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Program to re-create Underground Railroad

Log cabin on U.S. 42 East thought to have been used to help escaping slaves.

Greene County Parks & Trails staff naturalist Mel Grosvenor shows off some of the visual aids related to the Underground Railroad that will be used in the parks department's Civil War re-enactment.

Contributed photo Greene County Parks & Trails staff naturalist Mel Grosvenor shows off some of the visual aids related to the Underground Railroad that will be used in the parks department's Civil War re-enactment.

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By Mark Gokavi, Staff Writer 8:10 PM Wednesday, October 26, 2011

As part of the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, Greene County Parks & Trails will re-enact life along the Underground Railroad.

The program for adults 18 and older is limited to about 40 participants. The cost is $45 per person with all proceeds benefitting the restoration efforts of the Indian Mound Log Cabin.

“Relive the 1800s: Life on the Underground Railroad” begins at 7 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Indian Mound Reserve Log Cabin Parking Lot, 2750 U.S. 42 East, Cedarville.

Staff and volunteers will be in period costumes while participants will be partially costumed and learn what it was like to be a slave on the run in Greene County.

“(Participants) will be part of the Underground Railroad,” said Chief Naturalist Cris Barnett. “We will actually take them up through where the Underground Railroad ran and they’ll be portraying what life was like.”

The re-enactment, which staff said could be repeated depending on demand, includes a cabin with one front door and three back doors that officials think was used to help slaves along the route.

The 22-foot by 26-foot log cabin was originally built in Selma in the 1830s as part of a wedding dowry. It is the last remaining log structure on the former stage coach route now known as U.S. 42 East.

The staff naturalists and volunteers will share historically accurate stories about the Underground Railroad in Greene County and how slaves had only tools of their trade, things to survive or pay for their way.

“Greene County was very active in the Underground Railroad movement and its rich history must be honored,” Barnett said.

“By participating in the re-enactment, you can’t help but get a glimpse of what life was like in the 1800s.”

When it is restored, plans call for the Indian Mound Cabin to be used as a living history site for school children and guests.

To register or for information, call Greene County Parks & Trails at (937) 562.6440 or email  rgregory@co.greene.oh.us.

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