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Posted 9-22-99
George Washington may not have slept here, in Northeast Ohio, but he knew the frontiers of the Western Reserve were a rich resource ready for cultivating. What he saw as the earliest promise in the vast fertile lands has continued through three centuries to make good on other promises, too.
Gladys Haddad, a regional historian and an adjunct professor of American studies at Case Western Reserve University, has organized "The Promise of the Land," the 14th annual Western Reserve Studies Symposium. The presentation, sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences, will take place October 1-2 at CWRU's Squire Valleevue Farm, 37125 Fairmount Boulevard in Hunting Valley.
This year's focus is on the land's "promises" represented in its geography, politics, and healing powers. Geared for general audiences, the symposium will provide an interdisciplinary mix of academic and nonacademic speakers with informative talks, multimedia presentations, a performance by the country's leading George Washington re-enactor, and a dramatic reading to bring regional history alive.
Haddad incorporated Washington's life into the symposium at the urging of representatives from the Mt. Vernon Ladies' Association, which is sponsoring activities and events around the 200th anniversary of the first president's death and has asked other organizations to heighten the awareness of Washington's life and contributions.
The symposium leads off at 1 p.m. Friday with the 18th century geographical perspective of the Western Reserve. "Washington was a surveyor who looked to the undeveloped lands of the Western Reserve and saw their promise as a future center for commerce," says Haddad.
Invited speakers include the following:
Following dinner at the farm's Manor House, William Arthur Sommerfield of the American Historical Theatre will re-enact moments from Washington's life, with a particular focus on his ties to the Western Reserve. Sommerfield is the foremost interpreter of George Washington's life and has portrayed him in more than 3,000 performances in the United States and abroad.
Not only did the land of the Western Reserve hold promises for commerce, but it was fertile ground for political leaders such as 19th century notable James A. Garfield. The Saturday morning program, beginning at 9:30 a.m., will trace Garfield's life from his humble log cabin beginnings to Lawnfield in Mentor where his "front porch" campaign led to his election as the 20th president of the United States in 1880.
Discussing Garfield's life will be Hiram College professors David Anderson and John Shaw. Dean Zimmerman, a historic preservationist at Garfield's Mentor home, will speak on "Lawnfield: Cottage to Mansion."
A dramatic presentation, "Hiram in the Civil War," will conclude the morning's program with a reading from letters and documents that record the experiences of the young men from Hiram who served under Garfield in the Civil War.
"This reading is a moving account of soldiers and their comrades whose letters to their loved ones leave an indelible message," says Haddad, "one that Civil War aficionados will want to see."
Since the Greeks discovered the healing powers of the earth, gardens and gardening have remained important in promoting wellness. Beth Johnson, who received her Ph.D. in history from CWRU, will provide historical context for the "healing concept" in her presentation on "The Created Landscape."
In a 20th century look at how gardens and farms play a role in well-being, Haddad designed Saturday afternoon's program to highlight three Northeast Ohio institutions identified as "Sanctuaries for Healing" with presentations by their representatives:
Registration is required for the symposium. A fee of $40 for adults and $20 for students covers the symposium, copies of the publication of papers, and refreshments. Friday's dinner and program are an additional $35, and lunch is $15. For information, call 216-368-0528.
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