Who Do I Contact Regarding Special Events?

Kelli Kling Marketing, PR, & Special Events Wood County Historical Center & Museum 13660 County Home Road Bowling Green, OH 43402 419-352-0967 museum@woodcountyhistory.org

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History comes alive as local residents portray ten citizens interred in Wood County Cemeteries. The mission is to promote Wood County cemeteries, the history of the county, preserve our heritage, and keep alive the memories of those who have gone before us. We hope we have achieved our goals and that you enjoy the afternoon as much as we have in preparing it; and that you can relate to the varied stories of our citizens. Cemeteries of honorees include: Oak Grove, Union Hill, Weston, St. Rose, Portage, and Ft. Meigs.

Bring along your lawn chairs and enjoy an afternoon of history coming to life. Parking is available in the cemetery or nearby parking lots of Bowling Green State University.  In case of heavy rain, the program will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 1506 East Wooster.  This program is free and open to the public.

The Living History program is a made possible by a sub-committee of Wood County Historical Society's Education Committee and generous sponsorship. The Living History Day Committee is: Millie Broka, Jan Larson, Ethel Green, Barbara Rothrock, Kay Sergent, Ann Householder, David Chilson, and Mike McMaster.

INTERESTED? If you would like to participate as a researcher or portrayer, please call the Museum at 419-352-0967. Our next event is August 30, 2009, 2:00 PM at Oak Grove Cemetery, BGSU.

Past honorees:

Mary Maurer VonKanel, Elise VonKanel Stove, and Carrie VonKanel. Mary, along with Elise after the death of her husband Frederick, undertook the management of the VonKanel Jewelry Store. Carrie, after graduation from high school, went into nurses training. Portrayed by Jan Larson and daughters Anna Erfman and Alexia Larson, 2008. Oak Grive Cemetery

Albert Froney. Albert was born in Germany and came to America with his parents, settling in Elmore. He started his first business in Pemberville and later moved to Bowling Green and established A. Froney Department Store. Portrayed by Dale Bruning, 2008. Oak Grove Cemetery

Margaret O'Carroll Rider. Maggie was born in Toledo of Irish parents. She was active in the DAR (Daughters of the Revolution) and the Republican party and knew her representative and Senator on a first name basis. Portrayed by Mary Brandeberry, 2008. Washington Township Cemetery

Benjamin Stone. Ben was by his account, a night watchman, marshall, and deputy sheriff in Luckey, Ohio. He was famous for his marksmanship. Portrayed by Pat Mahood, 2008. Webster Township Cemetery

Caroline Miller Spoerl. Caroline was born in New York City and came to Wood County via the Orphan Train in 1881 when she was four years old. Portrayed by Jodi Moughamian, 2008. St. Rose Cemetery

Leonard Davis. Leonard was born in Portage Township and attended the Portage Township Schools. After serving in WWII, he became a rural mail carrier and farmer. Portrayed by William Sherman, 2008. Portage Cemetery

Troas Adams Dunn. After graduating from Bowling Green Normal College, Troas began her teaching career in a
one-room school in Henry County. She was instrumental in setting up the program that became Wood Lane School.
Portrayed by Judy Reynolds, 2008. Oak Grove Cemetery

Frederick W. Uhlman, Sr. Fred was a major force behind the establishment of Wood County Hospital. In 1961 was named “Outstanding Citizen” by the BG Chamber of Commerce. Owner of the Uhlman Stores. Portrayed by Larry Nader, 2008. Weston Cemetery

Grace M. Millikin Uhlman. Grace was a trustee of First Presbyterian Church and founding member of the Woman’s Club of Bowling Green. She was mother of three children and often-accompanied Fred on buying trips for the store.
Portrayed by Gail Nader, 2008. Oak Weston Cemetery

Mrs. Sarah Morse Gorrill will come to life in the form of Ellin Stoots, who lives in the home that Sarah’s husband built in Bowling Green.   Sarah and William Gorrill were married in 1833 and traveled to Ohio were they settled in Troy Township, Wood County.  Sarah became the first teacher in Troy Township, teaching in their cabin with 12 students. Portrayed by Ellin Stoots, 2007: retired teacher, lives in house built by Sarah Gorrill's husband. Oak Grove Cemetery

Patrick Crowley will portray his grandfather, Harry Murlin.  Harry was born in Neptune, Ohio and arrived in Bowling Green in 1917 when he was hired to teach industrial arts at Bowling Green High School.  Mr. Murlin later sold life insurance and was elected City Auditor from 1947 to 1951.  Portrayed by Patrick Crowley, 2007: retired attorney, grandson of Harry Murlin. Oak Grove Cemetery

