She also received an honorary doctor of laws degree from Western College in 1932.
“Otelia, born in 1858, was witness to the conflict in the Butler County Amish Mennonite community over such things as manner of dress, marrying outside the faith, and use of musical instruments,” Jantzen said.
“If you have never visited the Chrisholm Farmstead this is an excellent opportunity to explore one of your MetroParks and to learn more about the fascinating history of this special place,” she said.
McNight is a retired teacher from the Hamilton City School District who put together the program especially for Chrisholm.
“She performed it at a Miami University Institute for Learning in Retirement program and one other time for us,” Jantzen said. “It was very well received both times.”
“A Visit with Otelia” will begin at 2 p.m. in the Augspurger house on the farm. The house and gardens will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. that day for self-guided tours. Docents will be on hand to answer questions, and refreshments will be served.
Other Sunday in June programs include:
• “How to ‘Read’ a Barn,” June 12;
• “The Augspurger Family Cemetery,” June 19;
• “Charles Richter and his Earthquake Scale,” June 26.
All programs will begin at 2 p.m. A donation of $3 per family is suggested to help maintain the historic property. Chrisholm is located at 2070 Woodsdale Road, south of Trenton in Madison Twp.
A Butler County MetroParks motor vehicle pass is required. County residents may obtain a free permit during the event or online at butlercountymetroparks.org. For more information, visit the parks’ website or call (513) 867-5835.
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2188 or rjones@coxohio.com.
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