The Garst Museum – Currier & Ives

2 April 202122 September 2024

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

Mount Rushmore, An Artistic and Architectural Phenomenon

18 August 201821 September 2024

For reasons I can’t explain, I’ve had a crazy fascination for Mount Rushmore National Memorial. I suppose it started in the eighth grade in Mr. Harness’ American history class, and from that point forward I had hoped to visit there someday. Growing up in the Midwest, over 25 hours away from the national memorial, I came to realize that if I was going to have a chance to see Mount Rushmore, I would need to plan a Western US vacation and add the monument to my itinerary. This year was the year to make that voyage.

With two weeks of vacation, I finally booked the trip not only to visit patriotic Mount Rushmore but to also include several national parks and interesting sites along the way. My dream was finally coming true.

Mount Rushmore is an American icon…a symbol of our country’s progress and freedom. It is a perfect representation of the most influential presidents of the United States….four Presidents who have made enormous contributions to the land of the free.

First, there is George Washington, the first President, who is credited for the founding of the United States. Thomas Jefferson, a principal author of the Declaration of Independence, was President from 1801 to 1809. Serving as the 26^th President of the United States was Theodore Roosevelt who was instrumental in establishing the National Park System and preserving the nation’s natural resources. Finally, Abraham Lincoln, who abolishing slavery, signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.

Passing through the visitor’s center, the pavilion is flanked by flags from each of the states, so I began my search looking for California, Florida, North Carolina and Ohio, the states where I have lived for some time in my life. From here, I can see the faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln.

When Gutzon Borglum was asked to design a monument to draw tourists to the state of South Dakota, Borglum decided on creating the likeness of each Presidential Great. While Lewis and Clark and Buffalo Bill Cody were other options, Borglum insisted that the monument should represent the nation as a whole. It was from this decision, the idea of Mount Rushmore was born.

With years of substantial commitment and determination, Mount Rushmore was finally completed after fourteen long years and unveiled to the public in 1941. The work of Gutzon Borglum, continues to amaze as one of the most fascinating engineering marvels of all time, viewed by millions of visitors each year.

The sight of Mount Rushmore, towering over the Black Hills, left me in awe and inspired to continue our pursuit of equality and help protect our national parks. I finally managed to explore the one monument that had fascinated me all of these years.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Mount Rushmore? Did you too feel a sense of patriotism and were you inspired by the monument? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for taking a step back in time with me at Mount Rushmore and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Mount Rushmore National Memorial
13000 SD-244
Keystone, SD 57751
Telephone: 605 574 2523

Admission Fee: There is no entrance fee for Mount Rushmore National Monument, but parking fees are required: cars, motorcycles and RVs: $10 per vehicle, $5 for Seniors (62 and older) and Free for Active Duty Military;
Hours: Open daily from 5AM to 11:30PM
Amenities: Hiking trail, ranger programs, audio tour and Evening Light Ceremony.
Scenic View: The platform provides a beautiful view of Mount Rushmore.
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: There are several things to do at the park to learn more about Mount Rushmore. You won’t want to miss the Evening Light Ceremony which takes place at sunset to 9:00 PM. You can attend a ranger talk or opt to take the audio tour at your own leisure. A visit to the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center will provide you with a film and exhibits. The Presidential Trail is just over a half a mile long and allows you a closer view of this amazing sculpture.

Where to Stay:

Country Inn & Suites
2321 N. Lacrosse Street
Rapid City, SD 57701
Telephone: 866 522 8891

Where to Eat:

Carver’s Cafe
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
13000 South Dakota 244
Keystone, SD 57751
Telephone: 605 574 2515

What to Eat:

