It is truly a very special event when we can celebrate the 250th birthday of a pioneer resident of Knox County. It was in the closing months of 1774 when John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, was born in Leominster, Massachusetts, beginning his life that would be filled with interesting stories and numerous legends as well. His travels would bring him to the brand new town of Mount Vernon, Ohio, around the year 1806 where he would soon vote in our first election, own two lots on our South Main Street, travel great distances to obtain discarded apple seeds to plant here and throughout Ohio and beyond in his quest to provide apples for the many pioneer families who were soon to settle in our area.
The program will be presented on Wednesday evening, June 11, at 7:30 pm at the Knox County Historical Society Museum, 875 Harcourt Road in Mount Vernon. The presentation will feature noted re-enactor, Ken Hammontree, who is well known for his excellent portrayals of historical figures, including George Washington, Dwight Eisenhower, and many more.
The program is free and open to the public, and all persons, families and children are invited to attend. Visitors may tour the Museum for an hour before and after the presentation. For more information, call 740-393-5247 or 740-397-3503.
This is one of the best kept secrets of Knox County. If you're a local history enthusiast, you should definitely check out the museum. The museum director is very knowledgeable and can tell you just about anything you'd want to know about the county. If he doesn't know the answer, he can help you find out.
This is the best local history society/museum I have ever visited. You will get a personal tour of the immense number of fascinating items, including Paul Lynde's T-Bird, a very unique quilt collection, just to name a few. This is a "don't miss" opportunity if you are traveling through the area!
Neat little county museum which has plenty of local history and a little something for everyone! Paul Lynde was from the town, and they have a nice little section (including a beautiful car he owned) on his life. So much to see - no "one" type of exhibit. From frocks, to rocks, to cars, to computers, to a large stained glass window from a church, to steam powered tractors, to antique toys... the list goes on.
Jim is very knowledge about Knox County and very dedicated to the museum. If you have any questions about the history of the area, stop by to see him. Going through the museum can be slightly overwhelming because their is such a large collection. It has an antique shop feel to it rather than a museum. You never know what treasures you will stumble upon. If you have a particular interest (factories in the area, telephones, wars, the famous people of Knox county, Native American history of Knox County, etc.), ask where to find it-Jim knows where everything is. :) Some of our favorite discoveries so far have been the doll houses, the clothing of the lady doctor, the play bricks, the Dan Emmit collection, the old jail cell, the catalog-style displays, and the classic car.