Annoucement #1

History Tour!

The tour will be free but donations are accepted and reservations are a must.

For information contact the ITB at (614)450-7527 or Advanced Coach at (614) 454-0569. A copy of the Frank Doc Chandler Public service commercial is available at minimal cost.

Black History is a topic spoke of in February but is seldom placed in perspective. By reducing its concentration to a particular month, much of its content is lost to education. Ask almost anyone the extent of their knowledge about Black History and note the silence.

Black History, American History or all history for that matter, are entwined and each researcher should seek to learn and promote the truest possible version of history . The parallel of peoples is greatly underestimated, yet is the key that unlocks the door to understanding.

The exploration of Black History exposes aspects about American History that is vitally important to this Nation. Here in South East Ohio we need look no further than ourselves to explore history's shadows.

An African proverb says "It takes a whole village to raise one child". Naturally it is the elders of the village with whom we should consult when dealing with important matters. In this matter our elder Frank "Doc" Chandler, graciously granted us an interview upon his 104^th birthday, February 2^nd, 2002.

 Frank Doc Chandler was born Feb 2nd 1898 at Rainbow a one time black community along the Muskingum River near Lowell in Washington County, Ohio. He is the son of Joshua Jr. Chandler and Lillian Lillie Burke. His maternal Grand Parents were James and Josephine (Armstrong) Burke. His maternal Great-Grandparents were Joseph and Hanna (Gaskins) Burke who in November of 1854 crossed the Ohio River along with their 11 children from Virginia to Newport, Washington County, Ohio.

Frank Doc Chandlers Maternal Great-Great Grandmother was Winifred Winnie Burke, who was enslaved on the Carter Plantation in Virginia until 1791, when Robert Carter lll freed 500 slaves as part of the largest emancipation by an individual slave owner in United State's History. Winnie Burke's ancestors had been brought to Corotoman Plantation, located in Lancaster County, Virginia, from the Ibo Culture of West Africa by Colonel John Carter around 1640. Incidentally, John Carter was an ancestor of General Robert E.Lee, Commander of Confederate Forces during the American Civil War (1861-1865).

 Today Frank Doc Chandler lives in Canton Ohio and speaks fondly of his life and that of South East Ohio when he recalls the little schoolhouse in the country. The Cedar Ridge Schoolhouse still stands today and bares witness to the tremendous legacy of this special man and the multiracial forefathers of South East Ohio. Included are surnames such as, Adams, Armstrong, Barnett, Burke, Chandler, Curtis, Croston, Dalton, Mayle, Harris, Honesty, Norris, Harris, Tate, Smith, Wooten and many more. Their descendants we meet daily, right here in Zanesville.

 With the blessing of the elder Frank Doc Chandler, the Information Technology Board of Appalachia will offer a bus tour of the Cedar Ridge School House at Rainbow/Lowell in Washington County, March 9^{th .}. A stop will be made at the McConnelsville Opera House in Morgan County, where slaves reportedly hid in route to freedom. Returning will require a look at Watertown, Barlow, Bartlett, Pennsville and Chesterhill. It will be an unprecedented educational community journey. One that indeed brings perspective to the relevancy of Black History in Zanesville, Ohio and America. When assured of the intent to visit his old neighborhood, Mr. Chandler smiled and said, "Yes, take a look"!

Announcement # 2

Underground Railroad Grant!

The Belpre Historical Society has recieved a $42,000 to create and exhibit of the Underground Railroad in South East Ohio.

 Annoucement #3