Toledo Botanical Garden (Pioneer Garden)
The Pioneer Garden in the Toledo Botanical Garden re-creates a historical setting with plots filled with heirloom vegetables and flowers, grown organically, as in pioneer days.
However, the centerpiece of the garden isn’t a re-creation: it’s the actual log cabin of Peter Navarre, a famed army scout and settler of southeast Michigan and northwest Ohio. Navarre, born to French parents and familiar with Indian society from a young age, was instrumental to American efforts in the War of 1812 and was involved in the death of British-allied Indian chief Tecumseh. His cabin, which originally stood elsewhere on Toledo farm, was moved to the Botanical Garden in 1975.
Each year, the Garden hosts a “Peter Navarre Day” to celebrate Navarre’s life and introduce the public to pioneer life.
Toledo, Ohio was the first market in the country to air the eScapes Television Network! It can still be found on Buckeye CableSystem on Channel 168.
Gregg Karukas is a contemporary jazz keyboardist. After launching his solo career in the 1980s, Karukas formed a band that featured Dave Koz and Boney James, and became the original keyboardist for the Rippingtons. Now a genre favorite, Karukas has released a dozen solo albums.
Links
Toledo Botanical Garden
Collection of Peter Navarre Information (edited by Marshall Davies Lloyd)
Toledo Official Travel Site
Gregg Karukas Official Site