A Journey Through Appalachia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PJZISR4H2g

My Appalachia

Georgianne McNutt

English 151

            Appalachia to me means the areas outside of Ohio University.  For example the landscape of the mountains and how towns are built around these areas to form small towns that makes bigger areas like Athens County.   I guess in a way Appalachia is a way of living on its own because where I am from it is all about the house you own or the people you know but in towns like Athens or Nelsonville it is about the things you do and the people you are close to.  I see this as a beneficial aspect because you get to know people for who they are and not the house they own.  The first person I interviewed was my roommate Tayler and she said she thinks Appalachia is just a term to define the region we all live in and to her it is a place she calls home for the time being.  She does not consider herself to be an Appalachian because she only goes to school here and does not know their way of living or can understand how the people that live in this region live.  The second person I interviewed is Kayla from down the hall and she agreed with Tayler’s comment about how Appalachia is a term to define the region of this mountain range and that it should not represent the people that live here.  She then says how she does not think she is and “Appalachian” because she is from Indiana and lives a different lifestyle then those of this region.  The last person talked to about this subject is my friend Jordan and he said that Appalachia is everything outside of this campus, the towns, the people and the landscape.  Also he does not think he is technically an “Appalachian” just because he goes here, he thinks that he might become a little more down to earth like the people from here but that this place did not make him Appalachian.  After listening to what all these people had to say it made me realize that Ohio University does a very good job at incorporating the Appalachia part of the town with Athens.  For example how we keep the area around it beautiful and how the townies even participate in parades or smaller activities in the college alone.  I am sure there are some ways that we can help incorporate the college life into this small town to make closer.

What is Appalachia?

Appalachia Defined

Appalachia is a trail of an area that stretches 200,000 square miles, that follows the Appalachian Mountains from southern New York to the Northern are of Mississippi. It includes some of Ohio and all of Pennsylvania and multiple other states in-between. The isolated lifestyle of Appalachia is a far cry from the urban lifestyle. The place is very remote but yet beautiful in all its nature. The normal suburbs do not exist in the region of Appalachia because everyone on lives miles apart from each other. Appalachians yards are filled with beautiful scenery and usually farm life. Appalachians are seen as poverty stricken because the do not fit the norms of society and for that they are viewed poorly upon.   The vast rural region of Appalachia is a quiet, peaceful, but yet beautiful with all the untouched nature it has to offer and once one has seen it themselves they sound not talk down about the people who live there or harm the beauty of it. Appalachia may not offer the latest and biggest new shopping center or resort area but one would sure be in for a treat visiting to see exotic new plant and wild life and unforgettable memories.

Ohio University could improve relations and communication between the school and the surrounding county involving the region of Appalachia in several ways. One could be to help to keep the beautiful scenery the county safe; this could be by helping not to litter, to recycle and help to get rid of trash. Another way would be to help save money to set up a nature preserve or park or have a fundraiser to give back to the community. Ohio University can help give back to the community by  helping to preserve the beauty of Appalachian communities.

Next we interviewed three people and asked them the questions “How do they define Appalachia and do they consider themselves Appalachian?” The participants were Korrie, Mike, and Jenna.

Korrie: “Appalachia is rural area of mountains that has beautiful sights of nature to offer. No I do no consider myself Appalachian because I am from Cleveland Ohio.”

Mike: “I would describe Appalachia as a region that follows the Appalachian mountains. I don’t consider myself to be but I am from Cincinnati.

Jenna: “ Well I can begin by saying Appalachia includes my hometown. It is a isolated area but is very peaceful and the town by me is small enough where everyone knows everyone. Yes I am Appalachian. 

What is Appalachia?

                When I think of Appalachia I think of an undeveloped place where a lot of the natural environment is still intact, but when I think of it I don’t just think of the landscape I also think of the type of people that live there. I also think of an area with a lot of diversity of wildlife across the mountains of various states along the eastern side of the US. I see Appalachian as a lager stretch of hills or mountains with parts of it highly populated but for the most part as an un-touched place with people that have lived there for their whole lives.

