Wednesday, September 10, 2008
150th Anniversary of the Wellington-Oberlin Slave Rescue Celebration
Wellington-Oberlin fugitive slave rescuers at the jail
This weekend marks the 150th anniversary of the Wellington-Oberlin Slave Rescue that was said to have raised consciousness nationwide regarding the anti-slavery movement and earning Oberlin the recent title , “The town that started the Civil War.”
In 1858, John Price, a fugitive slave living in Oberlin, was tricked into the hands of four slave catchers. He was secretly driven down a country road, toward Wellington, a small town south of Oberlin where the slave catchers intended to put Price on a train headed back to Kentucky. However, halfway there they were spotted by two Oberlin men.
American House Hotel, Wellington (courtesy: Oberlin College Archives)
Among the group were freed slaves, fugitive slaves, students, townspeople, farmers and businessmen. It was a group that ignored their differences and untied in the cause for freedom. Differences that separated so many in the south. Their legacy of freedom and pride lives on today as Lorain County enjoys and maintains the cultural diversity it is so famous for.
The Back Roads and Beaches Route gets many Underground Railroad Cyclists that pass through Wellington and Oberlin. This is a great weekend to be here to celebrate and reflect on the Underground Railroad. Click here for more information on cycling and the Underground Railroad around BRaB. Click here for a list of this weekend’s anniversary events in Oberlin. Click here for more detail and photos of the rescue from the Oberlin Heritage Center. Labels: "Wellington-Oberlin Slave Rescue", 2008, biking, cycling, events, History, Oberlin, Underground Railroad, Wellington
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Findley Lake Sprint Triathlon/Duathlon photos
The rain stopped right before the start of the 2008 Findley Lake Triathlon/Duathlon (results) today. With a wet but scenic course, participants enjoyed the calm lake and scenic trail run for a late summer race that serves as Lorain County’s final triathlon of the year. Although we still have some great running and biking events that will take us through November, this will do it for 2008 triathlons. So, without further ado, here are a few photos from today’s event... 
2nd, 3rd and 4th out of the water
Women Swim Start
1st female out of the water—Julia Lorraine Rossi
First overall finisher
We thought it fitting to post a photo of Dave Garrett’s backside for this last race of the Lorain County triathlon season. (not only because it’s the end of the season but this photo might be a training motivator for others during the cold winter months.) He is so fun to watch racing, we hope he comes back to Lorain County to wow us during the 2009 season. 
Go girl! Women’s 1st overall—Julia Lorraine Rossi
Labels: biking, cycling, events, Findley, run, swim, triathlon, Wellington
Monday, September 1, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
Beginning this evening, every corner of the Back Roads and Beaches route will be hoppin’ with events from art openings to county fair excitement.
This evening in Vermilion is the gala opening of Water, Light and Land: Reflections on Inland Seas. Experience the spectacular views of inland seascapes, masterfully rendered in clay by nationally recognized Oberlin potter Chris Breuer at the Inland Seas Maritime Museum in Vermilion. The opening is from 6:30–8:30pm. Artist talk will be at 6pm. The show will run through September 25.
Also in Vermilion this weekend will be the Vermilion Local Market where you can purchase local produce, flowers, herbs, pasture-fed beef, and more. The market is held Saturday afternoons 2–6pm in Victory Park in Vermilion and will run through August 30.
The Lorain County Fair continues to run through this Sunday, August 24.
Carnegie Library, Oberlin College, Tappan Square
While in Oberlin, check out the new exhibit at the FAVA Gallery, Views: Three Landscape Artists featuring the work of John Benton, Amy Casey and Glenn Ratusnik. The show runs through September 6.
For more events taking place around the Back Roads and Beaches Route as well as all throughout Lorain County, click here.Labels: architecture, arts, events, History, Lorain County Fair, Lorain County Visitors Bureau, Museums, Oberlin, ohio, Vermilion, Wellington
Thursday, June 26, 2008
This weekend’s suggested multi-sport itinerary: bring your own bike + kilt
Photos by Rona Proudfoot
Starting from the southern portion of the Back Roads and Beaches Bike Route, cyclists can experience culture, food, sports and entertainment from all around the globe. Beginning in Wellington at the Lorain County Fairgrounds, the Scottish Games will be taking place on Saturday, June 28. Not only can cyclists enjoy the variety of food and entertainment, but can experience a true cultural multi-sport experience and enter to run the kilted mile. (must wear kilt!)
Jumping back onto the bike and moving north along BRaB will provide an even more expanding cultural experience. Once on SR 6 along the shores of Lake Erie, biking into Lorain will take you to the Lorain International Festival. The International Festival takes place at scenic Black River Landing in Lorain. Rent a kayak and paddle up to the festival and further up to the Lorain Lighthouse for a twist on this great festival. Just make sure you tie off and reload up on some delicious ethnic carbs before you depart.
