Zane's Trace at Kirker's Farm, Adams County, Ohio

What a beautiful day, yesterday.  I stopped to get a closer look at Governor Kirker’s house, on the edge of Zane’s Trace.  Yes, that Zane’s Trace, the frontier road built in 1796.   Thomas Kirker was the second governor of Ohio, from 1806-1808.  The farm is still in the Kirker family.

Looking for a Workout?

If a walk along the meandering trails at Hopewell Croft isn’t enough, take advantage of the new Manchester Educational and Activity Center (MEAC).  This brand new facility has weight-training machines, various free motion weight-training pieces, as well as cardiovascular machines, and an indoor track. They are also equipped with satellite radio and television and have wireless connectivity.  Towel service is available.  A daily guest pass is $5, or get a monthly membership for $25.  130 Wayne Frye Drive, Manchester, Ohio.  937-549-4777 (opt 7).  Find out more at www.MEAC.life

Summer Solstice at Serpent Mound

Summer Solstice is almost here and the celebration at Serpent Mound starts Friday, June 19. Serpent Mound, an effigy mound in Adams County, Ohio that is also a National Historic Landmark, is just 40 minutes from Hopewell Croft.  

Brad Lepper, who will be speaking at Serpent Mound on Saturday June 20, said, “We may not have answers for all our questions, but we can walk where the ancient American Indians walked, see the same Sun slowly sink below the same horizon, and acknowledge the powerful connection between the lives of these ancient people and our own.” 

The Arc of Appalachia manages the park. They will be celebrating the “Festival of the Setting Sun” the entire weekend. There will be guided hikes, American Indian living history demonstrations and special activities for children and an American Indian inspired dinner, by advance registration. Steve Free, who provided the music for the Hopewell Croft opening party, will be performing on Saturday at 3 PM. Saturday, at 8 PM, the silent sunset watch will begin, with torch lighting at 9. Visit The Arc’s website for the full schedule of events.  

Also visit the website of the Friends of Serpent Mound for information on more vendors, speakers, food, music, and drumming.  

A Visit to Grant's Birthplace

What a beautiful day for a visit to Grant’s Birthplace. We joined the crowd for the book launch and signing with G. L. Corum, author of “Ulysses Underground: The Unexplored Roots of U. S. Grant and the Underground Railroad.” Adams County was a beehive of abolitionist activity in the years before the Civil War.  This cabin is less than an hour from Hopewell Croft.