Adena Mansion, Chillicothe Ohio

Adena, Thomas Worthington's home in Chillicothe Ohio.  This magnificent mansion was built back in 1806-1807.  A remarkable feat considering the stone mansion was built in the middle of a wilderness.  This was dense forest area, Ohio had only become a state in 1803, just 3-4 years earlier.  It's archietect, was Benjamin Henry Latrobe.  Adena is 1 of only 3 houses still standing in the United States that he designed.  He was the first American Professional Archietect.  Thomas Worthington's estate, Adena is located at 847 Adena Road, Chillicothe, Ohio  45601.

Tours can be arranged for groups, or during regular hours of operation which are April-October Wed. - Sat. 9 am til 5 pm, and Sunday 12 noon til 5pm.  Entrance fees are $8.00 for adults, less for children and seniors.  There's also the very affordable membership option of $30.00 annually for a family membership which provides other benefits.  Our tour guide was awesome, very knowledgeable. 

She explained how this marvelous colorful floor was made, in fact she says we could make it ourselves.  Well, that might be  a stretch.  She discussed how you could tell a private room vs a public room in such a wealthy home.  Flooring would be ornate, colorful and expensive looking in the public areas, and plain and without carpet in the private family rooms.  This floor is the first thing you see as you enter.

Followed by one of the original Worthington piece, the clock.  Which still works.  Wood areas in public places would be real vs faux painting in the more private areas.  The door you see would have been used by servants not quests and is therefore not real.  It's faux paint.  Hard to believe but there were many examples of faxu painting through out the mansion.  Faux painting is not new!

Speaking of faux painting....if we hadn't been told, we would not have known these stairs weren't real marble, they surely look it.

The main drawing room where quest would have been entertained, notice the carpet?  Story behind the carpet is, Thomas was on a trip, saw the carpet and didn't know how much to buy, you see he didn't have his cell phone fully charged to call home and ask the Mistress of the house, so he bought ALOT.  This carpet shows up in lots of rooms as a result.

Some of the pictures are a bit dark.  Though they don't mind if you photograph (which pleased me, as some historic homes don't permit it), you're not allowed to use your flash, thus some darkened grainy pictures result.  Left corner...the bathtub, a priced possession and one of the other original Worthington Family piences.

There are several of these marvelous turn style shelving units in the mansion.  The whole unit pivots on a center point and can move from the kitchen or private areas into the entertainment areas where many great people visited.  Thomas Worthington was teh 6th governor of the state, and one of the states first United States Senators.  Much business was transacted at his estate.  Many important and influential leaders were welcomed here at Adena including President James Monroe, and the great American Indian Leader, Tecumseh.

The little antique mirror on the dressing table is another of the original Worthington Family possessions.  This beautiful home has been restored twice by the Ohio Historical Society, once in 1953 and again in 2001.  It currently is renovated as close to it's appearance during Worthington's time as possible. 

One of the beautiful canopy beds.

Long riffles above the door to Thomas's office are original pieces.

As is this little rocker.

Off the kitchen in what would have been a storage area is a locked herb cabinet.  Herbs were important for medicinal purposes, as well as for cooking.  Herbs weren't cheap and therefore the cabinet was kept locked.  Documents tell us that there was unrest between the women in the household with regards to whom held the keys to the all important cabinet.  Apparently that privilege fell to the oldest daughter when Mrs. Worthington wasn't around.

This beautiful estate comprises 2,000 acres of land, several out buildings, and the mansion.  It is available for private functions such as weddings and special fundraising evenings.  The next special event will be in September of 2013, a murder mystery.

I highly encourage you to tour Adena.  It's a fascinating and well preserved historic landmark.  I've toured the house 3 or 4 times from childhood to now and am always amazed at what additional information has been learned from historic documents.  There's a large garden area you can also tour.  That however is another post.


Pop in Often, remember Menu Mondays for dining tips, Traveling Tips on Thursday, and any day for vacation destinations.

