Rural Issues
Visits (1999-Present)
Visits offers a series of conversations with area residents exploring the character of rural life. These events, which attract a broad audience from the college and surrounding communities, stimulate lively and informative discussion. Video recordings of Visits sessions are maintained at Kenyon College's Olin Library, and can be viewed upon request (phone 740.427.5694).
.Spring 2016
LATINO KNOX COUNTY
Tuesday, February 18, 11:10 AM, Peirce Lounge
Knox County might present a face of cultural homogeneity, yet diversity has always been a feature of this rural landscape. For well over a century, Latino people have contributed to life here as students, professionals, and workers in a variety of industries. Today, Latinos comprise a small but growing segment of the population. Kenyon Professor of Spanish Clara Román-Odio will lead a discussion with members of the Latino community to explore local Latino life and culture.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Thursday, March 24, 11:10 AM, Peirce Lounge
In 2000 Knox County embarked on an ambitious effort to build a sustainable local food system that would support family farming and preserve rural character. Many of the initiatives undertaken now serve as models for other communities nationwide. After fifteen years, how has this approach affected local economic and social life? Kenyon seniors Kayla Arnold and Thabo Kasongo have spent much of the year investigating this question and will lead a discussion with farmers, retailers, and health care professionals.
OLD-TIME COUNTRY FIDDLING
Thursday, April 21, 11:10 AM, Peirce Lounge
Fiddle music has played an important role in Knox County since it pioneer settlement. Ohio's old-time and bluegrass fiddlers still entertain enthusiastic audiences at jam sessions, square dances, stage shows, and festivals. Master fiddler Kenny Sidle, of nearby Hanover, was awarded a National Heritage Fellowship Award for his excellence and artistic significance. Join Kenny and friends for a tunes session and discussion about fiddling in central Ohio.
Spring 2014
WHAT FARMERS KNOW
Tuesday, February 11, 11:10 a.m., Peirce Lounge
Knox County farmers and naturalists often are college graduates, and their knowledge may stem from the latest scientific research. But rural knowledge is broader than that: experts learn by focused walks in pastures and woodlands, informal dialogue with colleagues and neighbors, and close observation of animals and crops. Judy Sacks, affiliated scholar in American Studies at Kenyon, will lead a conversation with farmers, trappers, and livestock managers about the unwritten but vital knowledge embedded in rural spaces.
GUN CULTURE AND THE SECOND AMENDMENT
Tuesday, March 25, 11:10 a.m., Peirce Lounge
Media attention to gun violence and incidences of mass shootings have brought the Second Amendment into sharp focus in popular debate. Less discussed, though, is the lawful and traditional use of guns in rural society. Hunting is a rite of passage and cherished family activity, as well as a means of livelihood. Indeed, many rural residents view gun ownership as a symbol of American freedom. Kenyon senior Rebecca Katzman will lead a conversation on gun culture and the Second Amendment with local gun enthusiasts.
AN AMISH SING
Tuesday, April 15, 11:10 a.m., Peirce Lounge
Tourism and commerce bring Amish people into regular contact with those who do not share their belief system and practices. In light of these interactions, Amish communities increasingly value their distinctive singing tradition as an important aspect of being Amish. Children sing in school; young people sing at Wednesday night Bible studies and Sunday night sings; unmarried young women sing at scrapbooking events. Join us for a special musical presentation of an Amish "sing" by members of the Beachy family from Homes County.
Spring 2012
FROM FARM TO COLLEGE
Tuesday, February 7, 11:10 a.m., Peirce Lounge
Kenyon's innovative program to purchase locally produced food for the college dining hall has become a model for the nation. Kenyon students Charlotte Graham and Rebecca Katzman spent much of the past year on farms, at produce auctions, and in the Peirce kitchen to document this pioneering effort. Rebecca will be joined by an area farmer, a meat processor, and a college chef to explore the farm-to-college movement's significance for both Kenyon and area farmers.
WORKING IN WOOD
Tuesday, March 27, 11:10 a.m., Peirce Lounge
Those who work in wood can build a house from the ground up, or make an existing living space more functional and beautiful. Woodworkers produce utilitarian objects and use the medium to express their personal creative vision. In this region, furniture and milling remain vital economic activities among the Amish. Judy Sacks, affiliated scholar in American Studies at Kenyon, will lead a conversation with a local furniture maker, an artisan, and a carpentry shop manager.
