ROCK THIS ESSAY

...A Tall Tale about a rock and a face that initiated many theories of origin

Ohio House Representative Todd Book, the Portsmouth (OH) Public Library and the McKell (KY) Public Library of Greenup County would like to extend an invitation to those interested in bringing a new perspective as to the theory behind the face on the eight-ton ton rock that was resurrected from the mystifying depths of the Ohio River to enter the “Rock This Essay” Tall Tale contest!

This particular contest is open to anyone interested in participating, as it is being offered both locally, meaning those residing within 50 miles of “the rock” and nationally. However nationally, the contest is only open to those ages 18 and over. Categories for local entries include: ages 12 and under, ages 13-17, and ages 18 and older. This particular contest will run from April 15 – June 2, 2008.

You have perhaps heard about the impending border war that is between Ohio and Kentucky in regards to this historical rock that has become known as the renowned Indian Head Rock. The surprising thing is that because of one man’s good intentions of trying to salvage a piece of local history, this unique unearthing has literally “rocked” the nation as to the rock controversy. It is the face that is embedded on the bottom half of the rock that has initiated many theories of origin; and with this contest it is your tall-tale thoughts and mind’s eye, as to the concept of the face and beliefs behind it that we are anxious to discover and reveal.

According to the mere five theories that have been made known. One - is that a band of robbers used the rock as a marker when burying their stolen loot. Two - is that the face was carved by Native Americans. Three – is that 9 year old John Book, of Portsmouth carved the face in the rock in the 1830’s. Book later in life was killed in the Civil War at the Battle of Shiloh. Four - is that early pioneers in 1851 used the rock to measure fluctuating water levels. Five - is that a quarry man carved it with a metal tool.

Nevertheless, the great thing about this particular contest is that the theories are endless and not limited to five – Therefore, was the face chiseled by the River Pirates while traveling down the Ohio River in prey of flatboats; was it carved by Native American Indians who sought refuge along the banks of the mighty Ohio? Yes, this is your chance to explain your theory and opinion as to how the face emerged on the rock and also to why the face will bring to those who witness the rock…good luck, true love, or great riches in life.

So without further ado…get yourself ready to “Rock This Essay” by pointing your browsers toward the Portsmouth Public Library’s website (www.yourppl.org) to obtain a registration form and further information!

Questions regarding the above release please contact Jenny Lavender at (740) 353-5834.

TRACES Buseum Is Coming To Portsmouth!

TRACES Center for History and Culture--a Midwest/WWII history museum in St. Paul, MN is pleased to announce that its original mobile exhibit in BUS-/eum/ 1, Behind Barbed Wire: Midwest POWs in Nazi Germany, will show in eight Lower Midwest states in spring 2008, in partnership with regional State Historical Societies, Librarians/Library Associations and Humanities Councils and will be arriving at the Portsmouth Public Library on Thursday, April 24, from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and will be available to the public FREE of charge.

The BUS exhibit tells the stories of Midwest soldiers and airmen captured in WWII and kept as Prisoners of War (POWs) in Nazi Germany. This exhibit explores their experiences topically-e.g., their capture, interrogation, camp life, art/theater in the camps, escape attempts, death marches at the war's end, liberation and return to the U.S. reconciliation. The exhibit includes audio-video components, 22 display panels and 10 display cases--bringing alive a little-known subchapter of U.S. WWII history.

Since March 2004 TRACES two BUSes have visited over 800 communities in all 12 Midwest states; more than 85,000 people have viewed them. For further information regarding this remarkable event please contact Jenny Lavender at (740) 353-5834.

Upcoming Branch Activities Announced

On Tuesday, April 15, at 10:30 a.m. the New Boston Branch will offer a preschool playgroup. This program is open to all preschool children and their caregiver. This program will be an unstructured hour of play and socialization for the children. At 3:30 p.m. the South Webster Branch will offer a special game day! At 6:00 p.m. the Lucasville Branch will offer their quilting class featuring Jackie Longton.

On Wednesday, April 16, the Wheelersburg Branch will offer a preschool storytime session at 10:30 a.m.

On Thursday, April 17, the New Boston Branch will offer a "Hollywood Icons Film" program that will feature the film classic "Ben Hurr" at 1:00 p.m.