Time Travel and Froehliche Weihnachten

Time travel of sorts. This is my ancestral family (Dad's side) 5 generations ago. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas (Froehliche Weihnachten).

My great great grandfather was a big man, especially for those times. Born in Germany Wilhelm Heinrich Mader, he immigrated to this country when he was young and single. He came alone after the death of his parents. He married Anna Heinlein who was also born in Germany; but immigrated to this country with her parents. They made their home in Chillicothe, Ohio.

I'd love to know what their Christmas's were like so long ago. I know they had a goose pen in their yard and that would have been The Christmas Dinner.

So, from my family to yours.
Merry Christmas

The ABC's of Travel

Summer will soon be here and the kids will be out of school, if they're not already. No doubt you'll be thinking about where to take a family vacation...OR, if you're without children at home where to take a non family oriented vacation.

Here's some ideas for you in Alphabetical Style, there's something here for everyone. (all bolded and or colored type are live links, just click to get where you're going)
A
Aruba
Eating and Drinking and Being Happy in Aruba Iguana's in Aruba (the kids will love them)
Claudia's Bar in Aruba (for the adults)
General Information about Aruba

Arizona
Golf in the desert
Marriott's Canyon Villas, great place to stay for adults and or families
Sedona AriZona (teens and adults, not well suited for young children)
Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright (teens or adults best)
Montezuma's Castle (not for young children with the hiking and climbing)
Grand Canyons (can see lots from the car and on over looks so can be family geared if you stay away from the difficult trails)
Desert Botanical Gardens (ok for all in terms of walking, though the kids maybe bored)
Carefree Arizona (can be family oriented, as the beauty can be seen without doing difficult hiking; though the later certainly exists)
Apache Trail Arizona nice for all

B
Breckenridge, Colorado
Historic Main Street Area (appropriate for everyone)

Things for the Girls in Breckenridge (teens and adults)
The Softer side of Breckenridge (for all who appreciate the arts)
Going to the Dogs (for the animal lovers)

Baltimore, Maryland
Ryan's Daughter (cool Pub)
Inner Harbor (fun for all)
Westminster Hall Burial Grounds (adults and teens)

Boston, Mass
Bunker Hill (depends on the age of the child, great history)

Beaufort, South Carolina
What a place for a bathroom break! (all ages)
Historic Episcopal Church and Graveyard (teens and adults)
Luthers best place for lunch and or dinner, and entertainment (day ok for families, later on best for older kids,teens and adults

Brisbane Australia

California
There are 15 posts for California
covering Joshua Tree National Park
Pigeon Point Light House
Alcatraz
Santa Barbara
Muir Woods
San Francisco
Palm Springs Area
Seals on the Beach
Mission San Carolos Borromeo-o de Carmel
Sausalito
Cayucos
Peeble Beach
Big Sur
Golden Gate Bridge
Temecula
General posts about wine country and beaches

Cape Cod, Mass
Cape Cod Lighthouse

Chillicothe, Ohio
Lots of post covering the first capital of the state,
Historic Carlisle Building and Fire,
Knole Log House and Adena,
Masonic Lodge-Haunted Magestic Theatre,
Adena Indian Mound,
Haunted Cross Keys Tavern,
A general overview of Chillicothe.

There's so much more, check the cloud area to see the full listings, I'm sure you'll find something there of interest whether you want a quick day trip or a longer vacation away. Don't find what you think you're interested in, leave me a note and I'll see if I have something on it for you.

AND don't for get the always popular travels of Flat Stanley. Click here for a full listing of his Travels to date. There are 28 adventures, with ideas of things you can do in your day to day with the kids. Learning can and is fun.

