Spotlighting “The Ohio Guide” and a subsequent revelation about obscure Wellington, Lorain County, Ohio artist and sculptor, Otis C. Pratt

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Spotlighting “The Ohio Guide” and a subsequent revelation about obscure Wellington, Lorain County, Ohio artist and sculptor, Otis C. Pratt.

 Thus, we will be turning our attention to this W.P.A. document that is actually an extensive 634-page publication published in 1940 simply entitled:

  "The Ohio Guide" .  

 The good thing is that you can "Google it" and find dozens of references about it!

 The best news is that direct access to “The Ohio Guide” is currently found via the website.: "Family Search",  and the option to  download it to your computer or other device.

 Co-incidentally, on December 30, 2021, a spotlight article was published in the Cleveland "Plain Dealer" in the "Travel Section" by Robert L. Smith, as a special to the "Plain Dealer" that is a ‘must read’ for anyone seeking in-depth history on this subject entitled.:

 "Revisiting 'The Ohio Guide', the Depression era handbook highlighting top spots in the Buckeye State." 

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"The Ohio Guide" was part of the "American Guide Series" that came under the WPA Federal Writers' Project.

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The Campbell Library at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey has an extensive history on this subject posted online.

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The results of conducting a word search for the word "cemetery" in the online version of "The Ohio Guide" produced 44 "hits". 

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One particular “hit” appears on Page 125 for Otis C. Pratt who was buried at the Greenwood Cemetery in Wellington, Lorain County, Ohio.:

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Below is a partial transcription of Page 125 of “The Ohio Guide” that includes a tombstone inscription transcription offered by the unknown writer under the category of “Art”.:

“In wind-swept Greenwood Cemetery on the edge of the village of Wellington, Lorain County, is the grave of a neglected artist who composed for his headstone an unusual epitaph.  This plaintive cry, perpetuated by Otis C. Pratt (1845-1921), gives voice to the sense of bafflement that must have been common to many artists in early Ohio who found themselves without encouragement or support;

"Stranger: I live in an Age when
 coruption [sic] was in our Government
and the ballot box was begged [sic] for;
When martyred Presidents and riots
echoed over our land; When Law and
respect clung to the rich and shunned
the poor; When money and fashion
had the brains, and Talent went
over the waters, for want of Free
Schools of Art supported by our
Government.  Such were the conditions
which caused my Landscape discovery
to decay with me, as Nature shows it.
Farewell P.R.A.T.T."

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 An overview of Otis C. Pratt’s Life Story:

 Otis C. Pratt’s parents were Lyman Pratt and Rachel Camilla Warner Pratt who were married November 28, 1844 in Lorain County, Ohio.:

Lyman B. Pratt, Otis C. Pratt’s father, was born in Deerfield, Oneida County, New York in 1821.

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Otis was living with his parents in the following U. S. census records: 1850, 1860 and 1870, in Huntington Township, in Southern Lorain County.

1850 U. S. Census – Huntington Township, Lorain County, Ohio.:

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1860 U. S. Census – Huntington Township, Lorain County, Ohio (pages 56 and 57). Lyman Pratt was age 38, Camilla Pratt, his wife, was age 34, Otis was age 14, and Ella was age 9.  A servant, Fanny Chapman, age 19, lived in the household.:

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 During the middle 1860’s Otis C. Pratt attended Oberlin College.:

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1870 U. S. Census – Huntington Township, Lorain County, Ohio. The 1870 U. S. Census, Otis C. Pratt was age 24, and his occupation was Artist. The family was doing well because we see a farm laborer, Adam Uloth, and a domestic servant, Emma Woods who lived with them. 

We also see a 19 year old Emma Pratt living in the household shown as having been born in New York.  Thus, it is unclear what her relationship was in this Pratt family.:

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 On September 12, 1870, Otis C. Pratt applied for a passport to travel first to Liverpool, England. 

Next, he went to Florence Italy, and then “the continent of Europe generally”.:

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 Below, this single sentence announcement in the “Elyria Independent Democrat” newspaper - Elyria, Ohio, dated May 22, 1872, tells us quite a lot about Mr. Otis C. Pratt of Huntington Township!  However, in reality, he may have only been gone for a little less than two years based on the U.S. 1870 Census, and his September 12, 1870 passport application (see above.).  Still, it is wonderful to see that he had been pursing his study of sculpture and has returned home!

