Category Archives: Ohio

Buckeye Snapshots (Issue #16)

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Jerry Lucas statue displaying his famous hook shot in front of the Schottenstein Center on the campus of The Ohio State University.

One of the true legends of The Ohio State University’s athletics is Jerry Lucas.  Born on March 30, 1940, the native of Middletown has achieved greatness in high school, college, and professional basketball.

Middletown is located between Dayton and Cincinnati in southwestern Ohio.  With a population of about 50,000, the community is bigger than many in the Buckeye state. 

While playing for the Middletown High School Middies, Lucas leads his team to victory in 76 consecutive games.  Two state championships are also added to the school’s trophy case.

Following high school, there is no doubt in Lucas’ mind that he will play for the Ohio State Buckeyes.  He arrives on campus with an academic scholarship.  This is his desire in case the basketball journey does not pan out. 

Photos of Lucas at Ohio State as well as 1960 U.S. Olympic team.

At 6 feet 8 inches, Lucas becomes a prolific scorer and rebounder.  He develops a nearly perfect hook shot, and his basketball IQ far exceeds that of most players.  He becomes the consummate team player as well. 

During Lucas’ tenure with the Buckeyes, the team records a record of 78 wins and only six loses.  They play in three consecutive national championship games, while winning in 1960. 

While still in college, Lucas plays for the U.S. national team in the 1960 Olympics in Rome, Italy.  The American squad successfully defends its reputation as the best in the world on its way to winning another gold medal.

Lucas showing off his famous hook shot, Sports Illustrated cover.

Following his college career, Lucas goes on to play in the NBA.  His career begins with the Cincinnati Royals, continues with the San Francisco Warriors (now Golden State), and ends with the New York Knicks.  In his first season of professional basketball, he is honored as the league’s Rookie of the Year.

Playing with his heart as well as his mind, Lucas achieves recognition beyond even his childhood dreams.  He becomes the first American basketball player to win championships at the high school, college, and professional levels.  His NBA championship ring arrives in 1973. 

After retiring from basketball in 1974, Lucas is inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1980. 

Late in his NBA career, Lucas Playing with the New York Knicks

Beyond basketball, Lucas is gifted with a phenomenal memory.  He develops memory games at the age of nine.  His increasing active mind opens pathways to amazing memory powers. 

His fourth grade teacher asks students to imagine the Great Lakes and see homes floating there.  H – O – M – E – S represents lakes Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior.  Lucas takes this example and others as he develops a nearly endless cache of memory techniques.

He always impresses other students, teammates, and the media.  Following his basketball career, he develops a system of memory education and authors several books.  These include The Memory Book (1974) and Learning How to Learn (2001). 

The memory book (1974), lucas standing with ohio state football’s two-time heisman trophy winner, archie griffin.  (all photos courtesy of pinterest)

Buckeye Snapshots (Issue #15)

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An eastern box turtle resting on a human hand.

The Buckeye state of Ohio offers a landscape filled with quite a diversity of wildlife.  Two of its more unique creatures include the black squirrel and eastern box turtle.

The black squirrel is of the same species as the eastern gray squirrel.  Its distinct black outer coat has evolved because of a mutation in a genetic trait called melanism.  This increase in dark pigment results from an increase of eumelanin production.

Some distinctive characteristics of a black squirrel include:

  • Weight:  between 14-21 ounces
  • Length:  18-22 inches (including the tail)
  • Habitat:  concentrated in urban and suburban environments

A black squirrel finds readily available food sources in habitats with mature trees such as oak, hickory, maple, and walnut.  Each thrives in a human-dominated landscape, where its dark outer color blends with shaded areas.  Trees with a dense canopy provide shelter from predators and weather extremes.

For nesting and shelter, a black squirrel may utilize manmade structures, such as attics, chimneys, and sheds.

The eastern box turtle lives a less active and more isolated existence than the black squirrel.  This turtle acquires its name from its centrally hinged lower shell which allows it to draw more tightly against the upper shell.  A more effective protection is provided for the turtle.

