It’s hard to imagine anyone in the western world hasn’t at least heard of the Red Cross. They’re the blood drive people, right? While it is true that they provide more than 40% of blood products in this country, they do much more than collect and distribute blood donations. According to their website, redcross.org, this amazing organization, founded in 1821 by Clara Barton, works to relieve suffering when it occurs but also to stop it from happening in the first place when that is possible. They do this by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.​ So, while collecting blood donations plays a significant role in their task, this is definitely not the only job the Red Cross does.

According to Sharon Kesselring, executive director of American Red Cross of the Ohio River Valley, the Red Cross has had a presence in the Mid-Ohio Valley since 1917. Since its beginnings in the early twentieth century, when it serviced only Parkersburg, the chapter has grown until it now provides for fifteen counties in West Virginia and four in Ohio. And those services include disaster relief and training of various kinds, such as first aid certification classes and swimming lessons.

During the pandemic, Kesselring said the local chapter, as was true for the whole country, faced challenges, the chief being, fulfilling their congressionally mandated mission. Unlike many businesses and organizations, though, the Red Cross did not have the option of simply shutting down. Disasters didn’t stop and people didn’t stop needing blood products, so for the most part work continued with enhanced safety protocols in place.

While some less urgent services, such as smoke alarm installation and certain activities to enhance preparedness were curtailed, every other job they do continued, though in many cases with fewer personnel. Existing paid staff had to fill in several gaps while hiring freezes were in place and volunteers were unavailable. Despite having to take temperatures at entrances, wear masks at all times, social distance, and increase sanitization practices beyond already stringent standards, blood drives and other critical services continued.

We will continue to help our supporters and those yet to support to understand how much their gifts of time, money, and blood make a difference in both their neighbors’ lives and those they don’t even know.

“Technology upgrades occurred practically overnight,” Kesselring said, allowing some types of disaster response to become virtual. Sometimes, though, the situation calls for boots-on-the-ground response and the Red Cross was there whenever such an emergency arose. An added service that has come as a result of COVID-19 is antibody testing of all donations. “Beyond this, the Red Cross led a coalition of blood banks to provide convalescent plasma for hospital patients,” Kesselring said.

In looking to the future, Kesselring said the need for her organizations services grows each year. And she wanted to make it clear that the Red Cross is not a government agency, but a non-profit organization, one that relies on the generosity of donors.

“We will continue to help our supporters and those yet to support to understand how much their gifts of time, money, and blood make a difference in both their neighbors’ lives and those they don’t even know,” she said.

Financial contributions slowed as a result of the pandemic, but Kesselring was happy to report they are picking back up. But they can always use more. In case you’re concerned about where your money will go, Kesselring reports that roughly ninety cents of every dollar donated to Red Cross goes to providing services. One of the ways this is possible is that 90% of their workforce is made up of volunteers.

Chances are you have been the recipient of services from Red Cross, even if you may not know it. Have you ever needed a blood transfusion? Chances are pretty good you have the Red Cross to thank for that blood being available. This despite the grim reality that, according to redcross.org, only 3% of people have ever donated blood.

Or maybe you’ve required assistance for some reason. Maybe you had a heart attack and required CPR, or you choked on some food and needed help, or you got a cramp while swimming and may have drowned if not for the aid of a lifeguard. Chances are really good the person who provided that care was trained by Red Cross.

Or you were faced with a disaster so dire you just didn’t know what to do next, and then you found out that Red Cross assistance was what was next.

If any of those things are true of you, perhaps you should consider giving back by donating blood or becoming trained in first aid or disaster relief, or even simply giving a cash donation. If so, or you simply have questions, just email Sharon Kesselring. She will be able to answer your questions, let you know where and how to donate blood or money, and help you discover all the other ways you can serve your fellow travelers through American Red Cross of the Ohio River Valley.

The post Red Cross Has Served the MOV for Over 100 Years appeared first on Clutch MOV.

She stepped out into the dark and thrust her beaming, skull-shaped lantern into the air. The light spilled onto her silhouette which was clothed in swishing black fabrics and dark velvets that complemented the eeriness of her stories. Her trademark dark, straight locks framed her face as she gave instructions to follow closely on the tour. Quickly, her boots turned and clicked away out of the lobby of the hotel and up Market street, a group of people trailed behind listening, rapt, as she led them through the haunted streets of Parkersburg. 

“The aficionado of all ghoulish things in the MOV. Her storytelling abilities were unparalleled. I went on the Haunted Parkersburg tours every year since I was a teenager. Even when I lived away, I would come home around Halloween and make it a point to go. The way that she intertwined folklore and local history was captivating. I learned something new every time, including this past year, nearly two decades later,” Parkersburg resident Caci Bailey said.

So, in the perfect tribute to Susan Sheppard’s brilliant life, the Mid-Ohio Valley gathered together for a final time to make the walk to Riverview Cemetery. They honored her by dressing in the same swishing, gauzy fabrics that were her style, making art, and walking a route with which she was all too familiar. 

“Susan was, and still is, a well-respected icon in the Mid-Ohio Valley. The celebration turnout showed how many lives she had touched throughout the years and how she used her gifts to help others,” said Rebecca Rhodes, Parkersburg resident and attendee. “It’s fitting Susan be honored with a New Orlean’s parade. She believed in life and spirit after death. The celebration was confirmation that her legacy will live on and she will continue to impact the lives of the community.”

The magic she packed into her time is a gift to me, to everyone who loved her, and to her beloved West Virginia. I will forever be proud to be her daughter.

Scarlet Sheppard

The parade was meant to celebrate a life well lived, and while mourning occurred, Susan’s life and her patronage of the arts was the forefront of the event. Rhodes described the event and its participants as jubilant as they walked through downtown. Individuals were taking part in the sacred art of smudging, some wore Day of the Dead sugar skull masks and traditional Hispanic music was playing with the accompaniment of drums and tambourines. 

“My mother’s life was not just mine to participate in: it was hers to live. And, wow, did she! This moment feels tragic. But, as my mom would tell you, the real tragedy would be living one hundred years as an inauthentic version of ourselves. The magic she packed into her time is a gift to me, to everyone who loved her, and to her beloved West Virginia. I will forever be proud to be her daughter,” Scarlet Sheppard, Susan’s daughter, said.

Susan’s legacy is carried on through her daughter, who not only bears a striking resemblance to Susan, but shares her love of arts, laughter, and making space for people who might not fit in anywhere else.

“Of all the moms I could have gotten, how lucky I feel to have gotten mine. Almost thirty years spent with her does not seem like nearly enough. Not enough stories, not enough wild laughter, not enough kisses. But I doubt anyone feels they get enough time with their mothers,” Scarlet said.

