Politics, Theaters and Automobiles: Springfield, Ohio’s Rich History!

5 February 201716 September 2024

After filling up on a hearty lunch, I returned to the Clark County Heritage Center in Springfield. With so much history, I began my second session to cover the time period beginning in the 1900s up until the 1970s where the museum’s information about Clark County and Springfield ends.

In the early 1900s, Springfield, Ohio’s population was close to 60,000. To celebrate their centennial in 1901 the city hosted Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show, a traveling performance which featured Greenville, Ohio native, Annie Oakley. During this time, advances in transportation, farming equipment and entertainment made Springfield a popular location to live and visit.

Theodore Roosevelt was the President of the United States at this time and nearby Dayton residents, Wilbur and Orville Wright piloted the first airplane at Kitty Hawk.

By winter of 1903, three major fires claimed three lives in Springfield and destroyed an entire city block.

Sully Jaymes was Springfield’s only African American attorney who represented the underprivileged African Americans. A graduate of Boston University and the University of Michigan, Jaymes practiced law for over 50 years until his death in 1950.

In 1905, Gus Sun opened a vaudeville theater and booking agency in Springfield. During this time, architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed and built a home for car magnate, Burton J. Westcott.

By 1904, the Boys and Girls club was founded by AB Graham, which is known today as the 4H Club. This agricultural organization teaches school-aged children about “farming techniques and home management”. During the same year, International Harvester opened up a plant in Springfield to make trucks, bringing in a large number of jobs to the area.

During Taft’s presidency, the Chakeres brothers open the city’s first movie theater in 1908 which would eventually lead to a total of eight movie houses around town. The cost to see a move was only 50 cents back then Following William Howard Taft, Woodrow Wilson takes office and the US enters into World War I. Westcott Motor Car Company begins producing “The Westcott” between the years 1916 and 1926. It would be the only automobile that would be manufactured in Springfield, rumored that the city lost the bid to Detroit for producing cars for the Ford Motor Company. As Ohio braces for the Depression Era, racial tensions rise as riots break out among Springfield residents. The Ohio National Guard is called in to preserve order.

A very controversial event took place in Springfield in 1923 when the Klu Klux Klan held a rally at the fairgrounds. These horrific, racially charged events were being held all over the nation in the 1920s, even in our nation’s capitol of Washington DC.

Even in the midst of these thorny racial relationships of just a year ago, the city of Springfield is named the “Rose City” due to its large production of roses.

Amidst the Great Depression, George Rogers Clark Park is established in 1930 near Buck Creek with a reenactment of the Battle of Piqua taking place here to commemorate its 150^th anniversary. The opening of Cliff Park soon follows in 1932.

Chakeres Theaters gain world wide recognition opening theaters across Ohio in the 1930s and the first service station, Bonded Oil, is built in Urbana. As Springfield reaches the end of the 30’s World War II breaks out and the US comes to the aid of its allies after the Pearl Harbor bombing in 1941. Three Springfielders died in the attack and by 1943, Wittenberg University is set up to train Air Force Cadets to assist in the war efforts.

After World War II, the soldiers return home and only four years later the Korean War breaks out. The Clark County Fair, first opened in 1854, moves to a larger space taking over the old Springfield Airport in 1947. With an increase in population, Mercy Hospital opens in 1950 with the help of philanthropist Joseph Shouvlin. There were currently 111,661 residents in Springfield at that time.

Eisenhower’s presidency would be the start of the Civil Rights movement and would continue as John F. Kennedy is sworn into office in 1960. It was a victory for local African Americans when Robert C. Henry was the first black man elected to the Springfield City Commission and later becomes Mayor in 1966. Taking over Henry’s post as Mayor in 1968 would be Springfield’s first female mayor, Betty Brunk.

The 1970s brought about the interstate and I-70 draws businesses along the highway’s corridor. The population of Springfield has reached upwards into the 150 thousands. As the number of businesses increase, Springfield Mayor Robert Burton, plans to revitalize the downtown area, which has fallen into ruin over the years. Another economic victory includes the opening of the Upper Valley Mall in 1971.

