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Ohio!
August Imgard
Many believe it was a young German immigrant, August Imgard, 21, who
introduced the Christmas tree to America. Born in Bavaria, he came to
America and joined other members of his family in Wooster. Christmas came,
and young August found it was a sad season. He missed the
fun and excitement of the observance in his homeland. He
decided to have a Christmas tree, just as he had done
before he came to America. August also thought of the
joy it would bring to Albert and Mary Imgard, his
nephew and niece. He went into the woods
outside of Wooster and cut down a spruce tree.
The village tinsmith made August a star for
his tree. August added paper decorations, and
America's first Christmas tree was showcased in the Imgard home on December 24,
1847. The people of Wooster came to see it
and enjoyed the delightful attraction. The
following year, the village was bright with
Christmas trees in every home. Because of
Imgard and the people of Wooster, the custom of having a
tree in one’s home spread. Before long, Ohio had adopted the Christmas tree.
The tomb of August Imgard stands on Madison Hill in Wooster. A Christmas
tree is located at its door - a tribute to the man who first brought to America
the symbol of peace and love of the season.
The Newspaper Connection
Holidays and traditions are important to many people. Look through your newspaper for any articles about family traditions and the holidays people celebrate. Write
and illustrate a children’s book including your family traditions and other traditions
you can find in your local newspaper.
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Ohio!
Neil Armstrong Air & Space Museum
The Air & Space Museum was developed to honor Neil Armstrong, the first man on
the moon, and other Ohioans who have played an important part in aviation history.
Armstrong, commander for Apollo 11, was the first man to
walk on the moon on July 20, 1969, but the journey began
70 years earlier in Dayton, with the work of the Wright
Brothers. Ohioans appear often in the history of America's
aviation and aerospace development. These contributions
are shown in the exhibits of the Neil Armstrong Air & Space
Museum, located in Wapakoneta, Armstrong’s hometown.
The Neil Armstrong Air & Space Museum opened in 1972 and
reflects the importance of air and space success through its
unusual building structure. The first gallery showcases
artifacts from early aviation achievements. A reconstructed Wright Model G aero-boat, built in Dayton
and flown from the Miami River in 1913, is an attraction to check out. Another display is a timeline of the
history of early space flight: Ohioan John Glenn is
noted in the museum as the first American to orbit the
Earth. Another important display is the 1946 Aeronca
7AC Champion in which Armstrong learned to fly.
Moon rocks brought back by the Apollo 11 crew are also
featured the museum. Many other treasures await your
discovery at this interesting aviation museum.
The Newspaper Connection
Look for historical information in your newspaper. Imagine you were
commissioned to develop a new museum for your town. Make a list of
the items of historical value that you would include in your new museum.
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Ohio!
Taylorcraft
The Taylorcraft company grew to be the largest industry in Alliance, Ohio. At one
point it employed 1,800 people. A market drop following the close of World War II, combined with other issues, later threw the company into bankruptcy.
Before bankruptcy, Taylorcraft had built a successful
plant north of the city that had become a great
industrial asset. Stable employment was given to
approximately 500 people under new ownership by
Armour &. Co. Coated abrasives and cushioning products are the company’s two main divisions.
The start of Taylorcraft history includes Aubrey Hess and his brother, Adrian. They
developed the Argo engine and plant at the Morgan Engineering Company in 1928.
The biplane producing company was in operation only about a year when bankruptcy
came.
In 1930, J. E. Foster of Detroit, Michigan took over. He started the Foster Aircraft
Company. But the depression prevented the company from growing. The company folded and the flying field was quiet once again.
Now begins the history of C. Gilbert Taylor. He designed the first side-by-side light
airplane, called the “Chummy.” C. G. Taylor and his brother, Gordon A. Taylor, organized the Taylor Brothers Aircraft Corporation in Rochester, New York in 1927.
Unfortunately, Gordon was killed in a barnstorming demonstration at Detroit in 1928.
In 1929, C. G. Taylor moved to Bradford, Pennsylvania. Operating under the name
Taylor Bros. Aircraft Corporation, the company produced a glider, installed an engine,
and sold it as the “Taylor Cub.” In 1937 it became the “Piper Cub,” named after a financial backer. In February 1935, Taylor and Piper broke up. The Taylorcraft Aviation
Corporation was formed. C. G. Taylor was president and treasurer. Taylor later left the
company. The management of Taylorcraft Corporation changed hands four times during its 11 years of operation.
The Newspaper Connection
Look through your newspaper for new towns or cities that you might
enjoy visiting while on a vacation. List your top 10 spots. How many
of these destinations would require that you fly?
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Ohio!
WACO
Clayton Brukner and Elwood “Sam” Junkin met in school in Battle Creek,
Michigan. Brukner and Junkin began building a float plane that never actually flew. Soon after the float plane fiasco, they moved to Lorain, Ohio. In Lorain,
Junkin met Charlie Meyers, a barnstorming pilot. Meyers had already designed
an aircraft with George Weaver, another barnstorming pilot. Meyers asked
Brukner and Junkin if they would help build it. The aircraft they built was a
one-man monoplane called the “Cootie.” WACO was officially founded as the
Weaver Aircraft Company in Lorain by Weaver, Meyers, Junkin, and Brukner
in 1920.
Weaver crash-landed the “Cootie” on its first test flight. While Weaver recovered from his injuries, Brukner, Junkin and Meyers rebuilt the “Cootie” into a
biplane. Money was tight for WACO. Using surplus parts from other biplanes,
the WACO team created the WACO 4, a three-person biplane, and their first
practical design.
Due to lack of company funds, Weaver split from the group in 1922 and headed to Chicago, Illinois. At the same time Brukner, Meyers and Junkin moved to
Medina, Ohio to continue building aircraft. They began building planes with
parts from the Curtis Jennie, a WWI military trainer, while continuing to make
improvements to their design.
By the end of 1922, the group was out of money, and sales prospects. The
WACO company was moved this time to Troy, Ohio in March of 1923.
During the years 1927, 1928, and 1929 WACO was the largest commercial aircraft company in the world! But by the year 1946, the WACO company was shut
down. Many of the WACO biplanes are still flying today. You might have seen
them at an airshow, or in the movies.
The Newspaper Connection
WACO stands for the Weaver Aircraft Company. Make a list of all of the abbreviations and acronyms you find in your newspaper today.
Brought to you by the Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Ohio!
Quail Hollow State Park
Glaciers that occurred over 12,000 years ago reformed the fields,
woodlands and wetlands of Quail Hollow State Park. This area
has many natural lakes, with Congress Lake being one of these
popular tourist spots.
Quail Hollow's habitat has a great variety of plants and wildlife.
Poison sumac and other unique plants grow in the bog. The Quail
Hollow prairie supports purple coneflower, sneezeweed and other
prairie plants. The woodland swamp is home to spring peepers, chorus and
green frogs, along with red fox, raccoon, skunk and white-tailed deer. A beaver
colony can be found on the northern side of the park.
In the nineteenth century, frontiersmen came to this area of northeastern
Ohio. They encountered American Indians here. The Indians were already
being pushed westward. The tribes were essentially gone from the area by 1810.
Conrad Brumbaugh was one of the earliest settlers to come to this region. His
first home was built around 1820 on land that was to become the park. Many
years later, his house was destroyed by fire. Quail Hollow
State Park is devoted to the study of Ohio's cultural and
natural history.
Quail Hollow has over 10 miles of trails for hiking, jogging, nature study or cross-country skiing. Other area
attractions include the West Branch and Portage Lake
State Parks.
The Newspaper Connection
Imagine you are one of the frontiersmen who came to the Quail Hollow area.
You have just met Conrad Brumbaugh and he has an adventure to tell you
about an encounter with a bear. Using the who, what, where, when and
why style in articles from your paper, recount in writing Brumbaugh’s
adventures with this bear.
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Ohio!
“Mother of Presidents”
Seven United States presidents, all of them Republicans, were born in Ohio. Ohio has sent more presidents to the
White House than any other state (except Virginia) which has earned Ohio the nickname “Mother of Presidents.”
ULYSSES S. GRANT
Eighteenth president of the United States
TERM: March 4, 1869 to March 3, 1877
VICE PRESIDENT: Schuyler Colfax (1869 to 1873) and Henry
Wilson (1873 to 1875)
BORN: April 27, 1822, in Point Pleasant
MARRIED: Julia Dent; 1 daughter, 3 sons
DIED: July 23, 1885; buried in New York City, New York
Facts: To get his family out of debt, Grant wrote his memoirs. They
were completed while he was dying of throat cancer and were published in two volumes as The Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant.
JULIA BOGGS DENT GRANT
First lady while husband Ulysses S. Grant was president from 1869
to 1877
Born: January 26, 1826, in St. Louis, Missouri
Married: August 22, 1848
Children: Frederick, Ulysses, Ellen and Jesse
Died: December 14, 1902
Facts: Julia was born cross-eyed. She planned to have an operation to
uncross her eyes, but Ulysses persuaded her not to do it.
The Newspaper Connection
News and feature articles are two styles of writing that you can find in the newspaper. President Grant’s memoirs are an example of feature writing. Find an example
of each of these styles of writing in the newspaper.
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
President and first lady illustrations by Tina Corrigan.
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Ohio!
“Mother of Presidents”
Seven United States presidents, all of them Republicans, were born in Ohio. Ohio has sent more presidents to the
White House than any other state (except Virginia) which has earned Ohio the nickname “Mother of Presidents.”
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES
Nineteenth president of the United States
TERM: March 4, 1877 to March 3, 1881
VICE PRESIDENT: William A. Wheeler
BORN: October 4, 1822, in Delaware
MARRIED: Lucy Ware Webb; 1 daughter, 7 sons
DIED: January 17, 1893; buried in Fremont,Ohio
Facts: Prison reform, international peace, and speaking engagements were interests that took up his time after the presidency.
LUCY WARE WEBB HAYES
First lady to her husband, Rutherford B. Hayes, who served as
poresident from 1877 to 1881.
Born: August 28, 1831, in Chillicothe, Ohio
Married: December 30, 1852
Children: Birchard, James, Rutherford, Joseph, George, Fanny,
Scott and Manning
Died: June 25, 1889
Facts: Lucy is the first president’s wife to earn a college diploma, from
Wesleyan Female College, now Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware.
The Newspaper Connection
Lucy Hayes was the first president’s wife to earn a college diploma. Look for articles in
your newspaper that recognize important contributions from women in your community.
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
President and first lady illustrations by Tina Corrigan.
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Ohio!
“Mother of Presidents”
Seven United States presidents, all of them Republicans, were born in Ohio. Ohio has sent more presidents to the
White House than any other state (except Virginia) which has earned Ohio the nickname “Mother of Presidents.”