Moving further east along SR 6, you can wind down a bit with a visit to Avon Lake’s Arts Fest 2008 at Miller Rd. Park along the Lake Erie shoreline. If you don’t feel like turning around and making your way back to Wellington (where you’ve presumably left your vehicle at Findley State Park), visit one of Avon Lake’s wineries or stay the night at the Fairfield Inn. You can make your way back Sunday and get more great eats at the International Festival on your way back!
Labels: arts, Avon Lake, events, Findley, kayaking, Lake Erie, Wellington, wineries
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Weekend filled with events around Back Roads and Beaches
Thousands of cyclists will arrive in Lorain County this weekend for the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure. Join them in working toward setting a record for the worlds longest bike parade. There will be no shortage of activity this weekend around the route. Of special note to cyclists exploring Underground Railroad history is Oberlin’s Juneteenth Festival. This year’s event will mark the 150th anniversary of the Oberlin Wellington slave rescue.
In September of 1858, John Price, a fugitive slave living in Oberlin, was tricked by slave hunters and taken by force to the nearby town of Wellington to await a train that would transport him back to Kentucky and slavery. The news of his abduction spread rapidly, and local abolitionists sprung into action. Students from Oberlin College set out for Wellington on foot, only to be overtaken by black and white townspeople speeding past in carriages and on horseback. Vowing no slave would ever be taken from Oberlin, the mob surrounded the Wellington hotel where Price was being held by three slave catchers from Kentucky. The rescuers carried him out a window, shuttled him back to Oberlin and hid him in the basement of James Fairchild's house (Fairchild later became president of Oberlin College). Soon after, Price disappeared. It is assumed that he made it to Canada and freedom.
Oberlin-Wellington Fugitive Slave Rescuers
Thirty-seven rescuers were later indicted for their roles in the Wellington-Oberlin Slave Rescue, but only 20 served time in jail while awaiting trial. Eventually all 20 were acquitted and were welcomed back to Oberlin with a parade and rallies.
Starting in Wellington and moving north, throughout the route, here are a few events this week
Wellington
Jun 13–14 Village Wide Sidewalk & Yard Sales, Wellington, 9am–5pm. 440.647.3987
www.mainstreetwellington.com
Jun 14-21 Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure, Lorain County Fairgrounds, Wellington. A week-long bicycle adventure beginning and ending in Wellington. Participate in the world record attempt for largest bike parade on June 14, 4-6pm registration, 6pm parade. 614.273.0811 | www.goba.com
Jun 14 Youth Anglers Fishing Derby, Findley State Park, Wellington, Picnic Point Area, 10am-12pm. Prizes for ages 15 & under. Tips on bait, tackle, identification and fishing skills. 440.647.5749
www.findleystatepark.org
Oberlin
Concert, Warner Concert Hall, Oberlin College, 4pm. Featuring music inspired by the culture and poetry of Native Americans. 440.774.4079 www.ochoristers.org
Jun 13–Aug 8 Fridays, Summer Concert Series, Tappan Square, Oberlin, 7–9pm. 440.774.6262 www.oberlinchamber.org
Jun 13–14 Juneteenth Celebration, Tappan Square, Oberlin, Fri 11am–8:30pm, Sat 10am–6pm. Celebrate the date that the last slaves were freed and the 150th anniversary of the Oberlin-Wellington Slave Rescue. 440.935.0201
www.juneteenthoberlin.com
Jun 14–Aug16 Saturdays at the Schoolhouse, Oberlin Heritage Center, 12–2pm. Little Red Schoolhouse, experience historic school lessons, and play old-fashioned games. 440.774.1700 www.oberlinheritage.org
Jun 13 Summer Kick-Off Hog Roast, Matus Winery, Wakeman, 12–8pm. Wine and dinner by the famous Chubby’s BBQ from Put-in-Bay. 440.774.WINE
www.matuswinery.us
Vermilion
Jun 13–15 Festival of Fish, Victory Park, Vermilion, Fri–Sat 12–11pm, Sun 12–6pm. Entertainment, lighted boat parade, crazy craft race, sand castle building, and parade on Sunday. 440.967.4477
www.discoververmilion.com
Jun 14 Festival of Fish 5K Race & 1 Mile Dog Walk, 8am registration, 9am race. 440.967.4208
www.vermilionymca.com
Labels: back roads and beaches, biking, events, Findley, fishing, GOBA, History, multi-sport, Oberlin, Underground Railroad, Vermilion, Wellington
Friday, June 6, 2008
World Record Attempt for Largest Parade of Bicycles in Wellington
From GOBA Press Release:
Join the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure (GOBA), a world-class bicycle tour, in
celebrating its 20th annual event by attempting to break the Guinness World
Record™ for the Largest Parade of Bicycles. On Saturday evening, June 14, 2008,
the inaugural event of this year's week-long tour will be the GOBA traditional bicycle
parade, held in Wellington, Ohio, in Lorain County. The current world record stands at
1,901 bicycles and was set by Volvic in Taiwan, July 21, 2007.
