Where the Heck Is Coshocton?

The article below appeared exactly 109 years ago, today, in the Coshocton Democrat and Standard. It offers a great description of a typical all-day excursion to the park in the early years. I know I learned a few things: like the fact that the dining halls had gas heat and stoves for cooking and that there was a ball field and grandstand in 1902 prior to the one C.A. Smith spent $6000 to build in 1907. I also appreciated the fact that the article mentions the Poe Brothers and the number of pottery works at the time. But there was one big question that lingered after I finished reading it. Where the heck is Coshocton?

The Democrat and Standard – Coshocton, Ohio, Friday, June 27, 1902. Rock Springs Park. The Greatest Excursion Attraction Ever Given the People of Coshocton and Vicinity Will Be Given. Thursday, July 3, 1902.

The people who have never visited the state of West Virginia will get a view of her most beautiful, almost mountainous scenery. You will go over that magnificent Ohio River Bridge which will give you a view of all the scenes along the Ohio River for many miles, among the most picturesque in all the country. The river banks are literally lined with potteries, tile works and brick yards. Then to watch the boats plying up and down the river is worth the trip. Access to the largest pottery works in the world, over forty in number, will be given.

On the picnic grounds you will find a great hall with free orchestra, the greatest roller coaster in the country, tables, dining halls, with free use of stoves and gas heat for coffee making, Merry-go-rounds and other attractions.

Splendid ball ground with grand stand, spring water from rocks in abundance, dining halls and restaurants plenty, and basket lunchers amply provided for.

Street cars running every eight minutes to East Liverpool crossing the Ohio River.

In fact, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been expended to beautify the place with buildings, flowers, trees and walks.

It is near the home of the Poes, the old Indian fighters, some of the grandchildren living nearby.

The German Sangerfest will be held in East Liverpool all the week.

Greatest trip for the money yet given or will likely be given again. Take your baskets if you desire.

Three ball games may be arranged for.

Trains land passengers within feet of the park.

The picnic grounds are by far the finest and best equipped of any yet visited by Coshocton Excursionists. The people from surrounding towns and country are invited to to go with us. Thursday, July 3.

Three Trains going - 1st train, 6:30, 2nd train 6:45, 3rd train 7:00. Return - 1st train 5:30, 2nd train 5:45, 3rd train 5:50

Fare: Adults, $1.00; Children, 65 Cents; Under six years, Free

It seems everybody is going. By consent, business will be suspended. July 3rd will be substituted for July 4th. See circulars and booklets. Net proceeds are for benefit of the Coshocton Public Library.

Coshocton is approximately midway between Canton and Columbus Ohio and is the county seat of Coshocton County. The Poe Brothers are important to Coshocton for the fact that Andrew and Adam Poe defeated the Wyandot chief, Bigfoot, and the town of Coshocton was across the Tuscarawas River from Conchake, the former site of a Wyandot village.

The Poe/Bigfoot fight occurred in September 1781. This painting is obviously made from recollections; Andrew is fighting Bigfoot, the Wyandot Chief; Adam is rushing to save Andrew. The fight occurred near Tomlinson's Run, WV. This painting of the famous fight currently hangs in the River Museum, Wellsville, OH. Others were involved in the fight; there was death and wounds on both sides. Andrew's arm was permanently disabled by the tomahawk. A historical marker along Route 2, just a mile south of Mountaineer Park and Casino, commemorates the spot where Bigfoot was killed.