(This article, reprinted with permission, featuring the Bexley Historical Society, appeared in Bexley News on September 18, 2002.)

Society declares its intent to make up difference
The pledge to cover costs will allow plans to go forward without delays.

By KATHLEEN L. RADCLIFF
Bexley News Reporter

Work on making their mark continues as the Bexley Historical Society recently passed a motion to underwrite any shortfall in monies for the 2003 Ohio Bicentennial historical marker.

The 2003 Bicentennial Committee had decided not to pursue grant money from the 2003 Ohio Bicentennial Commission for a historical marker to be placed to the side near the parking lot of the Bexley Public Library, 2411 E. Main St. By choosing not to pursue grant monies, the application can be made at anytime and the process is streamlined, according to Jennifer Ritchey, Bexley Historical Society and Ohio Bicentennial Committee member.

Requests for historical markers in and of themselves are practically never turned down, Ritchey said.

"I was told by the commission, ‘You can be assured your marker will be approved,"’ Ritchey said, as she recalled a conversation with the commission late the previous week.

According to Ritchey, this assurance will help in the society’s fund-raising efforts for the $1,500 marker.

By the society underwriting any shortfall, "This will allow us to get the wording down, get the photo down and avoid last minute rushing or hold up of the marker at the foundry," society past-president Ed Hamblin said.

Ritchey said the 2003 Ohio Bicentennial Wagon Train is still slated to happen but, "There are many things to consider, including traffic tie ups and the (well-being of the) animals," as is bell casting in Franklin County.

"It is not set," Ritchey said, adding the earliest date would be November of this year.
"More than likely, it will be the first part of next year," she said, adding bell casting will be taking place at the Fairfield County Fair in October.

Ritchey reminded the board the official kick-off for the 2003 Ohio Bicentennial celebration is scheduled for March 1 in Chillicothe.

Work also continues in the search for ways to preserve the original National Road Marker, located on East Main Street in front of Christ Lutheran Church, 2314 E. Main St.

"I didn’t know where it was until someone showed me," society board member Mike Kilbourne said as he updated the board regarding his search for a way to preserve the original marker stone.

"I checked with Hanigan’s Memorial in Grove City, an they said the marker was probably made of sandstone or limestone, and they are very shy regarding sandblasting it," Kilbourne said.

Kilbourne said Hanigan's associates suggested taking great care with the marker even when picking it up off the ground, because deterioration over the years may have taken its toll.

"I checked with Lang (Stone Co., Inc.) in German Village, who suggested chemical process may be more in order to clean it up, along with the application of clear concrete sealants," Kilbourne said.

"Before we do anything, we should probably establish ‘Who actually owns the marker,’ "Hamblin said.

Ritchey suggested that, since the inside edge is 5 feet to the sidewalk, Bexley City Hall might be a good place to start.

Society treasurer John Ziegler advocated replicating the marker as either a paperweight or as garden statuary for a fund-raising effort.