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Articles by Art Smith
The Way I See It: The Doodlebug connected Muskingum Valley communities
An odd little train with a strange name once connected communities up and down the Muskingum Valley. The Doodlebug, as the odd little train was called, passed into history on July 18, 1953. Doodlebugs were gasoline or diesel-powered railcars that consisted of as few as one car. The one that served Marietta and Parkersburg operated on the Baltimore and Ohio lines that ran from Parkersburg and then up the west side of the Muskingum River.
The Way I See It: ‘Long Tom’ silently guards Fort Boreman Park from ‘invaders’
Fort Boreman Park in Parkersburg offers sweeping views of downtown Parkersburg, the Ohio River and the entire city of Belpre. Pavilions, trails and overlooks at the park make it a popular spot for residents. Those visiting there may be unaware that they are in the presence of a legend. "Long Tom" has been making an impression in area parks since the 1890s.
Picture This: Seeing things in a new light
Community News November 6, 2026 1 min read Workers from SGI of Bridgeport installed new cross arms for traffic control devices at the intersection of Fifth and Juliana streets Wednesday as work continued on upgrades to downtown intersections in Parkersburg.
Picture This: Fall on the Island
Community News November 6, 2026 1 min read The changing colors of the trees on Blennerhassett Island were on display Thursday as a barge made its way up stream. The popular West Virginia state park closed for the season last week and will reopen next spring. The island is in the Ohio River near Belpre. (Photo by Art Smith) The changing colors of the trees on Blennerhassett Island were on display Thursday as a barge made its way up stream.
The Way I See It: Washington County once reached Lake Erie
If you think Washington County is big now, you should have been around in 1788; it was huge. One of the first orders of business after the establishment of the Northwest Territory was to set up counties within the new lands. As the first county in the Northwest Territory and future state of Ohio, Washington County filled nearly the entire eastern part of the land that would become the state. The borders were outlined in a proclamation by Arthur St. Clair in July 1788.
Picture This: Finishing Touches
Community News November 2, 2026 1 min read Workers from Blackburn’s Fabrication sand newly installed railings at Marietta Levee Park as final details are completed at the recently renovated park area. The Ohio River Trail is closed in the area while the work is being completed. (Photo by Art Smith) Workers from Blackburn's Fabrication sand newly installed railings at Marietta Levee Park Friday as final details are completed at the recently renovated park area.
The Way I See It: I’m not scared, are you?
Saturday was Halloween. The time-honored day that we pause each year to pay thanks for a successful harvest by carving turnips. Yes, I said turnips. The celebration of Halloween has its roots in the Celtic festival of Samhain. The celebration was meant to welcome the harvest at the end of summer. People built large bonfires and wore costumes to keep ghosts at bay. In the eighth century Pope Gregory III honored all saints by naming Nov. 1 All Saints Day.
Picture This: Finishing Touches
Local News October 31, 2026 1 min read Workers from Blackburn’s Fabrication sand newly installed railings at Marietta Levee Park as final details are completed at the recently renovated park area. The Ohio River Trail is closed in the area while the work is being completed. (Photo by Art Smith) Workers from Blackburn's Fabrication sand newly installed railings at Marietta Levee Park as final details are completed at the recently renovated park area.
The Way I See It: I’m not scared, are you?
Saturday is Halloween. The time-honored day that we pause each year to pay thanks for a successful harvest by carving turnips. Yes, I said turnips. The celebration of Halloween has its roots in the Celtic festival of Samhain. The celebration was meant to welcome the harvest at the end of summer. People built large bonfires and wore costumes to keep ghosts at bay. In the eighth century Pope Gregory III honored all saints by naming Nov. 1 All Saints Day.
The Way I See It: Ted Bauer served his country and Marietta well
Ted Bauer passed away recently at the age of 104. Early in my career, Ted was wrapping up his long career at The Marietta Times. Before his time at The Times, he served his country as a bombardier in a B-17 over Europe. When I was in high school and working at The Times, Ted was the soft-spoken news editor that had the only office in the newsroom. From it he wrote the editorials that appeared on the opinion page for years.