WILLIAM MCKINLEY
Twenty-fifth president of the United States
TERM: March 4, 1897 to September 14, 1901
VICE PRESIDENT: Garret A. Hobart (1897 to 1899) and
Theodore Roosevelt (1901)
BORN: January 29, 1843 in Niles, Ohio
MARRIED: Ida Saxton; 2 daughters
DIED: September 14, 1901; buried in Canton, Ohio
Facts: McKinley dropped out of Allegheny College and worked as
a teacher and a postal clerk before the Civil War.
IDA SAXTON MCKINLEY
First lady while her husband, William McKinley, was president
from 1897 until his death in 1901
Born: June 8, 1847 in Canton, Ohio
Married: January 25, 1871
Children: Katherine and Ida both died very young
Died: May 26, 1907
Facts: Ida hated the color yellow. In the spring, the White House
grounds were covered in flowers, but none of the them were yellow.
The Newspaper Connection
The President of the United States is always in the news. He is currently handling
situations that require good counsel from his appointed staff. Find a story in the
newspaper and summarize what the issue is. If you were one of his advisors, what
would be some of your advice and why?
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
.
President and First Lady illustrations by Tina Corrigan.
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“Mother of Presidents”
Seven United States presidents, all of them Republicans, were born in Ohio. Ohio has sent more presidents to the
White House than any other state (except Virginia) which has earned Ohio the nickname “Mother of Presidents.”
JAMES A. GARFIELD
Twentieth president of the United States
TERM: March 4, 1881 to September 19, 1881
VICE PRESIDENT: Chester A. Arthur
BORN: November 19, 1831, in Orange, Cuyahoga County
MARRIED: Lucretia Rundolph; 2 daughter, 5 sons
DIED: September 19, 1881; buried in Cleveland, Ohio
Facts: Garfield was a lay preacher and a member of the
Disciples of Christ.
LUCRETIA RUDOLPH GARFIELD
First lady while her husband, James A. Garfield, was president.
Born: April 18, 1832, in Hiram, Ohio
Married: November 11, 1858
Children: Eliza, Harry, James, Mary, Irvin, Abram and
Edward
Died: March 14, 1918
Facts: Lucretia spent much time researching the history of
the White House. She and the president wanted to restore it
to its original condition. While Lucretia was recovering from
malaria, her husband was shot and eventually died.
The Newspaper Connection
Presidents hold other jobs before being elected. At one time, Garfield was a pastor. Look
through your newspaper for articles about pastors or religious leaders. What qualities does
the person you read about have that would that would make a good president?
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
President and first lady illustrations by Tina Corrigan.
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“Mother of Presidents”
Seven United States presidents, all of them Republicans, were born in Ohio. Ohio has sent more presidents to the
White House than any other state (except Virginia) which has earned Ohio the nickname “Mother of Presidents.”
BENJAMIN HARRISON
Twenty-third president of the United States
TERM: March 4, 1889 to March 3, 1893
VICE PRESIDENT: Levi P. Morton
BORN: August 20, 1833 in North Bend, Ohio
MARRIED: Caroline Lavinia Scott; 1 daughter, 1 son; and
Mary Scott Lord Dimmick; 1 daughter
DIED: March 13, 1901; buried in Indianapolis, Indiana
Facts: Harrison was colonel of the 70th Indiana Infantry during the
Civil War; he ended the war as a brevet brigadier general.
CAROLINE LAVINIA SCOTT HARRISON
First Lady while her husband, Benjamin Harrison, was president from 1889 until her death.
Born: October 1, 1832, in Oxford, Ohio
Married: October 20, 1853
Children: Russell and Mary
Died: October 25, 1892
Facts: Caroline had electric lights and doorbells installed in
the White House. But she and her husband were so afraid of getting shocked by them that they refused to touch them.
The Newspaper Connection
The military service has played an important role in the lives of many elected officials. Look through your newspaper and find as many articles about the military as
you can. How many articles are about military leaders?
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
President and first lady illustrations by Tina Corrigan.
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Ohio!
“Mother of Presidents”
Seven United States presidents, all of them Republicans, were born in Ohio. Ohio has sent more presidents to the
White House than any other state (except Virginia) which has earned Ohio the nickname “Mother of Presidents.”
WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT
Twenty-seventh president of the United States
TERM: March 4, 1909 to March 3, 1913
VICE PRESIDENT: James S. Sherman
BORN: September 15, 1857 in Cincinnati, Ohio
MARRIED: Helen Herron; 1 daughter, 2 sons
DIED: March 8, 1930; buried in Arlington National Cemetery,
Virginia
Facts: After his presidency, Taft was a professor at Yale Law School
and served as co-chairman of the National War Labor Board during
World War I. Taft was also a Supreme Court Justice.
HELEN HERRON TAFT
First lady to husband William H. Taft while he was in office from
1909 to 1913.
Born: June 2, 1861, in Cincinnati, Ohio
Married: June 19, 1886
Children: Robert, Helen and Charles
Died: May 22, 1943
Facts: Helen visited the White House when she was 18 and from then
on wanted to live there some day. She was disappointed that her husband
didn’t get re-elected because she wanted to live there for four more years.
The Newspaper Connection
Taft was a professor at Yale Law School. Look through your newspaper for articles about
educators. Which educators would you choose to be a political leader in your town or city?
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
President and first lady illustrations by Tina Corrigan.
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“Mother of Presidents”
Seven United States presidents, all of them Republicans, were born in Ohio. Ohio has sent more presidents to the
White House than any other state (except Virginia) which has earned Ohio the nickname “Mother of Presidents.”
WARREN G. HARDING
Twenty-ninth president of the United States
TERM: March 4, 1921 to August 2, 1923
VICE PRESIDENT: Calvin Coolidge
BORN: November 2, 1865 near Blooming Grove, Ohio
MARRIED: Florence Kling de Wolfe; no children
DIED: August 2, 1923; buried in Marion, Ohio
Facts: in 1884, Harding and two associates purchased a newspaper -- the Marion Daily Star.
FLORENCE KLING DE WOLFE HARDING
First lady from the time her husband, Warren G. Harding, was
elected president in 1921 until his death in 1923.
Born: August 15, 1860, in Marion, Ohio
Married: Henry de Wolfe in 1880 (they divorced in 1886).
Married Warren G. Harding on July 8, 1891.
Children: Eugene, with her first husband
Died: November 21, 1924
Facts: Florence reopened the White House to the public and gave
garden parties for veterans on the White House lawn.
The Newspaper Connection
Look for articles in your newspaper about elected officials. Write a story about an
early Ohio elected official. Make your article as authentic as possible. Include a
small biography about the candidate in your article.
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
President and first lady illustrations by Tina Corrigan.
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Ohio!
Stillwater River
In 1975, the Stillwater River and Greenville Creek System was designated Ohio's eighth scenic river. The scenic sections include the
Stillwater area from Riffle Road bridge in Darke County to the Great
Miami River in Dayton and Greenville Creek from the Ohio border
to its confluence with the Stillwater. An important attraction,
Greenville Falls, is located in a gorge west of Covington.
Greenville Creek passes through a steep ravine in this area. It has
been labeled as a state nature preserve.
A trail system is available in the area for tourist use. An
important state endangered wildflower, the harebell, is found
here.
If fishing is an activity you would enjoy while visiting, you will find the Stillwater
and Greenville Creek scenic rivers are well known for their smallmouth bass fishing.
The fish thrive in the clean habitat. The area has a reputation for excellent water quality. The river boasts 59 fish varieties such as rainbow darters and Northern Hog Suckers to
name a few. The Stillwater also attracts many types of
songbirds and waterfowl.
Shawnee and Miami Indians lived in this area along with
European traders. A 1795 treaty signing brought many settlers to the land because of its wonderful river offerings. The
abundant fish and the beautiful surroundings attracted
settlers to the area as a place to settle down and
raise a family.
The Newspaper Connection
Use the newspaper to locate photographs or advertisements which
include five items that require the use of water. Look through the newspaper for five items that harm the water. Which of the above items is
most impacted by polluted waters?
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Sandusky River
The second river in Ohio to be designated as scenic is the Sandusky
River. It is located between Upper Sandusky and Fremont in the northwestern area of the
state. It flows through some of the richest farm land in the midwest. The
Sandusky River exposes many dolomite and limestone structures which add to
the scenic site.
The southern two-thirds of the river is flat, with broken ridges ranging
from 10 to 50 feet high. The northern one-third is flat to gently rolling. The
Sandusky River is the only stream in the state that has all six species of
Redhorse suckers including the state endangered River Redhorse.
Maumee River
The Maumee River was named by the Miami Indians. It was designated a state scenic river on July 18, 1974. The river is in the northwestern part of the state. The scenic portion of the Maumee River begins at the OhioIndiana state line and extends 43 miles. The river banks are developed by a forest area.
The recreational portion of the river is 53 miles long. In this
part of the river the flood plain area widens, its channel doubles in size, and the forest cover diminishes. The historic and
cultural heritage of this section is very valuable. The Native
American people came to the Maumee River Valley because of
tribal warfare and the pressures of the European settlements.
In 1794,George Washington supported General Wayne in his
successful attempt at gaining American control of the
Maumee Valley, one of the last strongholds of Indian
control in Ohio.
The Newspaper Connection
When water enters storm drains, it is not chemically treated before it reaches streams, creeks,
lakes, or rivers. Take a storm drain hike through your town. Locate five storm
drains and note their locations in a journal. Write a description about what you
found in your journal. Where do you think the watershed is for each of the storm
drains you located? Imagine you found shocking information about the storm
drains. Write this information as an article for a front page news story. Be sure
to include the five w’s: who, what, when, where, and why.
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Ohio!
Kokosing River
Forty-one miles of the main stem of the Kokosing River were
declared a scenic river on November 4, 1997. The North Fork of the Kokosing is also
designated from its confluence with the Kokosing upstream 6.5 miles.
The Kokosing River is developed from three branches. The Kokosing
headwaters are near Mount Gilead in Morrow County. The North
Branch comes from the U. S. Corps of Engineers North Branch
Reservoir while the East Branch flows out of Knox Lake.
The Kokosing Scenic River boasts a diversity in aquatic life.The
lower river passes through a sandstone gorge on its way to converge with the Mohican River. Together, the Mohican and
Kokosing Rivers blend to form the Walhonding River. An area of
482 square miles is covered as the Kokosing watershed. The
watershed drains parts of Morrow, Knox and Coshocton counties. Along its banks you will see trees such as sycamore, basswood, red maple, and green ash. These trees are important because
they provide shade to the water and banks. Trees provide the
main food source to the aquatic system. For a healthy clean
stream to develop, it is essential for these trees to thrive. The
clean environment of the Kokosing is the reason it maintains
it’s scenic properties.