On Friday, April 18, the New Boston Branch will offer "Creative Corner Friday" at 3:00 p.m. This program is designed for all creative children as the library will provide art supplies, and they will use their creativity to create projects to be displayed in the library. Also on Friday, the Wheelersburg Branch will offer "Create-a-Craft Friday" at 4:00 p.m. and the Lucasville Branch will offer a school-age program at their individual branch location at 4:00 p.m. as well.

On Saturday, April 19, the Wheelersburg Branch will offer grab bag crafts on Saturday. So kids be sure and stop in between 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and pick up a grab bag craft to take home and make. At 10:30 p.m., the New Boston Branch will offer an open storytime session. For further information regarding any branch library programs the Lucasville Branch can be reached by phoning (740) 259-6119, New Boston Branch at (740) 456-4412, the Wheelersburg Branch at (740) 574-6116, the Northwest Branch at (740) 372-8314 and the South Webster Branch can be reached at (740) 778-2122.

Bugs, Bugs, Everywhere

On Wednesday, April 16, the Youth Services Department of the Portsmouth Public Library will host the program "Bugs, Bugs, Everywhere" at 5:30 p.m. For further information please phone (740) 354-5562.

Discover Your Family Tree

Learn the basics on researching your family tree, as the Local History Department of the Portsmouth Public Library will offer the program "Discover Your Family Tree" on Tuesday, April 15, at 4:00 p.m. Participants will learn basic skills in research, along with a tour of the department. For further information or to RSVP, please phone (740) 354-5304.

Made From Scratch Program Offered

Do you enjoy coming across new recipes? Or better yet...having the opportunity to try them? If so, you are sure to enjoy this particular program that will be held on Wednesday, April 16, at 1:00 p.m., as all participants are to bring their favorite cookies, as well as the recipe to share. This is a great opportunity to try something new and obtain some great recipes too! Recipe cards will be supplied for your convenience. For further information or to sign-up please phone (740) 353-5834.

Ballerina Craft

On Wednesday, April 16, the Local History Department of the Portsmouth Public Library will offer a unique adult craft program. Participants of this particular craft program will enjoy creating a beautiful ballerina musical out of ordinary clay pots. Please keep in mind that all participants will be assessed a $2 fee to assist in covering the cost of materials. Also, due to limited space prior registration is required. To sign up or for further information please phone (740) 354-5304.

Poetry Program Slated

In recognition of National Library Week and National Poetry Month, the program "Café Decaf" will be offered on Thursday, April 17, at 10:00 a.m. This particular program will offer a wonderful get-together to share your favorite poems, while enjoying tea and muffins. So if you enjoy the verse of poetry and prose, then you are encouraged to bring poems that you have written or favorite poems that you are fond of, and share them throughout this enlightening program. For further information or to RSVP, as prior registration is required, please phone (740) 353-5834.

YA Advisory Board To Meet

On Thursday, April 17, the YA Advisory Board will meet at 3:30 p.m. The Young Adult Advisory Board is a group of young adults who meet at the Main Library to assist with the selection of materials such as Books, Magazines, CDs, and Software; the advisory board will also help with the planning of monthly programs. The Board requires a commitment to attend on a regular basis. PPL is located at 1220 Gallia Street. For more information call (740) 354-5688.

Warm Up America!

On Saturday, April 19, the Warm Up America Group will meet at the Portsmouth Public Library at 10:00 a.m. Warm Up America has provided 250,000+ hand-made afghan blankets for people in need since 1992, and to assist with this project the Portsmouth Public Library will host this exciting program. This particular program will have participants crocheting and knitting 7x9 squares so that our community has the opportunity to participate in this meaningful program that will benefit our county. You see, all blankets that are completed locally will be given to local homeless and domestic violence shelters, Hospice care facilities, churches and hospitals. So, if you find yourself interested in participating...grab your knitting needles (size 7) or crochet hook (size G) and your worsted-weight acrylic yarn and join in the fun! If you have never knitted or crocheted and want to participate...no problem, as Robin Storey will be instructing those who are eager to learn! For further information please phone (740) 353-5834.

--

RiverCitiesEzine.com accepts Library News from all public libraries along the Ohio and Scioto Rivers... Contact Us.

Back to top ^