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Great Stone Viaduct Society News

 
7-14-2023 2:00 PMHELP US ILLUMINATE THE VIADUCT BY BECOMING A SUSTAINING MEMBER OF THE GSV SOCIETY

The board of trustees are raising funds to provide electricity to our Viaduct that will allow us to illuminate the arches at night, and provide electricity to the viaduct trail and plaza. This will enhance the beauty of the bridge and provide opportunities for events and vendors that require power. The power also will permit the decoration of the viaduct walkway at holidays and for other events. YOU CAN HELP by becoming a Sustaining Member of the GSV Society. If you are already a member, please print this application form and pass it along to a Friend! HELP US ILLUMINATE THE VIADUCT!



12-5-2022 2:00 PM2022 Mattox Award Presented to Great Stone Viaduct Society



9-30-2022 2:00 PMSeptember 30, 2022 - Ohio Traveler News UPDATE
New Walking Trail Atop The Great Stone Viaduct Set to Open this Fall in Bellaire, Ohio



2-12-2020 1:39 PMFebruary 19, 2020 - GSV Lecture Schedule UPDATE
DON'T MISS -- A Tale of Three Bridges by Daniel L. Frizzi, Jr.



The Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society announces a change to our lecture series schedule. Substituting for Marcia Hartman's "Judge Isaac Parker - Judge of the Old West" will be "A Tale of Three Bridges" by Daniel L. Frizzi, Jr. Residents of Jefferson County, Ohio, Ohio and Marshall Counties in West Virginia and Belmont County in Ohio will not want to miss this fascinating presentation that connects all four counties at the turn-of-the-century. This presentation was last given in 2013.

All presentations are held in the community room at the Bellaire Public Library and begin promptly at 6 p.m. Refreshments will be served after the presentation and the GSV Society will have items for sale, with proceeds benefiting the restoration of the viaduct.

February 26 - Judge Vavra “Proviano Homicide: Murder or Suicide. Judge Vavra will be presenting a case ripped right from our local headlines in 1997. The Proviano murder presentation will visit all the facts and unanswered questions of the infamous case.

March March 4 - Mike Corn “Collecting Antique Bricks made in Ohio”. Mike Corn will be bringing his knowledge of local brick making in our area. Mr. Corn has over 1,000 different bricks in his collection. He will present his adventures in collecting and “swapping” bricks.

March 11 - Judge Edward A Sargus and Eric Wittenberg will present “Seceding from Secession”. US District Court Judge Edward Sargus and Mr. Eric Wittenberg will jointly present from their book "Seceding from Secession". The lecture will focus on West Virginia statehood and the lawsuit filed by Virginia in the Supreme Court to challenge the formation of a new state. The lecture will detail the struggles of the civil war era.

March 18 - Robert Roman “Ohio State Football, the Forgotten Dawn". O-H-I-O. Buckeye fans will be sure to enjoy this lecture on the history of Ohio State Football. Mr. Roman will present an incredible history of the team that will only increase that pride in Buckeye football for players, coaches, students, alumni, and any fans who love the team.

March 25 - Judge Frank Friegato “I Shot the Sheriff…..or Did I ? “ Judge Fregiato will present a local historical trial in which the defendant engaged in liquor sales and transportation. The defendant allegedly shot the sheriff who died from the injury. The defendant was found not guilty by claiming the projectile was not his that killed the sheriff.






2-4-2020 12:15 PMAward Winning Lecture Series in its 8th Year



The Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society received an award for Education and Public Awareness from the Ohio History Connection in 2017 for its winter lecture series. The 8th annual series begins Feb. 5 and concludes March 25. It is free and open to the public. The Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society will inform and entertainment with its 8th Annual Winter Lecture Series, offering eight historical presentations that are free and open to the public. The series, which begins February 5th and concludes on March 25, has grown in popularity. The lecture series earned the Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society an Award for Education and Public Awareness in 2017 from the Ohio History Connection. This year's topics will cover a wide range of historical subjects. All presentations are held in the community room at the Bellaire Public Library and begin promptly at 6 p.m. Refreshments will be served after the presentation and the GSV Society will have items for sale, with proceeds benefiting the restoration of the viaduct.

February 5th - Chris Roddel will present“Growing Up in Mr.Rogers’ Neighborhood” In this kick-off to the winter lecture series, Mr. Roddel will be presenting his book "Growing up in Mister Rogers’ Real Neighborhood". Rodell, a Latrobe, Pa. native, tells a heartwarming story of how Latrobe influenced Fred Rogers and how Fred Rogers influenced Latrobe.

February 12 - Judi Hendrickson and Jeanne Finstein “The Trial of Carrie Nation”, Hendrickson and Finstein, who have presented for the series since 2016, will bring history alive. The lecture will be a re-enactment of the trial of prohibitionist Carrie Nation. She was known as the “Hatchet Apostle” and was arrested in Wheeling in 1901.

