Special To 1812Blockhouse
Downtown Mansfield, Inc. (DMI) will hold the 2020 Secret City Tour on Saturday, September 19 from 10:00 AM to 4 PM.
Take a peek into some of Mansfield’s most exquisite historic buildings and architectural gems on this self-guided tour. With continued interest in downtown development, this tour offers a unique look to the past while challenging us to reimagine the future of these great spaces.
Buildings on the 2020 Secret City Tour will include: 129 North Main Street, 100 North Main Street (second floor), 159 North Walnut Street, 118 North Main Street (second floor), 80 West Third Street, 25 East Fourth Street (second floor), 86 East Fifth Street, 116 Penn Avenue. More…
Downtown Mansfield, Downtown Mansfield Inc., Featured, Historic Preservation
By 1812Blockhouse
Updated: This post has been updated with corrected information.
It’s a north central Ohio institution – the annual Prairie Peddler Festival, which takes place off of State Route 97 near Butler.
The 2020 edition of Prairie Peddler will look and function a bit differently, but what makes the event a regional favorite is still there. This year’s Prairie Peddler, set for September 26-27 and October 3-4, is still an opportunity for the entire family to step back in time, sample delicious food, and shop at artisan booths. More…
By 1812Blockhouse
Part One of our first Richland Roots profile on Mansfield native Lloyd Garrison Wheeler can be accessed here.
When Lloyd and Ranie Wheeler made their move to from Illinois to Arkansas in 1870, they had good timing. Just one year later, 3.3 square miles of the central part of Chicago were destroyed by fire.
On the other hand, Reconstruction-era Arkansas was a very difficult location for Wheeler as he set out to establish a law practice. Family legend says that a billy club found within his effects after his death was protection in case he might become the target of Ku Klux Klan activity. More…
By 1812Blockhouse
From a 214-year-old log house in Hamilton to Canton’s imposing McKinley Memorial, you can explore fascinating places that reflect Ohio’s rich heritage—some opening especially for Ohio Open Doors events or offering behind-the-scenes looks that aren”t ordinarily available. All Ohio Open Doors events are free.
The Ohio History Connection created Ohio Open Doors in 2016 to promote and inspire pride in Ohio’s heritage and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act.
This year’s edition of the statewide event has shifted because of the pandemic to emphasize virtual tours and outdoor events. Visitors to Ohio Open Doors can gain access to view inside glimpses into many of the Buckeye State’s rich collection of historic sites. More…
By 1812Blockhouse
Shortly before his death in 1909, a husband, a Mansfield native, and wife from Chicago boarded a train and headed south, their destination a relatively new place of higher education in rural Alabama. The couple was no stranger to southern life, having spent years living in Arkansas some three decades before. On this occasion, however, the man was leaving behind a set of business difficulties and accepting a position which had been offered to him by a long-time friend. More…
Renaissance Performing Arts will reveal a virtual tour of its theatre on Friday, September 11 as part of the Ohio Open Doors program of The Ohio History Connection.
The Ohio History Connection created Ohio Open Doors in 2016 to promote and inspire pride in Ohio’s heritage and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act. “Ohio Open Doors shares stories of important landmarks right in our backyard, highlighting the history and unique nature of some of Ohio’s most treasured historic places,” says Burt Logan, executive director and CEO of the Ohio History Connection. More…
The Village of Bellville’s 3rd Cemetery Walk will take place on September 12 from 10:00 AM to 1:00PM.
Meet others at the entrance for guided groups. Interesting people from Bellville’s history will share their stories. The purpose of these characters of Bellville history being portrayed is to give people a glimpse into the rich history of Bellville.
Robert Stands is portraying Robert Bell who platted Bellville in 1815. Mr. Stands is from Columbia Station, Ohio, near Strongsville. His distant cousin, Merry Bering will portray Mary Bell, Robert’s wife. Both are sixth generation Bell descendants. More…
By 1812Blockhouse
This year we’re continuing our weekly look at unique events and attractions that are within an easy driving distance of Richland County. We call these “Summer Road Trips.” Of course, we regularly feature the many extraordinary places to visit right here in Richland County and encourage our readers to get out and experience what is on offer in our own backyard.
