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Village Complaint Form VILLAGE OF MORRISTOWN OFFICE OF VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR NATURE OF COMPLAINT: (Please include all details and be as explicit as possible.) FINDINGS AND ACTIONS TAKEN: Your Signature Clear Submit Thank You! GO TO TOP

Hot Air Balloon Fest images Morristown Balloon Festival 2002 GO TO TOP

NEWS A short drive leads to trip back in time I visited one of my favorite little communities this past week. news source "The Times Leader" On Wednesday afternoon, I took an impromptu drive through Morristown. Although I was actually looking for a large group of law enforcement officers who had been called to handle an incident I knew almost nothing about at that point, I couldn’t help but notice a few changes in the village. Morristown was platted 220 years ago, and it was named for settler and innkeeper Duncan Morrison. It was established by Jonathan Zane and William Chaplin along the path of the developing National Road — the highway to the West throughout the first half of the 19th century. The presence of the road and all the traffic it carried led to growth, and hotels, stores, factories and mills grew up around it. Many of those buildings are still standing in Morristown, which is the best preserved example of a “Pike Town” in Eastern Ohio, according to morristownohio.org. In the 1850s, there were as many as 40 or 50 businesses in town, including blacksmiths, cigar factories, grocers, clothiers, Saddlers, wagonmakers and many others. Many of those buildings were abandoned in the decades that followed, as a new form of transportation — the railroad — bypassed Morristown and ran through communities to the south instead, passing from Zanesville to Barnesville and through Bethesda and Belmont on its way to Bellaire. Today, the remaining 19th century buildings in Morristown are largely occupied again, but they now serve as private homes. Of course, being from nearby Belmont myself, I know several of the people who occupy or work to preserve these historic structures. And, being a history buff, I also know that many of these buildings were built in the 1840s and ’50s. It’s amazing to see how they have stood the test of time! What’s also amazing to me is how much some of these structures have been improved. Driving along Main Street last week, I noticed some new roofs and siding, as well as equipment stationed at buildings that are being renovated. I was happy to see that all those improvements seem to be in keeping with the original appearance and historic colors of the original construction. There’s just something special about this little slice of a bygone era. No matter why I visit the village, I always appreciate its character and feel like I can see and hear the shadows of those who came there before me. So, if you have business to conduct in or around Morristown, take the time to notice just how much of the original community has been spared for posterity. Or, if you have a leisurely day to spend somewhere in the region, consider making an intentional visit. Buildings on the National Register of Historic Places are clearly marked with bits of their history on plaques near their entrances. A walking tour is also outlined on the website mentioned above. In addition to its historical significance, Morristown has a 73-acre park with ballfields, playground equipment, disc golf and more. And it is near many other attractions, such as Barkcamp State Park, Pike 40 restaurant, Valleyview Campgrounds where Blame My Roots Fest is held, and the Union Local schools campus. GO TO TOP

2024 COMMUNITY SURVEY The Village of Morristown has been invited to apply for an AMLER grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources - Division of Mineral Resources Management. As part of that process, we are seeking input via a Community Engagement Survey of every household in the corporation limits. 1. How often do you visit the Lynn Hunkler Memorial Park? Please circle one. * a. Daily b. Weekly c. Monthly d. Sometimes e. Rarely or not at all 2. Would you be more inclined to visit the Park if accessible restroom facilities and water were available? * a. Yes b. No c. Maybe 3. How important is it to you that Morristown streets are improved with new pavement? * a. Very Important b. Important c. Neutral d. Not Important 4. How satisfied are you with the overall quality of the street in your neighborhood? * a. Very Satisfied b. Satisfied c. Neutral d. Unsatisfied 5. Rank the importance of these infrastructure projects with 1 - Most Important and 4 - Least Important: Restroom facilities at the Lynn Hunkler Memorial Park Street Paving Utilities (water, sewer, electricity) at Lynn Hunkler Memorial Park Storm Sewer Replacement/Repair Submit Thanks for sharing! We always strive to improve. GO TO TOP

