Raccoon Township near Rio Grande in Gallia County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Robert L. “Bob” Evans

(1918–2007)

Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 31, 2018

1. Robert L. “Bob” Evans Marker, Side One

Inscription. Bob Evans was born on May 30, 1918 in Sugar Ridge, Ohio. He married Jewell Waters in 1940 and moved to Gallipolis, Ohio. In 1946 Bob took the first step in what would later become Bob Evans Farms, Inc., when he opened a 12-seat diner in Gallipolis. Bob, unsatisfied with the quality of the sausage he was able to purchase to serve in his diner, created his own recipe. Before long, Bob Evans was selling his sausage to grocery stores and meat markets.

From his vision of making quality retail sausage, building a national restaurant chain, or saving family farms, Bob Evans was never short on the entrepreneurial spirit needed to make those dreams a reality. As he watched the company grow to nearly 600 restaurants across the country, and from manufacturing sausage himself in 10-pound tubs, to dozens of food products in all 50 states, Bob Evans remained the “farmer down on the farm.” He was a visionary, but more importantly, Bob Evans was a friend and inspiration to many. His dedication to quality and customers is his legacy to the company that bears his name.

Erected 2012 by Bob Evans Farms, Inc. and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 18-27.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture

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• Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 30, 1918.

Location. 38° 52.934′ N, 82° 22.064′ W. Marker is near Rio Grande, Ohio, in Gallia County. It is in Raccoon Township. Marker is on Farmview Road (Local Route 71) north of Ohio Route 588. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 791 Farmview Rd, Bidwell OH 45614, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Event Barn (here, next to this marker); The Gallia County Quilt Barn Trail Logo (here, next to this marker); Central Star Quilt Block (a few steps from this marker); The Homestead (within shouting distance of this marker); Our Farm Salutes All Who Serve (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bicentennial Barn (about 600 feet away); Sorghum Cane (about 600 feet away); Sorghum Mill (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rio Grande.

Robert L. “Bob” Evans Marker, Side Two image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 31, 2018

2. Robert L. “Bob” Evans Marker, Side Two

Robert L. “Bob” Evans Marker at the Event Barn image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 31, 2018

3. Robert L. “Bob” Evans Marker at the Event Barn

Sign between this marker and the door reads, “This barn dates from the early 20th century. It once was a dairy and sheep barn used by students at Rio Grande College to raise livestock and crops in return for tuition. When Bob Evans purchased the farm in 1953, he also used this barn to house dairy cattle and sheep. Today, the barn is not only used for farm events and activities, but it makes a great rental site for meetings, receptions and parties.”

Credits. This page was last revised on December 2, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 8, 2018, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 474 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 8, 2018, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.