Allan W. Eckert’s epic outdoor drama was first presented for the 2019 season June 14th at Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheater at Chillicothe, Ohio.
Last weekend, June 21, Antwerp resident and historian, Caroline Longardner, attended this widely acclaimed Outdoor Drama for the 5th time since its first performance in 1973. This was the weekend of the “Summer Solstice” and the Serpent Mounds also had celebrations that weekend.
Shown is Caroline with the star of TECUMSEH, performed by Matthew Nelson. He signed a book that was written by Allan W. Eckert, “A Sorrow in Our Heart”. It had also been signed by Allan W. Eckert: “To Caroline Longardner, With Warm Good Wishes! Allan W. Eckert”. This book is one of several books in Caroline’s collection that were personally signed by Dr. Eckert.
“The Frontiersmen:, from which TECUMSEH! is adapted, won Dr. Eckert the Ohioana Library Assn. Book-of-the-Year Award in 1968. He has written many books on American history and for this series the Daniel Boone Foundation presented Dr. Eckert with Americanism Award in 1985. His most recent books include: “Dark Journey: The Tragedy of the Donner Party (2009) and The Infinite Dream (2001). Dr. Eckert passed away at his home in Corona, CA on July 7, 2011.
This outdoor drama of TECUMSEH and the story of his life is a fascinating piece of Ohio history telling the story of Native American Shawnee “Panther-in-the-Sky”. He became the leader of many Native tribes forming an alliance that was very strong. However, Tecumseh’s grand plan would not be fulfilled due to the treachery of his brother who called himself The Prophet.
Tecumseh fought at the Battle of Fallen Timbers, as well as did Blue Jacket. He went on to be killed at the Battle of Thames in 1813.
