Many Italian restaurants have some sort of declaration that goes something like, “We’re a piece of Italy in the middle of (insert random location here).” Some of us long to visit Italy, but aren’t silly enough to believe we will get that experience by sitting in the corner booth at Vito’s Pasta Warehouse downtown.
The best Italian restaurants are those that give you visions of what Italy may be like just be sampling the food. They don’t pretend to have been created by Silvio Berlusconi, to have served dinner every night to the late Pavarotti or to have been a hangout for a group of “Good Fellas”. They let their heritage, and kitchen craft, speak for itself. This is where Pompilio’s, a greater Cincinnati, Ohio establishment, comes in.
Located in Newport, Kentucky, just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, Pompilio’s was established in 1933 by Colonel John Michael Pompilio. The eatery and bar hangs its hat on, “…a lasting reputation for fine, authentic Italian food.” The Colonel may not be the most famous Italian, but he and his wife, Johanna Agnes Colletta (Pompilio), were definitely natives who brought their heritage and traditions. Colonel Pompilio was born in the City of Castelgandolpho in the Province of Foggia in 1888. Mrs. Pompilio was born in the City of Matrice in the Province of Campbasso in 1894. They had four sons, who were all born in Cincinnati, and ran their restaurant that continues today in a portion of old Newport.
Though, Pompilio’s has since changed hands. Colonel Pompilio died in 1968, Mrs. Pompilio passed away in 1974 and the last of the four sons, Daniel Joseph Pompilio, passed away in 1998. But in 1982 the Mazzei and Argento families took ownership of the establishment and strived to stick to the standards developed by the Pompilio family. This includes making their ravioli, lasagna, soups and sauces in-house by hand. The vast majority of the menu items are a product of the Pompilio’s kitchen (no outside help) with assistance from Mrs. Pompilio’s recipes.
It is one thing to have one person sing the praises, but it is another to have some well-known names that agree. Remember the Oscar-winning movie “Rainman” starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise from 1988? The cast and crew made Pompilio’s a site for filming and had the restaurant serve as their unofficial cafeteria during the segments of the movie that were shot in Greater Cincinnati. The walls are filled with photos of Hoffman and Cruise interacting with the staff as well as autographs & mementos.
The inviting atmosphere would get most people to at least grab a seat and take in the wonderful aromas that creep from the kitchen and inhabit old building. During our visit, we began with the Fresh Calamari Gardenaire. It came across just like the menu description: Tender calamari hand-bread, fried, and tossed with a chunky marinara sauce, olives and pepper rings. Not only did it hit the spot. It more than adequately prepared us for a filling and satisfying meal.
My dinner entree was the Rigatoni a la Teresa. A mountain of layers consisting of sausage, hard-boiled eggs and meatballs topped with melted slices of provolone and tomato sauce. I have a large appetite and love food, but I couldn’t force all of it down. My eyes and stomach fought a tremendous battle of which my stomach won out. All the better, the leftovers made for an even better lunch the next day.
For dessert it was a slice of traditional Tiramisu. It, too, came across flawless: creamy with hint of coffee and cocoa.
The restaurant offers traditional Italian cuisine, subs, paninis, beef, fish, chicken, soups, salads and some American fare. Also, Pompilio's has a down home atmosphere that welcomes anyone from local families, to passersby, to those who want a break after strolling by the historic buildings and architecture of old Newport.
If you are in the mood to just relax with a quick drink, you are in for another surprise. The bar comes complete with a tile floor, beveled-glass windows and a classic hand-carved bar. The eatery claims the "Back Bar" was handcrafted and built of cherry wood by the George Wiedemann Brewing Company in 1886. The barroom has stayed the same except for the sad fact that the pressed metal ceiling has been removed, and a second bar made of mahogany was installed after Prohibition. And Pompilio’s boasts of the first Kentucky liquor license to be issued once Prohibition ended. A little known fact that makes for good conversation.
I have to give Pompilio’s props for the huge portions all around and at a decent price to boot. The eatery can be found at 600 Washington Avenue in Newport, Kentucky and have a website that details everything you have read here and more: http://www.pompilios.com/. They can also be reached by phone: (859) 581-3065.
Pompilio’s was a great find and my party found it by accident, literally. We were in downtown Cincinnati one afternoon and wanted to find a place that wasn’t typical or extremely crowded. The Pompilio’s suggestion came from the driver of the cab we were able to flag down. He had been a resident of the Queen City area his entire life. He understood what we were looking for and directed us to one of Greater Cincinnati’s hidden gems.
That is a tip for anyone who travels and wants to avoid the hustle & bustle of restaurant chains and fly-by-night eateries. Be sincere and ask a local. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.
