsible for the death of the Jews directly. He stated that he was only following orders.

Prior testimony at the Nuremburg Trials in 1945, detailed the activities for which Eichmann was responsible during the Holocaust. It was Eichmann who suggested the use of Zyklon-B poisonous gas to exterminate the Jews in the gas chambers. He was also in charge of the inhumane transportation of Jews from their home to “work camps”. It was determined that ten to fifty percent of Jews would die in the railroad cars due to the appalling conditions. Within three days of the transfer of Jews to concentration camps, many would not survive due to lack of water and deficient waste disposal. Internal Nazi documents showed that Eichmann carried out the command to increase the killing of Jews when the Nazis realized that they were being defeated.

The most emotional stage of the tour was watching the movie screen showing aspects of the trial on three monitors. To the far left, cameras focused on the reaction of the audience while in the center, Eichmann, guarded by two Israeli officers, responds to questions from the panel. The most moving visual was the testimony of nearly one hundred victims displayed on the far right partition, testifying against him. It is a graphic trial lasting 3 days and heart wrenching as Eichmann sits emotionless. In the end, justice prevailed and Eichmann was found guilty. He was hanged on May 31, 1962.

I felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that Adolph Eichmann had been punished for his cruel and brutal treatment of Jews during the Holocaust. It will never be enough justice for the victims who lost their lives or the survivors that continue their lives reliving this nightmare. We must never forget them. We have a responsibility to keep their story alive.

Did you have the opportunity to visit the Adolf Eichmann exhibit? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a comment in the section below! Many Thanks for reading about my visit to the Maltz Museum and the Adolph Eichmann exhibit. Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage
2929 Richmond Road
Beachwood, OH 44122
Telephone: 216 593 0575

Admission Fee: $12 for Adults, $10 for Seniors (60+) and Students (12+) and $5 for Youth, ages 5 – 11; Maltz Museum members and children under 5 are FREE. Contact the museum’s website for holiday closures.
Hours: Open Thursday – Sunday from 11AM to 5PM; Closed Monday and Open on Wednesday from 11AM to 9PM.
Length of Visit: 1 to 2 hours, or additional time for special exhibits
Tips for Your Visit: Ensure that you have visited the website to confirm that the museum is open, as it may be closed for a list of holidays.

Where to Stay:

Aloft Beachwood
1010 Eaton Boulevard
Beachwood, OH 44122
Telephone: 215 595 0900

Where to Eat:

Moxie, the Restaurant – permanently closed in 2019
3355 Richmond Road
Beachwood, OH 44122
Telephone: 216 831 5599

Since oysters were in season, I placed an order for a half dozen, flavored with hot sauce, parsley and lemon. For my main entree I ordered the Bronzini with a tabbouleh salad, chilled cucumber & dill broth, watermelon radish, mint oil. The combination of unique foods was absolutely amazing and I had so much food left over for a least a couple of meals.

John Mariani from Esquire Magazine raves about Moxie, “The hot new Moxie has picked up on the style of restaurants in downtown New York with a little New Orleans thrown in. Portions are gargantuan.”

What to Read:

Eichmann Before Jerusalem by Bettina Stangneth
The House on Garibaldi Street by Isser Harel
Hunting Eichmann: How a Band of Survivors and a Young Spy Agency Chased Down the World’s Most Notorious Nazi by Neal Bascomb

Photo Guide for Cleveland:

Abbey Road Skyline
Brewnuts is not only a lovely donut shop, but its nostalgic art deco interior is perfect for unique photos
A Christmas Story House in nearby Tremont
Civic Center District to photograph Cleveland’s City Hall, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and FirstEnergy Football Field
The Cleveland Arcade is one of the most photographed location in Cleveland so arrive early (8 or 9) before the crowds arrive.
Cleveland MetroParks Zoo
Cleveland Murals in Ohio City (close by)
Cleveland’s Museum of Art for its phenomenal architecture and exhibits
Cleveland Public Library
Cleveland Signs
Coastal Taco has some of the best views of the river in the city of Cleveland.
The Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Brecksville is for nature lovers.
The Flying Fig is a yummy cafe where outdoor photos are a must.
East Fourth Street is where you will find cozy cafes lining brick walkways
The Fountain of Eternal Life honors local residents who served in the military (photograph during the day AND night)
Great Lakes Brewing Company
Heinen’s Grocery Store to photograph the rotunda overlooking the food court and check out the terrace for additional photos
Holden Arboretum in nearby Kirtland
Lakeview Cemetery
Hope Memorial Bridge is the best place for photographing a cityscape photo of Cleveland
Located at Playhouse Square, Yours Truly is a chic cafe with exposed brick and stylish furniture and the infamous GE Chandelier
Pour Cleveland is a lovely coffee shop with an artsy interior.
Q Arena is home of the Cleveland Cavaliers
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for its spectacular architecture and historical exhibits
Settler’s Landing Park is perfect for photographing several iconic locations in Cleveland.
Superior Viaduct Bridge
West Side Market is absolutely amazing for shooting food photos at each of the stalls, but a trip up to the second level by way of the corner staircase will provide a photo-worthy shot of the market from above.

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

Naomi’s Heart Mission, Philippines: Feedings and Fellowship

1 September 201531 August 2024

Each day at Naomi’s Heart Mission, we had the opportunity to feed many children. From visiting several villages or setting up a meal from the compound, I loved the amazing fellowship we experienced with the volunteers as well as serving the local families in need.

These little children were so interested in us and not a bit shy to come up with a bowl or cup in their hand. With a big smile on their faces, they were thankful for the small amount of food that we brought to their homes along the river. Their little faces were so adorable and I couldn’t help but want to take them all home with me.

Naomi’s Heart Mission has a number of volunteers who give of their time and heart to helping out their local family and friends. They are generous in their giving and I am humbled by their willingness to offer a hand in so many activities.

The local churches were extremely involved with the community feedings, preschool and devotions. Merlie was one of my favorite pastors’ wives, who loved to make each activity so much fun. She had such a fun loving spirit and a deep love for her community. I was so excited to learn that her birthday was a day after mine. What fun to meet a kindred spirit.

There were two security guards (Tanods) who lived at the complex with their children. They adopted us as their aunts (Titos), which was absolutely endearing. We had late night slumber parties with the girls and they would put on plays and fashion shows. They made us feel like we were right at home.

There were so many opportunities to pour ourselves into ministry and worship, but spending the afternoons with the local ladies and evenings with the staff and their children were some of the most rewarding experiences of my trip.

For More Information about Naomi’s Heart Mission, visit their website at http://www.naomisheartmission.org/.

To Give to the Mission, visit their website at http://www.naomisheartmission.org/ways-to-help—contact-us.html.

Naomi’s Heart Mission
Purok 2 Lanton Apopang
General Santos City
9500 Philippines
Telephone: 937 304 8110

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