Holmes County Watering Trough

MILLERSBURG The chilly gray sky held its rain on the second day of the Holmes County Antique Festival and throngs of people filled downtown... more

by R A W M

Title

Holmes County Watering Trough

Artist

R A W M

Medium

Photograph

Description

MILLERSBURG The chilly gray sky held its rain on the second day of the Holmes County Antique Festival and throngs of people filled downtown Millersburg's sidewalks to enjoy a parade, some shopping and to make up for such a dreary day on Saturday. Tucked off to the side of the commotion, a small group of public officials and members of the Holmes County Historical Society gathered to dedicate two local landmarks once sadly forgotten, but now in their rightful places. Those items are the statue of Lady Liberty and the courthouse water trough. "It seems fitting that we dedicate these during the Antique Festival," said Commissioner Dave Hall. "We're bringing back a part of our history." The trough had stood on the western side of the square since the courthouse's construction in the late 19th century, but was removed and stored in a farm west of town in the 1930s when the car replaced the horse as the primary means of transportation. Discovered at a recent auction, the trough was purchased by the HCHS, restored and in August was placed about 20 feet from its original resting place. "I am proud that we were able to save the water trough and keep it in Holmes County," said HCHS Director Mark Boley, decked out in late Victorian garb. "This is a valuable piece," Hall added. "Thank you (historical society) for your time, dedication and what you do for Holmes County. Lady Liberty once adorned the roof of the courthouse, but was also removed in the 1930s due to the roof being too weak to support her. She dwelt in the basement for decades until being restored about 10 years ago and placed in the second-floor lobby. With the approval of the commissioners, judges and attorneys, the bronze statue was recently raised to the third-floor cupola to once again gaze over Jackson Street and keep vigil over the residents of Holmes County. Hall noted that while the trough and the statue may both be about 20 feet from their original spots, it is important that the items from the area's past are now out and able to be seen by the public.

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December 29th, 2014