February 19 - Marcia Hartman “Judge Isaac Parker-Judge of the Old West.” Writer Marcia Hartman brings local history to the pages of Crossroads Magazine. She will present the story of Judge Isaac Parker, collected from Barnesville native Bill Farson. Judge Parker was raised in Barnesville but followed the call of the west to Missouri where he was appointed by Ulysses S. Grant to be the judge for the US District Court for the Western District of Arkansas. Reportedly, the Clint Eastwood classic “Hang ‘Em High” was based on Judge Parker's work.

February 26 - Judge Vavra “Proviano Homicide: Murder or Suicide. Judge Vavra will be presenting a case ripped right from our local headlines in 1997. The Proviano murder presentation will visit all the facts and unanswered questions of the infamous case.

March March 4 - Mike Corn “Collecting Antique Bricks made in Ohio”. Mike Corn will be bringing his knowledge of local brick making in our area. Mr. Corn has over 1,000 different bricks in his collection. He will present his adventures in collecting and “swapping” bricks.

March 11 - Judge Edward A Sargus and Eric Wittenberg will present “Seceding from Secession”. US District Court Judge Edward Sargus and Mr. Eric Wittenberg will jointly present from their book "Seceding from Secession". The lecture will focus on West Virginia statehood and the lawsuit filed by Virginia in the Supreme Court to challenge the formation of a new state. The lecture will detail the struggles of the civil war era.

March 18 - Robert Roman “Ohio State Football, the Forgotten Dawn". O-H-I-O. Buckeye fans will be sure to enjoy this lecture on the history of Ohio State Football. Mr. Roman will present an incredible history of the team that will only increase that pride in Buckeye football for players, coaches, students, alumni, and any fans who love the team.

March 25 - Judge Frank Friegato “I Shot the Sheriff…..or Did I ? “ Judge Fregiato will present a local historical trial in which the defendant engaged in liquor sales and transportation. The defendant allegedly shot the sheriff who died from the injury. The defendant was found not guilty by claiming the projectile was not his that killed the sheriff.






9-17-2019 7:15 PMState of the GSV Society Presented - January to September 2019

GSV Board Chairman Paul Cramer presented a review of the progress and events of the GSV Society from January to September 2019 at the 2019 GSV Annual All-American Banquet and Fundraiser on September 17, 2019 held in Bellaire, Ohio.

Download the full presentation PDF here






9-5-2019 5:52 PMOhio Magazine Online - August 2019

Ohio Magazine has just published a Heritage Road Trip featuring the Great Stone Viaduct in Ohio Magazine Online






3-11-2019 1:11 PMIn Memoriam -- Henry J. "Hank" Marsilio

Hank Marsilio was a most generous man. Hank along with many of his era of steam enthusiast friends donated much of their time, their equipment, their expertise and love of history to contribute to the 2013 GSV Steam Whistle Expo. Hank will be sadly missed.






1-15-2019 12:55 PM2017 & 2018 GSV Years in Review


Download the GSV Society 2017 Year in Review HERE

Download the GSV Society 2018 Year in Review HERE





 
2/7/2018 11:15 AMNewspaper articles-- April 2018

 
 
 
 
 
 
     




 
10/28/2017 7:15 PMGreat Stone Viaduct Society receives Public Education and Awareness Award and Preservation Merit Award from Ohio History Connection Belmont County Bar Association donation
















Great Stone Viaduct in Bellaire



     
 

COLUMBUS - Outstanding historic preservation achievements in communities across Ohio were honored at the Ohio History Connection’s State Historic Preservation Office Awards on Sat., Oct. 28, 2017. State Historic Preservation Officer Burt Logan presented a Public Education and Awareness Award and Preservation Merit Award to the Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society during a luncheon at the Ohio History Center in Columbus. GSV Society chairman, Paul Cramer received the award on behalf of the entire Great Stone Viaduct board of trustees. Mr. Cramer commented that “the board of trustee’s passion for history is a fire that never dies.” He thanked the Ohio History Connection for “recognizing their passion for turning back the pages of history to create a legacy for future generations.”

About Ohio History Connection
The Ohio History Connection, formerly the Ohio Historical Society, is a statewide history organization with the mission to spark discovery of Ohio’s stories. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization chartered in 1885, the Ohio History Connection carries out history services for Ohio and its citizens focused on preserving and sharing the state’s history. This includes housing the state historic preservation office, the official state archives, and the local history office. The Ohio History Connection also manages more than 50 sites and museums across Ohio. Each year, the Ohio History Connection’s State Historic Preservation Office recognizes achievements in historic preservation by presenting awards in two categories: Public Education and Awareness, and Preservation Merit.

The Public Education and Awareness Award is for increasing interest in historic preservation. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to, media, newsletters, publications, interpretation, original research, educational programs and special events which have substantially increased public understanding and awareness of historic preservation at the local, regional or state level.

The Preservation Merit Award is for preserving Ohio's prehistory, history, architecture or culture. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to, restoring, rehabilitating or otherwise preserving an important building or site, longtime stewardship of a property, promoting protective legislation, funding preservation projects, offering leadership, support or service, and furthering preservation at the local, regional or state level.

