Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-07-03
RIVAL OF OBERAMMERGAU
Upper Sandusky to Have Great Outdoor
Spectacular Play.
The Subject VIII BE the Torturing to
Death of William Crawford
by the Indians.
Special Correspondence Of The Evening Star.

one hundred and fifteen years ago w ILL
lam Crawford, a revolutionary colonel,
friend and compeer of George Washington,
was sent from Pennsylvania to this part
of Ohio to subdue, or rather exterminate.
the murderous savages, who were making
life miserable for the settlers. The Wyan-
dcttes, Delawares and oifler tribes that in
habited northern Ohio were most ferocious,
treacherous types of red men, and while
Crawford and his small band of soldiers, In
a measure, knew their character. had yet
a faint conception of their strength.
They met the savages unexpectedly a
couple of miles north Of this city, which
was then known as Indian Town. Craw-
ford met disastrous defeat, was taken pris-
oner, and, after a sort of trial, was SEN
fenced to death at the stake.
He was put to death seven miles north OF
this city, and a monument now stands
near the spot. 1t was erected by the Pion-
eer Association of this county. The exc
cution lasted the greater portion of day
Crawford was killed by inches. He was
tied to a stake, with length OF rope sum-
cient to walk around within circle OF
blazing brush. At intervals charges of shot
were fired at his back, and squaws poked
him with the burning ends of sticks. He
was scalped and charred Goals placed upon
ture was resorted to, in order to make the
death as horrible as possible. A Or.
Knight, who was captured with Craw-
ford, and was to undergo a similar death
the following day, witnessed the eXecu-
ton. He escaped, and in the account which
he afterwards wrote he says that Craw,
fords suffering was agonizing beyond
words to describe.
Occurred II Century Ago.
This terrible event, as stated above. oc-
CURED 115 years ago, and preparations are
being made to celebrate it on an extraor-
binary scale. Upper Sandusky is on an ele-
walton, and just two squares east of the
court house is an immense exDanse of val
ley level as a floor and walled both east
and west by bluffs seventy feet high. In
this valley, below the west bluff, it is
proposed to present next Monday, July D,
grand spectacular play, based on the
capture and burning of Colonel Crawford.
The idea was conceived during the WIN
ter, and after few meetings movement
toward putting the idea into execution
started in earnest, with local clubs, lodges,
public school superintendent, teachers and
citizens generally interested. The city be-
came aroused and the determination was
formed to make the celebration the most
stupendous affair of the kind ever given
in northwestern Ohio, something distinctly
new and novel, something entirely differ
ent from anything ever before given any
where.
The plan of the celebration is as follows:
During the day there will be Indian dances,
pow-woWs, ETC., on the public streets, In
dian races, Indian attacks on stage coach
es, sham battles between Indians and SOL
diers and various exhibitions of that ma
ture, the object being to faithfully repro
duce scenes common to this country one
hundred years ago. There will also be an
immense parade shortly after dinner.
Spectacle at Night.
The spectacle Of the capture and burning
r1la ta
at night. The valley has been amply pro-
vided with electric lights and monstrous
platform has been constructed, also an
alnphitheater with 10000 seats. A COM
plete play has been written and will be
carried out by 500 men. women and chill
dren, all appropriately costumed.
First will be Indian pow-wows and prepa-
rations by the Indians for the expected
battle. Then will occur the disappearance
Of the Indians to ambush and the approach
of Colonel Crawford and his band of SOL
diers. The battle ensues in which Craw
ford Is defeated and himself captured.
The trial follows, then the awful burning
at the stake, which will be carried out in
most realistic manner.
Following the burning of Crawford will
occur a beautiful feature, entitled: The
March CT Progress" in which 800 ladies
and children will participate. introducing
drills, marches, etc, etc, terminating with
a reproduction of the American flag, the
intention being to not only reproduce
most tragic scene of history, but present
picture of present day civilization. This
part of the spectacular play with dazzling
costumes of the ladies and children their
banners, shields. plumes, ETC., combined with
the brilliant spiendor of electric and lime
lights, will be the browning feature of the
celebration.
Dramatfs PcrsOnae.
VIM. Ruopp will assume the character CT
Colonel VIM. Crawford, Dan Parkinson,
DR.. knight; Addie Ulrich, Girty, the white
renegade, once a friend of Crawford, but
who could have saved his Me- but refused,
and Chas. Bowman and Benson Hodges
will act the Indians who effect Craw
ford's capture.
The entire celebration is to be free and
the largest crowd in the history of the
town is expected. The militia of Boomdale,
Ohio, will be present and participate, also
the Continental Guards of Fostoria, and
besides there will be several bands to fur
nish music.