               

Interview of first person: When they first think of Appalachian they think of a mountain landscape with poverty filled communities. When they think of the types of people that live there they think of creepy rednecks and behind socially, in the sense of they don’t have the technology that the majority of people have and they live by themselves and live of their land. When asked if they thought they were Appalachian they said no because they live in northeast Ohio close to Cleveland, and they also don’t the area where if you live there you are said to be Appalachian.

Interview of second person: When asked how they would define Appalachia the said “I don’t know what that means exactly”. After I explained to them some things they then said “the first thing that I can think of would be people that live near mountains that don’t exactly interact with others, kinda like hermits”.  I asked him if he thought he was Appalachian, “we’ll I really don’t think so considering I didn’t know what it meant in the first place and even though I live in the area that is considered Appalachian territory”.

Interview of third person: When I asked them how they would define Appalachian they said “when I think of that I think of creepy people living in poverty and not having the standards and technology as most people”. They said they don’t consider themselves Appalachians even though they have some family that could be considered Appalachian.

If OU wanted to improve relations and communication the surrounding county they could invite them to all of the sporting events by specifically stating that they are invited to support the home town team. Or they could invite them to other special events that take place on campus like speeches for people to fests in the spring.

Appalachia 

                                               By:Angel Cancel

The best way to describe the term Appalachia is that it is a region of the eastern United States.  The Appalachian Mountains stretch across the whole world and the states/cities that are affected by the mountains are called the Appalachian region. This cultural region is mountainous that has many hills.

The first person I interviewed was my roommate. His name is James Shaughnessy and he is a freshman at Ohio University. Right of the bat he said he loved this place…“It’s not the warmest place but it makes up for its beauty and its fresh air”. When I asked the question of how he would define it, he said “pure happiness that is covered in mountains and hills”.  He doesn’t consider himself an Appalachian because he wasn’t born here and hasn’t experienced everything this place can offer.

Kevin Chorney was the next person I interviewed. He has been in Athens, Ohio for quite a bit and has a lot to say about it.  He started off saying that “This is a very mountainous place that has a lot of beauty”. Then he went into why it’s the best place every. He doesn’t consider himself an Appalachian because of the same reason of James Shaughnessy. He said near the end of the interview that hopefully one day I can live here and experience more.

Joe Tysko was actually born here in Athens, Ohio. He has lived in Athens for 20 years.  Joe said during the interview that “there is no place like this” and that living in Appalachia has been the best thing ever. He said that “this place is not to hot or cold…this place is just perfect”.  He does consider himself an Appalachian because he was born here. But he usually refers himself to an Athenian.

Ohio University can do many things to help the relationship between themselves and the county. The school can have like a street cookout for everyone, even the townies. OU can make a fundraiser for the county. Maybe the school should put a fundraiser for the repairment of a building that’s been in Athens for a long time. Ohio University could have like a huge party that collects money and all that money could go to the county to help poverty. There are countless things the school can do to bring the students/faculty of OU to bring us closer to the county...hopefully they do something sooner then later.

Living in the Appalachian Mountains

Appalachia

Appalachia is defined as the vast mountainous regions that go through our country and the people that inhabit its beauty. Some people may say that Appalachians are society all of its own, with good credit and bad. Folks from the Appalachia tend to not even realize that they are because the name is given to them from outsiders, people that analyzed their land and stuck a name to it to give them the uniqueness that they have. I asked my friend Shelby what she thought of this concept and she said,

"I don't know... I've never really thought of it till you asked. Growing up in West Virginia I must be one, but I've never really cared enough to pin it down to a name ha."

Cultures in Appalachia are money poor but make up for it with their skills and tributes they acquired from the land they live on. Everything is derived from the resourceful region they belong to, including, small industries like quilting, pottery, and canning gives them something to be proud of. They don't have to rely on anything but themselves and the land around them to live and thrive and be happy. The land is rich and stretches from the tip of Miami into Alabama and Georgia. Known as one of the most diverse regions we have, it is also the oldest mountain stretch on the planet. Yes, Cincinnati--where I am from--is considered part of Appalachia, but I never once considered myself part of that lifestyle. I enjoy the flat surface and plains that i live around. OU could help by associating themselves more with the land that we walk and keep around the old small businesses in which we enjoy going to each and every day. I then asked some other friends what they thought of the idea of living in Appalachia.

