Jordan: The other Newark earthworks
Newark Advocate
Visitors to the Great Circle and Octagon are often fascinated to learn that the Newark Earthworks once included two other major shapes: a square and an oval.
This square and oval were connected by walled walkways that covered over four-square-miles. Their interconnectedness is part of why we call the Newark Earthworks a complex.
A remnant of the square still exists. It officially is called the Wright Earthworks and lies in a green space owned by the Ohio History Connection at the intersection of James and Waldo Streets. This location is about a half-mile to the northeast of the Great Circle, with the two, low, free-standing walls that run on either side of the site’s museum pointing off in its direction.
Springâthat magnificent time of year when everything comes back to life is especially welcomed this year after the COVID-19 isolation of 2020. The sun is coaxing us to come outside and enjoy a leisurely stroll to some special places where one can reflect and draw strength for the days ahead. What better place than Bristol Village?
Hidden inside the Glenn Center (activity center) is an atrium which is an open air garden area surrounded by the walking track. Planned by Bristol Village founder, John Glenn, it was a lovely area, but as it matured, it began to suffer from neglect as English ivy took over while weeds invaded the paths and grassy areas. Norma Dupire, a resident with another vision for the atrium, came forward three years ago with the idea of creating a Hummingbird Garden. She put up hummingbird feeders after clearing the ivy and weeds to make room for plants and flowers that attract hummingbirds. Hanging baskets with colorful annuals were added and although it is once
Beverly Kerr
Columnist
George Washington and Thomas Jefferson discussed the idea of a canal from Lake Erie to the Ohio River back in 1784. It wasn t until July 4, 1825, that ground was broken for the Ohio-Erie Canal in Newark to move goods more efficiently across Ohio.
Amazing as it seems these canals were hand-dug with shovels and wheelbarrows and sometimes mules pulling drag lines. The canal was about 40 feet wide at water level and 26 feet wide at the bottom, with a depth of about 4 foot. Farmers and townspeople started digging the canal but were grateful for assistance from German and Irish immigrants.