Annual Greenfield History Day set for Oct. 1
Lead Summary
By
Harold Schmidt-
October 1 is the day of Greenfield Historical Society's fifth annual History Day. Events this year will center around the Underground Railroad and the Civil War. We have made arrangements with Anthony Gibbs, a professional re-enactor from Canal Winchester, to be present and tell the story of John Parker. Mr. Gibbs will also present Parker's story to the fifth grade students at Buckskin and Rainsboro on Sept. 30.
John Parker was not a Greenfielder, but he has an exciting story. He bought his freedom in Alabama and settled in Ripley. There he began a successful iron foundry and became a respected businessman. He was an important part of the Underground Railroad in the Ripley area, working along with John Rankin and other abolitionists in helping slaves escape to freedom.
In addition to Mr. Gibbs, Robert Lanning, a local fourth grader and son of Bob and Nichole Lanning, will be sharing his extensive knowledge of the Civil War. Robert has been an ardent student of the Civil War from a very early age. Everyone who listens to Robert comes away with new knowledge about the war that abolished slavery in the United States.
Paul Orr and John Fitzgerald are also new presenters this year. Paul will be singing Negro spirituals, while John will be presenting the character of Levi Coffin. Coffin was a prominent abolitionist from Cincinnati.
Earlene Scott and Susan Long will be present again this year sharing their knowledge and skills. Susan will again be on the pump organ for two entertaining recitals. Earlene has been doing research for her presentation as Druscilla Blackburn. Mrs. Blackburn had a very eventful life in Greenfield. Her son was killed by a stray bullet from a local saloon, she marched in the women's raid on the saloons in Greenfield in 1865, and her husband was tried for the murder of a young woman.
Plans also include a display of Civil War memorabilia using the society's archives and items on loan from members and friends.
Several crafters will be present demonstrating their skills including a quilter, wood carvers and a chair caner. The barnyard will be open for the annual Attic Sale. Vendors will be set up selling antiques, farm produce, jewelry, baskets, note cards, homemade kitchen products and just about anything you could imagine. The society will have a booth selling books and other souvenirs. There will be plenty of spaces available. Call (937) 981-4986 for more information.
While enjoying the activities of the day, visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy good food. Delicious bean soup with cornbread, smoked pork sandwiches, desserts and soft drinks will be available in the Grain and Hay Building. Again this year, Chris Dodds will be smoking the pork loins in front of the building.
The event will be held 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with lunch beginning at 11 a.m. and presentations throughout the day.
The annual History Day serves two purposes for the society. First, it gets visitors to visit the society's historical complex and learn about Greenfield's history. Secondly, it is a major money maker for the society. With operating costs continuing to rise, the society needs to keep up its fundraising efforts. History Day provides a means to accomplish both purposes. Visitors are invited to see a part of Greenfield's history, learn something new, find a bargain, enjoy good food and visit with friends while supporting the work of the Greenfield Historical Society.[[In-content Ad]]
John Parker was not a Greenfielder, but he has an exciting story. He bought his freedom in Alabama and settled in Ripley. There he began a successful iron foundry and became a respected businessman. He was an important part of the Underground Railroad in the Ripley area, working along with John Rankin and other abolitionists in helping slaves escape to freedom.
In addition to Mr. Gibbs, Robert Lanning, a local fourth grader and son of Bob and Nichole Lanning, will be sharing his extensive knowledge of the Civil War. Robert has been an ardent student of the Civil War from a very early age. Everyone who listens to Robert comes away with new knowledge about the war that abolished slavery in the United States.
Paul Orr and John Fitzgerald are also new presenters this year. Paul will be singing Negro spirituals, while John will be presenting the character of Levi Coffin. Coffin was a prominent abolitionist from Cincinnati.
Earlene Scott and Susan Long will be present again this year sharing their knowledge and skills. Susan will again be on the pump organ for two entertaining recitals. Earlene has been doing research for her presentation as Druscilla Blackburn. Mrs. Blackburn had a very eventful life in Greenfield. Her son was killed by a stray bullet from a local saloon, she marched in the women's raid on the saloons in Greenfield in 1865, and her husband was tried for the murder of a young woman.
Plans also include a display of Civil War memorabilia using the society's archives and items on loan from members and friends.
Several crafters will be present demonstrating their skills including a quilter, wood carvers and a chair caner. The barnyard will be open for the annual Attic Sale. Vendors will be set up selling antiques, farm produce, jewelry, baskets, note cards, homemade kitchen products and just about anything you could imagine. The society will have a booth selling books and other souvenirs. There will be plenty of spaces available. Call (937) 981-4986 for more information.
While enjoying the activities of the day, visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy good food. Delicious bean soup with cornbread, smoked pork sandwiches, desserts and soft drinks will be available in the Grain and Hay Building. Again this year, Chris Dodds will be smoking the pork loins in front of the building.
The event will be held 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with lunch beginning at 11 a.m. and presentations throughout the day.
The annual History Day serves two purposes for the society. First, it gets visitors to visit the society's historical complex and learn about Greenfield's history. Secondly, it is a major money maker for the society. With operating costs continuing to rise, the society needs to keep up its fundraising efforts. History Day provides a means to accomplish both purposes. Visitors are invited to see a part of Greenfield's history, learn something new, find a bargain, enjoy good food and visit with friends while supporting the work of the Greenfield Historical Society.[[In-content Ad]]