Do you live in Appalachia? Do you consider yourself Appalachian?

Gabi--

"Noooooooo not at all, I was born and raised in the state of Washington, that's really far from the Appalachian mountains...right?"

Tori--

"What's that...."

A few minutes later of explaining

"Oh! No i grew up in Toledo. I don't think that's inclusive to the Appalachian mountains. I mean, I never once stopped to say that I live in a very mountain-e area."

By: Michael Sanders

Appalachia and Athens

Appalachia and Athens

 Appalachia is the region of the United States that includes the Appalachian Mountains. Not only is Appalachia a region of the USA but it is also a culture and a way of life. People who live in Appalachia and consider themselves Appalachians have a unique way of living. They have their own dialect and own principals, morals, and values. However, being known as Appalachian in American society may have some negative effects. Many people view Appalachians as rude, ruthless, and violent rednecks who are weird and murder intruders. This view is primarily due to media and the effects it has on society. To discover what people think about Appalachia I Interviewed three people, Nick, Emily, and a second Nick. I asked them the following three questions.

1)      How would you define Appalachia?

2)      Would you consider yourself to be Appalachian? Please explain.

3)      What effect do you think media has on society’s view of Appalachia?

Nick W.

1)      Appalachia is just a location in the eastern United States of America that surrounds the Smokey Mountains. The people living in the foot hills of the Great Smokey Mountains may have a different culture but this is just because how society always needs to classify people. The culture that you often hear about isn't true to all just like the term "southern" is not true to all of the people who live in the Southern United States.

2)      I do not consider myself Appalachian because I come from South western Ohio in a suburb outside of Cincinnati.  I fall much more into the more Ohio Valley category based on which area of America I come from and grew up in. As I said before it has nothing to do with my culture and everything to do with where I reside and hail from. For example there is no notable Ohio River Valley culture to my knowledge but if there was to be one it would be created from people outside of the Ohio River Valley just to cast it into a negative light. Therefor destroying the legitimacy of the culture; just what like society does to Appalachia.

3)      Media describes Appalachia as one of two things, either dirty and ran down, or Beautiful and majestic. I would agree with the latter based off my limited experience with the environment here. There is no denial of the beauty this land has. For the people, I have met all kinds of people here making the entire possible presumptions about the culture false because I have noticed no distinguishing characteristics between the location and the people.

Emily M.

1)      Appalachia is the area around the Appalachian mountain region. I know this region stretches into Tennessee, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. It probably stretches further up north, but I am not sure which states it encompasses. Appalachia also refers to the people of this region. Most of these people are mountain folk whose families settled in the mountains many years ago. Many of these people are relatives of miners who lived and worked in the many miner towns however, not every Appalachian town is or was once a mining town. I believe that there is a rich culture, full of stories and music that reflect the nature of the people of Appalachia and the history of their settlement.

2)      While I am currently living and going to school in the Appalachian region, I do not consider myself to be Appalachian. Appalachia is the culture of the people who have lived in Appalachia their whole lives. I am from a suburb of Dayton. Dayton is not part of Appalachia.

3)      I think media has a negative impact of the people of Appalachia. Media portrays the people of Appalachia as uneducated, stupid hillbillies/rednecks. I know this is not the case. It’s like saying that every person who lives in New York likes Broadway. While it may be true for some it does not reflect everyone in the region.

 Nick B.

1)      Appalachia is a geographical region in the Eastern United States. It consists of Vermont, parts of New Hampshire, Central and Northern New York, Western Pennsylvania, Northern Virginia, Western and Southern Ohio, Kentucky Tennessee, West Virginia, Northern Georgia, and the Western Carolinas; the areas where the Appalachian Mountains and foothills can be located. Most areas in Appalachia are ripe with coal, religion, and, by and large, are poorer than the rest of the contiguous United States. All these things are used to identify Appalachian culture but just because an area displays all these tendencies doesn't make it part of Appalachia.

2)      No I do not, Regardless of the fact that I share little culturally with the Appalachian peoples. I do not consider myself part of Appalachia because I am from Cincinnati, and I have no roots or connections here as of yet.