Morristown has been on the National Register of Historic Places for over 30 years and been recognized many times as one of the best preserved examples of a National Road community, yet the latest recognition may bring it to the attention of its largest audience yet. NEWS News source The Times Leader $3.9 million awarded to Underground Railroad Museum Read more.. MORRISTOWN — The Underground Railroad Museum has received $3.9 million from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s Appalachian Community Grant Program. The program is part of a $154 million investment in Appalachian downtowns and destinations. The Underground Railroad Museum, while currently located at 121 E High St. in Flushing, is set to move to the historic Black Horse Inn in Morristown. The inn, built in 1807, is one of the last remaining inns and taverns on Old National Road. It is believed to have also been a stop on the Underground Railroad. NEW BANNERS ADORN MAIN STREET Main Street in Morristown is now adorned with full-color banners depicting the village's place in history "on the road." Beautiful and educational, the series of banners shows the evolution of transportation corridors through the village - from a wilderness path known as Zane's Trace to the National Road and US Route 40. The banner project was spearheaded by the Morristown Historic Preservation Association (MHPA) and funded by a grant from the Belmont County Tourism Council. MHPA came up with the banner concept and worked withTiffany Schmidt of SilverLake Graphics in Barnesville to create the design. Ed Tacosik and the LogoTek Team in Bethesda printed and installed the large, vinyl banners. The "on the road" theme was chosen because Morristown is an original Pike town and all the highways are still visible in Morristown. The National Road was the nation's first federally-funded highway, built between 1811 and 1834, and Morristown is one of the best preserved examples of a National Road community. The road became part of US 40 as a coast-to-coast highway in 1926. MHPA extends its appreciation to Ohio History Connection for use of the Zane's Trace image and to AEP for granting permission for the banners to be placed on its electric poles. A short drive leads to trip back in time I visited one of my favorite little communities this past week. news source "The Times Leader" On Wednesday afternoon, I took an impromptu drive through Morristown. Although I was actually looking for a large group of law enforcement officers who had been called to handle an incident I knew almost nothing about at that point, I couldn’t help but notice a few changes in the village. Morristown was platted 220 years ago, and it was named for settler and innkeeper Duncan Morrison. It was established by Jonathan Zane and William Chaplin along the path of the developing National Road — the highway to the West throughout the first half of the 19th century. Read More.. Morristown Featured in Old House Journal Magazine Morristown has been on the National Register of Historic Places for over 30 years and been recognized many times as one of the best preserved examples of a National Road community, yet the latest recognition may bring it to the attention of its largest audience yet. Morristown is a featured community in the December 2016 issue of Old House Journal, a national publication with an audience of 3.6 million readers that is considered the preeminent restoration source by homeowners and design professionals. Read More.. The Times Leader December 4, 2013 Group receives ONRA Award MORRISTOWN Efforts to preserve a storied piece of local history have earned recognition on the state level for a local non-profit group. The Morristown Historic Preservation Association received the 2013 Milestone Historic Preservation Award from the Ohio National Road Association (ONRA) for mounting a successful effort to purchase and restore the Black Horse Inn, one of the last remaining National Road inns and taverns. The Milestone Award was presented at the ONRA Annual Meeting which was held at the Florentine Restaurant in Columbus on Nov. 22. Read More.. GO TO TOP

NEWS Morristown Featured in Old House Journal Magazine Morristown has been on the National Register of Historic Places for over 30 years and been recognized many times as one of the best preserved examples of a National Road community, yet the latest recognition may bring it to the attention of its largest audience yet. Morristown is a featured community in the December 2016 issue of Old House Journal, a national publication with an audience of 3.6 million readers that is considered the preeminent restoration source by homeowners and design professionals. The two-page, full color spread, which hits newsstands on November 1st, includes photos of six 19th century homes and the Black Horse Inn as well as a brief history of the village. Morristown Mayor Heather Stitt said she was elated to learn that the magazine had plans to feature Morristown. “Morristown is truly a link to the past,” Mayor Stitt said. “The future of Morristown looks bright and this is just the first step to show what our little village has to offer.” Morristown came to the attention of Old House Journal via Carolyn Bates, a nationally-recognized photographer from Vermont. Bates was making plans to photograph a cabin owned by the Dutton family near Flushing and asked Greg Dutton if there were any historic homes that she could visit. He connected her with John Rataiczak, Morristown homeowner and president of the Morristown Historic Preservation Association. "I was thrilled to learn of this interest as we have always felt that what we have here in Morristown is special and worthy of national recognition and attention," Rataiczak said. In May, John began sending Bates pictures of every home built in Morristown between 1800 and 1899. After months of emails and photos, Carolyn had what she needed to pitch the idea of a Morristown feature to the editors of Old House Journal. They reviewed the photos and agreed to send Carolyn to photograph the village for a regular feature in the magazine called “My Neighborhood.” Carolyn arrived in Morristown the third week in July. “I felt like I had stepped way back in time,” Carolyn remarked about her first impression of the small village. She stayed in the Brooks House, a guest of owner Troy Biery. She was the guest of honor at a dinner hosted by several homeowners on July 22. She spent the next several days walking around the community, taking photos and talking with residents. “I felt so welcome,” Carolyn said. “Within an hour I felt like I was with my family.” “It was a pleasure to share our community, our friendship, food and conversation with someone who appreciated all that makes Morristown a special place to live,” said Melissa Rataiczak. “Carolyn gave us another reason to come together for fellowship and laughter, a hallmark of living in this awesome village,” she added. Morristown has offered other opportunities for visitors, like Christmas Home Tours and National Pike Festivals. Morristown was also a stop on the 2016 Rubberneck Tour. Next up is the Fifth Annual Turkey Trot, a Thanksgiving morning tradition in Morristown. All are welcome to participate in this fun 5K Run/Walk. “This is another opportunity for neighbors, family and friends to come together and create more Morristown memories,” Rataiczak said. Mayor Stitt hopes this recognition generates interest and enthusiasm for preserving old homes and buildings. So does newest resident, Gabe Hays, who purchased one of Morristown’s historic homes last year. “What I hope this will mean to Morristown is a continuum of stewardship awareness for this nationally-significant American historic place,” Hays said. “I pray that this will inspire others to invest in any of the current structures needing love.” GO TO TOP