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On January 8, 1877, Rachel Camilla Warner Pratt, Otis C. Pratt’s mother, passes away from cancer.  She was buried at the Greenwood Cemetery in Wellington, Lorain County, Ohio.: 

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October 1, 1879 – Lyman B. Pratt marries Hattie Johnston in Cuyahoga County, Ohio.:

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Below is a the 1880 U.S. Census for Lyman Pratt and his second wife, Hattie Pratt.

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Below is a possible record for Otis C. Pratt shown in an 1887 Census. However, it was for the then Territory of Washington.  

Otis' age, home state of Ohio, and occupation all do fit for information appropriate for Otis C. Pratt – listed in this record as O. C. Pratt.

 This record may provide a clue explaining why he does not show up in the 1880 census in Ohio.

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However, Otis C. Pratt, age 52, born November, 1847, is listed in the 1900 U. S. Census, residing in Wellington Village, Lorain County, Ohio. 

His occupation appears to state.:  “Painter House.”

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Below is the 1910 U. S. Census for Otis C. Pratt – living in Wellington Village, Lorain County, Ohio.  His age was 64.  He was listed as being Single. 

His  occupation was given as Sculptor of Fine Art. 

So, it appears that Otis has established himself in Wellington, and was engaging in artistic work as a Sculptor in Fine Art.

:

Otis C.  Pratt -  Elyria Evening Telegram - September 30 1916

Page7 - Otis C. Pratt sells land - Lots 13 - Huntington Twp. - 17 - $2000.

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 Below is the final U. S. Census for Otis C. Pratt.:

In the 1920 U. S. Census, Otis C. Pratt was shown as being age 73.  His status was Single.  He was living as a renter in Wellington Village, at 120 East Clay Street. 

His occupation was listed as “none”. 

Ohio is listed as his birthplace. 

Ohio is also shown as the birthplace of his parents, however his father was born in New York, and his mother was born in Connecticut.

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Re-reading Otis C. Pratt’s sad epitaph, we have to ask why he felt so compelled  to express himself  in such a revealing and lasting way?

 Looking beyond his lamenting the lack of government supported free public art schools in America, perhaps he harbored a deeper more personal hurt that negatively affected his self- confidence as a gifted artist. 

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 One possibility that comes to mind is the well-known nineteenth and early twentieth century Wellington artist, Archibald M. Willard. 

 When we think of Archibald M. Willard, his painting of the “Spirit of ’76” might be top of mind.  However, as many know he painted several highly regarded paintings in his lifetime. 

 One such painting is entitled “The Blue Girl”.  The blue girl was Hattie Adele Pratt.  Archibald M. Willard was commissioned by Hattie’s father to paint her portrait a few years after her death based on a photograph of her.

 Below is my print of “The Blue Girl” – Hattie Pratt – painted by Archibald M. Willard.

As it so happens, from accounts seen thus far, it appears that Hattie Adele Pratt was a first cousin to Otis C. Pratt, because her father Benjamin J. Pratt, was a brother to Otis’ father, Lyman B. Pratt.

Thus, there was a family connection with Archibald M. Willard and Otis C. Pratt’s uncle, Benjamin J. Pratt, centering around commemorating the life and death of his infant daughter, Hattie Adele Pratt. 

 Perhaps Otis would have liked to have been the artist chosen by his uncle to paint such a special painting of his infant cousin; but we may never really know.

 It is unknown at this time if Otis C. Pratt signed any of his artistic works – paintings or sculptures.

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 Thanking Mr. Alan Leiby for his photos of the weathered white marble mid-size monument at the gravesite of Otis C. Pratt and his mother Rachel Camilla Warner Pratt.  

 The rather lengthy epitaph printed in “The Ohio Guide” on page 125 is not shown on Otis’ side of the monument.  The monument needs some cleaning, but overall is in good shape for its age.

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Spending a Day to Remember and "Visit" Archibald M. Willard at Greenwood Cemetery in Wellington, Ohio

Sharing a few of my photographs taken at the Greenwood Cemetery in Wellington, Lorain County, Ohio of April 29, 2018.  