Susan’s love of all things different and “weird” not only extended into the paranormal, but for people as well. Dozens of Facebook tributes to her described her as someone who made space for those who felt that they had space nowhere else – some who encouraged others to live their lives exactly as they felt called to do. 

Susan gave the wanderers, the artists, the poets, the sensitives and weirdos one last space to remind them, they too are magical.

Andi Roberts

“Honestly, the day was a bit surreal. It was hard to believe that Susan wasn’t there because her spirit there was just so very strong. We all move in these communities that intersect and intertwine the different parts of our lives and it was fascinating to see so many different people gather – to see how once again, Susan gave the wanderers, the artists, the poets, the sensitives and weirdos one last space to remind them, they too are magical,” local photographer Andi Roberts said. “Susan created a community for people who felt like they did not belong anywhere else.”

Although the parade was joyful and vibrant, the gravity of the situation was not lost on participants who were simultaneously grieving while using the processional as a form of catharsis.

“It was sad seeing her family and close loved ones, still moving in disbelief or fueled by the energy that the death of a loved one temporarily brings. But it was also moving to see Susan be honored in a way that was so fitting. I thought to myself and heard over and over again, ‘She would have loved this,’” Roberts said. “I don’t think I would be too far off base if I suggested that to the people who loved her for the icon she was, the parade was the only proper way to send off their Queen,” Roberts said.

For Susan’s family, the symbolism of the parade was a gift to the community who loved her so. Not only did they choose to share a private moment of grief, but they did it in a way that offered comfort and calmness to many who were feeling lost.

“It’s not lost on me how incredibly generous they were to share their grief and mourning with the larger community. I Imagine, for Scarlet, and those in her inner personal circle that Sunday’s event was about authenticity and the need to truly honor who she was not just in their hearts, but in the heart of the community” Roberts said.

Led by Scarlet, who affixed a Mothman patch on her denim jacket as a tribute to her mom, the parade moved up Market Street. Roberts chose to photograph the crowd from an angle that showed the true size of the procession. 

“Seeing the group snake through Susan’s old stomping grounds, but with Scarlet at the helm brought up a string of emotions that ranged from grief to pride. Susan was always so proud of Scarlet and Sunday would have been no different,” Roberts said.

Once the group made their way to the cemetery, the group paid their final respects to a woman who had given so much. Wreaths, flowers, art and more piled beneath her photo as Scarlet hung her signature black top hat on the fence. While Susan may be gone, her memory, spirit and stories will live on in all who walked for her that day. 

The post Susan Sheppard’s Legacy Lives On appeared first on Clutch MOV.

For any business longevity is the goal. Lasting through the hardships, enjoying the highs while also pushing through the lowest of lows. Although this isn’t always the case for every business that opens its doors, this has been nothing but a reality for Morris Hardware in McConnelsville, Ohio. Opening its doors in 1845, Morris Hardware has earned the title of the longest, family owned and operated store in the state of Ohio.

One hundred and seventy five years ago George Morris, the first of the six generations to have the business in their hands, erected the then three-story building where the hardware store is located today. Starting mainly as a tinsmith shop, Morris also offered a small assortment of hardware goods to the people within the area. As the years went by, and the area began to develop, George Morris and his sons expanded upwards adding a fourth floor to the building in 1894. Known as the “Morris Block” to many locals, the hardware store as well as adjoining stores cover much of Main Street in downtown McConnelsville, wrapping around one of the corners of the central square within the village. Boasting a beautiful wrought iron fire escape on the façade of the building, along with its large storefront windows, Morris Hardware is a picturesque, well-known spot not only in McConnelsville, but throughout the county as well.

Although George Morris has his fair share of historical importance in the county, the third generation of the Morris family is where even more interesting information comes to fruition. Speaking with Shayna Roberts, an employee of Morris Hardware, she explained how the entire Morris family tree was full of innovators but mentioned that George Scott, the third generation, was always at the top of the industry. Scott would travel the country looking for the new and exciting things that he could bring back to McConnelsville, a place that at the time was a rather slow growing area where these new and exciting things usually took quite some time to arrive to the residents. Another important piece to note in this intricate puzzle is the connection of the third generation of the Morris family to a famous hymn writer, Leila Morris. Charles Morris, a member of the third generation, married Leila after her family moved to Pennsville, a small area located roughly fifteen minutes from the Village of McConnelsville. Leila went on to write many hymns even after becoming blind and is well known for the ever-loved tune, “Sweeter as the Years Go By.” This connection just goes to show how this family is packed full of history and why their connection to the area is so strong.

Fast forwarding through many more years of history and different branches of the family tree, the year 1976 has some significance today. This was the year the current owner, and sixth generation family member, Tom Schanken took the reins of the then hundred and thirty one year old business. Taking a family tradition, Schanken has continued to ensure that Morris Hardware has held the same values since it’s opening day almost two centuries ago. Adding new items all the time, the current Morris Hardware is the go-to for the locals when looking for that one item to complete their at-home project. Since taking over, Schanken and his employees have always been more than a benefit to the community that they’ve grown up with. Whether they’re hosting one of their famous Ladies Nights, an event that typically brings in hundreds of women to enjoy discounts, hor d’oeuvres and wine, or if it’s simply helping others out on their “Morris Hardware Presents” Facebook group when it comes to at-home DIYs, the group at the local hardware has shown was community support truly is.

Shayna Roberts said this year has been nothing new for Morris Hardware. “This place has been here for such a long time, going through other pandemics, the Great Depression and many other tragedies, but the hardware has always come out stronger than before.” Roberts went on to explain how Morris Hardware has handled the current pandemic. One of the favorite implementations throughout the area is that of curbside service. “This was something we did before, just not quite as much. We’ve had people who sometimes aren’t able to wear a mask in the store due to pre-existing conditions or are high-risk that have taken advantage of this service.” Roberts said that this service has been so beneficial to many and has been helpful in continuing to serve the community.

“We just want to continue to ensure our community members shop local, whether that’s with us or one of the many other small businesses in the county.” says Roberts. “Truly from the bottom of our hearts, we are so grateful for the continued support from everyone. This year has been tough, but our community has helped lessen the burden of everything going on in the world today.”

Although COVID-19 has been more than harmful to businesses nowadays, Morris Hardware is proud to power through the best that they can. Serving the community is what they’ve done since 1845 and they don’t plan to stop that service anytime soon.

To stay up-to-date with all the happenings at Morris Hardware or to learn more about the history of the business, they can be found on Facebook and Instagram or by calling 740-962-4261. Morris Hardware is located at 50 E. Main Street, McConnelsville, Ohio. 

The post Morris Hardware: 175 Years of Service appeared first on Clutch MOV.