Some unique characteristics of an eastern box turtle include:

  • Lifespan:  50 to 100 years
  • Size:  between 5-7 inches
  • Diet:  omnivorous (meat, insects, fruits, vegetables)

An eastern box turtle stands out with the high-domed carapace of its upper shell.  The base color is usually dark brown or black with a wide variety of markings.  The shell is accented with streaks and blotches of yellow.  Some shells may display colors of orange or red.

Being terrestrial, this turtle is quite comfortable living on land in open woodlands.  During the summer heat, it will lie hidden beneath rotting logs and decaying leaves.  Only in the coolness of early morning and evening will the eastern box turtle venture out.

During its reproduction cycle, incubation of 3-8 eggs lasts about three months.  This usually occurs between May and July.

 

All images courtesy of Pinterest.

Buckeye Snapshots (Issue #14)

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The “Paragon” tomato

The tomato is native to the Americas.  The ancient Aztecs and Incas cultivate and harvest them over 1,300 years ago.  These wild tomatoes carry a strong smell and acidic taste.  They are small with a nearly hollow inside.

The Spanish bring tomato seeds back to Europe.  Spain, Italy, and other Mediterranean neighbors enjoy them.  Because of its supposed special powers, the French call the tomato “The Apple of Love.” The English believe they are poisonous.  English colonists who sail to North America bring this myth with them.

In 1870, an American farmer cultivates and methodically develops the first commercially successful tomato variety in the United States.  Alexander W. Livingston (1821-1898) owns and manages the Buckeye Farm near Reynoldsburg, Ohio.  He transforms an ugly duckling of horticulture into the prized tomato that the world knows today.

Reynoldsburg, Ohio is the birthplace of the first commercially successful tomato variety.  Alexander W. Livingston is the farmer given credit for this successful enterprise.

 

Beginning with his first tomato, the Paragon, Livingston continues to experiment with the development of more than 30 varieties.  By 1910, half of the tomatoes grown in the United States trace their lineage back to Livingston’s seed company.  Some of Livingston’s early varieties include Acme, Beauty, Buckeye State, Dwarf Stone, Golden Queen, and Perfection. 

Posters from Livingston’s era:  Advertisements from his seed company as well as an announcement of two of his newest varieties.

 

One of Livingston’s most memorable accounts comes when he is ten years old.  He discovers a small garden with tomatoes near his home.  Here are his words: 

“. . . quickly gathered a few of them in my hands, and took them to my mother to ask, ‘What they were?’  As soon as she saw them, she cried out, ‘You must not eat them my child.  They must be poison, for even the hogs will not eat them.’”

In 1965, the Franklin County Historical Society recognizes Reynoldsburg as “The Home of the Tomato.”  An annual Tomato Festival starts up in 1966, and it continues to this very day.  Scheduled in early August, the festival offers tasty food, live entertainment, and wholesome family fun.  A Car & Bike Show features classic cars and motorcycles.

Still standing and available to be rented is the original Alexander W. Livingston farm home on Graham Road in Reynoldsburg.  A poster publicizing the annual Tomato Festival.  (All photos in this post are COURTESY of pinterest)

Buckeye Photo Gallery #2

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Spring offers an invitation to leave home in order to enjoy a walk at one of two nearby Metro Parks, which are located minutes from Canal Winchester, Ohio.  Chestnut Ridge is well-known as the furthest west outcropping of the Appalachian range of mountains.  Walnut Woods shares a wooded landscape, much of which used to be a commercial tree farm.

One of the precious locations at Walnut Woods Metro Park is the enormous American sycamore tree, which is located along the Monarch Trail.  On the left, an early spring look at the developing canopy of leafy branches.  On the right, the girth of the tree’s truck fills up the camera lens.

Chestnut Ridge Metro Park offers a moderate to difficult series of trails, but always be sure to bring a camera.  The park is maintained in its natural state so fallen branches and trees are allowed to rest peacefully on the ground away from the trails.  On the left, a growth of moss surrounds much of a hollowed out tree stump.  On the right, a hilltop garden witnesses the early arrival of daffodils, which proves spring is well on its way.

Returning to Walnut Woods later in the spring, one can immediately witness the maturity displayed in the park.  On the left, an opening in the green vegetation offers a camera view of Walnut Creek, which meanders through a portion of the park.  On the right, a tranquil spot is found along the trail in the Tall Pines area of the park.

