Shook Cemetery, Port Clinton Ohio

Shook Cemetery on East harbor Road, on the north side of St. Ft #163 about 1 mile East of Chrisy Chapel Road. This pretty little historic cemetery is in Ottowa County in Port Clinton. A quick scan of the cemetery shows stones dating back as far as 1830.
We didn't spend much time at this little cemetery as it was getting dusk, it was starting to rain and the mosquitoes were out in force. But a quick look indicates the little cemetery is well cared for which always makes me feel good. It was mowed, and some of the stones had been repaired. No doubt in previous years the cemetery suffered as do many historic cemetery from time, the elements, and sadly vandalism. Some stones are quite readable, some only partially, and some not at all. This stone honor John Bennett who was in 1842 and died in 1863. How nice he has a GAR star and flag to honor his service in the Civil War.
Harriett M. wife of Jacob Brown born in July of 1807 and died in September of 1852. She was born a few years after Ohio became a state and died before The Civil War at the age of 45.
A general view with stones around a large tree gives you a feel for the serenity.
Mary French's stone really isn't readable, but through some research and process of elimination I believe this is her stone. A transcription of the little cemetery was located on line and this seems to match.

I often like to walk through an old cemetery to see how different the names are, to see how old the dates are and to formulate a story in my mind. Sometimes I'm able to do some research and sometimes not. Many of the stones here belong to the Shook Family, and so one would assume this land was probably their farm. Perhaps this cemetery grew from a family burial ground to a local one. Christy Chapel road is close by, perhaps this was at one time connected to an area church.

Even though when we travel we are tourist, we are touring where others live....where people made their mark. I enjoy seeing a bit of the real world, the day to day even while on vacation. I highly recommend you all give it a try.

Lyme Village, Ohio

On the way to Lake Erie my sisters and I were surprised to find Lyme Village on route 4. We looked to the side of the road and saw a cluster of log cabins and got pretty excited. We pulled in to see what we could see. Lyme Village at 5001 St Rt 4 is just outside Bellevue Ohio. It's a non profit strictly run by volunteers re-created village. (poster shows scenes from the village)

In the center of the village is a 2nd Empire Victoria Home (shown in the center of the above poster) built between 1880-1882. This mansion belonged to John Wright. There are barns, log houses, a Detteram Log Church, an 1836 Greek Rivival style house, and even a one room school house. I purchased a few items at the darling gift shop.I love these single tea pots that include a cup.
*my finger is showing where the pot sits on top of the cup.

The buildings all predict life in The Firelands from 1800 to early 1900's. You can take guided tour to learn what life was like for our early settlers. The tours cost $8.00 and run from 11 am to 4 pm Tuesday through Sat; and special summer Sunday hours from 12-4. There are many special events throughout the year such as Native American Days, Pioneer Days, Victorian Dinners during the Christmas Holidays and more.

I noticed this quote, "Preserving Yesterday for Tomorrow" found it to be very meaningful, and think it fits many of our countries treasures.

The Greek Rivival house belonged to John Seymour and was an important stop along the underground railroad for many escaped slaves as they made they way to Canada to freedom. The one room school house was built in the 1860's and was still being used until 1935 in Oxford township in Erie County Ohio. The school house was moved to the village in 1991.

Many of the buildings were dismantled and moved from other areas in the state to this village in order to preserve them.

Sadly our time was short and we were traveling on what we later learned was the edge of a tornado; so we did not get to take the tour. Though I do intend on returning when I'll be able to spend time and take the tour. I suggest you all put this on your list of things to do with the family. Something here for everyone.

And for fun, look carefully when you exist. The kids will enjoy this LARGE ceramic dog in the yard across the street.