The earliest known history of the Kokosing is represented by two mound builder sites located near Fredericktown.
In the 18th and early 19th centuries, the Kokosing River
Valley was used by several tribes, including Delaware,
Huron, Wyandot and Shawnee, who used the site for
hunting and fishing.
The Newspaper Connection
Imagine it is 1879 and you are on a boat on the Kokosing River. Write a
newspaper article about your adventure. What did you see? Where did
you go? How long did your travels take? Did you see any pioneer characters along the way?
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Ohio!
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 1995, Cleveland celebrated the opening of the Rock and Roll Hall
of Fame and Museum, covering decades of rock and roll artists, music,
politics and fun. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honors songwriters, performers, producers, and disc jockeys who have made an impact on rock
and roll. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation nominates and elects
performers to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and then honors them at
an annual ceremony. Once the artists are inducted, they are featured in
the Museum’s Hall of Fame exhibit. The exhibit includes etched-glass signatures of the inductees; a film that recounts their careers and music; a
display of artifacts from the current year's inductees, and a computerized
"juke box" which contains almost every song of every performer inductee.
FAMOUS OHIO MUSICIANS
Ohio boasts many well known musicians. Below is a list of a few of
these famous Ohioans.
Kathleen Battle, born in Portsmouth; Tracy Chapman, born in
Cleveland; Arthur Tatum, born in Toledo; Dean Martin, born in
Steubenville; Christine “Chrissy” Ellen Hynde, born in Akron;
Jalacy J. “Screamin’ Jay” Hawkins, born in Cleveland; Rachel
Sweet, born in Akron; Mamie Smith, born in Cincinnati; Daniel
Emmett, born in Mount Vernon; Macy Gray, born in Canton; Ruth
Crawford Seeger, born in East Liverpool; James Levine, born in
Cincinnati; Rudolph Isley born in Cincinnati; Ronald Isley born in
Cincinnati; Leonard Franklin Slye “Roy Rogers” born in
Cincinnati.
The Newspaper Connection
News journalists often have creative phrases in their articles. Read through the newspaper and look for words or phrases to create a song or poem about Ohio’s history.
This could include information about your own town’s history.
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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AKRON SOAP BOX DERBY
The Soap Box Derby is a great amateur racing event where competitors between the ages of 9 and 16 come from all over the world to compete in exciting downhill races in cars with no mechanical engines.
In 1933, a Dayton Daily News photographer saw
three boys racing homemade cars without
engines.
This photographer, Myron E.
("Scottie") Scott, came up with the idea of holding a coasting race with young contestants racing engineless cars. Nineteen boys arrived at the
race site in Dayton to compete for the prize. Even
though it was not a winner, one race car, painted black with a big
white "7" on it, became the symbol of the Derby for the next 35 years.
Scottie thought the racer was the best representation of his vision for the Derby.
During the Great Depression, the first cars were built by young people using crates
used for shipping soap. It has always been stressed that the young contestants were to
build their cars themselves.
The race moved to Akron when a delegation met with Chevrolet officials to discuss
being a long-term sponsor of the annual event. The event became even more popular
when it was discovered that actor Jimmy Stewart was a fan. Later, other generous
sponsors stepped up to the plate, encouraging the event to continue.
About 300 contestants compete each year for college scholarships and other prizes.
Norman Newman was the first entrant to come from another country (Pretoria,
South Africa). In 1994, Ohioan Danielle Del Ferraro, 13, became the first two-time
winner. She won the Masters division after having triumphed in the Kit division the
previous year.
The Newspaper Connection
Scan the sports pages in your newspaper. How many types of sports are mentioned? Place the sports into categories. How many categories did you think of?
Which category has the most sports? In which category do you participate most
often? Of which category are you most often a spectator of most often?
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Ohio!
Early Ohioans
Prehistoric people in Ohio didn’t write. So how do we know about them? We
have to rely on other pieces of evidence. Stone tools and spear points have
been found which lead scientists to believe that in
13,000 B.C. Ohio had some early inhabitants. These
tools were made of flint, a hard rock that has
jagged edges when broken. The early
hunters used the flint stones and tied them
on sticks to use as spears and weapons. These
were the only weapons some of the prehistoric
people had to protect themselves from wild animals which they also hunted for food.
Archaeologists are scientists who dig in the
earth to find fossils, stone tools and skeletons.
They have found human skeletons and flint
weapons near some large mastodon skeletons. This leads scientists to believe that
early Ohioans hunted huge beasts. There is also evidence that these early
hunters lived in caves. They did not have to build these caves which was helpful because often they did not stay in one area long enough to build homes.
Early Ohioans had to keep moving so they could hunt animals to use for food.
The Newspaper Connection
Imagine you are an ace news reporter. You just discovered an interesting Ohio fossil right in someone’s back yard. Read a front page
story in your newspaper to see how a breaking story is written.
Write your article about the fossil from the perspective of a reporter
who lived in the 1800s.
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Ohio!
The Adena People
For 3,000 years the Adena people went without an official name. No one even
knew about them until 1902 when archaeologists found a tomb made of logs
in a mound located in Ross County. Inside the
tomb were some weapons, ornaments, and a very
old skeleton. Other skeletons and weapons
have been found in other areas of Ohio’s valleys too. The Adena culture consisted of many
Indian communities that lived in the central
and southern regions of Ohio in the first millennium B.C. The Adena people lived in villages and survived by hunting, fishing and gathering wild plants. The Ohio River provided convenient transportation to and from New York,
Pennsylvania, and southern Illinois. Their land had many resources and supplied them with copper and mica that they traded. The Adena culture is also
distinguished by its siltstone smoking pipes. These pipes are examples of prehistoric Indian art.
An estate called Adena was formed almost 200 years ago, in 1803, when Ohio
became a state. This estate belonged to Thomas Worthington. He named it
Adena which means “beautiful city” in Hebrew. If you look at the Great Seal
of the State of Ohio, it has a scene purported to be this same estate -- Adena,
in Ross County.
The Newspaper Connection
Look for news stories about historical artifacts being found in your
area. Farmers and construction workers often find artifacts as they
work. These news stories alert readers to the possibility of finding
more artifacts and the necessity of notifying scientists who will further our knowledge of the past.
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Paul Newman
Paul Leonard Newman was born January 26, 1925
in Cleveland. He was raised in Shaker Heights, Ohio by parents Arthur
S. Newman and Theresa (Fetzer) Newman. While enrolled at Ohio
University in Athens, Ohio, Newman enlisted in the Navy for flight training but
was turned down due to color blindness. In 1943, he started a World War II tour of
duty as a radioman on torpedo bombers in the Pacific. After his discharge three years
later, he enrolled at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. He played on the school's
football team and was active in campus theater. During his junior year at Kenyon,
Newman spent an evening in the Knox County jail after an "incident" in a local
tavern. He was thrown off the football team as a result.
From Kenyon College he earned a bachelor’s degree and later attended Yale
Drama School. He was nominated for best actor in 1958 for Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, in 1961 for
The Hustler, in 1963 for Hud, in 1967 for Cool Hand Luke, in 1981 for Absence of Malice, and
in 1982 for The Verdict . He won best actor in 1986 for The Color of Money. He was also nominated for best picture in 1968 for Rachel, Rachel.
Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg was born on December 18, 1947 in Hamilton County. He was raised by parents Arnold and Leah Spielberg. He earned a bachelors degree in English from California State
College, Long Beach, California. In 1969, Spielberg crafted a 24-minute short film titled
Amblin. It was highly acclaimed, winning awards at several film festivals. The result
for Spielberg was a seven-year contract with Universal Studios. Early on, he
directed for television programs such as “Columbo” and “Marcus Welby, M.D.”
His first major film was Sugarland Express. It received great reviews but
flopped at the box office. Spielberg's breakthrough film was Jaws in 1974. In
1982, he founded the Amblin production studio. The Dreamworks SKG movie
studio was founded in 1994 through a partnership between Spielberg, Jeffrey
Katzenberg, and David Geffen. Spielberg won the 1993 Academy Award for
best director for the film Schindler's List.
The Newspaper Connection
Do some research to discover where some of Ohio’s first theatres were located.
Imagine that you are a journalist. Write a topic sentence that might go with a
review of one of Ohio’s first dramatic arts presentations.
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Ohio!
ERMA BOMBECK
Erma Louise (Fiste) Bombeck was born February 21, 1927 in Dayton,
Ohio. Erma loved to read the writings of humorists Robert Benchley,
James Thurber and H. Allen Smith. She began writing a humor
column for the Emerson Junior High newspaper, The Owl. Erma
continued to write for the school newspaper when she moved on
to Patterson Vocational High School. When she was 15, Erma got
her start at the Dayton Journal-Herald as a copy girl. Erma wrote
for the Journal-Herald only once during high school. When
Shirley Temple came to Dayton for the premiere of her movie, Since
You Went Away, Erma interviewed her as one 16-year-old to another and the story was published on the feature page of the JournalHerald. Eventually, Erma wrote columns for the Journal-Herald. Her
columns were syndicated in more than 600 newspapers. Her first
book, At Wit's End, was published in 1967. She went on to write many
best-selling books. On April 22, 1996, Erma died in San Francisco, California.
FAMOUS OHIO AUTHORS
Ohio boasts many well-known authors. These authors write about genres from humor to
poetry. Below is a list of a few of these famous Ohioans.
Sherwood Anderson, born in Camden; Louis Bromfield, born in Mansfield; Paul
Laurence Dunbar, born in Dayton; Ambrose Bierce, born in Meigs County; Lafcadio
Hearn, born in Cincinnati; James Thurber, born in Columbus; Gloria Steinem, born in
Toledo; James Wright, born in Martin’s Ferry; Norman Vincent Peale, born in
Bowersville; Hart Crane, born in Garrettsville; Stephen Donaldson, born in Cleveland;
Wes Craven, born in Cleveland; Rita Dove, born in Akron; Virginia Hamilton, born in
Yellow Springs; Frances Dana Gage, born in Marietta; R.L. Stine, born in Bexley.
The Newspaper Connection
Do some research to find out what some of the Ohio authors mentioned above wrote.
Choose one of these authors and read one of his or her books. Write an article for the
newspaper reviewing the book that you read.
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Ohio Artists
Berenice Abbott
American photographer Berenice Abbott was born in Springfield, on
July 17, 1898. She started her artistic career as assistant to surrealist
Man Ray. In the 1930s her photographs of New York City
received critical acclaim. She later brought French photographer Eugene Atge’s work to public attention. She has had
these books published: “Changing New York,” “Greenwich
Village: Today and Yesterday,” “Photographs,” and “The
World of Atge.”
Isabel Bishop
American artist Isabel Bishop was born in Cincinnati, on
March 3, 1902. She was known for her paintings of working women
in New York City's Union Square. Her paintings are said to reveal the influence of
the Ashcan school of painters. She studied at the New York School of Applied Design
for Women and at the Art Students League.