By the time Gerald Ford takes office, Robert Burton has made good on his promise to help Springfield and the New City Hall was constructed.

Fast forward to 2016 and there is a continued effort to revitalize the city of Springfield. The downtown area is growing and new businesses are moving into spaces that were once left vacant. Snyder Park has once again become a beautiful place to visit and the Farmer’s Market is thriving during the weekends at the Heritage Museum. Rumor has it that even the Upper Valley Mall will be making changes in the near future as well but plans have not been finalized. During my return, it was an exciting time to live in Springfield and many residents came together to further the development of the city in a positive direction. Who knows? The difference one could make for Springfield may lead to noteriety at the Heritage Center’s Museum of Springfield history.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the Heritage Center in Springfield and learn about its history? What was your favorite moment in time? 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:

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

Faces & Stories Exhibit of Jimi Jones, Cincinnati Artist

14 May 201615 September 2024

Supporting local Ohio artists, the Springfield Art Museum hosted an exhibit of works by Cincinnati painter Jimi Jones. I caught a glimpse of his artwork during the Jason Morgan show and could not wait for the Grand Opening of “Faces & Stories”.

The first images I notice as I walk into the large exhibit hall are a quartet of paintings that immediately capture my attention. I am fascinated with the symmetry, graphic artistry and attention to detail represented in Jones’ artwork. The bright colors against the dark backgrounds allow my eyes to focus on the central images that are depicted in the art as I study each of the subjects’ facial expressions.

The painting titled You’re Fired, features images of Donald Trump and Jesus Christ, who are figures of extreme contrast. Mistakenly, I thought that this painting would have been one of the most recent works of Jones, but in fact, this piece of artwork was painted in 2102, long before Trump’s political run for the presidential race. There is a strong relationship of opposites when one compares the lives of Jesus and Donald. Jesus, the compassionate spiritual man who represents grace, forgiveness and a life of humility is what many would say is the complete opposite of Donald Trump, who is wealthy powerful and self-absorbed. The sharp lines that appear in the background give an image of shouting and aggression while these same lines above the head of Christ, represent holiness and spiritual divination. What kind of contrasts do you see in this painting?

The Monster Movie Aurora was painted by Jimi Jones in 2014. The figure on the left represents James Eagan Holmes who was convicted on 24 counts of murder and multiple accounts of attempted murder, when he entered a movie theater on July 20, 2012 and openly fired upon movie-goers. There seems to be an evil aura that dominates the top half of the painting, while innocent, unaware, families have not yet become aware of what is going to happen. The blue figure is obviously the shooter, while explosive-like objects seem to suggest some events have already occurred. Maybe the family members have not yet discerned the noise of the actual events to the action in the movie that is playing.

From John Wayne to Lil Wayne is one of the masterpiece paintings of Jones that represents two public figures from different eras and cultures. Painted in 2014, there are several graphic elements that include a hologram as well as cowboy clippings inserted into the artwork. What fascinates me is the stark difference between the two figures. John Wayne, known largely for his role as a cowboy in several movies in the 20^th century and Lil Wayne, an American hip hop recording artist are featured in this painting. I love that it may spark an intrigue by the viewer to further understand the person that represents the culture outside of his own. I knew very little about Lil Wayne, except that I liked a couple of his songs, so this painting led me to learn more about the rapper’s life and career. Has there ever been a painting that has left you wanting to know more?

Up Close View of John Wayne

Movies and pop culture seem to be a recurring theme in Jones’ artwork. What is Beauty? is one of Jones’ most recent paintings which he completed in 2016. I love the attention to detail In Cleopatra’s hair and makeup, the reflections from King Tut’s mask and the physique of Tarzan. From its inception, the movie industry has manipulated the thoughts and minds of the general population by dictating what makes someone beautiful. Beauty continues to evolve through each generation.

