The following is an abstract from today's Sunday, 20th December 1998 Steubenville Herald Star. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ TODAY'S SALUTES, Lights bring back memories: The lighting of holiday lights at the "old watering trough" on Market Street Hill has brought to mind nostalgic memories of stories told by my parents and their siblings; as told to children filled with wonder and overwhelming interest! "Twould be a half day's journey, from "farmland" Richmond to downtown Steubenville, by horse and buggy; a trip infrequently made, needless to say. My grandparents, and undoubtedly several children, were prepared with food and water as they endured the necessary slow mode of travel. The sight of the watering trough, for satisfying the thirst of the horses, was an unspeakable relief and delight. All the living beings took pleasure in "re-fueling" as they savored their brief rest period. A century or so has passed since the "almost forgotten" or "never known about" comfort station was a popular and appreciated accommodation for those country folk coming to the city! I trust that such a significant relic and landmark will continue to be cared for and preserved; a public service which our ancestors would most certainly sanction. Accordingly, an expression of gratitude is due to the appropriate city officials in promoting this act of noteworthy display (holiday lighting) and cause for warm reminiscing. Helen (Kearney) Bone, Steubenville ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please take a moment and imagine those Christmas lights twinkling and burning brightly this Holiday Season. Most of your Jefferson County, OH pioneer ancestors stopped at this landmark for a natural refreshment whenever they applied for a marriage license or land deed transaction at the county courthouse just down the street. (What would our ancestor think of today's replacement of a clear plastic bottle of designer water?) Having just reached my 50th year in 1998, I remember my father showing me this landmark in my youth. He an auto mechanic descended from three generations of blacksmiths from the lower part of Jefferson Co., OH and this landmark gave him the warmest memories of an all too important and forgotten lifestyle. Warmest thoughts for all those noble beasts who served our Ohio Valley pioneer ancestors, too. JEFFERSON COUNTY CHAPTER, OGS Julia A. Krutilla