Thomas Worthington Whittredge
Born in Springfield, May 22, 1820, American painter Thomas Worthington
Whittredge was a member of the Hudson River school. The Hudson River school was
a group of American landscape painters active from 1825 to 1875, which included
Asher B. Durand, John Frederick Kensett, Jaspar Cropsey, Frederick Edwin Church,
and Albert Bierstadt. Whittredge lived in Europe from 1849 to 1859. He returned to
America and exclusively painted scenery.
The Newspaper Connection
When you doodle, what do you draw? Do you draw boxes, curley-cues, cartoon faces or
houses? Newspapers use a lot of art - photos as well as drawings. How many of each
- drawings and photos of people and landscapes - are in your paper today? Which
art style of the three people mentioned above is seen most according to your lists?
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
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Ohio Fortune 500 Companies
Ohio has several significant industrial areas. Industry is vital to
Ohio and its continued growth. History has shown the
important part that industry has played in developing
Ohio. It has opened up jobs for many people and their
families. Several Fortune 500 companies are based in
Ohio. TRW is the largest corporation based in Ohio.
This top company calls Cleveland home. TRW is a high
technology aviation and military giant and ranks 103 on the
Fortune 500 list with annual revenues of $17 billion.
Goodyear Tire and Rubbe Companyr, is world famous for
tires and blimps. This Akron-based corporation ranks 140th
with annual revenues approaching $13 billion.
The Eaton Corporation, ranked number 213,
has revenues of nearly $8.5 billion. It manufactures many products serving the industrial, vehicle, construction, commercial, aerospace, and semiconductor markets.
National City Corporation is number 218 on the Fortune
500 list. It is Cleveland's largest banking institution.
National City Corporation is a financial holding company with
assets approaching $90 billion and revenues exceeding $8 billion.
The Newspaper Connection
Discuss with a partner what you think are five top qualities in a successful business.
With your partner, look through your newspaper to find advertisements and articles
about businesses in the area that have these qualities. Develop a list of five qualities that you have that would help you get hired by these companies.
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Ohio!
The Wright Brothers
On April 16, 1867, Milton and Susan Wright became the parents of Wilbur Wright.
Wilbur’s brother, Orville, was born four years later, on August 19, 1871. Wilbur and Orville
were later known as the “Wright Brothers.”
A minister, Mr. Wright moved his family to Dayton, Ohio so he could
edit a church newspaper that was published there. During this time,
Wilbur and Orville received mechanical instruction from their
mother and book knowledge from their father. Milton sometimes
brought the boys souvenirs that he found during his travels for the
church. It is said that one souvenir, a toy helicopter-like top, got Wilbur
and Orville excited about flying.
It was thought that Wilbur would go to college but personal issues kept him at home.
Orville quit school before his senior year. He wanted to start a printing business. Wilbur,
22, and Orville, 18, started their own printing firm and referred to themselves as "The
Wright Brothers". They built a press using buggy parts and other items.
In 1892, the brothers went into the bicycle repair business. They began repairing bicycles for friends. With the excitement about flying still in his veins, Wilbur read more and
more about this new theory. He tested his theories using a small kite. Using his reading
experience, Wilbur experimented and built his first glider.
With information from the Weather Bureau, Wibur and Orville went to Kitty Hawk,
North Carolina, where they tested the 1900 glider. The following year, they tested another glider with a 22-foot wingspan. They built the 1903 Flyer in sections in the back room
of their bicycle shop. When it was completed, they shipped it down to Kitty Hawk and
assembled it. Wilbur won a coin toss on December 14, 1903, and was allowed the first
attempt to fly. He stalled on take-off and caused a little damage. The plane was repaired,
and Orville was the next to make a flight attempt. On December 17, at 10:35 a.m., he made
the first machine powered flight in the world. It lasted only 12 seconds and covered only
120 feet, but this was history in the making!
The Newspaper Connection
Several occupations are mentioned in the story about the Wright Brothers printed above.
Make a list of them and then make a list of occupations mentioned in todays news.
Now, compare them with a list of occupations found in the "help wanted" section
of your newspaper. What conclusions and comparisons can you make from your
three lists?
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Akron
Akron, Ohio, the seat of Summit County, is known as the rubber capital of the world. Akron is on the Little
Cuyahoga River in the northeastern part of Ohio. The city was founded in 1825, and
experienced its first growth shortly after. Akron became a trading and transportation center with the completion of the Ohio and Erie Canal in 1827. Today, the
city has a population of approximately 223,019.
Cleveland
Cleveland, with a population of 498,246, is on Lake Erie in northeastern
Ohio. Its port has helped to make Cleveland the second largest city in Ohio
with a diverse industrial base and population base. Its manufactured goods
range from electrical equipment, to steel and automobile parts.
Case Western Reserve, Cleveland State University, Cuyahoga Community
College and John Carroll University call Cleveland home, along with world
renowned medical facilities. Among the many things to do and see in and
around Cleveland are the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Museum of Natural
History, Cleveland Museum of Art, Great Lakes Science Center, NASA Lewis Research Center, Metroparks
Zoo, Cedar Point amusement park, Six Flags of Ohio and the Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area. The
Cleveland Orchestra, baseball's Cleveland Indians, basketball's Cavaliers, the Browns football team, and the
world champion soccer team, The Crunch, make a wide selection available for cultural-seeking citizens. Carl
B. Stokes became the first black mayor of a major U.S. city in 1967. The current mayor is Jane Campbell.
Columbus
Columbus, named for Christopher Columbus, is the capital city of Ohio and the seat of Franklin County.
Columbus is in the center of the state on the banks of the Scioto River. The city became the state capital in 1812.
Columbus is the largest city in Ohio with a population of about 632,910.
Columbus is home to the following colleges: Ohio State University, Capital University, Franklin University,
Columbus State Community College, and Ohio Dominican University. Some other points of interest in
Columbus are COSI (Ohio’s Center of Science and Industry Museum], the Ohio State Fair, Columbus Museum
of Art, Ohio Theatre, Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery, and the Greek-revival capitol building.
The Newspaper Connection
Datelines in a newspaper are city names written in all capital letters at the beginning
of a news story. Tally the datelines on the front page of your paper. How many are
local stories? How many are from the featured cities?
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
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Ohio Amish and Mennonites
The Amish and Mennonites are known as Christian separatists. Their churches
date back to the Reformation Period in Europe around the early 1500s. The group
began as Anabaptists who withdrew from the Catholic and Protestant churches
because of differences in doctrine. The Anabaptists have strong beliefs in adult baptism, separation of church and state, non-resistance, Biblical authority, and nonconformity. One major group of Anabaptists became known as “Mennonites.” A second
wing of Anabaptists broke away and became known as the “Amish.” These labels came
from the names of early leaders. Because of religious persecution, the groups moved
across Europe and eventually to America. North America now holds the largest group
of Mennonites and Amish. The Holmes County area has the world's largest Amish community. The Amish are organized into three different groups: Old Order, New Order
and Beachy. The Old Order Amish are the most traditional. They wear somber, plain
clothes and avoid using electricity. Mennonites vary from conservative to modern in
style. The Mennonites are known for their public service work. Many Amish have a
German dialect. “Pennsylvania German” is the mother tongue of many groups. Many
Mennonites can speak the dialect but do not use the language as a main language.
Amish children learn the gothic text letters in their reading studies at Amish schools
and at home. Some Amish children attend public school but most attend Amish schools,
run and taught by the Amish themselves. Amish teachers are Amish people that have
shown the ability to teach and learn but have no formal training. Amish children
attend school either to age 16 or through the eighth grade. Mennonites attend either
public or private school.
The Newspaper Connection
People have many different thoughts and beliefs. Your newspaper can be
an avenue for this cultural exchange. Look through your newspaper and
cut out pictures and articles about people who may do things or look differently than you. What different ideas would you like to include in your
lifestyle?
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
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Cincinnati
Located in southeastern Ohio on the banks of the Ohio River is Cincinnati- the
seat of Hamilton County. Cincinnati is one of Ohio’s largest cities, with a population of approximately 364,040. Cincinnati was founded in 1788 as Losantiville.
In 1790, Losantiville was renamed Cincinnati by Gen. Arthur St. Clair, governor
of the Northwest Territory, in honor of the Revolutionary War officers' Society of
the Cincinnati. With the population employed in the manufacture of soaps and
detergents, machine tools, and playing cards, as well as brewing and meatpacking, Cincinnati is the most important industrial city in southern Ohio.
Dayton
Dayton was settled in 1796 in southwestern Ohio, on the Great Miami River
where it is joined by the Stillwater and Mad rivers. Dayton became known as
the "birthplace of aviation" after Orville and Wilbur Wright's experiments there
led to the first flight near Kitty Hawk, N.C., in 1903. Dayton was the first large city to adopt, in1913, the citymanager type of government. A series of floods in the late 19th and early 20th centuries led to the establishment of a flood-control system for the Miami River valley.
Today, the city has a population of 182,044.
Toledo
Toledo is a city in northwestern Ohio near the Michigan line, where the Maumee River empties into Lake
Erie. The Battle of Fallen Timbers (1794) was fought nearby. Soon afterward, Fort Industry was built in what
is now downtown Toledo. In 1817, Port Lawrence was founded on the site. A dispute between the Michigan
Territory and the state of Ohio over inclusion of the Toledo area in Ohio's canal system led to the "Toledo War"
of 1836. President Andrew Jackson decided the question in Ohio's favor. In return, Michigan was awarded the
Upper Peninsula and granted statehood.
The seat of Lucas County, Toledo has a population of 332,943.
The Newspaper Connection
Locate these cities on an official Ohio road map. Starting in your home county or
city, connect these cities as if you were making a round-trip drive to each city. Using
the map legend, what is the shortest distance you would drive? Traveling an average
of 55 miles an hour, how many hours would it take? How many eight-hour days of
driving would it take to make this round-trip?
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
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Covered Bridges
Ohio is second only to Pennsylvania in the number of authentic covered
bridges that are still standing in the United States. Most of these bridges are
found in the southern half of the state, but Ashtabula County also has a large
collection.
Most of Ohio’s covered bridges were built
in the second part of the 19th century.
These bridges used wood in their construction, since it was more affordable in meeting the needs of smaller
communities. As the bridges
aged, a roof was often built over
them to protect the trusses of the
bridge from weathering. The
gradual decline in the number of covered bridges can be attributed to cheaper steel
bridges, road improvements, fires and floods. The important historical and cultural value of these bridges is being realized and many people are now working
toward their preservation. A few of Ohio’s most noted scenic covered bridges
include Germantown Bridge, Island Run Bridge, and Johnson Bridge.