The Way I See It: The Delta Queen is a visitor missed by many
In September Marietta was treated to a wide-variety of sternwheelers that stopped by town to visit for a while and enjoy the 50th annual Ohio River Sternwheel Festival. One sternwheeler that has not paid a visit to the levee in a long time is the Delta Queen. She can't, she hasn't visited anywhere since 2008. I have always had a special place in my heart for the old boat.
The Way I See It: Ted Bauer served his country and Marietta well
Ted Bauer passed away Wednesday at the age of 104. Early in my career, Ted was wrapping up his long career at The Marietta Times. Before his time at The Times, he served his country as a bombardier in a B-17 over Europe. When I was in high school and working at The Times, Ted was the soft-spoken news editor that had the only office in the newsroom. From it he wrote the editorials that appeared on the opinion page for years.
The Way I See It: Getting here was half the battle
Getting around today is as easy as getting in your car and hitting a button that says start. With a nationwide network of roads and a robust series of airports you can get to every corner of our nation in under a day. Remarkable when you consider we have around 3.8 million square miles in the United States stretching west to Hawaii, north to Alaska, east to Maine and south to Key West, Fla. It was not always so easy to get there, or to get here for that matter.
The Way I See It: Marietta troops played role in Ohio’s only civil war battle
A renegade group of Confederate soldiers led by Brigadier General John Hunt Morgan fought the only battle waged on Ohio soil during the Civil War. The Battle of Buffington Island denied the troops safe passage back to friendly territory. A group of Marietta soldiers played an important role in the battle along the Ohio River. Local soldiers would again play a role as the fleeing Confederates attempted to cross the Muskingum River north of McConnelsville.
The show goes on: The Smoot marks 100 years in Parkersburg
PARKERSBURG -- For much of its hundred-year history, the Smoot Theatre operated alongside other local theaters to bring first vaudeville and later movies to residents of the community. The Smoot, on Fifth Street between Juliana and Market streets, opened Oct. 18, 1926. The theater was built for performances on stage and the movies that were gaining traction as the primary source of entertainment at the time. Prior to the Smoot, the Hippodrome Theater occupied the spot.
The show goes on: The Smoot marks 100 years in Parkersburg
PARKERSBURG -- For much of its hundred-year history, the Smoot Theatre operated alongside other local theaters to bring first vaudeville and later movies to residents of the community. The Smoot, on Fifth Street between Juliana and Market streets, opened Oct. 18, 1926. The theater was built for performances on stage and the movies that were gaining traction as the primary source of entertainment at the time. Prior to the Smoot, the Hippodrome Theater occupied the spot.
The Way I See It: Getting here was half the battle
Getting around today is as easy as getting in your car and hitting a button that says start. With a nationwide network of roads and a robust series of airports you can get to every corner of our nation in under a day. Remarkable when you consider we have around 3.8 million square miles in the United States stretching west to Hawaii, north to Alaska, east to Maine and south to Key West, Fla. It was not always so easy to get there, or to get here for that matter.
The Way I See It: Holiday season set to begin
After neatly spreading holidays out over the last 10 months, we are about to enter the intense holiday season. Late October, November and December have a lock on observances and celebrations. Most of them have food involved. Some have drinks involved, still others weird dress codes. Some are "federal" holidays, meaning you will not get mail, be able to bank, go to school or get your newspaper. First on the buffet of holidays is Halloween.
The Way I See It: Holiday season set to begin
After neatly spreading holidays out over the last 10 months, we are about to enter the intense holiday season. Late October, November and December have a lock on observances and celebrations. Most of them have food involved. Some have drinks involved, still others weird dress codes. Some are "federal" holidays, meaning you will not get mail, be able to bank, go to school or get your newspaper. First on the buffet of holidays is Halloween.
Picture This: Attention Span
Community News October 6, 2026 1 min read Workers with GAI Consultants use a lift to examine the girders of the Williamstown Bridge Monday. (Photo by Art Smith) WILLIAMSTOWN - The Williamstown-Marietta Bridge is being inspected this week, resulting in a single-lane closure between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. through Friday, according to the West Virginia Division of Highways.