Today, we’re talking about treasure. Got your attention?
No, we’re not talking about buccaneers and buried gold, although there is an island and what some might consider “treasure” involved. More…
By 1812Blockhouse
It sits now as it originally did, anchoring Central Park and providing a pleasant oasis of sight and sound.
The Vasbinder Fountain is a Mansfield landmark of the first order. Dedicated on July 4, 1881, it was removed in the late 1950s during the creation of the then-controversial Park Avenue cut-through, and after storage and a temporary placement at Malabar Farm, it was returned to Central Park in 1979. The move took place after community outcry following announced plans to move the fountain to a neighborhood revitalization program in Springfield, Ohio.
As a commemorative plate shares, the fountain was donated by David and Jane Vasbinder. More…
By 1812Blockhouse
It would be difficult to overestimate the storied reputation of Honus Wagner in the world of professional baseball. Over 100 years after winning his eighth and final batting title – a National League record which remains in place to this day – Wagner is also well-known for the record prices set by the sale of his baseball cards. He was also, for a short time, a Mansfielder. More…
By 1812Blockhouse
Why not take some time during the remaining weeks of good weather, pack up the car and the kids, and take off for a driving tour of sites related to one of Richland County’s most famous former residents?
A historic byway has an accompanying map to guide travelers a route in Ashland and Richland Counties to do just that. The Johnny Appleseed Historic Byway is a 30 mile route along State Routes 39 and 603 which celebrates the life of John Chapman, the nineteenth century local man who planted apple trees and became an American cultural and historical icon. More…
From our friends at Destination Mansfield – Richland County:
The Dog Days of Summer are coming to an end, which means it’s time to say hello to cooler temperatures and usher in Fall. On our September calendar, you’ll find some fan-favorite events, the chance to learn more about local history, and plenty of arts & entertainment.
Some fan-favorite events are still on the calendar! Tickets are officially on sale for the Acura Sports Car Challenge (Sept 25-27) at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Get ready to shop till you drop, the beloved Prairie Peddler Marketplace is still set for September and October (Sept 26-27, Oct 3-4) in Butler, Ohio. New guidelines will be in place to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time at the festival. More…
By 1812Blockhouse
This year we’re continuing our weekly look at unique events and attractions that are within an easy driving distance of Richland County. We call these “Summer Road Trips.” Of course, we regularly feature the many extraordinary places to visit right here in Richland County and encourage our readers to get out and experience what is on offer in our own backyard.
Here’s a question for you. How can you experience nature up close, while at the same time having limited human contact other than those with whom you arrived? For animal lovers during a pandemic, it can be the best of both worlds.
An Ohio staple for generations, the 65 acre African Safari Wildlife Park is open daily in Port Clinton, capacity permitting. Visitors who choose to remain in their cars at the Drive-Thru Safari can still have the opportunity to see a number of animal species that are not native to Ohio. More…
By 1812Blockhouse
It is altogether fitting that the house at 544 Park Avenue West is painted in several hues. After all, in its day the house was home to a man whose business regularly dealt with colorful things.
Robert Sandiford was known in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a a master florist and horticulturalist. A native of London, England, Sandiford lived in both Canada and Cleveland before reaching Mansfield about 1870. More…
From the great folks at Destination Mansfield – Richland County:
Cool night air and sleeping under the stars. Cooking over an open fire and roasting marshmallows. Connecting with family and disconnecting from the hustle and grind of our daily schedules. Camping helps us get in touch with the land and our inner explorer as we let weather and our whims control our days. It’s a full sensory experience with sounds, sights, and smells all its own. Camping reacquaints us with stars, with slow, with dirt. When we’re camping we hit reset. We rest. We play. We restore.
It’s no secret, we love camping in Richland County. We love sitting by the fire, talking until the embers die out. We love camp coffee and restarting the fire on a cool morning. Everyone does camping a little different so we have several different places we love to camp in Richland County… More…
Camping, Destination Mansfield - Richland County, Featured, Nature
