It's the Big Two: Ohio's Bicentennial

My parents recently moved. (Stick with me...this really does have something to do with Ohio's bicentennial) They went from a four bedroom, full basement and attic housefull (and I mean FULL)of stuff to a two bedroom apartment. Since I'm an only child, what didn't fit in their apartment landed on MY doorstep. I've sorted through most of it. I've donated a lot of it (sorry, Mom). I also found a few things of historical value, and others that are simply fascinating, at least to me.

Among the haul was a rather interesting booklet titled "Ohio's Capitals." Although it lists no author and no copyright, it must have been published between 1979-1983 (My clue was that "Anthony J. Celebrezze, Jr., Secretary of State" was emblazened on the cover).

The booklet tells the story of Ohio's emblems, first capitals and buildings, and lists a number of interesting, if unrelated, facts.

For example, it seems Ohioans are the clubby type. Daniel Beard organized a group that grew into the Boy Scouts of America; fellow Ohioan A.B. Graham originated the 4-H Clubs in Clark County, and you probably already know that Alcoholics Anonymous started in Akron.

The booklet's most basic story, however, is its most fascinating. That is, how Ohio came to be a state, and how it managed to have three captials in six years. Now, I'm not going to spoil the story for you. Instead, I want you to read it for yourself. I highly recommend the detailed account by George W. Knepper, in his book "Ohio and Its People."

Actually, I'd be happy to explain it all here, but I'm still putting away the stuff my Mom and Dad sent. Who knows what else I'll find?

Trivia: Were All Ohio Quarters Created Equal?
Last year, the Ohio Bicentennial Commission's Quarter Program Committee introduced a new quarter design as part of the 50 State Quarters program. The Ohio quarters were minted in Philadelphia and Denver, but soon after production (or "striking") began last March, the Philadelphia mint was closed due to safety violations. The mint remained closed for several weeks during the 10-week production period. Therefore, significantly fewer Ohio quarters minted in Philadelphia than in Denver, increasing the value of the the Phily-minted coins. The mintmark (a "P"or a "D") is located under the words "In God We Trust" on the coin's front side.

Four of the Ohio quarters, which feature the Wright Flyer, an astronaut, and the phrase, "Birthplace of Aviation," went into space aboard the space shuttle Columbia. Nancy Currie and Richard Linnehan, astronauts who both happen to be Ohio State University alumni, carried the coins on mission STS-109 in March, 2002. No word on where the coins were minted, but since they've been 'round the world (to say the least), I'm sure those particular quarters are worth more than a dollar in change today.

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