Hovis paints picture of tradition in Holmes County
Holmes County Republican Party chairman Rob Hovis delivered an impassioned speech during the Holmes County bicentennial celebration that focused on the many Holmes County traditions that make the county so special.
Holmes County native Rob Hovis appreciates the little things that make up Holmes County.
He also recognizes the traditions that have helped craft a county that is respected and beloved by both its inhabitants and visitors alike, and during his time at the podium during the Holmes County bicentennial celebration on June 30 in the Holmes County Courthouse, Hovis spoke glowingly about the many traditions that have made Holmes County what it is today.
Hovis said a milestone such as a bicentennial is the perfect time to ponder the treasures the county has been blessed to experience over the past 200 years.
Having lived and worked in several other counties before settling into Holmes County the past 35 years, Hovis said people who live in other counties tend to consider themselves to be residents of whatever town from which they hail.
He said Holmes County is different because people here tend to consider themselves to be a resident of Holmes County when asked by others, something he said hearkens to the importance the county plays in people’s lives here.
“There is a tradition here of a Holmes County identity, which I find unique,” Hovis said.
Hovis said the county is continually among the lowest in unemployment rate, which goes hand in hand with a strong work ethic.
He said there is a tradition of self-reliance where one takes care of one’s own problems, not waiting to take advantage of a government agency or charity.
Then he said, more importantly, rather than wait for help, there is an attitude of desiring to help others in need.
“When someone needs help, they get back on their feet and then pay it forward,” Hovis said.
Hovis said Holmes County Share-A-Christmas shines as a perfect example, stating he has seen people come in and volunteer or donate, only to tell their story of how SAC had helped them several years prior and how they wanted to return that favor of kindness.
He went on to talk about how people here pay their debts and exhibit a sense of honoring those in positions of law and order, along with the rights of their neighbors.
“We have lower crime statistics than in other counties, and there are still people here who routinely leave houses and automobiles unlocked, usually with no problems,” Hovis said.
He talked about the tradition of volunteerism in Holmes County, which has been blessed with many nonprofit organizations that have arisen.
“There are literally hundreds of nonprofit organizations that have been formed in this county because someone saw an unmet need and decided to act,” Hovis said, noting area businesses and individuals step up and help fund those organizations and benefits.
Another area of tradition is a healthy respect for the educational systems in the county, where each district is highly rated in Ohio.
He also said there is a tradition of respect for quality craftsmanship in both the trades and in crafting products, and the county is blessed with a fine library system and a gem in Pomerene Hospital.
However, he said what drives the county is the tradition of getting along with one another, neighbor helping neighbor, helping to support and encourage one another whenever possible.
He said that is evident because roads are shared by cars, trucks, bicycles, buggies and motorcycles, and there is a mutual respect between the English and Amish members who habitat the county, and while there may be differences in lifestyles, there is a healthy respect among all people.
And as the county celebrates its bicentennial, Hovis said there is a fine respect for the past and the work and effort those who came before put into building the county into one that is thriving on every level.
“We remember how we got here,” Hovis said. “In Holmes County it is not a bad thing to like old things.”
He went on to talk about Holmes County’s effective and efficient government, where the county’s debt is small and the economy is growing, providing stability and continuity to the county government.
He said there is a tradition of respecting nature, both in wildlife and the beautiful landscape that attracts thousands of visitors each year, something he said should never be taken for granted.
Hovis said all the aforementioned traditions are the treasures of Holmes County.
“These traditions are who we are as a county,” Hovis said. “I hope that in 100 years there will be a gathering for the tricentennial of Holmes County by civic-minded people who will celebrate. People in positions of leadership today will determine what will be said in that celebration. I hope the treasures I’ve mentioned will be preserved and handed on to the third century.”