Both are also members of the Historical Society of Germantown, and Julie noted an article in their newsletter by Linda Smith, society director, noting that she’d like to start a young historian’s club.
Maybe the two goals could be combined?
That’s when an idea was born. What if local students were challenged to draw those buildings? What if there were prizes at stake?
Julie used Dot Ettel’s collection of newspaper clippings to provide early photographs of the buildings. Ettel is famous for her preservation of Germantown history and her detailed notes. She died several years ago and her material is now stored at the historical society.
“She kept excellent records,” Julie said.
Ettel would gather at her kitchen table with friends each morning and canvass newspapers for Germantown items.
Then the two organizations donated money to offer a $25 top prize for the best drawing of each of the 25 historic buildings. It will be in the form of a gift certificate that can be used in the historical society’s Carnegie Gift Shop.
The winners, probably selected later this month, will be judged by Germantown Elementary art teacher Jennifer Niesel and Valley View High School art teacher Sarajane Steinecker.
On March 18, four members of the foundation visited Rossi’s art class. In addition to Julie were Richard and Sally Shaffer and Carl Michael.
The group also answered questions about Germantown history. Top question: when was their school built? Julie showed the structure that pre-dated it, too, thanks to Carl Becker’s book, “The Village.”
Besides interesting kids in local history, Julie’s hoping that parents and other family members who see the artwork will have a little of that interest rub off, too.
The pictures will find their way into the windows of the same buildings being drawn. Only the Shuey Mill and the historic Germantown covered bridge will be displayed at other than the original site.
Julie Smith has another vested interest in Germantown history. Both she and her husband were born there and have been lifelong residents of the village. The couple have three children and six grandchildren. Julie looked upon the first batch of artwork and said she’s very pleased with the initial work. “I am just thrilled that the children are so interested,” Julie said.
The student’s drawings were completed with colored pencils, mostly so they stand the bright sunlight while on display in downtown windows. Rossi will laminate each drawing before it’s displayed.
Rossi said her students loved working on the project. “At the middle school age, kids love learning to draw realistically,” she said. “And they love creating art about themselves.”
“So the opportunity to do a drawing project about their hometown was a perfect fit.”
And she appreciated the visit from Julie’s crew. “Two different generations were able to come together and celebrate all that they have in common,” Rossi said.
Contact this reporter at (937) 696-2080 or wschmidt@gemair.com.
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