3)      Appalachia is generally given a negative portrayal by the media, with it being shown as a very poor area, with ridiculous, unreasonable faith and an economic base that is a drag on the country. Appalachia has been stereotyped as sort of America's shame, because of the huge discrepancy in economic and social development between there and the rest of the country.

 Athens Ohio is an Appalachian community, however it is not like the others in the sense that it is home to Ohio University.  The school gives the city a larger population and allows for businesses to grow. Even though the University in the end is good for the city, locals, or townies as the students call them, dislike the university students. They view the students as a nuisance and feel as if the shouldn’t be in their city. But without the students the city’s economy would be crash. If the city and the university had better communication with one another, I feel as if these feelings would go away. In my opinion the best way to start this communication is to start supporting each other. If the school were to donate money or offer volunteer services to the city, in which students could work, and if the city offered some scholarships to support incoming students and encourage students to attend the university the tension would lighten. Communication is essential to both the school and the cities success and needs to be improved.

Appalachia: Athens Student POV

         Appalachia is a very big region on the east side of the United States. As a member of the Ohio University- Athens community, we are living within the boundaries of Appalachia. To start off on the journey to figure out what Appalachia really is, we decided to define it ourselves. We define Appalachia as the mountainous eastern United States. We believe it is a lot of small towns that have previously thrived from industries based on their surroundings such as the coal industry. The people in this area are predominantly living in what would be described as the country.

       After we decided on what to define Appalachia, we decided to interview three of our friends about what their definitions were. Among our surprise, their definitions were filled with stereotypes and negativity. Our first friend, Bernie, said he defined Appalachia as mountainous terrain, trailers, and bearded people. Our friend, De, describe it as poor, hillbilly, and incested. Lastly, our friend Nikki described it as mountains, hillbillies, people who don't shower, and dirt roads. When asked if they defined themselves as Appalachian now that they live here, all three answered no.

       The relationship and disparity between Ohio University and the rest of the county is huge. The majority of Athens County is very similar to the rest of Appalachia and extremely poor; yet, Athens, is ranged and boasting with business due to the college presence. The communication and relationship between Ohio University and the county is not notoriously great, considering at times it seems the locals have a sense of resentment towards the students for taking over their area. We believe to increase relations and communication, Ohio University should make an effort to point out we are not trying to overtake their area, but trying to coexist. The majority of Ohio University students actually enjoy the small town feel of Athens. We believe if Ohio University students make it clear they want to incorporate the Appalachian values and not overpower them then the two different lifestyles can coexist peacefully.

Appalachia

Appalachia

What is Appalachia?

For me Appalachia is a place of natural beauty, where the world has barley been touched by the human hand. A place where you can go and relax, to get away from the roar of the city. A perfect vacation spot, camping spot, fishing spot, family spot. Appalachia is where you are no longer the dominant creature but where nature itself is in charge ruling over all of the land. People are here though but not completely, they are widely spread and live harmoniously with nature, kinds of people we would think to be strange or weird. The only reason we think this though is because that’s what society tells us to think because they are not part of society, they are a society of their own. I would not consider myself Appalachian since I grew up and I am more comfortable in a flat land area rather than a mountainous region. OU could improve relations with the region and county surrounding it by really promoting the well-being of the natural beauty that is Appalachia, and since it is a poorer region OU could also help by raising money and donating food for the surrounding region. Both of these is something OU already does in some ways.

After defining Appalachia myself I went on to ask Mason, Eli, and Rosie they define Appalachia.

How do others define Appalachia? Do they consider themselves Appalachian?

Mason:

“I would describe Appalachia as the mountainous region in the Midwest. It is really all natural beauty and a bunch of trees. No, I am not Appalachian, I am a plainsman.”

Rosie:

“I would define Appalachia as the Appalachian Mountain range and the regions surrounding it. No, I am not Appalachian. No way Jose.”

Eli:

“Appalachia, the region surrounding and including the Appalachian Mountains. No, not really. I’m not really from around here.”

What is Appalachia???

When one normally thinks of Appalachia Ohio, things such as the mountainous terrain that has be inhabited by few people. When asked specifically about the people that are native to these areas there are many opinions that have been under the impression of popular media, which has made many of their view points of these people are negative.To prepare this blog I asked some OU students to share what they thought being Appalachian and living in this region meant to them.

