Family stepping stone, Amish buggy latest additions to Boardman Park

BOARDMAN

Generations of Patsy Anne Zabel’s family grew up with this stepping stone at their homes.

From her uncle’s farm in New Springfield, to her parents’ farm on the corner of Hitchcock Road and U.S. Route 224, to her and her husband’s home on Hitchcock Road, the stepping stone was part of their family history for more than 80 years.

“That stepping stone sat in our front yard for 50 years,” said Patsy Anne’s husband, Don, recalling that their children used to play on it.

Now the stone, along with a historic Amish buggy, will be part of Boardman’s history.

The Zabels, who have been members of the Boardman Historical Society for more than 30 years, donated the stone and buggy to Boardman Park at a ceremony Wednesday that was attended by park and township officials.

“It needed a new home,” Patsy Anne said. “I felt that it should be someplace permanent.”

The stepping stone and buggy arrived at the park last fall, and the buggy was restored by the park staff over the winter. The stone and buggy sit in the Historical Village, which is nestled behind the St. James Meeting House that is visible from U.S. Route 224.

Read more about these historic additions in Thursday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.