While many summer camps and children’s programs were shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic, one local museum embraced the challenge and quickly adapted to make sure the show went on. The Castle’s History Camp, which typically takes place on-site for one week each summer, went entirely virtual this year to provide campers a safe, fun, and educational experience that they could enjoy from the comfort of their own home. 

In order to follow social distancing guidelines for the state of Ohio, The Castle had to cancel much of its spring programming and limit tours to smaller groups by appointment only. “We wanted to make sure we were able to social distance and make the best choices for the safety of our patrons,” said Kyle Yoho, Education Director. “With the guidelines set forth for day camps, it became clear to us that we would not be able to have a similar experience to what we have been able to offer in the past.”

Museum staffed weighed their options. Rather than run the camp at half-capacity and risk exposure, they chose to move the entire camp to a virtual platform. Ultimately, they felt this was the safest option for campers, staff, volunteers, and presenters. Yoho also worried that by having to enforce strict social distancing guidelines, campers might not have an enjoyable experience.

“The situation was ever-changing and evolving,” said Yoho. “Guidelines came out but didn’t come out quickly enough for us to make decisions about what our camp was going to look like given our time frame.” From a planning and logistics perspective, he said it was nearly impossible to plan for a physical camp. By moving to virtual, they knew they would be able to make it work.

We got to see campers interact with parents, grandparents, and family members.

Moving online also made the camp more accessible to people who might not have physically attended in the past. Yoho said they had campers from not only all across Ohio, but also from Florida, Nevada, and even British Columbia.

While the camp was virtual, the museum made sure the sessions were still hands-on and interactive. Campers were involved, up, moving, doing things throughout the day.

“It was a cool experience to try hands-on programming in a new way,” said Yoho. “When we did a cooking program, for instance, we got to see campers interact with parents, grandparents, and family members. Even though we weren’t physically with them, we could see how much they were enjoying it, it was a nice extension to be able to include members of their family.”

The shift also allowed the museum to work with presenters who may not have normally been able to travel to camp. This year’s presenters included professional musicians, tin-type photography artists, historians, and experienced interpreters. In total, there were twenty unique sessions that took place over the course of a week.

While fewer campers participated this summer, Yoho said those who did embraced the change. “Our campers were phenomenal, they really took to the format and enjoyed the learning experience,” he said. “It was rewarding to see them engaging with it, especially after going through all of the planning and training ourselves how to create this virtual experience. It blew my mind how smoothly everything went and everyone’s enthusiasm during this time of transition.”

Feedback from campers was overwhelmingly positive. Parents appreciated that the classes were hands-on and easy to manage while working from home during the pandemic. “This is her first year and she loved the camp,” shared one parent, on behalf of their daughter. “I would like to see her be able to attend onsite in the future, she really loved all of the sessions.”

They were really excited to learn and that made us happier that we put in the effort to put together a quality, virtual experience.

To prepare for a virtual camp, The Castle’s staff had to learn about video recording equipment, how to record live sessions with campers, how to stage sets – Yoho said it became almost like a TV or movie production. “Now that we know how to do these things, we will definitely utilize these tools in the future.”

Even after the pandemic when events can physically be hosted at The Castle again, Yoho believes there will always be a virtual component to programs to increase access for the community. In fact, they’ve already moved their Third Thursday talks to a virtual platform and are considering additional virtual programs this fall.

Despite the challenges of a global pandemic and a steep, digital learning curve, Yoho is grateful for the experience and said the smiles on campers’ faces made it all worthwhile. “They were really excited to learn and that made us happier that we put in the effort to put together a quality, virtual experience.”

Transitioning to virtual required three times the amount of work in a much shorter time period, a shift that would not have been possible without the help of dedicated volunteers and a willingness to learn. “We had a great volunteer group who became our tech people who helped monitor our online learning and aided with filming and recording sessions.”

At the end of the day, Virtual History Camp went off without a hitch, making The Castle one of the first organizations in the state to successfully move an in-person summer camp online.

The post Not Your Average History Camp appeared first on Clutch MOV.

In the city of Boston, that site of so many pivotal moments in American history, a controversy has been brewing over a memorial statue in Park Square.  The statue is titled the Emancipation Memorial, sometimes called the Freedman’s Memorial or the Emancipation Group, and the Boston Arts Commission has voted to remove the memorial from where it has stood since 1879. The monument in Boston is actually a replica of the original located in our nation’s capital, now the subject of its own controversy. As more Civil War-era monuments come under scrutiny and become the target of protests, people are taking a closer look at not only the original intention of those works but also the way they are perceived in today’s current climate.

To the casual observer, the Emancipation Memorial is a heartfelt tribute to the Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln in January of 1863. His executive order proclaimed the freedom of the slaves in the 10 Confederate states still in rebellion and allowed them to be enlisted in the Union army. Most importantly, the Emancipation Proclamation made a promise: that the United States was committed to putting an end to slavery and that African Americans in the South need not fear being returned to slavery if the United States won the war. The Emancipation Proclamation granted freedom to an oppressed people, helped end the Civil War, and cemented Lincoln’s role in history as a liberator and champion of the enslaved African Americans.

The now-controversial memorial has an important connection to Ohio and Marietta, and its fate has drawn the interest of many historians and local history buffs. Readers of David McCullough’s book “The Pioneers” know that the men who settled Marietta and Washington County were staunch opponents of slavery. The buying or selling of slaves was prohibited in Ohio, and in 1841 a law was enacted that granted freedom to any slave brought into the state.

While Ohio was being settled, a Revolutionary War officer named William Scott was managing his plantation near Lynchburg, Virginia. A slave named Charlotte had been born on the plantation, and when Captain Scott passed away the plantation – and Charlotte – were bequeathed to his son Thomas. When Thomas had a daughter, Margaret Ann, Charlotte helped raise and care for the girl as if she were her own. In 1852 Margaret Ann married Dr. William Rucker and Thomas gave her several slaves, including Charlotte, as a wedding gift. Dr. Rucker and his new wife were strong unionists and had no desire to remain in Virginia. They decided to move to Ohio, but their decision to take Charlotte with them faced strong opposition. With the help of Colonel Joel McPhearson of Lewisburg, West Virginia, they managed to make their way through military lines and took up residence in Marietta.

The Ruckers gave Charlotte her freedom papers and began paying her a salary, and she remained with the family in their Marietta home. According to local historian and author Jann Adams, the Rucker home was at the corner of Fourth and Putnam Streets, the current site of the First Baptist Church. “Most people don’t realize this Marietta connection to the Emancipation Memorial, and the story of Charlotte Scott is a fascinating one.”

