Hamilton is featured prominently in Paul Collins' new book about forgotten schemers, Banvard's Folly: Thirteen Tales of Renowned Obscurity, Famous Anonymity, and Rotten Luck.

        One of the 13 chapters is “Symmes Hole,” about John Cleves Symmes and his theory of a hollow earth (otherwise known as the Theory of Concentric Spheres and Polar Voids).

        A worn monument to Mr. Symmes, erected by his son in the 1840s, still stands in Ludlow Park, near downtown.

        “This sphere has a large hole drilled through the center,” Mr. Collins wrote. “Nearby, on hot and dusty summer days, locals play on a basketball court. They utterly ignore the old obelisk in their midst — a more apt reflection of the life of the man buried beneath it, perhaps, than the monument itself ever was.”

        Mr. Symmes, a hero of the War of 1812, settled in Hamilton in the early 1820s. He had family connections. His uncle, namesake and real estate speculator helped settle the Northwest Territory. It is his name that's attached to many things in our area.

        Mr. Symmes spoke and wrote about a hollow earth. In Cincinnati, a mathematician named Thomas Matthews called Mr. Symmes' writings “a heap of learned rubbish.”

        Undeterred, Mr. Symmes traveled through small Ohio towns to convince people that a polar expedition was worthy of financial support. He even asked the Ohio Legislature for help. He also went to New York and New England, but little help was pledged.

        Oddly enough, Mr. Symmes found some supporters. Edgar Allen Poe became fascinated with the Hamilton man's idea that the earth was hollow and inhabited within by another race.

        But the rigors of traveling damaged Mr. Symmes' health. He returned to Hamilton and died in May 1829.

        Ever since, the term Symmes' Folly has meant anything ridiculous.

        The book, published nationally by Picador U.S.A. in New York, sells for $25.

        OXFORD — The Midwest Donkey and Mule Show will be all day on Sept. 2 at Hueston Woods State Park.

        “This is about our fourth year for it,” said Lonnie Snow, assistant park manager. “It brings out a lot of folks who travel pretty far. They're their own little group.”

        I covered the event at Camp America about 10 years ago. It was lively, with people dressing in unusual costumes for a donkey ride in the final moments.

        Information: 513-523-6347

        LEBANON — The Lebanon Antique Show returns to Lebanon this fall, sponsored by the Warren County Historical Society.

        It will be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 6 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 7 at Lebanon High School, 160 Miller Rd.

        The show, which has been outside of Lebanon for the last two years, brings 80 dealers from 15 states.

        They sell 17th-, 18th- and 19th-century items, including formal furniture, brass, pewter and folk art.

        This show is considered one of the better in its field.

        Admission, $5, for both days. Information: 513-932-1817

        Randy McNutt's column appears Saturday. Write to him at The Cincinnati Enquirer, 7700 Service Center Dr., West Chester, OH 45069. Telephone: 755-4158. Fax: 755-4150. E-mail: RMcNutt@Cincinna.gannett.com.

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