GOOD DAY! The snow is falling here on the Yellow Creek as winter finally seems to have arrived and has stayed the past few days. It had seemed to me that we where having quite a mild if not strange winter indeed there for a while. But the temps have dropped and stayed low for the last week, the ice has covered the creek and the ponds, and the game can be found by the tracks in the snow.
This being my first correspondence via the Newsletter with you as your new Territorial Governor, let me offer a thank you and good job to John Covert for his years as our Territorial Governor. I hope that I will be able to lead and encourage our members down the trail and provide for them atleast as well as you did. I thank you for your time and your assistance and your dedication.
John's resignation comes at a trying time for the C.O.H.T., with the news of a raise of membership dues. The mere mention of some things seems to send everyone running for the highland. Knowing the times are tough for a few of us around the Territory, I can see the sensative nature of the issue. So I ask that you take the time and renew before April 1st to take advantage of the current rate of membership dues... I plan on it. To some unfortunately, the raise will be too much, and saddly those members will move on. Although this will sadden me, to loose fellow members over the cost of a few packs of cigarettes or a weeks coffee expense. Despite this saddening me, for the better of the COHT... I can not dwell on it. But I must look to the future. I hope those that choose a differant trail will still attend council around some of our camp fires from time to time.
So what does the future hold for us the COHT? What does the future hold for you? DO you have a magic ball to fore tell the future? I think not, so I can not tell you what the future holds for you or even I... frankly, I don't know if I would want to know. I do know this, we have today... and today is worth two tomorrows. We have opportunities. Every day, you have a opportunity. You have them through every minute of the day. Do you have bacon and egg for breakfast or waffles? Do you do your best at work or just enough to get by. Do you buy that pop or drink water? Follow the diet or cheat when the wife isn't around? Every minute of every day we make choices to opportunities that face us. Just as you will have a chance to support a great organization or not by renewing. Just as you make a choice in what event you attend or choose not to attend. Same as what organization your more involved with rather than another. Life is a bunch of choices, one after the other. That is where we find ourselves today... from a result of choices that we have made previously over time. We have all made wrong choices from time to time. Its what we learned from those choices that matters and makes us the people that we want to be... the people that we are.
So that is what the C.O.H.T. is, it is a opportunity... a choice. A choice to belong or not to belong, a choice of particpating or not participating... get involved or just except what comes about. Have you offered something to the COHT outside of your dues... that every member pays? What have you offered or shared that sets us apart? Have you complained just to complain or complained and offered a possible course of action? If we all do our small part... one or two or even three times a year - what a fine organization we would be. If we all found one new member, wrote or offered one nice article to the newsletter, planned one event through the year, attended one other persons event through the year???? We have 28 members here in Ohio last I looked, how full our calendar and event schedule would be. I have heard issues taken of... not enough competition, events are too far away, etc etc. Well we have a "opportunity" to plan such events in each member. The member makes the choice at each opportunity. What will you make of your opportunity? What will be your choice?
Sure, you can do what we do and not belong to the COHT. But you will be missing out on so much. A great organization in its infancy, that can be shaped into something that can be better. Made so by members that seize their opportunity and make a choice to stick with things through thick and thin, and not just when they are in the majority or in favor. But who choose to take the opportunity through hard work and dedication, and do something with the COHT. I have made myself available to all since I volunteered as State Rep, and I will continue to make myself available to you. I will do my best to respond to your needs as members as I have always done. I will do my best to help organize events that meet your desires and your needs as best as I can. I will do my best to ensure that your benifits and needs are best dealt with. All that I ask in return, is that you seize "your opportunity" and make something of it for the COHT.
I hope to see you all soon around the camp fire. I look forward to hearing from you, please feel free. All the best to you yours. I know some of you are having health issues, or family members who are... I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. CATCH YOU ON THE TRAIL!
YMHS,
CAPT. McGee
Great Lakes Territorial Governor
"Weaser's 18th Century Garden... Three Sisters"... by Mark (Weaser) Wetzel
Before I talk about the garden let me lead you up to it…
It began in Feb. with an idea, planning and purchase of seeds from an heirloom seed producer. I was psyched and ready to be an 18th century farmer (some what).
My initial plan was to have the Amish man up the road come and plow for me with his horse and plow, hence problem number one – the Amish man up the road has no plow or plowing horse. I asked “, WHY!?!?” His response was that he was not the number one son so he works in a factory (only number one son gets the farm).