Riding in the parade is open to the general public as well as to all GOBA riders. All
parade participants must ride a 2-wheeled bicycle, must be able to ride 2 to 3 miles,
and must wear helmets. Sign-in is required and will be open from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm.
Participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign their application.
Registration fee is $1.00 per rider. A drawing for prizes exclusively for those
participants from the general public will be held at the Opening Ceremonies, at the
conclusion of the parade. Parking for the parade and the sign-in station will be at the
Lorain County Fairgrounds in Wellington. Enter through the Main Gate from State
Route 18, west of Downtown Wellington. The parade will leave at 6:00 pm from the
Fairgrounds and, with the assistance of the Wellington police, will follow a route
through town to the Village Hall, where the Opening Ceremonies will take place and
preliminary results of the World Record Attempt will be announced. Musical
entertainment and food for sale in Wellington, both before and after the parade.
Riders may bicycle back to the Fairgrounds at any time before dark.
The 20th Annual Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure will feature the northern section of
Ohio on its tour, June 14-21, 2008. The expected 3,000 riders will start gathering for
the tour on Saturday, June 14, at the Lorain County Fairgrounds in Wellington. They
will begin cycling on Sunday, June 15th, covering an average of 50 miles per day and will return to Wellington on Saturday.
For details of the world records, visit www.Guinnessworldrecords.com, search:
"Largest Parade of Bicycles". For more information on joining in the parade for the
World Record Attempt, contact: GOBA, 614-273-0811, www.goba.com/parade; or
Main Street Wellington, 440-647-3987, info@mainstreetwellington.com.Labels: events, GOBA, Wellington
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Memorial Day weekend shaping up to be spectacular
Memorial Day weekend along the Back Roads and Beaches route is shaping up to be a spectacular weekend. Not only weather-wise but will be a real treat for cyclists looking for great arts events. Starting from south and moving north along the route these are a few things that will be going on.
In the Wellington area:
May 23 In Search of Nesting Birds, Wellington Reservation, Lorain County Metroparks, 9am–12pm. Assist with the Breeding Bird Atlas, research and walk the Wellington Reservation in search of nesting birds. Strenuous hike.
May 24–25 Farm Themed Student Art Festival, Bonnie Brae Elk Farm, Wellington, Sat 10am–4pm, Sun 11am–5pm. View art on display in our century old barn, sample venison, hand feed elk and visit our gift and venison shops. 440.647.3232 | www.bonniebraeelk.com
In the Oberlin Area:
Throughout the weekend, Sat 10am–6pm, Sun 12–4pm, Collaborations with Silkworms, Ginko Gallery & Studio, Oberlin, Combining art and science through a live exhibition of silkworms growing, eating, spinning cocoons, then emerging as silk moths. 440.774.3117 | www.ginkogallery.net
Saturday morning, Oberlin Farmer’s Market, located next to City Hall in Oberlin. Locally grown and prepared foods
Commencement & Memorial Day Celebration, Oberlin Heritage, This weekend is a wonderful time to explore the Oberlin Heritage Center free of charge, either on a guided tour or at your own pace. We will offer walk through at your own pace mini-tours, lawn games, and craft activities on Saturday, May 24 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday May 25 from 1 to 5 p.m. Or, if you prefer a more in-depth visit, enjoy a guided tour of the Oberlin Heritage Center at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Saturday or at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Weather permitting, we will also offer "A Walk Through Time: Tour the History of Oberlin Through the Landmarks Around Tappan Square" (guided walking tours) at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday and 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday. 
All of this weekend's events are free. Begin your visit or your tour at the Monroe House, 73 1/2 South Professor Street, at the back of the Conservatory of Music parking lot. There you can also visit our museum store for Oberlin-themed souvenirs, books, and much free visitor information. 440.774.1700 | www.oberlinheritage.org
Tue–Sat 11am–5pm, Sun 1–5pm, closed Mon. Artist as Quiltmaker, FAVA Gallery, Juried exhibition of more than 40 contemporary quilts selected from entries from textile artists in 27 states. 440.774.7158 | www.favagallery.org
Breuer Pottery Memorial Day Hours: Saturday & Sunday: 11 – 5. Breuer Pottery is located just beyond the entrance of the Lorain County Metro Parks’ North Coast Inland Trail, about 100 feet beyond the Back Roads and Beaches signs. www.breuerpottery.com
Sunday, 9pm, Oberlin College Campus Illumination. Beautiful lantern illumination of Oberlin College’s Tappan Square with live band music and desserts. Memorial Day is commencement weekend in Oberlin with dozens of activities throughout the weekend for children, families, alumni and students. Click here for a list.
