Tag Archive for: History

Milk Cans and Memory Lane

A trip down memory lane could describe this picture. This farm once was a stop on one of my grandfather’s can milk routes more than fifty years ago. When I showed my father this picture, it brought back many memories from his childhood. The farmer that used to live here would bring his cans of milk to the end of the lane to be picked up.

Over the past half century, the elements, time and changes have all joined together as this farm slowly fades away. The muddy lane and overcast atmosphere of a midwinter day matches the condition of the old barn that’s slowly falling down and succumbing to nature – fading into another story of a past era.

It’s important to remember the past. Memories and pictures help link us to our heritage and our loved ones who have gone before us.

Have a great day! 😀

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A Farm Boy from Chili

It may look like another old schoolhouse at first glance.  But the small wooden structure has some history to it.

This building was one of the schools where George Washington Crile taught.

Crile, a teenager when he taught here, was raised on a farm about four or five miles west of this location near Chili, Ohio.  The rural community in the Appalachian foothills of eastern Ohio was home to him, and a cousin, William Edgar “Ed” Lower who was also a teenage teacher.

In their early adulthood, these two men went on to receive medical training.  They later helped in leading Allied physicians on the battlefields of Europe during World War I.  Returning home after the war, the two cousins would join with a couple other doctors to form what would eventually become one of America’s premier hospitals, the Cleveland Clinic.

Think about it – a farm boy, from a small Appalachian community that was no bigger than a tiny dot on a map. Someone who would go on to be one of the central figures in forming what would become one of the nation’s most-respected hospitals.

George Crile’s story sounds like something out of novel or movie.  Yet, his life is one of service.

As I have thought about this schoolhouse, I’m reminded of several truths.

The first reality is that every person matters and has been placed on earth for a reason.  We don’t all have the same skills or interests, but each of us is gifted in such a way as to compliment and impact the lives of others.

That school building is also a reminder that education is a lifelong process.  It does not always involve traditional brick and mortar buildings.  But we’re still learning new things every day – which is for our benefit, as well as to share.

I’m also reminded that there’s really no chance meeting or random encounter.  Each individual whom we meet has come into our lives for a reason – and we into theirs, as well.  You and I were created to serve others – in fact, it’s one of the greatest forms of love that we can show to them and our Creator.

This old wooden school and the story of Dr. Crile also reminds me that God loves each one of us. We were created because He wants us to be a part of His story! Consider that God can use anyone or anything to love others, and He would choose you and me to be a part of that plan! We have the opportunity to be the Savior’s hands and feet as we serve others.

Dusty country roads, ordinary farm boys and old worn schoolhouses may not attract many people’s attention.  Yet, the same God who used a young shepherd to kill a giant and allowed a man who murdered early Believers to become one of the most-beloved First Century missionaries, is still writing His story today – using simple things to be extraordinary blessings to others!  George Crile, an old building once known as the Oak Valley School and the century old, Cleveland Clinic, are reminders of how God is still working in lives to this very day!

Friend, I may not know your story, or what you have been through.  Yet, let me assure you that you are loved by God, and have a wonderful purpose for being here!

Have a great day! 😊

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Unity Bales

I made a delivery to a local farm when I saw these hay bales in red, white and blue netting. While I’m used to brown and green twine, this was new to me!

Baling gives farmers an efficient way to store and handle hay. However, when you cut bales loose, it can make a great mess – allowing stalks, leaves and dust to freely go in every direction.

When I saw these bales, I saw the colors that are incorporated into America’s flag. Like loose hay, each person is a different, unique individual. Yet, joined together, each man, woman and child allows their various gifts and personalities to come together for a common good.

This idea of national unity isn’t new to the United States. It’s been practiced by many nations throughout history. In fact, this principle has Biblical roots.

We live in a day when many people want to separate and pull us apart like loose hay. It’s only when you and I join together that we become better at handling the challenges that lie before us.

Have a great day!😀

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Happy Fourth of July!

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…”

On this Fourth of July, we remember the sacrifices of many!

Have a great day!😀

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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An Old Stone House and Its Springhouse

There is an old stone house that sits along one of the gravel roads that led to where my grandparents used to live.  I don’t know the story behind the house; but, it’s pretty fascinating to look at.

The exterior is made of large cut stone – much like what is used in barn foundations.  Almost as impressive is the front door, which has massive wood jambs that fit the oversized exterior walls.

Over the years, the house and accompanying farm have become a country favorite for my wife and me to drive by.  Nestled among rolling hills, trees and pastures, and sitting along an old rural road, it’s picturesque and invokes memories of a time when life seems to have been simpler and slower – at least by today’s standards.

An old bank barn, equipment shed and corn cribs are all nicely painted and well maintained.