Lauren Holland

Q: How do  you define Appalachia Ohio?

     A: I don't even know where to begin. I really know nothing, all know is they are the people in the mountain .  . .I call them mountain people. 

Q. If I told you that  most predators in films such as the Hills Have Eyes are based off the people of Appalachia, how would that alter your answer? 

      A: Now I consider them inferior to me, much like they are slower thinking than I am.

Q: Okay, Cincinnati is considered apart of this region, how does this make you feel?

     A: It is too close to home, I can't say I'm apart of this population of people but I guess I feel connected because Dayton is sooo close. 

Tyla Young

Q: What is Appalachia Ohio?
    A: Appalachia Ohio is mostly the mountain and hilly area of Ohio.
Q: How would you describe the people?
     A: Mountain People, these are the people that have made homes in areas such as Athens, Ohio.
Q: How would your answer change if I told you that most killers in scary movies were based off the people that lived in these areas?
     A: Initially, I would be afraid of them, but to keep my opinion on all people neutral I would approach them with caution.
Q:Now, based off the previous answer, how does it make you feel knowing that Cincinnati Ohio is apart of this region?
     A: Dayton is so close to Cincinnati. Knowing this makes me feel so connected to land, I say this because I consider Dayton, Columbus, and Cincinnati cities.

Markita Briggs

Q: Who are Appalachian People?

      A: Those would be the people that inhabit the mountainous terrain of Ohio.

Q: How would that answer alter if I told you that many of horror films that are made today are set in this area?

      A: I feel nothing. I know that movies are fictional and many times the depictions that are portrayed in films really don't give a true reflection of anyone. 

Q: Did you know Cincinnati is considered Appalachian Ohio?

     A: No, I didn't know that. I see now that the different landscapes in Ohio have a large impact on who we are and the cultures that we have adapted.

After talking with the participants and reading information provided by the state of Ohio,  I formed my own opinion. At first, my definition of Appalachia and the people that live in this area was very biased. I believed that the people that lived in this area weren't knowledgeable and were living the way they did when they first settled the area. Now I see that the work force that once fed a fueled the country employed mostly Appalachian people. Their settlements were long established sprouting from the struggling tribes in Europe. Many of my opinions we solely based off of pop culture and the people of Appalachia deserve more respect than what is given to the.

When looking at the relationship between the students of OU and the people that are native to this town, we need to find a common ground of respect between the two. I think it takes more than just respect, but as a campus and as a nation we need to be aware of the different type of people that live in the United States. Students should have a sense of being open when approached to a different way of living. Most of the disconnect between the two is found when comparing the way each lives. When some feel they cannot connect they tend to ridicule those that are different; this is seen on campus all the time. Those that are native to the area should also give students a chance to learn and educate themselves about who they are and how living in Appalachia Ohio, has influenced their way of life.

Views of Appalachia

"Appalaysha" or "Appalatcha"?

Who knows?

In the video, you're able to see that there are extremely opinionated views and ideas from Ohio University students about what they believe Appalachia to be. Throughout of interview process, we asked three specific questions: How do you define Appalachia? Do you consider yourself Appalachian? and What can the University and students do in order to improve the relationship between the students and the townspeople? Our interviewees (from left to right) Mark, Jack, Chris, and Mike, provide the listeners with actual opinions from actual students. It is also interesting to consider that several of these men are truly born in the Appalachian region and still have completely biased opinions when it comes to being considered Appalachian. So pay close attention! Also, Jack mentions critical points at the end of the interview claiming that there are actual clubs and organizations on campus that are to initiate communication and involvement between students and townspeople. Did you know that?

Some useful links

I'm linking to some youtube videos that might be helpful when working on the 3rd blog entry, which asks you to consider the wider Athens discourse community.