AGING IN THE COUNTRY
Tuesday, April 17, 11:10 a.m., Peirce Lounge
Knox County's population is growing older, a demographic that matches the national trend. Health care, assisted living, and tax levies for senior services often cause spirited discussion within the family and also among legislators. Howard Sacks, director of Kenyon's Rural Life Center, will explore the opportunities and challenges of aging with service providers and local residents.
Spring 2011
WILD IN THE KITCHEN
Thursday, February 10, 11:10 a.m., Peirce Lounge
Hunting, trapping, and fishing for food represent longstanding traditions and skills passed down from generation to generation. Kenyon Professor of Anthropology David Suggs will be joined by experts who search for mushrooms, muskrat, crappies, and deer to explore the joys and techniques of securing food in the wild.
REIMAGINING MAIN STREET
Tuesday, March 29, 11:10 a.m., Peirce Lounge
The recent tragic fire in Mount Vernon at the corner of Gambier and Main Streets calls our attention to the importance of a community’s historic downtown. Once Knox County’s commercial and social center, the district has undergone many changes, including the pressures of sprawl and big-box commerce. Howard Sacks, director of Kenyon’s Rural Life Center, will lead a conversation with community planners, business people, and representatives from local colleges to imagine the future of Main Street.
JEWISH KNOX COUNTY
Thursday, April 21, 11:10 a.m., Peirce Lounge
Knox County might present a face of cultural homogeneity, yet diversity has always been a feature of this rural landscape. A small Jewish community has lived here for 150 years, and its history is fascinating but not well known. Kenyon senior Jazz Glastra has been investigating Jewish Knox County for her honors thesis and will discuss Jewish life in this locale with members of the community.
Spring 2002
EMERGENCY!
Tuesday, February 12, 11:10 AM, Peirce Lounge
The tragic events of September 11, 2001 renewed our appreciation for the brave men and women who staff our nation's fire and emergency squads. What challenges face our rural-and largely volunteer-fire and emergency services? Howard Sacks, director of Kenyon's Rural Life Center, will lead a conversation with representatives of Knox County's fire departments and the Licking County Mounted Search and Rescue, who will address the issues they face in keeping our communities safe.
KNOX COUNTY COWBOYS
Thursday, March 21, 11:10 AM, Gund Commons
Knox County has been home to cattle ranching for two centuries, and where there's cattle, there are cowboys. Out of their experiences of ranch and trail life, cowboys have developed their own folklore and folk arts. These elements of cowboy culture remain popular thanks to films, television, rodeos, and stage acts. Join us for a special presentation of tall tales, cowboy poetry and songs, and trick roping.
FARMING NATURE'S WAY
Tuesday, April 23, 11:10 AM, Peirce Lounge
The word "organic" frequently appears in advertising and on labels at the supermarket, but not everyone understands what organic farming involves. Kenyon seniors Rebecca Anderson and Chris Meyers, who have conducted independent research on organic farms, will host local organic farmers to discuss the practices and benefits of farming nature's way.
Spring 2001
GREEN SPACE
Thursday, February 15, 11:10 AM, Peirce Lounge
In Knox County and across Ohio, residential development consumes much of the greenspace that traditionally has defined the rural landscape. In the November 2000 election, Ohio's voters approved a funding initiative to preserve agricultural lands and other greenspace. Howard Sacks, director of Kenyon's Rural Life Center, will lead a conversation with representatives of Knox County's Owl Creek Conservancy, the Park District, and other concerned citizens on the issues and challenges surrounding greenspace.
SHEEP FOR KEEPS
Thursday, March 22, 11:10 AM, Peirce Lounge
For many years Knox County was home to more sheep than people. Although in fewer numbers than in the past, farmers continue to raise lambs for sale at the weekly auction, and youths in 4H enjoy raising and training their lamb projects for show at the county fair. Judy Sacks, affiliated scholar at Kenyon and shepherd, will hold a discussion with a group of "sheep people" – including a sheep farmer, shearer, a 4H livestock club advisor, and a stockyard auction manager – about the past, present, and future of sheep production in central Ohio.
BALANCING ACT: FARM WOMEN IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY
Tuesday, April 24, 11:10 AM, Peirce Lounge
In today's capital-intensive agricultural economy, many family farmers must work additional jobs to supplement their income. Reflecting these conditions, the traditional roles of farm women have been revised and expanded. Kenyon senior Chrissie Cunningham, who has conducted her honors research on the changing character of Knox County's family farms, will be joined by local farm women to discuss their multiple roles in the twenty-first century.
