Historic Zoar Village volunteers keep history alive with over 7,000 volunteer hours
Summary: Dozens of volunteers give of their time and skills to keep a very important piece of Tuscarawas County history alive. These individuals were recognized at a luncheon in the Zoar Schoolhouse on November 6."Why is history important? It is our heritage. It is who we are, and why we are here," stated Dee Grossman, director of the Tuscarawas County Convention and Visitors' Bureau as she addressed those gathered in the old Zoar Schoolhouse for the Historic Zoar Village volunteer appreciation luncheon on November 6. "Here at Zoar, we see 90 years of communal living. That has never been heard of before. Our history is important to us."
Grossman, who was guest speaker for the event, went on to commend the volunteers gathered for the time they have given to keep the village a vital and important site for tourism in the county.
"There have been over 7,000 hours in volunteer time given so far in 2011. That is just amazing. 200 people live in Zoar. Without you, we wouldn't be here as a village."
Jenny Donato, Zoar site director, explained how tourism has grown in recent years.
"In 2009, when the Ohio Historical Society last managed Zoar Village, there were 6,000 visitors recorded. In 2010, when we took over running the site locally, there were 10,642. And now, up to this point in 2011, and before we even have our popular Christmas in Zoar event, we have had 18,564 individuals tour our village. That is phenomenal growth, and we could not do this without you, our volunteers," noted Donato gratefully.
The theme of the luncheon was Volunteers are an Important "Piece" of Zoar, with a puzzle piece motif. Staff members repeatedly described the efforts in keeping the historic village going as requiring the participation of a wide variety of individuals, many of whom spoke up with their reasons for volunteering.
"My dad went to school here," explained Zoarite descendent Scott Gordon, who helped in the gardens in 2011.
Volunteer Ramon Murray, who was recognized for personally contributing over 600 hours of work in the Zoar garden, proudly pointed to the spot where he was seated.
"I attended school right here in this room," said Murray. "In fact, I sat right about where I am sitting at this very moment."
As volunteers stepped forward, it was obvious that each had given of their own particular gifts to benefit the historic site's operation.
Volunteers like Scott Reynolds, the Zoar Village blacksmith, travel miles to lend their particular skills. Reynolds drives to the village each Saturday from his home in Ashland County. New volunteer Don Beamer is in training to be a village tinsmith. Others dress in costume as well, serving as interpreters in the Town Hall and other buildings. Some work extensively with school and homeschooled groups, while other individuals lead guided tours. Still other volunteers demonstrate timeless skills like weaving, candle making, baking, or even old-time laundry techniques for visitors. Volunteers man the general store, organize and sell tickets, and serve on the board of directors. Some find that they are best known for the parts they play during special events in the village, such as the famed 'ghost tours'. Edith Price and Bev Crank, for example, have made a name for themselves for portraying the ghost of the 'mean spirited spice lady', frightening the wits out of visitors to the Zoar kitchen during the nighttime tours. There are also the volunteers who do just about everything, such as Mike Kasco, Jr., who has made himself indispensible to the Zoar Village staff as well as to the residents of the village.
"Mike has been a Godsend to others in the community, too, helping those of us who can no longer take care of our properties like we used to," noted one older resident in attendance.
According to Zoar staff, the manpower hours donated to Historic Zoar Village in 2011 have a value of over $153,000. Truly, volunteers are a critical piece of the success of Zoar.
To find out more about becoming a volunteer for Historic Zoar Village, contact Donato at 330-874-3011 or online at www.zca.org.