Wilson Hall

Wilson Hall

Ohio University is known as one of the top most haunted places on Earth. One of the main reasons it’s classified as one of the most haunted places is because of Wilson Hall. Wilson Hall is said to be the most haunted place on campus (besides the ridges) and was featured in “Scariest Places on Earth” (http://youtu.be/Kxzf26Aw5iQ). Back in 1981, a resident who lived in Wilson Hall committed suicide because they claim they were haunted by the ghost of Wilson. The ghost of Wilson was said to be a student of Ohio University who went to the ridges and touched the permanent stain left by Margaret Schilling after she disappeared in 1979. After that, things have never been the same. She returned back to the dorm and her dorm mates noticed something different about her, like something was wrong but they just didn’t know what it was. A few weeks later, she ended up cutting her wrist and writing demonic symbols all over the wall and she ended up dying in the room. They closed the room and reopened it the next year and the blood started seeping through the walls. They continued to close the room and open it a year after and everything repeated. The so called “haunted room” is located on the 4^th floor room 428 which is now a boiler room. One night we actually got to step inside of the room ourselves because the door just happened to be propped open. When we went inside, everyone said they had chills and we all instantly got a weird vibe that we were being watched. As we walked farther in the room, we heard loud banging noises but didn’t really think much of it because we thought it was a boiler room. But when we left, one of our dorm mates claim they were pulling the door closed and it was slammed from the other side. Wilson also supposedly sits dead-center in the middle of the five “pentagram cemeteries" around Athens and is built on top of ancient Indian burial grounds which adds to the fact that Wilson is haunted. We actually live there and it’s really not as bad as it’s portrayed.     

By De'Andre and Evan                             

Bobcats showing some skin

     Earlier this summer a rumor of a new entertainment business coming to Athens caused quite a stir in the the community This new entertainment would be a strip club brought up by a company known as Three Wide Entertainment. The purposed club is located on Stimson avenue in a building now selling scooter and cars. According to Athens News the business proposal was accepted by Athens county common pleas judge J Alan Goldberry after the proposal was denied by Athens county board of zoning appeals denied it. The club will not have a liqueur licence and will not be serving alcoholic beverages however the club will allow their customers to bring their own alcoholic beverages into the club. Many of the towns people are very concerned with this new proposal. 

 

      In my opinion on this new business coming to Athens has its perks however it does present issues concerning the nearby students and business's. The club could bring some much needed revenue to the city and to its schools through taxes. Furthermore the nearby banks and liqueur stores are able to profit because the club will not have a liquor licence however will let its customers bring their own alcohol and the clubs entertainment is payed generously by its customers creating a need for fast cash. Both such business's are conveniently located across the street. Girls of Ohio University willing to partake in this entertainment industry will be able to profit from this as well by earning up to two thousand dollars a night could conceivably  pay off their debts for a college diploma. This club also presents some concerns. The area this club will located is notorious for sexual assaults and robberies as of now but by bringing this club to the area it could potently attract unneeded violent people. Also by bringing this business to Athens it may open the door for more not as socially accepted business's in the future. Verrillli, Austen. "Stimson Hood Reacts to Stip Club." The Athens News. Www.theathensnews.com, 7 Dec. 2011. Web. 14 Feb. 2012. <http://www.athensnews.com/ohio/article-35535-stimson-hood-reacts-to-strip-club.html>.

Birth Control

Obama’s proposition to provide birth control to women for free may very well have a large impact on college campuses. Insurers and companies will be required to provide women with birth control free of charge. This means women will not be charged any co-pays or deductibles; they will have access to contraceptives easily. Because pregnancy is a major issue for sexually active women on college campuses, this will be a big deal at Ohio University, and colleges across the U.S. This issue is not without controversy; however, religion affiliated organizations may have a problem with providing birth control to college students.

In support of providing free contraceptives are many women on campus who are trying to save money.  Ohio University student Mary Cholewa expressed her concern saying, “Student loans are bad enough, I really can’t afford another 40 dollars a month for my birth control. I don’t have spare cash right now, and it’s really expensive.”  Her view reflects that of many students that are worried about spending money. One of the main concerns of college students is about saving anywhere they can. At the same time, birth control is a pricey necessity. It will come as a relief to these women that beginning Aug. 1st birth control will be covered.

