Zoar Star Summer 2013

A Publication of the Zoar Community Assocition
SUMMER 2013
The ZCA Mission
To preserve, interpret, and celebrate
the culture and heritage of the
Society of Separatists and historic
Zoar Village through education,
activities, and events that promote
both the legacy of the Society and
the present Zoar community.
What’s Inside
40th Annual Harvest Festival
1
Contact Block
2
Meet the Board
2
Civil War Reenactment 3
New Members 3
Eleanor Sullivan, author“Tracking the
Separatists in Germany”
4-5
Upcoming Events
6
New News
7
Artifact of the Month
Be the first person to e-mail
the correct use of this item and
receive 4 complimentary tickets to the
Harvest Festival. zoarinfo@zca.org.
www.historiczoarvillage.com
40TH ANNUAL HARVEST
FESTIVAL AND ANTIQUE SHOW
The Zoar Community Association offers
old favorites and a few twists as part of the
2013 festival. The festival happens Saturday,
August 3, 10-6, and Sunday, August 4,
10-5. The Antique Show will once again
feature quality antique dealers organized
by Richard and Jan Wilkes. Don’t miss the
juried craft show that promises items like
hand woven rugs, redware pottery, painted
gourds, homemade treats, and other
handmade items. To see demonstrations
of historic crafts, tour the ten museum
buildings and experience dairying,
blacksmithing, woodworking, spinning,
weaving, cooking, laundry, gardening,
baking, and tinsmithing.
The working animals will be back in 2013.
Watch dogs herd sheep and ducks along
East Fourth Street. Take a ride in a horse
drawn wagon Saturday 2-5, and Sunday
1-4. Wagon rides start at the Historic
Sewing House. More modern farm
helpers will be on display in the power
show across from the School House. See
tractors, engines, and other equipment.
ZCA teamed up this year with the Canton
Chapter of the Antique Automobile Club
of America (AACA) to host the 2013
antique car show. The car show will be held
on Saturday August 3rd from 9:30 AM to
3:00PM in the Zoar village. All antique,
custom and special interest automobiles
are welcome. Trophies and awards will be
presented based on “People’s Choice”.
Calling all Zoar Descendants! Don’t miss
Descendant’s Day on Sunday, hosted by
Scott and Marilyn Gordon behind the
Historic Sewing House. Visit with other
Descendants and swap stories and family
histories. Look for your Harvest Festival
Pass and invitation in the mail.
ZCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jon Elsasser, President
330-874-4684/330-323-1529
alsacian@msn.com
David Hayes
330-874-4509/330-904-7261
dhayes119@yahoo.com
Mark Gaynor, Vice President
330-874-1817/330-340-9992
chief@indianrivergraphics.com
Rev. Ken Hutchinson
330-854-5110
hutchinson@sssnet.com
Diane Geis, Treasurer
330-874-3181/330-904-2980
geis@roadrunner.com
Darrell Markijohn
330-495-4952
dmarkijohn@sbcglobal.net
Frank Price, Vice President
330-602-8820/330-260-7802
feprice@msn.com
Libby Moffat
330-874-4787/330-309-5126
annieliz261@yahoo.com
Gail Rubert, Secretary
330-309-3172
ggarbrandt@gmail.com
Mike Murphy
330-340-9180
mccamurphy@gmail.com
Bill Bjork
330-874-6097/919-356-4721
billbjork@windstream.net
Holly Shane
330-874-2407
hollypop50@aol.com
Jeff Eadie
440-785-5746
villagefamilydent@sbcglobal.net
Sandy Worley
330-874-2600
marianc@roadrunner.com
Darin Good
330-754-9973
drumguy@roadrunner.com
CONTACT US
zoarinfo@zca.org
330-874-3011 or 800-262-6195
PO Box 621
198 Main St.
Zoar, OH 44697
www.historiczoarvillage.com
Like us on Facebook! Search for
Zoar Community Association.
There are currently 1,103 Followers!
Follow us on Twitter!
Search for Historic Zoar.
There are currently 127 Followers!
VISIT US
Site Hours for Tours:
January-March: Closed
April & May: Sat. 11-4; Sun. 12-4
June-September: Wed. - Sat. 11-4; Sun. 12-4
October: Sat. 11-4, Sun. 12-4
November & December: Closed
Zoar Store Retail Hours:
January & Febuary: Closed
March: Fri., Sat. 10-5; Sun. 12-5
April-December: Wed. - Sat. 10-5; Sun. 12-5
Meet the Board FRANKLIN PRICE, Vice President
As Vice President
for ZCA, Frank
coordinates the
activities of the event
committees. Frank
also volunteers as a
costumed interpreter
for Historic Zoar
Village, most often in
the Wagon Shop. Frank helps with school
and home school programs, helping
children build simple wood projects.