Spring 2000
HOME SCHOOLING
Tuesday February 15, 11:10 AM, Peirce Lounge
For many Knox County families, home schooling offers an attractive alternative to the area’s public and private schools. Howard Sacks, director of Kenyon’s Rural Life Center, will lead a conversation with home schooled children, their parents, and a home schooling administrator about the advantages and challenges of this alternative educational practice.
OLD-TIME FIDDLING
Thursday, March 23, 11:10 AM, Peirce Lounge
Central Ohio has been home to excellent fiddle players for some two hundred years. Old-time, bluegrass, jazz, and country have long featured the violin as a lead instrument. Join Ohio state fiddle champion Lisa Wagner and friends for a tune session exploring old-time fiddling in central Ohio.
RURAL HOMELESSNESS
Thursday, April 20, 11:10 AM, Peirce Lounge
Often associated with the “mean streets” of America’s cities, homelessness plays a less visible but still troubling role in the rural landscape. Kenyon senior Anne Smetak, who has conducted an independent study on Knox County homelessness, will be joined by social service administrators and homeless people to explore this local social problem.
Spring 1999
MAKING USE OF THE LAND
Thursday, February 11, Noon, Peirce Lounge
The rapid increase in commercial and residential development along our rural roadways indicates significant changes in land use patterns throughout central Ohio. Howard sacks, director of Kenyon’s Rural Life Center, will lead a conversation with a local farmer, a realtor, and a county planner on the forces shaping our surroundings.
YOU CAN GO HOME AGAIN
Tuesday, March 23, 7:00 PM, Peirce Lounge
Gene Logsdon is an author and farmer from Upper Sandusky, Ohio, whose reflections on rural life offer a thought-provoking commentary on modern existence. Mr. Logsdon will share some of his experiences on the land and autograph copies of his newest book, You Can Go Home Again: Adventures of a Contrary Life.
THE HEALING ARTS
Thursday, Mar. 25, Noon, Peirce Lounge
For many rural residents, scientific medicine is but one among many strategies used for healing sickness or injury and promoting wellness. Howard Sacks will be joined by a holistic practitioner and members of the Amish and Seventh Day Adventist communities to explore alternative medical care. (Please note that this event was not recorded.)
LIVING TOGETHER
Tuesday, April 20, Noon, Peirce Lounge
Knox County’s apparent homogeneity belies significant diversity to be found in rural areas. This visit explores the personal meaning and social character of diversity with members of the local Hispanic, Native American, and Jewish communities.
LATINO KNOX COUNTY
Tuesday, February 18, 11:10 AM, Peirce Lounge
Knox County might present a face of cultural homogeneity, yet diversity has always been a feature of this rural landscape. For well over a century, Latino people have contributed to life here as students, professionals, and workers in a variety of industries. Today, Latinos comprise a small but growing segment of the population. Kenyon Professor of Spanish Clara Román-Odio will lead a discussion with members of the Latino community to explore local Latino life and culture.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Thursday, March 24, 11:10 AM, Peirce Lounge
In 2000 Knox County embarked on an ambitious effort to build a sustainable local food system that would support family farming and preserve rural character. Many of the initiatives undertaken now serve as models for other communities nationwide. After fifteen years, how has this approach affected local economic and social life? Kenyon seniors Kayla Arnold and Thabo Kasongo have spent much of the year investigating this question and will lead a discussion with farmers, retailers, and health care professionals.
OLD-TIME COUNTRY FIDDLING
Thursday, April 21, 11:10 AM, Peirce Lounge
Fiddle music has played an important role in Knox County since it pioneer settlement. Ohio's old-time and bluegrass fiddlers still entertain enthusiastic audiences at jam sessions, square dances, stage shows, and festivals. Master fiddler Kenny Sidle, of nearby Hanover, was awarded a National Heritage Fellowship Award for his excellence and artistic significance. Join Kenny and friends for a tunes session and discussion about fiddling in central Ohio.
Spring 2014
WHAT FARMERS KNOW
Tuesday, February 11, 11:10 a.m., Peirce Lounge
Knox County farmers and naturalists often are college graduates, and their knowledge may stem from the latest scientific research. But rural knowledge is broader than that: experts learn by focused walks in pastures and woodlands, informal dialogue with colleagues and neighbors, and close observation of animals and crops. Judy Sacks, affiliated scholar in American Studies at Kenyon, will lead a conversation with farmers, trappers, and livestock managers about the unwritten but vital knowledge embedded in rural spaces.
