Everyone encouraged to step into history during annual Travel Tusc event on Tuscarawas County Courthouse lawn

  • By Jennifer Kneuss
  • May 16, 2011
  • 267
Everyone encouraged to step into history during annual Travel Tusc event on Tuscarawas County Courthouse lawn
Everyone encouraged to step into history during annual Travel Tusc event on Tuscarawas County Courthouse lawn
Everyone encouraged to step into history during annual Travel Tusc event on Tuscarawas County Courthouse lawn
                        
Summary: In spite of threatening skies and a rainy downpour, the third annual Travel Tusc program took place recently in New Philadelphia. This year, the event also included Civil War 150 Ohio commemorative activities. “Erected to my brave and gallant comrades of Tuscarawas County who fell in defence of our glorious Union, by a member of the 51st Ohio Vols. 1861-1866”. So reads the inscription at the base of the Civil War soldier statue in front of the Tuscarawas County Courthouse in New Philadelphia, where it has stood since it was erected in 1887 by Major Henry Kaldenbaugh. Indeed, Tuscarawas County is significant in the part it played in the Civil War era, which began 150 years ago. Today, many of the tourism sites that emphasize our rich heritage are in some way connected to the Civil War. The county can boast that rebel Colonel William C. Quantrill, of the famous Quantrill’s Raiders, is buried at the Fourth Street Cemetery in Dover, and that some of his possessions are on display at the J.E. Reeves Home and Museum. Union Cemetery in Uhrichsville is home to a battle tableau and Civil War veteran’s graves, including that of black soldier Charles Stewart. Each September, Zoar Village hosts a Civil War Re-enactment weekend in remembrance of the brave soldiers who fought during our nation’s most divisive period. With the 150th anniversary of the war upon us, Civil War 150 Ohio and the Tuscarawas County Convention and Visitors’ Bureau joined forces on May 14 to kickoff not only the beginning of the 2011 – 2015 Civil War sesquicentennial, but also to focus on all that Tuscarawas County has to offer for the 2011 tourism season, with the Travel Tusc program featuring local tourism sites. Together, the two entities provided an afternoon of education, re-enactments, food, and fun for the entire family on the Courthouse lawn. “Tourism is important in Tuscarawas County,” noted local New Phila Canoe Livery operator Eric Reip, who had a canoe on display to illustrate the recreational opportunities offered by the Tuscarawas River. “It is a quality of life issue. There are more of these quality of life events going on in the area now, just like the volunteer project of Mary Jo Monte with the kayak race that will be taking place on the river soon. These are all nice little events for families.” “There were quite a few children here today,” continued Reip. “This was historical, rather than recreational, but the children definitely learned some things.” AmeriCorps Civil War coordinator Kate McFadden organized the first hour of the event, which was attended by approximately 200 people. Canton attorney Darrell Markijohnin was on horseback, playing a character attempting to ‘recruit’ men and boys to join the ranks of the Civil War soldiers. Musical selections were presented, and members of York School’s 5th grade class gave a presentation, originally performed by Red Skelton, on the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance. “This is our third year for Travel Tusc,” said Dee Grossman, of the Tuscarawas County Convention and Tourism Bureau. “We always try to do it during National Travel Week, usually in the first part of May. We want to remind residents of how important tourism is to economic development, bringing dollars back to their communities.” Grossman noted that the Bureau is again presenting the popular Passport to History program for county residents. “Passport to History booklets are going quickly again, and we will most likely run out of them again this year. We have twenty five participants, from buy a ticket and get one free offers, along with percentage off savings Trumpet in the Land is offering a free night for families, too – absolutely free! All of these deals are good for May through June, and with the family passport, the entire family can participate.” Passport to History booklets can be picked up at the TCCVB Center on East High Avenue in New Philadelphia. “Today was a good day for everyone,” said Grossman. “Dover Historical Development Corporation provided free hot dogs for guests, and we had a lot of other free snacks - caramel corn, ice cream, cheese, just all kinds of things. We are very happy with the turnout. Every year it grows.”


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