Ohio History Journal

626       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

 

trees which are greatly in need of expert attention and care. Some

of these fine old trees have already died and others are dying

for want of proper attention. The appropriations for Fort Meigs

have never been adequate to care properly for the most necessary

things and it is utterly impossible to even think of taking care of

trees, much as we would like to do so.

Our appropriation for this year, for all purposes at Fort

Meigs, is $625.00. We have charge of about 45 acres, most of

which is a public State Park; so you can see we have to do. figur-

ing to keep even on the most necessary things."

FORT ST. CLAIR PARK

The writer, until August 1, the President of the Preble

County Historical Society, the committee in charge, of Fort St.

Clair Park, Preble County, begs leave to submit the following

report:--

Fort St. Clair Park, near Eaton, Preble County, is still

undergoing a gradual but systematic improvement, and during the

past year has taken on added beauty. Interest in this historic

spot does not wane but, on the contrary, gains impetus as the

days go on and the public is able to visualize what has been in

contemplation and what is now a reality.

During the past year the Preble County Historical Society

has been active in the effort to further beautify the Park and

advertise its presence in that section of the State.

Within the past few months many changes have been effected

which might be noted. A lunch stand was erected within the

grounds in order to provide the general public with certain forms

of delicacies which they depend upon purchasing there. Profits

from this source are devoted to Park improvements. A bridge,

for general traffic, was erected early this summer to replace one

that had become unfit for further use. The new one was very

substantially built and should serve for years. In addition, two

rustic foot-bridges have been built across the small stream which

wends its course through the Park.

A tractor, with mowing attachment, recently purchased with

state funds, proves very helpful in keeping the large grass acre-

age in trim. This is now accomplished expeditiously, economic-

ally and effectively. About twenty picnic tables, with attached

seats, have been built with State funds. These, with others pre-

viously provided, now make it possible to care for several large

groups at the same time.

Roadways within the Park have recently received a liberal

coating of washed gravel. Two new wells were recently drilled

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Minutes of Forty-second Annual Meeting       627

 

and a copious flow of water attained at a depth of about twenty

feet. The committee in charge caused the wells to be drilled in

order to better serve the large public gatherings with sufficient

drinking water, quickly and easily accessible.

The young forest tract, of about eleven acres in extent, in

which are growing both evergreen and deciduous species, is be-

ginning to show up splendidly and, within another year or two,

will make a very good showing.

Arbor Day was observed at Fort St. Clair last spring in a

very appropriate manner. Various schools of Preble County

donated many trees and, in addition, sent boys to set them out

under the supervision of their instructors. Many public-spirited

citizens furnished from one to several trees for the occasion. In

this manner several hundred trees and shrubs found a home

within the Park and an acre or more was set to trees. Much

interest in Arbor Day was thus created in the schools of the

County, due, to a great extent, to the kindly interest manifested

by the County Superintendent of Schools, Mr. C. R. Coblentz,

and the superintendents of the various contralized schools of the

county.

On July 4, the Preble County Historical Society sponsored

a very fine patriotic observance, which included the dedication of

a sun-dial at the park. Patriotic addresses were made, a flag

salute of twenty-one guns (cannon fire) was given, and the sun-

dial was dedicated. The sun-dial was a gift from the hands of a

very generous member of the Preble County Historical Society,

Dr. C. M. Wilcox, of New Paris, who also designed the dial.

Interest in the Park, I am indeed glad to say, continues and

thousands of visitors have availed themselves of a welcome oppor-

tunity to spend a time there. Very large Sunday gatherings have

been held there this summer. Mr. and Mrs. Homer Charles, park

custodians, report that on different occasions, several reunions,

in addition to a number of smaller gatherings, have been held

there on the same Sunday.

If anyone had undertaken to tell the people of Preble County

ten years ago, that Fort St. Clair would now be in existence in

its present state of development and that the public would mani-

fest such an interest, therein, as at present, he would have been

derided.

But such has come to pass and the interest manifested in

Preble County is no different from that manifested elsewhere,

under proper leadership, or from what might be manifested any-

where else where opportunity affords.

The writer recently severed his active relationship with the

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628       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

 

Preble County Historical Society, due to his removal from Preble

County, but predicts continued growth and development of Fort

St. Clair Park in the days to come.

H. R. MCPHERSON

Columbus, Ohio, September 26, 1927.

 

GEORGE ROGERS CLARK MONUMENT

During the year the committee has sought to care for and

improve the grounds. The monument is located on high ground

overlooking the Mad River Valley, with a rather steep slope to

the south and west. Before the local society acquired the grounds,

there was a gravel pit on the west side, and in grading and level-

ing this part, the soil was left with gravel on the surface, which

made it difficult to get grass and our other plants started. We

think that good progress has been made and that eventually it

will be in good shape.

In May, 1927, we rendered a bill for expenses in caring for

the grounds to your Society, for $44.61 (which was paid), and

there has been other expense incurred during this summer season

for which we have not yet rendered a bill. It will approximate

$50.00.

The committee believes that, for the present, there should be

available, for the proper care of this site, $100.00 per year, and

we recommend that an appropriation for that amount be secured,

if possible. After a few years, that amount will probably not be

needed.

Mr. A. L. Slager, the Secretary of the Clark County Histori-

cal Society, has been in charge of the work on the grounds and

has given good attention to it.

(Signed) WM. W. KEIFER,

Chairman

HISTORICAL SOCIETIES

In the report presented a year ago the chairman of this com-

mittee indicated that, as quickly as matters could be arranged,

something might be expected from the hands of this committee.

It was also recommended that an effort be made to secure the

services of an organizer who might go afield in Ohio and endeavor

to organize Historical Societies, crystallize interest in historical

matters, and possibly increase membership in the State Society.

Mr. Johnson immediately replied that he would pledge his best

efforts in support of the plan.

To that end, during the past year, officers of this Society

have taken measures to employ such an organizer, or agent, who

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