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Passport to Manchester returns for a second season

This restored 19th-century building on the Mottice property will be part of the “Passport to Manchester“ tour on September 10.

by Marsha Chartrand

Last year, Riverfolk Music & Arts Organization and the Manchester Area Historical Society partnered to sponsor a unique series of events called “Passport to Manchester“ — an initiative to explore and highlight landmarks in and around Manchester through associated historical, visual, musical performance, and cultural diversity themes.

Choosing landmarks that could be used as representation of several or all of these themes, the organizations worked diligently to present information not only about the hosting property or a specific historic topic, but also to include artistic workshops, musical performances, and more.

These exceptional tours of historical sites and farmlands in and around Manchester helped local residents and those from outside the community to discover the rich history and heritage that has shaped Manchester culture, and the rich diversity that has contributed to the wider community. While specifically targeted to bring in visitors from outside the Manchester area, many area residents also found that these interesting events taught them a great deal about their own hometown that they didn’t already know! So this year events have been designed to share even more of the many historic places that make Manchester unique.

On July 30, meet hosts Dawn Donnelly and Ken Magee of The Manchester Mill, located at East Main and Adrian Streets in the heart of downtown. This iconic structure is definitely one of the Village most famous sites. Dawn and Ken will discuss their restoration projects at the Mill, while Carol Mull will do an historic presentation on the Underground Railroad in Manchester. Black Culture in Manchester during the 1870s will be covered in Ray Berg presentation, “Life on Maiden Lane,“ followed by a short walking tour around Ockrow Street (which was formerly known as Maiden Lane). Musician Robert Jones will feature 19th-century Black music. An optional box lunch may be purchased with registration or seek out one of Manchester downtown eateries, all within just a block of the Mill.

A trip to the country is on tap for August 20 at the Gregory Parker Barn, 10705 Lima Center Rd, Bridgewater Township. Hosted by Mike Vershum, there will be an open house at the fascinating Parker “round barn,” a discussion by the owners’ representative on this barn history and specific design intents, and a walking tour of the site. Ray Berg will present on behalf of the MAHS on the styles and distinct purposes of different 19th-century German barns and their builders. There will be a photographic display of other unusual barns in the Manchester area, and the Tour de Barn Quilts and Unusual Barns brochure for those with a special interest in these areas. Music will be featured by Beverly Feldkamp Smith and friends, specially for “barn gatherings.“ Again, a box lunch will be offered at registration or you may bring your own lunch if you wish.

The final Passport event of the season is set for September 10 at Robert and Sandy Mottice Historical Farm, 20830 E Pleasant Lake Rd, Sharon Township. Ray Berg will give a historical presentation on Manchester one-room schoolhouses and Bob Mottice will host a discussion and provide open tours of the on-site restoration of the historic Pierce schoolhouse that was rebuilt on the property. Tours will also be provided of the historic restored 1840s Freedom Township house, the blacksmith shop, mid-19th-century craft demonstrations, and 1840s gardens. Nineteenth-century music will be performed by Riverfolk and Cultural Arts Strings musicians. The box lunch may again be ordered at registration or participants may bring their own.

Each of these events will be held on Saturdays, from 10am to 2pm. Advanced registration is recommended — $15 for each event — $40 if registering for all three events. An optional boxed meal is available at each event for just $10. For more information and to register, go to

by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.