JEROMESVILLE — Ashland County’s lone Heritage Tree was dedicated Saturday on the grounds of the Jeromesville Cemetery.
The dedication was one of several events which took place during Jeromesville’s three-day celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Festivities began with a flag raising on Friday evening and concluded Sunday with a lunch served by the United Community Club of Jeromesville.
The white oak tree was a gift to Ashland County from the America 250-Ohio Commission, which orchestrated a white oak planting in each of Ohio’s 88 counties.
“Jeromesville is honored to accept Ashland County’s tree and to care for it for generations to come,” said Kendal Von Czoernig, who submitted the village’s application to plant the tree.
“Today this Heritage Tree becomes a part of the continuing story (of Jeromesville), a living reminder of where we’ve been, the people who came before us and the legacy we leave for those who come after us,” said Von Czoernig, cubmaster of Cub Scout Pack 702.
Scoutmaster of Scout Troop 521 Shawn Wangerin said Pack 702 and Troop 521 knew planting the tree meant more than moving some dirt.
“We were given the opportunity to help create something that will become a lasting part of this community’s story. Long after today’s ceremony is over this tree will continue to grow as a reminder of the people who came together to make it possible,” Wangerin said.
The scoutmaster said scouts worked together to prepare the site, plant the tree and ensure its growth began with a strong start.
“I hope that years from now they can return with their own families and future leaders seeing this oak tree standing tall and proudly say ‘I helped with the Ashland County Heritage Tree,'” Wangerin said.
Below are photos from Saturday’s Heritage Tree dedication ceremony. (Credit: Hayden Gray) The story continues below.
Other activities which took place throughout the three-day celebration included cookouts, a pancake breakfast and open house at the Jeromesville Fire Station, a parade, history presentations, musical acts, fireworks and a community church service, among other activities.
Below are photos from Jeromesville’s America 250 parade on Saturday, which was emceed by Ashland Mayor Matt Miller and his wife, State Rep. Melanie Miller (R-Ashland).
Photos were taken by Hayden Gray.
