"The Spirit of the US Mail"

The Spirit of the US Mail - dennygibson.com

While dwarfed by the State Capitol Building in Columbus, this structure is no less magnificent in its architecture and artwork; nor in its history, any less rich.

Built in 1885, the walls of the Fayette County Courthouse are adorned with the artwork of Archibald Willard.  Willard is described by *Scott Markel as "the least famous painter who created the most famous painting in the world."  He is best known, or unknown, for his work, The Spirit of '76.  As you will hear in the video linked below, it was not until the 1950's that is was discovered that Willard was the artist responsible for the frescos and paintings.

The Spirit of '76, from Wikipedia

In 1894, a mob gathered outside the courthouse, bent on lynching convicted rapist, William Dolby.  Then-governor, William McKinley called out the Ohio National Guard to quell the riot.

Troops held the prisoner inside the courthouse.  When rioters tried to break through the door, they were warned that troops would open fire if they tried to do so, again.

They tried again.

Troops opened fire from within, shooting through the door, killing five and wounding others.  The bullet holes are there today, unrepaired; a reminder of what happened 133 years ago.  As a boy, I put my finger in those holes.

In just a few minutes, this video presents a brief but fascinating account of the history of the courthouse, located in **Washington Court House, Fayette County, Ohio.  Enjoy!
The Ohio Channel, Seats of Justice

EDITOR'S NOTE:  (16Oct21)  When this went to publication four years ago, I had no idea that circumstance and fate would lead me to The Spirit of '76 Museum and The Southern Lorain County Historical Society.

This past Thursday, (10/14/21), the historical society held a fundraising dinner at the Eagles Lodge, in Wellington, Ohio.  Friend Dan LaMacchia, (he and his father, Ray, have been instrumental in supporting the museum and historical society), invited me to attend.  Dan could not make the dinner but asked me to deliver a package for him.

Dan put me in contact with meet Becky Norton, VP of The Board of Trustees, and we arranged to meet at the museum.  There, I met her and historical society member, Barb Leiby.  Both were excited to see the contents of Dan's box.  It contained three old maps of the county, two videos and most exciting of all, three glass negatives; two were portraits of Willard and one of "The Spirit of '76", standing on an easel!

Becky gave me a tour of the museum.  The museum's contents are fascinating and her knowledge of the history of  Lorain County and it's citizens is impressive.  (Video was taken of the tour and, once I learn how to edit an hour down to 15-20 minutes, it will be posted, here.)

Later, we met at the dinner where I was introduced to, and sat with, Scott Markel, quoted above.  Markel is also a board of trustees member and portrays Willard in historic reenactments.

At the dinner, I met several other people, including Al Leiby, Barb's husband.  Al is owner of Lazlographics.com and is a digital photography, enhancement and restoration specialist, as well as a US Army veteran.  In no more than 90 minutes, Al scanned and printed the photos Dan had sent and had them on display at dinner!

For information on touring The Spirit of '76 Museum, click on the link, above.  They are open Saturday and Sunday from April thru October.  Off season tours can be arranged by contacting the museum.  There is never a charge for tours, but they graciously accept donations.

*Markel is a board of trustees member of The Spirit of '76 Museum in Wellington, Ohio.

**Washington Court House was settled by Virginia veterans of the Revolutionary War.  Unable to pay many veterans, they were given land by the newly-formed United States government.  It was customary that Virginians attached "Court House" to the name of the county seat.