Buffalo: A meat substitute for beef which is much healthier to eat.
Chokecherries are a Native American cherry that is made into jam, preserves, butter, wine, jelly and sauce. Wojapi is a chokecherry sauce.
Dakota Martini is made of three-fourths beer and one-fourth tomato juice
Fleisch Kuchele is a meat pie originating from Germans who lived in Russia. The dough is filled with meat and onions, then deep fried until the pastry is hot and flaky.
Hot Beef Commercial, also known as hot beef sandwich, beef combination, hot beef combo and hot beef combination. This is a sandwich made of real mashed potatoes and chunks of seasoned roast beef sandwiched between two pieces of white bread and smothered with homemade gravy until it floods the plate.
Indian Fry Bread is the state bread of South Dakota, a recipe of the local Indians.
Indian Tacos are made with a specially spiced beef and beans, cheese, lettuce, sour cream, tomatoes, onion, black olives and house made picante sauce on the top.
Kolache is an amazing Czech dessert made from pastry and filled with fruit filling such as apple, cherry, lemon, apricot, prune and strawberry.
Kuchen is German for cake and in South Dakota, visitors can enjoy this pastry filled with custard and fruit.
Lefse is a flat potato bread coming from Norwegian-American origin and served with butter
Mocha Cakes, also known as Blarney stones, are square or rectangular blocks of light and airy white cake. Frosted on all sides with vanilla buttercream, they are rolled in lightly salted crushed peanuts for ideal flavor and texture.
Pasties are savory hand pies.
Tiger Meat is South Dakota’s answer to steak tartare.
Wasna is a buffalo and berry dish passed down by the Lakota Indians.
Zebra Donuts are marbled chocolate and vanilla donuts that is fried, dunked in sweet glaze and hand-dipped in homemade chocolate frosting which feeds 15.

What to Read:

The Mystery at Mount Rushmore, by Carole Marsh
The Carving of Mount Rushmore, by Rex Smith
Great White Fathers, by John Taliaferro
Face to Face with Mount Rushmore, Jean L.S. Patrick
Mount Rushmore: The History and Legacy of America’s Most Unique Monument, by Charles River Editors

Photo Guide for Mount Rushmore, South Dakota:

Use a telephoto lens.
Include impersonators with your photos
Hike the path around the monument
Take your photo during the golden hour
Photograph Mount Rushmore on the Iron Mountain Trail through the cave entrance which frames the monument.
Photograph George Washington’s profile just past the entrance of the national monument.
Photograph Mount Rushmore from Mountain View Cemetery.
Book a helicopter tour for an aerial shot of Mount Rushmore.

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Springfield, Ohio: The City at the End of the Road

29 January 201716 September 2024

Arriving at the The Clark County Heritage Center, I was excited to learn more about the history of Springfield, Ohio. This city was once my home until high school when I left in search of adventure. I decided to return home to start a business and was happy to become reacquainted with all of the familiar places that I once remembered. They say you always come back to your roots.

After grabbing a cup of coffee at Un Mundo Cafe, I arrived at the Center to explore its museum of historical exhibits. Built in the late 1800s, this Richardsonian Romanesque beauty was home to several public offices until it was abandoned for a number of years, reopening in April 2001. From City Hall to the Police Department, the Center is now a museum as well as retail space for several local businesses.

Easily accessible from the coffee shop, I entered the museum where I was surrounded by pamphlets and books on several shelves in the center lobby. After signing in, I explained to the attendant that my reason for visiting was to write about the museum. He suggested a couple of books to help with my research and I was eager to begin learning more about Springfield, once known as “The City at The End of the Road.”

Stepping into the exhibit, I began my tour standing in front of a map of state route 40. From here, I would soon learn the importance of the National Road as well as its significance and impact on Springfield.

The National Road was first proposed by George Washington to connect the east coast and west coast of the United States. It took several years to complete, and with the help of Thomas Jefferson, they finally broke ground in 1808. The project first began in the small town of Cumberland, Maryland, as the route continued to evolve over the years.

As the road progressed, it reached Columbus, Ohio in 1830 and continued towards Springfield with the financial aid of local resident Pierson Spinning. Mile markers made of stone were strategically placed to document the distance traveled from Cumberland where some of these markers still remain.

Wagons were the primary source of transport for adventurous families leaving the east coast for a future out west. The museum displays the wagon of David Crabill who was one of the early settlers to reach Clark County and make this area his home in 1808.

Today, the National Road is paved with blacktop, but at its inception, small stones marked its path. As the roadway reached Clark County, brick was laid throughout the streets of Springfield and later continued to Bellefontaine with the use of concrete. Without further government financing, the National Road would end in Springfield in 1836, where it became know as the city at “the end of the road.” As the progression stalled, many families settled in Springfield doubling its census from 510 to 1080 residents.

The National Road encouraged a booming business along its route with the start of several taverns as well as bed and breakfasts. Over the years, the establishment of small towns in Clark County would help Springfield grow as a city of wealth and industry.

In 1844, Wittenberg College moved from Wooster to Springfield and the city became incorporated six years later. The addition of six gas lights downtown and the production of farm equipment put Springfield in the spotlight for industry.

Springfield also played a role in abolition, offering assistance to runaway slaves throughout the underground railroad movement. By 1832, Uncle Tom’s Cabin was published and an awareness of slavery was reaching the northerners. It was Anne Aston Warden who assisted with organizing an underground railroad association in Springfield to provide aid and safe havens for the slaves as they made their way north towards Canada.