2
Frank is also involved with several other
local organizations. He is treasurer of
Experimental Aircraft Association,
Chapter 1077 and chairs the pancake
breakfasts at Harry Clever Field on
Memorial Day and Labor Day. As a
member of Church of the Holy Trinity
in Zoar, Frank manages the food
booth at ZCA festivals, organizes the
fish fry dinners during lent, sings in
the traditional choir, is a member of
Knights of Columbus, and helps with
road clean-up along Highway 800.
As a volunteer for Wheels of Hope,
Frank spends each Tuesday repairing
wheelchairs and other equipment for
the handicapped. The equipment is then
shipped to third world countries.
Frank’s other interests include
international travel. He joined the 2012
trip to tour the region in Germany where
the Society of Separatists originated. He
also spent three weeks in China and two
weeks cruising along the Norwegian
coast with stops in several coastal towns.
Frank enjoys discussing these trips with
anyone who is interested! Frank climbed
Mt. St. Helens in Washington State and
looked down into the crater left from the
volcanic eruption and also caught a 400
pound, nine and a half foot sturgeon in
the Columbia River.
Frank retired from Management at
Woolworth’s 5 & 10. His last position was
a twenty year career managing the store in
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. He currently
works on call with Sunrise Equipment
Company and Kimble Mixer deliver truck
and other specialized vehicles to various
construction sites.
Frank and his wife, Edith, live in New
Philadelphia, Ohio. Frank has three
children, four grandchildren, and six
great-grandchildren.
ZOAR CIVIL WAR REENACTMENT:
THE BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA
The biennial Civil War event is back for
the seventh year! Reenactors transport
the village back to 1863 with battles,
encampments, and demonstrations of
Civil War life in the field and on the
homefront. This year on September 7 &
8 the reenactment will commemorate
the 150th anniversary of the Battle of
Chickamauga. The price for ages 13 and
up is $10. Ages 12 and under are FREE!
School children are invited to preview
the weekend’s events on Friday at Civil
War School Day. The day runs from
9am-3pm and reservations are required
by 5pm on Tuesday, September 3. Cost is
$4/student, teachers are free.
GARDEN WEDDINGS
Thinking of having your wedding in the Zoar Garden? You can now rent
your chairs from ZCA too! Thanks to a generous grant from the Haman
Family Foundation, ZCA purchased one hundred white resin chairs
and two storage containers for the chairs. To inquire about a garden
wedding, call the ZCA office at 330-874-2646.
NEW for 2013 is a great event on
Thursday and Friday nights in
the big tent.
A group of lawyers from Canton
with a theatrical bent have had great
success with their performance of “The
Andersonville Trial” in Canton and they
are bringing the production to Zoar!
They will use their considerable trial
skills to perform “The Andersonville
Trial”, by Saul Levitt. It is a compelling
staging of the August, 1865 military
trial of the Confederate commander of a
prisoner of war camp in Georgia where
nearly 14,000 Union soldiers died of
starvation, disease and exposure. The
testimony of the witnesses is haunting.
The argument over whether doing one’s
duty when following orders is justifiable
under wartime conditions is intense
and explosive. Watch the website www.
zoarcivilwar.com for more details.
Welcome to Our
New Members
and Donors
NEW MEMBERS
Zoar Motorcross & Auto Detailing
Joan Hostetler
INDIVIDUAL DONORS
Julie Lieser
Samuel Petry
Brinley & Karen Brown
Shawn & Darel Finley
Rosemary Tope
CORPORATE DONORS
Wilkshire Golf
Town & Country Veterinary Clinic
3
Tracking the Separatists in Germany
Next Stop: Rottenacker
Danube River near Rottenacker
Last fall you came along with us as we traced the Separatists in
Germany to Merklingen, the birthplace of Joseph Bimeler and
his wife, Barbara Danzer. Come along now as we travel on to
Rottenacker, the home of many of the Separatists.
narrow cell in a nearly naked condition but, instead of being
released, she was transported to the penitentiary for women in
Lindau. There she again fell into trances, converting a warden
to her beliefs.
Barbara Grubermann
What did she do next, you ask? She escaped! And continued
her travels, collecting converts along the way, including Stephan
Huber, who became a leading Separatist later. (You’ll learn more
about Stephan when we visit the prison next time.) Fearing
arrest in Switzerland, she moved to Rottenacker, Germany,
where she continued to espouse her beliefs but suffered no more
than ridicule from some. Despite returning to Switzerland in
1804 to marry, she seldom stayed for more than a short visit.
