Run For The Hills
“Spring rains have come and the rivers rush over the banks to flood the flats once more. Flood controls now protect us, but everyone who lived through the big floods recalls escaping the rising water and the damage left behind as the water receded.”
“We send our thoughts back to 1808 when severe floods drive the residents from the flourishing town of Alexandria, an early settlement west of the Scioto River. We are looking at the original plat of Alexandria recorded in 1799 and signed by Major Belli1. The streets are names, the lots are numbered and 600 acres are ready to create a town worthy of becoming the business center of Adams County. Indeed there was much to offer. Permanent homes had been built, there was a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, cabinet shop, a travelers’ inn and a post office. Judge John Collins held court and Dr. Thomas Waller took care of the sick.”
“By 1810, the dream faded. People gathered what they could salvage from the floods and moved to higher land, a place where Henry Massie’s town called Portsmouth was just in its beginnings. The refugees started again and were prominent in the new town. Their dreams for Alexandria were unrealized, but as they faded, a new homeland was created.”
“This yellowed map and a rock slab from the site of Alexandria will be preserved at the 1810 House to honor those who ran for our hills and settled here when the rivers drove them out of their first home. They are part of our local history.”
Come Up Waller Hill to the Spring Meeting: 1810 House- 2:00, Saturday, April 28
“Our program will be ‘Alexandria, the Lost Town.’ We welcome any information you have to add to our presentation. The framed original play will be placed as we dedicate it to the memory of Mrs. Henry W. Miller and Ward M Miller. this document is given by James B Miller, Mrs. Annis Miller Reinkoester, Mrs. Ward M Miller and the family.”
“The spring and summer schedule will be planned and a sign-up sheet will list the trained guides who will volunteer again this year. New guides, yard helpers, polish-uppers and menders are invited to join the fun at the homestead. Men who like to tinker with old articles are needed. Some come to this informal gathering, look around at what is new and give us your ideas. If you live in Scioto County, this can be a chance to use a hobby and have fun.”
Be There Drought or High Water, Our Big Day is Saturday, May 19
“The meeting of the Ohio Association of Historical Societies and Museums, Region 8, will be held in Portsmouth for the first time. Twelve southern Ohio counties will be represented, and expert help will be offered by professionals from the Ohio Historical Society. All local groups interested in historic preservation are urged to come with questions and problems.”
“There will be a coffee hour and registration and house tour at the 1810 House 9:30 to 10:30. We will go to the Southern Ohio Museum for the speakers and question period. James Strider, director of the Local History Department, Ohio Historical Society, will address the group.”
“Lunch will be served at the First Presbyterian Church at 1:00. An idea exchange and reports from all groups will take place around the tables. Mary Elizabeth Swartz will give us a tour of this historic church, listed on the National Register, showing especially the history room and the markings of the ’37 flood. Bus tours of the Boneyfiddle District and Washington Square will be conducted with the day ending by 3:30 to allow travelers time to get home.”
“We urge our own members to give this day their greatest support, as this is the opportunity for us to become better known in the state. Registration, lunch and participation in all evers are included in the $6.50 fee. Reservations go to Henrietta Montavon, Eden Park, Rte. 6, Box 253, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662.”
We Are Over-Flowing With Our Thanks
“Mrs. George Walters has given us a charming 1850 crazy quilt which she received from her mother, Mrs. Albert Barklow.2“
“Look for a sperm oil lamp and an alabaster salt dish. These are gifts from Mary Alice Turner who always notices what we lack.”
“Hazel Rush brought us a set of butter dishes and two tiny celluloid ducks for our toy farm.”
“Dottie Watkins3 was amused by some of our antique gowns so she hunted up an 1896 Harpers Bazaar and a 1901 Delineator for us proving our styles were right.”
“A silver perfume holder pendant and a pair of long black silk gloves came to us from Clara Donaldson.”
“We are pleased to have a wash bowl, pitcher, and chamber pot which belonged to the Kinney family. These are from the estates of Mrs. George Vaughters and Ruth Vaughters, given to us by Mrs. Lucille Vaughters.”
“Marjorie Curry gave us a pink and white patchwork quilt.”
“The old-fashioned bathing suits have just come in from Mary Margaret Tener.”
“Shawnee State Park Lodge, American Savings & Loan, the Activities Coordinators of Southern Ohio Convalescent Homes and several individuals have made generous contributions to help us keep going.”
Warm Welcome to Winter Visitors
“Guides met all family groups and out-of-town visitors who made appointments. The winners of the contest help by the Retail Merchants for a holiday in Portsmouth were entertained on four Saturdays.”
“A busload of Senior Citizens from Chillicothe came to see us on their spring tour. A Circle of women of Wesley United Methodist Church came for their meeting, a tour and refreshment in the country kitchen. Winifred Bryan brought women from Valley United Methodist Church to see the house and be costumed for an historic play given at their church.”
“Portsmouth Christian School students came for a tour. Minford Elementary third graders saw everything on their visit and asked lots of questions. Next we will meet with 120 fourth graders from Minford to keep things fair. Students from Glenwood High School came with David Snyder to see the antique clothing collection.”
“The schedule is filling up fast. Time may be reserved by called 354-5851 or 353-8338.”
In Memory
“As noted above, we are saddened by the death of Ward M Miller,4 who was a Charter Member, a Life Member and Past President of our Society.”
Come to the House on April 28
“‘History has a way of taking the merely curious and turning it into significance.’ -Blue Highways”
“This time we explore close to home.”5
- Major John Belli
- Mary Florence Barklow (nee Martin)
- Dorothy Opal Watkins (nee Zornes)
- Ward McLaughlin Miller, US Congressman representing Ohio’s 6th Congressional District.
- Scioto Historical. (1984, April).