Perhaps, of all of the outbuildings on that property, it’s the old spring house that stands out in my mind as I write this.  Once a necessity to most farms, these little buildings have largely become obsolete – if they even still exist on farmsteads today.  This little structure stands in the shade of nearby trees, providing a ready source of cool water for the household.

One can almost hear children’s laughter coming from the springhouse as they splashed little toes in the water – or, perhaps tried their hand at catching little crayfish that might occasionally come out from hiding beneath the slippery rocks lining the spring basin.

You can see a man coming from the barn – stopping at the spring to splash some water on his hot, tired and dirty face in an attempt to look halfway presentable for supper.  Or, he may get a cool drink from an old granite dipper hanging on a nail in the building.

Then again, perhaps you can imagine the vegetables and melons that were placed in the fresh spring water to cool down for an evening meal.

As I think about that old farm, several thoughts come to mind.

I can’t help but think about the stability of the home. With those massive stones and the heavy front door, I imagine that it has the ability to withstand many storms.  It reminds us that in life, we all face various types of storms.  That house seems to ask me to consider Who I am placing my trust in and what am I allowing into my life.

My mind also wanders to the cool, refreshing water that may be found in that spring house.  As I think about the refreshment found there, it causes me to reflect on the ways that I find peace, joy and rest in my life.

Gravel roads often have a way of making us slow down.  Along the way, scenes like this old stone house and its accompanying buildings help us to reflect on what is really important in life.

Have a great day!

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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The Cost of Freedom

For many, Memorial Day is part of a three day weekend. It’s a time to get together with family and friends, have a cookout or go camping. For others, it is an opportunity to remember family and friends who have passed away.

Yet, the true reason of Memorial Day goes much deeper. It’s about a great debt.

Memorial Day is when America, as a nation, remembers those who have died while on active duty. Those brave individuals gave the ultimate sacrifice – offering their lives defending the ideals of freedom. On this day, we remember those who would never make it home to see their loved ones nor see old age.

As we spend Memorial Day with family and friends, let’s remember that freedom is never free.

Have a great day!

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:13 (NIV)

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Treat Others to the Best

Growing up just a few miles from this barn, it’s been a common sight for much of the last four decades for me.  While I’ve never used the product advertised, I have loved old barns.  So, it’s easy to understand why I have enjoyed seeing this barn and others like it throughout the years.  They are a part of America’s rural heritage and help us to remember times that were often simpler and happier – at least in our memories.

Barns painted with advertisements were a once-common sight across rural America.  As a means to reach passing motorists, companies would rely on these barns to promote their products.  In addition to a small stipend paid, these advertisers would offer the farmer a means of getting their barn painted – helping to preserve the integrity of the barn’s wood.  A win-win situation, if you will.

An early common advertiser was the Bloch Brothers Tobacco Company, who’s “Chew Mail Pouch Tobacco – Treat Yourself to the Best” ads were painted on barns in more than twenty states.  These signs were painted by hand.  According to Wikipedia, the Mail Pouch program ran from 1891 to 1992.

While the Mail Pouch ads were the most common, other companies also painted their slogans and advertisements on barns.  In addition to barns, many other buildings were also used for canvasses for these promotional campaigns.  Feed and grain stores, tobacco companies – even tourist destinations such as Rock City, near Chattanooga, Tennessee, painted roadside structures in similar fashion.

In addition to barns, perhaps you may remember other rural roadside advertisements.

Perhaps, one of the most famous was the “Burma Shave” signs.  These ads would have several small signs in sequential order carrying humorous rhyming poems – with the last sign saying “Burma Shave”.  While these advertisements were before my time, I’ve enjoyed seeing pictures of them in different publications over the years.

These vintage barn and roadside signs are reminders that each of us displays messages every day.  Our actions often carry more weight than our words, and people often watch what we do to see if we can be trusted.  Regardless of whether we realize it or not, someone is always watching us – so let’s “Treat Others to the Best”!

Have a great day! 🙂

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Not Just Another Farm

At first glance, it appears to be just another Amish-owned property. In many ways, it looks like one of the thousands of old farms in the rolling hills of eastern Ohio.

Perhaps, there’s more to this place than what readily appears. As someone who loves history, this farm is something of interest.

Since I was a young boy, I’ve heard the story that this place was once a station on the Underground Railroad. As men, women and children of African heritage escaped the cruel bondage of slavery in the south, homes like this became stopovers for them as they made their ways to safe places in the northern states and Canada.

While this particular location hasn’t been confirmed, it’s very probable since the escape network had other stops in the region. Along the route, these places provided food, lodging and protection to these refugees seeking a better life. The homes along the way were a means for families to show compassion and the love of Christ to those in need.

While a memory of America’s past, this farm is a reminder that we all need help. It’s also helps to underscore the simple truth that God often uses ordinary people to carry out many of His extraordinary blessings and purposes.

Have a great day!

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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