Rottenacker was now her home.
No discussion of the Separatists is complete without
considering Barbara Grubermann’s contribution to their
founding. Plus, she’s a fascinating character! Born in
Switzerland on February 5, 1797, Barbara (also known as
Babele, a common nickname for Barbara) quickly asserted
her independent spirit, refusing to sit in her assigned seat
in the church even as a young child. Here’s the interesting
part: she experienced ecstasies, receiving revelations during
her trances. Reporting that she’d seen the spirits of heaven
and everyone could be cleansed and go there. No need for
church, for ministers, or for catechism. All one needed to go
to heaven was penance.
Imagine the formal church’s response to her revelations! And
her increasingly popularity as people traveled from miles
around to hear her speak. In January, 1789, she was sentenced
to prison. She soon complained that she was confined in a
4
Rottenacker
During the early years of Separatism (1799 to 1800), the officials
in Rottenacker ignored the Separatists’ disobedience. They
didn’t attend religious services nor did the partake of the Holy
Supper. But in 1801 the mayor complained about Barbara
Grubermann’s teachings. She espoused working on Sunday
and, he reported, she didn’t consider whoring a sin. What, you
say, she encouraged sexual relations outside of marriage? That’s
not exactly accurate. She neither condoned nor condemned
extramarital sex. She simply decreed that no matter the sin,
true Christians would be saved. She was ordered to leave
Rottenacker, returning later when the brouhaha died down.
Rottenacker in Upper Swabia became the seat of Separatism.
The people shared some common characteristics:
CHUCK
KNAACK DAY
Photo by Holly Thouvenin
• They attached a cloth star to their clothing to identify fellow
Separatists and also mocked the authorities with its similarity
to their official insignia.
• Even leading citizens joined the movement, lending
credibility to Barbara Grubermann’s teachings.
• Many Separatists, though, were poor farmers who
supplemented their meager income by working as weavers.
• Most Separatists joined the movement as couples, but those
that didn’t raised havoc in their homes, i. e., beatings, abuse.
• The Separatists celebrated with happy hymns that
attracted church people because they were more joyous
than their usual hymns.
The Separatists further insulted the authorities because they
refused to doff their hats to their “betters.” Such an indignity!
And they called everyone by the familial title as “du” as they
considered everyone equal. Who had heard such blasphemy!
Historical Questions
We know that eventually Separatists were arrested and sent to
prison (for the men) and the penitentiary (for the women), but
we don’t know what happened to Barbara Grubermann. She
didn’t emigrate to America or Russia as some Separatists did.
She seemed to keep on the move to avoid the authorities but
eventually all word of her ceased.
Also, where did Stephan Huber and Michael Bäumler go? Huber
was imprisoned for a time but then isn’t heard from until he and
Bäumler appear in Zoar in 1817.
I’ll try to answer these questions in future posts. In the
meantime, let me express special appreciation to Dr. Eberhard
Fritz for his paper, “Separatists in Rottenacker” and for his
lectures on the trip. Dr. Herman Ehmer also contributed his
historical expertise.
Stay tuned for our next stop: the prison!
Eleanor Sullivan is a Bimeler
descendant and author of
“Graven Images,” the second
singular village mystery, set
in 19th century Zoar. She’ll be
appearing in Zoar on September
21 for a book launch event.
The Village of Zoar, with Tusky Valley Local Schools
and the Zoar Community Association, celebrated the
many contributions Chuck Knaack made and makes to
the community by proclaiming April 14, 2013 “Chuck
Knaack Day.” The community honored Chuck Knaack
with a small celebration at the school house where
Mayor Larry Bell presented Chuck with an engraved
clock. As a resident of Zoar, Chuck has served as
mayor and councilman and as a board member of the
Zoar Community Association. He continues to curate
the Town Hall Museum for ZCA. Chuck also serves on
the Tusky Valley School Board and was an art teacher
for many years at Tusky Valley.
“Chuck Knaack Day” was followed by another special
honor for Mr. Knaack. The Tuscarawas County
Historical Society awarded Chuck the Zeisberger
Heckewelder Award based on Jon Elsasser’s
nomination. Jon presented Chuck with the award at
an awards banquet on May 7, 2013. The Zeisberger
Heckewelder Award is named for missionaries David
Zeisberger and John Heckewelder, who taught the
Delaware Indians of Tuscarawas County in the latter
1700s. The award honors members of the community
who have made outstanding contributions to the
quality of life and the preservation of history in our
county. Artist and Creator Johann Zabka founded this
medal to be the “Pulitzer Prize” of Tuscarawas County.