Germantown Bridge is located in Montgomery County and crosses Little Twin
Creek. It contains a bowstring truss, was built in 1870, and is listed in the
National Register of Historic Places. Island Run Bridge located in Morgan
County crosses Island Run. It was built in 1867. Johnson Bridge can be found
in Fairfield County and it crosses Clear Creek. It has a Howe truss and was
built in 1887.
The Newspaper Connection
Look through your newspaper for articles or pictures of nature areas in your community. Imagine you have been selected to build a covered bridge in one of these
areas. Draw a sketch of the bridge that you will build.
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Ohio!
The Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum
The Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum has nearly 200
antique, vintage, and classic automobiles and aircraft.
They range from an 1897 Panhard et Levassor (the
first enclosed automobile) to Bobby Rahal's 1982
March Indy Car. The collection shows the technological development of the transportation
industry and focuses on early automobiles created
in Cleveland. Between 1898 and 1931, more than
80 automotive models came from the Cleveland area.
According to Car Collector magazine, the Crawford collection is one of the top 10 in the nation. Northeastern Ohio's aviation contribution is also showcased in the Crawford Museum. An
important part of the aviation collection is a 1912-14 Curtiss
Hydroaeroplane flown by Cleveland aviator, Al
Engel. Although all the vehicles are important to
the museum, some automobiles and their manufacturers deserve special mention. Alexander
Winton of Cleveland, Ohio sold his first car in 1898. At
one time, Winton was said to be the largest automobile manufacturer in the
world. In the Crawford Museum are the first Winton sold and a former land
speed record holder, the 1902 Winton Bullet.
The Newspaper Connection
We Americans have a love affair with cars! The classified auto section of your
newspaper has many ads for vehicles of all types - from bicycles to SUV's, tricycles to tractors. What percentage of the vehicles offered for sale are more than
five years old? 10 years? 15 years? What is the oldest vehicle advertised?
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
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Mary Ann Bickerdyke
Mary Ann (Ball) Bickerdyke was born in Knox County in 1817. Her parents were Hiram Ball and Annie Rodgers Ball. She married and had two sons
but was a widow at age 44 when her church called upon her for services.
During the first summer of the Civil War, a man named Edward Beecher
(brother of Harriet Beecher Stowe) visited Galesburg and spoke at Mary Ann’s
church. During the church service, he read a letter written by a man from
Galesburg telling of the poor conditions of the military camp at Cairo, Illinois.
The congregation prepared to send supplies for the wounded men at the camp
in Cairo and suggested that Mary Ann Bickerdyke accompany them. Mary
Ann agreed.
Mary Ann devoted the next four years to the war’s cause. It is thought that
she aided wounded soldiers after at least 19 battles. Her kind care for these
men earned her the nickname "Mother Bickerdyke.”
At another time, Mary Ann was put in charge of the main hospitals at
Corinth. Mary Ann took on the task of correcting misdistribution of health
supplies. To meet emergencies, she was known to take an afternoon train and
ride 15 miles just to get her supplies to the hospital. She would also bake the
bread for the men and have it distributed all in the same day. She was also
instrumental in gaining pensions for veterans and nurses of the Civil War.
Because of her dedication and accomplishments, a monument was erected
in her honor. It bears General Sherman's quote claiming, "She outranks me."
She died on November 8, 1901, in Bunker Hill, Kansas.
The Newspaper Connection
Mother Bickerdyke saw a need and filled it. If she were alive today, what need would she
see in your community? What would she do? What obstacles would she need to overcome?
Would you help her? Why or why not? Read your newspaper and cut out articles
about individuals in the health care field. Do any of these people remind you of
Mother Bickerdyke? What have they done that you feel goes above and beyond the
call of duty?
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Ohio!
Mount Gilead State Park
The Ice Age is credited for the formation of Mount Gilead State
Park. At this time, two-thirds of Ohio was frozen land covered
with glacial ice. This ice was nearly a mile thick in some
places. The effect of the ice can be seen in the natural beauty
of the park.
Visitors can see wildflowers such as hepatica, wild geranium, and
trillium, to name a few. If you are a birdwatcher, you will be delighted to see the white-breasted nuthatch, wood thrush, Carolina wren and
other birds. Different types of animals include raccoons, whitetail deer and
skunks.
Mount Gilead State Park is located in Morrow County. The first permanent settlers came here after the end of the War of 1812. They prepared the
land and built homes to support their families.
Today, visitors are welcomed to the park by a scenic camping area. This
area is found in a peaceful pine forest. If fishing entices you to the
park, then you will enjoy the two small lakes at Mount
Gilead. These lakes offer bass, bluegill and other fish.
Along with the beautiful scenery, the park offers more
than three miles of hiking trails.
Other attractions for the area include Kokosing Lake
and Knox Lake east of Mount Gilead in Knox County.
The Newspaper Connection
Look through today’s newspaper for photographs of nature areas. If you
were a photographer for the newspaper, what areas of the park
would you enjoy capturing and why?
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Ohio!
Great Seal State Park
Great Seal State Park shows a record of its history in its sandstone hills.
The park lies within the Appalachian area stretching across the middle
section. To the north and west are plains that were developed by glaciers. Trees such as chestnut oaks and sugar maples cover the ridges.
Spring wildflowers are plentiful in the coves, while pawpaws and persimmons
show up in autumn.
Great Seal State Park is located just north of the town of Chillicothe. In the
middle and late 1700s, the area was the home of the Shawnee Indians. To the north
is the intersection of five Indian trails. The great Shawnee leader Tecumseh was born
in the north of what is now the city of Circleville. Chief Logan, chief of the Mingoes,
gave an important speech here. The speech signified that he had ended his hatred
against the white settlers for murdering all his relatives.
The park derives its name from the state emblem, "The Great Seal of the State of
Ohio." The famous seal design is said to have been the cooperative work of Thomas
Worthington, "Father of Ohio Statehood," Edward Tiffin, the first governor; and
William Creighton, first secretary of state. After an all-night meeting, they viewed the sun rising over Mt. Logan and the hills of
what is now Great Seal State Park. This beauty inspired the
naming of the park.
Twenty miles of trails are available to both hikers and horseback riders. Other area attractions include Scioto Trail State
Park and Lake White State Park, which is located near Waverly.
The Newspaper Connection
Look through your local newspaper. Are there any articles about your local or
state government officials. The Great Seal State Park was named by three government officials. Using the newspaper and other research, write a brief
summary detailing the recent accomplishments of officials in your own
town or city.
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Ohio!
Burr Oak State Park
Burr Oak State Park is part of miles of ridges and hollows that
make up the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. As a visitor, the terrain and beauty of the park will invite you to stay
and explore. Its woodlands contain different types of wildlife
including whitetailed deer, grouse, turtles and wild turkey. The
lake area has beaver and different kinds of waterfowl. The forest
boasts many oak and hickory trees. In the spring one might see flowers such as Dutchman's breeches, trillium, orchids, bloodroot, hepatica and
violets.
The Burr Oak area was once inhabited by Indians and pioneer settlers looking for game.
The park also attracted miners, coal was mined here for
many years. There are stories of many interesting characters who pioneered the area .
Burr Oak Lake was created in 1950 by the construction of the Tom Jenkins
Dam. In 1952, Burr Oak was designated a state park. If you like to fish,
you’ll enjoy its variety of fish, including largemouth bass,
crappie, bluegill and catfish.
The park includes 28 miles of hiking trails. Part of the
state's Buckeye Trail is located here. Other area
attractions include a portion of Wayne National Forest
and Burr Oak Cove.
The Newspaper Connection
Using old newspapers and art supplies, create a relief map of a park area
you would enjoy visiting. Include lists of animal and plant species
you would like to see in your new park. How many state parks are
within a 50 mile radius of your home?
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Ohio!
Wolf Run State Park
Wolf Run State Park is in the center of the Appalachian Plateau of
southeastern Ohio. The hills in the park were untouched by the glaciers
that passed over much of the state 12,000 years ago.
Different trees in the area include tulip poplar tree, sugar maple,
beech, black cherry, and white and red oak. The park is known for its
variety of plant life. Visitors might encounter mosses, algae, ferns,
fungi and lichens. Deer, gray squirrels, raccoons, skunks, weasels, bats,
black rat snakes, box turtles, wild turkey, grouse and great horned owls are
also among the many creatures that make this area an exciting place to visit.
Wolf Run State Park is near the town of Caldwell in Noble County. In 1795, the
Treaty of Greenville was signed. This ended the Indian threat in this part of Ohio.
The first settlers to the area were New Englanders traveling by way of Marietta.
Land acquisition for the park started in 1963. Construction of a dam and spillway for
the lake was completed in 1966. The lake was officially dedicated as a state park in
1968. The park received its name from the Wolf family, the first to settle in the area.
The lake is well known for fish catches of bluegill, crappie, trout, catfish and bass.
The area also has a three-mile section of the Buckeye Trail. The Buckeye Trail is a
1,200 mile trail that goes through or near the following Ohio places:
Bedford, Burton, Mogadore, Akron, Massillon, Bowerstown,
Belle Valley, Stockport, New Straitsville, Old Man’s Cave,
Scioto Trail, Sinking Spring, Shawnee, West Union,
Williamsburg, Loveland, Caesar Creek, Troy, St. Marys,
Delphos, Defiance, Pemberville, Norwalk, and Medina. This
trail follows the west side of the lake.
Another area attraction near the park is Seneca Lake of the Muskingum Watershed
Conservancy District.
The Newspaper Connection
Using a state map, connect all of the Ohio cities mentioned above. How many counties
does your line go through? How far is the closest mentioned city to your home?
Which is the farthest from your home? How many of these cities have you visited?
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Ohio!
The National Inventors Hall of Fame
The National Inventors Hall of Fame in Akron, Ohio “celebrates the creative
and entrepreneurial spirit of great inventors.” The National Inventors Hall of
Fame has exhibits and presentations for visitors to see. It is dedicated to inventors and the technological advances that have been made with their imaginations. Each year, the selection committee of the National Inventors Hall of Fame
Foundation votes to choose the most qualified inventors to be inducted. The
selection committee looks for the extent to which an invention promotes the
progress of science and useful arts, the contribution of the invention to the
nation's welfare, and whether the invention of the nominee is covered by a
United States Patent.
FAMOUS OHIO INVENTORS
Ohio is home to many inventors. Below is a list of a few of these famous Ohioans.