Carlisle in Chillicothe, Ohio

Look at the beauty of this by gone era. This fabulous piece of art, (by Michael Warth) shows you what The Carlisle Building looked like, back in the day. Can you picture yourself walking down an un-busy street with parasol in hand? This fabulous building is at the corner of Paint and Main Streets in Chillicothe, Ohio.
A marvelous Pen and Ink drawing also by local artist, Michael Warth who was gracious enough to let me post here on my blog is copyrighted. This unique historical structure has been a part of Chillicothe for many many years. Look at the grandeur of this building so well captured in his art work.
My photo taken about a week ago shows the sad deterioration of the building. In addition to it being empty for a good many years, an arson's fire in 2003 halted a plan to restore it to it's former beauty. The fire caused $600,000 to $700,000 of damage.
When it was built in 1885 it was indeed a crown jewel, with it's unique architectural features. Standing tall it was seen from almost everywhere in Chillicothe. It was at one time the tallest building in the city, and possibly the state, (several different accounts there, so one can't say for certain). Over the years it has served the city with distinction-housing many different businesses. Sadly it seems this 125 year old building will not be preserved. Funds to restore it aren't forthcoming from the absent land owners who let the building continue to stand vacant and fall further into disrepair. Some locals would love to see it restored, others feel the cost is too great. There's some talk that it may become a parking lot for other downtown business, while some feel that would be a waste of space. In many old photo's, post cards and historical views of the city this building is seen. What a pity it appears it will not go forward with the downtown revitalization in Chillicothe.

Do take time, walk and drive by and see this marvelous piece of history before it's too late. Because of the history in the area, Chillicothe has more then it's fair share of places listed as haunted places in Ohio. This building is included, though I did not come across a specific story to tell you about it.

Drive through The Park, (Yoctangee Park), formerly known as City Park and you'll see The Armory, used for many years to train National Guard and protect Chillicothe. The canon in front is a Civil War Canon. Chillicothe is truly full of interesting old architecture, and historic places to visit. I encourage you to take in Chillicothe, the States first Capital. All areas are suitable to all ages.

Other posts of things to see and do while you travel in Chillicothe:
Indian Mound
Courthouse, and site of the first Capital in the State
Eat at Historic and Haunted Cross Keys Tavern
Knoles Log House and Adena

Knole Log House, Adena, Chillicothe Ohio

Knoles Log House, built originally in 1820 now opened to the public.
This log house was first built on land now owned by The Mead Paper Mill. It's been moved twice, dismantled and reconstructed. Touring it gives one a real feel for early life in Chillicothe in 1800-1830's. It's owned and operated by The Ross County Historical Society.
The log house is located at 45 West Fifth Street in Chillicothe, along with Franklin House, McKell Library, and The Museum Area. Hours by appointment from Jan through March, open Tuesday through Sat from 1 pm til 5 pm for a minimal fee from April through December.
This old watering trough is behind the log house. There is much to see here from the early days of Chillicothe. Franklin House focuses on women in history.

This photo was taken years ago of me in front of Thomas Worthington's home, Adena. I'll be posting more about this in detail later, so stay tuned. Thomas Worthington's home is also opened to the public and well worth the time to tour it. He's known as The Father of Ohio Statehood. It's from his home on 2000 acres the seal for The State of Ohio was seen. His home was designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, America's first professional architect. You might also know that name as the architect who designed The US Capital for Thomas Jefferson.

Chillicothe is steeped in history, first founded in 1796 by Nathaniel Massie, housing the WWI Army Training Camp, Camp Sherman (named after The Civil War General, William Tecumseh Sherman) where 200 German Sailors were held captive. Chillicothe's history goes back to The War of 1812 when it housed 300 prisoners at Camp Bull from The Battle of Lake that were captured by Oliver Hazard Perry and his men.

Yes there's much to see and do
Indian Mound
Courthouse, and site of the first Capital in the State
Eat at Historic and Haunted Cross Keys Tavern

I'll be posting more in the days to come about The Carlisle Building, Adena, Lucy Webb Hayes Heritage Center and more.