Just do me a favor. When someone visits your town…return the jesture!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Ohio Bourbon Now Available
THIS ARTICLE COMES FROM COLUMBUS UNDERGROUND AT http://www.columbusunderground.com/
Ohio Bourbon now available at Details
By Bear January 22, 2009 10:16am Filed under Dining, Nightlife Comments
A few of us just returned from Details, where they have just taken delivery of two bottles of Woodstone Creek bourbon — a craft bourbon distilled in Ohio. Only two barrels of this bourbon have been produced, so it’s relatively rare stuff.
My impression, for what it’s worth, is that it’s easily the most unusual bourbon that I’ve ever tasted. For bourbon aficionados, it’s definitely worth a try. It’s not very sweet at all; it’s actually almost phenolic, with a strong herbal overtone. As bourbons go it’s really, really unusual. People looking for a nice, smooth sipping bourbon will not find it; those looking for something really unique, on the other hand, will be very much in luck.
The bourbon, like Woodstone Creek’s vodka (also available at Details), is made by the husband and wife team of Linda and Don Outterson. When I wrote to Linda to ask about the bourbon’s unusual flavor profile, she responded that Don “was shooting for a profile of the pre-industrial bourbons of the 1800s. The only bourbon most people have ever had was made by a machine” — and that for many people this will be their first experience with a truly handmade, single barrel bourbon.
In either case, it’s worth the trip to check out an Ohio craft bourbon — not an opportunity that comes around every day.
Reviews of the bourbon can be found here. More info on Details online at DetailsLounge.com.
Ohio Bourbon now available at Details
By Bear January 22, 2009 10:16am Filed under Dining, Nightlife Comments
A few of us just returned from Details, where they have just taken delivery of two bottles of Woodstone Creek bourbon — a craft bourbon distilled in Ohio. Only two barrels of this bourbon have been produced, so it’s relatively rare stuff.
My impression, for what it’s worth, is that it’s easily the most unusual bourbon that I’ve ever tasted. For bourbon aficionados, it’s definitely worth a try. It’s not very sweet at all; it’s actually almost phenolic, with a strong herbal overtone. As bourbons go it’s really, really unusual. People looking for a nice, smooth sipping bourbon will not find it; those looking for something really unique, on the other hand, will be very much in luck.
The bourbon, like Woodstone Creek’s vodka (also available at Details), is made by the husband and wife team of Linda and Don Outterson. When I wrote to Linda to ask about the bourbon’s unusual flavor profile, she responded that Don “was shooting for a profile of the pre-industrial bourbons of the 1800s. The only bourbon most people have ever had was made by a machine” — and that for many people this will be their first experience with a truly handmade, single barrel bourbon.
In either case, it’s worth the trip to check out an Ohio craft bourbon — not an opportunity that comes around every day.
Reviews of the bourbon can be found here. More info on Details online at DetailsLounge.com.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
The Original "Schlitz" Recipe Is In Columbus, Ohio
From the Columbus Dispatch:
:The Columbus Dispatch;
:Jan 20, 2009;
:Business;
:C10
ORIGINAL FORMULA
Demand pours in for retro Schlitz
By Tracy Turner THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Schlitz is back. The owners of the brand have recreated the recipe and are marketing Schlitz’s Classic 1960s formula beer at several Columbus-area stores and bars.
The original formula, described as a maltier, fuller-bodied lager than typical American beers, was changed in the late 1960s and 1970s, according to Pabst Brewing Co., which bought the Schlitz brand in 1999. The formula was changed as American brewers gradually made beers lighter in body, flavor and taste to cut costs and appeal to a broad market, company spokesman Brad Hittle said in a statement. But like the New Coke, the new Schlitz wasn’t warmly embraced. So last year, the old Schlitz began its comeback. It has been reintroduced in several cities, including this month in Columbus, based on consumer demand.
“Our goal was to bring back the taste of the ’60s, when beer wasn’t watered down,” Hittle said. “The response has been overwhelming, and we’re proud to bring back the beer that generations of Schlitz lovers enjoyed for years.” “We believe that Schlitz is, if not the, one of the most iconic brands of the 20th century,” Pabst President Kevin Kotecki told the Associated Press last year. “And there’s still a lot of people who have very positive residual memories about their experience.
For many of them, it was the first beer they drank, and we wanted to give it back to those consumers.” Beer retailers across Columbus said sales have been growing as customers realize that the old formula is available. “One guy came, saw it, said he couldn’t believe we had it and bought three six-packs,” said James Delewese, who works at Kenny Road Market, 4658 Kenny Rd. on the Northwest Side. The specialty shop, which sells 500 varieties of beer, said it’s ready to order a second shipment based on the demand. “It’s sold faster than people may have expected it to,” Delewese said.
