There are many people who believe in ÒspiritsÓ and the Jennie Wade project originators, Wayne and Bev McClain, are no exception. Throughout the project that began 17 years ago in Pennsylvania, Bev shared the many remarkable stories that have driven the journey of this boat to where she is today. In the beginning, she felt the spirit of Jennie Wade, the young Civil War volunteer who died while baking bread for the troops during the battle of Gettysburg. She felt that JennieÕs good heart, one of volunteerism, was constantly drawing people to the project. When things seemed impossible, or when there was no one else to help, something happened that propelled the project forward. Was it that spirit, which kept the couple from giving up? When they moved to Ohio, was it JennieÕs force who helped to get the boat on the 700 mile land journey to Ripley or had another entered the picture? Moving to Ohio, the birthplace of Bev McClain, was a hard decision to make. Bev felt she was needed to help meet the changing needs of her aging parents, one of whom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Wayne agreed, since both had, just a few years earlier, lost loved ones from cancer. Selling their home in Pennsylvania was filled with more spirited twists in itself. Just listed with the realtor, the young couple that purchased the house felt drawn to the site with no directives. No sign, no ads in the newspaper, but just a chance stop at a local convenience store whose clerk led them to Bev and Wayne. They were perfect for the property, a retreat in the Endless Mountains, the creation of Wayne and his first love, Lili. Lili was a conservation activist for the area. Their home, a rustic retreat, was made from the sticks and stones from the mountain. The young couple, which journeyed up the gravel road to the cabin, was looking for a special property to open a second chance wildlife center. They were perfect for the property and for the McClains. Was this a match made in heaven or a spirit driven happening? When arriving in Ohio, the McClainÕs needed to get settled. They purchased an old house, circa 1830Õs along Eagle Creek, labeled for possible demolition, It was just their kind of project. Inquiring into the history of the area came natural for the couple and so soon they would discover that some of the McClain ancestors from Pennsylvania had settled along this very creek, just a few miles up the road. Was it a coincidence or fate? At that point they really had too much to do to worry about it or to investigate it further. Making the house inhabitable was their first priority and that was a job in itself. As time moved on, the fate of the Jennie Wade would be in question. What to do with a 15 ton, 54 foot 15Õ.9Ó wide steel boat?. Once again the spirits of Jennie seemed to take hold. Long time supporters of the project would stay focused on seeing that the boat got to Ohio. They would work on helping to make the move to Ohio possible. Grady Muleskinner Everett and his father, Watson were part of the original group that drove the project in Pennsylvania. Grady struck the first weld on the hull, Watson designed and constructed the site for the boatÕs first launch into the Susquehanna River In 2002 they would become the pair who literally drove the project, Jennie Wade, the 700 miles to Ohio. The journey of Jennie Wade here in Ohio would take her from Augusta and Maysville, Kentucky to Manchester and Ripley Ohio. Plans were discussed about a move to Portsmouth but an unforeseen September flood would halt that plan. The meeting with the park board of Clermont County would be an unexpected twist but the decisions made that day in February, 2005 would bring the boat to the Chilo Lock # 34 VisitorÕs Center and at that time no one really knew how it happened. It just did. Was it the spirit of Jennie again? All we knew was that we were thankful for the opportunity the project had to be used by the people and continue its mission, telling the stories of the people of this region. Then this past summer, a new spirit would emerge, one of an ancestor, whose roll in the history of this region was somehow lost. The gravesite of Captain John McClain was found in the little town of Neville, just four miles from the location of the Jennie Wade. A Captain McClain was recorded in Sciota CountyÕs history of the Underground Railroad. He was known for ferrying slaves to freedom in his riverboat. Is this Captain McClain the same or related? Is he a story waiting to be told? No one seems to know anything about the man but his gravesite says he was a man who was respected and loved by those who laid him to rest. His monument tells of his love of the river and his paddle boat. Is he the force that has brought the Jennie Wade to Chilo? Further investigation is needed. Anyone with any information about the story of this riverboat captain, please feel free to contact the Friends.