Charles Kettering, born in Loudonville; Salmon P. Chase, born in Cincinnati; Thomas
Alva Edison, born in Milan; Charles Stilwell, born in Fremont; Orville Wright, born in
Dayton; William Burton, born in Cleveland; Harvey Samuel Firestone, born in
Columbiana; Frank Seiberling, born in Western Star; Granville Woods, born in
Columbus; Elisha Gray, born in Barnesville; Lee Richardson, born in Columbus; Frank
Herzegh, born in Cleveland. Russell Slayter, born in Newark; Charles Strosacker, born
in Valley City; John Tytus , born in Middletown; Peter Neff, born in Gambier; James
Packard , born in Warren; Roy J. Plunkett, born in New Carlisle; James Ritty , born
in Dayton; Charles M. Hall, born in Thompson; Winston Kock, born in Cincinnati;
Charles F. Richter, born in Hamilton; Charles F. Brush, born in Euclid.
The Newspaper Connection
Do some research to find out what some of the Ohioans mentioned
above invented. Write a newspaper article about the new invention.
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Ohio!
Dorothy and Lillian Gish
Dorothy and Lillian Gish (De Guiche) were two of the earliest
American film stars. They were known first for their work in silent
films. They worked in D. W. Griffith films such as Orphans of the
Storm, filmed in 1922. Dorothy Gish was born as Dorothy
Elizabeth de Guiche in Dayton, Ohio on March 11, 1898. She made talking films, such as The Cardinal, but took less of the spotlight than her sister
Lillian. Lillian Gish was born Lillian De Guiche on October 14, 1896. She
remained more in the public eye than her sister, making earlier appearances in Birth of a Nation, Broken Blossoms, and Way Down East and in
other talking films such as Duel in the Sun, Night of the Hunter, and The
Comedians. She had roles in movies until she was in her 90s, appearing
with another film legend, Bette Davis, in the movie The Whales of August
in 1987.
One of the last great silent movies, The Wind, filmed in 1926, was also among the last
great movies for Lillian Gish. It was important that this movie was a success because
another movie she was in, Annie Laurie, a movie dealing with the massacre of Glencoe,
had received bad reviews the year before. The movie did so poorly at the box office that
her studio retitled it Ladies from Hell. Lillian chose to film The Wind, a sad story about
a Virginia girl who moves to a barren town in Texas. The movie was directed
by Victor Sjostrom, and was widely praised. Her supporting cast included
Lars Hanson, Montagu Love, and Dorothy Cummings. The weather was
an important factor when making this movie. At the end of the movie an
acclaimed scene features a desert storm. John Arnold's photography
impressed critics and the film was praised as a great artistic achievement even though financially it was not a success. Both Dorothy and
Lillian Gish have left important marks in the entertainment and film
history of Ohio.
The Newspaper Connection
Watch a movie that was produced in the 1950s or 1960s. Write a movie review for your
newspaper of the film that you have chosen to view. Make lists of all directors,
actors and actresses mentioned in yournewspaper today. Which list is longest?
Who is your favorite on the list? Why?
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Lake Erie
Ohio has been blessed with Lake Erie on its northern border. Lake Erie is one of the largest bodies
of freshwater in the world. Considering that nearly 99% percent of the
world's water supply is either frozen or saltwater, the Great Lakes are a
tremendous resource. Lake Erie, on the borders of New York,
Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan, ranks fourth in size of the five North
American Great Lakes. Lake Erie is 241 miles long and 57 miles across at
its widest point. The surface area of the lake is 9,910 square miles.
Lake Erie is the shallowest of the five lakes, with an average depth of
62 feet. The west basin is most shallow at 25 to 30 feet average depth. The
central basin, which has Cleveland Lakefront State Park, averages a
depth of 61 feet. The eastern basin is deepest at 210 feet. Many rivers
flow into Lake Erie, including the Detroit, the Huron, the Sandusky, the
Grand, and the Cattaraugus. The lake flows out into the Niagara River,
which goes over the Niagara Falls and into Lake Ontario.
During the 1800s, Ohio built canals that connected Lake Erie and the Ohio River. In the early
1920s, construction of the Erie Canal in New York state was almost finished. In 1822, the Ohio legislature created a commission to plan a canal system. In 1825, the Ohio General Assembly authorized the building of two canals. The major project was the Ohio and Erie Canal, traveling from
Cleveland to Portsmouth through the most heavily populated areas of central Ohio. The shorter
Miami Canal was approved to serve important business areas in southwest Ohio by linking Dayton
with Cincinnati.
During the last half of the 1800s, as railroads became more useful and important, the use of
canals in Ohio decreased. The state abandoned this canal system in 1913.
Industrial cities by the lake include Cleveland and Toledo in Ohio, Erie in Pennsylvania, and
Buffalo in New York. By the 1960s, Lake Erie was the most polluted of the Great Lakes, and most
organisms in the lake had died. A 1972 agreement between the United States and Canada to stop
polluting the water has resulted in a partial recovery of the lake.
Lake Erie, because of its higher nutrient levels and warmer temperatures, produces greater numbers and varieties of fish than any other Great Lake. The annual Erie fish catch nearly equals the
combined catches of all the other Great Lakes.
Lake Erie is a very important link in transportation routes. The Erie Canal links the Hudson
River with Lake Erie; the canal ends at Tonawanda, near Buffalo, on the Niagara River, eight miles
from the lake.
The Newspaper Connection
Consult your newspaper’s state weather map. Look for areas located near Lake
Erie. What are their average temperatures at this time of year?
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Ohio!
Ohio Lighthouses
Ohio is a great place to travel and see many wonderful lighthouses. There
are 16 lighthouses from Ohio featured on this page. In alphabetical order, the
Ashtabula Lighthouse comes first. It was built in 1916. No one knows when
the Cleveland East Entrance Lighthouse was built,
but the Cleveland East Pierhead Lighthouse was
built in 1910. Another Cleveland lighthouse,
the Cleveland West Breakwater Lighthouse
was built just a year later in 1911. If you are
in Conneaut, Ohio, you could see Conneaut
West Breakwater Lighthouse, built in 1936.
Fairport, Ohio is home to Fairport Harbor West
Lighthouse, built in 1925, while Huron, Ohio
boasts Huron Harbor Pierhead Lighthouse built in
1936. Lorain East Breakwater Lighthouse
is the next on our list. This lighthouse was
built in 1965 in Lorain. Marblehead
Lighthouse in Sandusky, was built in 1821,
50 years before Old Fairport Harbor Main Lighthouse was constructed in 1871. Perry's Victory Memorial Lighthouse on south Bass Island
in Lake Erie has a scenic view. Port Clinton Pier Lighthouse was built in 1900,
while Sandusky, Ohio showcases Sandusky Harbor Pierhead Lighthouse. As
our final stop, visitors in Vermilion, Ohio, might view Vermilion Lighthouse
built, in 1891.
The Newspaper Connection
A lighthouse is just one of many impressive building structures found in Ohio.
Imagine you are developing a new section of your town. Cut out pictures from the
newspaper which show different examples of building structures that you would
want in your new development.
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Ohio!
Ohio Fortune 500 Facts
Many facts about Ohio reveal why it is an important industrial area. Ohio is within 600
miles of 61 percent of the U.S. population. Sixty-three percent of America's retail businesses are within a day's drive. Sixty percent of its wholesale establishments and 80 percent of its corporate headquarters are nearby. No
single industry is dominant over another. Ohio is significant in
every industrial category. All of this is based on strong foundations of manufacturing, exports and technology. The
annual Gross State Product is around $376 billion. Ohio's
economy ranks in size with Australia and Switzerland. In
five years, 4,850 private companies invested more than $32.6
billion in buildings and equipment. These statements explain
why 21 of the world's 30 largest corporations have representation
in Ohio. Industry is vital to Ohio and its continued growth. Many
business companies are attracted to the state and often have
headquarters here. Many Fortune 500 companies are based in
Ohio. These companies include :* Procter & Gamble, *
Kroger, * Cardinal Health, * Federated
Department Stores, * Nationwide Insurance
Enterprise, * Dana, * Goodyear Tire and Rubber, *
The Limited, * National City Corp., * Keycorp, *
Eaton, * NCR, * American Electric Power, * Cinergy, *
FirstEnergy, * Owens-Illinois, * Progressive, * Owens Corning, *
Sherwin Williams, * Parker Hannifin, * MeadOfficeMax, * LTV,*
Consolidated Stores, and * American Financial Group.
The Newspaper Connection
Industry and business are important to any Ohio area. Look through your local newspaper and cut out articles and ads about area businesses. Are any of the area businesses connected to Ohio Fortune 500 businesses? After reading the ads and articles,
list what qualities businesses promote in their advertising to point out their successes.
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Ohio!
JOHNNY APPLESEED
John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, was a direct descendent of Edward
Chapman, who came to Boston in the 1640s and was a farmer and miller in Ipswich,
Massachusetts. John’s parents were Elizabeth and Nathaniel Chapman. John was born in
Leominster, Massachusetts on September 26, 1774. It was thought that his mother Elizabeth
suffered from an advanced case of tuberculosis. On June 26, 1776, Elizabeth gave birth to
another son. She died on July 18 and two weeks later the baby died. John and his sister were
cared for by relatives. John’s father later married Lucy Cooley and fathered 10 more children.
In the 1790s, Johnny Appleseed asked his half brother Nathaniel to accompany him on his
travels. The Chapmans worked their way westward from the Potomac to Fort Cumberland
planting apple trees and ministering to people. From Fort Cumberland, they might have followed Nemacolin's Path to the Monongahela, and then they were thought to follow the
Monongahela to Pittsburgh. This is a route that many New Englanders took because Indian
tribes were less likely to be encountered on this route. After John and Nathaniel arrived at
Pittsburgh, they went up the Allegheny River.
In 1800, John Chapman was recorded to have been in Licking County. This was about the
time that Congress began granting land to people from Canada and Nova Scotia who helped
fight the Britishduring the Revolution. Johnny helped plant trees on many of these sections of
land. He went ahead of settlers and developed the landscape of many areas. Records about
Johnny Appleseed reveal him to be a careful businessman who bought and sold land at the
beginning of the expansion of the American frontier.
Johnny visited the Mohican Country often because he felt he had been commissioned to
preach, to heal, and to help God take care of the pioneers. He planted his trees near
Loudonville, Perrysville, Mansfield, and the Indian village of Green Town. He was living in a
little cabin near Perrysville while completing his tasks. When asked why he was not afraid to
be by himself in the rough terrain, he replied that he could live in peace with all people,and he
would not be harmed as long as he lived by the law of love.
On March 18, 1845, he died of pneumonia in the home of his friend, William Worth, and
was buried not far from Ft. Wayne.
The Newspaper Connection
According to the Apple Marketing Council, there are 22 different varieties of
commercial apples grown for sale. Look through the paper to find
recipes which include different kinds of apples. List these different varieties. Name different foods that can be made with apples.
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Ohio!
Ohio Railroads
By the beginning of the 16th century, pioneer railways – horse-drawn wagons with
wooden wheels and rails - were used for mining in England and western Europe. By
the 18th century, improvements were made with the introduction of castiron wheels and rails.