“Throwing back to this original formula is pretty significant and a draw for the younger generation that thinks retro is kitsch, and the older drinkers, who remember the old formula. “It’s rare for us to see this kind of excitement on a domestic beer.” Whole Foods erected a retro display of the beer at its 3670 W. Dublin-Granville Rd. location on the Northwest Side. “It seems to be pretty popular so far,” said Mandy Farnsworth, a manager at the store. King Avenue 5 Restaurant and Sports Lounge plans to have a tasting party for the old formula at 6 p.m. Wednesday at its 945 King Ave. location, owner Nick Pavich said.
He said many of his regular customers have embraced the beer since he’s been offering it. “They see the old brown bottles, see the label, scratch their head and say, ‘Really, is that what I think it is?’” Pavich said. “We’ve had quite a good response. “It won’t outsell Bud Light or Miller Lite, but I think it’s going to do well in this market.”
:The Columbus Dispatch;
:Jan 20, 2009;
:Business;
:C10
ORIGINAL FORMULA
Demand pours in for retro Schlitz
By Tracy Turner THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Schlitz is back. The owners of the brand have recreated the recipe and are marketing Schlitz’s Classic 1960s formula beer at several Columbus-area stores and bars.
The original formula, described as a maltier, fuller-bodied lager than typical American beers, was changed in the late 1960s and 1970s, according to Pabst Brewing Co., which bought the Schlitz brand in 1999. The formula was changed as American brewers gradually made beers lighter in body, flavor and taste to cut costs and appeal to a broad market, company spokesman Brad Hittle said in a statement. But like the New Coke, the new Schlitz wasn’t warmly embraced. So last year, the old Schlitz began its comeback. It has been reintroduced in several cities, including this month in Columbus, based on consumer demand.
“Our goal was to bring back the taste of the ’60s, when beer wasn’t watered down,” Hittle said. “The response has been overwhelming, and we’re proud to bring back the beer that generations of Schlitz lovers enjoyed for years.” “We believe that Schlitz is, if not the, one of the most iconic brands of the 20th century,” Pabst President Kevin Kotecki told the Associated Press last year. “And there’s still a lot of people who have very positive residual memories about their experience.
For many of them, it was the first beer they drank, and we wanted to give it back to those consumers.” Beer retailers across Columbus said sales have been growing as customers realize that the old formula is available. “One guy came, saw it, said he couldn’t believe we had it and bought three six-packs,” said James Delewese, who works at Kenny Road Market, 4658 Kenny Rd. on the Northwest Side. The specialty shop, which sells 500 varieties of beer, said it’s ready to order a second shipment based on the demand. “It’s sold faster than people may have expected it to,” Delewese said.
“Throwing back to this original formula is pretty significant and a draw for the younger generation that thinks retro is kitsch, and the older drinkers, who remember the old formula. “It’s rare for us to see this kind of excitement on a domestic beer.” Whole Foods erected a retro display of the beer at its 3670 W. Dublin-Granville Rd. location on the Northwest Side. “It seems to be pretty popular so far,” said Mandy Farnsworth, a manager at the store. King Avenue 5 Restaurant and Sports Lounge plans to have a tasting party for the old formula at 6 p.m. Wednesday at its 945 King Ave. location, owner Nick Pavich said.
He said many of his regular customers have embraced the beer since he’s been offering it. “They see the old brown bottles, see the label, scratch their head and say, ‘Really, is that what I think it is?’” Pavich said. “We’ve had quite a good response. “It won’t outsell Bud Light or Miller Lite, but I think it’s going to do well in this market.”
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Don't Quit
It is tough, trust me..I'm there right now.
DON'T QUIT
When things go wrong as they sometimes will, And the road you're trudging seems all up hill; When the funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile but you have to sigh; When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest if you must, but don't you quit. For life is strange with its twists and turns, As every one of us sometimes learns; But many a coward turns about When he might have won had he stuck it out. But he learns too late when the night comes down How close he was to the golden crown. Victory is defeat turned inside out, The silver tint of the clouds in doubt, You will never know how near you are – It may seem close when it seems afar. So stick to the fight when you are hardest hit; It is when things seem worst that you must not quit.
"All you need is ignorance and confidence, and success is sure."