Membership Drive

  The present membership of the 2005/2006 “Friends” has dropped below twenty. If you are receiving this newsletter, you either supported the project through an “in-kind” donation, made an on site donation or were a member in the past.

 We realize that part of drop in continued support is due to the economy of the times. Another part is due to the move into a new county and away from some of our original “Friends.” We are hoping that this will change this next season. We are always seeking new members in new regions but we don’t want to loose our old “Friends.” Let’s list some of the benefits of your membership. First of all, it is another place to take family and friends and it is a project that you had an active part of making happen. Don’t forget that. The park facility has great things to rent and use for family gatherings and the Jennie Wade is part of that facility. Always let the park know that a tour of the facility is an important part of your day. They can usually accommodate your request. Tell teachers you know about the great field trip opportunities available at the park and your membership with the “Friends.” Have them mention your name when calling in to reserve time. Remember, the big screen TV that you helped to purchase is now available for your use in the visitor’s center throughout the year. Use it. They have available all original productions and tours of the region and also new videos about the history of the lock, the flat bottom boats of the region and the Underground Railroad.

If you have something else that you want to use, bring that along. They can usually accommodate your wishes.

 Renewals can be any amount, whatever you can afford. Every bit helps. We are still trying to pay off debt incurred in the 2003 and 2004 season. We are looking to make some improvements to the interior, especially the pilot house and windows. There is also accounting fees and services needed for the organization, printing cost and stamps for the newsletter and we are in need of a new brochures. One has been designed and thanks to the park, printed in limited quantities but more are needed to be effective.   All of this cost money and “Friends” are needed to continue this. We are always seeking new grants and corporate supporters but the funding is tight all over. The Wal Mart grants of $500 in ’03 and 04 literally “kept us afloat.” We were very grateful for their generosity and continued support if the project. If any member has any ideas about grants or is interested in approaching a corporate sponsor, a powerpoint presentation explaining the project is available.

 Renewal or new memberships can be sent to Oak Hills Bank Attention: Roberta Sidwell. P.O. Box 7 101 Main Street

Ripley, Ohio 45167.

Make checks payable to Friends of Jennie Wade

Changes for ’06

There have been some changes discussed for the ‘06 season. One of these is in the revamping of the interior of the facility. With Jennie Wade now a part of a much larger facility, the moving of the media area into the open area of the visitor’s center seemed more accommodating to the public and visiting groups alike. This proved to work best for all and will remain like that into the next season. Although on land at this time, the parks future plans for the facility put her back on the water after completion of the riverfront redevelopment, possibly the ’07 season or sooner. Until then, a discussion has brought up the idea of replicating the interior of the Jennie Wade to the period.  This will take a lot of research and planning but it is quite possible to do. Photos of these little paddle wheelers that traveled the tributaries of the Ohio and acted as crossing vessels from one side of the river to the other are surfacing since the boats arrival at the park. All of this plus the recent visit of the Nina to the area prompted this new idea. With this in mind, we are looking for input and suggestions from you, our original members. You can email any ideas to mcclainw@bright.net or send them to us at Chilo Lock # 34 P.O. Box 106 Chilo, Ohio 45112 Attention: Keith Robinson. Let’s hear from you!

Looking to the Future

 We are entering our fourth year of the organization, Friends of Jennie Wade. The trustees and officers have managed to get the project this far but change is an important part of growth and change is needed to keep this organization moving forward. We are hoping to elect new officers and the trustees in 2006. This change in leadership will compliment the change in location and the changes needed to boost the membership. Any board members wishing to move into a trustee position can contact Bev McClain, 937-392-9333.  The organization is actively seeking out people interested in coming on board the project. New ideas and new leadership will bring the organization the boost it needs. If you or someone you know are interested in the positions, please contact trustee, E.J. Haffey at 937-392-4863

 We have not yet set the exact date for the reorganization meeting. We are hoping to visit local organizations and community groups explaining the mission and goals of the “Friends” and to seek out interested individuals. If you would like us to visit your area, please advise us as soon as possible.