As the widely repeated story goes, the Rucker family was at breakfast when they heard about the assassination of President Lincoln. They sat in shocked silence, and it was Charlotte who broke the silence. “Well! Well! The best friend of the colored people is dead. The colored people ought to raise a monument to his memory.” She then went to her meager savings, money she had earned as a freed woman, and withdrew five dollars. She handed it to Dr. Rucker and asked him to find someone who could organize a drive to raise funds from people of color to build a memorial to the slain president.

Rucker sent the donation to General T. C. Smith, a Union cavalry officer, who enlisted the help of James Yeatman, a St. Lois philanthropist and civic leader. Yeatman happily took up the cause and over the next decade, his organization raised over $20,000 for the memorial. It is a testament to Lincoln’s status among African Americans that nearly all the funds raised were from “colored” people and especially those who served in the Union army. And so Charlotte Scott’s simple, impassioned gesture resulted in the creation of a 12-foot high monument, designed and sculpted by American artist Thomas Ball.

The design shows Lincoln standing, his right hand holding the Emancipation Proclamation and his left hand hovering above a kneeling emancipated slave. The man’s shackles are broken and he appears to be just about to rise up. The plaque on the pedestal reads:  “Freedom’s Memorial, in Grateful Memory of Abraham Lincoln: This monument was erected by the Western Sanitary Commission of St. Louis, MO, with funds contributed solely by emancipated citizens of the United States declared free by his Proclamation January 1, A.D. 1863. The first contribution was made by Charlotte Scott, a freed woman of Virginia, and consecrated by her suggestion and request on the day she heard of President Lincoln’s death.”

When the monument was unveiled on the eleventh anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination—April 14, 1876 – Charlotte Scott was in attendance, even posing for a photograph which was copied and sold as a souvenir. President Grant had the honor of unveiling the monument, and famed orator Fredrick Douglass was the keynote speaker.

When one reads the full transcript of Douglass’ speech, his words reveal a complex, almost conflicted, attitude toward Lincoln and the memorial. First, he went on at length about what an important and positive occasion the unveiling was: “ Wise and thoughtful men of our race, who shall come after us…will make a note of this occasion; they will think of it and speak of it with a sense of manly pride and complacency.” He acknowledged that just years before, the assembling of African Americans would have been met with violence and hate and that Lincoln’s Proclamation had resulted in a new era for his race. “The sentiment that brings us here today…is the sentiment of gratitude and appreciation.” 

But Douglass didn’t mince words as he continued “truth compels me to admit, even here in the presence of the monument we have erected to his memory, Abraham Lincoln was not, in the fullest sense of the word, either our man or our model. In his interests, in his associations, in his habits of thought, and in his prejudices, he was a white man…He was preeminently the white man’s President, entirely devoted to the welfare of white men. He was ready and willing at any time during the first years of his administration to deny, postpone, and sacrifice the rights of humanity in the colored people to promote the welfare of the white people of this country.” However, the overall tone of the ceremony was one of celebration – the celebration of freedom after centuries of oppression, the celebration of a great life ended too soon, and the celebration of hope for a future of opportunity.

So why the sudden controversy? Actually, the controversy may be recently more public and more widely acknowledged, but there has been some dissension about its design from the beginning. In fact, a letter that Douglass wrote to the National Republican newspaper just days after his speech was only recently uncovered by history professor Scott Sandage. In that letter, Douglass shared his honest feelings about the monument: “The negro here, though rising, is still on his knees and nude. What I want to see before I die is a monument representing the negro, not couchant on his knees like a four-footed animal, but erect on his feet like a man.”

That sentiment is shared by many today, who are not comfortable seeing the freed slave in what appears to be a subservient position. Last week, Eleanor Holmes Norton, DC’s non-voting member of Congress, agreed: “Although formerly enslaved Americans paid for this statue to be built, the design and sculpting process was done without their input, and it shows. The statue fails to note in any way how enslaved African Americans pushed for their own emancipation.” But Lincoln biographer Sidney Blumenthal claims that the now-controversial pose was inspired by the symbol of the abolitionist movement and the British anti-slavery campaign. In fact, the kneeling slave was on the masthead of the Liberator, a prominent abolitionist newspaper, and the image was well known.

While opponents to the monument take issue with the kneeling emancipated slave and what they feel is a white man’s interpretation, supporters of the monument believe its origin and back story make it deserving of preservation. They cite the fact that Charlotte Scott began the campaign with her heartfelt donation and that former slaves and freedmen funded the project, and also the importance of the Emancipation Proclamation it commemorates.

Is there an acceptable resolution to the controversy, or a compromise that would pay homage to Lincoln and his Proclamation without perpetuating an offensive stereotype? Douglass himself may have offered a solution when he wrote “Admirable as is the monument by Mr. Ball in Lincoln park, it does not, as it seems to me, tell the whole truth, and perhaps no one monument could be made to tell the whole truth of any subject which it might be designed to illustrate.”

Although the fate of the Boston monument may already be sealed, the original in Lincoln Park may be granted a reprieve. In 1974, a statue of Mary McLeod Bethune was installed at the opposite end of the park. The statue depicts the African American activist and educator accompanied by a pair of playful children. Perhaps the addition of monuments to other important figures such as Fredrick Douglass, Charlotte Scott, and even black Union soldiers (as suggested by some including Blumenthal) would create in Lincoln Park a true Emancipation Group. Such a group would honor those deserving of honor and inspire all of us to continue striving for complete and unequivocal equality.

Some years after the Civil War ended, Charlotte Scott returned to Virginia with the Ruckers. She lived out her years on a small property and homestead they deeded to her, finally passing at the age of 109 years. She might be surprised to know that her five-dollar gesture to honor her fallen hero created a ripple that is still touching people today.

The post A Former Slave, A Statue and a Marietta Connection appeared first on Clutch MOV.

In this era of political activism, open voting and endless polls, it’s hard to imagine a time when half of all United States citizens did not have the right to cast a ballot. Until 100 years ago, women in the United States were shut out of a process that is held so dear to members of a democratic republic society—the process of voting in an election.

This year, we commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the Women’s Suffrage movement that resulted in the passage of the 19^th Amendment. The language of the amendment is simple: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” But that simple amendment is the result of a long and difficult struggle, one shared by other minorities in the history of this country.

The Washington County Historical Society is commemorating the important anniversary and the contribution of Ohio women with a special exhibit through the month of July. The Ohio History Connection exhibit, Ohio Women Vote: 100 Years of Change, consists of twelve standing panels that not only share the story of suffrage but also the century of activism and change brought about by that landmark achievement.