The Way I See It: Elk may one day return to the area
When the first Europeans from New England arrived in what was to become Marietta, they found a rich assortment of wildlife in the area. Wolves, mountain lions, black bears and elk were common in the late 1700s across the area that would become Ohio. Hunting of all the species was widespread with the government, in many cases, offering payment for the skins. Wild game served as both food and a source of skins for the first people to arrive here from the east. Elk have a unique tie to the area.
The Way I See It: Going with the flow is easy in the MOV
The Mid-Ohio Valley is defined by the waters that flow through it. The area waterways were used by native Americans to move around the area. When those with European roots began arriving, they generally kept the names of the rivers that had been given to them before their arrival. Most of the flowing waterways in our area are either runs, ways, creeks or rivers. They provide borders for many of our towns and villages and help to drain water from the entire region.
The Way I See It: History of libraries in the area has many chapters
Today we have almost an unlimited amount of information available to us. Much of it at our fingertips and much of it for free. Libraries are important today as the keepers of volumes of information and services that are provided to citizens at no cost. The early versions of libraries in our area operated with a subscription model to get books in the hands of patrons. The first library in Washington County, and therefore Ohio, was in Belpre.
The Way I See It: Early apple growing in Ohio had lasting effect
Any school kid growing up in the 1960s was sure to know about the legend of Johnny Appleseed. The barefoot man walked around the country planting apple seeds as he went. The true story of John Chapman and his tie to Marietta and the apple industry in Ohio is a little more complicated than the legend. Native Americans, like nearly all Americans, loved the delicious taste of apples and other fruits. They exchanged seeds with other tribes and with white European settlers in Canada and New England.
The Way I See It: History of libraries in the area has many chapters
Today we have almost an unlimited amount of information available to us. Much of it at our fingertips and much of it for free. Libraries are important today as the keepers of volumes of information and services that are provided to citizens at no cost. The early versions of libraries in our area operated with a subscription model to get books in the hands of patrons. The first library in Washington County, and therefore Ohio, was in Belpre.
The Way I See It: Fall is upon us, have a nice trip
Since it is now fall, I thought it would be a good time to talk about falling. Leaves are not the only thing that can hit the ground -- so can clumsy people. I should know, I have been hitting the ground for years. I have been tripping over things my whole life, sometimes on a national stage. Some have been work related, others because I did something stupid. Here are a few of the highlights.
The Way I See It: When bridges go BOOM, it is a major event
Once a bridge over a waterway outlives its usefulness, there are just a few ways to get rid of it. You can take it apart piece by piece; you can leave it in place, like a variety of railroad spans in the area; or you can use a bunch of explosives to blow it to smithereens. I have seen three major bridges in the area brought down with mighty booms. The first explosion I attended was when the Belpre Bridge was brought down.
The Way I See It: Fall is upon us, have a nice trip
Since it is now fall, I thought it would be a good time to talk about falling. Leaves are not the only thing that can hit the ground -- so can clumsy people. I should know, I have been hitting the ground for years. I have been tripping over things my whole life, sometimes on a national stage. Some have been work related, others because I did something stupid. Here are a few of the highlights.
The Way I See It: Left handers face a lifetime of annoying challenges
On Aug. 13 the nation paused to reflect on the hardships imposed on the 10% of the population that will be celebrating National Left Handers Day. No, it didn't. I fully understand that 89.4 % of the people reading this are likely snickering right now because they use the "right" hand to do everything. I am proud of the fact that I don't. Every left hander will tell you the same thing. We have spent a lifetime adapting to life in the right-handed world.
Picture This: Moving on down the river
Community News September 16, 2026 1 min read The sternwheel of the Hobby III reflects in the Ohio River Tuesday morning at Point Park as two towboats pass by on the busy river. Six sternwheelers are moored at the Parkersburg park after leaving the Sternwheel Festival in Marietta. (Photo by Art Smith) The sternwheel of the Hobby III reflects in the Ohio River Tuesday morning at Point Park as two towboats pass by on the busy river.