Mark Twain, "Letter to Mrs. Foote"
DON'T QUIT
When things go wrong as they sometimes will, And the road you're trudging seems all up hill; When the funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile but you have to sigh; When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest if you must, but don't you quit. For life is strange with its twists and turns, As every one of us sometimes learns; But many a coward turns about When he might have won had he stuck it out. But he learns too late when the night comes down How close he was to the golden crown. Victory is defeat turned inside out, The silver tint of the clouds in doubt, You will never know how near you are – It may seem close when it seems afar. So stick to the fight when you are hardest hit; It is when things seem worst that you must not quit.
"All you need is ignorance and confidence, and success is sure."
Mark Twain, "Letter to Mrs. Foote"
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Transistioning To Transistion
I knew it to begin with and I can only hear you say, "I told you so", so many times before I have thoughts of jamming a sharp object in my ear in hopes of drowning you out. I seriously wouldn't do that, but the thought of it does give me this weird cumbersome feeling. Is that odd? Well, yes, and that's life in the radio.
I admit that after high school back in 1994 my decision to study broadcasting (radio, specifically. A weird fascination of mine.) instead of attending a culinary academy (aka: cooking school), I probably wasn't thinking about the consequences. Of course, not being able to develop that keen sense of soothsaying also played a major factor in where I am now. Where is that? Well, at the Whetstone Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library searching for a full time job and submitting applications for less-than-desired employment in order to pay bills, buy food and gas for my car and what little bit of a Christmas I can offer to loved ones. Something is better than nothing.
http://www.columbuslibrary.org/
I have no one to blame, but myself. My professors told me, my college advisor (David R. Collins: tough, but sincere) warned me and the folks who allowed me to volunteer, intern and work-study at Morehead State University's WMKY Public Radio gave me the heads up. Nevertheless, I figured working at a job that you love, have fun with and are good at would outweigh the fact that a lucrative career in radio would probably never happen. Come on, I'm not getting into this for the money. Any veteran radio or television person will tell you that, most likely, will not happen.
Fourteen years later, I'm not necessarily regretting past decisions. I just wish I would have seen the light a little sooner, however dim it may be. And it really doesn't have anything to do with money.
Radio just hasn't been that good to me. I'm sure I deserved what I have received. You reap what you sow. At this point radio has taken me to four states, from public to commercial broadcasting and from small market to medium-ish market. I still enjoy radio, but not as much I should. I even thought that going back to school to get a graduate degree (achieved 2001) would change my attitude and/or horizons. Nope, my views haven't changed. And it isn't because of the downsizing and dwindling status of radio over the last several years nationwide. It's me. To add to that, I was recently let go from my most recent radio job.
What If I could use what radio has taught me elsewhere?
Well, I love to write, produce and edit and think that my communications background is extensive enough that I could get my foot in the door pretty much anywhere. Then again, the rough economic times have forced businesses and corporations to hire only those who have the exact qualities (i.e. experience) they need. Taking a chance on someone who has talked a good game, but doesn't have much of a case to present is on the outside looking in.
The more I examine my attempt at at career change I realize I want to be in communications. I'm good at it, I know I am. I'm not cocky, I'm just confident in my abilities. I was never one to expect to become wealthy in broadcasting. Radio allowed me to keep my head above water, that's okay, I'm a good swimmer. Unfortunately, I have been treading water too long and have grown tired.
I sometimes wonder what would have happened had I taken all that time I spent bugging my mom (Greatest cook I know!) in the kitchen, picking up her techniques through osmosis, and put it to work for me professionally. Would have I succeeded? Would have I been happy? Or would I still be where I am today, but wondering "What if?" about radio? What is done is done.
Cooking school could still be a possibility, but the price tag is a bit beyond my realm. And there aren't many restaurants who want to hire a 33 year old wannabe chef with no experience. Impressing friends and family in my small apartment kitchen is my current status chef status. Though I have been exploring a communications job in the food industry and have done a few restaurant reviews on my own for the place I used to work (http://www.akronnewsnow.com/). They did get plenty of views from Akron/Canton area residents, but whether they were taken seriously, I don't know.
http://www.akronnewsnow.com/entertainment/itemdetail.asp?ID=21999§ion=entertainment&subsection=localentertainment
http://www.akronnewsnow.com/entertainment/itemdetail.asp?ID=22764§ion=entertainment&subsection=localentertainment
In the meantime, as I search for full time work and work that will at least pay the bills, I have suddenly noticed that small flicker of opportunity. It is extremely hard to see. My hopes rest now on networking (I'm on http://www.linkedin.com/), setting up possible freelance opportunities (http://www.guru.com/), moving to Columbus and ignoring the sickening feeling that I took the wrong path somewhere way back when.