Harriett Beecher Stowe’s book was made into a play, which was performed in Springfield. The same year, the Basey family purchased land, being the first African Americans to do so. Shortly thereafter, in 1857, local resident Udney Hyde of Mechanicsburg protected a Kentucky slave, Addison White, from being captured by US marshals.

During the Civil War, Springfield factories rose up to support the war efforts by making uniforms, wagons and linseed oil. Congressman Shellabarger voted to pass the United States’ first Civil Rights Act and local families in Clark County offered their assistance by taking in former slave children. The production of farm equipment continued as Springfield entered its Golden Age in the mid 1870s.

As Springfield continued to prosper, Ulysses S. Grant was President of the United States and the city would host the Ohio State Fair. “Mother Stewart” would arrive in Springfield from Piketon to lead the temperance movement in a crusade to abolish alcohol.

Photos depicting the industrial movement in Springfield are on display in the museum. It was a time of prosperity for Springfield and the City Building (now the Heritage Center), designed by Charles Cregar, a local architect, was completed by 1890.

In the late 1890’s Springfield would come to be known as “The Home City” as facilities to assist organizations such as the Masons, Odd Fellows, and Knights of Pythias were built around town. In 1898, Snyder Park was created with land donated by the Snyder Brothers and remains today as a beautiful oasis close to the city’s center.

From here, I took a short break for lunch returning in 30 minutes to continue my visit to the Heritage Center which is covered in a second blog post titled, Politics, Theaters and Automobiles: Springfield, Ohio’s Rich History.

Are you a Springfield native or have family in the area? Have had the opportunity to visit the Heritage Center? I would love to hear about your connection to Springfield or about your visit to the Heritage Center if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading this post about my hometown of Springfield and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

The Clark County Heritage Center
117 South Fountain Avenue
Springfield, Ohio 45502
Telephone: 937 324 0657

Admission Fee: Free, and donations are welcome.
Hours: Museum: Tuesday through Friday from 9AM to 4PM; Saturday from 9AM to 3PM. Closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Amenities: Bookstore and gift shop, guided tours, video presentation
Length of Visit: 2 – 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Donations recommended are Family: $10; Adults: $5 and Children: $3.

Where to Stay:

Courtyard Marriott Springfield
100 S. Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH 45502
Telephone: 937 322 3600

Where to Eat:

Heart of Country Gift Shoppe and Teaberries Cafe
1600 E. Leffel Lane
Springfield, OH 45505
Telephone: 937 325 3030

I could spend hours strolling the Heart of Country Shoppe, but when I visit, I can’t wait to have lunch at Teaberries. I always start my lunch with a piece of yummy, moist orange bread. Known for their wide varieties of chicken salad sandwiches, I always revert to the House Favorite, the Midwest Delight, served on a butter croissant. If you have room, try their homemade carrot cake or peanut butter pie.

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:

Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company: Springfield’s only brewery, Mother Stewart’s showcases nine craft beers produced onsite.

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

Hartman Rock Garden, A Fine Example of Folk Art Restoration

20 October 201616 September 2024

Approaching the residential house on the corner of Russell and McCain, Hartman Rock Garden could easily be missed if it wasn’t for the welcome signs. I found a parking spot nearby and began to walk towards the left side of the house. I entered towards the back through a white picket fence where I found a guide book and a map.

Ben Hartman began his work on the Hartman Rock Garden during the Great Depression when he was laid off from his job at the age of forty-eight. Over the next twelve years, he continued to add on to his garden by constructing over fifty projects including famous monuments and figurines.

I skimmed through the booklet to learn more about about Harry George “Ben” Hartman, the man behind the artwork and noticed the self-guided walking tour. I was so excited to start my visit to this unique little garden and to learn about each of the lovely structures Ben had created.

I left a donation, reviewed the guide and began the walking tour at The Fishing Pond towards the center of the yard. This was the first project of Hartman’s that started this “garden of love” known today as the Hartman Rock Garden.

Ben loved nursery rhymes, so the Rose Basket was filled with figurines recreating some of the most well-known nursery rhymes: Jack & Jill, The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe and Peter, Peter Pumpkin Eater. These small delicate figures made of stone are available for viewing only during special events and behind the scenes tours.