The final pair of photos come from Chestnut Ridge.  On the left, the gentle hillside is framed by numerous trees with a delightful meadow below.  On the right, a typical trail begins the ascent up the hillside.  Notice the natural surface of trail, which found throughout the park.

Back in January, 2025, autumn and winter Ohio photos were shared.  Readers are encouraged to access the gallery through this link:  Buckeye Photo Gallery #1.

Buckeye Snapshots (Issue #13)

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From a night game, the proud tradition of “Script Ohio” continues. (Photo courtesy of Pinterest)

The proud Buckeyes’ football program at The Ohio State University plays its first game in 1890.  Beginning in 1899, another significant tradition begins with the introduction of a marching band at home games. 

During the 1922 season, home games begin to be played in Ohio Stadium (nicknamed the “Horseshoe”).  The marching band remains a key component of football’s lasting legacy at the university.

Left:  aerial view of ohio stadium.  right:  statue near ohio stadium celebrates the birth of “script ohio.”  (photos courtesy of pinterest)

The band’s foremost tradition remains the “Script Ohio” formation, which has been in continuous use since 1936.  Designed by Director Eugene Weigel, the band marches in formation for the first time as the Buckeyes host the Indiana Hoosiers on October 24.

Back in those early days, the marching band consists of 120 members.  Today’s band features 192 members.

During the pre-game ceremony, the marching band is given center state on the turf of Ohio Stadium.  The “Script Ohio” formation begins along the sideline, centered at the 50-yard line.  A triple block “O” becomes the starting point from which a constantly flowing script slowly unwinds across the field. 

As the drum major leads the way, the band plays “Le Regiment de Sambre et Meuce.”  O-H-I-O unfolds and loops with each letter until the “I” is dotted.

“Le Regiment de Sambre et Meuse” is a military march, which is written by French composer, Robert Planquette, in 1870.  The cadence of the music blends perfectly with the graceful loops of “Script Ohio.”

According to tradition, a senior sousaphone player is selected to dot the “I” as he is led by the drum major to his assigned place.  He removes his hat and salutes the cheering crowd in the “Shoe.”

The video below showcases the “Script Ohio” of The Ohio State University marching band.  The formation begins at the 3:30 mark.

On rare occasions, notable people have been invited to dot the “I” at home games.  Here are some of the people who have been honored with this privilege:

  • Comedian Bob Hope (1978)
  • Buckeyes’ Head Coach Woody Hayes (1983)
  • Ohio State alum and professional golfer Jack Nicklaus (2006)
  • Astronaut John Glenn and his wife, Annie (2009)
  • Two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin (2024)

featured “i” dotters:  john and annie glenn, archie griffin.  (photos courtesy of pinterest)

Buckeye Photo Gallery #1

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It has been quite some time since some of my photography has been posted.  Here are some camera captures from the past few months.  Enjoy a Buckeye journey with  filled with images from spring, autumn, and winter.

Sometime in April, 2024, these photos were taken at Walnut Woods Metro Park, which is a short drive from my home.  On the left, Walnut Creek peacefully flows along a boundary of the park.  On the right, an unidentified bird enjoys a quiet moment surveying the landscape below.

My camera accompanied me on a neighborhood walk in October, 2024.  The tree-lined boulevard welcomes visitors with brilliant autumn colors.  A pair of ravens perched rooftop captured my attention.  They pretty much ignored my presence.

Recently, my wife and I were dog sitting for our oldest daughter and her family while they were traveling.  The date was December 29, and we experienced very unusual weather for this time of the year.  A thunderstorm arrived, followed by warming inspiration from the sun, and we captured this nearly full rainbow from the backyard patio.

New Year’s winter comeback as photographed from our home’s deck (January 3, 2025).  

While putting this gallery together, it seemed appropriate to allow God’s Word to have the final thought.  From Psalm 96:11-12:

“Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar and all that fills it; let the field exult and everything in it.  Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy.”

 

Buckeye Snapshots (Issue #12)

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Autumn foliage at Walnut Woods Metro Park.