Malinda Swanson Agler’s life was cut short when her husband murdered her in 1949.  Rebecca White-Schooner, Malinda’s niece, will relive her aunt’s troubled life as a battered housewife during a time when society turned a blind eye on such happenings. Portrayed by Becky White-Schooner, 2007: partner of Inspired by Nature, great-niece of Malinda Agler. Union Hill Cemetery

His grandson, Jerry Loomis, will portray Jeremiah Carter of Carter Road and Carter Park fame.  Jeremiah was a Wood County native, orphaned at 6 years of age, went on to college, taught school and became part owner in a Lumber Mill.  Portrayed by Jerry Loomis, 2007: retired systems programmer, great-grandson of Jeremiah Carter. Oak Grove Cemetery

Their grandchildren Nadine Bechstein Musser and Carl Dierksheide will portray Jessie A. Pultz Bechstein and John H. Bechstein.  Jessie and John became proud parents of 13 children and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.  John was a farmer and Jessie his helpmate. Portrayed by Nadine Bechstein-Musser and Carl Dierksheide, 2007. Nadine is a staff development coordinator and granddaughter of Jessie and John Bechstein. Carl is a mechanical engineer and part-time farmer, and the grandson of Jessie and John Bechstein. Weston Cemetery

Kim Glenn Thomas and Dan Glenn will portray Orma Schauweker Brigham and Joel Wynn Brigham.  Wynn became a partner with his father in the vegetable garden and greenhouse business and in 1920 with the help of Orma opened Brigham’s Flower Shop. Portrayed by Kim Glenn Thomas and Dan Glenn, 2007. Kim is an author, wife, consultant, and mother of twins. She is the great-granddaughter of Orma and Joel Wynn Brigham. Dan is the owner and operator of a trucking business and is the great-grandson or Orma and Joel Wynn Brigham. Oak Grove Cemetery

Ernest Nietzke spent 20 years in baseball as a pitcher and outfielder.  Ernie played professional baseball and in the 1921 and 1922 seasons was with the Boston Red Socks.  Andy Sattler has the honor of telling us of Ernie’s accomplishments in life. Portrayed by Andy Sattler, 2007: 2007 high school graduate, active in FFA. Union Hill Cemetery

Simon Thomas was a member of the 24th Regiment of the Negro US Cavalry during the Civil War. Mr. Thomas started the first African Methodist Episcopal Church in Perrysburg. Portrayed by Rev. Davis Booth, 2007: pastor of the Christian Community Church, Toledo, Ohio. Ft. Meigs Cemetery

Martha Van Tassel was a Wood County pioneer. She was a student at Bell School and was taught by Mr. Isaac Van Tassel. Martha was the mother of eight children, five who grew to adulthood. Portrayed by Joyce Kepke, 2006: retired administrator in Continuing Education at Bowling Green State University and Bowling Green Councilwoman for 20 years. Oak Grove Cemetery

Isaac Van Tassel II taught at the Mission School on the Maumee River. He and his wife, Martha, purchased government land in Milton Township, Wood County, raised their family, and lived there for 31 years. he served 15 years as Justice of the Peace. Portrayed by Allen Kepke, 2006: retired theatre professor at Bowling Green State University. Oak Grove Cemetery

Lt. Wilson W. Brown was a Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. He along with 22 men of "Mitchell's ar Andrew's Raiders" were instrumental in capturing a railroad train at Big Shanty, GA. He was captured in 1862 after the raid, imprisoned, and escaped. Portrayed by Rob Morgan, 2006: teacher, Bowling Green Junior High School. New Belleville Ridge Cemetery

Ellen Cornelia Kelly Aultman was a farm wife and mother of nine children who wrote in a journal in 1901 and 1902. Ellen's journal give us a view of farm and family life in Wood County from the woman's point of view. Information was recorded about weather, crops, food, housekeeping, raising children, and dealing with adolescents. Portrayed by Barbara Rothrock, 2006: owner of Calico, Sage and Thyme, a gift store located on Clay Street in Bowling Green. Fish Cemetery

Police Chief Galliher was born in Cattlesburg, KY. "Shorty" joined the Bowling Green Police Force in 1920. In 1931, he was involved in a well known "shoot out" with Charles Arthur, "Pretty Boy Floyd" alias Frank Mitchell, a notorious gangster of the day. Portrayed by Gary Spencer, 2006: Chief of Police, City of Bowling Green. Oak Grove Cemetery

