Photographer Scott Carney painted his photograph of the Ross Log Cabin in Symmes Township’s Meade Property on Lebanon Road. Scott calls it, “The ol’ cabin at the Meade Property Park.”
MORE ABOUT THE ROSS FAMILY LOG HOUSE MUSEUM on the Meade Property in Symmes Township
The Symmes Township Historical Society and the Symmes Township Board of Trustees joined together to guarantee that this historic 1830’s two-story (20’ x 24’) log house is restored for future generations to enjoy. The Society entered into a long-term lease with Symmes Township which allowed for the log house to be reconstructed on a portion of the Township’s historic Meade House property at 11887 Lebanon Road.
The Society received a $100,000 grant from the Ohio Cultural Facility Commission, but bringing this history to life through restoration required the support of many other individuals and groups. The Society is thankful for all the donations received for this project. Everyone’s contribution, no matter how large or small, was important.
This 2-story log home was originally located at the corner of Rich Road and Mulberry Street. The Society believes John and Mary Ross built the log house about 1836. In the 1830’s there were no “building permits” issued so it’s hard to know for certain. But when the Ross’ purchased the 137-acre tract they had 8 children. This house is 20′ x 24′ and is a full 2-story log house. The size of the house would have accommodated the family and the Society’s research to date points to this family as builders of the log structure.
John Ross’ parents, John and Jeannette Ross, were natives of Ireland who settled in Juniate County, PA. In 1812 they emigrated with their 11 children to 20-Mile Stand in Warren County. The elder John Ross was a Revolutionary War soldier. The Ross family helped organize the Somerset Presbyterian Church (the church building has been moved to Sharon Woods Village). John and Jeannette are buired in the Township’s Union Cemetery.
The original log home had an interior chimney. This is somehwat unusual but a feature that would have kept the house warmer in the winter months. The beams are hand hewn and the 2nd level had the original floorboards. There would have been a privy and a smokehouse/cookhouse also on the site. An unusual feature of the house is the front door, which is no higher than six (6) feet. Why such a short main entrance to the house – were people really shorter 180 years ago?
It all started when she was eight years old. Patricia Heffelfinger loved to produce plays with the neighborhood kids in Ridley Park, PA. Her love for theatre continued and she was always encouraged by her late husband Fred Furterer who she married in 1954. She continued performing with the Barnstormers in Ridley Park and then with the Battle Creek Civic Theatre in Michigan.
In 1977 Pat and Fred moved to Loveland. Pat went to audition at another local theatre but couldn’t find the address! She came home and told Fred, “I’m starting a community theatre company in Loveland!” And 40 years and 115 shows later, Loveland Stage Company is an active and vibrant part of the community.
Pat Furterer, founder and President Emeritus of Loveland Stage Company which is celebrating its 40th year and 115th production with “Cole-An Entertainment-The Life and Fabulous Music of Cole Porter” opening Nov. 1. – Provided Photo
The first meeting of the as-yet-unnamed theatre group was in the Furterer’s living room in the Pheasant Hills neighborhood on May 1979. Pat put an ad in the paper inviting anyone interested in starting a community theatre group. Those responding to that first meeting were: Dick and Deirdre Dyson; Betty Rajewski; Kathy and Ron Barrett; Dennis Novak; Roger Goldwire; Steve McGowan; Trish Williams; Diane and “Moldy” Moldenhauer; Kate Camele Arnold; Anne Woolley; John Schneider; Sue Lundy; Sally Housemeyer, Mary Ellen Camele and Kitty Kieffer. Kate Arnold is in the current production of “Cole” and Deirdre Dyson was the artistic director of the most recent production of “Mamma Mia”. Dick Dyson is currently on the board and Sue Lundy and John Schneider are still active members.
After deciding on the group’s name, the first show, “My Three Angels”, was presented in October of 1979 with two shows at the original Loveland Hurst High School on Lebanon road.
The Loveland Kiwanis Club was still active at this time and the two groups joined efforts for a few years. “Bye Bye Birdie” was presented in 1978 and was the final Kiwanis Kaper event.
