Signs of the Time!
Over the Back Fence Magazine | Winter 2001 \ 02
Where did chewing gum, life savers, and banana splits come from?
who brought light to the world?' who was the first to touch the clouds
on fragile wings? who thought soap could float? who fulfilled the dream
of walking on the moon? OHIOIANS!
\Ohio has
made world history and changed the way the world is viewed. Not just
with chewing gum and by being the state known as "the mother of
presidents," but
by technological advances that have altered the way we think, live
and dream. Aviation, sound recordings, movies, rubber tires and even
the conquering of space have been the result of the brave, daring
and innovative thinking of Ohioans who have literally changed the
course of the world.
As Ohio's Bicentennial year 2003 approaches, Ohio is gearing toward a state celebration
that will be remembered long into the future through a permanent legacy that
will mark the landscape of Ohio. The Bicentennial Commission and the Ohio Historical
Society are recording Ohio's history through an ancient art of metal casting
by erecting Bicentennial markers all across the state.
The Ohio Historical Society began the marker program in 1953 as part of the state's
sesquicentennial celebration. Their valiant efforts have placed well over 400
markers designating historic events, people, places, buildings and legends.
The funding for this massive initiative has become a three-way partnership,
involving the Longaberger Company of Dresden, Ohio, Bicentennial Commission
and local community groups.
A historic marker's life begins with research and then a request to the Ohio
Historical Society and the Bicentennial Commission. From there, it goes to craftsmen
found in Marietta, Ohio at Sewah Studios where local people are bringing the
legends to life through the ancient art of metal casting.
As far back as 5,000 BC, archeology has found metal cast objects in India. Many
civilizations from the Greeks and Romans to the Egyptians and Chinese have developed
the same basic methods. Today at Sewah Studios the art continues.
Sewah Studios was once an old organ factory on the west side of Marietta,
Ohio and was founded in 1927 by Mr. E. M. Hawes. He spelled his name
backwards for the name of the company. The company was purchased by
the Smith family and they constructed the newer factory in 1959 on the
same site. Now, David Smith, owner/operator, carries on the family business.
The skillful art of sand casting metal may be an ancient art form
but today the computer is utilized to help with the marker layout
pattern. Each sand mold has a lifespan of one sign so it must be done
right the first time. An Ohio-shaped metal layout board is reused for
each casting with the exception of the text that is applied. Metal letters
of varying sizes are glued by hand to the layout pattern designated
by a computer measurement. Each marker has unique text for the event
or place it is commemorating.
"Ohio's history is interesting and it should be remembered," smiles
Sheila Dailey scrutinizing the line of text she is carefully placing. "These
signs remind us of who we are."
The metal pattern layout is then carried and placed upon a framing board.
A fine white (parting compound) powder is dusted on as a release agent upon
the layout and then a fine facing sand is sifted over the pattern. The powder
and light facing sand give a smooth finish to the casting. Sand is shoveled
in to fill the mold and is pushed inward by fingertips and hands. An air
jackhammer packs the slightly moist sand to firmness.
The entire lamination of sand and metal is turned over. Clamps are then
removed along with the metal layout pattern. This leaves an embedded
reverse image (negative) of the pattern and the letters. The sand casting
is carefully viewed for any imperfections or lead letters that may
have come loose and are embedded in the sand.
The negative sand pattern is patted firmly and flow channels (known
as
gates), for the pouring of molten metal, are grooved to the corners.
If a Bicentennial sign is to display the same message on both sides
then two separate sand castings are made and carefully clamped face
to face. A small compact furnace heats to 1,450 degrees and the molten
aluminum metal, once ingot
bars, flows brilliantly
to a large ladle held by two men. Smoothly the fluid metal
pours within the gates of the sand casting until the mold
is completely full.
 "It is important that we protect Ohio's heritage for future generations.
I know that these markers will preserve and protect our heritage," states
David Smith (owner/operator). Fresh metal
gleams, as a new aluminum sign billows
steam while the sand is removed from a cooling mold. "I was
born and raised in this area. I'm an Ohioan; this has meaning to
me."
The sign is born as it is lifted from the
mold. It is washed, cut and air chiseled
to remove excess metal. The sign facing
and letters are ground smooth. It is
inspected for any minor flaws that will
be hand repaired before a base paint
is applied and oven baked. The final
details of gold leaf and color paints
are applied before a final baking.
On remote highways, as these historic legacy signs glide by your car
window, you may want to stop and take note of the history you are
passing by. It may be the home of a U.S. President, Annie Oakley
(the world champion sharpshooter) or the home of the dusty legends
penned by the novelist, Zane Grey.
To learn more details about the Bicentennial Marker Initiative visit
the Ohio Bicentennial website http://www.ohio200.org or call toll
free 1-888-OHIO-200. For detailed images and information and detailed
photographs about the making of markers visit Sewah Studio's website
at http://www.sewahstudios.com .
If your community wishes to join
the celebration through the Bicentennial Marker Initiative, one may
apply for a Longaberger Legacy award through the Ohio Bicentennial
Commission by writing to Jane Campbell, Program Coordinator, Ohio
Bicentennial Commission, Statehouse Room 021-North, Columbus, Ohio
43215. These awards will be made periodically through 2003.
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