GUN CULTURE AND THE SECOND AMENDMENT
Tuesday, March 25, 11:10 a.m., Peirce Lounge
Media attention to gun violence and incidences of mass shootings have brought the Second Amendment into sharp focus in popular debate. Less discussed, though, is the lawful and traditional use of guns in rural society. Hunting is a rite of passage and cherished family activity, as well as a means of livelihood. Indeed, many rural residents view gun ownership as a symbol of American freedom. Kenyon senior Rebecca Katzman will lead a conversation on gun culture and the Second Amendment with local gun enthusiasts.
AN AMISH SING
Tuesday, April 15, 11:10 a.m., Peirce Lounge
Tourism and commerce bring Amish people into regular contact with those who do not share their belief system and practices. In light of these interactions, Amish communities increasingly value their distinctive singing tradition as an important aspect of being Amish. Children sing in school; young people sing at Wednesday night Bible studies and Sunday night sings; unmarried young women sing at scrapbooking events. Join us for a special musical presentation of an Amish "sing" by members of the Beachy family from Homes County.
Spring 2012
FROM FARM TO COLLEGE
Tuesday, February 7, 11:10 a.m., Peirce Lounge
Kenyon's innovative program to purchase locally produced food for the college dining hall has become a model for the nation. Kenyon students Charlotte Graham and Rebecca Katzman spent much of the past year on farms, at produce auctions, and in the Peirce kitchen to document this pioneering effort. Rebecca will be joined by an area farmer, a meat processor, and a college chef to explore the farm-to-college movement's significance for both Kenyon and area farmers.
WORKING IN WOOD
Tuesday, March 27, 11:10 a.m., Peirce Lounge
Those who work in wood can build a house from the ground up, or make an existing living space more functional and beautiful. Woodworkers produce utilitarian objects and use the medium to express their personal creative vision. In this region, furniture and milling remain vital economic activities among the Amish. Judy Sacks, affiliated scholar in American Studies at Kenyon, will lead a conversation with a local furniture maker, an artisan, and a carpentry shop manager.
AGING IN THE COUNTRY
Tuesday, April 17, 11:10 a.m., Peirce Lounge
Knox County's population is growing older, a demographic that matches the national trend. Health care, assisted living, and tax levies for senior services often cause spirited discussion within the family and also among legislators. Howard Sacks, director of Kenyon's Rural Life Center, will explore the opportunities and challenges of aging with service providers and local residents.
Spring 2011
WILD IN THE KITCHEN
Thursday, February 10, 11:10 a.m., Peirce Lounge
Hunting, trapping, and fishing for food represent longstanding traditions and skills passed down from generation to generation. Kenyon Professor of Anthropology David Suggs will be joined by experts who search for mushrooms, muskrat, crappies, and deer to explore the joys and techniques of securing food in the wild.
REIMAGINING MAIN STREET
Tuesday, March 29, 11:10 a.m., Peirce Lounge
The recent tragic fire in Mount Vernon at the corner of Gambier and Main Streets calls our attention to the importance of a community’s historic downtown. Once Knox County’s commercial and social center, the district has undergone many changes, including the pressures of sprawl and big-box commerce. Howard Sacks, director of Kenyon’s Rural Life Center, will lead a conversation with community planners, business people, and representatives from local colleges to imagine the future of Main Street.
JEWISH KNOX COUNTY
Thursday, April 21, 11:10 a.m., Peirce Lounge
Knox County might present a face of cultural homogeneity, yet diversity has always been a feature of this rural landscape. A small Jewish community has lived here for 150 years, and its history is fascinating but not well known. Kenyon senior Jazz Glastra has been investigating Jewish Knox County for her honors thesis and will discuss Jewish life in this locale with members of the community.
Spring 2002
EMERGENCY!
Tuesday, February 12, 11:10 AM, Peirce Lounge
The tragic events of September 11, 2001 renewed our appreciation for the brave men and women who staff our nation's fire and emergency squads. What challenges face our rural-and largely volunteer-fire and emergency services? Howard Sacks, director of Kenyon's Rural Life Center, will lead a conversation with representatives of Knox County's fire departments and the Licking County Mounted Search and Rescue, who will address the issues they face in keeping our communities safe.
KNOX COUNTY COWBOYS
Thursday, March 21, 11:10 AM, Gund Commons
Knox County has been home to cattle ranching for two centuries, and where there's cattle, there are cowboys. Out of their experiences of ranch and trail life, cowboys have developed their own folklore and folk arts. These elements of cowboy culture remain popular thanks to films, television, rodeos, and stage acts. Join us for a special presentation of tall tales, cowboy poetry and songs, and trick roping.