THE NATIONAL ROAD The First Motor Car Over the National Road By Daisy Tolbatt Humphrey Note: The following account of the first motor car over the National Road was written by Daisy Tolbatt Humphrey. The date of this adventure and all other information is unknown. The Morristown Historic Preservation Association is pleased to share it with you. The day had arrived when the much talked of Motor Car was to make its first journey from Cambridge to Wheeling. I had long since determined to be one of the first passengers. As I arrived at the car to my surprise one of my school friends was among the passengers. Conversing with her I learned that she had started for the same destination and I was glad to know there would be one of my acquaintances to accompany me. We traveled with great speed, but having to stop at various towns detained us some, but we arrived at Morristown at noon and stopped at the Horner House and secured lodging for the night. We then decided we would go chestnut hunting the next day. During the remainder of the day we called on a number of our friends among whom was our old Superintendent. His wife answered the bell promptly and after mutual felicitations concerning unusually favorable atmospheric conditions, she answered our inquiries about the head of the house by saying that he was amusing himself with his favorite sport of training his pet coons. We then returned to the Horner House and retired for the night. Morristown was the third stagecoach stop from Wheeling, WV and travelers found lodging at the Horner House, mentioned in this account. Later renamed Wright Hotel, it is shown here circa 1920. Renamed once more as the Black Horse Inn in the early 20th century, it gained notoriety as a fine country dining facility where liveried waiters served food and drink to patrons. The Black Horse is a Morristown landmark and remains standing along the original National Road, which is now Main Street. The next morning, feeling much refreshed, about eight o’clock we started on our chestnut hunting trip. It was a lovely day and there had been just enough frost to enable us to secure the chestnuts without much difficulty. Securing quite a number, we then decided we would roam over the green fields and hills. We ascended a very steep hill and when we reached the summit, having a field glass with us, we viewed places at quite a distance. We then returned to town and decided to take the car the next morning and go on to Wheeling. Morning came and we started for our destination. We sped along at the rate of about 15 miles per hour and the fields and landscapes looked like moving pictures. In about an hour and a half, we were at the end of our journey. We then strolled out to Wheeling Park and remained until noon and came back into the city and did our shopping. Having collected our things in a convenient place, my friend insisted that I must accompany her to see a friend. We took the street car and went to her residence and remained until almost time to return to Cambridge. We started for home and found it required about three hours to make the trip. When we reached home we felt that we had acquired some knowledge as well as had a good time. I think the Motor Car is quite an improvement on our old stage coaches of many years ago. GO TO TOP

MORRISTOWN WALKING TOUR GO TO TOP

VILLAGE OF MORRISTOWN or Morristown Historic Preservation Association CONTACT US CONTACT & LOCATION Submit Thanks for submitting! VILLAGE OF MORRISTOWN 201 W. Cross Street P.O. Box 241 Morristown, OH 43759 Phone: 740-782-1551 Fax: 740-782-1820 Morristown Historic Preservation Association P.O. Box 102, Morristown, OH 43759 Slideshow 1 of 10 GO TO TOP