The medal is engraved with these words: “Humanity
– Peace – God – Love.” The medals are minted by the
same firm responsible for the Pulitzer Prize, Olympic
Medals and the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Johann wated to give back to his beloved adopted
country. The award has been presented since 1981 to
fourteen community organizations as well as 134 men
and women. In addition, special awards were given
to Johann Zabka in 1990 and the Vienna Boys Choir in
November 2005.
5
Upcoming Events
SPEAKER SERIES
Assassination of Abraham Lincoln and the
Pursuit of John Wilkes Booth
July 6, 2013, 1-2 p.m. – FREE
Steve Long of Zoarville will present a slideshow lecture
of places relevant to the “Assassination of Abraham
Lincoln and the Pursuit of John Wilkes Booth.” Meet at
the Zoar School House.
Abraham Lincoln
August 3, 1-2 p.m. – FREE
Abraham Lincoln, as portrayed by Jerry Payn gives a
presentation from the porch of the Magazine. Meet at
the Magazine on West Third St in Zoar.
Sojourner Truth
September 7, 1-2 p.m. – FREE
Learn how Sojourner Truth fought for freedom for
African-Americans. Portrayed by Annette Jefferson.
Meet at the Zoar School House.
Summer Camps
July 9, 10, 11 & 12 – Half Day
Summer Camp.
9 a.m.-12 p.m. $15/day first child, $10/day
additional children. Reservations required
by calling 330-874-3011.
July 16, 17, 18 & 19 – All Day Summer Camp.
9 a.m.-3 p.m. $35/day first child, $30/day additional children.
Reservations required by calling 330-874-3011.
40th Annual Harvest Festival
& Antique Show
August 3 & 4
Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 ,p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
$7/adult. Children 12 and under FREE.
Celebrate bringing in the last load of the harvest at the 40th
Annual Harvest Festival and Antique Show. Peruse the booths
of over sixty high-quality antiques dealers and see period
craftspeople demonstration their skills. Enjoy the juried craft
show and the art show, exhibit, and sale. Tour the scenic village
including all the historic house museums. Enjoy a horsedrawn wagon ride plus food and more fun!
6
Civil War School Day
September 6 - 9 a.m.-3 pm.
Registration required by 5pm on Tuesday, September 3.
$4/student, $6/adult. Teachers are free.
Experience the sights and sounds of the battlefield and the
home front! Open to public school, private school, and home
school students from K-12.
Battle of Chickamauga
Civil War Reenactment
September 7 & 8
Saturday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday
10 a.m. -5 p.m.
$10/adult, Children 12 and under FREE.
Experience Ohio’s largest and best
Civil War reenactment. Over 1200
reenactors invade the village of Zoar
to showcase Civil War life on the
battlefield and on the home front. Join in the fun at the Civil
War Ball on Saturday. Visit all the Zoar museums to find out
more about the pacifist communal society and their wayward
sons who joined the Union Army. Shop at sutler’s row and find
unique reproduction Civil War items as well as food and drink.
Beginning Blacksmithing
Classes
August 17 or September 21, 8 a.m-5 p.m.
Learn the basics of blacksmithing as you forge
a hook and a nail. This class features plenty
of time at the anvil while you discover the
history of smithing. Limited to four apprentices,
reservations required. 8a-5p $100/participant.
Weaving Classes
August 17 or September 21. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Learn to weave on a two harness floor loom. $60 per person
includes all instruction, materials and supplies. Each student will
take a completed project home. Classes fill quickly, so call 330874-3011 to make your reservation.
Fall Watercolor Painting Class
September 19-October 24, Thursdays 3-5 p.m.
Fall Foliage and the Buildings of Zoar
This 6 week session will begin on Sept. 19 and will continue every
Thursday for 6 weeks from 3pm to 5pm through Oct. 24th.
Cost of the entire class is $60 per student. Please call 330-8743011 to register and for more information.
Yes!
WE WANT TO SPONSOR & PROTECT
HISTORIC ZOAR VILLAGE
Name
Address
SPONSORSHIP LEVELS:
$50
$250
$100
$500
$150
$1000
$200
Other: $
Phone
Card #
My donation and information are enclosed.
Please consider this a pledge and bill me at this date___/___/2013.
Exp. Date Code
Name On Card
Zoar Community Association
PO Box 621, Zoar, OH 44697 • 800-262-6195 or 330-874-2646
www.historiczoarvillage.com • zoarinfo@zca.org
Thank you for your donation to Zoar Village and the Zoar Community
Association. You will receive your receipt for tax purposes shortly
after we receive your donation.