Masonic Lodge, Majestic Theatre, Chillicothe Ohio

The Majestic Theatre, perhaps it doesn't look impressive to you now in 2010. Consider this-- it's old. Really old, first built in 1809 as The Masonic Lodge. It's been "The Place" to be for many many years. A Grand Dance Hall, a meeting place, a place to hold receptions, a Theatre, a movie theatre, a place to see The Great Vaudeville Acts of a gone by era. The original building measured only 40 x 100, but was added onto many times over the years. Laurel and Hardy, Milton Berle, and Buffalo Bill Cody are among some of those that played here. The building changed hands over the years too.
The arch came all the way from Columbus. The Majestic Theatre is the oldest standing theatre in continious operation. It's Fresco ceiling has been refurbished multiple times and is still considered to be quite a showcase of art. Oh the stories it could tell. It could tell of fun first dates, sitting in the balcony holding hands, girls friends going to a matinee together.

There are serious stories it could tell too. It could tell the story of the Movie Reel stopping so the announcement WWII was over could be made, the story of Blacks being discriminated against. You see though they paid the same full price for admission they had to wait for seats to be available in a certain section in the balcony. It could tell the story of blood alley. During the horrific Influenza Epidemic in 1918-19; when more people died of the Flu then from being in The War, Camp Sherman (the World War I Army Base), ran out of space and The Majestic became a morgue. Bodies, were stacked like cord word according to some accounts; and blood ran down the alley from the embalming process. The Alley thus became known as Blood Alley. This is considered one of most haunted places in all of Ohio; and no wonder, given the huge number's of deaths.

Anyone with family in or from Chillicothe has a connection to this Theatre. Mine family was entertained there through multiple generations. Tours are given, the space can be rented for private functions, and it's still active with on going acts. I've not yet been able to tour, but have wanted to many times. It's left it's mark on the history of Chillicothe preserving many artifacts and historical documents in it's various corner stones each time it was refurbished.

Enjoy the history here, take a tour, enjoy the current entertainment, or walk down Blood Alley, if you dare.

Other things to see and do while in Chillicothe:
Indian Mound
Courthouse, and site of the first Capital in the State
Eat at Historic and Haunted Cross Keys Tavern

Adena Indian Mound, Chillicothe, Ohio

Story Mound is a State Memorial off Allen Avenue at Delano Avenue in Chillicothe, Ohio. The archaelogical preserve is somewhat visible near the Middle School on Arch Street (formerly the old HS). Chillicothe is rich in Indian history. Mound City Group, the more famous area is a National Memorial with much to see regarding The Hopewell Indians.

This mound, measures 19.5 feet tall and is 95 feet in diameter. It's fenced and so I wasn't able to walk around it to get a better feel for the size. This is an Adena Indian Mound. The Adena Indians inhabited the area between 800 BC and 100 AD. The mound is slightly smaller then it was originally. It measured 25 feet in height and 125 feet in diameter before it was partially excavated in 1876 by Clarence Loveberry for The Ohio Historical Society. It sits on just under one acre of land. Beneath the mound are traces of a round timber building; the first documentation of this type of structure for the Adena people.

I noticed all the street names in this area are names of Indian Tribes. The name Chillicothe itself is an Indian word, A Shawnee word meaning principal place. Chil li coth ee was the village where the chief lived. When the chief died and a new chief took over; wherever he lived was then called Chil li coth ee.

I suggest you visit Mound City Group first,(guided tours there will give you good background), then Story Mound; grab some dinner at a local historic eatery Cross Keys Tavern., (unless you're scared--it's said to be haunted). Want more Indian Lore, don't forget to head to Sugar Loaf Mountain for the summer production of Tecumseh. It's very entertaining and quite educational as well.

Retire for the night and you'll be refreshed for another historic day as you travel about historic Chillicothe, one of the most historic cities in the state.

Summer's approaching, this is age appropriate for all, with plenty of outdoor activities to help burn up energy for the young. You could make a day trip of this from anywhere in Ohio, and Northern Kentucky; if you don't plan to stay the night to see Tecumseh.

Plenty more to see and do Chillicothe, so please check back soon for articles on The Majestic Theatre, said to be one of the most haunted places in all of Ohio.

