History, root beer bring out families

Front Porch Swatters perform, along with actor Howard Carter

With root beer floats, live music and some local history, the Oberlin Heritage Center welcomed folks for an afternoon of fun for “Root Beer and Yesteryear.”

Located on the grounds of the historic Monroe House at 73 ½ S. Professor Street, the Oberlin Heritage Center, guests viewed demonstrations of two working phonographs including an 1895 Edison Cylinder and a 1917 Victor Talking Machine with OHC Trustee Brian Wilbert.

People could pose for a photograph with a vintage 1923 Model T Ford, play historic games and meet Powhatan Beaty, who fought at the Battle of New Market Heights during the Civil War as a member of the 5th United States Colored Troops. Beaty was portrayed and interpreted by Howard Carter.

While enjoying fresh popcorn and root beer floats, guests could hear an afternoon of tunes from The Front Porch Swatters.

According to the Oberlin Heritage Center, root beer has a historic Oberlin connection.

Frank Jewett

Chemistry Professor Frank Jewett, the namesake of the house now located at 73 S. Professor Street, was a founding member of the Anti-Saloon League and brewed his own root beer as a refreshing alternative to alcoholic beverages.

Brouhaha

However, in 1897, Jewett was taken to task when he “created consternation by a report that root beer made by him and permitted to stand for three weeks showed an alcoholic content of 3.3 percent.”

Root Beer and Yesteryear was made possible thanks to support from Oberlin IGA and Oberlin Athletic Boosters, officials said in a news release.

KEVIN MARTIN — THE MORNING JOURNAL The Front Porch Swatters perform on Oct. 3at the Monroe House of the Oberlin Heritage Center.

KEVIN MARTIN — THE MORNING JOURNAL The Front Porch Swatters perform on Oct. 3at the Monroe House of the Oberlin Heritage Center for a Root Beer and Yesteryear event.