My main focus for visiting Wellington was to stop in at the Spirit of '76 Museum on Main Street.  During 2018, a special exhibit of some of Archibald M. Willard's  paintings are on display that are on loan from Mr. Dan Zivko.  For anyone who enjoys and follows Archibald M. Willard's art -- the "Spirit of '76" painting is his best known painting, but he painted so many others -- this is rare opportunity to view paintings not in the museum's collection.  

If you have never been to Wellington, I think you'll find it to be quite an inviting town.

If you are traveling from the north you'll also enjoy driving through the new brick lined railroad underpass which is a great improvement for the residents and visitors alike! 

 

"'Spirit of '76' painter's work displayed in Ohio ** Collector shares work with public for first time"

Sharing this article appearing in the Cleveland newspaper the "Plain Dealer" on April 13, 2018. "Spirit of '76 Painter's Work Displayed in Ohio" 

Archibald M. Willard's Find A Grave Memorial

The Old Huntington Cemetery - Huntington Twp., Lorain County, Ohio

Remembering Archibald M. Willard - Ohio's Patriotic Painter and Marian L. Moore who restored some of his frescoes

Back in December of 2009, I featured Archibald M. Willard on this blog, but I would like to re-post his story today as I never tire of reading about his art and life. 

Today, I updated the obituary for Marian L. Moore who died in 2003 (note: her gravestone death year shows 2002 in error). 

Miss Moore did restoration work on the beautiful ceiling frescoes that Willard painted in her home in 1885 when he stayed in Washington Court House during the time he was hired to paint the large murals in the court house there.  Please read the story below for the details.

Click on title to link to "Spirit of '76" Artist Archibald McNeal Willard's memorial on "Find A Grave."  He was buried at the Greenwood Cemetery in Wellington, Ohio.

In 1999, I was asked to write a story about Archibald M. Willard for the Fayette County Genealogical Society (Fayette County, Ohio.) 

Below is the story I wrote about Archibald Willard's life and art:

Archibald M. Willard - Ohio’s Patriot Painter

Written for the Fayette County Genealogical Society, a Chapter of O.G.S.) ©

By: Linda Jean Ellis - November, 1999

From all accounts, his artistic beginnings were of a self-taught and solitary nature. His early livelihood came from painting fancy scenes on the sides of horse-drawn farm and circus wagons for the E.S. Tripp Carriage Factory in Wellington, Ohio. Later, he would create a cartoon of sorts featuring his father as a marching militia drummer in a painting he dubbed “Yankee Doodle,” but today Archibald M. Willard is well remembered.

We have come to identify the ideals of liberty by his stirring revision of this portrait entitled: “The Spirit of ‘76” - painted by him at age 40. Staunch supporter and partner, Cleveland photographer, J.F. Ryder, was instrumental in the “Spirit of ‘76” (then still called “Yankee Doodle”) being included in the American Centennial Celebration’s art exhibition held in Philadelphia in 1876. Here, the call of the portrait was clear as many hearts were touched by this trio of mismatched musicians. Suddenly, the creator, this Ohio born Civil War veteran, was an unknown artist no longer.

Archibald McNeal Willard was born in Bedford (Cuyahoga County) Ohio to Reverend Samuel Willard and Catherine Willard. August 22, 1836 is the date shown in public records for Archibald M. Willard’s birth date, however, the A.M. and Nellie S. Willard family bible has August 26, 1836 written as the date of birth, in what appears to be the artist’s own handwriting. He was the fourth of seven children they would have. The family moved around quite a lot due to Archibald’s father’s occupation. Rev. Willard was the first pastor and founder of the Baptist Church in Bedford, however, he later joined the Disciples of Christ. About 1850, Rev. Willard moved his family to Russell Township in Geauga County (now South Russell) where he built a house which still stands today (1080 Bell Road - privately owned).  Ultimately, the Willard family settled in

Wellington (Lorain County) Ohio around 1855.

Undoubtedly, young “Arch” as he was sometimes referred to, inherited some of his patriotic spirit from his grandfather, Jonathan Willard, who lived with the family for awhile. He was a Revolutionary War veteran who fought with the Vermont Green Mountain Boys. It is written that Archibald was a descendant of Major Simon Willard who came to America from England in 1634 and was a founder of Concord, Massachusetts.