I admit that after high school back in 1994 my decision to study broadcasting (radio, specifically. A weird fascination of mine.) instead of attending a culinary academy (aka: cooking school), I probably wasn't thinking about the consequences. Of course, not being able to develop that keen sense of soothsaying also played a major factor in where I am now. Where is that? Well, at the Whetstone Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library searching for a full time job and submitting applications for less-than-desired employment in order to pay bills, buy food and gas for my car and what little bit of a Christmas I can offer to loved ones. Something is better than nothing.
http://www.columbuslibrary.org/
I have no one to blame, but myself. My professors told me, my college advisor (David R. Collins: tough, but sincere) warned me and the folks who allowed me to volunteer, intern and work-study at Morehead State University's WMKY Public Radio gave me the heads up. Nevertheless, I figured working at a job that you love, have fun with and are good at would outweigh the fact that a lucrative career in radio would probably never happen. Come on, I'm not getting into this for the money. Any veteran radio or television person will tell you that, most likely, will not happen.
Fourteen years later, I'm not necessarily regretting past decisions. I just wish I would have seen the light a little sooner, however dim it may be. And it really doesn't have anything to do with money.
Radio just hasn't been that good to me. I'm sure I deserved what I have received. You reap what you sow. At this point radio has taken me to four states, from public to commercial broadcasting and from small market to medium-ish market. I still enjoy radio, but not as much I should. I even thought that going back to school to get a graduate degree (achieved 2001) would change my attitude and/or horizons. Nope, my views haven't changed. And it isn't because of the downsizing and dwindling status of radio over the last several years nationwide. It's me. To add to that, I was recently let go from my most recent radio job.
What If I could use what radio has taught me elsewhere?
Well, I love to write, produce and edit and think that my communications background is extensive enough that I could get my foot in the door pretty much anywhere. Then again, the rough economic times have forced businesses and corporations to hire only those who have the exact qualities (i.e. experience) they need. Taking a chance on someone who has talked a good game, but doesn't have much of a case to present is on the outside looking in.
The more I examine my attempt at at career change I realize I want to be in communications. I'm good at it, I know I am. I'm not cocky, I'm just confident in my abilities. I was never one to expect to become wealthy in broadcasting. Radio allowed me to keep my head above water, that's okay, I'm a good swimmer. Unfortunately, I have been treading water too long and have grown tired.
I sometimes wonder what would have happened had I taken all that time I spent bugging my mom (Greatest cook I know!) in the kitchen, picking up her techniques through osmosis, and put it to work for me professionally. Would have I succeeded? Would have I been happy? Or would I still be where I am today, but wondering "What if?" about radio? What is done is done.
Cooking school could still be a possibility, but the price tag is a bit beyond my realm. And there aren't many restaurants who want to hire a 33 year old wannabe chef with no experience. Impressing friends and family in my small apartment kitchen is my current status chef status. Though I have been exploring a communications job in the food industry and have done a few restaurant reviews on my own for the place I used to work (http://www.akronnewsnow.com/). They did get plenty of views from Akron/Canton area residents, but whether they were taken seriously, I don't know.
http://www.akronnewsnow.com/entertainment/itemdetail.asp?ID=21999§ion=entertainment&subsection=localentertainment
http://www.akronnewsnow.com/entertainment/itemdetail.asp?ID=22764§ion=entertainment&subsection=localentertainment
In the meantime, as I search for full time work and work that will at least pay the bills, I have suddenly noticed that small flicker of opportunity. It is extremely hard to see. My hopes rest now on networking (I'm on http://www.linkedin.com/), setting up possible freelance opportunities (http://www.guru.com/), moving to Columbus and ignoring the sickening feeling that I took the wrong path somewhere way back when.
http://www.linkedin.com/profile?viewProfile=&key=25248256&trk=tab_pro
http://profile.guru.com/1077145
I'm not looking for sympathy and I'm not looking for charity, but damn, it does make me think.
For those of you who are also job searching, good luck and keep the faith. And if you need to bounce ideas off of someone who understands, don't be afraid to send me a note. We're in this together.
Unemployment is an island, but its a crowded one.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Ghosts Of Christmas Past In The Present
Stan Hywet Hall, an old Christmas by any other name just wouldn't be the same. Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens has officially been decked out for the holidays and if you are one who enjoys the sights, scenes, colors and sounds of the season this is the one place to experience it. And I'm not just talking about Christmas, I'm talking about OLD Christmas. The 65 room Tudor Revival Mansion is the former home of F.A. Seiberling, the founder of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, and his family.