So now I have to look at having it done in a 20th century manner. After a small search I find a fella to do it…problem number 2, he shows up after 4 days of rain, cuts a row and a half, leaves some pretty impressive ruts and tells me he can’t do it today it’s to wet…well thank you Mr. Wizard. Then after 2 weeks of dry weather he returns and cuts another row and a half and tells me the grass is too tall to plow now. So I spend my only day off in 3 weeks with my push mower and weed eater and I cut the grass. I call him back and he tells me that his tractor is too small to do it.
Now all the local farmers I know are busy with their fields and I am still trying to get mine plowed. After 3 weeks I finally get mine plowed. Now it has to be tilled. And guess what? We get 2 days of solid rain, 3 days of scattered showers and my garden is now a pond, then two weeks later I am finely able to till it up and get started. I had to get Mama’s stuff in first, the usual tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash and green beans. I get that done and now it is time to plant mine. I begin trying to put myself in an 18th century mind set. I’ve done some reading and asked advice of others and I am ready to plant. I get my seeds, take my hoe, shovel out and begin.
I planted the Three Sisters doing the following. I make my hills according to what I have read and I begin to plant my corn. I get my corn in and it’s about 2 inches tall. When we get a big storm it washes out everyone of my hills and carries my plants away…set back number three. I take inventory of my seeds and wait for it to dry out and in my 18th century mind set I tell myself that if this had happened to our fore-fathers, they would have had no choice but to replant. So it dries out and I get my hoe and shovel back out and I go back out to replant. I get the hills remade and I get my seeds in then we get another gully washer that takes my corn away AGAIN! So now here I am with no more corn seed. I still have my bean and squash seed though. So I am now thoroughly discouraged and ready to give up when I replace myself into my 18th century mind set and ask myself “, What would our fore-fathers have done?”
I decide that they would have replanted again. I decide that based on that they were not able to say “; well I guess we’ll be getting our meal and all from the local market because the corn is all washed out.” So I barter with Mama to get some more corn seed and I replant again. With it being so late in the season I have decided to plant my pumpkins and gourds separately and take my chances with the beans and squash. The corn once again is now 2 inches tall and so are my pumpkins. So this is where Weaser the farmer is as of June 28th. I will try to keep you all updated as to the progress of it.
Well the day came and my corn is now 6 to 8 inches tall. I find my seed and head back out to the garden and start to plant my beans (Lima, Kidney and Black Turtle) and squash (Blue Hubbard, Acorn and Butternut). In my haste of going ahead and planting my pumpkins and gourds separately because of the weather I end up running out of squash seed about halfway through my planting so I improvise the last of the hills have 8 beans planted in them, and seem to be doing quite well.
We had a pretty good storm a few weeks back while Dave McGee and Blackie were here, and I thought my corn was lost again, we walked up to the blockhouse Saturday morning and my corn which was about 5 to 6 foot tall was all laid over and about 2 inches of water to boot (should have planted rice, I thought). But come Monday evening when I returned from work, it was all standing tall again. As of August 10th, the beans are starting to grow up the corn and squash is starting to develop blooms.
As for the pumpkins and gourds they are growing like crazy with 4 to 6 inch pumpkins coming on.
A Three Sisters Gardening example
August 19th
Well we had 3 days of solid rain followed by high winds and the corn is now laid over and not coming back. In the process of the fall they uprooted the beans and they are now lost. The corn however is still doing well so I will at least have corn.
The author and his garden
October 2nd
Plan to pick the corn today and get it hung in the barn. Today I ended up getting 4 squash out of it and no beans. I got some pumpkins and one gourd. Will do it again, YOU BET YA. I am making plans for next year’s garden already. I also plan to plant some back by my encampment area in the pasture.
So in my 18th century mind set it’s going to be a long winter. If hunting is good maybe I can make some trades of meat for beans with the folks up the road. Have been noticing deer activity in the pasture so maybe the hunts will be bountiful.
Well daylight is starting to break so I guess it’s time to go pick corn.