In addition to fairy-tale figurines, Mr. Hartman reproduced some of the local landmarks of his hometown of Springfield, Ohio. Fascinated by historical structures from all over the world, he re-created several of these as well. The Cathedral is the largest project completed by Hartman, standing 14 feet tall. Replicating the spectacular cathedrals of Italy, inside are niches showcasing several Madonna figurines.

Because Mr. Hartman also took an interest in American History, there were a few designs based on several historic buildings and events that took place throughout the United States. Mount Vernon, the childhood home of the country’s first president, George Washington was beautifully created with stately columns and multiple windows. Peeking through the windows, I could see small, period figurines that would have coincided with this historical period.

Hartman gathered small stones on his property to create the structures of George Washington’s Valley Forge. The delicate stonework and the dormers shaped into the concrete roof showed Hartman’s attention to detail as well as his love for creating these amazing pieces of art.

A continuation of the Valley Forge display showcases the smaller lodging areas for sleeping. One of the details that Mr. Hartman included were the icicles that clung to the rooftops of the miniature buildings. I also noticed the small, weathered handwritten cards identifying some of the structures. Unfortunately they were difficult to read, so I made my next stop at Custer’s Last Stand.

I was soon approaching my favorite part of the garden known as The Castle. Rising twelve feet high, this masterpiece is surrounded by a moat and equipped with a working drawbridge. This medieval fortress was created by Hartman out of mixed stone, concrete and grey dolostone. With 107 windows and 100,000 stones, it took him only fourteen days to build.

With a pathway of animal pairs making their way to the entrance of this large boat, there was no mistaking this was Noah’s Ark. The recreation was perfect to the last detail with a pair of doves on the top of its roof and fourteen pairs of metallic animals making their way to the ark’s entrance. I absolutely adored this rendition of one of my favorite Bible stories.

From Death Valley to the Oregon Trail, even Hoover Dam was unmistakable.

The White House, made from concrete and granite, was another lovely tribute to American History.

Adding a little color to the collection is Philadelphia’s Independence Hall. Also known as Freedom Hall, this meticulous miniature was built from red brick.

It is said that the Tree of Life was one of Ben Hartman’s favorite works and is considered one of his most impressive. The tree symbolizes country, school and church, which Hartman felt were the most important things in a man’s life. There are close to 20,000 stones used to create this sacred tree.

Created around 1932, a colorful planter depicts two Bible stories. With flowers to the left, the figurines to the right represent both Daniel in the Lion’s Den atop the structure and the Hebrew Children in the Fiery Furnace below.

Based on his Christian faith, Hartman designed a beautiful nativity, the place where Jesus was born, Calvary Hill where Jesus was crucified and the empty tomb where Jesus would rise from the dead.

My last stop was to the Wishing Well made of concrete, dolostone, granite and a mix of stones. Beneath the cover was an old wooden bucket, so I made a wish and placed a few coins inside.

There are close to fifty structures on display at Hartman Rock Garden. Each unique, they held a special place in Ben’s heart. Today the garden is considered a work of “in situ folk art” and thousands of visitors come from all over the world to admire the unique works of Harry George “Ben” Hartman. You may be so inspired to create a beautiful garden for yourself.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Hartman Rock Garden in Springfield, Ohio? I would love to hear about your time spent here if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Hartman Rock Garden
1905 Russell Avenue
Springfield, Ohio 45506
Email: info@hartmanrockgarden.org

Admission Fee: Free but a $2 per person donation is appreciated.
Hours: Open daily, 364 days, from dusk until dawn
Amenities: Self-guided tours
Length of Visit: 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: Pick up a flyer on the property for the self-guided tour. Directions: Traveling south down South Yellow Springs Street leaving downtown Springfield, you will pass John Street and will see McCain Avenue to your right. Turn onto McCain and within a couple of blocks there is a white picket fence which was the home of the Hartmans.

Where to Stay:

Courtyard by Marriott Downtown
100 South Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH 45502
Telephone; 937 322 3600

Where to Eat:

Seasons Bistro and Grille
28 South Limestone Street
Springfield, Ohio 45502
Telephone: 937 521 1200

My favorite item on the menu is the Bibimbap, a Korean rice bowl with marinated beef strips and seasonal vegetables served over white rice. Topped with a fried egg and Korean chili paste.

Another seasonal favorite that is offered on a limited basis is their grilled Chilean sea bass!

One of my favorite views of The Castle

John Brown’s Fort

The Heart Man is the symbol of the garden. It is made from concrete, granite and mirrored glass.

The Oregon Trail

Lincoln’s Cabin

Lincoln’s Tomb