Make a Difference Day

  On October 22^nd and 23^rd the Friends of the Jennie Wade once again planned a special celebration honoring those who “make a difference” in our region. Scout leaders, parent volunteers, others who give of their time and energy to various regional projects were honored. The local re-enactor, Ernie Parnell and the new Artisan Center  located just outside Neville provided entertainment and information for those visiting on Saturday.

 On Sunday, our long time ‘Friend” and supporter, singer-songwriter Steve Free and Susan Sammons entertained visitors. Park Ranger, Linda Romine delighted all the visitors both days with her fabulous display honoring the expedition of Lewis and Clark.  Refreshments were sold thanks to the donation provided by Kristi Scout and her community service organization at RULH High School. Everyone who journey out on that rainy weekend were pleasantly surprised with the great day they had.  Thanks to everyone who participated and visited the park that day.

 The planning meeting scheduled for that Saturday afternoon along the river’s edge was rescheduled for a later date due to the inclement weather. The appreciation dinner for board members, staff of the park and supporters was moved inside the media center and was a big success. Everyone enjoyed the fellowship. We may do it again next year, possibly as a community picnic. Local businesses of Chilo also helped to make the day a success by advertising the event and making donations.  It was greatly appreciated.

Things to do at

CHILO PARK

LOCK # 34

 Located in the Village of Chilo, off US Route 52, just a half mile east of State Route 222, this pretty 40 acre park overlooks the Ohio River at the site of an old Corps of Engineers wicket dam location. Meldahl Locks and Dam two miles downstream subsequently replaced the wicket dam. The site dates to 1920 and is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The Powerhouse from the wicket dam remains on the property and has been converted into an interpretive visitor center that opened in August of 2005. A recently constructed 1.5 acre mitigation wetland lines the entrance drive from US Route 52. Facilities include picnic areas and shelter, a boat ramp/dock, basketball and horseshoes. Two yurts (tent-like structures) are found in this park to serve as rustic overnight housing for groups visiting the Crooked Run Nature Preserve, which is immediately adjacent. A history of the site is available at a cost of $5.00

Wish List

 There is no better time than the holidays to make a “wish list.” So here is ours:

We wish for

q      All our old members to renew

q      Old pilot house pieces like leavers, compass anything that might be of interest to the children who visit and want to pretend.

q      Windows, we need windows.

q      Photographs (copies) of riverboats on the Ohio circa late 1800’s.

Special Thanks

  The people of the Clermont County Park district are a very special breed. They work tirelessly to give the people of this region the very best in services. If you have never visited a Clermont County Park, do. They are all awesome. Working with this group has been a real privilege. They have made us feel very welcome. So to Chris, Keith, Ken, Ron, Dennis and Sheila, thanks for all you did to make this happen. May you be repaid tenfold in the New Year and in the years to come.

A message from your President, Bev McClain 5-28-04

Watson Everetts
The Jennie Wade riverboat would still be sitting in a cornfield in Pennsylvania had it not been for Watson Everetts and his sons. He prided himself in doing what others found to be difficult or impossible, that is probably why the mule was his favorite animal.

Whenever we asked Watson to help us get a job done, he always was there to lend a hand. When we needed someone to build the landing for the launch of the Jennie Wade in Pennsylvania, he got the job done. The 2000 launch of Jennie Wade into the Susquehanna River would not have been possible without Watson Everetts. Fondly called “Pops” by son Grady, he was loved and will always be remembered for his Holiday winter sleigh rides for the children.

When we needed to bring the Jennie Wade out to Ohio, Watson Everetts was the man who got the job done. For weeks we worked on permits and trailers. Whenever an obstacle came up he was determined to get it straight and he did. Never once did he say, “forget it!” For this we and 4500 other people who toured the boat last season are grateful.

The journey across country with the Jennie Wade was a story that those who journeyed with him will never forget. He was so proud of his accomplishment, especially since so many said it couldn’t be done. Well, Watson and his sons got it done!

Our sincere condolences go out to all the Everetts' family and to his long time companion, Bonnie Higgins. We will never forget what Watson did for this project and we will keep a special place in our heart for him always.

Sincerely, The Friends of Jennie Wade

2004 Recap of Planning Meeting 1-29-2004