On March 31, 1864, Archibald Willard married a Wellington girl named Nellie S. Challacombe. By that time he had already enlisted in the 86th O.V.I. during the Civil War. Later he joined the 176th O.V.I. and was discharged in June of 1865.

Now on to a mystery .... for a span of almost 75 years no one seemed to know who painted the three 10 x 14 foot murals of angelic-looking ladies suspended in the sky named “Spirit of Electricity,” “Spirit of the U.S. Mail,” and “Spirit of the Telegraph” on the second floor walls in the grand Victorian styled Fayette County Courthouse. No one remembered seeing an actual signature on them. Could it be that Willard’s “spirited” steps led to that stately structure? Then in 1956, Mr. B.E. Kelley of Washington Court House, and the widow of one of the founders of The Cooks Brothers Decorating Company in Cleveland verified that, indeed, Archibald Willard was the courthouse artist. The words: “A.M. Will... Cleveland, Ohio,” written on the envelope held by the hand of the “Spirit of the U.S. Mail” mural, were the only but crucial clue. Records did confirm that The Cooks Brothers Decorating Company was under contract by the Fayette County Commissioners in August of 1882, and that they hired Archibald Willard to complete this special project.

The Fayette County Commissioners today have printed a booklet entitled: “ Fayette County Courthouse - A Unique Blend of Art and Architecture” which details how A.M. Willard came to be chosen as the artist.

While staying in Washington Court House, Willard lived in a home with the current address of 501 East Market Street. Many local residents today know that **Miss Marian L. Moore bought this house and has lived in it for a number of years. In 1968, as she began to remove the living room wallpaper to redecorate, she discovered a mural above the fireplace. Again, with the help of Mr. Kelley, it was documented that Archibald Willard had painted this work as well.

I had the pleasure of speaking to Miss Moore, now age 87, by phone recently. She recounted her time in working on the restoration herself. She said she stood on a tall ladder wearing a carpenter’s apron, pads on her shins, and using two pair of glasses to carefully remove the paper, and then restoring the painting underneath. I’m sure Archibald Willard would be pleased with her devoted efforts to revive his eagle resting on a red, white and blue shield flanked by American flags mural as well as other painted decorations he created while rooming there; if only he could be here to see the results.

As I read more about this man’s life and works, I am all the more convinced that many of his creations are now lost to us. In the book, “The Spirit of ‘76 ... An American Portrait America’s best known painting. - least known artist.” (1976) written by Willard’s great-great nephew, Willard F. Gordon, a chapter is called “Lost Willard Paintings” and lists 65 of his works (including three sculptures) that were unaccounted for at that time. Over the years some have surfaced in northern Ohio in particular, but certainly not all.

Archibald M. Willard died on October 11, 1918 in Cleveland, Ohio. He was buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Wellington. No direct descendants survive him today.

My hope is this glimpse of Archibald Willard and his art encourages you to begin your own research which will acquaint you with him beyond what space here has afforded. And, perhaps you may find one of his lost paintings yourself - hidden somewhere - possibly in your own home!!

Sources:

Publications:

“The Spirit of ‘76 ... An American Portrait America’s best known painting. - least known artist.” by Willard F. Gordon 1976 - Extensive coverage of Archibald Willard’s works with photographs of many.

“Historic Wellington Then and Now” by Ernst L. Henes 1983 - pages 25-27

“Looking Back On Lorain County” by Ernst L. Henes 1978 - pages 27, 30, 31 and 40

“The Historian - A Look back at Lorain County” Vol. 6 Edition 242 - 1992 - pages 15 and 16

“The Ohio Historical Review - featuring Lorain County” Vol. 11, No. 10 - 1980 - page 11

“Bedford Village Views” by Dick Squire 1992 - pages 108-109; 343-344 and 347

“Bedford Vignettes or Around the Town by the Village Observer” by Dick Squire - 1982 - pages 274 and 275

“Remembering Archibald Willard” - By Dick Squire - Bedford Times-Register - August 21, 1986

“Murals at Wash. C.H., Ohio Identified After 72 Years” - By. B. E. Kelley - Tri-State Trader - Knightstown, Indiana - September 13, 1968

“Fayette County Ohio A Pictorial History” by Carol Witherspoon Carey on behalf of the Fayette County Historical Society 1993 - pages 69 and 172.