Patrolman Ralph Castner was born in Bowling Green, Ohio. He was an outstanding football player for bowling Green High School. He graduated from Bowling Green State College, joined the Police Department in 1929, and was fatally shot in a "shoot out" with "Floyd" and William Milter, the "Baby Faced Killer." Portrayed by Tom Brokam, 2006: retired Bowling Green City Police Officer (25 years), now working for Ohio B.C.I. as a criminal investigator. Oak Grove Cemetery

Elmer Bowers was Service Safety Director for Bowling Green when he died. He worked in the A Froney & Company store, operated a dry cleaning establishment, and organized the Traffic Oil Company. He was an ardent Republican and served on City Council for several years. Elmer also administered food allotments and relief to citizens of Bowling Green during the depression. Portrayed by William Shuler, 2006: owner of Avery Vault Company, worked at State Home Saving Bank, member of Exchange Club. Oak Grove Cemetery

Eliza Hampton was a survivor of a race of Pioneers who populated the wilderness of the Western Reserve. Her life-time homestead was north of Bowling Green on 60 acres on Mitchell Road. She was a woman of superior intelligence and excellent business capacity. Eliza managed a store for the Grange and later purchased it and ran it as her own business. Portrayed by Ann Bowers, 2006: retired archivist working part-time at the Center for Archival Collections, Bowling Green State University. Granddaughter of Elmer Bowers. Union Hill Cemetery

Mina Tyson Bishop attended Bowling Green Normal College, became a teacher, trained to become a nurse, and joined the Army Nurses during WWI. Mina met Bryan Bishop, a wounded soldier. When the war was over Mina and Bryan came to Wayne, OH and married. Portrayed by lla Banbury, 2006: former registered nurse, teacher in Michigan public schools for 30 years, now retired. Niece of Mina Tyson Bishop. Mt. Zion Cemetery

MYRON L. CASE (1863-1923) was a graduate or Ohio Wesleyan University. Mr. Case began working at the Exchange Bank in Bowling Green. The great oil and gas boom then started and it led to his lifelong career in the glass industry. He helped found the Chamber of Commerce and participated in many civic activities. Portrayed by Randy Brown, 2005: curator, Wood County Historical Center & Museum. Oak Grove Cemetery

EDWIN FARMER (1838-1904) served as superintendent of the Wood County Infirmary from 1878 until 1904. He and his wife Charlotte, were appointed by the infirmary board to oversee the infirmary affairs. Later his daughter Lottie and her husband, Frank Brandeberry were superintendent and matron of the facility. Portrayed by John Eschedor, 2005, self-employed carpenter, great-great-grandson of Edwin Farmer. Oak Grove Cemetery

LYLE R. FLETCHER (1901-2001) had a varied career-climatologist, newspaperman, professor, historian. After his retirement from Bowling Green State University, he turned his attention to history. He is credited with saving the old Infirmary and turning it over to the Wood County Historical Society for a local history museum. Portrayed by Ed Danziger, 2005, Professor of History at Bowling Green State University. Oak Grove Cemetery

ADELINE HALLECK (1869-1970) was the first librarian of the Bowling Green Public Library. She was a charter and member of the Shakespeare Roundtable, which is credited with starting the library. She had taught in the Bowling Green schools for 40 years. When the Bowling Green Woman's Club was founded in 1920, she became the its first recording secretary. She lived to be 101. Portrayed by Deena Halleck, 2005, homemaker, married to Adeline Halleck's great-great-nephew. Oak Grove Cemetery

JOHN R. HANKEY (1843-1902) was a leading businessman as a tailor/clothing merchant in Bowling Green's early days. He began a lumber and planing mill business and built some of the local facilities such as the Exchange Bank, the old Opera House, and the Canastota Glass factory. He acquired much wealth in the gals boom. He had a substantial interest in the National Bank as a co-founder. Portrayed by Eric Honneffer, 2005, Conservator for the Center for Archival Collections, Bowling Green State University. Oak Grove Cemetery

WILLIAM C. JORDAN (1887-1982) taught in the College of Education at Bowling Green State University for 33 years, but he felt that some of the happiest years of his life were during retirement. He composed music, took up water color painting, and rug hooking. He played the piano for the Kiwanis Club each week and wrote a songbook for Kiwanis. Portrayed by Dorsey Sergent, 2005, retired pharmacist. Oak Grove Cemetery