Original Story: http://www.akronnewsnow.com/news/itemdetail.asp?ID=26758§ion=news&subsection=localnews
I, for one, am nostalgic and nothing is more special than reliving the holiday seasons of the past. Was it more simple then? Maybe, but getting to enjoy what a holiday season would have been like 100 years ago in a mansion from the American Country Estate boom is a history buff's dream come true. Sure, the Seiberlings were wealthy and they lived better than the vast majority of people during that time. But trying to understand what life would have been like in the early portion of 1900's is something we don't get to do very often. Lucky for us we have, in Akron, a home where time stands still. The antiques, the photos, the feel and the smells allow us to revisit this era.
As we speak Stan Hywet Hall has been transformed into a Christmas (and history) lover's fantasy.The historic structure allows your imagination to run rampant. The ghosts of holiday seasons past guide you through The Great Hall where it seems as though the trimmed Christmas tree is just as tall as the ceiling, three stories high. Lighted messages over doorways, such as "Good Will Toward Men", are surrounded by bright red bows. Greenery is strung through out the home as if it were one long strand that has some how slithered its way into each and every perfect location. A statue of a horse pulling a yule log on a small, old time sleigh into the room from outside stands before you. Sounds weird, right? But that's how it took place. A black & white photo of that very same scene, in that very spot, is right nearby.
The entire home, upstairs and down, is dressed in a festive fashion. Not too much, but yet, not too little. On Friday evening we had additional help in imagining Christmas' of long ago. On video (transferred from old reel-to-reel film) is the 1923 Christmas Day Wedding of Irene Seiberling to Milton Harrison. It shows the home decorated for the holidays (in black & white and silent, of course) as well as the wedding's procession through the home to the vehicle that would take them away on their brand new journey together as snow lightly falls. (FYI, they left from this point to a honeymoon in Jamaica) Also, on video was the 1932 Christmas reel labeled "So Many Grandchildren".
The Seiberlings had seven children and it seems as if there are a thousand grandchildren. The kids take part in Christmas activities and horse around like, well, children...go figure. The videos give you another perspective of the family photos seen on the walls, the people all look the same and come to life before your very eyes. As if the videos weren't enough the family had a tradition of performing before one another and recording it. We were treated to a recording of Santa Claus arriving and entertaining the Children. This includes the scratchy sound of the original record recording in the background. Listening to the recording and strolling through the decked out home you can almost see the Seiberling family & friends enjoying a holiday season.
The large dining hall table is set with the best holiday china. You can only dream of the Christmas feasts that must have been devoured by the many guests who once visited the home. Some of them famous (several presidents, Thomas Edison, Helen Keller, etc.), so of them not so famous.It is not just the fact the Seiberling family lived there that makes one wish they could have experienced life at Stan Hywet Hall. They just happened to live there. Rather, it is the history and life from 80 to 100 years ago that we will no longer be able to experience and can only read about. In Stan Hywet Hall that is preserved for all those who have an imagination, a love of history and that part of them that just doesn't want the past to be IN the past.
If you get the chance to visit the hall at night, you should do it. It just adds to the mystic of a what a Christmas Eve might have been like. Yeah, I'm a softy to when it comes to history and old Chistmas. I grew up with it. My family has a long history in southern Ohio (near Chillicothe) from the pre-civil war era (former U.S President and General Ulysses Simpson Grant is a distant relative) and on. Thus, my childhood was spent in homes that were literally walking history books.Stan Hywet Hall is no different.Adding to the holiday fun the hall is presenting the exhibit, Art Of The Nativity, featuring over 40 creches (French for "manger") from around the world.
The nativity scenes on display come from may different countries and cultures. The art work is provided by the Marian Library at the University of Dayton which houses a collection of more than 1,300 nativity scenes, or creches. The scenes are set up through each room of the house and adds that perfect touch to a holiday tour.Okay, I'm in the mood now. So don't hate me if you don't want to hear it, but....Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays. From our house to yours, we wish you the very best.
Now, where's the eggnog and fruitcake?!
On the web: http://www.stanhywet.org/
Original Story: http://www.akronnewsnow.com/news/itemdetail.asp?ID=26758§ion=news&subsection=localnews
I, for one, am nostalgic and nothing is more special than reliving the holiday seasons of the past. Was it more simple then? Maybe, but getting to enjoy what a holiday season would have been like 100 years ago in a mansion from the American Country Estate boom is a history buff's dream come true. Sure, the Seiberlings were wealthy and they lived better than the vast majority of people during that time. But trying to understand what life would have been like in the early portion of 1900's is something we don't get to do very often. Lucky for us we have, in Akron, a home where time stands still. The antiques, the photos, the feel and the smells allow us to revisit this era.