The staff of the Ohio History Connection curated and designed the exhibit and the Ohio Humanities funded the production of the panels. The panels highlight quotes from articles, speeches, books, letters, and oral history interviews, bringing the courageous women to life with their own words. Washington County has its own connection to the movement; early resident and activist Frances Dana Barker Gage is featured in the exhibit. And alongside those early pioneers of women’s rights are the strong Ohio women who have since used their voice and strength to impact our government and society. The exhibit poses ten questions to Ohio women in activism, both historic and contemporary. The visitor reading their words will learn that the 19^th Amendment was just the beginning of activism, and the right to vote gave women the power to pursue education and careers, change laws and implement social reform.

Long before the Civil War, women were chafing against the roles they were expected to play in their households and in society. The prevalent idea at the time was that women were supposed to be pious, submissive wives and mothers, content to dedicate their lives to family and home. That idea has been dubbed the “Cult of True Womanhood” by some historians. But during the 1820s and 30s, many instead chose to be activists—fighting for temperance and moral reform and fighting against slavery. Such movements were growing across the country and women were playing an important part in that growth.

By the 1840s, while most states had granted white males the right to vote regardless of their wealth or property ownership, women were still denied the right. In 1848, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott invited a group of abolitionist activists to Seneca Falls New York to discuss the problem of women’s rights, or lack of.  Most of the delegates at that Seneca Falls Convention concurred that American women deserved their own political identities.

When America became embroiled in the Civil War, the subject of women’s rights took a back seat while the country fought its bloody battles. Shortly after the war ended the movement regained its momentum and the ratification of the 14^th and 15^th Amendments fueled the effort. The 14^th Amendment extended citizenship to all US-born or naturalized people and was meant to give citizenship to freed slaves. However, it was meant to grant citizenship to males and did not address citizenship for women. The 15^th Amendment, ratified in 1870, guaranteed black men the right to vote (although state laws and discriminatory practices would continue restricting that right for decades).

Some women’s suffrage advocates refused to support the 15^th Amendment and even aligned themselves with racist Southerners. Those Southerners were willing to support the women’s movement because they thought by securing white women the right to vote they might neutralize the votes cast by African Americans.

In 1869, the National Woman Suffrage Association was founded by Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, whose name is one of the most familiar connected to the movement. For some years, the Women’s Suffrage movement and the movement to guarantee African American women the right to vote struggled to co-exist without each inhibiting the efforts of the other. The groups reconciled and in 1890 they joined to form the National American Woman Suffrage Association, with Stanton named the first president.

The next three decades would see the Suffrage movement evolve, with some splinter groups forming and using very different tactics toward the same goal. When World War I gripped the nation, women proved through their contributions that they were just as patriotic and deserving of citizenship as any of their male counterparts. Finally, the powers to be agreed and on August 18, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified. Just a few months later, over 8 million women across the United States voted in elections for the very first time.

Women today have the right to vote – and ability to affect every level of government – because of the courage, perseverance, and strength of generations of women who fought for that right. One such woman, from Warren Ohio, was Harriet Taylor Upton. Born in 1853, she was an officer in the National American Woman Suffrage Association and took part in a parade of celebration in 1920. In her words, “The suffrage victory came after the struggle of four generations and it did not come of itself. It was impelled by a mighty moral force exerted by the far-seeing, the justice-loving.”

Some of the questions addressed by the panels are “Why is the vote so important?” “How do you speak out?” and “What does it mean to be a feminist?” The last question is answered in the words of Jane Elizabeth Jones in 1850 “. . . [W]e should demand our recognition as equal members of the human family; . . . as human beings; and when this point is once established, the term “Woman’s Rights” will become obsolete . . . . It is then human rights for which we contend.”  It is also answered in the words of Gloria Steinem in 2008, “Feminism has never been about getting a job for one woman. It’s about making life more fair for women everywhere. It’s not about a piece of the existing pie; there are too many of us for that. It’s about baking a new pie.”

From the early days of the Suffrage movement to modern-day activists, visitors will enjoy a glimpse into the lives of the dedicated women who helped establish and protect women’s rights. The exhibit was designed to travel to colleges, historical organizations, libraries, and other venues through 2020 but COVID-19 restrictions limited its access in many locations. The Marietta Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau offered to help install the exhibit on the ground floor of the Armory beginning July 2^nd.  Deana Clark, director of the CVB, felt the anniversary was an important event.

“The Marietta-Washington County CVB values the efforts of the Suffragists and recognizes the key role they played in the American story,” said Clark. “We can better know what to do today when we know more about what sacrifices were made in the past. These women were a source of strength and inspiration, and we are excited to help share their story.”

The exhibit, free and open to the public, will be open daily during CVB hours, including later hours on July’s First Friday. Visitors are asked to observe social distancing. The panels can also be seen virtually by visiting their website.  For more information contact WCHS President Jann Adams at stonegarden@suddenlink.net.

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As a museum educator and all-around nerd for museums, I’m happy to report museums across the country are answering the call for digital outreach to students of all ages during this time of social distancing. A majority of this outreach has been constructed for use by classroom educators and the families of students now looking for at-home resources. From a professional perspective, this adjustment by many museums has occurred rapidly and with great energy which is refreshing to see in such an extraordinary time. As the Education Director with The Castle Historic House Museum, and as an aforementioned museum nerd, I’ve been keeping up-to-date with many of these new offerings and thought that sharing these resources might be of use to families across the MOV. The following are a few of my selections for history education resources available online for students of all ages.

The Castle Historic House Museum – Marietta, OH

At The Castle, we are eagerly figuring out ways to respond to the needs of educational outreach. Currently, we have digitized The Castle Coloring Book as a means for families to enjoy their time together with a little historical education and creativity. Over the next few weeks we will be highlighting a few of these pages via our website and social media with chances for you to win a free pass to tour the museum this season if you share with us your finished coloring page! More is in the works such as sharing some historical craft ideas.

Follow along at: Marietta Castle and via our Facebook and Instagram

Ohio History Connection – Columbus, OH

Ohio History Connection’s “Learn at Home” has great Ohio centered activities for grades K – 12 as well as some resources for adults. For students, resources include lesson plans, crafts, and videos such as “Prehistoric Storytime” which incorporates fun storybooks with museum artifacts. They have also provided a resource list to home learning opportunities from the Smithsonian, Cincinnati Zoo, Cleveland Zoo, COSI, and more.

Check out these resources at: Ohio History Connection

George Washington’s Mount Vernon – Mount Vernon, VA

The home of our first president will be hosting a daily Facebook live sessions throughout the week including tours of the mansion. They have also made available several online resources such as a virtual tour of the mansion, access to collections and exhibits, and fun coloring pages, games, and quizzes. One really cool resource is the Be Washington activity which is “a first-person interactive leadership experience” where players essentially face the same quandaries George Washington faced in the Revolution and as president. As Washington you’ll have to weigh advice from trusted advisers and make the decisions Washington faced. It comes complete with lesson plans connected to each decision area.

