Wednesday, February 16, 2000
Clermont County goes all out to mark 200th
BY WALT SCHAEFER
The Cincinnati Enquirer
BATAVIA — Clermont County will be a land of celebration this year as it observes its 200th anniversary Dec. 6.
June Creager, leader of the county's Bicentennial Committee and executive director of the Clermont County Convention Center and Visitors' Bureau, said events ranging from a black-tie gala to a hot-air balloon race are being planned.
The county also is undertaking “legacy projects” as a way to remember the community's 200th anniversary and give lasting recognition to its rich past.
“The legacy projects include plaques, a stained-glass window, statuary and a memorial brick walk at the courthouse; planting 200 bicentennial trees throughout the county with plaques to identify them; placing 30 markers at historic sites in the county; and burying a time capsule at the courthouse to be opened Dec. 6, 2050 — the 250th anniversary,” Ms. Creager said.
The courthouse project also includes four wall plaques to commemorate historic eras — a diagram of an earthen Hopewell Indian enclosure; early settlers plying the Ohio River in a flatboat; an African-American Civil War Union soldier; and a plow and combine to give tribute to the county's agricultural roots, said Gary Knepp, director of the historical office of the Convention Center and Visitors' Bureau.
Ms. Creager said the bicentennial committee has raised about $100,000 of $300,000 needed to complete the projects. Grants or donations have been received from the state, Cinergy, Phillip Morris Inc., and Firstar and Fifth/Third banks.
A second phase — likely to be completed in 2003, the Ohio Bicentennial year — involves statuary in front of the courthouse.
To raise needed cash, the county is seeking corporate contributions or grants, and donations from businesses, civic groups or organizations. It also is selling memorabilia ranging from $3 lapel pins, $5 chevrons and $6 bookmarks to $50 engraved bricks for the courthouse walk.
INFORMATION
To donate to the bicentennial effort or order memorabilia, e-mail to Bicn10el@aol.com.
Web address: clermontcvb-ohio.com.
TOWNSHIP ICONS
There are several projects for Clermont County's 200th anniversary celebration this year, including reminders of county history at the Clermont County courthouse. History from each township will be symbolized in a back-lit stained glass window at the front of the building. Township icons will be:
• Batavia Township: The Old County Courthouse.
• Williamsburg Township: The Dairy House at Harmony Hill estate.
• Tate Township: Grant Memorial Building.
• Franklin Township: The Lock House at Chilo.
• Washington Township: A window lantern for the Fee Manor in Moscow.
• Monroe Township: Ulysses S. Grant's birthplace.
• Ohio Township: A riverboat at New Richmond.
• Pierce Township: The Amelia Methodist Church.
• Union Township: Mount Carmel School.
• Milford: Promont mansion and museum.
• Goshen Township: Anchorage House.
• Wayne Township: Stonelick Lake.
• Stonelick Township: The Stonelick Covered Bridge.
• Jackson Township: The Hartman Cabin.
• Miami Township: The township seal.
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