Tag Archives: The Garst Museum

Things to Do in Ohio in the Month of October

The Garst Museum – Currier & Ives

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to See and What to Do:

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

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

Where to Stay: 

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

Where to Eat: 

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

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

Where to Drink: 

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

What to Read:

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

The Garst Museum: Lowell Thomas

 

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

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

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

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

What to See and What to Do:

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

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

Where to Stay: 

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

Where to Eat: 

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

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

Where to Drink: 

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

What to Read:

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to See and What to Do:

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

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

Where to Stay: 

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

Where to Eat: 

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

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

Where to Drink: 

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

What to Read:

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Garst Museum and the Treaty of Green Ville

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

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

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

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

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

What to See and What to Do:

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

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

Where to Stay: 

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

Where to Eat: 

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

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

Where to Drink: 

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

What to Read:

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

The Garst Museum and Greenville’s Early Beginnings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to See and What to Do:

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

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

Where to Stay: 

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

Where to Eat: 

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

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

Where to Drink: 

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

What to Read:

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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