Picture This: Moving on down the river
Local News September 16, 2026 1 min read The sternwheel of the Hobby III reflects in the Ohio River Tuesday morning at Point Park as two towboats pass by on the busy river. Six sternwheelers are moored at the Parkersburg park after leaving the Sternwheel Festival in Marietta. (Photo by Art Smith) The sternwheel of the Hobby III reflects in the Ohio River Tuesday morning at Point Park as two towboats pass by on the busy river.
The Way I See It: Ferries linked early Mid-Ohio Valley communities
For a river city like Marietta, getting over large bodies of water has always proven to be a bit of a challenge. For much of the history of Washington County, residents did not have the luxury of bridges to help them get from one town to the next. Small boats provided the first link between cities and villages, but to conduct real business, something a little more substantial was needed.
The Way I See It: Left handers face a lifetime of annoying challenges
On Aug. 13 the nation paused to reflect on the hardships imposed on the 10% of the population that will be celebrating National Left Handers Day. No, it didn't. I fully understand that 89.4 % of the people reading this are likely snickering right now because they use the "right" hand to do everything. I am proud of the fact that I don't. Every left hander will tell you the same thing. We have spent a lifetime adapting to life in the right-handed world.
The Way I See It: Odd-looking bridge linked Marietta and Williamstown for 82 years
If you are attending the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival next weekend, you will have a clear view of the Williamstown Bridge spanning the Ohio River just upstream from the festival. The rather normal-looking bridge replaced the original Williamstown Bridge in 1992. The original bridge was anything but normal. In fact, it was downright scary. The original bridge carried traffic over the river from Sept. 1, 1903, until July 17, 1985.
The Way I See It: The spark – Sometimes a simple presentation can launch a career
I've always been fascinated by the paths that people take in life caused by what seemed like minor events at the time. This coming week, Marietta Elementary School will mark 100 years since it first welcomed students on Sept. 7, 1926, as the "new" Marietta High School. If you grew up in Marietta in the last century and attended public school, you at some point walked the halls of Marietta High School/Marietta Junior High School/Marietta Middle School/Marietta Elementary School.
Picture This: The Start of It All
Community News September 4, 2026 1 min read The towboat Walter Charlie Neale passes Monday by the rear of the Natalie Jane, the first sternwheeler to arrive at the Ohio River Levee for the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival. The festival, which will be the 50th held in Marietta, begins Sept. 11. (Photo by Art Smith) The towboat Walter Charlie Neale passes Monday by the rear of the Natalie Jane, the first sternwheeler to arrive at the Ohio River Levee for the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival.
The Way I See It: Marietta was booming in 1900
As the new century began in 1900, the area went through phenomenal growth with several large building projects being completed within a few years that continue to shape life in the area 125 years later. A new courthouse, Catholic church, high school and Ohio River bridge all took shape between 1900 and 1905. Between 1890 and 1900 Marietta had a huge leap in population. Growing more than 60% from 8,273 residents in 1890 to 13,348 in 1900.
The Way I See It: New sheriff in town was the first Buckeye
Thousands of fans will fill Ohio Stadium Saturday to see the Buckeyes play Ball State. The tradition of calling someone a Buckeye did not start at THE Ohio State University. It likely started in Marietta. Several years ago, I was working on a photo story about the Washington County Courthouse. Retired Judge Ed Lane was my tour guide, and he was explaining in detail the artwork in the large courtroom.
The Way I See It: Marietta was booming in 1900
As the new century began in 1900, the area went through phenomenal growth with several large building projects being completed within a few years that continue to shape life in the area 125 years later. A new courthouse, Catholic church, high school and Ohio River bridge all took shape between 1900 and 1905. Between 1890 and 1900 Marietta had a huge leap in population. Growing more than 60% from 8,273 residents in 1890 to 13,348 in 1900.
The Way I See It: Marietta College turned to the river to help house surge of post-WWII students
In 1946 colleges had a problem. Too many students. The recent end of World War II meant that the millions of Americans who served their nation were ready to get on with their lives, and for many of them, that meant going back to or starting college. The GI Bill provided many of them a chance at an education. Colleges around the country grappled with how to handle this sudden influx of students. More professors would have to be hired, and they would have to find a place for everyone to live.