YMHOS,
Weaser
Woodsmen Skills I, CCPV Jan 2005
Great Lakes Territorial Governor Capt. McGee (left), Ohio COHT member Blackie (right) infront of the weekends project
Jan 14, SK, Oh
I hit the trail Friday morning taking the trail deliberately North in hopes of rondezvousing with Blackie for the trail South. In this territory, safety in numbers. The trail was long but uneventful to Blackie's cabin on the Black River. Upon reaching his cabin, I was warmly welcomed by Black-Fish and his freinds with a low bark. I was welcomed inside and met his lovely wife Eileen who provided me with a hot cup of coffee and a talk. The original plan was for the two of us to meet up with Bushwacker and Weaser further along the trail. Upon reaching Blackie's cabin, he informed that he had recieved a dispatch from Weaser stating that he would not be able to make it due to the passing of his grandfather. This was sad news for us, for it had been some time since we were all together. We wished the best for Weaser and his family. Weaser has had a time of it with his wife taking ill so recently... they are in our thoughts and prayers. Bushwacker apparently was unable to get away from his homestead, he will again be missed. We wished him well also. So it was Blackie and I, and South we turned and headed upon our trail. The trail was long but passed with out incident and went quickly as we had the companion of each other and talked and scouted along the way. Soon we found ourselves walking into the Pioneer village of caesar's creek.
At first we scouted about but the village seemed empty as no one was around. With darkness falling, we soon took to the business of scouting about for ample shelter. We walked out onto the points where we had faught the battle last year with Weaser and Kentuckian known as Jon HaGee. It was surprising and remarkable to find those ravines full of water from all the recent rains. We soon returned to the village deciding that maybe there was some covered wood or something or someone has returned home. A quick walk about the village turned up a familiar site... Shelley had arrived and was making ready the Tavern. As always she greeted with prompt and the common courteous manner of the time. Soon other villagers started arriving and came and welcomed all of us. Darkness soon fell upon us with no real time to make the shelter that our weekend was intended for, and hoping that a few more COHT members would make it in either tonight or in the morning... we decided to take advantage of the warmth of the local Tavern.
Soon the Tavern was full, we had 11 people in there from time to time. It was nice to meet everyone. Which how we spent Friday evening. Meeting and talking with one another in the warmth of the fireplace.
Jan 15, South Kingsman, Ohio
Saturday morning came and greeted us with more over cast skies and a chill in the air. Shelley made everyone some breakfast, and after I helped her with the dishes Blackie and I had some work to do. After breakfast, we set out for one of the points and began work on a half-faced shelter. With all the recent storms, there was plenty of deadfalls around to aid in our cause. With a good sharp Meig-axe and camp axe, we made short work of them and soon were busy. After a few short hours of labor and exercise and some talks about shelters and "opportunities", our shelter was finished and looking smart. Just as we where near finishing, Shelley and a few freinds came out to see what we where up to. She brought along two new comers to the village and the hobby, Dave and his son JD. She also had a few ladies from the village with her. After a brief introduction and chat, the ladies reminded us of the hour and that soon supper would be needing tending to for the feast planned for tonight. Never wanting to be late for a well cooked meal, Blackie and I finished up, gathered our gear and walked back to the village with JD.
Upon reaching the Tavern again, Blackie put on a oven of his famous beans and sausage. We had a hour or so before supper would be ready, so we decided to search for a valley that is said to be near that is right for a rifle range. With the "opportunity" for a rifle competition or shooting match in the future, Blackie and I decide to explore about and see if we could find this valley. After spending some time out, following a number of peoples directions... we never did find the actual valley, but we did find someone with information on it. Sure enough it is there, and near by... so maybe in the future we will have a "opportunity" to hold a rifle competition or shooting match there at the Village. one never can tell what you can do with a good "opportunity" until you try. With information in hand in our journal, we returned to the village to check on supper. To find our beans a little over done, as someone had moved them from warming on the hearth to over the fire and forgotten about them. But when one is hungry, one will eat anything... and eat we did. We had a fine sit down cande lit feast the elleven of us. We ate until we could not eat no more. There was another bean dish, so the evening was going to prove interesting to say the least, than there was plenty of bread, pie and cake, and some good spirits hand prepared by the apprenticing Tavern Keep. Shelley and I and another young lady turned to doing the dishes, we talked so long that we had to do them by candle light. We than reitred to the fireplace and the tables and had some interesting conversations from events to "opportunities" to sewing techniques and material. We talked late into the evening when no one could possibly hold their head up any more... although JD tried his best.
