sound, sight & sentiment in yellow springs, ohio

The Old Ampitheatre [gallery]

I wish I knew the history of this place.

All I know is that it is covered in honeysuckle, some parts under layers of yearly deposits of dirt, dust, and debris. But still, every time I come around I am enchanted by the chunks of stone/concrete seats in the round; the abandoned but brilliant essence of the place. I love the rustic grass pathway that leads you down behind the pottery studio.

I want to see it cleaned up a bit. I want to see kids playing a funny (abridged!) version of the Canterbury Tales in the big circle. Maybe a skit by the Antioch McGregor Classics productions or the Living History Theater company, or an acoustic show with the Corn Daddies or Ryan Judy or Rob Heiliger sitting on some stumps.

If this place were in my backyard, I would set up a dining room table and deck it with linens and candles for a hearty fall sup. You bring the wine, and we’ll toast to the idiots.

2 Responses to “The Old Ampitheatre [gallery]”

  1. Amanda Turner says:

    My first co-op job was here in YS. It was an Ameri-Corps position as Youth Program Coordinator at the John Bryan Center. I had the same response to this place, majestic and magical. The first project I undertook was cleaning up the ampitheatre.

    Maybe we can make something happen next summer or fall?

  2. Erin Hankie says:

    I have always loved this place. My friend was married last October and I tried so hard to get her to do it there. There was too much to clean up.

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