- "Polio's second act," p. 30.
Debbie Allender, representing the John and Annie Glenn Historic Site and the National Road/Zane Grey Museum introduced Byesville Rotary members to two local opportunities for first hand experiences of the area’s history.
New Concord is the site of John Glenn’s boyhood home which is now serves as the John and Annie Glenn Historic Site. Debbie reported, “John Glenn agreed to [the use of his home as a] museum on condition the site be used for education.
Visitors to the John and Annie Glenn Site are offered two distinct living history experiences. Visitors are introduced to life during the 1937 Depression or learn how families coped with life on the home front during WWII. Tours may include an introduction to ration coupons, clothes made from feed sacks, and the meaning of blue or gold star flags. At the conclusion of the living history experience, visitors tour the upstairs exhibits which include John Glenn’s boyhood bedroom and toy room as well as galleries with mementoes from John Glenn’s life and career.
The National Road/ Zane Grey Museum focuses on three areas of local history--the National Road, Zane Grey, the author, and Ohio art pottery. The recently renovated museum introduces visitors to the history of the National Road. Sections of the original road are still in use today as parts of Old Rte. 40 and Rte. 40.
A second section of the museum is dedicated to Zane Grey, a local boy from Zanesville, who grew up to be the author of a series of successful Western novels. A final section displays art pottery produced in the area from local clays. Debbie stated that this important collection of Roseville, Weller and Rookwood potter is worth over $1 million.
Byesville Rotary’s next meeting will be 7:30 am, August 31, at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Anyone interested in learning more about the Byesville Rotary can call Membership Chairs Marty Patchen, 740-685-3828, or Larry Miller, 740-439-2767.