Monday, June 30, 2014

The Underground Railroad Quilt

People often ask us what we like most about owning a bed and breakfast and our response is always the same. It's the people who come and stay and share a part of themselves with us.

This past week we had guests from Michigan, Kathie and Robert Fiedler, who found our listing as an Underground Railroad house in Ohio. Kathie is an accomplished quilter and came to our area in search of quilting fabric in historical patterns. Before leaving she showed us her remarkable Underground Railroad quilt of patterned squares that were codes to help slaves escape the bonds of captivity and travel the treacherous trek from the Southern states to safety in Canada before the Civil War. It was through Oberlin, Ohio that many of these slaves seeking freedom came to pass through. And our B & B, with the basement hiding place and floor plug above could have been one such place of safety and refuge.

Kathie gave us a very knowledgeable explanation of what each of the squares coded message meant such as the Log Cabin square hung out meant "Safe House." The Shirt Pattern square meant that clothing could be found here. Arrow in a pattern pointed north to freedom. The Bow Tie square was a symbol indicating that one needed to don a disguise and seek clothing that reflected a person of higher status.  And more squares too numerous to mention because I didn't take notes! You could tell that as she talked she was telling us about a labor of love. Her heart and soul is reflected in the work of her accomplishment and we are so thrilled that she shared this with us. The pictures below show only a small part of the loving labor that is reflected in this fabulous quilt. Thank you so much Kathie for sharing it with us. Someday maybe we will have a small wall hanging of an Undergound Railroad quilt!




Saturday, June 14, 2014

Oberlin Summer Theater

Oberlin Summer Theater is back for its 6th season so be the first to get your FREE tickets to one or all of these fabulous plays. This festival has become one of the most popular and family friendly events in all of Northeast Ohio. Word has spread over the years and now people are making this a destination stop.

The Oberlin Summer Theater Festival is supported by Oberlin College and Oberlin Conservatory and is made up of professional equity actors, local non-equity players, and interns who are recent graduates and current Oberlin students. There will also be a summer Shakespeare Day Camp July 28 to Aug. 1st for high school students to learn the art of acting.

So this years festival will include the following 3 plays:

As You Like It by William Shakespeare
June 27 - August 1, 2014
A comedy appropriate for ages 6 and up.

Come Back Little Sheba by William Inge
July 5 - August 2, 2014
Adult themes so recommended for ages 12 and up.

The Secret Garden by Thomas W. Olsen
July 11 - August 2, 2014
For all ages from 5 up

Notice that the play schedules overlap. That is because each play is performed three times a week, each week. So if you come and stay for a week you will be able to attend all three play performances!

Click here for calendar of productions and complete box office details. And remember that tickets are FREE but must be reserved in advance so it is on a first come basis. Sell outs do occur!

Now if you want to see all three plays then make Oberlin your vacation destination. Stay at Hallauer House B & B, enjoy our amenities, and during the day explore all Lorain County has to offer from museums, to antique shops, to the Zip Line Tour, to Cedar Point, to Lake Erie, and much more.