buckeye furnace state memorial

If you are a history buff, it is a nice look back to the 1800s iron and coal industries of that region of Ohio

We took a side trip when visiting the Bob Evans Farm, driving along two lane country roads through pleasing farm land to see this reconstructed charcoal-fired iron furnace. The physical plant is not that large (read no long walks or steep trails) but the history is magnificent. The museum is housed in the reconstructed office and infamous "company store", where the iron workers and their families purchased whatever they needed at whatever prices the company decided to levy, paying with scrip, which is what they were paid in. No good anywhere else.There is a well done video which tells a world of lore surrounding this furnace and the charcoal smelting era in general. Your hostesses will take great pleasure in showing you around the museum and explaining the various artifacts. They will also invite you to help yourself to a buckeye from the bucket placed there for you. They look so much like the chestnuts from the tree in my front yard that I thought that is what the buckeyes were. CAUTION-- don't leave a buckeye around unsupervised children, as most of it is highly poisonous.There is no fee for the tour, although donations are graciously accepted. The museum is open only from noon to 4:00PM on Saturdays and Sundays. While you could visit the exteriors and read the various placards, it really wouldn't be worth the trip without seeing the movie and talking with the hosts and hostesses.