Check out these resources at: mountvernon.org/onlinelearning and via their Facebook page (George Washington’s Mount Vernon)

Colonial Williamsburg – Williamsburg, VA

The largest outdoor living history museum in the US has prepared materials for online learning which include an interactive timeline of the Stamp Act, a quiz on 18th-century knowledge, historical recipes (I’d recommend the Chelsea Buns), access to online collections, and coloring pages of museum artifacts.

Check out these resources at: Colonial Williamsburg

Plimoth Plantation – Plymouth MA

The “History at Home” provided by Plimoth Plantation is a series of our engaging online videos discussing the culture of the pilgrims and native peoples of the Wampanoag tribe. You will need to register online for your selections of the four video sessions at a nominal fee of $10 per program.

Check out this resource at: Plimoth Plantation

This is by no means a comprehensive list, but is a great start to exploring online educational outreach from museums. At the very least, these are resources which will mesh well with Ohio and West Virginia state curriculum for elementary level students. You can find virtual tours available online for many, if not most, renowned museums and historic sites. You can even take a tour of Buckingham Palace if you wish. Other museums offering online sources you might wish to explore are Old Salem Museums & Gardens, Historic Richmond Town, and the National WWI Museum and Memorial. There are plenty more out there that you can explore, so hopefully this list is just a starting point of your foray into virtual history education. I also hope this article is useful in providing your household with educational, fun, and creative opportunities to explore history!

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Dozens gathered inside the Boys and Girls Club in Harmar last night for a special Main Street West neighborhood meeting to discuss the future of the Historic Harmar Railroad Bridge. Chuck Swaney, President of the Historic Harmar Bridge Company, announced the imminent closure of the bridge to all pedestrian traffic as well as a newly forged partnership with Marietta Main Street to launch a Save Harmar Bridge campaign.

For the past 30 years the Historic Harmar Bridge Company has been the custodian and caretaker of the Historic Harmar Bridge, with the long-term preservation and restoration of the bridge being their singular mission. Despite on-going fundraising and maintenance efforts, the Harmar Bridge has been deemed unsafe for public use in its current condition. On Tuesday, January 28^th, 2020 the Historic Harmar Bridge Company unanimously passed a resolution to close the Harmar Bridge to pedestrian traffic until the structure has been fully restored.

“In order to protect and promote both public safety and secure community support, the Historic Harmar Bridge Company deems it necessary to close the Harmar Bridge,” said Swaney. “While it was not an easy decision to make, the safety of our community must come first.”

I’m counting our blessings because we have an ever-growing ability to come together to deal with the impacts of such challenges

Geoff Schenkel

“Turning a bridge is a loss for visitors to our community. It will affect our local economy,” said Geoff Schenkel, Fourth Ward City Councilman. While the positive nostalgia and recreational aspects are important, Schenkel is most concerned with the impact it will have on those who use the bridge on a daily basis. “We have older residents who use that bridge to walk with heavy loads of laundry to the laundromat. We have residents without cars who have appointments to go to in public buildings downtown and crossing that bridge for most feels safer from a traffic standpoint than crossing the street at Front and Putnam.”

While the closure of the bridge is not good news for the community, Schenkel said, “I’m counting our blessings at the same time because we have an ever-growing ability to come together to deal with the impacts of such challenges, thanks to recent efforts through Main Street West and our community’s ability to work together on issues such as a blight, public transit and public health.”

Harmar residents responded to the announcement of the closure with optimism and a willingness to help. Residents volunteered to hand out flyers, reach out to area businesses for support, and join the effort to Save Harmar Bridge.

Initially built as a covered bridge in 1856, the Harmar Bridge was converted to a railroad bridge in the 1860s, making it one of the first iron bridges during the Civil War, the oldest swinging railroad bridge in the country, and the only one of its kind still in operation today.

“The Harmar Bridge is worth protecting and saving,” said Swaney. “It has a unique role as it is still operational. It is amazing that a handful of men can still take a key and turn the bridge – it’s truly a historic treasure not just for our community, but for the country.”

For many years, it has been the goal of the Historic Harmar Bridge Company for the bridge to become an integral part of the City of Marietta’s Multi-use River Trail. The organization has raised funds through the Harmar Days Festival and Spaghetti Dinners to cover ongoing maintenance costs, but profits from these annual events are no longer enough to meet the financial needs to properly care for and repair the bridge.

We hope the Bridge can become an even stronger asset for generations to come.

Cristie Thomas

“What’s been done over the last three decades has really been a herculean task from a neighborhood standpoint,” said Schenkel during last night’s meeting on the West Side. “It’s been an extremely heavy load that the Historic Harmar Bridge Company board has been carrying for a long time. For this campaign to succeed, for us to Save Harmar Bridge, we need to add some more tools to the toolbox. We won’t abandon Spaghetti Dinners or the Harmar Days Festival, but we need to expand our reach exponentially. And that’s only going to happen if we bring more people with a broader set of skills to the table.”

To accelerate efforts to restore the bridge to safe conditions and maintain the structure for future generations, the Harmar Bridge Company is partnering with Marietta Main Street. “Being approached by the Historic Harmar Bridge Company was bittersweet,” said Interim Executive Director of Marietta Main Street, Cristie Thomas. “The decision the Harmar Bridge Company made to close the bridge I’m sure was very difficult, but the opportunities are far greater and we’re optimistic that our community – and far beyond – will rally behind our Save the Bridge campaign.”

The two organizations will work together to launch and sustain a $4M fundraising campaign inclusive of public and private funds generated from citizens, state and federal grant requests, and other revenue streams.

“This bridge is not only a tremendous historic asset that we – the community – are the caretakers of, it is likely the most photographed landmark in Marietta,” said Thomas. “It is an access point for the residential quality of life and offers incredible views of the confluence of our Ohio and Muskingum Rivers. The bridge is a tourist attraction and a selling point to families looking to call Marietta their home. Plus, the Harmar Bridge holds close so many memories for generations of Mariettans and with the Save Harmar Bridge campaign, we hope the Bridge can become an even stronger asset for generations to come.”

To ensure a successful campaign, the Harmar Bridge Company and Marietta Main Street will recruit and establish a strong leadership team equipped to manage the Bridge Company’s assets and capable of carrying preservation efforts through the next generation. “We need everyone from Devola, Harmar Hill, Norwood – the whole community – around the table,” said Swaney.

Those who donate to save this iconic landmark can rest assured that their generosity will be stewarded with care.

Heather Allender

An endowment fund has been established through the Marietta Community Foundation with the explicit purpose of saving the Historic Harmar Bridge. 

