The Garst Museum: Lowell Thomas

25 March 202122 September 2024

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

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

Arlington National Cemetery, A Tribute to US Veterans

26 June 201431 August 2024

With the approaching Memorial Day holiday in sight, what better way to honor the brave Americans who have served our country and fought to protect our freedom than to plan a visit to Arlington National Cemetery?

Located in Arlington, Virginia, across from the Potomac River, Arlington National Cemetery has been the final resting place for American War heroes since the Revolutionary War. Spanning over 612 acres, the site is a beautiful and serene location that reminds us of the lives that were given for America’s freedom…a nation where we are provided the opportunity for “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness”.

The endless rows of white headstones represent over 300,000 brave Americans who fought for the united cause of independence. The numbers will continue to rise until we are no longer at war. We have our military to thank for making our country what it is today, totally open to worship in the manner in which we choose and to voice our opinions for ideals for which we support.

One of the most important events at the Arlington National Cemetery is the Changing of the Guard which takes place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. At every hour, on the hour, this ceremony takes place to pay due respect to all soldiers who have died during a time of American conflict. In front of the tomb there are also graves of unknown veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam, identified by white marble slabs that are prominent among the brick foundation.

Once the officer salutes the unknown soldier retiring from his post, another sentinel takes his or her position at the tomb. The tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, regardless of the weather.

During my visit, there were several young children who seemed interested in the service and began discussing the recent ceremony with the officer on duty. I was deeply moved by their curiosity and impressed with the questions they were asking.

Among one of the most visited graves at Arlington National Cemetery is that of former President John Fitzgerald Kennedy. At the request of his wife, Jacqueline, Kennedy was provided a final resting place on the Arlington National Cemetery grounds. It was also her wish that an eternal flame be lit to mark his grave. On November 25, 1963 at 3PM, the services began for her husband’s funeral.

Nearly 30 years later, in 1994, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis would be laid to rest beside her husband, her infant son, Patrick Bouvier Kennedy and their unnamed stillborn daughter.

Robert F. Kennedy, John F. Kennedy’s brother is also buried in the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, next to his brother. A presidential candidate, Robert Kennedy was assassinated in 1968 as he left the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. Robert’s body was brought to Arlington National Cemetery from New York City by train to his final resting place.

There are a number of monuments and memorials throughout the National Cemetery that are significant. They are a reminder of many who died during times of war, near and abroad, and for those that gave their lives in service to the United States. For a full list of monuments, visit the Arlington Cemetery’s website. Some of the more notable memorials include the Civil War Unknowns, PanAm Flight 103, Pentagon Group Burial Marker, Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial (shown) and the Spanish-American War Monument.

While leaving the cemetery, I could hear the faint sound of military taps being played in the distance. I paused for a moment of respect as my eyes filled with tears and feeling grateful for these American soldiers. It is important that I never forget….never forget that freedom isn’t free, because in the end, someone has given their life so that I could live in one of the greatest countries of the world. I should never take that for granted.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Arlington National Cemetery? What was the most significant aspect of your 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 my post about Arlington National Cemetery! Happy Travels!

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What to See and What to Do:

Arlington National Cemetery
Address: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA 22211
Phone: 877.907.8585
Hours: Open 365 days per year
Cost: Free, except for guided tours*

How to Get There:

Take the Washington DC area’s MetroRail’s Blue Line to the Arlington National Cemetery Station.
MetroBus stop on Memorial Avenue

*Arlington National Cemetery has partnered with Arlington Cemetery Tours, Inc. as the only provider of tour bus services within the cemetery. $12 for adults; $6 for children; $9 for seniors and free for military personnel in uniform and disabled with valid handicap placard. (Please visit the Cemetery’s website to confirm admission fees).

The Welcome Center is located at the entrance to the cemetery and is open daily from 8AM to 7PM from April 1^st to September 30^th and closes at 5PM from October 1^st to March 31^st. It is closed on December 25^th.

You will find a number of resources at the Welcome Center as well as a bookstore. Here you can find maps, kiosks and information services as well as restrooms and water fountains. Extensive exhibits and displays document the history of the cemetery, from its beginnings as a gravesite in the backyard of Robert E. Lee’s home, Arlington House, to the formal designation of the land as a national cemetery.

Where to Stay:

Hilton Garden Inn Arlington/Courthouse Plaza
1333 N. Court House Road
Arlington, VA 22201
Toll Free Number: 866 538 1314

Hotels in the Arlington area can be quite expensive, so if you can stay in close proximity to the Cemetery and take the Metro, I highly suggest it!

Where to Eat:

Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill
2424 Wilson Road
Arlington, VA 22201
Phone Number: 703 528 3030 (for reservations) or use Open Table

If you visit during a warm, sunny day, this rooftop restaurant is fabulous, located in the Clarendon area of Washington DC/Arlington area. They have an outstanding weekend brunch menu!

What to Eat:

Fried Eggplant at Peter Chang
Smoky Barbecue at Rocklands
Chinese Hot Pot at Mala Tang
Spanish plates at Ser
Peruvian dishes at El Pollo Rico
Russian and Uzbek cuisine at Rus Uz
Filipino food at Bistro 1521
Best Wine Bar is Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro
For sweets its Buzz Bakeshop

Photo Guide for Washington DC:

Arlington Cemetery
- Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- Gravesites of John F. Kennedy and Jackie Onassis
Air Force Memorial
Netherlands Carillon