Ohio Village Independence Weekend Festivities

Written by

Dani and Andrew Livelsberger

Photography by

Andrew Livelsberger

Background

The Ohio Village is a seasonally open section of the Ohio History Center that recreates life in the era of the 1890's America.

During the weekend of July 6th, the Ohio Village opens its doors to fun games and activities for the family, an opening ceremony, and an 1890's era base ball game with period appropriate rules.

Impression

A step outside the Ohio History Center's doors to the pathway to the Ohio Village is always a treat.  Even during times when there is no special events going on, there is a lot to take in.  When there is an event, much like the Independence Weekend  Festivities, you'll need to pace yourself!  Luckily, the agenda for the day's activities will help you decide which events you'd like to attend and when.

Opening Ceremony

The mayor of the town addressed those in attendance.  Giving a rousing Independence Day speech and a toast.

He also introduced political candidates and gave women's suffrage supporters an opportunity to speak about their cause.

Ohio Village Muffins Base Ball

The Ohio Village Muffins Reds and Whites played a game on this day as well.  The game is similar to modern baseball, but the rules are slightly different.  Pitching is done underhanded, and if a ball is caught after being hit and one bounce, that is considered an out.  The equipment is also different as the ball is much softer and no gloves are used.

Other Images From The Day

Here are some other shots from the day.

Arnold Fitness Expo 2019 - Guns and Hoses - One Shot!

Written/Photography by Andrew Livelsberger

Location:  Voinovich Center, Ohio State Fairgrounds

At the end of the third round, bloodied but still on his feet, this Guns and Hoses competitor showed strength and tenacity in all three rounds of his fight.

The annual Guns and Hoses boxing exhibition is one of the highlights of the Arnold Fitness Expo.  This year, it was held in the Voinovich Center at the Ohio State Fairgrounds.

There are still 3 full days of Expo, competitions and events.  Don't miss out on this world class sporting festival.

Spring Grove Cemetery

Written by Dani and Andrew Livelsberger

Photography by Andrew Livelsberger

Background:

A full history from the Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum can be found HERE.

Having a need to handle the internment needs of the city during the 1830/1840 cholera epidemics, city professional leaders and the Cincinnati Horticultural Society formed a cemetery association in 1844.

The goal was to find a place for a cemetery that was big enough to handle the needs of the city, but not be infringed upon by expansion. In addition, the association wanted it to handle funeral needs as well as house many kinds of plants, trees, and flowers.  The members traveled all over the United States and Europe for inspiration and ideas.

Over its 150 year history, the Spring Grove Cemetery has been a leader in cemetery design.

Impression:

When you first enter into the cemetery grounds, you realize you are in some place special.  The architecture and layout definitely hit the mark on what the original founders and designers wanted to do.

Old world architecture in the buildings, art deco designs and more modern flow together seamlessly.  The paths and roads wind you about into different areas and there seems to be something awesome to see at every turn.

This is an area that I think you could visit for months and years and be able to find something new and interesting.  Not only that, but the look and feel of the area could change even based on the seasons!

Walking about, we saw signs that showed community activities are even held here.

Some of you might be thinking that a cemetery is an odd place for community events.  However, remember that this cemetery was built with this kind of thing in mind.   We can still give respect to those interned here and serve the community by using the space.  Also, having the resources of the community will provide additional funds to help maintain the space.

Looking at the headstones, you'll notice that there are large varieties here.  More so than I think I've ever seen at any other cemetery.
There are your more modern monolith shapes, Washington Monument shaped obelisks, and flat to the ground stones and plates.

I think this makes the more unique markers and stones stand out.  There are ones with multiple tiers, built up shapes, busts and the like.

You also have various types of mausoleums and church structures.  As seen below, these structures are large, beautifully built.  From afar they have one kind of beauty, but then looking closer at the details, you'll see the inspired architecture that went into these buildings.   A great example of this is the building below, we lovingly nicknamed "Goth Building". 

The first image is the front from afar, then the next image that follows is the details in the arches that are on either side of the main doors.

Then we can pull further back and see these fantastic views with large beautiful buildings in the background.

Maybe we are weird, but there is a beauty and serenity in places of internment.  Spring Grove Cemetery makes that even more so by not just being a place of internment, or of final rest.  No, the designers decided to make this a place that is part of the community.  It is a place where the lives of those that came before us can be celebrated.  We remember them not only by the names on the stones, but also by making the cemetery space a viable, useful area for those still wandering the surface.

So, next time you think about a place to go and just be - think about visiting and learning about the souls that are here at their final rest.

Ohio State Fair 2018 - High School Rodeo

Written by Dani and Andrew Livelsberger

Photography by Andrew Livelsberger

Background:

The 2018 Ohio State Fair has recently concluded with another successful year.  The standard events and fair type activities were present.  This year, we had the opportunity to cover the High School Rodeo competition.

Impression:

Within the dimly lit Taft Coliseum of the state fairgrounds, the 2018 Ohio State Fair hosted high school rodeo competition events.

Boys and girls competed in different age groups.  All competitors came out at the beginning of the event for an opening ceremony.  This rider, representing the United States Army carried this flag for a few laps around the arena.

One of the first events was cattle roping.  In this event, the rider follows after a calf and must use their lasso to rope the calf around the neck.  Riders are going for the quickest times.

Below, steer wrestling requires the contestant to use nothing but their arms to get the steer laying flat on the ground.

One of the most popular events, the barrel race, where there are 3 barrels in the arena and the riders must ride a complete circle around all three and then race back to their starting position.

While we have seen rodeo events in the past, I've never seen one with participants so young.  They did a fantastic job in all the events.  If you ever get to see these youngsters in action, you will not be disappointed!

Ohio History Connection's March Through Time Event

Written/Photography by Andrew Livelsberger

Background:

Quoted from the Ohio History Connections website:
"Explore Ohio's military history during March Through Time! Learn how the uniforms, weapons and gear of Ohio soldiers have evolved through time. Reenactors will be spread throughout the Village representing the various conflicts involving Ohio and its people."

Impression:

To be totally honest, I totally didn't remember this event was going on.  We went to the Ohio History Center and Ohio Village to introduce it to a few friends of ours who have never been.  However, like a good photographer and reporter, I always have a camera with me!  I'm glad I did as it would have been a shame to not be able to cover the March Through Time!

Reenactors covered the time period from the German Renaissance through the 1970's.

There was a WW1 station inside the center, where they discussed the uniforms and weaponry from that time.

Browning Automatic Rifles, Springfields on display

Outside at the Ohio Village, WW2 reenactors from the American and German side setup camps and moved about the village.

There were even some from the American Revolutionary War period.  They explained battle tactics of the day, their armaments and fielded any questions the crowd may have had.

The Ohio History Connection is a fabulous and often forgotten about place.  They have events like this all the time!  Just check out their website to see all that is coming up.  Even if there are no events coming soon, there are plenty of exhibits inside to keep you busy and learning for hours!   There are event rotating exhibits, so make sure to check back often for the newest features!