The "Rye" Field and Water Tower
Chilo: Living and Working with the Ohio River
Children living at Chilo Lock and Dam referred to the central field as the Rye Field. It provided a place for games and picnics.
The Good Life
Children at the Lock and Dam never had to mow
their lawns or paint their houses. Most importantly,
their fathers had steady jobs; something unusual
during the Great Depression.
Stories
Each family was provided with garden space. It
was understood that the "first four rows (of the
garden) belonged to the river.” The vegetables
were to be shared with the shanty boat families
who would frequently camp on the grounds during
the Depression.
Mary Camery interview
To children growing up in the Village of Chilo, the
paved curbs, indoor plumbing and whitewashed
trees at the Lock and Dam had a "city-like” feel.
Lonnie Bettle interview
The Water Tower
The water tower provided water for the powerhouse
and the houses. Residents describe the water as being
very rusty. The pump for the tower is in the
powerhouse. The tower had a 10,000 gallon capacity.
Periodically, the water tower was flushed, dumping
hundreds of
this page online
Erected by Clermont County Park District. (Marker Number 6.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Architecture • Notable Places.
Location. 38° 47.388′ N, 84° 7.919′ W. Marker is in Chilo, Ohio, in Clermont County. Marker is on County Park Road, 0.2 miles south of Ohio River Scenic Byway (U.S. 52), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 521 County Park Rd, Chilo OH 45112, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Chilo Lock & Dam #34 Powerhouse (a few steps from this marker); The Chilo Lock and Dam #34 Walking Tour (within shouting distance of this marker); The Flood of 1937 (within shouting distance of this marker); Search Lights (within shouting distance of this marker); Water Highways (within shouting distance of this marker); Replacing Chilo (within shouting distance of this marker); Locking Through (within shouting distance of this marker); The Assistant Lockmaster's House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chilo.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 17, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 14, 2021, by TeamOHE of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 49 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 14, 2021, by TeamOHE of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