“Down Through The Golden Years” by B.E. Kelley - compiled by author in 1973 - pages 288, 289, 290; 862 and 863.

The Fayette County Commissioners brochure entitled “Fayette County Courthouse - A Unique Blend of Art and Architecture”

The Ohio Historical publication - “Archibald M. Willard and The Spirit of ‘76 - An Ohio Artist and His Work” - 1992 - a 24-page 8½” x 11”.   The booklet which accompanied the Willard exhibit from July 4 through October 12, 1992

Geauga County Historical Society Quarterly - September, 1976 - Pages 2-4 “Yankee Doodle”

Historical Society Quarterly, Vol. III, No. 1, July, 1963 issued by the Geauga County Historical Society, Burton, Ohio - Pages 1 and 2, “Willard Paintings”

The Quarterly - Vol. 36, Issue #3, pages 1 and 2 - August, 1997 - “The Spirit of ‘76,” a publication of the Geauga County Historical Society.

“Pioneer and General History of Geauga County” - 1953 Edition - page 721 - published by the Geauga County Historical Society; Letter from Alfred M. Wilber about the old Willard home in Aurora.

“South Russell, A Brief History” - Spring, 1992 by Hosmer, Patricia and Phillip Wayne - a pamphlet showing the photo of the home built by Rev. Samuel Willard.

Places Visited for Research:

The Fayette County Courthouse, 110 East Court Street, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160

The Carnegie Library, 127 S. North Street, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160

The Fayette County Historical Society, 517 Columbus Avenue, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160

The Western Reserve Historical Society (Museum and Library), 10825 East Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 44106 (216) 721-5722. 

The Bedford Museum, 30 Squire Place, Bedford Commons, Bedford, Ohio.   

Spirit of ‘76 Museum, 201 North Main Street, Wellington, Ohio 44090 

Herrick Memorial Library, 101 Willard Memorial Square, Wellington, Ohio 44090

The Ohio Historical Society, 1982 Velma Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211-

Geauga County Historical Society, 14653 East Park Street, Burton, Ohio 44021-0153. 

Some other sites to consider visiting:

The City Hall of Cleveland, Ohio - an 8 foot by 10 foot “Spirit of ‘76” painted by request in 1912 by A. M. Willard - Often referred to as “The Original Masterpiece.”

Abbot Hall - Marblehead, Massachusetts - Known as the “Centennial Spirit of ‘76,” donated by the father of Henry K. Devereux, the boy who posed as the young drummer for the painting.

Remembering Archibald M. Willard - buried at Greenwood Cemetery, Wellington, Lorain County, Ohio

Click on title to link to Archibald M. Willard's memorial on the website of "Findagrave.com"

Below is the story I wrote in 1999 about this famous Ohio painter that was published in "The Fayette Connection" of the Fayette County Genealogical Society

Archibald M. Willard - Ohio’s Patriot Painter

(Written for the Fayette County Genealogical Society, a Chapter of O.G.S.)

By: Linda Jean Ellis - November, 1999

From all accounts, his artistic beginnings were of a self-taught and solitary nature. His early livelihood came from painting fancy scenes on the sides of horse-drawn farm and circus wagons for the E.S. Tripp Carriage Factory in Wellington, Ohio. Later, he would create a cartoon of sorts featuring his father as a marching militia drummer in a painting he dubbed “Yankee Doodle,” but today Archibald M. Willard is well remembered. We have come to identify the ideals of liberty by his stirring revision of this portrait entitled: “The Spirit of ‘76” - painted by him at age 40. Staunch supporter and partner, Cleveland photographer, J.F. Ryder, was instrumental in the “Spirit of ‘76” (then still called “Yankee Doodle”) being included in the American Centennial Celebration’s art exhibition held in Philadelphia in 1876. Here, the call of the portrait was clear as many hearts were touched by this trio of mismatched musicians. Suddenly, the creator, this Ohio born Civil War veteran, was an unknown artist no longer.

