Through Wendy's Window: Risch (Walker) Family Reunion

Risch (Walker) Family Reunion

Logan, Ohio

Sunday, August 9, 2009

The "Walker" side at the Risch Reunion representing 4 generations.

My Dad was born and raised in the small

Southern Ohio town of Logan; located in the

picturesque hills of Hocking County.

A Trip Down Memory Lane...

My Dad has many memories of the home above--his grandparents lived here for many years. The land around the farm is still owned by Dad's cousin, John, and his daughter and son.

A few years ago, Dad and I had the privilege of touring the home. Dad recounted several memories of his times at the home. To me, one of the funniest memories is of Dad and my Uncle Don sliding down the large banister leading into the parlor. Honestly, I'm not convinced my Grandmother was aware of this fun as I think she would have put a quick end to it!

The white house above is where my Dad was born and raised. My grandparents lived in this home for many, many years. Grandpa Walker had an insurance business that he conducted out of the house in the evenings after he and Grandma spent the days teaching at the school next to their home. My Grandpa Walker passed away when my sister and I were quite young, so my memories of him are limited. I do remember many visits to Grandma Walker's home. I can remember Grandma having a garden in the back yard as well as many flowers; specifically roses--she loved roses. In fact, I can't ever remember a time visiting Grandma's house during the summer and not noticing two, or three roses proudly displayed in a vase on the kitchen table--yellow and pink roses are what I remember best. In addition, I remember baking cookies with Grandma--peanut butter cookies with the hershey kiss on top, playing countless games of Flinch, visiting with relatives and spending many hours in Hocking Hills--touring Rock House and Old Man's Cave. I also remember swinging on Grandma's back swing until the sun went down and then chasing fire flies for what seemed liked hours. Grandma Walker's back yard looked down on the high school football field and I can remember running around the track too. We certainly had a lot of fun visiting Grandma's house.

As years pass, change occurs. The original high school next door to Grandma's house was razed this past year. The school was constructed in 1910 and has been the heart of Logan for many, many years. With the demolition of the school, an era fades into our memories. I can't begin to imagine how watching the slow removal of the school would have affected Grandma--not only did she and Grandpa once teach at the school, but my Dad and Uncle Don both attended the school. I know Grandma watched many football games, including her sons' on the football field that was once her backyard. The purple and white gate above is the original gate and ticket booth which once welcomed Chieftan fans to the football field behind Grandma's house. During the past year, the football field was filled in with dirt and a new elementary school now rests on the former field.

At the new high school, located on the other side of town, the former Logan

High School plaque now rests within the gate to the new football stadium.

These two Buckeye trees, rumored to be two of the largest in the state,

were spared during the recent high school demolition.

This picture was taken March, 2009. The back of Grandma's house is front and center in the picture. To the left is what remains of the stadium and pictured below, is what remains of what was once the high school.

Today, a new elementary school rests on the former high

school football field--pictured below.

The new Logan High School, located on the other side of Logan, opened last year.

Following the reunion yesterday afternoon, we visited Walker Farm.

Dad's cousin, John, and his son, Ryan, have many toys on the farm. Dad, along with some other cousins, thoroughly enjoyed the antique farm equipment. I don't know the specifics on the tractors--I just know that Dad had a wonderful time riding the tractors around the farm!

Meanwhile, John allowed the boys to drive the Gator around the farm.

They had such a GREAT time! And, I'm happy to report that all the barns

are still standing, the gator still functions and the

boys don't have any additional bruises--phew!

Ryan has a 1926 Model T that he brought to the farm Saturday night,

so it could be enjoyed by all on Sunday afternoon.

Noah was convinced that he could out run the car, but quickly realized

that an antique car moves much faster than he can run!

Ryan took the boys and I for a spin in the 1926 Model T.

Noah's first comment--the car lacks seat belts. Ryan also shared that it lacks turns signals, so he sticks his arm out the window to indicate a turn. Noah was quite impressed with these two missing features. Thanks again for the ride Ryan--it was a lot of fun!