Signature
Please Charge My Credit Card Immediately
Check For $ Monthly
Enclosed
(Payable To Zoar Community Association)
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT
Assistant Site Manager Becka Lash and her
husband, Andy, welcomed a daughter on May 12,
2013 at 11:40pm. Aria Mae Lash weighed 7lbs and
was 19 inches long.
Interpreter Bruce Barth taking the first
tour group out in Zoar’s new golf cart.
NEW
ACQUISITIONS
ON DISPLAY
AT THE TOWN
HALL MUSEUM
Rosewood clarinet
originally owned by
William A. Bimeler, who
played in the Zoar Band,
displayed in a walnut
case made in 1892 by
C.J. Sylvan of Zoar.
Early curtain tie backs,
acorn shaped plumb bobs,
Zoar souvenir pieces,
dishes, paper weight, and
old German compass, wood
shovel, and a bag (only)of
Zoar Agricultural lime.
7
PRESORTED STD
US POSTAGE
ZOAR COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 621
Zoar, OH 44697
PAID
MAILER’S CHOICE
The Zoar Star is published quarterly by
The Zoar Community Association
The historic Village of Zoar is
protected by a levee built in
the 1930s. But one of several
alternatives being considered by
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
would remove the levee
entirely — which could require
the demolition of 80% of this
remarkable historic village.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Republic Services-County Wide
3619 Gracemont St. SW, East Sparta, OH 44612
330-874-3855 • www.republicservicesohio.com
jkraus@republicservices.com
Zoar Golf Course
8229 Dover Zoar Rd. NE, Dover, OH 44622
330-874-4653 • www.zoargolf.com
Zoar School Inn Bed &
Breakfast
P.O. Box 509, Zoar, OH 44697
216-927-3700 • www.zoarschoolinn.com
info@zoarschoolinn.com
Oakshadows Kennel Plus
7665 Middle Run Rd. NE, Dover, OH 44622
330-343-7233 • www.oakshadowskennel com
Westbrook’s Cannery
P.O. Box 435, Zoar, OH 44697
330-874-8120 • www.westbrookscannery.com
kristina@westbrookscannery.com
Leonard Insurance Services
4244 Mt. Pleasant St. NW, N. Canton, OH 44720
330-266-1904 • www.leonardinsurance.com
Lebold-Smith Funeral Home
248 Park Ave., Bolivar, OH 44612
330-874-3113 • www.smithfuneral.com
rsmith@smithambulance.com
The Keeping Room Bed &
Breakfast and Antiques in the
Wash House
P.O. Box 614, Zoar, OH 44697
330-874-3181
www.thekeepingroombandb.com • geis@roadrunner.com
Fire House Grille & Pub
162 Main St., Zoar, OH 44697
330-874-2726 • www.thefirehousegrilleandpub.com
Canal Tavern of Zoar
8806 Towpath Rd. NE (just outside of
Zoar), Bolivar, OH 44612
330-874-4444 • www.canaltavernofzoar.com
eat@canaltavernof zoar.com
Goodings Nursery & Landscaping
4375 Cumberland Rd., Sherrodsville, OH 44675 740269-7685 • www.goodingsnursery.com
question@goodingsnursery.com
Zoar Market
9466 SR 212, Bolivar, OH 44612
330-874-4372
zoarmarket@wilkshire.net
Blooms Printing, Inc.
4792 N. 4th St. Ext. SE,
Dennison, OH 44621
740-922-1765 • www.bloomsprinting.com
rbloomjr@bloomsprinting.com
D.L. Brown, LLC-Quality Roofing Services
Slate Repair - General Home Improvements
New Philadelphia, OH 44663
330-339-7040
Zoar Stitchery-Quilting and Sewing
in the Historic Zoar Sewing House
221 Third St., Zoar, OH 44697
330-874-4879 • www.zoarstitchery.com
Springhouse Primitives
18th century penny rugs-hooked rugs
198 SR 212 (located in the Zoar Store), Zoar, OH 44697
330-413-3503 • www.springhouseprimitives.com
Wilkshire Banquet Center
474 Jeanne Anne Lane Bolivar, OH 44697
330-874-3600 • cindy@wbcmeet.com
Whitemyer Advertising
254 E. 4th St., Zoar, OH 44697
330-874-2432 • www.whitemyer.com
Ruetenik Tree Farm
9976 Welton Rd. NE, Bolivar, OH 44612
330-874-2688