On Saturday April 13th, the community of Hamilton Ohio celebrated the history of Hamilton at an event called Hollow Earth Fest. This is the first of planned annual events.
The goal of Hollow Earth Fest is to honor founders and visionaries that made the Hamilton area what it is, those who contributed to society and the community and to foster historical discussions about the founding and growth of Hamilton.
The Grave Monument for John Cleves Symmes the founder of the Hollow Earth movement
The Cincinnati Sons of the American Revolution found out about the event, learned that the events included the dedication of a marker for Revolutionary War veteran Paul Bonnel (also referred to as Bonnell). Members of the Cincinnati SAR attended and participated in the event and were welcomed by the organizers of the event.
Cincinnati SAR Members at newly dedicated grave mark for Paul Bonnel
One of the local heroes celebrated was Captain John Cleves Symmes. Symmes was a veteran of the War of 1812. He was buried in the park, and a marker was placed there to celebrate his visionary ideas.
Grave Marker for John Cleves Symmes – credit to Nick Graham
The monument at Symmes Park initially marked the gravesite of John Cleves Symmes, and the city cemetery was later turned into a park.
The Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution was led by the efforts of Mike Gunn and Gordon Stokely. They discussed with the organizers the opportunity for the Cincinnati SAR to perform a grave marking service for the Revolutionary War veteran Paul Bonnel (also referred to as Bonnell). The Cincinnati SAR has expressed interest in participating in this event in the future.
Gordon Stokely provides opening remarks and a prayer for all
Highlights of SAR / DAR / Eagle Scout participation included:
- Eagle Scout Candidate – high school junior Zack Kramer, presented to the crowd and helped in the dedication of the stone SAR marker recognizing Paul Bonnel’s grave.
Eagle Scout Candidate Zack Kramer addresses the visitors and participants
- Chaplain Gordon Stokely delivered the invocation and performed taps.
Gordon Stokely showing off his music talents
- Past President Michael Gunn was in uniform and presented a display of 18th century artifacts.
Mike Gunn sharing Rev War history with visitors old and young
- Michael Gunn also presented a CCSAR wreath at the recently located grave of Paul Bonnel, Revolutionary War and War of 1812 veteran.
Betsy Ross, Old Glory and the SAR flag flutter in the wind
- President Scott Freeman spoke as part of the ceremony about the SAR and our Patriot Grave Marking activities.
Scott Freeman speaks with festival participants
- Scott Freeman also presented a CCSAR wreath at the John Cleves Symmes, Jr. monument, a War of 1812 Veteran.
- Cincinnati Chapter Compatriot John Holcomb, a resident of Hamilton, was in attendance.
- Ruth Wells, Regent of the John Reily Chapter of the DAR spoke as part of the ceremony.
- Several DAR local Regents and Representatives jointly presented a wreath at the grave of Paul Bonnel.
DAR Representatives at the Ceremony honoring John Cleves Symmes and Paul Bonnel
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On April 13, members of Oxford Caroline Scott DAR attended a wreath laying ceremony in Hamilton at Symmes Park on S 3rd St.
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The other 4 DAR chapters of Butler County also were there.
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John Reily’s Regent and the Cincinnati S.A.R. shared brief remarks.
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Two war veterans, Paul Bonnel from the American Revolution and War of 1812, and John Cleves Symmes of the War of 1812, were honored and remembered.
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Patriot Paul Bonnel’s grave site has only recently been determined as part of Eagle Scout candidate Zach Kramer’s study project.
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SAR Bronze Plaque to Honor Patriot Bonnel
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An historical marker will be installed when funds have been raised.
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Visitors listening to the presentation
- A local JROTC group posted the colors,
- the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) group fired a rifle salute,
- and there was a bag pipe unit as well filling the spring air with a glorious sound
Visitors were treated to bagpipe music
Additional information can be found in the Hamilton Journal News article (published prior to the event) at:
News Article – Hollow Earth Fest – Hamilton
A wonderful video prepared by “TvHamilton” titled “Explore Hamilton” highlights the event including some Cincinnati SAR footage. See below:
Video by Tv Hamilton – “Hollow Earth Fest”
Congratulations on a wonderful 1st Annual Hollow Earth Fest and our best wishes for many future events to come.
It was a beautiful spring day to gather and honor our ancestors and their efforts on our behalf.