Archibald McNeal Willard was born in Bedford (Cuyahoga County) Ohio to Reverend Samuel Willard and Catherine Willard. August 22, 1836 is the date shown in public records for Archibald M. Willard’s birth date, however, the A.M. and Nellie S. Willard family bible has August 26, 1836 written as the date of birth, in what appears to be the artist’s own handwriting. He was the fourth of seven children they would have. The family moved around quite a lot due to Archibald’s father’s occupation. Rev. Willard was the first pastor and founder of the Baptist Church in Bedford, however, he later joined the Disciples of Christ. About 1850, Rev. Willard moved his family to Russell Township in Geauga County (now South Russell) where he built a house which still stands today (1080 Bell Road - privately owned). Ultimately, the Willard family settled in Wellington (Lorain County) Ohio around 1855.

Undoubtedly, young “Arch” as he was sometimes referred to, inherited some of his patriotic spirit from his grandfather, Jonathan Willard, who lived with the family for awhile. He was a Revolutionary War veteran who fought with the Vermont Green Mountain Boys. It is written that Archibald was a descendant of Major Simon Willard who came to America from England in 1634 and was a founder of Concord, Massachusetts.

On March 31, 1864, Archibald Willard married a Wellington girl named Nellie S. Challacombe. By that time he had already enlisted in the 86th O.V.I. during the Civil War. Later he joined the 176th O.V.I. and was discharged in June of 1865.

Now on to a mystery .... for a span of almost 75 years no one seemed to know who painted the three 10 x 14 foot murals of angelic-looking ladies suspended in the sky named “Spirit of Electricity,” “Spirit of the U.S. Mail,” and “Spirit of the Telegraph” on the second floor walls in the grand Victorian styled Fayette County Courthouse. No one remembered seeing an actual signature on them. Could it be that Willard’s “spirited” steps led to that stately structure? Then in 1956, Mr. B.E. Kelley of Washington Court House, and the widow of one of the founders of The Cooks Brothers Decorating Company in Cleveland verified that, indeed, Archibald Willard was the courthouse artist. The words: “A.M. Will... Cleveland, Ohio,” written on the envelope held by the hand of the “Spirit of the U.S. Mail” mural, were the only but crucial clue. Records did confirm that The Cooks Brothers Decorating Company was under contract by the Fayette County Commissioners in August of 1882, and that they hired Archibald Willard to complete this special project.

The Fayette County Commissioners have printed a booklet entitled: “ Fayette County Courthouse - A Unique Blend of Art and Architecture” which details how A.M. Willard came to be chosen as the artist.

While staying in Washington Court House, Willard lived in a home with the current address of 501 East Market Street. Many local residents today know that Miss Marian L. Moore bought this house and has lived in it for a number of years. In 1968, as she began to remove the living room wallpaper to redecorate, she discovered a mural above the fireplace. Again, with the help of Mr. Kelley, it was documented that Archibald Willard had painted this work as well.

I had the pleasure of speaking to Miss Moore, now age 87, by phone recently. She recounted her time in working on the restoration herself. She said she stood on a tall ladder wearing a carpenter’s apron, pads on her shins, and using two pair of glasses to carefully remove the paper, and then restoring the painting underneath. I’m sure Archibald Willard would be pleased with her devoted efforts to revive his eagle resting on a red, white and blue shield flanked by American flags mural as well as other painted decorations he created while rooming there; if only he could be here to see the results.

As I read more about this man’s life and works, I am all the more convinced that many of his creations are now lost to us. In the book, “The Spirit of ‘76 ... An American Portrait America’s best known painting. - least known artist.” (1976) written by Willard’s great-great nephew, Willard F. Gordon, a chapter is called “Lost Willard Paintings” and lists 65 of his works (including three sculptures) that were unaccounted for at that time. Over the years some have surfaced in northern Ohio in particular, but certainly not all.

Archibald M. Willard died on October 11, 1918 in Cleveland, Ohio. He was buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Wellington. No direct descendants survive him today.

My hope is this glimpse of Archibald Willard and his art encourages you to begin your own research which will acquaint you with him beyond what space here has afforded. And, perhaps you may find one of his lost paintings yourself - hidden somewhere - possibly in your own home!!