Central Ohio provides opportunities to visit numerous nature parks in Franklin County and the city of Columbus.  Located near the community of Groveport, Walnut Woods Metro Park offers a wonderful destination for hikers, photographers, bicyclists, and dog enthusiasts.

Much of Walnut Woods is contained within a former tree nursery and sod farm.  Consisting of 1,458 acres, one finds a variety of nature’s treasures:  woodlands, wetlands, and vernal ponds.  All-weather pathways allow easy access even when rainfall or snow interrupts. 

left:  monarch trail traverses the big run (creek) with giant american sycamore tree in background.  right:  the park is an excellent place to photograph birds.  

The hiking trails are rated “easy” without any major hills to travel through.  Both dogs and bicycles are welcome to travel the park, which is bordered on the north side by Walnut Creek.  The park’s interior is bisected by a smaller creek, the Big Run.

Left:  through the thick summer vegetation, a peek at the peaceful walnut creek.  right:  fed by nearby wetlands, big run running at nearly bank full.  

Four major trails are found within the park’s vast boundaries.  The Buckeye Area follows one of the longest trails at 2 miles.  Much of its trail runs alongside Walnut Creek.  Rows of former nursery trees, including crab apple and red maples, offer an ever-changing landscape.

The Tall Pines Area is connected to the Buckeye Area by the Monarch Trail, which runs 1.4 miles.  The Tall Pines Area features the meandering Sweetgum Trail, which totals 2.6 miles.

the tall pines area features a variety of trees and settings along sweetgum trail.  Left:  quiet scene alongside the trail.  right:  a reverent passage through the tall white pines.

If a hiker wishes to walk a natural trail, the Kestrel Trail provides 1.3 miles of grass, gravel, and dirt.  This location offers passage through a pair of ponds as well as a visible Osprey nest.

Two dog parks are located in the Buckeye Area.  One is designed for larger dogs while the other is suited for smaller ones.  Both areas are equipped with nearby well-maintained restrooms and picnic areas. 

from left and moving clockwise:  foggy morning shrouds the american sycamore tree along monarch trail,  big run moves downstream from a beaver dam, sunrise view, picturesque setting of walnut creek, mushroom hiding in the tall grass, winter scene along walnut creek.

Buckeye Snapshots (Issue #11)

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Experiencing personal triumph at the 1936 summer Olympics in Berlin, American Jesse Owens exhibited a resolute attitude and perseverance to overcome many challenges.

Born in Oakville, Alabama in a sharecropper’s cabin in 1913, Owens experienced poverty and racial inequality during his early years.  During the Great Migration, his family found a home and better opportunities in Cleveland, Ohio.

left:  Owens during his time as a member of the ohio state track team.  right:  Owens childhood home in cleveland, ohio.  (Courtesy of pinterest)

Life’s stage was set for Owens to become the first Olympian to ever win four gold medals in a single Olympiad.  As the final pieces of his life’s journey began falling into place, the relationships in his life helped to lead him to further greatness.

Track and field offered a unique opportunity to run for freedom in an integrated environment.  Inspired by his high school coach, Charles Riley, Owens won all major track events and was an Ohio state champion three years in a row.

In 1933, Owens enrolled at Ohio State University, which was well-known for its tremendous track and field program.  Under Larry Snyder’s coaching, Owens continued to mature as a sprinter and jumper. 

left:  coach charles riley with owens.  right:  later in life, owens with coach larry snyder.  (courtesy of Pinterest)

Meanwhile in Germany, the Nazi regime radically altered the landscape with its Nuremburg Laws, which limited the rights of the Jewish population.  Owens and German Fuhrer, Adolf Hitler, were headed on a collision course.

As America contemplated a possible boycott of the 1936 summer Olympics, Owens’ mentors encouraged him to stand tall in his desire to compete in the games.  In hindsight, many saw the contrast of German Aryan race superiority and anti-Semitism with America’s own inequality and Jim Crow laws that faced many of the Black population.  Owens became a light in the darkness lived by many.

Owens’ journey brought him and America respect internationally.  Nazi propaganda failed to experience a victory at every Olympic event, and Owens’ exploits led the way.

