Summer of Tours: Wagnalls Memorial Library & Slate Run Vineyard

Join CO-ASIS&T for back-to-back events just outside Franklin County’s southeast corner!

We’ll start with a historical tour and presentation of one of the Central Library Consortium member libraries, the privately owned Wagnall’s Memorial Library. After the tour, meet us for a private talk and optional wine-tasting at the nearby Slate Run Vineyard Winery.

The Wagnalls Memorial Library is a sprawling, Tudor-gothic gem built from native freestone quarried in Lithopolis. Its striking architectural characteristics and treasures, such as the two original Norman Rockwell paintings and original Harry Houdini letters, make this turn-of-the century building a magical destination. Wagnalls also provides the surrounding area with a theater, gardens, scholarships, and a variety of programs and events. You will learn all about this small-town treasure on your tour with costumed guide Carol Gaal.

WML is part of the Central Library Consortium and would not be able to survive without this partnership. Library Director Tami Morehart will talk about this partnership, library services, and the library’s future. You will have an opportunity to see the unique creative play space in the children’s library that provides hands-on learning for young patrons.

Tami Morehart, Library Director at Wagnalls, previously worked as the children’s librarian for 32 years. She has a passion for the library and preserving the historical building for future generations.

Carol Gaal began giving tours of the Wagnalls Memorial building eleven years ago. She is completely enamored with the Wagnalls family, and she gives tours as benefactor Mabel Wagnalls. She continues her research and never tires of learning more about Mabel and her family.

After the library tour & presentation, we will be meeting 4 miles down the road at Slate Run Vineyard for a special treat. We will regroup at noon for a 45-50 minute private talk, tour and tasting with vintner Keith Pritchard.

Slate Run Vineyard is a small farm winery opened in 1997 by Keith and Leslie Pritchard. Keith will discuss the winemaking business and his vineyard, and, conditions permitting lead our group to the vineyards and talk about his grapes. The day will close with an optional tasting of each of his available wines for $6.50 (total) per person (payable at the door to Keith/Slate Run Vineyard).

Keith Pritchard, an avid amateur winemaker since 1981, started planting grapes in 1985 to support his experimental winemaking pursuits. Quickly realizing that he planted too many grapes, Keith started selling them to other amateur winemakers and small wineries. By 1994, Keith concluded that opening a winery would allow him to utilize all the skills and education that he developed previously in life.

WHEN: Saturday, June 29
9:30 am – networking and light refreshments at Wagnalls Library
10:00 am – presentation and tour of Wagnalls Library
12:00 pm – talk and tasting at Slate Run Vineyard

WHERE:
Wagnalls Memorial Library
150 E. Columbus St.
Lithopolis, OH 43136

Slate Run Vineyard Winery
1900 Winchester Southern Rd.
Canal Winchester, OH 43110
($6.50/person for wine tasting)