A day trip combines discoveries, old favorites

6/30/2013

Before the summer slips away and while the fields are still green I want to share a recent day trip to Archbold.

I ate too often and too much as is expected as I wandered on country roads soaking up the scenery of the beautiful farmland. But, first I must tell you about the passenger in the front seat.

Geranium, the senior cat, was packed comfortably on towels in her cage because she had been unable to walk. After carrying her up and down stairs, hand-feeding her, and squeezing water into her mouth from a soaked washcloth for several days, an appointment was made with Dr. Pat Dougherty at Pondview Veterinary Clinic.

Miss Geranium’s back was out of line and she needed a chiropractic adjustment. I couldn’t believe that the very thing I have considered for my aching back was now happening to the 16-year-old cat.

The tool used that made cracking sounds on Geranium’s back is a chiropractic hammer that I was told is the same instrument used on humans. The happy ending is that she is now walking naturally. I have had a lot of cats but that was a new one on me.

Baked Oatmeal

The arrival in Archbold was perfect timing to stop at Carol Ann’s City Café. It’s a sweet little squeaky-clean place where townspeople gather for coffee or breakfast. The woman working at a fast pace to keep customers happy is owner Carol Ann Grime, who is said to be as popular for her catering as she is for the café service. Last weekend she catered a wedding reception for 325 people in Sylvania.

She is able to accommodate big numbers with the help of her daughters, Laurie Carmody and April Toone, both of Archbold, and her best friend, Joan Batterson of Bryan.

Carol Ann suggested that I try the baked oatmeal and offered a choice of peach, apple, or plain. I chose the peach baked oatmeal that was served in a large square with warm milk. It was a welcome twist to the usual bowl with cold milk.

The cafe opens at 6:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday, until 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, until noon on Saturday, and is closed on Sunday.

New Citizens

What better place for a July 4 naturalization ceremony than at Sauder Village, where American history is featured in authentic buildings and artisans demonstrate pioneer crafts?

Forty-six people from 29 different countries will be granted American citizenship in a U.S. District Court Naturalization ceremony. The ceremony will be on Sauder’s village green at 11 a.m. and the public is invited.

It is impossible for me to pass by Sauder’s when I am in the Archbold neighborhood. I had the honor in 1976 of interviewing Erie Sauder, the founder of the living history village that has grown into an impressive destination that includes a campground and the Heritage Inn, a handsome hotel. Remembering the remarkable, innovative man who brought so much joy and American history to northwest Ohio always occupies my mind when I stop for lunch or dinner in the Barn restaurant 

Route 66

Route 66 in Fulton County may not be as famous as the one out West, but it’s the route I take out of Archbold to get to favorite stops.

Goll Woods is a state nature preserve of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in the region known as Black Swamp. A sign on route 66 directs visitors to the woods.

It is reported to be the last virgin forest in northwest Ohio. The thick canopy of trees covering more than 100 acres is the perfect place to enjoy nature’s air conditioning on a hot summer day. It is amazing how quickly the temperature drops once you enter the woods. There are four miles of trails through the dense forest and a small cemetery of the Peter Goll family.

The Homestead, the shop in front of Nafziger’s ice cream plant, has been a regular stop for many years. It is on county road F, off route 66. The ice cream stop brought other sweet local products into the fold. Nafziger’s has teamed with Al-Meda, the famous candy company, in two ice cream flavors. Black Swamp is French silk chocolate with Al-Meda’s chocolate covered peanuts and toffee.

Al-Meda has a nice homespun history. Almeda Rupp’s homemade candies became so popular with friends and family that she opened a business in 1924 in Archbold.