Imagine being laid off from work. Now imagine it’s 1932, during the Great Depression, and you’ve been laid off by your employer. What would you do?

In 1932, Ben Hartman faced that scenario and he began creating art in his back yard. He continued to do so until his death from occupational exposure to silica in 1944 at age 62. Much like the Ave Maria Grotto, see Roadside Attractions, Ben used what ever he had on hand to construct his concrete garden. He created hundreds of structures and figurines inspired by history, religion, and popular culture, including Betsy Ross’ House in Philadelphia and George Washington’s Headquarters at Valley Forge.

His wife Mary maintained the garden for 53 years after his death. In 2008, the Kohler Foundation purchased the property and began restoration. In 2009, Friends of the Hartman Rock Garden was formed to continue preservation of the site.

The Hartman Rock Garden is located at 1905 Russell Avenue in Springfield, Ohio. It is located in a residential neighborhood with ample street parking and it is open from dawn to dusk. Admission is free. Donations are requested.

We are only a week into this trip. We have visited family in Ohio and Indiana. It is a blessing to be able to travel and see family as often as we have these last few years. Retirement and RV travel pairs well. We’ll have another post about a famous house Springfield soon.

Thanks for your interest.