Day 5 : July 1 - OHIO
The day started out cool and damp, but soon brightened up. Our early start did not take us far, just to the historic Roscoe Village next door to the RV Park. This is a small time capsule of the 1800’s when the USA was serviced by a series of canals which were the only mode of transport between the early settlements. The Ohio and Erie Canals are long gone, but some of the buildings have been preserved as living history and a section of the extraordinary stonework and one of the many locks has been incorporated into this Village, as well as a museum and video presentation of the history of the canals. A couple of very enjoyable hours were spent there.
We were now in Amish Country and many buggies are in evidence, also very busy clothes lines – washing day for the large families of these interesting people who live such a simple lifestyle in a very efficient manner. Most families run businesses and we were indeed fortunate to have Carlos introduce us to Marvin, a wheelwright in the old fashioned methods of making wheels in sizes ranging from T-Model Fords, through wagons to a large chandelier frame – truly amazing what they do with steam and basic but efficient machinery.
Trip continued northwards through Berlin and Mt Hope and we arrived in Wooster at 6.30, taking advantage of the opportunity to camp at the Wal-Mart Store. It goes without saying that everyone had a shopping list – it is no wonder Wal-Mart are so generous!
Day 6 : July 2
Day started out wet again, but showers were not heavy and we made it to New Haven in time for morning tea. At Willard we turned north and joined the ‘Multi-lane Divided 20’ for the trip into Fremont, arriving mid afternoon. Unfortunately our patched up tractor decided to throw another ‘sicky’ and has gone to Archbold for repairs and will rejoin us there. Bob Kline from the Sandusky County Restorers of Antique Power Inc (SCRAP for short – what a great name!) kindly guided us into the Fairgrounds – another helpful American. We have been offered powered sites at the Fairgrounds – a chance to catch up with charging all the phone batteries. Mobile phone coverage has been very patchy and internet access extremely limited.
Day 7 : July 3
Once again we awoke to grey skies, but rain has kept away and the sun has made several appearances. Bob collected us all at 8.30 this morning and gave us a run around the local area, mainly to those folk who collect old tractors and machinery – there were some really interesting machines, with many over 100 years old. Then it was back to Fremont to collect our tractors and caravans and off the meet another enthusiast who had contacted us on the email from an article which appeared in the Farm Collectors magazine a few weeks ago. This chap, Bill Swope has a Mother-in-law Margaret Sheldrick who said she would love to have us all come and have a get-together with her family and friends and that is where we are now, enjoying the very best of hospitality at Perrysburg, Ohio. We are camping here overnight and heading further west in Ohio tomorrow.
So we have reached the end of our first week and have covered some 680 miles over really good roads.
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| At Roscoe Village, Coshocton, Ohio |
Stone walls of old canals, Coshocton, Ohio |
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| Chandelier at Amish Wheelwright factory, Ohio |
Bob Kline from SCRAP, Fremont with Neville |
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| Model A Ford 'Doodlebug' at Fork Property Ohio |
Trek ladies - Carolyn, Barbara, Kerry and Anne |
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| Anne and Joanne with lovely flowers |
Hostess Margaret with Nancy, Patty & Christie, Perrysville, Ohio.
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