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Community Nights at Findlay Market

Enjoy the arts at Findlay Market!

Community Nights at Findlay Market is a series aimed at bringing the community together and strengthening the bond between the historic Over-the-Rhine market and its neighbors. The events will take place at Jane’s (corner of Elm and Elder Streets) every second and fourth Wednesday of the month from April to October 2025. Each iteration will feature a unique theme, with local nonprofits invited to set up tables, offer fun activities, and share helpful information.

The initiative is all about creating a welcoming space where people of all ages can come together, learn about valuable community resources, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the market. It also supports cultural and income diversity by making the market more accessible to all community members and promoting a diverse range of organizations. Whether you’re interested in music, film, theater, or visual arts, there’s something for you. Mix and mingle with fellow creatives, try something new, and grab a drink or two!

Visit our Longworth-Anderson Series information table on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Learn about our contemporary music series, participate in an interactive activity, and win exciting prizes like Friends & Founders membership, complimentary concert tickets, and Memorial Hall swag.

Participating Organizations

Keeping the Spirit Alive: Peter Rowan & Sam Grisman Revisit Old & In the Way

In the early 1970s, a group of musicians came together with a shared love for bluegrass and pushed the boundaries of music.  The result was Old & In the Way—a short-lived but legendary group featuring Jerry Garcia on banjo, David Grisman on mandolin, Peter Rowan on guitar and vocals, Vassar Clements on fiddle, and John Kahn on bass.

Though the band only performed together for about a year, their impact was monumental.  The live album Old & In the Way (1975) became one of the best-selling bluegrass records of all time, bringing this unique sound to countless new ears.  For many listeners, it was their very first introduction to bluegrass.  The band’s repertoire—songs like Midnight Moonlight, Wild Horses, and Panama Red—combined tradition with improvisation, honoring the genre’s roots while infusing it with a free-spirited, almost jam-band sensibility.

Fast forward to today, and the music of Old & In the Way lives on through a special collaboration between two artists deeply connected to its legacy:  Peter Rowan and Sam Grisman.

Rowan, a founding member, was the distinctive voice and songwriting force behind many of the group’s most beloved tunes.  His career has spanned decades and styles, but his role in shaping Old & In the Way remains central to his story.

Sam Grisman brings a family tie that runs just as deep—he is the son of David Grisman, the founding player whose partnership with Jerry Garcia produced not just Old & In the Way but decades of genre-defying acoustic music.  By joining forces with Rowan, Sam bridges generations:  honoring his father’s role while bringing fresh energy and interpretation to the material.

Why It Matters

For fans of bluegrass, folk, and The Grateful Dead alike, seeing Rowan and Grisman perform Old & In the Way songs is much more than a nostalgic trip.  It is a chance to experience a living thread of music history.

It’s also a reminder of just how groundbreaking that music was.  At a time when bluegrass was still largely defined by tradition, Old & In the Way showed that the genre could be both deeply authentic and adventurous.

In many ways, their performances are about continuity—keeping alive a spirit of collaboration, experimentation, and reverence for tradition that made Old & In the Way so influential.  And just like the original band, Rowan and Grisman’s collaboration continues to blend genres and generations, proving that great music always finds fresh ways to resonate.  They invite new listeners into the fold while rekindling memories for those who first discovered bluegrass through Garcia and his bandmates back in the ’70s.

Whether you’re a lifelong Deadhead, a bluegrass devotee, or simply someone who loves live music, witnessing Peter Rowan and Sam Grisman celebrate Old & In the Way is an opportunity to connect with one of the most important crossroads in American music history.

Catch Peter Rowan with Sam Grisman Project on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in the Longworth-Anderson Series at historic Memorial Hall. Buy your tickets today, then check out our Spotify playlist and get ready for the big night!

—Kyle Fugate

Memorial Hall and Wm. H. Lytle Post No. 47, Grand Army of the Republic

1909 Memorial Service at Memorial Hall: Wm. H. Lytle Post No. 47, G.A.R.
On Sunday, December 26, 1909, the Wm. H. Lytle Post No. 47 of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) held its annual memorial service at the newly completed Memorial Hall auditorium in Cincinnati. The preserved program from this event offers valuable insight into how Civil War veterans continued to honor their fallen comrades well into the 20th century.

The Grand Army of the Republic and Post 47
The G.A.R. was a national fraternal organization composed of Union veterans of the American Civil War. Founded in 1866, it played a significant role in shaping post-war public memory, advocating for veterans’ rights, and establishing Memorial Day as a national holiday. Posts were organized across the country by state departments. Post No. 47, based in Cincinnati, was one of several in the area and named in honor of General William Haines Lytle.