            There are many colleges, such as Xavier University, who are religiously affiliated. I have a cousin that goes to Xavier and does not support free birth control. There have been exceptions made to prevent infringement on religious rights. Religious colleges, hospitals, and other institutions do not have to provide the contraceptives directly, but instead the insurer must provide them. Those who remain opposed argue that the religious organizations may be paying the insurance companies more, due to jacked up prices to cover birth control. In essence, they would still be paying for the contraceptives, just in a more roundabout way.

In most cases this service will be very beneficial to college students. It will prevent unwanted pregnancy, and reduce the number of abortions in college students and women all over the U.S. This can be an expensive and emotionally stressful procedure that should be avoided at all cost. Hopefully free birth control will be beneficial and help protect the women of Ohio University from unwanted pregnancies.

Athens Mental Health Center

By: Angel Cancel

             

           Athens, Ohio is a very old town with many historical events. There are many things that make Athens unique, but the one that stands out the most is the Athens Mental Health Center. The mental hospital was also know by many other names across its life span, such as, Athens Hospital, Athens Asylum for the insane, Athens State Hospital, South-eastern Hospital for the insane, Athens Lunatic Asylum, and Southeast Ohio Mental Health Center. But now it is currently being called the “Ridges”.

The mental hospital was open from 1874 until 1993. Hermna Haerllin was a student and he was the person that made up the original design of the hospital. From the first glance at the hospital it looks like it was a mansion and that is what the designer wanted people to think.The designers wanted people to be attracted to it, by its pleasant appearance. During its time that it was open, the facility took care of people that were in the civil war, that were criminals, that were children, and people that suffered severe mental disabilities.In the beginning the facility gave many recreational activities such as boating and painting. The asylum grew by more than a thousand people after the first couple years. This like of the asylum brought overcrowding, which brought down the quality of the hospital and its workers.The hospital also had new measures to keep its patients under control.


The Athens Asylum for the insane was best known for its lobotomy procedure. Many other procedures were also done at the hospital, which some people may call unethical, such as electroshock, hydrotherapy, and the use of psychotropic drugs. Athens Mental Health Center closed in 1933 because of Ohio University. The facility has now been changed and is now the Appalachian Behavioral Healthcare center. 

  Another thing the hospital was best known or still is known for is its paranormal activity. There is said to be 1,930 people buried at the cemeteries located at the “Ridges”.  Many stories, true or false, have been created because of this mental hospital. One story is about this lady named Margaret Schilling that disappeared from one of the wards and her body was found in ward N. 20 near a year later. Margaret Schilling dead body left a stain,some people say due to sunlight but who knows.But people say she haunts the old site and other people that have died there as well. Honestly, who really knows but all in all this is one amazing place and everyone should go to the “Ridges”. Who knows you might see a ghost!!!

http://www.forgottenoh.com/Ridges/ridges.html

The protests of the 1970’s at Ohio University

The protests of the 1970’s at Ohio University

 By: Jeff Siefker and Kelly Gallagher

            During the 1970’s Ohio University was on hard times. The University had many political and budgetary issues, issues of equality, and not to mention the effects of the Vietnam War. The president of The University at the time was Claude Sowle; he had just entered his presidency when issues of equality came up. Women and African Americans were protesting for their rights. To escalate tempers farther The University was institutionalized additional university fee.

On January 30, 1970 The University held a meeting in cutler hall pertaining to the raise in fees. During the meeting hundreds of students entered the hall with the aim of attending the meeting but were forced out of Cutler hall and instead assembled at the entrance of college green. By the conclusion of the meeting a judge had issued an order to disperse the crowd. Forty- six students were arrested for resisting.

In spring of 1970 U.S. president Nixon announced that thousands of troops had entered Cambodia adding to the irritation. A peaceful protect organized on college green after word that a Kent State’s protest ended in tragedy with the death of four Kent students. Many peaceful protests followed the May 4 tragedy, until the Ohio University ROTC supply room was fire bombed on May 7, 1970. Leading to four thousand dollars in damage. After the ROTC firebomb another firebombing took place in Nelson Cafeteria. Following all the violence The University enforced a campus curfew and suspended seven students that were suspected of posing a danger to The University community. In response to the new enforcements violent crowds protested in front of Baker center and on court street, where bricks were hurled at police and tear gas was released on the crowd.