**I've link to previous blog articles for you for more background information about Chillicothe and The Cross Keys Tavern, here as well as above in the text.

Chillicothe, Ohio

Chill uh kaw thee....say it with me. Many people don't know how to pronounce it. I love visiting Chillicothe, it's old and I like old things and places..

I traveled to Chillicothe the other day with my Dad to tend to some business still related to my Mother's death. We took care of some cemetery arrangements.

While there we again visited The historic and haunted Cross Key's Tavern(did you miss reading it when I posted, check it out now then) for lunch. Across the street from the tavern is the courthouse. It's a beautiful building, as old small town courthouses tend to be. With a neat clock in the tower seen for a good distance away.
Chillicothe was named from Shawnee, Chalahgawtha meaning principal town. The town was plotted by Nathaniel Massie. It was the first and third capital of the state. It's the county seat, and is the largest city in the Ross County.
In ancient times, the Hopewell Indians inhabited the land. More recently, it was home to The Shawnee tribe. Chillicothe was the state's capital as it came into the union; from 1803-1810. For a brief year, the capital was moved to Zanesville; but in 1812 returned to Chillicothe. In 1816 the capital was moved to a more central location; Columbus.

Chillicothe has a very rich and interesting history. A large and active underground Railroad area with many strong abolitionist in the area. It was home to a large Free Black Population as well. Famous people like Lucy Ware Webb, wife of President Hayes was born there. Camp Sherman with a huge history of it's own was in Chillicothe. Early pictures of Chillicothe show how important it was during the canal days. Then there's the haunted history of the famous Majestic Theatre, the hiking, fishing, the infamous fire.......but wait; those stories are for another time.

I encourage you all to take a day trip, travel to Chillicothe and enjoy yourselves. Tell em, Sandy sent ya.

Lunch travel in Chillicothe, Ohio

Lunch time travels. You migh not think of going to lunch as traveling; but it can be. My Dad and I traveled about 50 miles to take care of some family business (dealing with my Mother's Death), and had lunch here, Cross Keys Tavern. We ventured there because my cousin works there. However, once there I became fascinated with it, love historic places, old buildings and often wonder when they were built, what happened there etc. I knew from an old photo this was an historic building in downtown Chillicothe. Chillicothe was the state's first capital and is filled with historic happenings.

Currently, it's an Irish Pub with live music. Dixieland music some nights. In fact it holds a bit of a record. After some research here on line I found that it has the 2nd longest continuously playing house of Dixieland music in the country! It's been a tavern since the early 1900's. I asked my cousin what had been upstairs, she laughed and said maybe a bordello. Don't know if thats true, more research is needed. The tavern is on the ground floor, the upstairs I was asking about is where you see the white porch area.

The Goosetown Astonishers is a band in it's 35th year. The name alone tells some history of the area. Chillicothe has a very strong German history. The Goosetown Astonishers was a name of one of the early newspapers, if memory serves me correctly--the one that was written in German. Much of the states early German immigration began in Chillicothe. Many of the houses still show evidence of that influence.

This tavern has been investigated by The Buckeye Paranormal Society. The locals site evidence of ghost activity, primarily in the basement area. Locals say "Harold" makes noise, breaks glasses, turns on and off lights. One story supporting the possible reason for this is a man was murdered behind the tavern in the small ally. Though no one knows when, or why or even what the name of the man murdered was, the ghost has been given the name of Harold. Many of the old downtown buildings in Chillicothe are connected with a series of underground tunnels dating back to the 1800's which this building is or was a part of. Perhaps something happened in those tunnels and thats the cause of higher activity in the basement. Perhaps it's due to the underground railroad?

The Cross Keys Tavern is located at 19 E. Main Street in Chillicothe, serves daily lunch specials of good homemade food. Many of Courthouse employees eat lunch there, as it's just across the street. Years ago I read where someone was hung in front of the courthouse, where the sidewalk now is. I believe it was the States' first hanging.

I've traveled and had lunch here at The Cross Keys twice. I highly recommend it.