The “2018 Purge and Connection Tour” rules: No Destination. No Agenda. No time limit. No interstate highways. No navigating by anything more technologically advanced than a 2002 Rand-McNally Road Atlas (and a magnifying glass). All major decisions made by a coin toss. Why? Because I could (that theme will come back around in a few more episodes – stay tuned).

Upon my departure from Yellow Springs, Ohio, I did not automatically default to coin toss decision making. I knew exactly where I was headed, next – to visit my one year-old grandson, Dean (and his parents). A quick return to the National Road (US-40) and another hour eastbound, found me in Columbus, Ohio

Do you mind if I take a few moments to tell you about my first born son’s first born son (and, therefore, heir apparent to the throne)? Well…that is what grandparents are supposed to do, so I’m just going to do it. Dean is just like his dad, only a whole lot shorter (for now). That little guy is smart, creative, inquisitive and has a grin wider than the Mackinac Bridge is long. I have looked deep into his smiling eyes and I saw mischief at the genius level. Add to that, he can now walk!!! Imagine it — all that potential energy going full on kinetic. His mom and dad are never going to be the same.

Following my visit with my grandson (and his parents), I made my way out of the city by means of the nearest route that did not involve the use of those evil Interstate Highways (Columbus has a bunch ‘em). I found myself rolling along on a two-lane state road that travelled south along the western side of the Scioto River Valley. Eventually, I came upon the remnants of the Ohio and Erie Canal, at the Circleville Canal Wilderness Area. This canal was constructed during the late 1820’s and early 1830’s, and connected Lake Erie, at Cleveland with the Ohio River, at Portsmouth. Once again, I was confronted by the irony of travelling along a forefather of interstate travel and shipping, while refusing to travel along one of its generational offspring.

Ultimately, the canal and Highway 104 brought me into Chillicothe, Ohio — a formerly bustling canal town, steeped in history and influence. Chillicothe’s Water Street runs along the now abandoned canal route, and once teemed with warehouses, hotels, shops and institutions of ill-repute (it was a canal town – it had to have questionable places for questionable people to do questionable things).

However, Chillicothe’s true claim to fame was the State of Ohio’s indecisiveness. Chillicothe was the State’s capital, not once but twice. It holds the honor of being the location of the first and third capitals, with Zanesville having glommed onto that title for a brief two years between 1810 and 1812. As an ardent student of Buckeye history, it is my understanding that the members of the state legislature got together one drunken evening and sang out in unison (and three part harmony), “Zanesville is fine place to hang out. As a town, it is a beaut. But, c’mon, let’s be honest. We miss those institutions of ill-repute.” With that, the questionable people at the highest levels of the Ohio State Government decided to move back home to Chillicothe (and it’s institutions of ill-repute). I made this last part up on the internet, so it has to be true.

Larry Wilson is a mostly lifelong resident of Niles. His essays stem from experiences, compilations and recollections from friends and family. He can be reached at wflw@hotmail.com.