Nestled along the Tuscarawas River in the eponymous county in northeast Ohio, the historic but tiny village of Zoar is a popular quiet summer retreat; with the season highlighted by the well-attended summer harvest festival and antique show during the first week in August. Founded in 1817 by German religious dissenters known as The Society of Separatists, today it is home to approximately 175 residents. In recent years, historic Zoar has been threatened by flooding from an aging levee, and a Federal study that suggests a repair to the levee is not a cost effective solution. For Ohio historians and Americana collectors, the loss of Zoar as a historic village represents a significant threat to the preservation of an important piece of American history and culture.
The German immigrants who settled Zoar in the early 19th Century produced a distinctive body of material culture, with roots in their European and Christian heritages. Zoar furniture is marked by bold geometric design, dense hardwoods and large scale; textiles and accessories are simple in design and function, but often adorned with the star of Bethlehem or other religious symbols. Today, the material culture emerging from Zoar has come to be quite respected and commands considerable prices in the antiques market.
This summer, take the short drive to historic Zoar while you still can. It is a wonderful step back in time that you won’t want to miss. For more information about Zoar collectibles, visit garths.com/collecting. To follow the efforts to save the village of Zoar, visit savehistoriczoar.com.
This highly refined diminutive cupboard, dating to the mid-19th Century was constructed of walnut, pine and poplar in Zoar, Ohio. Sold, Garth’s, $3,995.
This folksy mid-19th Century candlestand from Zoar, Ohio, features a two-tiered top, scroll-cut legs and a wonderful, original salmon paint. Sold, Garth’s, $5,053.
The heart cutout decoration and original finish helped to push this kraut cutter, originating from Zoar, Ohio, to $392 at Garth’s.
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