Many of Jimi Jones’ portraits are of African-American celebrities that also have a passion for the Neo-Ancestral movement. Born of Cherokee and African American descent, Jones grew up to become a founding member of the Neo-Ancestralist Art Collective in Cincinnati.

The portrait of Edith Mararo was painted by Jones in 2015. Mararo is a fellow portraiture artist from the Cincinnati area who specializes in painting children. With the use of pastels, oils, acrylic, graphite, watercolor and charcoal, she has made a living as a local, talented artist.

Jones’ strong graphic design background is evident in his 2008 painting titled Martyrs. The antique composition surrounds the colorful death of Jesus in the center, drawing my eyes directly to Christ’s post-crucifixion body. Jesus is surrounded by US political figures that also gave their lives for their beliefs such as John F. Kennedy, Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King, Jr. The multi-dimensional King depiction seems to under-shadow the other victims, but takes up more of the page.

According to the placard, Jones states “Lincoln, Kennedy and Dr. King lost their lives because they dared to stand against slavery, injustice, and inequality. Much of the great art of all time has been dedicated to reminding people of those sacrifices”, Jones said. “I feel honored that as an artist I can carry on this tradition.”

Having had the opportunity to see the Pieta in Rome, I enjoyed this homage to Michelangelo’s sculpture. With a harsh Picasso-like graphics approach, Jones is able to pull off his use of strong lines yet softens them in a way that gives this painting a soft, humble tone.

Why These Cultures, painted by Jones in 2008, showcases his talent for detail. The color, shapes and intricate facets of this art piece bring out a story within a story and layers of artistry all in one painting. The graphics components are incorporated more into the design of the actual figures which draws the eye to the images that seem distant and secondary. In fact, they become more interesting and center stage the more I gaze upon the masterpiece. Again, there is the use of antique coloring, but it does not dominate the piece.

The amazing detail of Why These Cultures 2008

As I approach the Mad Tea Party, I have to admit that this painting intrigues me because I am not quite sure which players are represented here. I assume that Alice is on the far left at the head of the table and I recognize Johnny Depp’s character, but I am at a loss in identifying the other party attendees gathered around. Once again, the detail in the surrounding objects such as the chandelier and the shadows are very well thought out and executed. So who do YOU think these invitees represent?

As I approach the center of the room, there are an additional three portraitures that Jones has completed in 2014 as well. They are life-like with perfect attention to detail, outlining wrinkles, shadowing and bringing out the subject’s personality.

I am mesmerized by the amazing artistry of Jimi Jones’ paintings. They are provocative and encourage insightful questions and thoughts about humanity from various perspectives, political or otherwise. There were more portraitures that I had not discussed, and additional masterpieces. It is a wonderful experience to broaden one’s outlook on various cultures and beliefs and to focus on many of the major ideals that we, as humans, have in common.

Have you had the opportunity to review the artwork of Jimi Jones? I would love to know your thoughts and interpretation if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Springfield Museum of Art
107 Cliff Park Road
Springfield, Ohio 45504
Telephone: 937 325 4673

Admission Fee: Adults for $5, Students with Valid ID for $3; Seniors 65+ for $3; Children 17 and under are Free and Wittenberg students are Free. Special exhibitions may incur an additional cost, so check the website prior to visiting
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday: 9AM to 5PM; Sunday: 12:30PM to 4:30PM; Closed Monday, Tuesday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Independence Day and the Sunday after Art Ball.
Amenities: Partnership with the Smithsonian, Exhibitions as well as Workshops and Classes
Length of Visit: 1 to 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Check the website to confirm any additional fees for special exhibits.

Where to Stay:

Marriott Courtyard, Springfield Downtown
100 South Fountain Avenue
Springfield, Ohio 45502
Telephone: 937 322 3600

Where to Eat:

Mike & Rosie’s Deli
330 W. McCreight Avenue
Springfield, Ohio 45504
Telephone: 937 390 3511

This staple of Springfield is located near the Wittenberg campus and I am extremely fond of their Reuben sandwich.

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.