He earned four gold medals in a single Olympiad with victories in the 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump, and 4 x 100 meter relay.  The long jump competition infused Owens with a final relationship to cultivate.

In the trials of the long jump, each competitor received three jumps in order to qualify for the finals.  Owens scratched on his first two attempts, and he faced one final attempt in order to make the final field of jumpers.

His primary German competitor, Luz Long, offered him a tip to move his take-off point well behind the board.  Long’s wisdom restored confidence in Owens before he made his final jump, and he easily qualified for the finals.

Despite Long being German and Owens being American, both felt a bond.  While Long settled for a silver medal in the long jump, he gained a friend in Owens.  Both athletes found a reward far greater than medals and competition.  Their relationship exceeded the drama which surrounded the games.

LEFT:  the american national anthem plays after owens receives his gold medal in the long jump, german COMPETITOR luz long is pictured to owens’ left.  right:  long and owens later during the 1936 games. (courtesy of pinterest)

Buckeye Snapshots (Issue #10)

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For the final Saturday of each month, a different and unique feature will be published.  Today’s narrative takes a look at one of the gems of the metro park system of central Ohio.  Saturday’s regular feature, “Trivia’s Facts and More,” will return next week. 

Central Ohio is blessed with an extensive metro park system in the surrounding area of Columbus and Franklin County.  One of the most remarkable parks to discover is Chestnut Ridge Metro Park.

Located about five miles from the city of Canal Winchester, the park contains the first significant ridge of the Ohio foothills of the larger range of Appalachian Mountains.  This particular ridge spans nearly 4,500 feet and rises to a height of just over 1,100 feet above sea level. 

Chestnut Ridge features a variety of trees with the upper ridge containing black oak, shagbark hickory, and northern red oak.  The lower slopes are filled with sugar maples and American beech.  The park’s size measures about 486 acres, and hidden in its depths are outcroppings of black sandstone. 

The park features a totally natural setting with fallen logs and splintered tree trunks.  Notice the moss growing around the hollowed out tree trunk.

With natural trails covered with light gravel, the terrain rates as moderate to difficult for anyone who desires to walk the park.  Poplar Creek meanders through the meadows and trees below the ridge.

Chestnut Ridge features three different trails, and they connect to form a nearly 2.5 mile route.  Nearby wetlands and a fishing pond are located on the lower level of the park, as well as picnic shelters and a small natural amphitheater.

The Meadows Trail covers one mile in distance, and it outlines the lower region of the park.  This route is more moderate than the two remaining trails. 

The other trails offer a more challenging and  difficult terrain.  The Ridge Trail climbs up from each end of the Meadows Trail.  The one-mile distance takes any ambitious hiker up to the highest point of the park. 

The path on the left is typical of the Meadows Trail.  The beginning of the climb up the Ridge Trail is featured on the right.

Between the Meadows Trail and the Ridge Trail sits the Homesite Trail.  The nearly half-mile trail climbs up through the interior section of the park.  Hikers will find the foundation of a former home from the 1930s as well as a garden area around it.  The generous size of the shaded location may allow a fortunate photographer to quietly capture a hungry deer feeding on the tender, green grass.

at the top of the homesite trail one will find the remnants of a former home.  standing in the quiet shadows of the surrounding trees, a deer is photographed, seemingly unaware of any human presence.

The park was named for the American chestnut tree, and many grew up on the crown of the ridge until the early 1900s.  They dominated forests in the eastern United States as well as the Ohio Valley.  These giants topped out at a height of 100-150 feet, and a few featured trunk diameters of nearly ten feet.

In 1904, an Asian fungus arrived in the United States, and it began to slowly and methodically kill the mighty chestnut tree.  By the end of World War I, most of America’s chestnut trees were reduced to sprouts rising from infected stumps.  They resembled pale and sickly dwarf bushes rather than the magnificent chestnut tree.

a final collage of photos:  fall foliage, a carved out hole in a tree trunk along the ridge trail, quiet fishing pond on the lower level of the park, a self-portrait of richard (your tour guide), and a look from the midpoint of the homesite trail (not far from the FOUNDATION of a former house).