(Listed below are the publications and places I have checked regarding Archibald M. Willard. Time and distance factors have affected my exploration of all the possibilities on this subject, however.)
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Publications:

“The Spirit of ‘76 ... An American Portrait America’s best known painting. - least known artist.” by Willard F. Gordon 1976 - Extensive coverage of Archibald Willard’s works with photographs of many.

“Historic Wellington Then and Now” by Ernst L. Henes 1983 - pages 25-27

“Looking Back On Lorain County” by Ernst L. Henes 1978 - pages 27, 30, 31 and 40

“The Historian - A Look back at Lorain County” Vol. 6 Edition 242 - 1992 - pages 15 and 16

“The Ohio Historical Review - featuring Lorain County” Vol. 11, No. 10 - 1980 - page 11

“Bedford Village Views” by Dick Squire 1992 - pages 108-109; 343-344 and 347

“Bedford Vignettes or Around the Town by the Village Observer” by Dick Squire - 1982 - pages 274 and 275

“Remembering Archibald Willard” - By Dick Squire - Bedford Times-Register - August 21, 1986

“Murals at Wash. C.H., Ohio Identified After 72 Years” - By. B. E. Kelley - Tri-State Trader - Knightstown, Indiana - September 13, 1968

“Fayette County Ohio A Pictorial History” by Carol Witherspoon Carey on behalf of the Fayette County Historical Society 1993

“Down Through The Golden Years” by B.E. Kelley - compiled by author in 1973 - pages 288, 289, 290; 862 and 863.

The Fayette County Commissioners brochure entitled “Fayette County Courthouse - A Unique Blend of Art and Architecture”

The Ohio Historical publication - “Archibald M. Willard and The Spirit of ‘76 - An Ohio Artist and His Work” - 1992 - a 24-page 8½” x 11” Booklet which accompanied the Willard exhibit from July 4 through October 12, 1992

Geauga County Historical Society Quarterly - September, 1976 - Pages 2-4 “Yankee Doodle”

Historical Society Quarterly, Vol. III, No. 1, July, 1963 issued by the Geauga County Historical Society, Burton, Ohio - Pages 1 and 2, “Willard Paintings”

The Quarterly - Vol. 36, Issue #3, pages 1 and 2 - August, 1997 - “The Spirit of ‘76,” a publication of the Geauga County Historical Society.

“Pioneer and General History of Geauga County” - 1953 Edition - page 721 - published by the Geauga County Historical Society; Letter from Alfred M. Wilber about the old Willard home in Aurora.

“South Russell, A Brief History” - Spring, 1992 by Hosmer, Patricia and Phillip Wayne - a pamphlet showing the photo of the home built by Rev. Samuel Willard.

Places:

The Fayette County Courthouse, 110 East Court Street, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160
The Carnegie Library, 127 S. North Street, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160 - (740)-335-2540
The Fayette County Historical Society, 517 Columbus Avenue, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160 - (740) 335-2953

The Western Reserve Historical Society (Museum and Library), 10825 East Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 44106 (216) 721-5722. (http://www.wrhs.org/ - internet address to access the library’s manuscript collection.)

The Bedford Museum, 30 Squire Place, Bedford Commons, Bedford, Ohio (P.O. Box 46282, Bedford, Ohio 44146.)  Telephone - (440) 232-0796

Spirit of ‘76 Museum, 201 North Main Street, Wellington, Ohio 44090 (440) 647-4367 -

Herrick Memorial Library, 101 Willard Memorial Square, Wellington, Ohio 44090 - (440) 647-2120 -

The Ohio Historical Society, 1982 Velma Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211-2497.

Geauga County Historical Society, 14653 East Park Street, Burton, Ohio 44021-0153 (mailing address is PO Box 153). Museum and Century Village
Russell Historical Society, 8450 Kinsman Road, Novelty, Ohio 44072. Contact Margaret Hetrick - 440-338-8583 for further information (South Russell home built about 1850 by Rev. Samuel Willard.)

Some other sites to consider:

The City Hall of Cleveland, Ohio - an 8 foot by 10 foot “Spirit of ‘76” painted by request in 1912 by A. M. Willard - Often referred to as “The Original Masterpiece.”

Abbot Hall - Marblehead, Massachusetts - Known as the “Centennial Spirit of ‘76,” donated by the father of Henry K. Devereux, the boy who posed as the young drummer for the painting.