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

Metamorphosis 2008

Jimi Hendrix 2016

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Key West, Florida – Looking Back on My First Visit in 1989

15 January 201431 August 2024

What is the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions Key West? The gorgeous sunsets at Mallory Square? The tenacious pub crawlers along Duval Street or the eclectic festivities that give the island its signature flair?

I didn’t know what to expect on my first visit to Key West. I was only 19 years old working on a cruise ship and it was the first stop on our itinerary before traveling to Cozumel. My fellow pursers guaranteed that I would love Key West, but I could not have imagined how many memories I would make here. This magical place seemed more like a Caribbean island than a Florida port of call.

There was so much to learn about Key West that summer. I booked a lobster dive, visited the Treasures of the Atocha museum and watched Jimmy Buffett perform at a local bar. Rich with history and a unique culture unto its own, it is no doubt, Key West is unlike any other place I have ever visited in the US.

Originally given the Spanish name Cayo Hueso (Bone Cay), Key West was once a settlement of the Calusa people, an Indian tribe known for their fierce, war-like disposition. The English, mispronouncing the name, would later call it “Key West”.

The island was also a popular hideout for pirates who attacked Spanish treasure ships sailing from the Caribbean to Spain.

By 1912, the coral islands of the Keys would become accessible by rail with the completion of Henry Flagler’s railroad. Damaged by hurricane winds in 1935, the rail line was abandoned and replaced by the 123-mile Overseas Highway.
Touring the island by trolley was my favorite way to explore the island. The open-air tram made its way through town, stopping at several historical landmarks.

I remember how excited I was to reach one of Key West’s most popular sites, the Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S. Standing at the corner of South and Whitehead Streets, I was surprised to learn I was closer to Cuba than Miami. This cute little bouy-like structure attracted visitors from all over the world and the line for a photo was worth the wait.

At the top of the monument, there is a reference to Key West as “The Conch Republic.” The trolley guide explained that on April 23rd, 1982, the island seceded from the mainland with the desire to establish itself as its own country. The events leading to this decision began when US border patrol set up a checkpoint at the entrance to Key West. This border stop infuriated residents when a 17-mile traffic jam occurred and began to interrupt Key West’s tourism industry. When the government refused to listen, Mayor Wardlow decided to declare war on the United States. Within one minute, he quickly surrendered and applied for foreign aid in the amount of one billion dollars. This publicity stunt resulted in the US government agreeing to remove the inspection station and life in Key West went back to normal.

For the conchs of Key West, the 1982 Conch Republic secession is celebrated each year with a ten-day festival taking place around April 23rd. Among the festivities are a Pirate’s Ball, the Conch Crawl and a Musical that reenacts the events of the secession.

I caught the next trolley from the Southernmost Point and disembarked at the Ernest Hemingway Home. The beautifully restored two-story home is located at 907 Whitehead, across from the Key West Lighthouse. Hemingway wrote many of his great novels here from 1931 to 1939 including “The Snows of Kilimanjaro”, “The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber”, “Green Hills of Africa” and “To Have and Have Not”.

I enjoyed a tour of Hemingway’s home, the property and his inspirational studio overlooking the pool. Following the guided tour, I opted to take a second stroll of the home to explore the gardens of hibiscus, jasmine and gardenias.

One of the highlights of my visit was watching the Hemingway’s cats lounging among the lush tropical plants outside. Descendants of Hemingway’s beloved polydactyl (many toes) cat Snowball, the nearly fifty felines have taken up residence in this luxurious estate.

My final ride on the trolley returned me to Duval Street. A popular hub of restaurants, bars, shops and museums, cruise ship passengers could participate in the “Duval Pub Crawl” with a stop at the Bull and Whistle. Known as the “oldest Open Air Bar in Old Town Key West”, it is located on the corner of Duval and Caroline Street. The Bull, located on the ground level, showcases a beautifully hand-painted mural, paying homage to a number of the island’s influencers. Yankee Jack has been entertaining patrons of the Bull with his performance of “On the Walls of the Bull”.