GSV BOARD OF TRUSTEES PHOTO
TOP-Left to Right: Stanley Stewart, Burt Logan, Executive Director & CEO, Ohio History Connection, Ed Mowrer, Dave Slie, Paul Cramer, Dan Frizzi, Jr., Don Taylor MIDDLE-Left to Right: Marion Stolz, Larry Siebieda, Lillian Siebieda, Jim Cochran, Jack McKeever BOTTOM-Left to Right: Sandy Cilli, Laura Ellis, Nancy Merryman, Erica Keller NOT PICTURED GSV TRUSTEES: Joanne Sullivan, Jim Williams, Sherry Wallner

 

 
  Click here to download the original press release    
       
       
 
9/19/2017 7:15 PMGreat Stone Viaduct named one of Ohio's "stunning" bridges Belmont County Bar Association donation
















Great Stone Viaduct in Bellaire



     
 

COLUMBUS - Historic and unique bridges have a way of sticking in our collective memories. Many of us remember the bridge we crossed walking to school, a landmark on the way to visit relatives, the gateway out of town or a welcoming indication that you are back in familiar territory.

The Ohio Department of Transportation, in collaboration with the Ohio Historic Bridge Association, Ohio History Connection’s State Historic Preservation Office, TourismOhio and historicbridges.org, has assembled a list of stunning bridges across the state that are well worth a journey.

The Great Stone Viaduct in Bellaire, Ohio has been included as one of Ohio's "stunning" bridges and is featured in the brochure published by the Ohio Department of Transportation

The publication was featured as an insert in Ohio Magazine. The Viaduct is listed as bridge number "2" in the inside of the publication.

 

 
  Click here to download the ODOT bridges brochure    
       
       















 
9/20/2017 Robert A. DeFrank for the IntelligencerGrant Secured for Great Stone Viaduct Project in Bellaire Belmont County Bar Association donation




Bellaire’s Great Stone Viaduct Society has been approved for a $1.9 million Ohio Department of Transportation grant to transform the historic structure into the centerpiece of a new park, although about $350,000 in local matching funds will need to be raised.


     
 

WHEELING - Bellaire’s Great Stone Viaduct Society has been approved for a $1.9 million Ohio Department of Transportation grant to transform the historic structure into the centerpiece of a new park, although about $350,000 in local matching funds will need to be raised. File Photo Bellaire’s Great Stone Viaduct Society has been approved for a $1.9 million Ohio Department of Transportation grant to transform the historic structure into the centerpiece of a new park, although about $350,000 in local matching funds will need to be raised. After years of planning, the dream to preserve Bellaire’s Great Stone Viaduct and transform the historic structure into a park may become reality, now that the project has been approved for a $1.9 million grant through the Ohio Department of Transportation. However, the use of the grant requires a 5-percent local match, or almost $100,000, and site development costs such as grading and cleaning, estimated at $250,000. This means local funds of about $350,000 must be raised before the grant can be accessed. The $1.9 million ODOT Transportation Alternatives Program Construction Grant, as well as an award of $5,000 from the Tom E. Dailey Foundation in Chicago, were announced Tuesday during the Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society’s third-annual All-American Banquet fundraiser. Viaduct society Chairman Paul Cramer outlined the planned project, which has been a goal since the society obtained ownership of the viaduct in 2015. Officials hope the $1.9 million grant will be enough to complete the first phase of the project. “It will include a visitor center, parking, walking and bicycling trails, an elevated walkway spanning 20 stone arches, and an observation deck at the end,” Cramer said. “Phase II of our project will need to be funded next and will continue the walking/bike trail along the railroad bed to 26th Street.” Cramer commended the society’s board of trustees for their time and effort. He also thanked the local community and businesses for their financial support and urged them to continue that support. “We need your help. … I’m hopeful that the project can be completed in its entirety by the year 2021. This is the year that will celebrate our 150th anniversary from the construction of the Great Stone Viaduct … ,” he said. “I’m hoping you can locate some funds to try and get this project going. I don’t want to leave the $1.9 million on the table.” In addition, Cramer announced the viaduct will be featured in the 2017 “Visit Ohio’s Historic Bridges” brochure published by the Ohio Bridge Association and ODOT. “The Great Stone Viaduct is one of only six historic bridges featured in the interior of the brochure, which is pretty amazing,” Cramer said.

 

 
  View the Great Stone Viaduct Park Concept Video here    
       
       
 
8/1/2017 1:34 PMBelmont County Bar Association supports Great Stone Viaduct Society preservation project Belmont County Bar Association donation













Pictured Left to Right: Atty. David Liberati, Judge Frank Fregiato, Atty. Daniel Frizzi, Jr., GSV Trustee, Joanne Sullivan, GSV Secretary, Paul Cramer, GSV President, Atty. Nicole White, Atty. Jeff McCamic, President of the Belmont County Bar Association, Nancy Merryman, GSV Trustee


     
 

BELLAIRE - The Belmont County Bar Association, and member lawyers from both Ohio and West Virginia, have given their financial support to the efforts of the Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society project in Bellaire, Ohio, for preservation and development of the Great Stone Viaduct. Jeff McCamic, President of the Belmont County Bar Association announced that the Great Stone Viaduct Society has been chosen for the 2017 Annual Award of $1,000.00 to worthy causes which are supported by the Bar Association’s program of charitable giving.

President McCamic, and member attorneys, presented to the GSV Society Officers a check for $1000.00, and bar members raised in addition thereto from individual contributions, an additional $750.00 for participation as a Keystone Member of the GSV Society. The Keystone Membership will create an arch to be known as the “Belmont County Bar Association Arch” with the remaining ring stones of that Arch reserved as Memorials for individual members of the Bar Association.

President McCamic stated that the efforts of the GSV Society to preserve this historic landmark, and develop the site for a trail-head for walkers and bicyclists, is a project which caught the attention of local bar members. “This project is worthy of the Bar Association’s financial support”, he said, “and our members voted unanimously to support it”. The Belmont County Bar Association Arch will join other theme arches already established for “Businesses”, “BHS Alumni Classes”, “Veterans”, “Coal Mining”, “Italian-Americans”, “Memorials”, “Railroad Workers” and “Friends of the Viaduct”.

President of the GSV Society, Paul Cramer, thanked the Bar Association Members present for their generous contributions and support for this project, and stated that “this kind of local support moves the project closer to the Society’s goal of preservation and development of this historic bridge site”. The Great Stone Viaduct was constructed between 1870 and 1871 by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad as an Ohio approach to the bridge spanning the Ohio River. The viaduct was placed upon the National Register of historic structures in 1976, and was memorialized in a Historic Marker of the Ohio Historical Society in 2006. The GSV Society acquired from CSX Transportation 20 abandoned arches in 2015, together with 5 acres of land on which these arches stand.



 



 
  Click here to download the ODOT Bridges Brochure    
       
       
 
2/1/2017 9:00 AMGSV Crocks Make Great Gifts! GSV Crocks make great gifts
     
 

BELLAIRE - Ceramic crocks are being sold as a fund raiser for the Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society and are available for sale and pickup at any of the 2017 GSV Winter Lecture Series held at the Bellaire Public Library on Wednesday evenings beginning at 6 pm. throughout February and March. The lecture schedule is posted at:

 

www.greatstoneviaduct.org/events.html

 



 
  Click here to download the lecture schedule    
       
       
 
1/27/2017 9:00 AMJohn McCabe to speak at kickoff lecture TGIF
     
 

BELLAIRE - The Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society and the Bellaire Public Library is sponsoring a lecture on February 1, 2017 presented byJohn McCabe, editor at the Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register as posted in today's TGIF section of the morning paper.

 



 
  Click here to download the lecture flyer    
       
       
 
1/26/2017 11:00 AM2017 GSV Society Winter Lecture Series begins 2-1-2017 2017 Winter Lecture Series
     
 

BELLAIRE - The Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society and the Bellaire Public Library is sponsorina lecture series beginning on February 1, 2017.

 



 
  Click here to download the lecture schedule    
       
       
 
2/26/2016 1:00 PMLecture featured history of filmmaking in the Ohio Valley handshake
     
 

BELLAIRE - The Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society and the Bellaire Public Library sponsored a lecture on February 17, 2016 presented by Jay Morris, director of media and instructor of film courses at Ohio University
Eastern.

 

Download full article below.

 
  Click here to download the PDF file    
       
       
 
3/8/2015 9:00 AMBellaire is a Community with Great Pride and Tradition Steam Whistle Toot Exposition
     
 

BELLAIRE - Bellaire is a community with great pride and tradition. Recent times have not been kind to the All-American Town but its pride still shines on. Bellaire's glorious past was showcased Wednesday at the public library. Center stage was the Great Stone Viaduct. If planning comes to fruition, it will be the cornerstone of a park in the heart of the town...

 
  Click here to see the park concept video on YouTube    
  Click here to see the full Times Leader article    
       
 
7/27/2015 9:00 AMGSV Society Inks Agreement with CSX handshake
     
 

BELLAIRE - The Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society has inked an agreement with CSX TRANSPORTATION, INC. for the purchase of abandoned railroad property in Bellaire, Ohio where twenty (20) arches of the Stone Viaduct stand. The contract, which has been in the process of negotiation with CSX officials over the past 18 months, includes 5 1/2 acres of real estate, including an approximately 1/4 mile approach to the 20 arches of the abandoned portion of the bridge which was idled in 1996 when coal shipments from the Lamira coal preparation plant ended. The arches intended to be acquired will stretch from the West side of Guernsey Street to the bridge abutment at Rose Hill. The price agreed upon between the parties is $83,000.00. The Great Stone Viaduct, for which the Society has taken its name, was placed upon the National Register of Historic Structures in June 1976, and was recognized by the Ohio Historical Society in 2008 with a Historical Marker. The viaduct is a sandstone structure consisting of 43 separate arches which traverse the downtown business district of Bellaire along 31st Street. It serves as the Ohio land approach to the railroad bridge constructed in 1868-1871 to cross the Ohio River, and its appearance is reminiscent of a Roman Aqueduct. The most beautiful portion of this viaduct, still appearing in the original sandstone construction without refacing, is the portion that the GSV Society has contracted to purchase. The remaining 23 arches of the viaduct continue in active railroad operation under control of the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad.

Support from the community of donors to this project, including the Belmont County Tourism Council, has assisted the Society to move this project forward since discussions about preserving this portion of the bridge began nearly 2 years ago. Local, county, and state officials have offered their support to this project, and have assisted the GSV Board in its efforts. Symbolic sales of Keystones and Ringstones to the public has netted over $53,000.00 in categories designated for each of the arches to be acquired, including a "Business Arch", a "Memorial Arch", a "Coal Mining Arch", an "Alumni Arch", a "Veterans Arch", a "Friends of the Viaduct Arch", and an "Italian American Arch". Through the efforts of the GSV Board and these donors, plans for development of the site, once acquired by GSV, will help to highlight the historical significance of this bridge, and make it a historic site for visitors to Belmont County. The website maintained by the Society provides much information about the project for preservation as well as a list of those individuals and businesses who have donated to this cause of preservation.

The GSV Society is in the process of completing its due diligence regarding the site and the title to be conveyed under the contract with CSX. The Society Board of Trustees hope to have this completed within the next 4 months with a closing on the contract before the end of the year.

 
  Click here to see the park concept video on YouTube    
       
       
 
3/8/2015 9:00 AMBellaire is a Community with Great Pride and Tradition Steam Whistle Toot Exposition
     
 

BELLAIRE - Bellaire is a community with great pride and tradition. Recent times have not been kind to the All-American Town but its pride still shines on. Bellaire's glorious past was showcased Wednesday at the public library. Center stage was the Great Stone Viaduct. If planning comes to fruition, it will be the cornerstone of a park in the heart of the town...

 
  Click here to see the park concept video on YouTube    
  Click here to see the full Times Leader article    
       
 
3/5/2015 12:00 PMGreat Stone Viaduct Park Closer to Reality Steam Whistle Toot Exposition
     
 

BELLAIRE - The Great Stone Viaduct is a historical landmark, and one local society is striving to make sure it is preserved for years to come.
An update regarding the Great Stone Viaduct Park project was given on Wednesday (3-4-2015) at the Bellaire Public Library, as part of the library's ongoing lecture series. Daniel Frizzi, Jr., Chairperson for the Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society(GSV) led the event and made a big announcement...

 
  Click here to see the park concept video on YouTube    
  Click here to see the full Times Leader article    
       
 
1/14/2015 10:00 AMLocal history the focus of winter lecture series Steam Whistle Toot Exposition
     
 

BELLAIRE - In a joint effort to promote awareness of the rich Ohio Valley history, The Bellaire Public Library and The Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society are once again teaming up to sponsor the Local History Winter Lecture Series. This well-attended lecture series is now in its third year. Lectures are scheduled each Wednesday during the months of February and March at 6 p.m. in the library's community room. Light refreshments are also provided...

 
       
  Click here to see the full Times Leader article    
       
 
8/3/2014 10:00 AMBellaire poised for third viaduct celebration Steam Whistle Toot Exposition
     
 

THE VILLAGE of Bellaire will come alive in less than two weeks, and it has nothing to do with high school football. Rather, the third annual Great Stone Viaduct Celebration unfolds Saturday, Aug. 16.

The viaduct event staged at Union Park, has grown into a major Ohio Valley happening. A full slate of nationally renown speakersis on tap as well as a slew of activities, food and entertainment.

The celebration starts at 11 a.m. in resounding style. Capt. Richard VanHorn is bringing his men of Byrnes Battery Co. D from the McConnelsville/Zanesville area to deliver a unique 12-paound Mountain Howitzer cannon used in Ohio during the Civil War...

 
       
  Click here to see the full Times Leader article    
       
 
12/23/2013 10:00 AM2014 Local History Winter Lecture Series Steam Whistle Toot Exposition
     
 

The Winter Lecture Series, held on Wednesday evenings during the winter months of February and March, is now in its second year.  A decision was made by the GSV Society and the Bellaire Public Library to expand the lecture season this year from six weeks to eight weeks based upon the favorable response from those in attendance last year.  This expansion will broaden the topics that can be covered and allows a greater opportunity for those wishing to attend.  The lectures sponsored last year saw attendance between 30 to 50 persons for each lecture, and those numbers will be targeted for increase this year...

 
       
  Click here to see the full Times Leader article    
       
  Click here to see the full News Register article    
       
 

Lecture Schedule

February 5, 2014 - “The Underground Railroad in Ohio” - John Maddox

 

February 12, 2014 - “Belmont County and the Northwest Territory” - Dr. David Castle

 

February 19, 2014 - “Imperial Glass-Gem of the Glass City” - Fred Ottoson

 

February 26, 2014 - “The Methodist Episcopal Church in Bellaire, Ohio - Bellaire's First Church” - Daniel Frizzi, Jr.

 

March 5, 2014 - “Steamboats on the Ohio River at Wheeling” - John Bowman

 

March 12, 2014 - “Cultural Traditions of Early Coal, Glass and Steel Towns” - Laura Cramblet

 

March 19, 2014 - “Archival Research, and Preservation of Historical Photographs and Documents” - Paul Cramer

 

March 26, 2014 - “Belmont County Common Pleas Court Judges: Decisions that Shaped History” - Daniel Frizzi, Jr.

       
 
11/25/2013 10:00 AMBellaire High School Alumni Association and GSV Society Cooperate in Preservation Effort Steam Whistle Toot Exposition
     
 

A cooperative agreement between the Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society and the Bellaire High School Alumni Association was recently approved by both organizations for the purchase of “Class Ringstones” for the planned “Alumni Arch” at the Great Stone Viaduct. The GSVSociety is promoting this as a part of the fundraising campaign to acquire, protect and preserve the abandoned portion of this historic structure. The BHS Alumni Association will be the “Keystone Member” for this arch under the banner “The Faithful and True Hearted”. Classes of 1946, 1968, 1970 and 1971 have already reserved their spot on this Arch through class purchases of a “Class Ringstone”.

Under the cooperative agreement, The GSV Society will purchase for each participating class a “Memorial Brick” engraved for each class to be placed in the “Alumni Walkway” on 35th Street at the High School, in addition to being included on a GSV Society Bronze Plaque displaying all contributing classes upon acquisition of the Viaduct property.

Both organizations encourage other BHS classes to participate by contacting Joanne Cochran Sullivan or Nancy Merryman of the GSV Society for more information. You can view the Alumni Arch, and all fundraising information, by viewing of the GSV website fund raising page at greatstoneviaduct.org where the current participating classes are acknowledged. Ask other BHS classes to “Get on Board the Big Red Express” by participating in this cooperative effort to protect and preserve the GSV and support your Alumni Association.

 
     
 
 
10/13/2013 10:00 AMCommission will protect landmarks Steam Whistle Toot Exposition
     
 

BELLAIRE - Bellaire Village Council recently passed an ordinance establishing a historic landmarks commission for the village.

In part, this was brought about by the Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society.

The commission will be tasked with providing for the “protection and enhancement of the distinctive character of the historic resources” of Bellaire...

 
     
  Click here to see the full Times Leader article  
     
 
 
10/6/2013 10:00 AMStanding shoulder to shoulder Steam Whistle Toot Exposition
     
 

THE GREAT Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society (GSV Society) formed just 18 months ago to become a non-profit 501 (c) 3 corporation. The stated purpose was to educate and promote public awareness of our rich heritage, and to protect and preserve important parts of our built environment that exemplifies that heritage. With the conclusion of the second Stone Viaduct Celebration, which included a steam whistle expo, hopefully all are aware of the mission and purpose of this organization.

The current activities of the GSV Society, has been to raise public awareness and appreciation of the Great Stone Viaduct in Bellaire which gives this organization its name. Many have joined this organization as members to support its activities and goals. One such goal is to acquire, protect, and preserve the abandoned portion of this magnificent railroad bridge for future generations to enjoy, while the active portion of the bridge continues to serve its purpose of providing rail transport between Ohio and West Virginia...

 
     
  Click here to see the full Times Leader opinion piece  
     
 
 
10/2/2013 10:00 AMIlluminated Viaduct Steam Whistle Toot Exposition
     
 

AS PART of this past weekend's Steam Whistle Expo, the Bellaire Viaduct was totally illuminated to showcase its historic beauty. Expo officials note the celebration was a success.

 


 

 
     
  Click here to see the Times Leader image and caption  
     
 
 
9/30/2013 10:00 AMGSV hosts Whistle Expo Steam Whistle Toot Exposition
     
 

BELLAIRE - The Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society hosted the Steam Whistle Expo this weekend.

“This expo portion of the event was started as an off-shoot of the Great Stone Viaduct Celebration. This is our second year,” said Paul Cramer, one of the directors of the expo. “This year, we decided to start the Steam Whistle Expo, as our organization is trying to preserve this structure. What better way then to be out here infront of it.”

The sound and music of steam whistle could be heard throughout the village of Bellaire on Saturday and Sunday. The American Music Machine, a contraption built by Dana Dolfi, was a popular attraction...

 
     
  Click here to read the full Times Leader article  
     
 
 
9/27/2013 10:00 AMSteam Whistle Expo Steam Whistle Toot Exposition
     
 

A MAJOR celebration is coming down the tracks in the All-American Town this weekend.

The 2013 Celebration & Steam Whistle Exposition unfolds in Bellaire Saturday. It is shaping up as a magnificent celebration, one that promises to bring in a large outpouring of visitors to town.

The Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society should be commended for its sponsorship and promotion of the expo. The GSV Society has labored tediously and thoroughly in putting together the event...

 
     
  Click here to read the full Times Leader article  
     
 
 
9/27/2013 10:00 AMGreat Stone Viaduct Celebration, Steam Whistle Expo to Kick Off Steam Whistle Toot Exposition
     
 

The second annual Great Stone Viaduct Celebration will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Bellaire Public Library Community Room with a linup of exhibits and history speakers.

Later that afternoon, the Steam Whistle Expo will begin with a blast of steam whistles at the Belmont Community Health Center parking lot at the interior curve of the Great Stone Viaduct.

The library doors will open at 9 a.m. for a meet and greet and registration. The community room will host exhibits including steam whistles, steam powered model engines, model steam locomotives and steamboats, all reminiscent of the industrial revolution of the 19th and early 20th centuries...

 
     
  Click here to read the full Intelligencer article from the TGIF section  
     
 
 
9/26/2013 10:00 AMSteam Whistle Expo To Be Held Steam Whistle Toot Exposition
     
 

For more than four decades, 87-year-old Marshall County resident Harold “Sid” Heckman worked as a railroad conductor with the B&O Railway, the first 12 of those years spent aboard steam engine trains that traveled throughout the Ohio Valley and deep into the coal fields of West Virginia.

Heckman, who has a wealth of knowledge about the steam trains, is looking forward to hearing some of the steam whistles he collected over the years - including the whistle that once sounded the shift changes at the old Imperial Glass factory in Bellaire - when he attends the Great Stone Viaduct Steam Whistle Expo in Bellaire this weekend. The Imperial factory whistle is one of many locally significant historic steam whistles that will be sounded with steam for the first time in many years during the expo. Heckman said several decades have now passed since he last heard his steam whistles...

 
     
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  Click here to see the photo with caption from the Intelligencer  
     
 
 
9/22/2013 10:00 AMSteam Whistle Expo primed for success Steam Whistle Toot Exposition
     
 

ALL THAT remains is two days of good weather.

The Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society has done everything possible to promote the 2013 Celebration & Steam Whistle Exposition. The two-day extravaganza unfolds this Saturday.

The GSV Society has saturated the Ohio Valley with promotional signs, attended community meetings to champion the cause while also holding a business after hours. Such passionate and exhaustive efforts need paid back with two days of dry and warm weather...

 
     
  Click here to read the full Times Leader article  
     
     
 
 
9/19/2013 10:00 AMViaduct, Steam Whistle Expo Set Steam Whistle Toot Exposition
     
 

The second annual Great Stone Viaduct Celebration will begin Saturday, Sept. 28, 9 a.m., at the Bellaire Public Library Community Room with a lineup of exhibits and history speakers. Later that afternoon, the Steam Whistle Expo will begin with a blast of steam whistles at the Belmont Community Health Center parking lot at the interior curve of the Great Stone Viaduct.

The library doors will open for a Meet and Greet at 9 a.m. and for registration. The community room will host exhibits including steam whistles, steam powered model engines, model steam locomotives and steamboats, all reminiscent of the industrial revolution of the 19th and early 20th centuries...

 
     
  Click here to read the full Times Leader article  
     
     
 
 
9/15/2013 10:00 AMGSV Society project worth supporting Steam Whistle Toot Exposition
     
 

I SAW signs of progress in Bellaire Thursday. It was delivered at the Business After Hours program at the Bellaire High School cafeteria.

The well-attended event was sponsored by the Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society. Inclement weather forced the program indoors. It was originally scheduled to be staged near the viaduct.

The Great Stone Viaduct group has undertaken a monumental task and is doing so with unbridled passion. It is attempting to acquire the abandoned portion of the viaduct which extends from Guernsey Street to Rose Hill from CSX Corp. That would include 20 of the viaduct's archways...

 
     
  Click here to read the full Times Leader article  
     
  Click here to see the photo with caption from the Times Leader  
       
 
8/11/2013 10:00 AMEliza and The House that Jack Built Steam Whistle Toot Exposition
     
 

An exhibit at the National Imperial Glass Museum, Bellaire, helps to evoke memories related to coal magnate Jacob Heatherington and his wife, Eliza as well as his faithful and hard-working partner – a little, black mule named Jack.

A model of the Eliza H. towboat, made by John Bowman of Wheeling and commissioned by attorney Daniel L. Frizzi Jr., is displayed at the museum as are old-time pictures and the historical novel, “Eliza and the House That Jack Built.” Also Exhibited are glasses featuring steamboat decals produced by the Imperial Glass Corp., according to Rosalie Wencoski, museum administrator...

 
     
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8/6/2013 10:00 AMSteam Whistle Expo Planned Steam Whistle Toot Exposition
     
 

BELLAIRE — The Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society in Bellaire is constantly striving to preserve the viaduct, and in turn, the village of Bellaire's rich history in rail.

Next month, the society plans the first of what figures to be an annual event, the 2013 Celebration and Steam Whistle Exposition.

It will be held Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 28-29, at both the Mellott Memorial Library and the grounds of Belmont Community Health Center...

 
     
  Click here to read the full Times Leader article  
     
  Click here to read the full Intelligencer article  
 
 
7/8/2013 10:00 AMPainting Honors Bellaire Viaduct Honoring Bellaire Viaduct History
     
 

BELLAIRE — “Under the Arches” of the Great Stone Viaduct is the name given to the second in the series of watercolor prints of scenes of this historic structure commissioned by the Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society.

The watercolor artist is Joanne Cochran Sullivan, and Paul Cramer owns the post card used for the watercolor painting. Both are trustees of the society, which is sponsoring the watercolor series of prints. The 1910 post card is a photograph of how that area appeared...