It is rumored that amongst all the violence a group of protesters vandalized the civil war memorial statue located on college green near Chubb hall. The statue which when built was supposed to depict four civil war troops with rifles in their hands standing on a circular monument. According to legend the vandals stole the firearms and buried them through out The University. None of the weapons have surfaced yet.

Since the violence would not stop, and campus safety was a huge concern, The University was closed on April 15 at 2 a.m. until the start of the summer quarter in June. The national Guard was called in to help close The University safely. 

Alexander, Andrew. "Month of Campus Tension Results in Violent Closing." Ohio University Alumni Journal: Special Issue (1970): 1-3. Print.

Rufus the Bobcat!

Rufus the Bobcat!

When Ohio University, from opening up till 1925, had the colors white and blue instead of the colors now, green and white. After the change in color scheme the school decided to host a contest to find some sort of mascot instead of just being called "White and Blue". A student named How Rowland won the prize of $10 for coming up with this witty and creative animal. The mascot didn't make an appearance until a homecoming game in 1960 against Miami in which the mascot graced the public with his presence to cheer and raise spirit in the crowds of Athens students. That year was known to be the best year of Ohio University ever, ending the football season 10-0! 

The mascot costume was made in Lincoln Hall and was first worn by Dan Nichols set a precedent that anyone that's to wear the beloved costume must live in Lincoln Hall. After his rise in popularity the beloved addition to the court was permanently placed on the Ohio University Cheerleading Team and would, from then on, cheer at every football and basketball game.

We all know that Rufus has been a great addition to our schools teams but he isn't just known for his wonderful spirit, gait, and ability to do pyramids with the cheerleaders. As a wild animal, Bobcats also have a temper when it comes to other mascots on the field. On September 18, 2010, during a game against OSU, our eager mascot demised an assault on Brutus the Buckeye and he decided to act when the players ran out onto the field. Seeing Brutus run onto the field, Rufus decided to attempt a tackle, missed and had to make up for his unsuccessful first attempt. As Brutus got to the end zone with the other cheerleaders, got sneak attacked and launched to the ground and beaten by our fierce and angry mascot. The student, being banned from every future sporting event, got Rufus sent down into history as the mascot that doesn't care about rules and regulations

Since 1925 Rufus has changed his look plenty of times, but his spirit and support for our team has stayed just the same. He will forever and always be a great addition to our teams support and image. 

Source: My.Ohio.edu, athensnews.comb  Author: Mike Sanders

http://www.athensnews.com/ohio/article-32134-rufus-attack-on-brutus-buckeye-a-long-time-in-the-making.html

Why Rufus the Bobcat?

Did you ever wonder why our university's mascot is a bobcat? Or simply, what the heck does it have to do with anything? At times I find myself actually looking for one on campus, I've even looked under bushes and what did I find....NOTHING! So for this blog I am focusing on the establishment of Rufus being our mascot.

      During the year of 1925, this school had many placid nick names: Ohio, The Green and White and finally The Nameless Wonders. The athletic board of the time decided it was time for our university to find some spirit and find a well matching mascot. So what did they do? They held a contest, this allowed students to submit their ideas and possibly win a grand prize of ten dollars (which would today be $121). Then finally, with the submission of

Hal H. Rowland, our infamous mascot was created. The Bobcat was revealed at our homecoming game against our rival, Miami University in 1960; at that game we smashed the Red Hawks 21-0. This season alone was one of the best that school had ever played. This same competitive behavior has been upheld throughout the years. In 2010 our mascot attacked the mascot of Ohio State University, Brutus. With this bobcat on our side it seems as if we are just as sly and scrappy as the animal itself. 
      Throughout the years, we have seen our mascot  go through name and appearance changes. In 2006, the bobcat was renamed after its genial name, Lynx Rufus...thus becoming Rufus the Bobcat. With appearance changes, Rufus has gone under some serious surgery. First appearing as a friendly foe, we adopted a more fierce character in 2006 with its new name. 

So the next time you begin to look for a roaming bobcat on campus, just remember the only one around this area is Rufus. 

This information was gathered from the Ohio University Alumni Page and the Ohio University History and Traditions page.