FARMING NATURE'S WAY
Tuesday, April 23, 11:10 AM, Peirce Lounge
The word "organic" frequently appears in advertising and on labels at the supermarket, but not everyone understands what organic farming involves. Kenyon seniors Rebecca Anderson and Chris Meyers, who have conducted independent research on organic farms, will host local organic farmers to discuss the practices and benefits of farming nature's way.
Spring 2001
GREEN SPACE
Thursday, February 15, 11:10 AM, Peirce Lounge
In Knox County and across Ohio, residential development consumes much of the greenspace that traditionally has defined the rural landscape. In the November 2000 election, Ohio's voters approved a funding initiative to preserve agricultural lands and other greenspace. Howard Sacks, director of Kenyon's Rural Life Center, will lead a conversation with representatives of Knox County's Owl Creek Conservancy, the Park District, and other concerned citizens on the issues and challenges surrounding greenspace.
SHEEP FOR KEEPS
Thursday, March 22, 11:10 AM, Peirce Lounge
For many years Knox County was home to more sheep than people. Although in fewer numbers than in the past, farmers continue to raise lambs for sale at the weekly auction, and youths in 4H enjoy raising and training their lamb projects for show at the county fair. Judy Sacks, affiliated scholar at Kenyon and shepherd, will hold a discussion with a group of "sheep people" – including a sheep farmer, shearer, a 4H livestock club advisor, and a stockyard auction manager – about the past, present, and future of sheep production in central Ohio.
BALANCING ACT: FARM WOMEN IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY
Tuesday, April 24, 11:10 AM, Peirce Lounge
In today's capital-intensive agricultural economy, many family farmers must work additional jobs to supplement their income. Reflecting these conditions, the traditional roles of farm women have been revised and expanded. Kenyon senior Chrissie Cunningham, who has conducted her honors research on the changing character of Knox County's family farms, will be joined by local farm women to discuss their multiple roles in the twenty-first century.
Spring 2000
HOME SCHOOLING
Tuesday February 15, 11:10 AM, Peirce Lounge
For many Knox County families, home schooling offers an attractive alternative to the area’s public and private schools. Howard Sacks, director of Kenyon’s Rural Life Center, will lead a conversation with home schooled children, their parents, and a home schooling administrator about the advantages and challenges of this alternative educational practice.
OLD-TIME FIDDLING
Thursday, March 23, 11:10 AM, Peirce Lounge
Central Ohio has been home to excellent fiddle players for some two hundred years. Old-time, bluegrass, jazz, and country have long featured the violin as a lead instrument. Join Ohio state fiddle champion Lisa Wagner and friends for a tune session exploring old-time fiddling in central Ohio.
RURAL HOMELESSNESS
Thursday, April 20, 11:10 AM, Peirce Lounge
Often associated with the “mean streets” of America’s cities, homelessness plays a less visible but still troubling role in the rural landscape. Kenyon senior Anne Smetak, who has conducted an independent study on Knox County homelessness, will be joined by social service administrators and homeless people to explore this local social problem.
Spring 1999
MAKING USE OF THE LAND
Thursday, February 11, Noon, Peirce Lounge
The rapid increase in commercial and residential development along our rural roadways indicates significant changes in land use patterns throughout central Ohio. Howard sacks, director of Kenyon’s Rural Life Center, will lead a conversation with a local farmer, a realtor, and a county planner on the forces shaping our surroundings.
YOU CAN GO HOME AGAIN
Tuesday, March 23, 7:00 PM, Peirce Lounge
Gene Logsdon is an author and farmer from Upper Sandusky, Ohio, whose reflections on rural life offer a thought-provoking commentary on modern existence. Mr. Logsdon will share some of his experiences on the land and autograph copies of his newest book, You Can Go Home Again: Adventures of a Contrary Life.
THE HEALING ARTS
Thursday, Mar. 25, Noon, Peirce Lounge
For many rural residents, scientific medicine is but one among many strategies used for healing sickness or injury and promoting wellness. Howard Sacks will be joined by a holistic practitioner and members of the Amish and Seventh Day Adventist communities to explore alternative medical care. (Please note that this event was not recorded.)
LIVING TOGETHER
Tuesday, April 20, Noon, Peirce Lounge
Knox County’s apparent homogeneity belies significant diversity to be found in rural areas. This visit explores the personal meaning and social character of diversity with members of the local Hispanic, Native American, and Jewish communities.