Pat says the biggest hurdle the group has faced was finding a permanent home. At various times they have performed at the original Loveland Hurst High school, Shields Crossing (a restaurant now closed) Greater Loveland Historical Museum and at Nisbet Park. But they needed a permanent home. They received permission in 1997 from the City of Loveland to have a fundraiser for Loveland Stage company in the abandoned Crist movie theatre with the idea of eventually purchasing the building. “ There were no restrooms and no air conditioning and the building had been inhabited by “critters.” It was a mess” says Pat. The Loveland Fire Fighters Association, a non-profit group, purchased the theatre and leased it to the stage company for $1 a year. After 6 months, they gave the building to the group with certain stipulations. Pat attributes much of this effort to Otto Huber, Assistant Fire Chief at the time, and currently Fire Chief.
October 20, 2008, marked another, and more heartbreaking hurdle. In the early morning hours, a fire started in the upstairs of the theatre and quickly consumed the entire roof. Once again the Loveland Fire Department stepped up and immediately started a fund for repairing the damaged building. Pat remembers friends and neighbors giving her checks for the restoration and especially remembers one little boy who gave her the contents of his piggy bank so the building could be repaired. Peggy Goodwin wrote several grants which also helped with the backing. A campaign to raise funds “Rebuild and Play On” led by Deirdre Dyson helped to bring in necessary funds to get more repair work done. And 13 months later, the curtain opened at the renovated theatre with the Ohio premiere of “Miss Saigon”.
Come and see the group’s 40thyear celebration “Cole – An Entertainment-The Life and Fabulous Music of Cole Porter” November 1-17
Besides founding the group, Pat has held every board office and is currently President Emeritus. She has also done every job necessary to produce a show from directing to producing to publicity to stage manager, etc. but has never done lighting or sound. Those that know Pat think that if the need was there, she would do that too!
Her all-time favorite role to perform was Mame in Bonnie Schanz’s production of “Mame” and her favorite all-time show that she has directed was the group’s first production of “Fiddler on the Roof” in 1986 with Chuck Wente as Tevye and Jeanne Smearsoll Welsh as Golde.
And in case any of you have heard the rumor, Pat says, “Yes, we do have a ghost! Mr. Crist comes to visit on occasion and loves to mess with our lighting equipment!”
Celebrating 40 years of award-winning, quality community theatre, with special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. and Derek Glynne, the Loveland Stage Company will present “Cole-An Entertainment – The Life and Fabulous Music of Cole Porter” opening November 1 through 17.
The Mermaid Theatre’s production is based on the words and music of Cole Porter, devised by Benny Green and Alan Strachan, with original music arrangements by Kenneth Moule.
Come and see the group’s 40th year celebration “Cole – An Entertainment – The Life and Fabulous Music of Cole Porter” November 1-17 at the theatre located at 111 S. 2nd St. (Rt. 48) Loveland, 45140. Performances on Nov. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 are at 7:30 PM and on Sundays, November 3, 10 and 17 at 3 PM. Tickets are $20. For groups or handicapped seating call 513-443-4572 or visit the webpage at http://lovelandstagecompany.org.
Loveland’s Bionic Tigers won multiple awards at the West Central Pennsylvania Qualifying Tournament and will be competing in the Pennsylvania State Championship in March
Loveland’s FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) team 10464, The Bionic Tigers, competed in the West Central Pennsylvania Qualifying Tournament on December 8 in Johnstown, PA. The team won the Connect Award for “the team that most connects with their local science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) community” and won second place in the Inspire Award. The Inspire Award is the top award given at an FTC competition and is presented to the team that best “embodies the ‘challenge’ of the FIRST Tech Challenge Program.” Out of the 24 registered teams in the competition, 10464 also received third place for the Think, Design and Motivate Awards.
Based on their Inspire Award placement, the Bionic Tigers advanced to the Pennsylvania State Championship Tournament on March 2-3.
RP Diamond is the exclusive retailer of LOVELAND HIGH SCHOOL SPIRIT WEAR Welcome to RP Diamond Printing & Embroidery located at 370 Loveland Madeira Road.
Learn more about the Ross Log House and Boy Scout Calvin Spencer’s work to preserve it
