Vintage Baseball Teams Celebrate Toledo War Days 175th Year Anniversary in Annual Matchup

DETROIT, MI, July 07, 2011 (Press-News.org) Toledo War Days 2011, a special event at Walker Tavern Historic Site, marks the 175th anniversary of both the founding of Walker Tavern and the resolution of the Toledo War. The Saturday, July 23 event revives the dispute between Ohio and Michigan over ownership of the Toledo Strip. The winner this time will be determined by reenactors representing both sides in a historical debate and a vintage baseball game. The event runs from noon to 4:30 p.m., and also features a talk on early baseball in Adrian, a book-signing, and a jug band concert. Visitors may bring a picnic lunch or purchase food and beverages on site.

The Toledo War was a conflict between Michigan and Ohio lasting from 1802, when Ohio became a state, until 1837 when Michigan became a state. Inaccurate land survey results placed the boundary between the Ohio and Michigan territory in different places. Both Ohio and Michigan claimed the land where the Maumee River reached Lake Erie, where Toledo now stands. Although troops were massed on either side of the Maumee River, the dispute was resolved without much bloodshed. It is said the only casualty was a pig.

The conflict becomes living histo0ry at 1 p.m. when Mike McMaster from the Wood County Museum in Bowling Green, Ohio and Tom Truscott of the Michigan Historical Museum playfully revive the argument for spectators. Following the debate, the rivalry spills out onto the baseball field. The Wheels of Walker Walker Tavern play the Wood County Infirmary Inmates in a game of vintage baseball. The winning team will take home the Toledo War Days Pig Trophy.

Following the game, the Tin Penny Band will perform early 20th century swing, blues and jazz favorites.

The event starts at noon with a talk by Dr. Julieanna Frost about historic Negro, female, and commercially supported baseball teams that once played in Lenawee County. Dr. Frost will sign her newly published monograph, Images of America: Adrian published by Arcadia containing photos of some early teams. Images of America: Adrian will be available for purchase in the Walker Mercantile.

Admission to Toledo War Days, the Historic State Park and all activities on July 23 are free of charge. Friends of Walker Tavern, Michigan Historical Museum and the Department of Natural Resources support this event.

Walker Tavern Historic Site is located at the junction of M-50 and US-12, south of Brooklyn. Regular hours are Tuesday - Sunday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Walker Tavern is part of the Michigan Historical Museum System. Call 517-467-4401 for more information or visit http://www.michigan.gov/walkertavern.

Schedule of Events

Noon: Baseball talk and book signing with Dr. Julieanna Frost.
1:00pm: Mock Debate between reenactors about Toledo Strip.
1:30pm: Vintage baseball game begins.
3:00pm: The Tin Penny Band performs.

All times are approximate.