The Gathering at Garst Thanks Community

On behalf of Garst Museum and The Darke County Historical Society, we would like to thank the community for their support of this year’s The Gathering at Garst. The Gathering brought approximately 11,000 visitors to the area to enjoy the festivities on the museum grounds. We were able to share our community’s history with visitors and show them why we think Darke County is such a wonderful place.

If you visited The Gathering, you might have experienced what life was like in a Civil War Camp. Maybe you jumped when the cannons were fired. Some people took a carriage ride while others enjoyed an evening of great music. Most agreed the food was fantastic! Everything from Greek, Hungarian, bagels, sausage, and plenty of BBQ was available and believe it or not, over 525 pounds of kettle corn was sold! Maybe you talked with Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz or learned about our local history in the Village tent where history exhibits from Arcanum, Hollansburg, Palestine, Ansonia, Gettysburg, Greenville, and Union City were on display.

In the Living History Encampment, craftsmen demonstrated their blacksmithing, scrimshaw, and box making skills. Vendors included artists, jewelry designers, garden specialists, and a chair maker. Entertainment was top-notch and ranged from a portrayal of Daniel Boone by Steven Caudill to Dr. Balthasar, an old time medicine man who warned of the impending ills that would overcome visitors if they did not partake of his proven tonics and cure-alls.

Many musical performances took place throughout the two-day event and included local and visiting musicians. We appreciate all the talented performers that participated in The Gathering at Garst. They were truly amazing!

Thank you to The Gathering at Garst committee members who plan, implement and stage this annual event. We appreciate your hard work and dedication: Jenny Clark, C.J. Jasenski, Kathy Kilgallon, Katie Gabbard, Dave Warner, Eileen Litchfield, Rob Garrett, Hank Steinmetz, Sue Besecker, Fred Matix, John and Karen Burkett, Elaine Bailey, Patti Jetter, Dick Sodders, Charlene Thornhill, Cindy McAllister, Roger Van Frank, Lori Moore, Peggy Jasenski, and Steve Birt.

We would like to thank the volunteers who, when called and asked to help, said YES! They welcomed visitors, dipped ice cream, worked in the event headquarters, and inside Garst Museum. Our thanks go to The Arcanum Lions Club who parked over 900 cars for us at $4.00 per car. We split the proceeds 50/50 with them. On standby in case of emergency were Greenville Township Rescue, Greenville Police and Fire Departments and the Darke County Sheriff Patrol. We appreciate your presence.

The Gathering could not happen without the continued financial support from the sponsors that provided money or services. Sometimes, we as citizens, forget that our local businesses and neighbors give so much of themselves to make life better for all of us. We would like to say thank you.

Ball Publishing generously printed and distributed our event newspaper to over 28,000 homes in Darke County and also printed 6000 copies to pass out at the event.

Pam Carpenter Summers donated $2500 in memory of her husband Dan to sponsor our Saturday evening concert by Beatles tribute band, “The Cavern Beat.”

The Maid Rite and Wayne Health Care jointly sponsored The Living History Encampment with their $2000 donation.

Spencer Landscaping designed and installed the landscaping on the north side of the Lowell Thomas House. Spencers has supported The Gathering each year with beautiful landscaping around the house. Their professionalism has greatly enhanced the beauty of the Garst Museum grounds.

We also received generous donations from the following businesses and individuals that were used to offset expenses related to the event. We would like to say THANK YOU! Advanced Eye Care; Bach to Rock; Brethren Retirement Community; Darryl & Maryann Mehaffie; Dick & Debby Sodders; Elements Life, Family Health; Financial Achievement Services, Inc.; Francis Furniture, Fullencamp Trailer Sales; Greenville Federal; Greenville National Bank; GTI; Hansbarger Home Solutions; Hittle Buick GMC, Inc; Ivy League Florist; Jafe Decorating; John & Joy Marchal; Kathy Mitchell; Law Offices of Brand, Haggie, Pohlman; Leis Realty Co; Look Here Photography; Oliver-Floyd Funeral Home; Professional Eyecare; RJ Warner Insurance Agency; Sadie Grace; Second National Bank; The Coffee Pot; Treaty City Industries, Inc.; Troutwine Auto Sales, Inc.; Wayne & Sharon Deschambeau; Western Ohio Podiatric Med. Ctr.; Whirlpool Corporation; Wieland Jewelers; Williamson Insurance; and Zechar Bailey Funeral Home.

In closing, we hope you will visit The Garst Museum. It is your history and there is so much to be proud of. Please accept our sincere thanks for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you next year for The Gathering at Garst on July 26 and 27, 2014.

Garst Museum is located at 205 N. Broadway, Greenville, Ohio