“As the sole community foundation in Washington County, we remove any barriers that might stand in the way of giving. Just like every fund in our charge, the Save the Bridge Fund, will have the benefit of our expertise behind it!” said Heather Allender, President and CEO of the Marietta Community Foundation. “Those who donate to save this iconic landmark can rest assured that their generosity will be stewarded with care.”

In partnership with the City of Marietta, the Harmar Bridge will be turned within the next two to three weeks with temporary signage installed at both ends of the bridge to prevent residents and tourists from crossing until repairs have been made. 

“While we understand there is much work ahead of us to accomplish these goals, we are prepared and committed to working with the community to preserve this historic landmark beloved by so many,” said Thomas. “To lose this bridge would be devastating and irreversible. We must work together to protect this bridge – the last of its kind – for the betterment of our community.”

Schenkel is also optimistic about the community’s ability to come together to support this cause. “In our neighborhood, we have networks of businesses and residents who can ‘round up’ a purchase so as to make a financial contribution. We can do penny jars near cash registers in local businesses. I still recall making a presentation to Rotary once where I stressed the money raised through a neighborhood change jar and within 20 minutes, two individuals offered to multiply that neighborhood contribution 10 times over. We won’t do it alone. We can do this.”

The Historic Harmar Bridge Company and Marietta Main Street are grateful to donors past, present, and future for their support. To support the Save the Bridge campaign, donations can be made to the Save the Bridge Fund at the Marietta Community Foundation. More information on the Save the Bridge campaign and volunteer opportunities can be found at www.saveharmarbridge.com.

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Parkersburg Celebrates 200th Birthday

200 years ago today, the city of Parkersburg was incorporated in the state of Virginia. Now West Virginia’s fourth-largest city, Parkersburg is the largest city in the Mid-Ohio Valley region with a rich and fascinating history, the evidence of which can be seen throughout downtown and the city’s historic neighborhoods.

First named Newport by those who settled it in the late 18^th century following the American Revolutionary War, the settlement was part of westward migration. The town was laid out on land granted to Alexander Parker for his service in the war. In 1810, the area was renamed Parkersburg in his honor (following negotiations between Parker, his heirs, and the original city planners) and officially chartered by the Virginia General Assembly in 1820.

Advantageously located on the confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers, the city served as a natural transportation hub with both rivers carrying travelers and goods into the Mid-Ohio Valley at the turn of the 19^th century. In 1811, the Ohio River’s first steamboat made a stop in the newly renamed city of Parkersburg to refuel. The development of the northwestern Turnpike (now US Route 50) and the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike (now State Route 47) further improved the city’s connectivity, but nothing contributed more to the city’s growth than its connections through steel rail.

Reaching Parkersburg in 1857, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad connected Parkersburg to Cincinnati and the East Coast. This, combined with the region’s oil and gas boom in the 1860s, put Parkersburg on the nation’s map, 90 years after General George Washington purchased the land on the speculation that it was rich in oil and natural gas. The city enjoyed great prosperity during this time – you can still see the fruit of this wealth in the beautifully restored Victorian homes in the Julia-Ann Square Historic District, once home to the state’s political and business leaders.

When Virginia seceded from the Union in 1861, Wood County provided leadership in forming the new state of West Virginia. During the Civil War, Parkersburg served as a transportation and medical center for Union forces and in 1861, Union General George B. McClellan moved his headquarters to Parkersburg. Wood County remained under Union control throughout the war and served as a strategic location for moving troops and supplies. After the war, Parkersburg emerged as a bustling, progressive city with considerable wealth.

Parkersburg remains one of West Virginia’s most historic cities with a vibrant heritage that has been preserved for future generations. Learn more about Parkersburg’s rich history by visiting one of its many museums and historic landmarks, or reach out to the Greater Parkersburg Convention & Visitors Bureau for guided tours, maps, and more.

Bicentennial celebrations for the City of Parkersburg are scheduled for June 18^th – 21^st this spring, led by the Bicentennial Committee. For more information on upcoming events and how to get involved, follow PKB 200 on Facebook.

For more information, visit:

• City of Parkersburg – History
• Visit Greater Parkersburg – History & Heritage
• Wikipedia – Parkersburg, West Virginia

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As how and why we celebrate the Christmas holiday continues to change, so indeed has the legend and lore of Christmas monsters. Though in modern days, films have twisted the figure of Krampus into a sort of anti-Santa character, his origins in the mountains of Austria and Bavaria had a very different beginning. Let’s explore the history, the legends and the celebrations around Krampus.

The sound of bells jingles clearly in the cold winter night. The sound of footsteps crunching in the snow grows ever louder. Shrieking and laughter draw near, as the little children press their noses against the glass for their first glimpse of St. Nicholas and his dark companions: the Krampus. Will the children’s behavior over the past year deserve presents from the saint or a whipping from the monsters? The children hold their breaths for the verdict. After a stern glance over his list, the saint finds the names of the children and they receive the presents they deserve. The Krampus shriek out to have missed their prey, and St. Nicholas wards them away from the good children, who laugh at the silly shenanigans of the monsters. Perhaps naughty children are awaiting in the next house on the block…

This is an utterly strange idea to those of us in the United States used to the tame and one-sided version of Christmas as a time of happiness, joy and light. The scene of monsters working hand in hand with St. Nicholas is an all but forgotten tradition, with roots going back hundreds of years. Today in Austria, Bavaria, alpine Italy, and Scandinavia the presence of Christmas monsters is a rediscovered tradition now celebrated annually in many different ways.

What is a Christmas monster?

To answer this question we must see how the image and story of Santa Claus have changed over the centuries. Looking past the jolly, cherub image of Santa Claus common in the United States today, Santa’s historic roots reveal a much sterner and strict figure. St. Nicholas of Myra, a Christian monk who lived in 3^rd century Turkey, is the patron saint of sailors, children, wolves, pawnbrokers and more.

There are few historical details of St. Nicholas’ life, and even the year of his death is debated. He is traditionally celebrated on December 6, and by the Middle Ages, his fame had spread throughout Christian Europe. The real man became entangled with earlier religious beliefs of those areas and his image changed into an old man with a large beard (similar to Odin of Scandinavia) as well as giving him the power of flight.

Today, most of the images we incorporate in our modern Christmas traditions originated as late as the Victorian Era. It began with the makeover of the old, darker tradition with Clement Clarke Moore’s 1822 poem now known as “The Night Before Christmas”. It wasn’t until the late 1800s that the standardized image of Santa became a full-size adult, jovial and jolly, dressed in red and driving a flying sleigh pulled by 8 reindeer.

