Linda Hilty will be one of the guides for the historical walk being held Saturday at Beatty Park. -- Contributed
STEUBENVILLE — Beatty Park’s fall/winter calendar of events includes a historical walk set for Saturday.
The walk will begin at 10 a.m. with participants to meet near the entrance and first parking lot, explained Flora VerStraten-Merrin, founder of the Friends of Beatty Park group.
All are welcome to participate, and light refreshments will be served after the hike at the shelter house.
Beatty Park is located at 621 Lincoln Ave. in Steubenville and is comprised of 99 areas that include rock cliffs, historical structures, four hiking trails and an abundance of nature.
Parking is available throughout the park, and restrooms are available.
“Have you ever wondered about some of the things you’ve seen in the park? For example — what are all the stone staircases that seem to go to nowhere? Where was the caretaker’s house located, and where were the original pool and the newer pool located? Why were they filled in and closed? Where is the secret staircase and what did it lead to? Why was the old stone lodge built and who met there and what is its history?” VerStraten-Merrin posed the questions.
“We will have about 10 stops along our walk with large picture yard signs showing everyone what the locations used to look like with an historical explanation of each location,” she noted.
Group volunteers have worked the past three years to revitalize the park. Future plans will be discussed.
“Learn about the history of the beautiful sandstone bridges and the park’s connection to the Union Cemetery,” VerStraten-Merrin noted. “This is very much an interactive walking tour with plenty of time to ask questions and share stories.”
All events, hikes and activities at the park are free and open to the public.
Other events on the calendar include the following:
≤ Oct. 1: A “creek bed walk” with John Boileigh of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources will be held. Participants will need to wear boots.
≤ Oct. 22: There will be a historical walking tour in Union Cemetery beginning at 3 p.m. with guest guides including Paul Zuros, executive director of Historic Fort Steuben; local author Susan Guy; Jeff Evans, Harpers Ferry Park guide and history teacher; and VerStraten-Merrin, president of the Jefferson County Genealogy Society.
Each guest guide will have specific gravesites of four to five interesting citizens and will share brief stories about each person. From famous businessmen who met with untimely or strange deaths, to madams, murderers and mayhem, according to VerStraten-Merrin. Included will be sports stars and unusual military veterans’ stories.
The tour will include the sharing of Black history and how the cemetery was unique from other cemeteries in the area and across the country.
Participants on this walking tour will meet at 6 p.m. at Beatty Park at the Old Stone Lodge, where there will be “with warm fires and stories shared by Boileigh and others.
≤ Dec 3: Christmas in the Park begins at noon and continues until dusk. “We will be celebrating our 225th anniversary with a Christmas float in the Christmas parade at noon,” she noted, referring to the city’s anniversary.
Plans include a live animal nativity; carolers; Mr. and Mrs. Claus and their elf helper; pet pictures with Santa; food trucks; children’s crafts; cookies and warm drinks; and holiday hikes at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. where participants will meet at the playground and hike to the Old Stone Lodge to warm up by the fireplace and enjoy stories and refreshments.
“We will be happy to welcome visitors to the park for the first time or the 100th time,” VerStraten-Merrin noted. “We look forward to more events and activities for 2023.”
Today's breaking news and more in your inbox
Wellsburg Kiwanis Club selling bouquets of roses, apple pies WELLSBURG — The Wellsburg Kiwanis Club is selling ...
Today's breaking news and more in your inbox
Copyright © Weirton Daily Times | https://www.weirtondailytimes.com | 114 Lee Ave., Weirton, WV 26062 | 304-748-0606