(Submitted by Wood County Historical Center)
The 14th annual Wood County Living History Day is Sunday, Aug. 27 at 2 p.m., at Oak Grove Cemetery on the campus of BGSU, Bowling Green. Local residents portray citizens interred in Wood County and local cemeteries to promote local history. 2017 Honorees were chosen because 2017 marks the 100th anniversary of the United States entering WWI, which is also being honored with an exhibit at the Wood County Historical Center & Museum. This event is free and open to the public.
“A Joyful Noise” will provide music before the event. Parking is available in the cemetery, as well as on the adjacent BGSU campus. The Wood County Sheriff’s Auxiliary will provide free rides up to the mound where the program will be held. Chairs are available, although those attending are encouraged to bring a lawn chair. In case of heavy rain, the program will be moved to the First United Methodist Church, 1506 E. Wooster St.
The 2017 honorees are:
RAY DUDLEY AVERY (1886-1958) – Captain of Bowling Green’s Company H in 1916. Portrayed by Avery’s grandson Marlowe Witt.
JONATHAN ELMORE LADD (1863-1930) – School teacher, lawyer, and Prosecuting Attorney for Wood County. Five of his sons served in WWI, with one son killed in action. Portrayed by Peter Fry.
ADDIE JENNINGS LADD (1864-1944) – Wife of Jonathan Ladd and mother of Paul Ladd, killed in action during WWI. Addie visited Paul’s grave at the Meuse-Argonne Cemetery in France on the Gold Star Mother’s tour. Portrayed by Elizabeth Geer-Fry.
MARGARET LEHMANN (1875-1954) – Recruited by the American Red Cross to help lead a contingent of nurses to Europe at the start of what would become WWI. Portrayed by Cassie Greenlee.
MILO M. LYBARGER (1868-1936) – A prominent farm auctioneer in Bowling Green whose son, Charles, was killed in WWI with the sinking of the USS Ticonderoga. Portrayed by Steve Powell.
VERNON WYMER (1900-1918) – Private Wymer of North Baltimore was the first Wood County serviceman to die in combat in WWI. Portrayed by Wymer’s great-great nephew Hunter Wymer.
A DVD of the event will be available for purchase for $15 by contacting the Wood County Historical Society at 419-352-0967 by Sept. 1. This event was made possible by the Kiwanis Club of Bowling Green, WBGU-TV, Exchange Club of BG, Portage Center Arbor Gleaners 524 , Women’s Club of Bowling Green, Wood County Genealogical Society, and the Wood County Historical Society.