The railroads were very important for Ohio's cities and towns.
Thousands of jobs were created when the railroad industry entered
the scene. Farmers and businessmen benefited because they were
linked to so many different markets. In England horse power
began to be replaced by the power of the steam engine. This was
accomplished when Richard Trevithick, John Blenkinsop, and
William Hedley successfully invented, built, and operated several steam locomotives between 1797 and 1813.
In 1827, merchants from Baltimore chartered the Baltimore
& Ohio Railroad. They hoped to increase trade with western states. The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad opened in
1830 and reached the Ohio River in 1852.
Railroad construction was started in Ohio by the mid-19th century, and by 1860,
Ohio had more miles of track than any other state. The first Ohio railroad was built
by workers in 1838. By the year 1850, there were 299 miles of railroad in Ohio. In
1860, the state's railroad system had grown to include 2,946 miles. This made Ohio
first in the nation for railroad construction. In 1908, the state had 9,581 miles of
track – the most that Ohio ever had.
As gasoline and cars became available after World War II, people used the railroads less and less. Today , Ohio has 6,140 miles of track.
The Newspaper Connection
Many settlers came to Ohio by wagon. They came by route of the National Road which went through the
middle of the state. Another mode of transportation that brought settlers was boat. The boats came
through the Ohio river and Lake Erie. In the 1830’s the railroads also brought many to Ohio.
The population of Ohio in 1803 was 70,000 and by 1850 it had increased to 1,980,329.
Look through the newspaper and make a chart showing the types of transportation you can
find that are available today. Which modes of transportation are most popular?
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Ohio!
Ohio Sports
The first game ever played by a professional baseball team, the Cincinnati Red Stockings
took place June 1,1869. The Cincinnati Red Stockings beat the Mansfield Independents, 48-14
in that first game.
In 1869, the Cincinnati Baseball Club played the entire season with all of its players under
contract. This is how the the era of professional baseball began.
Although no league was yet established, there were nearly 15 teams in the
upper clubs.
The Red Stockings defeated all of these teams — many of them
twice— making a record of 130 straight wins.
On February 2, 1876, the National League was
formed in New York City with the Cincinnati Red
Stockings as charter members. Other cities in the
league included Boston, Chicago, St. Louis, Hartford,
Louisville, New York and Philadelphia. The Reds and the
Chicago Cubs are the only teams that remain in the
National League today.
In June of 1970, Riverfront Stadium was completed at an approximate cost of $45 million.
The new park covered more than 48 acres, and could seat more than 52,000 fans.
Ohio is also home to several other professional and semi-professional teams. BASEBALL:
Cleveland Indians, Toledo Mudhens, Columbus Clippers, Cincinnati Reds, Akron Aeros,
Chillicothe Paints, Mahoning Valley Scrappers, Dayton Dragons BASKETBALL: Cleveland
Cavaliers, Columbus Quest FOOTBALL: Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns HOCKEY:
Columbus Blue Jackets, Columbus Chill, Mighty Ducks, Dayton Bombers, Toledo Storm
SOCCER: Columbus Crew
The Newspaper Connection
Use research to determine what type of sports activities were played in the 1800s. Were any
sports organized as a team? Did teams play other area teams in Ohio. Were articles written on
the results of these team games? Were there rules and regulations as to how
these games were played? Were these game rules recorded in writing? Sports
journalists today cover many more games than they would have had to cover if
they were journalists in the 1800s. Read a sports article from your newspaper.
Imagine you were a sports writer in the 1800s. Write an article about an authentic sports team from this time.
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Ohio!
Mohican State Park
Over 12,000 years ago during the Ice Age in Ohio, a land area was formed
known now as Mohican State Park. The natural forces of glacial waters developed the carving of a gorge which is the Clear Fork of the Mohican River. The
gorge is over 1,000 feet in width at the top and over 300 feet deep.
The Mohican State Memorial Forest surrounds the park and has many different plant and animal species. White, red and black oaks, red maple and
white pine trees cover the area. The park also contains sycamore, willow, buckeye, hawthorn and dogwood trees among others. As many as 15 different species of
ferns can be identified in the area. One rare fern, the walking fern, is an important
asset to the park.
If you are looking for animals, you may find raccoon, whitetail deer, skunk, opossum and red
fox. The wild turkey has made a comeback in Ohio and can also be seen here.
At one time, the Mohican State Park area was the hunting grounds for the Delaware
Indians. Some of their famous tribesmen included Bill Montour, Thomas Lyon, and Janacake.
Janacake was known as the ugliest man alive. James Smith was the first white man to settle
in the area. Smith was captured by the Indians and later they adopted him into their tribe.
During the War of 1812, the Indians were driven from their area. Visitors to this site included Johnny Appleseed who traveled the land during the 1800s. His name and a date are carved
in the wall of Lyons Falls and this attracts many visitors each year even though it has worn
away.
Before 1949, most of the area now known as Mohican State Park was part of the Mohican
State Forest. It was then named Clear Fork State Park. It wasn’t until 1966
that it was developed as Mohican State Park.
If you like to fish, the Mohican River is well known for smallmouth
bass, largemouth bass, carp, crappie, catfish, perch and bluegill.
Mohican is also one of the finest canoeing rivers in Ohio.
Other attractions to the area include Malabar State Farm,
Mohican State Memorial Forest, and Fowler Woods State Nature
Preserve.
The Newspaper Connection
Look for newspaper articles or photographs that describe the effects of
pollution on the environment and on the quality of life in a park or recreation area.
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Ohio!
Adams Lake State Park
Adams Lake State Park is in an area with many unique plants and animals. Between the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains to the east and
glacier land to the north and west, Adams County has as rich a selection of
plants as any area in Ohio. Adams County also has many prairies. Purple
Coneflower and Little Blue are best admired in their blooming season,
which is mid-summer.
Before the glaciers advanced, a great river called the Teays flowed through
Ohio. As the glaciers moved southward, they had a huge effect on the drainage
system by blocking rivers. The ancient Teays River was blocked and its waters
were backed up forming the Ohio River. The Teays River caused plants to be transported
into the park. Mountain laurel is one of these plants still found in the area.
Animals and birds such as songbirds, opossum, gray squirrel, raccoon and other mammals are a popular attraction.
Adenas and Hopewell once inhabited the Adams Lake region. The Hopewell culture
created Tremper Mound, located in Scioto County. At one time, the powerful Shawnee
Nation controlled the area of Adams Lake until trappers and traders took over. Pioneers
came soon after. Adams County was one of the original four counties of this district.
Adams Lake was originally constructed to provide drinking water for West Union. When
another county water system was developed, the state purchased the lake and its land in
1950. The park is composed of 95-acres.
Those interested in fishing will enjoy catching largemouth bass,
bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, bullhead and carp. All trails at
Adams Lake are found on the prairie and visitors are not permitted to wander from the established trails so the park can preserve
the unique plant life. Nearby, Shawnee State Forest includes the
largest contiguous woodland in the state. This area is often called
Ohio's Little Smokies.
The Newspaper Connection
Locate a newspaper article that discusses water concerns at the local and
state levels. Is there any political action taking place to resolve this water
issue?
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Ohio!
Alum Creek
Alum Creek has a large reservoir and many fields and wooded areas. The
park is located only minutes away from Ohio's capital city. It boasts Ohio's
largest inland beach.
There are cliffs of Ohio shale and many streams. The shale was formed as
mud washed into the sea that covered the area. The color of the rock is dark
because of a mixture of a carbonized plant material and mud that formed the
shale.
Trillium, wild geranium, bloodroot, and spring beauties are found in the the park.
The forest houses many animals including the fox squirrel, woodchuck, rabbit, whitetail deer and many others.
The Adena culture lived in this area over 2,000 years ago. Seven mounds, constructed by the
mound builders were identified along the creek. Six were excavated before the valley was flooded, but archaeologists did not believe that they were burial mounds. Later, the Delaware
Indian tribe occupied several villages near Alum Creek.
The Indians farmed a 400-acre cornfield in much of what is now the downtown area. These
Algonquin tribes entered Ohio in the 1700s. They were displaced from their homes in the
Delaware River valley by Iroquois tribes.
Colonel Moses Byxbe was one of the first settlers in the county. He built his home on Alum
Creek. He owned 8,000 acres on the creek and was the co-owner of 30,000 more. These were
military lands and he later sold them for $2.50 to $10 per acre.
The Sycamore Trail, which led the slaves toward freedom by the white bark of its tree, ran
along Alum Creek. Slaves waded in the waters of the creek as they left a
safe house in Westerville Ohio.
Over 40 miles of trail wind along through forests and ravines in the
park. Waterways offer fine catches of bass, bluegill, crappie, and walleye. The northern half of the park is best for finding squirrel and
deer, while in the southern section you will see rabbits and other animals. Other attractions near the park are Olentangy Caverns and
Highbanks Metro Park.
The Newspaper Connection
Colonel Moses Byxbe sold land for $2.50 to $10 per acre. Look through the
newspaper for land that is for sale. How much would an acre of land cost today?
If Colonel Byxbe sold the 8,000 acres he owned today, how much money would he
receive on his sale?
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Ohio!
Maumee Bay State Park
Maumee Bay State Park is one of the largest bodies of fresh
water in the world. Its history began in the Pleistocene glacial
period. One example of the glaciers’ movement are the small
scratches in the rock surface known as glacial striations.
The wetlands of the Maumee Bay contain more types of wildlife
than any other kind of habitat. One may see fox snakes, painted turtles, northern water snakes, frogs, spotted salamanders, raccoons,
muskrat, dragonfly, caddis flies, and water striders. Over 300 types of
birds have been seen in the area. The park also offers several prairies for its
visitors. It is hopeful that the Lake Erie shoreline will eventually entice the
bald eagle back to this area.
Over 13,000 years ago, Lake Erie was much larger than it is today. The lake
has receded to its present day size and a flat plain has formed. This area is
known as the Great Black Swamp and many Indians settled in this region.
In 1859, a law was passed allowing ditches to be built to drain the land. By
1870, the swamp was still only half cleared. Later, after
lumbering and draining, the swamp had basically
dried up and the area became an agricultural region.
In 1975, Maumee Bay officially became a state park.
The park has many attractions for its visitors. Lake
Erie has many fishing opportunities. It is well known
for its walleye. Other area attractions include three national
wildlife refuges and they are all located near the park.
The Newspaper Connection
Imagine that you are going to travel to Maumee Bay State Park for a fishing
trip. Read your newspaper and find all the articles and advertisements
that will aid you in purchasing supplies and making plans for your trip.
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Ohio!