May 24 - 25 Laser District 18 Championships
A premier sailing event held at Vermilion Boat Club. John Shockey, a Vermilion youth sail camp graduate, now sailing for Old Dominion University (John is ranked 36th in US) has invited VBC to host the Laser District 18 Championships. The Laser is a one person one design boat that is the worlds most popular one-design class. As well it is an Olympic Class.
Sun. May 25 1pm–4pm, Bacon House Tours, Vermilion River Reservation, Lorain County Metroparks, Visit the Bacons and look at life everyday of the week in the 19th century.
In the Lorain Area:
Saturday, May 24 11am–4pm, Lorain Lighthouse Tours, Boats leave every half hour from Riverside Park (east side of Black River). $20 per person, call 440-245-2563 for reservations
Check out www.visitloraincounty.com for more information on events going on around the Back Roads and Beaches route. And for more information on dining, lodging and an actual map guiding you through, check out www.backroadsandbeachesohio.com
Labels: arts, back roads and beaches, events, Lake Erie, Lorain, Lorain County Metro Parks, Oberlin, Vermilion, Wellington
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Are you riding GOBA for 2008?
If so you can find travel information at www.visitloraincounty.com
For Lorain County cycling photos you can visit the Back Roads and Beaches Flickr site.
Less than seven months to go!
Labels: back roads and beaches, biking, GOBA, Wellington
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure to come to town in 2008
2006 Goba photos by FetchyThe 20th Annual Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure (GOBA) 2008 tour, June 14-21, will feature the northern section of Ohio. The expected 3,000 riders will start gathering for the tour on Saturday, June 14, at the Lorain County Fairgrounds in Wellington. They will begin cycling on Sunday, June 15th, covering an average of 50 miles per day, and will overnight in Galion on Sunday, Mt. Vernon on Monday and Tuesday, Coshocton on Wednesday and Thursday, and Orrville on Friday, and will return to Wellington on Saturday. Some of the many attractions featured on this tour include Roscoe Village; Monticello Canal Boat; world-class bike trails; Amish areas; Historic Woodward Opera House; Lake Shore Railway; Orrville Toy & Hobby Museum; Johnson-Humrick House Museum; Orrville Railroad Heritage Museum; Brownella Cottage; Simply Smuckers; and other historic sites, covered bridges, and nature areas. The fun-filled week will include the traditional bicycle parade and the gala opening ceremonies in downtown Wellington, two layover days with bicycling options of 50- or 100-mile loops leading to Zoar Village and quaint Sugarcreek, family-oriented entertainment each night, options for bus excursions, watching professional bike races, and the ever-popular GOBA Song Contest. "To celebrate our 20th Adventure, the towns of northern Ohio are spreading out the welcome mat and are working to make the 2008 tour an experience that will be long remembered,” Van Winkle stated. This will be the twentieth year for GOBA. The tour is owned and operated by Columbus Outdoor Pursuits, a non-profit organization, for the benefit of bicycle-related projects in Ohio. GOBA's long time sponsor is Bob Evans Restaurants. In 2007, 2,400 people from 38 states, England, Japan, the Virgin Islands, and Canada took part in the tour. Included in this number were many families: typically, nearly 20% of the participants are children traveling with their parents, making GOBA the largest family-oriented bicycle tour in the world. Over the past nineteen years GOBA has been instrumental in generating more than $9 million in tourism revenues in the towns along the route, as well as in providing access to Ohio's rural treasures to people from all over the country. "GOBA riders are constantly surprised at what a wonderful state Ohio is for bicycling. Our wonderful back roads, charming communities, and great parks and historical sites make it perfect for bicycle touring,” Van Winkle stated. Those interested in receiving registration information and tour details can request a brochure by calling 614-273-0811 or by visiting the website at www.goba.com. Brochures will also be available in the spring in Ohio Bob Evans Restaurants and many bicycle shops. Application deadline is May 14, 2008. Labels: biking, events, GOBA, Wellington
Wellington-Oberlin fugitive slave rescuers at the jail
The Back Roads and Beaches Route gets many Underground Railroad Cyclists that pass through Wellington and Oberlin. This is a great weekend to be here to celebrate and reflect on the Underground Railroad. Click here for more information on cycling and the Underground Railroad around BRaB. Click here for a list of this weekend’s anniversary events in Oberlin. Click here for more detail and photos of the rescue from the Oberlin Heritage Center. 
