PERRYSVILLE , OH — Why did it take 12 years for Pleasant Hill Lake Park to open after the dam was completed?
Why did two villages around the lake disappear from the face of the earth?
Whatever happened to the park’s airfields?
When did madras shirts fall out of fashion among lifeguards at the Pleasant Hill Lake Park beach?
These questions and more are answered in the newly released book, “Pleasant Hill Lake Park, Making Memories, 1938-2018 and Beyond.”
The book, co-authored by park naturalist Louis Andres and retired journalist Irv Oslin, will be released 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 23, 2018, at Pleasant Hill Lake Park. The official release will be in conjunction with Ohio History Day at the park. Copies will be available for $10 on the day of the event as well as in the camp store all season.
Described as a casual history in a scrapbook format, the book commemorates the 50th anniversary of the completion of Pleasant Hill Dam. But it’s not about the dam; the book looks at how the park, the lake and Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District land around the lake touched people’s lives and how they influenced its evolution, especially from 1946 to the present.
The book is a collection of photos, newspaper clippings, MWCD archives, and accounts from local historians, neighbors, and people who worked — and even lived — in the park.
Pleasant Hill Lake Park, located west of Perrysville on State Route 95, is one of 10 recreational facilities established by MWCD in connection with the construction of 14 flood control dams in the wake of Ohio’s worst natural disaster, the 1913 flood.
This book was made possible through a grant from the RichHistory Alliance and the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy Foundation.
A Hidden History Kayak Tour led by the authors is scheduled for 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, June 24.
Participants ages 12 and older may bring their own equipment or borrow equipment from tour leaders. Boats, paddles and life jackets will be provided. Participants should meet at the beach area and be prepared to get wet while kayaking.
Cost is $25 per person, or $15 if you bring your own kayak. Activity level is easy/moderate.
For reservations and program details, visit pleasanthillparkohio.org.
Wednesday, June 20
9-10 a.m. – Naturalist will be available in Nature Break Room for meet and greet with live animals
10 a.m.-noon – Wild Wednesdays with Naturalist Steve: A look on the wild side with hikes, talk, and exploring
Thursday, June 21
9-10 a.m. – Naturalist on duty in Nature Break Room with live animals and displays
10 a.m.-noon – Try it Thursdays with Naturalist Louie: Try fishing, bird watching, tree ID and more
Saturday, June 23
10 am.-noon – Explorers of Nature: Wilderness Water- Enjoy the second of eight Explorers of Nature programs for kids ages 4-15. This week kids will learn about basics of kayaking, water safety and the animals that call the water home. $5 per person or $30 for all sessions. Pre-register at the camp office or register at program.
11 a.m-2 p.m. Ohio History & Museum Displays: Gold Panning, Cooking and pioneer skills, Indian artifacts and displays by the Mohican Historical Society, Members of the Richland History group, and others. “Pleasant Hill Lake Park, Making Memories, 1938-2018 and Beyond.” New history book on Pleasant Hill Author book signing.
2:30-4 p.m. Family Crafts- Make yourself a take home craft in the Welcome Center
7-10 p.m. Live Country Rock Music – Callunaw Rednecks Band performing outside deck at the Welcome Center.
Sunday, June 24
9-11 a.m.- Hidden History Kayak Tour: $25/person. Sign up online or in Camp store. Kayak with authors Louis Andres and Irv Oslin, plus book signing and author Q & A for “Pleasant Hill Lake Park, Making Memories, 1938-2018 and Beyond.”
Saturday, June 30
Nature program with Amazon Eric’s live animals 10-11 a.m., & live music by guitar soloist John Reichle 7-10 p.m. Covered deck area.
Gate entry $5/car all day pass or $50 unlimited all season pass.