The Way I See It: Wakefield hotel provided convenient lodging for people passing through
There was a time not that long ago that if you had extended business in downtown Marietta, you had a convenient place to stay in the middle of Putnam Street. The Wakefield Hotel was once more than a crumbling mural, it was a vibrant business at the corner of Putnam and Third streets. Before the Wakefield was at the intersection, travelers would stay at a boarding house operated by Katherine Louse Wakefleld Ward Dye. With her first husband, Capt.
The Way I See It: MC turned to river to help house surge of post WWII students
In 1946 colleges had a problem. Too many students. The recent end of World War II meant that the millions of Americans who served their nation were ready to get on with their lives, and for many of them, that meant going back to or starting college. The GI Bill provided many of them a chance at an education. Colleges around the country grappled with how to handle this sudden influx of students. More professors would have to be hired, and they would have to find a place for everyone to live.
Runners take your mark: New racecourse was a big hit
A week ago tomorrow, the News and Sentinel Half Marathon entered a new era when it made a left turn onto 12th Street and adopted a new race course for the first time in decades. We knew a year ago that we had to change where the race weaved through the streets of Parkersburg. The old course passed so many side streets that it was a challenge to have enough volunteers and police officers to keep the cars and runners and walkers apart. After the 2025 race we started looking at different routes.
The Way I See It: Newsroom legend Jim Bartholow left his mark on The Marietta Times
Generations of young journalists got their start working in the newsroom of The Marietta Times, including me. For 46 years Jim Bartholow helped to gently guide them along. He knew what was going on in their heads because he had been in their exact same spot. Jim started at The Times directly out of Ohio University in 1972. He stayed there until he retired in 2018. He died last week. Jim held a lot of jobs at the newspaper, both official and non-official.
The Way I See It: Newsroom legend Jim Bartholow left his mark on newspaper
Generations of young journalists got their start working in the newsroom of The Marietta Times, including me. For 46 years Jim Bartholow helped to gently guide them along. He knew what was going on in their heads because he had been in their exact same spot. Jim started at The Times directly out of Ohio University in 1972. He stayed there until he retired in 2018. He died last week. Jim held a lot of jobs at the newspaper, both official and non-official.
Runners take your mark: Run your best race, we will be waiting for you when you are done
Tomorrow many of you will run or walk in either the News and Sentinel Half Marathon or Two-Mile Race. I look forward to seeing you. For many the best part of doing a race, is finishing the race. 13.1 miles is a long way. By the time you get to the finish line, you will have covered anywhere from 24,000 to 32,000 steps. The red crosswalk that is the finish line serves as a stop sign for many. You can finally slow to a stop and savor the moment. We try to make the finish line an oasis of sorts.
Runners take your mark: Know race day weather and plan accordingly
Saturday is race day. If you are taking part in the News and Sentinel Races you already know that. Regardless of if you are doing the half marathon or the two-mile race you have likely trained for weeks or even months so that you will do as well as you can. You have picked out your favorite shoes, maybe a special hat or running shirt you really like. Have you picked the weather? The weather is something of course that we cannot control.
Picture this: Water under the bridge
Local News August 13, 2026 1 min read A creek at the Barlow Fairgrounds on Wednesday as the area continues to deal with the effects of heavy rain earlier this week. The area remains under a flood warning until 8 a.m. Friday, according to the National Weather Service in Charleston, as flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. According to the warning, excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Runners take your mark: Fort Boreman Park will elevate the half marathon
When you are standing Saturday on Juliana Street awaiting the start of the News and Sentinel Half Marathon, turn around for a second and take a look at the flag on the top of the hill that is behind you. The flag is part of Fort Boreman Park, a historical part of Parkersburg that you will visit in the next two hours. The race you are about to run will take you through the park between miles six and eight.
Around the Race: New race course to give racers a more peaceful experience
When runners and walkers take to the streets of Parkersburg on Saturday for the News and Sentinel Half Marathon, they will do so on a few less streets. After nearly four decades of running the race exclusively on the streets of Parkersburg, part of the race will take place on areas not even in existence when the race began. Running a race only on streets is hard.
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