CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF CANOEING IN OHIO

08-23-2011

 

 

August 22, 2011

 

 

Loudonville, Ohio – In 1961 Ohio’s first canoe livery opened in Loudonville.  To celebrate the 50^th anniversary of canoeing in Ohio the Mohican-Loudonville Visitors Bureau has created a special section of their web page, www.DiscoverMohican.com.

“In 1961 Dick Frye opened Mohican Canoe Livery with a dream and 14 aluminum canoes,” explained Bob Yun, Visitors Bureau Executive Director.  “The Livery was first located near the intersection of State Route 3 and 97, across from Mohican State Park.  Today the livery is now called Mohican Adventures and has  moved just up the road from the State Park on State Route 3,” Yun said. 

In celebration of the anniversary, the Mohican-Loudonville Visitors Bureau invites all Ohioans to check out the many 50^th anniversary features on their web page, www.DiscoverMohican.com.  There is an extensive history of the first 50 years of canoeing in Loudonville.  In addition, there’s a fascinating background about the evolution of Ohio’s first canoe livery.   Other articles provide more insights into the celebration.

A photo section provides a fascinating look into the early years of the livery.  This includes 1966 photos of a visit by then Governor Rhodes.  Many of the photos were from the collection of early Mohican Canoe Livery employee Marilyn Nestich, now retired and living in Ashland.  Readers are invited to submit their favorite Mohican River trip photos for inclusion on-line.  There is also a Guest Register section for visitors to record their written Mohican River memories..

Another section includes a downloadable map of all the six canoe liveries in the Loudonville area.  Two liveries are located on State Route 3, two are on nearby Wally Road, one livery is downtown, and the sixth is on the Lake Fork branch of the Mohican River northeast of town on State Route 3.  The River Report section, which is updated daily, provides current river conditions.  It also have extensive information about all the liveries including hours and season, type of watercraft they rent, length of trips they offer, and hot links to their web page.  All six liveries are open daily and most stay open through October.

From very humble beginnings 50 years ago, canoeing has grown in the area and throughout Ohio.   So popular an Ohio canoeing destination, earlier this year the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water, officially designated Loudonville as “Canoe Capital of Ohio.”

“Loudonville is fortunate to have an abundance of natural resources in the area, especially the Mohican River, that out-of-town visitors can enjoy,” Yun said.  “We are proud three family generations of Ohioans have made many cherished memories on the Mohican River the past fifty years. With two and a half  months left in the canoeing season, we invite all Ohioans to make some Mohican memories of their own this year in Loudonville.  Fall foliage on the River is incredible.   We are a nearby and affordable getaway.”

For more information on planning your family getaway in Loudonville and to request a free 2011 Visitors Guide, contact the Mohican-Loudonville Visitors Bureau toll-free at 877-266-4422 or email requests toInfo@DiscoverMohican.com.  The 2011 Guide has been expanded from 32 to 48 pages and is now magazine size.  A special canoe livery map and history of Loudonville canoeing has also been included.  A virtual Visitor Guide and River Report are also available on their web page, www.DiscoverMohican.com.

 

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Proud to be the Canoe Capital of Ohio

 

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