Buckeye Snapshots (Issue #9)

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For the final Saturday of each month, a different and unique feature will be published.  Today’s narrative takes a look at an impressive  achievement from the Buckeye state of Ohio.  Saturday’s regular feature, “Trivia’s Facts and More,” will return next week. 

A native of Columbus, Ohio, Edward Vernon (Eddie) Rickenbacker lived a dynamic life in ways that few can imagine.  His times filled up with feats of remarkable courage, dedication, and hard work.

Born to parents who were Swiss immigrants, Rickenbacker was born on October 8, 1890.  Along with his six siblings, the family struggled to stay above water with their finances. 

In 1904 at the age of 13, his father was killed in a construction accident.  Realizing that his mother needed money, he dropped out of school to become the family’s breadwinner.  This marked the beginning of Rickenbacker’s resolute attitude to make a difference.  Others witnessed his unwavering, positive outlook over and over again throughout his life.

Rickenbacker loved working on machines and engines.  This led to work as a mechanic, and later into automobile racing.  He exhibited a fearless attitude as a driver, and he survived numerous close calls and accidents.  In 1911, he competed in the inaugural Indianapolis 500, and he finished in 13th place.

left:  prepared to race in the 1915 indy 500.  right:  restored rickenbacker family home in columbus, ohio.  (images courtesy of pinterest)

As America entered World War I in 1917, Rickenbacker’s future destiny waited to be fulfilled.  He joined the army and arrived in Europe where his first role was to serve as mechanic and driver for General John J. Pershing, commander of all American forces in Europe.  What Sgt. Rickenbacker wanted most was to serve in the U.S. Army Air Service.

With encouragement from Colonel Billy Mitchell, a leading American advocate for tactical air power, he finished flight training in just 17 days.  Lt. Rickenbacker was now prepared to serve his country as a fighter pilot.  He was assigned to the 94th Aero Pursuit Squadron.

Just as he had proven to be a fearless race car driver, Rickenbacker accepted the challenges of air combat with the same “can do” attitude.  He became a daring, yet gifted pilot.  His prowess in aerial combat earned “Captain Eddie” the Medal of Honor in recognition of his 134 combat missions and 26 air victories, the highest of all American pilots.  Nicknamed the “Ace of Aces,” he was recognized as the most celebrated American fighter pilot of the war.

Upon being promoted to Captain of the 94th Aero Pursuit Squadron, Rickenbacker impressed upon his pilots that an experienced fighting pilot did not have to take unnecessary risk.  It was a pilot’s business to shoot down enemy planes, not to get shot down.

left:  closeup of lt. rickenbacker.  right:  sitting in the cockpit of his fighter.  (Images courtesy of Pinterest)

Following the war, Rickenbacker turned his attention to a variety of pursuits.  He briefly owned a car manufacturing company before financial troubles closed its operations.  He purchased the Indianapolis Speedway in 1927, and he owned it until 1945. 

In 1938, he bought Eastern Air Lines, and turned it into one of the most profitable airlines during the 1940s and 1950s.  He remained in a leadership position until he retired in 1963. 

Two significant events further sealed the legend of Eddie Rickenbacker.  While traveling on a civilian plane on February 26, 1941, he along with a few other passengers survived a crash.  Both pilots and 11 passengers were killed.  Rickenbacker sustained serious injuries:  shattered pelvis, broken ribs, broken leg, and a torn eyelid.  After several days in the hospital, he made a total and miraculous recovery.

During World War II, Rickenbacker became an eager volunteer and supporter of American troops.  He toured numerous Army Air Corps bases to boost morale and inspect methods of training.  One more brush with death waited for him in the South Pacific. 

Aboard a B-17 flying fortress in October, 1942, Rickenbacker was enroute to New Guinea to deliver a message to American General Douglas MacArthur.  Unfortunately, the plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean a few hundred miles off course.  Rickenbacker and seven other men attempted to survive while floating in rubber rafts.  Forgotten for 24 days, they lived on rainwater and fish.  With Rickenbacker’s leadership and encouragement, only one of the men would perish.  A leading American newspaper, The Boston Globe, described him as “The Great Indestructible.”

left:  standing next to his world war I fighter.  right:  President of eastern air lines.  (Images courtesy of Pinterest)