Lake Hope State Park
If you are a nature lover, then Lake Hope State Park is your
spot to visit. Oak and hickory are common trees there, while
the woods hold a beautiful variety of shrubs and wildflowers.
The yellow ladyslipper, one of the rarest and most beautiful
orchids, blooms here. Deer and wild turkey are often seen in the
park.
Centered at the heart of Ohio's iron region, Lake Hope State Park
celebrates history. The Hope Furnace was built here over 100 years ago
to process the iron ore extracted from sandstone bedrock. The iron was
used to produce many different items, including ammunition for the
Union Army during the Civil War. By 1900, nearly all of the furnaces in
southern Ohio were shut down. Today, the Hope Furnace stack and some
of the foundation are all that remain of this historic time.
Lake Hope Forest Park was created in 1937 and Lake Hope State Park
was formed in 1949. Fish lovers will find catches of
bluegill, catfish, crappie and largemouth bass at
Lake Hope.
Fifteen miles of hiking trails surround the lake
and 33 miles of bridle trail are available.
Other area attractions include Hocking Hills
State Park, just 20 miles away.
The Newspaper Connection
Newspapers often have pictures or stories that include animals in them. Look through your
local newspaper to develop a list of names of animals you might find in your hometown. Make a list of animals found in these state parks. Compare the two lists. Are
any animals found in town that are also found in a state park area?
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Ohio!
The Shenandoah
Many years ago Ohioans were shocked to learn about an air disaster that hit the
world of aviation. The Navy dirigible U.S.S. Shenandoah, with 43 people on board,
was destroyed in a thunderstorm on September 3, 1925.
The U.S.S. Shenandoah was the first rigid airship built in the United States. It was launched
for the first time on September 4, 1923. The airship was designed and built by the United States
Navy. The Shenandoah was 680.2 feet
long,weighed 36 tons and used 2,115,000 cubic feet of
non-flammable helium gas. The first airship to use nonflammable helium, it could cruise at 5,000 miles with an average speed of 65 miles per hour.
Shenandoah is an Indian word for “daughterr of the stars.” Many remember the Navy dirigible for its beauty in the sky, while others remember it for that
fateful day. On that day the airship split into three sections as it fell near Caldwell,
Ohio. Fourteen men were killed. Twenty-nine on board survived the disaster. With
70-mile-per-hour winds, the storm tore apart the control cabin, resulting in the ship’s
plummet to the ground. Lieutenant Commander Zachary Lansdowne and seven crew
members were killed in the accident. Others were killed in the end section of the
craft. The front section was still aloft and carried seven men. As the ship was coming
down near farmland in the Ohio town of Sharon, crew men yelled down to a farmer
to grab the tail ropes. Ernest Nichols, the farmer, caught one rope and got it around
two tree stumps. Crewmen who jumped to safety asked for a gun to shoot toward the
bow to bring down the remainder of that section. Some people still remember all the
newspaper coverage of the event. It is still possible to find small pieces of the
wrecked airship at auctions or flea markets in Ohio.
The Newspaper Connection
Imagine someone in your town found a previously undiscovered piece of the
Shenandoah. Using a breaking news story style, write about the discovery for
your newspaper.
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Ohio!
TONI MORRISON
Toni Morrison was born in Lorain, Ohio on February 18, 1931 as Chloe
Anthony Wofford. She was the second of four children born to parents George
Wofford and Ramah Willis Wofford. Her parents moved to Ohio from the
South to escape racism and to find better opportunities, in the North. At
home, Chloe heard many songs and tales of southern black folklore. In
first grade, she was the only black student in her class and the only
one who could read. She was friends with many of her white schoolmates and did not encounter discrimination until she started dating.
She wanted to become a dancer and she also loved to read. A good
student, she graduated with honors from Lorain High School in 1949.
She graduated from Howard University, with a bachelor’s degree in
English and received her master’s degree from Cornell University. She
returned to work at Howard where she met and fell in love with a young
Jamaican architect, Harold Morrison. They married in 1958 and their first
son, Harold Ford, was born in 1961. Toni continued teaching while helping
take care of her family. She also joined a small writer's group as a small
escape from an unhappy married life. Her marriage deteriorated, and while
pregnant with their second child she left her husband, left her job at the university, and took
her son on a trip to Europe. Later, she divorced her husband and returned to her parents'
house in Lorain with her two sons. Morrison has had a long writing career, and has become
one of the most prominent authors of any color. Her book Song of Solomon won the National
Book Critics Circle Award in 1977. The book Beloved was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1987,
and was made into a movie. Morrison received the Nobel Prize for literature in 1993. She was
the senior editor at Random House from 1965 to 1985; professor at the State University of
New York from 1971 to 1972 and from 1984 to 1989; and has been a professor at Princeton
University since 1989.
The Newspaper Connection
Read a human interest story in your newspaper. Follow the same style of writing and
write a story about a new teacher who arrives in your town to teach at the one-room
schoolhouse. Refer to Ohio history books to make the story as authentic as possible.
What mode of transportation brought the teacher to your town? Where did he or she stay?
How much was rent where the teacher lived? What subjects did the teacher teach? How
did he or she teach all the different educational levels of students in the classroom?
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Ohio!
The Blue Hole
Maybe you’ve heard of the Blue Hole in Castalia, Ohio- it has been a tourist
attraction for years. What, you might ask, is so special about the Blue Hole? The
water in the Blue Hole is a blue-green color, and the legend is that the hole has
no bottom. The truth is, no one has figured out where the water comes from.
The water at the Blue Hole is about 70 feet deep. Water from an underground
source pushes to the surface by way of a small hole at the bottom. The water
never freezes- it has a constant temperature of 48˚ Fahrenheit. There is also no
life in the water because it contains no oxygen.
The Blue Hole pumps about 7,500 gallons of water per minute into nearby
Cold Creek, which runs into Lake Erie at Sandusky Bay. The scenic area of
Castalia is very inviting to visitors and many wonder about the origin of the
town’s name. In 1836 the village was named for the Fons Castalius Fountain
near Delphi, Greece because there were so many natural springs. The underground streams and rivers continuously pump out 450,000 gallons of water.
When Major Robert Rogers came across the area in 1761, it was known as
Junandat of Wyandot Town. He wrote that he was impressed with the beautiful springs. In 1810 Dorcastus P. Snow built a grist mill and a dam on the site.
Indians praised the great powers of the water believing it to cure many ailments.
For almost 60 years the Blue Hole was a popular tourist attraction. It closed
in 1990. Many tourists were disappointed about the closing, but the owners of
the area felt it was the right time and have seen a preservation of the area
because of the decision.
The Newspaper Connection
Compare Lake Erie’s area temperatures to the temperature found in the
water of the Blue Hole. How does oxygen affect aquatic life in the Blue
Hole?
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Ohio!
Treaty of Greenville
On August 20, 1794, the Battle of Fallen Timbers began in present-day Lucas County. The natives
believed that this was a good place to make their stand against the white men. Blue
Jacket, the Shawnee chief, and Tecumseh and their tribes were no match for the
Americans who used bayonets to fight the battle. Many of the natives retreated and
all soon realized that it was time to make a treaty.
General “Mad” Anthony Wayne and his assistant William Henry Harrison met
with Indian tribal leaders at Fort Greenville in June 1795. Tecumseh, a Shawnee
leader, would not sign a treaty with white men. Over 1,000 natives came to Fort
Greenville to discuss and decide the terms of the treaty. New boundaries were set
between American lands and native lands. The boundary is known as the Greenville
Treaty Line.
The treaty was between the United States of America and the tribes of Indians called the
Wyandottes, Delawares, Shawanees, Ottawas, Chippewas, Pattawatimas, Miamis, Eel Rivers, Weas,
Kickapoos, Piankeshaws, and Kaskaskias.
The Treaty of Greenville states: “The general boundary line between the lands of the United
States and the lands of the said Indian tribes, shall begin at the mouth of Cuyahoga river, and run
thence up the same to the portage, between that and the Tuscarawas branch of the Muskingum,
thence down that branch to the crossing place above fort Lawrence, thence westerly to a fork of that
branch of the Great Miami river, running into the Ohio, at or near which fork stood Loromie's store,
and where commences the portage between the Miami of the Ohio, and St. Mary's river, which is a
branch of the Miami which runs into lake Erie; thence a westerly course to fort Recovery, which
stands on a branch of the Wabash; thence southwesterly in a direct line to the Ohio, so as to intersect that river opposite the mouth of Kentucky or Cuttawa river. And in consideration of the peace
now established; of the goods formerly received from the United States; of those now to be delivered;
and of the yearly delivery of goods now stipulated to be made hereafter; and to indemnify the United
States for the injuries and expenses they have sustained during the war, the said Indian tribes do
hereby cede and relinquish forever, all their claims to the lands lying eastwardly and southwardly
of the general boundary line now described: and these lands, or any part of them, shall never hereafter be made a cause or pretense, on the part of the said tribes, or any of them, of war or injury to
the United States, or any of the people thereof.”
The Newspaper Connection
Using an Ohio map, find the Greenville Treaty Line as described in the
Treaty of Greenville. Find articles about conflict or wars in different parts
of the world today. Research the cause of each conflict. What are the
effects?
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.
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Ohio!
ZANE GREY
Western adventure author Zane Grey was born in Zanesville on January
31, 1872. He went to the University of Pennsylvania Dental School under
the name Pearl Zane Grey and played baseball for its varsity team. Zane graduated in 1896 and moved to New York
City, where he opened a dental office on West 74th
Street and lived nearby. Grey eventually gave up his
career as a dentist for a career as a writer. He married Lina Elise Roth on August 28, 1900. He borrowed $600 from Lina to publish Betty Zane, his
first complete novel. He formed his own motion-picture company in 1919, Zane Grey Productions, but
soon sold out to Jesse Lasky. Lasky and his partner,
Adolph Zukor, formed Paramount Pictures. Forty-six
movies were made from Zane Grey writings. A popular
book, The Spirit of the Border, was published in 1905.
Grey’s imagination produced over 90 books. Even after
his death on October 23, 1939, his publisher printed a
new Grey book each year for 20 years. His most popular
book was Riders of the Purple Sage, published in 1912. From 1917 until
1925, Zane Grey’s name never left the bestsellers lists. This is still a record
today. He was also the first American author millionaire.
The Newspaper Connection
Imagine you are a news journalist. Write a feature article about Lina Elise
Roth. Compose a list of ten questions that you would like her to answer
about her contributions to Zane Grey’s success. Avoid yes and no questions.
Brought to you by The Ohio Newspapers Foundation, the Ohio Newspaper In Education Committee and the Ohio
Bicentennial Commission. Written by: Noreen Dye, Mount Vernon News; Janis Gibbs, Delaware Gazette;
Michelle Hartman, Mount Vernon News; and Sue Ann Taylor, The Vindicator.