The Whistle is the bar upstairs providing great views of Duval Street and the opportunity to shoot a few games of pool. The Garden of Eden is the bar located on the third floor for visitors interested in a clothes optional environment.

Before leaving the Bull and Whistle, I begged one of my colleagues to pose next to “The Bull” on Caroline Street.

Duval Street is just over a mile long running north and south of the island. The most well-known bars of Key West include Sloppy Joe’s, Rick’s Bar Key West, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Cafe, Irish Kevin’s, Captain Tony’s and Hog’s Breath Saloon.

Each year, Sloppy Joe’s pays homage to famous author Ernest Hemingway by staging its annual Ernest Hemingway look-alike contest.

My day in Key West had come to a close but I had one more attraction to experience. I had arrived at Mallory Square with plenty of time to enjoy the live entertainment and secure a pier-side seat to watch the spectacular sunset. The plaza was bustling with arts and crafts stands, food carts and street performers. I waited in anticipation as sailboats glided by and catamarans drifted off into the horizon. I took several photos of this unforgettable moment and looked forward to experiencing it again on my return.

What is one of the most memorable sunsets that you have seen in your travels? I would love to hear about it! Tell me about your experience or recommendations for places to visit in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading my post about Key West and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Southernmost Point
At the corner of South and Whitehead Streets
Key West, FL 33040

Admission Fee: Free
Hours: Open 24/7
Tips for Your Visit: The trolleys drive by The Southernmost Point and a drop off location for the shuttle is nearby. There may be a line to wait to take your photo at the buoy.

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
907 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305 294 1136

Admission Fee: Adults, $13 and Children, $6, group rates may apply (12 or more)
Guided Tour: Admission includes a 30-minute guided tour
Hours: 9AM to 5PM, 365 days per year, including ALL holidays
Tips for Your Visit: The museum is home to many cats and may affect those with cat allergies.

Mallory Square
Address:
400 Wall Street
Key West, FL 33040

Cost: Free
Hours: Open 24/7; best time to visit is during sunset
Tips for Your Visit: Arrive early because the square fills up with spectators who are visiting to watch the sunset. Festivities begin 2 hours before sunset.

Where to Stay:

Heron House
512 Simonton Street
Key West, Florida 33040
Toll Free Number: 800 294 1644

I absolutely loved this property with the accommodations surrounding the pool. The plants and foliage are thick and provided much appreciated privacy during our visit! The rooms were spacious and there was a complimentary breakfast provided each morning!

Where to Eat:

There are so many colorful restaurants with a variety of cuisine in Key West that selecting one place is incredibly difficult. Because I have a love for Cuban Sandwiches and Oysters, here are my two recommendations:

Half Shell Raw Bar
Waterfront dining
231 Margaret Street – 305 294 7496

Oysters, oysters and more oysters! Food & Wine Magazine voted the restaurant “Best Local Oysters.” I ordered a half dozen lightly steamed oysters with hot sauce and crackers along with an order of the conch fritters appetizer which included six fritters served with cocktail sauce.

What to Eat:

Key West pink shrimp – said to be sweeter than other shrimp
Conch – a tough, hardy mollusk usually cooked as fritters
Seafood – snapper, grouper and lobster
Key Lime Pie – a tangy, creamy dessert made from key limes

Where to Drink:

The Bull and Whistle
On the corner of Duval and Caroline Streets
Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305.296.4545

Hours: 10AM to 4PM, daily
Tips for Your Visit: Note that the rooftop bar, the Garden of Eden is clothing optional. Check out the website for coupons before you visit.

Cuban Coffee Queen (two locations)
284 Margaret Street – 305 292 4747
5 Key Lime Square – 305 294 7787

I started with a Cafe con Leche, the strong Bucci coffee with steamed milk. I loved the Cuban Mix sandwich because it was the closest to an authentic Cuban sandwich with a side of black beans. Save room for Key West’s famous Key Lime pie!

What to Read: