Did you know that during the first years of our community, we had a visitor who would go on to become a part of American folklore?
His name is one you’ve likely known since childhood. Galion is one of those locations that had a first-person acquaintance with John Chapman, then and now better known as Johnny Appleseed. 2024 marks the 250th anniversary of Johnny’s birth year, and our relationship with Johnny is one being celebrated this Saturday at the landmark Gill House on Harding Way West.
Chapman’s mission was to supply apple-tree nursery stock to 19th-century pioneers, and he is remembered for his eccentric appearance, gentle nature, and dedication to his cause. He wandered along the pathways and trails west of Mansfield, where he lived for a time, including traveling often through Crawford County. He was known to have planted a nursery northeast of Bucyrus, and he also planted trees and worked with early Galion settlers as well.
The free family Johnny Appleseed Day celebrates “all things apple.” Apple pie and ice cream will be on offer, and children will enjoy apple-related crafts. Tours of the house will be available, which has some items from our growing collection of artifacts which can be seen. A raffle will make available wonderful baskets full of local coupons, gifts, and more.
Preserving Galion, Inc., owners of the Gill House, will be planting a tree in Johnny’s honor during the event. This will commemorate the relationship between the family and Johnny, who planted trees on Gill family land.
Speaking of that, a treasure map will be available to attendees which pinpoints locations in Galion that are said to have had Johnny-planted trees and orchards.
The fun takes place between 1 PM and 3 PM at the house, located on Galion’s most historic corner, Gill Avenue and Harding Way West.