About General William H. Lytle
William Haines Lytle (1826–1863) was a Cincinnati-born lawyer, state legislator, and Union brigadier general. He was also a well-known poet, remembered especially for his work “Antony and Cleopatra.” Lytle died in battle at Chickamauga, and his funeral in Cincinnati became a city-wide event. Thousands gathered as his riderless horse, Fallaballaugh, led the procession—boots reversed in the stirrups, a time-honored military symbol of loss. He was laid to rest at Spring Grove Cemetery, and his legacy endures in Cincinnati landmarks like Lytle Park and Memorial Hall.

Memorial Hall and Its Purpose
Memorial Hall was constructed between 1908 and 1909 as a dedicated space to honor veterans of the Civil War and to host civic and commemorative events. Wm. H. Lytle Post No. 47 was among the organizations that regularly held meetings and ceremonies there.

Overview of the 1909 Program
The printed memorial program includes several key sections:

  • Roll of Deceased Members — The front page lists members of Post 47 who died in 1909, along with their Civil War units, dates of death, and ages. These records are particularly useful for researchers and genealogists, offering details such as “Co. D, 28th O.V.I.” (Company D, 28th Ohio Volunteer Infantry).

  • Order of Service — The memorial program included a structured sequence of musical and spoken elements, such as:

    • Patriotic hymns including “America”

    • Recitations including “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”

    • Vocal and piano performances

    • A memorial address by Mr. Harley V. Speelman

    • Bugle taps by Mr. Jacob Hoos

    • Participation by students from the 27th District School

  • Post Officers for 1909 — The program also lists the officers of Post 47, including:

    • Commander John Brinkman

    • Senior Vice Commander Fred Rullkoetter

    • Other officers such as the adjutant, chaplain, and quartermaster

The G.A.R. insignia—a five-pointed star with Union imagery—is featured prominently on the program. The piano used for the event was provided by the Wm. H. Lytle Post No. 47 , then located at 222–224 West Fourth Street in Cincinnati.

Historical Significance
This document provides a detailed example of how G.A.R. posts commemorated their members and maintained civic visibility. Organizations like Post 47 often participated in public observances, parades, and political events tied to Union veteran identity. Archival references also note that the Wm. H. Lytle Post had an active drum corps in the 1890s.

These materials are valuable for historians studying post-war veteran culture, public memory, and community organization in the early 20th century. They also serve as a resource for those researching family history or the activities of specific Civil War units.

—Kyle Fugate

Special thanks to Colonel Todd Mayer of John R. Little Post Inc. VFW No. 3186 for providing these historical images

Honoring a Cincinnati Treasure: Marvin Smith Way

There’s a new street in Cincinnati with a name that carries the flavor, spirit, and heart of the community—Marvin Smith Way.

For those who know Marvin, the honor comes as no surprise. The man behind Ollie’s Trolley, Marvin Smith is more than a restaurateur—he’s a host with a steady, smiling presence in the lives of so many in Cincinnati. Now, his contributions have been permanently recognized with a street named in his honor.

“When I heard the news that there would be a street dedicated in his name, I teared up—what a befitting honor to be bestowed upon someone who’s done so much for his community,” said Cori Wolff, Executive Director of the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society and Longworth-Anderson Series (LAS), at the recent unveiling ceremony held by the City of Cincinnati.

Over the past seven years, Marvin and his team have been an essential partner to our series—not just as caterers, but as collaborators who elevate each event. Every performance night, Marvin brings decades of experience and compassion to the table.

“If you know Marvin, what we advertise as complimentary ‘light’ bites are actually a gourmet buffet dinner, thoughtfully curated for each occasion.”

Ask anyone who’s attended one of the LAS shows, and they’ll tell you: the food is unforgettable—not just for its quality, but for the warmth Marvin brings to each dish. He doesn’t just feed people. He welcomes them, cares for them, and makes every guest feel like they’re family.

“This is because Marvin extends the same pride, creativity, generosity, and hospitality at our events as you'll find at Ollie's Trolley.”

And that’s the magic of Marvin Smith.

“As he will tell you, the key to success is more than hard work and amazing food—but knowing how to treat people right.”

Marvin has made his mark on this city. And now, thanks to Marvin Smith Way, that legacy is carved into the streets of Cincinnati for generations to come.

Thank you, Marvin—for the meals, the memories, and always showing us what true service looks like. This is a recognition that couldn’t be more deserved.

—Kyle Fugate

Good Deeds

We’re excited to announce our partnership with Good Deeds, a fundraising platform that gives you the opportunity to support our organization simply by donating cash back from your everyday purchases.

With Good Deeds, you can raise money for the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society and Longworth-Anderson Series just by shopping online as you normally would. Every little bit gets us closer to our goal!

How It Works:
Shop your favorite brands on the Good Deeds app.
Save by earning cash back on your purchases.
Give all or some of that cash back to the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society.
Together we can make a difference. Invite friends and family to start fundraising together:
Support us!

We hope you’ll take advantage of the opportunity to raise money for a great cause (at no cost to you)!

Download the Good Deeds app and select “Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society” as your nonprofit of choice—it only takes a few minutes to start shopping.