ALEX KLEVER (1862-1945) came to the United States in 1880 and settled in Bowling Green in 1882. After working in the Von Kanel Jewelry Store, he opened his own jewelry Store on Wooster Street, and later with his sons Roy and Grant opened a store at 121 North Main Street. The Klever Jewelry business remains to this day. Mr. Klever was active in the affairs of the downtown businesses and helped found the Board of Trade. Portrayed by Tom Bamburowski, 2005, attorney, court magistrate. Oak Grove Cemetery

DR. JOSEPH C. LINCOLN (1844-1926) was a physician, druggist, and banker in Bowling Green. After practicing in Iowa and Fostoria, he moved to Bowling Green in 1873. He was very active in civic affairs, serving as a Wood County Congressman and member of the Board of Education and city Council. He also was a director of the Wood County Savings Bank until his death. Portrayed by John Dimick, 2005, factory supervisor, great-great-grandson of Dr. Lincoln. Oak Grove Cemetery

NELLIE A. REPASS (1876-1940) served for 32 years as matron and superintendent of the Children's Home in Bowling Green. She felt that she and her staff should try to make the children's residence at the home as comforting as possible. She took care of hundreds of children during her tenure at the Home. Portrayed by Christie Raber, 2005, Director, Wood County Historical Center & Museum. Oak Grove Cemetery

SHORTY RITTENHOUSE (1890-1966) was a jack-of-all-trades: a plumber, a carpenter, an electrician, and later a custodian and school bus driver. After purchasing a small piece of land in southeast Bowling Green, he and his wife bought an old street car, moved it to his lot, and made a home out of this streetcar for the family. Portrayed by Larry Rittenhouse, 2005, native of Bowling Green, son of Shorty Rittenhouse. Oak Grove Cemetery

SOLON L. BOUGHTON (1827-1902) was one of Bowling Green's earliest citizens and businessmen, including founder of a glass factory during the oil and gas boom. Mr. Boughton also was active in civic affairs in the city. Portrayed by Joe Terry, 2004. Oak Grove Cemetery

MINNIEBELLE CONLEY (1898-1984), a native of Bowling Green who lived all her life in a residence on West Wooster Street, was society editor of The Daily Sentinel-Tribune for 53 years. In later years she became interested in the humane treatment of animals. Portrayed by Joan Gordon, 2004. Oak Grove Cemetery

MYRNA REECE HANNA (1878-1955) was the first woman to be elected to the General Assembly from Wood County. She was the joint author of the 1929 bill changing the status of the Bowling Green and Kent institutions from normal school to college. Portrayed by Caryl Hanna McCormick, 2004. Oak Grove Cemetery

FLOYD FREDERICK (FRED) HOUSEHOLDER (1938-1989) Dr. Householder established an obstetrics/gynecology practice in Bowling Green during the 1970s. He loved sports, and when he came to Bowling Green, hockey became a passion. Portrayed by Craig Householder, 2004. Oak Grove Cemetery

PEARL DISEL JUNE (1895-1961), a long-time resident of the city, was a homemaker who enjoyed raising her family in the community. She was the mother of Max and Freeman June, both businessmen in Bowling Green. Portrayed by Suzi Saunders, 2004. Oak Grove Cemetery

MERLE W. KLOTZ (1913-2004) operated what came to be called Klotz Floral Gift & Garden Center for more than 60 years. The business, established in 1918, is one of the city's oldest enterprises. Portrayed by Eric Klotz, 2004. Oak Grove Cemetery

EDWIN L. MOSELEY (1865-1948), probably the most widely known member of the original Bowling Green State University faculty, was primarily a biologist and naturalist. He was well known for his studies of tree rings as a means of determining weather cycles. Portrayed by Leo A. Schifferli, 2004. Oak Grove Cemetery

BRUCE C. PRATT (1891-1975) joined the Wood County Sheriff's Department as a deputy in 1924 and was elected Sheriff in 193I, serving two terms. He hunted Pretty Boy Floyd, who had shot a local policeman, but never caught up with him. Portrayed by Bruce Pratt IV, 2004. Oak Grove Cemetery

JOHN K. (JACK) RANEY (1890-199)7 was a well-known architect, having designed many of the buildings still standing today in Bowling Green: the Cla-Zel Theatre along with buildings on the BGSU campus. He also served 27 years in the Army. Portrayed by David Chilson, 2004, Bowling Green State University. Oak Grove Cemetery

JOHN C. WOOSTER (1825-1884) became the first mayor of Bowling Green in 1856, in an election held in his home and with 56 votes being cast. Wooster Street was named in his honor. Portrayed by John Quinn, Mayor of Bowling Green, 2004. Oak Grove Cemetery