Bringing the past to life at the J.E. Reeves Home
The J.E. Reeves Home was bustling with excitement for a dinner party over the weekend. Even though the house staff was busy getting everything ready, they had time to show tour groups around the home, allowing the groups to see what life was like in 1904 Dover high society and tell them what life was like for those supporting the socialites.The night was part of the tradition of the living history exhibit held annually at the J.E. Reeves Home and Museum but this year the Dover Historical Society sought to reinvent the tradition by expanding the program. This year the living history included students from the Dover High School drama department and increased the number of actors from one to nine.
"This year is the fifth version of the living history since we started in 2006. This year we added many new characters along with portraying real-life individuals for the first time," said Matt Lautzenheiser, director of the J.E. Reeves Home and Dover Historical Society. "Thanks to a generous grant from the Dewey H. and Irene Moomaw Foundation, the purpose of which was to expand the living history program and join with the Dover High School drama department in doing so. We had eight students from the high school portray various roles in the exhibit, including real life personas of Edward J. Horn and Lillian Reeves."
The living history exhibit, one of 13 events being held this year by the Dover Historical Society, took place on the evening of Friday, April 16, and Saturday, April 17, and will be held again on Friday, April 23, at 6:30 and 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 24, at 6:30, and again on Sunday, April 25, at 3 p.m.
"So far we've had great crowds for the shows," continued Lautzenheiser. "It fills a gap in the types of activities that draw crowds. Many of the people who come through the living history exhibit have been at the home before, but this offers a chance to tour it in a different way. The visitors so far have raved about the performance this year. Everything has been positive."
"It's a really great way for people to learn a lot about the history of Dover," said museum curator Kim Jurkovic. "Even if you don't know it, just by listening to the stories you learn so much about the history of the town, from mentions of tin town, the old children's home and most importantly the mill. It's been a great addition to the programs here at the museum and I hope that we stirred some interest in the kids from the high school from them taking part in this."
Along with engaging high school students in the living history, Dover's third-graders will be able to tour the house and see the living history exhibit for free during the week of April 26. Funding for the field trip was made possible through the Moomaw Foundation and Tuscarawas Valley Heritage.
"It's important to get kids of all ages involved," said Lautzenheiser. "It's important to know what life was like before and learn about those who came before them. And I'd like to thank both Tuscarawas Valley Heritage and the Moomaw Foundation for making it possible."
"I was privileged to play the role of Lillian Reeves, the youngest daughter of the Reeves," said Stephanie Bond, a junior at Dover High School. "Knowing little about the Reeves before accepting this role, I have gained a much deeper knowledge, not only of my character, but also of the rest of the family. In these past few weeks, I have had the opportunity to step into the life of a young woman who is being pursued by the town's wealthiest businessman. It's 1904, and the differences between now and then are quite eye-opening. The set of restrictions for women were plenty and of high standard; I feel privileged to have the freedom of individuality.
"[The] living history is an excellent way of incorporating knowledge and entertainment. Not only is the audience presented with an intriguing show, but they are also absorbed in a learning process. Ultimately, living history is a fun, creative way to inform society of their background," Bond said.