Gnadenhutten set for Pioneer Days
GNADENHUTTEN —This year's Pioneer Days, to be held Aug. 6-7, will include a nod to the village's upcoming 250th anniversary, on Oct. 9. The crocks to be auctioned this year include the date that Gnadenhutten was founded by David Zeisberger,1772-2022.
The front of the crock recognizes the Pioneer Days event. The auction is the largest fundraiser for the Gnadenhutten Historical Park and Museum each year. The crocks were again created by Holmes County Pottery, in a Kiln.
"This is done as they would back in the day," said Museum Curator John Heil. "They only fire up their kiln twice a year. We'll auction off 10 crocks and we also have two cabins for auction this year." The cabins were made by Wayne Dyer, from the Port Washington area, and painted by Rosemary Hall, of Dover.
For the first time in a while, there will be no princess contest. "There hasn't been any interest in it for a few years," Heil explained. "Kids' activities take up so much time." But there will be a special activity taking place at 10 a.m., on Aug. 6.
"There will be a wedding in the Mission House," Heil said.
Heil added that he has been surprised this year with attendance. "We're doing really good," he said. "I am surprised with the high gas prices that we are still getting visitors from Kentucky, Florida and Arizona. People are coming from far away."
They have also had visitors from Japan, Germany, Australia and the Czech Republic throughout the years. "The visitor from Japan is a history buff who fell in love with this area," Heil noted.
The schedule for the two day event is as follows: Aug. 6 — Grounds are open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. There will be various vendors and Messdads will run the concession stand; Bean soup will be cooked over an open fire and served with cornbread; 1840's encampment with demonstrations and games from that era; 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. — Tentative Reenactment of David Zeisberger and Chief Netawatwees; Noon — Performance by Trumpet in the Land actors and singers, Joe Bonamico will follow with a talk about the connection between Trumpet in the Land and Gnadenhutten.
Aug. 8 a.m. — Church Service at the Mission House with Pastor Trevor Biggs; 2 p.m. — Crock Auction with Auctioneer Bob Hall, Arts and crafts will again be on hand with various vendors.
This will be Heil's last year as curator as he retires to spend more time with his kids and grandkids.
"This year is my last hurrah," said Heil, who has served in the volunteer position for 16 years. "I am going to pass the torch."
Heil said he has some current volunteers who are planning to step up and take the helm when he is finished.
"We're going to have Apple Butter Days and I'll help put up the Christmas Display and then I'll be done." he said. Heil will be keeping busy following his retirement. He enjoys attending his grandson's Xander and Liam's, activities, which include cross country and band at Indian Valley. Xander will be a senior this year and Liam an 8th grader. "I'm also a referee at Indian Valley for volleyball and basketball," He also helps to create the Outreacher, a monthly Christian publication, for the Gnadenhutten, Tuscarawas, Port Washington and Newcomerstown areas.
To volunteer, contact Heil at 330-691-1474. Donations can be sent to Jane Miller at P.O Box 498, Gnadenhutten, OH, 44629 or Heil at 156-Spring St. Gnadenhutten, OH, 44629.
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Gnadenhutten set for Pioneer Days