As we speak Stan Hywet Hall has been transformed into a Christmas (and history) lover's fantasy.The historic structure allows your imagination to run rampant. The ghosts of holiday seasons past guide you through The Great Hall where it seems as though the trimmed Christmas tree is just as tall as the ceiling, three stories high. Lighted messages over doorways, such as "Good Will Toward Men", are surrounded by bright red bows. Greenery is strung through out the home as if it were one long strand that has some how slithered its way into each and every perfect location. A statue of a horse pulling a yule log on a small, old time sleigh into the room from outside stands before you. Sounds weird, right? But that's how it took place. A black & white photo of that very same scene, in that very spot, is right nearby.
The entire home, upstairs and down, is dressed in a festive fashion. Not too much, but yet, not too little. On Friday evening we had additional help in imagining Christmas' of long ago. On video (transferred from old reel-to-reel film) is the 1923 Christmas Day Wedding of Irene Seiberling to Milton Harrison. It shows the home decorated for the holidays (in black & white and silent, of course) as well as the wedding's procession through the home to the vehicle that would take them away on their brand new journey together as snow lightly falls. (FYI, they left from this point to a honeymoon in Jamaica) Also, on video was the 1932 Christmas reel labeled "So Many Grandchildren".
The Seiberlings had seven children and it seems as if there are a thousand grandchildren. The kids take part in Christmas activities and horse around like, well, children...go figure. The videos give you another perspective of the family photos seen on the walls, the people all look the same and come to life before your very eyes. As if the videos weren't enough the family had a tradition of performing before one another and recording it. We were treated to a recording of Santa Claus arriving and entertaining the Children. This includes the scratchy sound of the original record recording in the background. Listening to the recording and strolling through the decked out home you can almost see the Seiberling family & friends enjoying a holiday season.
The large dining hall table is set with the best holiday china. You can only dream of the Christmas feasts that must have been devoured by the many guests who once visited the home. Some of them famous (several presidents, Thomas Edison, Helen Keller, etc.), so of them not so famous.It is not just the fact the Seiberling family lived there that makes one wish they could have experienced life at Stan Hywet Hall. They just happened to live there. Rather, it is the history and life from 80 to 100 years ago that we will no longer be able to experience and can only read about. In Stan Hywet Hall that is preserved for all those who have an imagination, a love of history and that part of them that just doesn't want the past to be IN the past.
If you get the chance to visit the hall at night, you should do it. It just adds to the mystic of a what a Christmas Eve might have been like. Yeah, I'm a softy to when it comes to history and old Chistmas. I grew up with it. My family has a long history in southern Ohio (near Chillicothe) from the pre-civil war era (former U.S President and General Ulysses Simpson Grant is a distant relative) and on. Thus, my childhood was spent in homes that were literally walking history books.Stan Hywet Hall is no different.Adding to the holiday fun the hall is presenting the exhibit, Art Of The Nativity, featuring over 40 creches (French for "manger") from around the world.
The nativity scenes on display come from may different countries and cultures. The art work is provided by the Marian Library at the University of Dayton which houses a collection of more than 1,300 nativity scenes, or creches. The scenes are set up through each room of the house and adds that perfect touch to a holiday tour.Okay, I'm in the mood now. So don't hate me if you don't want to hear it, but....Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays. From our house to yours, we wish you the very best.
Now, where's the eggnog and fruitcake?!
On the web: http://www.stanhywet.org/
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Stick That In Your Campaign And Smoke It!
They are all gone! No more: "We can't trust Joe Shmoo", "She's corrupt and eats babies", "He took money from taxpayers to fund his bikini waxing fetish!" Ahhh, I can't tell you how good it feels to know I can flip on the television in the morning and see an actual commercial. Acne cream, coffee filters, chocolate covered dandelions in cream sauce, I don't care, let me see them in succession for the next week!
Those absolutely ignorant campaign ads (television or radio) have come to an end. I can imagine how annoying they can get to the average voter. That also goes for the mountains of campaign mailers that are shoved in our mailboxes like stocking stuffers (Does Santa hate me?!). As a member of the media we have to endure the same ads as you do, but with a sinister twist. We have to interview these people who apparently think we enjoy hearing about their opponent's dirty little secrets.
Election preview stories make my skin crawl. It wouldn't be so bad if I contacted Sherry I'm-Really-An-Illegal-Alien and she just told me about herself and what she wants to do if elected. Instead, more often than not, we are also forced to hear what they really think about their opponent. Listen Sherry....that's all great. I'd love to hear about Tim I-Have-Four-Wives' attempt to grow marijuana in his basement with a hair dryer and flood lights, but the fact is I DON'T CARE! It is about the issues! Who wants to do what and how? What are the priorities for whatever office or district you will be representing? Does your agenda fit in with mine? These my friends are the nuts and bolts that SHOULD encompass a campaign.
