place

A Village

Administrator — Sat, 31 May 2008 11:24:32 -0700

A group of nine Ohio University School of Visual Communication first-year graduate students spent eight weeks documenting villages in Athens County. A selection of their images are presented here, with narration by Dennis Delaney, Head of the Professional Directing Program at Ohio University, and music by local dulcimer artist and musician, Jerry Rockwell. The villages include Shade, Chauncey, Mineral, Guysville, Jacksonville, Kilvert, Coolville and Eclipse.

The Gathering Place

Administrator — Sat, 31 May 2008 10:20:52 -0700

Surrounded by college housing on Athens' west side of town, The Gathering Place is a community-based support organization for adults living with mental illness. The Gathering Place is open everyday for its members, who gather and enjoy one another's support in an encouraging and pressure-free environment.

Below the Surface

Administrator — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:38:13 -0700

Coal mining was first reported in Athens County in 1820 and peaked in the 1920s. Currently, there is little if any underground mine activity in the county, however, traces of this rich history can be seen throughout the countryside. In this interactive graphic, five sites were explored, highlighting the history and repercussions of former mining locations; Glouster, Middle Kittanning Mine, Majestic Mine, Eclipse Company Town, and Canaanville Township.
Editor's note: Disable pop-up blockers in your browser preferences to view Quicktime panoramas.

Living on the Edge

Administrator — Sat, 31 May 2008 10:59:05 -0700

Jeff Balch lives in poverty in a trailer on 11 acres of woods owned by his friend Fred Corlew. Balch used to live in Chesterhill, Ohio with his ex-wife and worked as a carpenter. He moved back to Athens County in 2001 to help his father, who passed the same year. He lives without an address, phone number, running water or electricity. “I like staying up in the woods, I have my privacy,” he says. “I survive. It’s a little hard sometimes ... my biggest concern is water.” He gathers water from a local spring that is currently dry.

Digging in the Dirt

Administrator — Sat, 31 May 2008 10:53:01 -0700

Wayne National Forest is the setting for Cody and Mike McGuyrt who enjoy digging into nature through their ATV and dirt bike. The beauty of the trails provides them with an opportunity to recharge their spirits while riding the many trails.

In 2005, more than 17,500 riders visited the Wayne National Forest’s motorized trail system making it Ohio’s largest ATV and off-highway motorcycle (OHM) trail provider.

Milkmen

Administrator — Sat, 31 May 2008 10:20:54 -0700

Family farms face a variety of economic problems that make it difficult to thrive. In Athens, Ervin’s Dairy Farm is run by Scott Ervin, 76, with the help of three of his sons and one of his grandsons, John, 25. Forty-nine-year old Ronnie Ervin, John's dad, helps run the farm with two of his brothers, Scotty, 43 and Brad, 39.

Forgotten Landscapes

Administrator — Sat, 31 May 2008 11:07:33 -0700

The abandoned landscapes of Athens County paint a picture of a forgotten yet colorful past. For over 100 years locals say that the Moonville Tunnel, the last remnants of an old mining town, is haunted. The tuberculosis ward of the reclaimed Athens Lunatic Asylum remains unoccupied and as legend has it, some of the mental patients still haven't left. Journey through these and other forgotten landscapes of a county known for its ghosts, legends and unique aura.

Sense of Place

Administrator — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 18:52:05 -0700

Nestled in the rolling hills of southeast Ohio, Athens County offers residents a unique living experience. This image gallery features Athens individuals who love the land and are passionate about the region.