Fort Recovery State Museum Newsletter
May, 2013
Monument -Happy 100th Birthday!
An event you won't want to miss! Bring children and grandchildren
for memories to last a lifetime!
The Fort Recovery Monument was dedicated in 1913, so 100 years later, on
Sunday May 5, this glorious obelisk will be RE-dedicated to once again draw
attention to the significance of this structure and to honor those early American
officers and soldiers who lie in a crypt within its base.
ction of descendants;
The formal program will begin at 3:00 with an impressive ceremony by a
number of American Legion and VFW Honor Guards. Also featured will be:
Speaker John Winkler, author of Wabash 1791 and Fallen Timbers
"Laying of the Wreath," by Navy Commander Brad Brewer
A short History of the Monument
Introduction of Descendants
Presentations of Proclamations of Dignitaries
A Twenty-One Gun Salute and Taps
Patriotic Instrumental and Vocal Music
Hear Descendants Share! At 2:00, prior to the formal program, there will be a "roundtable" discussion by
descendants of those who fought and/or died on this battlefield. It is expected that approximately 20 representatives
of these families will participate in the discussion. Overall, the committee has received confirmation that over 80
descendants and their relatives will attend this May 5th event. They will come from states as far away as Texas,
Florida, Tennessee, Michigan. (This will take place in the large tent on the grounds and is free to all.)
James Wagner Coming Back for the Day and WHAT he has to Share!
We are thrilled that James Wagner: home-town boy, descendant of Samuel McDowell, retired professor of Purdue
University; will come from Lafayette IN to attend the discussion and ceremony. Jim not only has THAT
DESCENDANT connection, but his grandpa, Clarence Wagner and father Charles were the subcontractors (E (Emil)
Wagner and Sons Construction) who did the actual work on the monument. He has pictures his grandpa took from
atop the monument as they finished the construction. He said another picture shows the footer with the hole in the
middle for the crypt. Can you imagine what luck this is to "uncover" these pictures and this information at this time and from a descendant to boot! Look Jim up at the ceremony and talk to him first-hand about that. Or maybe we
should give him the mike!! We will also have the pictures available!
Seating/Souvenirs/In case of Rain! Some bleacher seating will be available, but visitors are also welcome to bring
their lawn chairs or blankets. Special souvenir monument posters (created by graphic artist Lindsey Gaerke Hoying
with photographs from Alice Gaerke and Bob Hart) have been printed especially for this event and will be on sale for
only $2.00. T-Shirts and other souvenirs will be on sale in the tent, and the boy scouts will have their own small tent
and will sell popcorn and drinks there. (in case of rain, "please God, NO", all events will be held in the Fort Recovery
High School Gym - across the street from Monument Park.)
Thank YOU! Hats off to those who worked so hard for a year and a half to bring this event together, especially eventchair Kathy Thobe. Others committing tons of time and energy were: Helen LeFevre, Linda Schoenherr, Ken Lamm
and Nancy Abels. Thanks also to those from the Fort Recovery Historical Society and the Boy Scouts under Ted
Romer who will help with the set-up. A big Thank You to Rob Weaver of the Portland Radio Station, WPGW, for
picking up the cost of our beautiful color programs! (see more Thank You's
Museum Happenings
1. The Season Begins! The Museum will officially begin its 2013 Season the weekend of May 4th and 5th. It is
open every Saturday and Sunday in May and September from 12:00 - 5:00. During June, July and August the
museum is open every day from 12:00 to 5:00. Admission is $5.00 for adults and $2.00 for students 6-12. It is free
for patrons and active duty military (Blue Star Program.) Tours can be booked for any time, any day. The price is
the same as admission - $5.00 per person, but with a minimum charge of $25. Tours can be booked by calling 419375 4649 or 419-375-4384. Tours can be tailored to age of participants, to length, mobility, etc.
2. Handicapped Accessibility! On the drawing-board are plans to make the Fort Recovery Museum more
"friendly" to those visitors who have difficulty maneuvering steps and stairs. Our plans are to have our front door
accessible to wheelchairs by the first of June. We also plan to replace the sidewalks (which are in quite bad shape)
at the same time. We are proud of the fact our community supports these efforts so well, and that we are able to
keep the museum and grounds safe, strong and attractive. Thank you to our patrons and those who support the
activities and efforts of the Fort Recovery Historical Society (5K Run, Jubilee Pie Auction, One-of-a-Kind Auction)!
3. NOTE - June 2, 1:00! The renovation of the upstairs of the museum is nearly completed. (See museum Face
book page) Most of the artifacts have been replaced in the prehistoric area but are now in new wonderfully
displayable cabinets. At the same time, the development of interactive experiential learning stations is underway for
that room. We can't wait for you to see the dramatic changes. As our regular readers/supporters know, this whole
project was begun with the impetus of a generous donation made in memory of Jim and Charlene Bubp.
Do make plans to join us on June 2 at 1:00 when that new "Prehistoric Experience" room will be dedicated. Also on
tap for that day is a large artifact and Van Trees Rifle show [outside] and featured speaker, Karim Tiro of Xavier
University!) More about that next month, but mark your calendars now! (All events free to patrons of course)
888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888
Among the Notables Who Fought Here - James Woodhouse
When author John Winkler first visited Fort Recovery he considered the possibility of writing an article/book on the
people who participated in the battles here who later went on to have distinctive lives which contributed greatly to our
young country. Maybe that is still a possibility? He could certainly include the biography of James Woodhouse
(1770-1809). http://www.archives.upenn.edu/people/1700s/woodhouse_jas.html
Following is an excerpt from Penn Biographies:
James Woodhouse was born in Philadelphia on November 17, 1770. He entered the University of the
State of Pennsylvania in 1784, receiving his B.A. in 1787 and his M.A. in 1790. He studied medicine
under Dr. Benjamin Rush, and graduated from Penn's medical school as Doctor of Medicine in 1792, at
the first commencement after the 1791 union of the medical departments of the College of Philadelphia
and the University of the State of Pennsylvania. Before finishing this degree, Woodhouse served in
the army as a medical assistant, taking part in General St. Clair's campaign against the western
Indians in 1791.



Founder and President of the Chemical Society of Philadelphia
Well-known opponent to the phlogiston theory
Author of numerous works on Chemistry, including the first book of directed chemical experiments
As a medical assistant at Wabash 1791, can you imagine how overwhelmed he must have been? Thank
Goodness Woodhouse was not one of the majority who were killed in that battle. How many others, now
buried within our monument would have gone on to lead such impressive, successful lives?
(Thanks to patron, Hal Sherman for the info/link! An article about Woodhouse will soon appear in the Chemical
Society Magazine, and they will use a Hal Sherman painting of St.Clair's defeat to accompany that article!)
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Thank YOU for the generous outpouring of Patron Contributions! You make so much possible!
From the bottom of my heart, I thank you! nk