Yes, I know, I have never run for office and I don't know what it is "really" like. But we are not completely stupid, SO STOP ACTING AS IF WE ARE!! Unfortunately this is what campaigning has become: a smear fest to see who can find the best dirt, put together the most original parody of their opponent and avoid the real issues at all costs. It is a wonder why so many countries hate us and for all the wrong reasons
Yes, November 4th is now history and we can go back to watching real commercials on products we wouldn't dream of purchasing...how wonderful! And just in time for Christmas! (I can't wait for those killer "Give-uh, give-uh, give-uh Garman" satellite navigation device commercials, they get me everytime!)
Although those campaign commercials are only gone for a few months as the primary election will roll around in late Spring. We can at least rest easier knowing the dreary, dark winter months can be experienced without the suicide inducing crap fed to us from all media avenues.
Akronites going to hell? http://www.akronnewsnow.com/news/itemdetail.asp?ID=26612§ion=news&subsection=politicsnews
(The good part is on the audio link at the bottom. It's the one titled: Hear Plusquellic address supporters after Issue 8's defeat. His 'hell' comment is at the end, but the build-up to it is interesting)
As for myself, I get to spend the next few months playing back the soundbite of Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic telling the opposition to this Issue 8 Akron Scholarship Plan that they will have "...a special place in hell..." for leading the campaign that ultimately led to the issue's large defeat on Tuesday.
The mayor made his comments at the Issue 8 election night watch party at The Lockview, a pub in downtown Akron. It's a place I'd highly recommend for a beer and a bite to eat.
It's across the street from Lock 3 Park: http://www.thelockview.com/
If you find yourself there, say hello to Matt the manager for me. A very good guy who went out of his way to accommodate my setting up some live remote equipment for Tuesday's broadcast.
Take care Akron...the next election is closer than you think.
Those absolutely ignorant campaign ads (television or radio) have come to an end. I can imagine how annoying they can get to the average voter. That also goes for the mountains of campaign mailers that are shoved in our mailboxes like stocking stuffers (Does Santa hate me?!). As a member of the media we have to endure the same ads as you do, but with a sinister twist. We have to interview these people who apparently think we enjoy hearing about their opponent's dirty little secrets.
Election preview stories make my skin crawl. It wouldn't be so bad if I contacted Sherry I'm-Really-An-Illegal-Alien and she just told me about herself and what she wants to do if elected. Instead, more often than not, we are also forced to hear what they really think about their opponent. Listen Sherry....that's all great. I'd love to hear about Tim I-Have-Four-Wives' attempt to grow marijuana in his basement with a hair dryer and flood lights, but the fact is I DON'T CARE! It is about the issues! Who wants to do what and how? What are the priorities for whatever office or district you will be representing? Does your agenda fit in with mine? These my friends are the nuts and bolts that SHOULD encompass a campaign.
Yes, I know, I have never run for office and I don't know what it is "really" like. But we are not completely stupid, SO STOP ACTING AS IF WE ARE!! Unfortunately this is what campaigning has become: a smear fest to see who can find the best dirt, put together the most original parody of their opponent and avoid the real issues at all costs. It is a wonder why so many countries hate us and for all the wrong reasons
Yes, November 4th is now history and we can go back to watching real commercials on products we wouldn't dream of purchasing...how wonderful! And just in time for Christmas! (I can't wait for those killer "Give-uh, give-uh, give-uh Garman" satellite navigation device commercials, they get me everytime!)
Although those campaign commercials are only gone for a few months as the primary election will roll around in late Spring. We can at least rest easier knowing the dreary, dark winter months can be experienced without the suicide inducing crap fed to us from all media avenues.
Akronites going to hell? http://www.akronnewsnow.com/news/itemdetail.asp?ID=26612§ion=news&subsection=politicsnews
(The good part is on the audio link at the bottom. It's the one titled: Hear Plusquellic address supporters after Issue 8's defeat. His 'hell' comment is at the end, but the build-up to it is interesting)
As for myself, I get to spend the next few months playing back the soundbite of Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic telling the opposition to this Issue 8 Akron Scholarship Plan that they will have "...a special place in hell..." for leading the campaign that ultimately led to the issue's large defeat on Tuesday.
The mayor made his comments at the Issue 8 election night watch party at The Lockview, a pub in downtown Akron. It's a place I'd highly recommend for a beer and a bite to eat.
It's across the street from Lock 3 Park: http://www.thelockview.com/
If you find yourself there, say hello to Matt the manager for me. A very good guy who went out of his way to accommodate my setting up some live remote equipment for Tuesday's broadcast.
Take care Akron...the next election is closer than you think.
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