During the Middle Ages, other figures that pre-existed Christianity in Europe joined St. Nicholas as his servants. These Christmas monsters accompany St. Nicholas on his journeys to distribute presents to the good children and punishment to the naughty children. There are many monsters of all shapes and sizes, and they offer varying degrees of mischief and punishment. There is Gryla, the Christmas Witch of Iceland. Her children, known as the Yule Lads, wreak havoc on the 13 nights leading up to Christmas. Their pet, the frightening Yule Cat, will attack anyone not wearing a new piece of clothing for the holidays.

Frau Perchta, of Germany and Austria hands out both rewards and punishments from December 25 through January 6, and has been known for her grotesque looks. La Befana of northern Italy is an ugly but good witch who leaves presents for children. Belsnickel, still seen in areas settled by the Pennsylvania Dutch, wears tattered clothing and ragged fur. He frightens the naughty and rewards the good. Hans Trapp of Alsace and Lorraine is a monstrous scarecrow sent to scare children into good behavior.  And there are still many more!

The most well-known Christmas monster (in the United States today) is that of Krampus. A furry, horned figure wearing chains and bells and carrying a basket and switch, stalks the Christmas festivals of many cities today. In Europe, Krampus is friendly to St. Nicholas and follows his lead on who must be punished. However, there are many misconceptions as to what Krampus is, and what he stands for in the United States. To many people of Christian upbringing, Krampus looks a lot like ‘Satan’ in Medieval art. Descriptions of Satan are vague in the Bible, so the image of Satan was cobbled together using bits and pieces from religions that pre-dated Christianity in Europe. Hoofs of Pan, horns from forest gods, sometimes winged like the fae creatures of old lore.

Although it is clear that though Krampus is portrayed as looking similar, he is not, in fact, demonic. He is a helper to St. Nicholas and encourages good behavior; he does not tempt children into misdeeds. Even the image of Krampus changes from town to town, sometimes taking on more human features than beast, here looking more like an old man, there looking more like a wolf. The term Krampus comes from the Middle German ‘Kralle’ meaning ‘Claw’ and is not an individual’s name. Rather, Krampus is a particular type of creature, and many Krampus often travel together with St. Nicholas.

Krampus originally was not seen as anti-Santa. They work together to promote goodness and discourage naughty behavior. However, that has been changing for many modern people disenchanted by the commercialized version of Christmas we see today. Krampus has been embraced in America by those who are looking for a deeper meaning to the traditional holiday set in the darkest time of the year. He has come to represent the hidden and historic aspects of Christmas.

Why would Krampus be seen in Marietta?

According to Jann Adam’s book ‘German Marietta and Washington County’, people of German heritage were among the earliest white settlers of Ohio. Even before there was a town established, Major Johann Zeigler was stationed at Fort Harmar. He later became the first mayor of Cincinnati. John Heckewelder worked with Rufus Putnam to draw up a treaty with local Native tribes. In 1834, there was a concerted effort to increase the number of people living in Washington County. The early years were riddled with disease, famine and natural disasters, reducing the population and discouraging settlement by the thousands heading west along the Ohio River. Agents were sent to the German-speaking lands to encourage immigration to the Mid-Ohio Valley.

People of German heritage were understood to be hardworking, determined and steady folk, exactly what was needed to help Washington County grow in prosperity. Enticed by the dream of a new life in the untamed wilderness, hundreds of German families arrived in Southeastern Ohio between 1830 and 1860. Families with names such as Peters, Bohl, Biszantz, Wagner, Best, Weber, Kuhn, Lang, Gross, Fischer, Kunz, Wendelken, Schultheiss, Strecker, Braun, Schafer, Seyler, Meister, Otto, Kaiser, Schlicher, Neader, Pfaff, Rodick, Wittlig, Brickwede, Gruber and many more!

Germans in Marietta brought their own culture to the area. In 1859, while the rest of town was celebrating the Fourth of July with somber speeches, the Germans celebrated by throwing parties with singing and drinking. German-speaking newspapers such as the Marietta Zeitung were printed regularly and churches such as the German Evangelical Church at the corner of Fifth and Scammel Streets were built, with services in German until 1919. German-owned businesses flourished, and many of the beautiful, historic homes that exist in Marietta and the surrounding county were built by these prosperous families. Early on, German-speaking families were proud of their heritage and history. It wasn’t until World War One when many families started to abandon their German ties and identify instead as Americans.

How is Krampus celebrated in the old country?

In Austria and Bavaria, regions of Europe where many Marietta families originated, Krampusnacht (Krampus Night) has been a long-established night of Christmas monster fun on December 5. Traditional lore states that Krampus would come the day before St. Nicholas to punish the naughty children. If you survived December 5, you knew you would be rewarded when St. Nicholas day came on December 6. Many times the celebrations centered around Krampus-lore take place side by side with traditional German Christmas Markets. German Christmas Markets consist of dozens of tiny stalls selling Christmas items, trinkets, foods and mulled wine. They have a huge draw and have been taking place for centuries in places such as Salzburg, with origins back to 1491. These southern Christmas Markets are not complete without various forms of Krampus being seen each day.

The culmination of events surrounding Krampus often takes place in the form of the Krampuslauf (Krampus Run) which is a parade of intricately carved Krampus masks and ornate costumes. Holding loud drums and wearing ringing bells, ornery Krampus hold fiery torches and dance and leap menacingly along the parade route. They are often accompanied by St. Nicholas and it is a fun spectacle for families who attend the market. In some regions, multiple Krampus will even visit homes alongside St. Nicholas to distribute gifts (with the threat of punishment) to the children in their town.

Krampus in the United States

While many families of German background kept the traditions associated with Christmas monsters alive, the internet helped spread the tradition found in the mountains of the Alps around the world. Today, Krampus can be found haunting Christmas celebrations in cities across the United States; from Columbia, SC to Dallas, Texas with a Krampus event drawing 3,100 spectators to Bloomington, Indiana in 2015. In Ohio, Columbus throws the ‘Merry Krampus’ festival in early December, Cleveland hosts Krampus Fest and the Germania Society of Cincinnati hosts a Christkindlmarkt featuring Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, Saint Nicholas, the Christkind and Krampus.

In a place of such strong German heritage as Washington County, it is no surprise that Krampus has finally made his way to town! In an effort to preserve tradition and teach cultural heritage, Hidden Marietta continues to uncover the weird, shocking and spooky side of history. While Krampus looks at first menacing, his shenanigans should be looked upon as fun instead of scary. Many people yearn to understand the darker side of Christmas, and learning how their ancestors would have celebrated gives the modern holiday a historical and authentic basis. 

References:

The Krampus and the Old Dark Christmas: Roots and Rebirth of the Folkloric Devil by Al Ridenour

German Marietta and Washington County by Jann Adams

Who Was St. Nicholas? By Nate Barksdale

The Changing Face of Satan, from 1500 to Today by Carey Dunne

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