 
     
  Click here to read the Times Leader full article  
     
 
4/9/2013 10:00 AMLocal Preservation is Pushed in Bellaire Ohio Historic Preservation
     
 

BELLAIRE — Dan Frizzi from the Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society and his board members are doing their best to get their plans involving the preservation of and education about the iconic structure off the ground.

Thursday, Frizz spoke at the regular meeting of Bellaire Village Council and had accompanying him two representatives from the Ohio Historic Preservation Office...

 
     
  Click here to read the Times Leader full article  
     
 
4/9/2013 10:00 AMGreat Stone Viaduct Celebration Taking Shape 2013 Viaduct Celebration Steam Whistle Blow
     
 

The GSVSociety announces that two well known speakers to Baltimore and Ohio Railroad enthusiasts have agreed to participate and present lectures at the Great Stone Viaduct Celebration scheduled for Saturday, September 28, 2013. Both will continue in the tradition begun last year of providing scholarly material relating to the railroad history of the upper Ohio Valley.

John Teichmoeller of Ellicott City, Maryland, will return to Ohio to give a morning presentation on the Rail Marine Connections at Bellaire, Ohio. John is closely associated with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Historical Society, and is co ordinator of the Rail Marine Information Group (RMIG) which concentrates on vessels, terminals, and the operations relating them to railroads. He has written articles for the “Sentinel” published by the BORHS, and contributed to the “Keystone” of the Pennsylvania Railroad Historical Society. An avid model railroader, John has a track layout in his basement representing 7 miles of the old B &O mainline. He also models with emphasis on building rail marine models. John will speak on “Rail Marine Connections at Bellaire, Ohio”...

 
     
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  Click here to see the full press release  
 
 
2/7/2013 10:00 AMCommisioners Support Viaduct Belmont County preserve historic structures
     
 

ST. CLAIRSVILLE - Belmont County Commissioners passed a resolution Wednesday endorsing the efforts and goals of the Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society, Inc. The non-profit organization is dedicated to preserving and promoting the structure in Bellaire.

“Belmont County has a very rich history, we all know that, but it's amazing how many people really don't understand a lot about the historically significant structures we have, and one of those is of course the Great Stone Viaduct,” said Dan Frizzi Jr., board member, adding that it was placed on the National Register of Historic Structures in 1976 and was recognized by the Ohio Historical Society a few years ago during its marker program. Its marker is on Union Street, at the archstone engraved with the date of commencement in 1870...

 
     
  Click here to read the Times Leader full article  
     
 
12/1/2012 9:00 AMRailroad Site Tour Scheduled Grave Creek Roseby's Rock B&O Railroad Station
     
 

A TOUR involving such railroad sites as The Great Stone Viaduct in Bellaire and Roseby's Rock in West Virginia is scheduled Sunday, Dec. 16, between 1 and 6 p.m.

The Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society will sponsor the local bus tour, and transportation will be provided by Ohio Valley Regional Transit Authority buses that will travel to Bellaire and the Great Stone Viaduct; Grave Creek and Roseby's Rock; and Wheeling to the former Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Station that today houses West Virginia Northern Community College...

 
     
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8/20/2012 9:00 AMBellaire Stone Viaduct Event Historical Railroad Celebration
     
 

Daniel Frizzi, center, in yellow, leads a walking tour of the Baltimore & Ohio viaduct in Bellaire on Saturday. The Great Stone Viaduct Historical Preservation Society held the all-day event at the Bellaire Library with more than a dozen local businesses as sponsors. Stone for the viaduct came from Lorain County and was cut into blocks in nearby Bellaire Park...

 
     
  Click here to read the Times Leader full article  
     
 
8/8/2012 9:00 AMFirst Annual Viaduct Celebration Held Saturday First Annual Viaduct Celebration
     
 

The Great Stone Viaduct Education Society held their first annual celebration
Saturday in Bellaire.

John Hankey, the former curator of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum, delivered the keynote address to the attendees excited about the historic structure that is unique to the city.

The Great Stone Viaduct railroad bridge was constructed following the civil war and was completed in 1871...

 
     
  Click here to read the full WTRF article  
     
 
8/8/2012 9:00 AMAll Aboard! Viaduct Celebration Planned in Bellaire 2012 Great Stone Viaduct Celebration
     
  BELLAIRE — The Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society is planning its charter year celebration in Bellaire surrounding the history and significance of the imposing Great Stone Viaduct.

The Viaduct Still carries the railroad traffic of the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad 141 years after it's completion in 1871...
 
     
  Click here to read the full Daily Jeffersonian article  
     
 
7/13/2012 9:00 AMIconic Span Reaches into History Bellaire Ohio Historical Society
     
  Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society steams ahead July 13, 2012

BELLAIRE — The history of railroads and Bellaire have been linked since before the Civil War, and now a dedicated group of local men and women from all walks of life, have formed the Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society, and are working to keep and promote the railroad heritage that transformed Bellaire and its landscape.

With 43 stone arches, the Great Stone Viaduct is Bellaire's most recognizable landmark that helped to shape not only the Ohio Valley, but the whole of the county...


 
     
  Click here to read the full Times Leader article  
   
info@greatstoneviaduct.org 1-740-963-3500
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