Christmas Tour 2012 images GO TO TOP

LYNN-HUNKLER MEMORIAL PARK ODNR Grant Helps Fund Playground Connor Mudrak, 4, paused from playing to have his picture taken on new playground equipment that was recently installed at the Lynn-Hunkler Memorial Park in Morristown. Connor, the son of Misty and Louie Mudrak, is pictured with Park Commission members, from left: Josh Nagy, Beth Robb (treasurer), Vicki Burghy and Don Hearn. The Morristown Park Commission received a $53,682 NatureWorks grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources that helped fund the first phase of a three-phase playground project. The connected playground pieces, safety surface and accessible walkway were installed in July and August. The commission continues to pursue funding sources to complete the next two phases. The Lynn-Hunkler Memorial Park was developed on 76 acres of land donated to the village of Morristown by the Betty Hunkler Modie Family. It features five baseball fields, a disc golf course, basketball court and picnic shelters. The Park Commission oversees maintenance and operations of the park. The Lynn-Hunkler Memorial Park is a Morristown treasure, situated on 76 acres of land at the east end of the village. The acreage was donated for a park by Betty Hunkler Modie and family. This generous gift propelled a “field of dreams” into reality for Morristown area children and adults in 2010. The park features five baseball diamonds and dugouts; a basketball court, two picnic shelters, playground equipment and a disc golf course. It is a busy place in the spring and summer, hosting ball games, reunions, and special events. A walking trail and beautiful landscape make it a popular place for people who like to spend time in nature. The park is maintained and managed by the Morristown Park Commission, whose members are Vicki Burghy, Josh Nagy and Don Hearn. For information about the Lynn-Hunkler Memorial Park, email vburghy@gmail.com or call the village offices at 740-782-1551. THE TIMES LEADER April 18, 2015 Ohio Valley Unsung Hero: Burghy Well-Known in Morristown Area MORRISTOWN – Anyone who knows Randy Burghy knows he does a lot for the youth of the Morristown area in the baseball realm. But, he isn’t alone. And he’d be the first person to tell you that. In fact, in discussing what he does at Lynn-Hunker Park and the baseball diamond at Union Local High School, Burghy uses the word ‘we’ quite a bit. Burghy is pretty humble about his endeavors. But the truth is, both facilities wouldn’t be in the shape they are without his help. ”What I like more about doing it than anything is when I was growing up I didn’t have a place to play,” said Burghy, a Morristown native. ”Now, I have an opportunity to help the kids, you know, now have a better place to play. ”I think people should pride themselves in the places we have here.” Burghy certainly does. ”I’m kind of the maintenance guy,” he noted. ”I check swing sets. I put the teeter-totters up. Anything you look at out there I’ve probably had my hands on it.” And that’s in reference to both Lynn-Hunkler and the baseball field at Union Local. Even though he has three children of his own, Burghy treats both ‘Fields of Dreams’ like they were his own. ”I just kind of do what needs to be done,” he said humbly. ”Well, actually, I probably mow a little bit every week. What we try to do is get the coaches to take care of their own fields. There are five fields at Lynn-Hunkler, which has been in existence about seven years and has seen tremendous growth since its inception. ”I take care of stuff around it if they need help. I take my own tractor out with the tiller and till and do the things that need done. ”It’s just things that you do, things that you do to help.” A 1970 graduate of UL, Burghy served as head baseball coach for the Jets for one season – 1993. Back then, the field there was the only one locally for teams in that vicinity to play at. Therefore, it required a lot of uptake. Burghy helped when he could, but because of his job in the coal mining industry, the time he had available was limited. These days, now that he’s retired, he has more time to devote. ”I just volunteer my time to help, that’s all,” he said. ”Nothing out of the ordinary.” Randy’s son, also Randy, played baseball at Union Local. Now, a third generation is wearing the Red and White – Randy’s grandson, Lucas Robb. Burghy said he spent some time prior to the high school season helping get the UL field spruced up. It’s a source of pride for him. ”It makes the school looks good,” he said. ”It’s good for everyone, really. ”I said if they needed help, I’d help. Over the years, I’ve some stuff out there.” Such as mowing and the like. Most of Burghy’s time is spent at Lynn-Hunkler, where there’s more work to be done, and where Burghy’s daughter, Vicky, helps manage the facility. ”When the park opened, there wasn’t much there,” he recalled. ”Little by little, things are coming together.” The last few years, some of the Lynn-Hunkler fields were used for the Edgar Martin Beast of the East Classic. Local Little League teams also utilize the park. ”We’re trying to finish up the loose ends out there now,” he said. ”Hopefully, we’ll be able to maintain it.” If you know of someone involved in sports in the Ohio Valley whom I could feature as an Ohio Valley Unsung Hero, drop me a line at rthorp@timesleaderonline.com or via Twitter at RickThorp1 GO TO TOP

Wagon Train, Turkey Trot, Rubberneck Tour, Veterans Honored at CommUNITY Day and More.. PAST EVENTS 2018 National Pike Wagon Train Go To Thanksgiving Morning 5k Turkey Trot 2016 Rubberneck Tour Go To 2012 Christmas Tour Go To ~Holiday Tour of Homes~ Photo Gallery by Bill Ivoska on flickr ((Click Here)) 2006 National Road Bicentennial Go To 2002 Morristown Balloon Festival Go To Veterans Honored at CommUNITY Day Go To 2002 Garden Tour Go To GO TO TOP