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Tag Archives: stone

Hartman Rock Garden, A Fine Example of Folk Art Restoration

20 October 201616 September 2024

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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One of my favorite views of The Castle

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John Brown’s Fort

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

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The Oregon Trail

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Lincoln’s Cabin

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Lincoln’s Tomb

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Witness the Greatest Story Ever Told, Living Word Outdoor Drama

4 June 201531 August 2024

Founded by Biblical Dramatist, Frank Roughton Harvey, The Living Word Outdoor Drama has been proclaiming the Gospel of Christianity since 1975.   Starting from Jesus’ baptism,  visitors can witness Jesus’ life story, surrounded by the Appalachian mountains.

Set in the beautiful foothills, the history of Jesus is performed on a 400 foot set with a stage resembling the streets of Old Jerusalem.

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Arriving early to the site in Cambridge, Ohio, I learned that I could participate in a backstage tour and meet the actors before the show.  A small group of us gathered at the ticket counter, where we were escorted to the set starting at Golgotha, the hill where Jesus was crucified.  The beautiful display was set up with three crosses and the tomb of Jesus had been carved into the hill below.

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The details of the set were spectacular and included the Hebrew inscription on the cross, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews,”  added by Pontius Pilate, the Roman prefect (governor) of Judea.

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Below the cross was the tomb of Christ and the site of His resurrection.  Following Jesus’ death on the cross, He was buried in the borrowed tomb of Joseph of Aramathea.  In three days, Jesus was resurrected and the stone of the tomb had been rolled away.    4 DSC_0176

The set had been magnificently designed with extensive attention to detail. It felt as though I was walking the streets of Jerusalem.

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The play began with the preaching of John the Baptist foretelling of Jesus’ coming, baptizing those who believed in the Messiah.  Across the field, Jesus  arrived, preaching the gospel to the crowds.  Of course, his words were not without controversy as soldiers watched in the distance to control riots and local disturbances.

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The Jewish religious leaders did not believe that Jesus was their Messiah and plotted to have him captured and killed.

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As the Passover holiday was approaching, the religious leaders were plotting to have Jesus arrested.  During the Passover meal, Jesus foretold of his death and the events that were to come, including his betrayal by Judas Iscariot.

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The Crucifixion

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The Resurrection

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Resurrection

The Living Word Outdoor Drama considers itself non-denominational and welcomes Christians of all beliefs to view as well as participate in the story of Christ.   Christians from various spiritual backgrounds assist in the production of the story of Jesus from the production to the costumes, practices and performances.  Living Word has only one mission, and that is to share  “The Greatest Story Ever Told.”

Have you had the  opportunity of visiting The Living Word Outdoor Drama?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Thank you for reading about my amazing experience and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Living Word Outdoor Drama
6010 College Hill Road
Cambridge, OH 43725
Telephone:  740 439 2761

  • Hours: The Living Word Outdoor Drama is a seasonal production, so check the website for dates and times running from dates in the summer to fall.
  • Amenities:  Group tours, weekly/weekend entertainment, handicap accessible and outdoor seating.  See the special rates on their website.
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Arrive early if you would like a tour of the production set.

Where to Stay:

Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center
14755 Cadiz Road
Cambridge, OH   43725
Telephone:  740 439 2751

Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center is one of Ohio’s State Park Lodges.  This fabulous property offers a great selection of summer activities including pontoon rentals, hiking, fishing, archery, outdoor pool, beach, lounge, restaurant and more.  The rustic accommodations of the lodge rooms were perfect for our extended weekend stay.

Where to Eat and Drink:

Georgetown Vineyards
62920 Georgetown Road
Cambridge, Ohio  43725
Telephone:  740 435 3222

  • Hours: The winery is open from 11 AM to 8 PM on Monday – Thursday, 11 AM to 8:30 PM on Friday and Saturday. The winery is closed on Sunday.  Hours are seasonal and are subject to change. Please refer to the winery’s website for any updates to its hours of operation and schedule of events.
  • Amenities:  Weekend entertainment, dining, wine tastings, outdoor seating, online shopping, wine, Southside brewery, private events and scheduled events to include
  • Tips for Your Visit:  During the nights when the winery provides entertainment, wine tastings are not available.  As always, please drink responsibly.

There is an interstate sign off of I-70 and additional signage that will bring you to the winery.  They are open year round and offer a variety of wines for tasting as well as brick-oven pizzas.  There is a gift shop and of course, one of the most scenic views for an Ohio winery.   Visit their website for more information about their wines, hours of operation and upcoming events or check them out on Facebook.  Please note that the winery’s hours change from the winter to summer months.

Georgetown Vineyards offers a great selection of custom-made Wood-Fired Brick Oven Pizzas. I ordered the Margherita Pizza which was absolutely delicious with a perfect blend of tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and basil, drizzled with olive oil.

Timber’s Restaurant at Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center
14755 Cadiz Road
Cambridge, OH   43725
Telephone:  740 439 2751

During my first night’s stay, I had expected to order a full dinner, but after having left-over pizza from Georgetown Vineyard, I decided on an order of chicken wings with the tropical habanero sauce. The appetizer was the perfect size and I enjoyed the heat and sweet of the wing sauce.

The Forum
2205 Southgate Parkway
Cambridge, OH  43275
Telephone:  740 439 2777

Flaming cheese Saganaki is one of my favorite dishes and you can’t go wrong by ordering the Greek sampler.  All foods are made from scratch and are absolutely delicious!

Georgetown Vineyards
62920 Georgetown Road
Cambridge, Ohio  43725
Telephone:  740 435 3222

Books to Read: 

  • The Mansfield Killings: A Novel Based on True Events by Scott Fields
  • Green Bay Tree by Louis Bromfield
  • The Haunted History of the Ohio State Reformatory by Sherri Blake

Photo Guide to Mansfield: 

  • The Jerusalem set of Living Word Outdoor Drama
  • The Ohio State Reformatory’s Facade, Cell Blocks and scenes from the movie, Shawshank Redemption
  • The Iconic Carousel at Richland Carousel Park
  • Kingwood Hall, the peacocks and gardens at Kingwood Center Gardens
  • Malabar State Park’s home of Louis Bromfield, the farm animals on the property and Mt. Jeez
  • The beautiful view of Georgetown from Georgetown Vineyards

Located in Cambridge, Ohio among the hilly landscape of southeast Ohio.  The drama takes place from June 15 to September 22, 2014 on Fridays and Saturdays.  For more information about the Living Word Outdoor Drama, visit their website at www.thelivingword.org.  There are additional productions of Oklahoma and the Jerusalem Experience available as well, so check out their website for additional information such as cost for tickets and to confirm directions to the park.

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

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The Set of the Living Word Outdoor Drama

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The Royal Palace

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The Whipping Post

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Another view of the Royal Palace

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Living Word Outdoor Drama Stage

 

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I have had a passion to travel for as long as I can remember and landed my dream job at the age of 19 on a cruise ship. The Suite Life of Travel is about those experiences as well as my future endeavor to explore this amazing world!

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