The Tavern early Sunday morning in the fresh falling snow
Jan 16,SK, OH
We where disturbed early Sunday morning by the tale of "Beastly" cat like creature on the proch of the Tavern, not allowing JD to pass... as JD tried to answer the early morning nature call. So armed with a log, JD and Shelley slipped onto the porch to do battle with this "beastly" creature of the night... to learn that it was a snow covered log just sitting there. Once all was settled and all where awoke, we grinningly told JD he would not live this one down any time soon. I enjoyed a early morning trek about the village and its grounds before dawn. Blackie tried to join me, but did not catch up to me, so he returned to the Tavern and tried for a few more minutes of slumber. I soon returned and found everyone waking up and moving about. Bed gear was taken up and breakfast was started or atleast was discussed. To which Blackie and I kindly turned down, for the snow was really coming down and our journey North must be began before too long. So we together gathered up our gear, loaded the pack horse and gently turned North and headed down yet another trail. We headed home with a sense of pride in what we had accomplished this weekend, getting out in the woods and building this shelter... glad that we took the chance on this "opportuntity" at hand.
Proof that Shelley even goes barefoot in the winter
We left with proof for Preacher that Shelley not only goes barefoot in the cool month of February... but also in the dead winter of January. I thank all that took the "opportunity" to join us on the weekend, it was nice to meet some of you again and meet some new ones as well. I thank you all, and hope that our trails again cross soon.
YMHS,
CAPT. McGee
Great Lakes Territorial Governor
Why is Ohio known as the Buckeye State and Why are Ohioans known as "Buckeyes"??
Submitted by Blackie
Ever wonder why this here Ohio State that we call home is referred to the Buckeye State or why we are called Buckeyes? Do I look like a deer? I know I am a buck... but his eye? Where do they come up with these things? Who thinks of these things any ways?
According to one story atleast, from a pioneer historian, it could have started in Marietta in the year 1788.
An imposing procession, headed by the high sheriff Col. Ebenezer Sproat marched to Campus Martius Hall to open the first court in the Northwest Territory. COlonel Sproat, was large and a well proportioned man, made a commmanding appearance with his drawn sword.
He greatly impressed the Indians. In admiration, they dubbed him "Hetuch," their name for the eye of the buck deer. The nickname stuck and Col. Sproat became familiarly known as "Big Buckeye." Later the name was passed on to other Ohians and eventually to the state.
Another commonly accepted explanation is that the nickname refers to the large number of buckeye trees native to Ohio. How ever, all accounts generally agree that the name of the buckeye originated from its close resemblance to the eye of the buck deer.
In 1840, General Willaim Henry Harrison was elected President of the United States. During his campaign, buckeye wood cabins and buskeye walking sticks became emblems of Ohio's first citizen to win the highest office in the land. This forever set Ohioans apart as "Buckeyes." While for many years the ohio buckeye was considered the state tree of Ohio, the designation was unofficial until 1953, when the Ohio Legislature adopted the Ohio Buckeye as the official tree.
The Ohio buckeye tree is usually found along streams and on fertile bottom lands. Buckeye leaves, which open early in the spring, have five leaflets four to six inches long, attached at a common point to the stem. The full grown tree is of medium size, seldom exceeding 24 inches in diameter and 60 feet in height. A notable exception is the state champion Ohio buckeye which is located in Hamilton County, west of Cincinnati in the Aston Oaks development outside of North Bend; it is 82 feet high, has a circumference of 162 inches, and a crown spread of 67 feet. Buckeye leaves, which open in early spring, have five leaflets four to six inches in length. attached at a common point to a long stem.
In addition to Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra), a second species, yellow buckeye (Aesculus octandra), is also native to Ohio.
The two species are very similar and difficult to distinguish. They can be most easily be differentiated by the seed pod. The pod of the Ohio buckeye is "warty", while the pod of the yellow buckeye is smooth. often confused with the buckeye is Aesculus hippocastanum, commonly known as the horse chestnut. It is an imported relative that has frequently been planted as an ornamental tree. However, the horse chestnut has sticky buds and usually seven leaflets, while the true buckeye generally has five.
Buckeye wood is light and easily worked, and resists splitting. One important use was in the manufacturing of artificial limbs. It is quite similar to and often used in place of basswood or linden for woodenware.
The buckeye nut is bitter and, if eaten in quantity, is poisonous to man. The poisonous quality apparently does not affect squirrels, which will eat the nuts in the absences of more desirable food.
The buckeye nut has a considerable folklore about it. It is renowned and saught for its mystical qualities. Some people carry it as a good luck charm and prefer it to the left hand rabbit's foot or four-leaf clover. Others use it as an amulet and make vast claims for its ability to cure rheumatism and a wide variety of other ailments.
So there you have it, thats how we became known as Buckeyes! Hope you enjoyed this little bit of Buckeye trivia.
I remain
YMHS
Blackie
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