(10-28-24) On Saturday, October 26, 2024, the Shanes Crossing Historical Society conducted a dedication for the Ohio Historical Marker at the west edge of Hedges Memorial Park along U.S. Rte. 33 in Rockford. . The marker was purchased by the Shanes Crossing Historical Society and honors two local heroes: Anthony Shane (village founder) and John Chapman (Johnny Appleseed) who planted a nursery on the William Botts Hedges property.

To start the event, a welcome was issued by SCHS president Mike Schumm who recognized Connie Sell and Harrison Frech for the extraordinary time they took to fill out the lengthy application for the marker. Without their efforts, the marker would not have been possible. Schumm then recognized a very special guest: Kathy Jo Higgins, a descendant of Anthony Shane. She drove all the way from South Carolina to be a part of this historical dedication and brought extraordinary historical items to donate to our museum. Her friend, Terri, drove down from Michigan to witness the dedication.

Ron Searight then read a heartfelt mayoral dedication. It was followed by a Congressional proclamation from Ohio Congressman Bob Latta, congratulating our community for preserving and honoring its past history. A representative from Congressman Latta’s office, David Wirt, was on hand to deliver a special message as well.

Harrison Frech gave a speech regarding the life of Anthony Shane. His thorough research on the life of Shane is impeccable and his talk extremely captivating. Mike Schumm then followed with a few words about John Chapman, delivering thoughts about Johnny Appleseed’s life as he planted nurseries throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana.

Steve Thompson portrayed Johnny Appleseed and played foot tapping tunes on his harmonica for the crowd. The music was enjoyed by all as Steve added a loads of fun and flavor to the days events.

Mike Schumm then thanked Laura Russell from the Ohio Historical Marker program for making the the day possible as she assisted with the application process. The marker is a beautiful tribute to our village and it’s history. The village workers were acknowledged for the superior installation of the marker – great job men!

Programs for the days events, gift bags, and cookies were distributed by Jacoby, Savada and Crosley Triplett to the crowd. Norm VanTilburg is to be congratulated hid assistance in putting the bags together. We would like to to thank all businesses who contributed to the ‘gift bags’.

Special ‘thank you’s’ were also issued to: Brad Now for videotaping; Lisa Searight for photography; Aaron Deitsch for setting up and tearing down the chairs and podium; Amanda and Matt Triplett for bringing a pop up canopy for the event; to Mayor Ron Searight for helping to plan and participate in the days activities; and, to Lisa Kuhn for the countless hours she has spent in assisting SCHS with this and many other projects.

The program was concluded with a closing prayer by Mayor Ron Searight.