Sam Hitchcock returns for Tuscora Park historical marker dedication
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (July 30, 2024) – The driving force behind many improvements, concerts and additions at Tuscora Park was on hand this past weekend for a historical marker dedication.
Sam Hitchcock was hospitalized at the end of May following a fall at the Canal Dover Festival. After several challenging weeks of therapy and a month after he returned home, Hitchcock was at Tuscora Park Sunday to unveil the Ohio History Connection marker recognizing the 117-year-old park as a historic site.
“I can’t think of a better thing to be than among everything that goes on here at Tuscora Park, and I’m just happy to be able to be here today,” Hitchcock said.
Mayor Joel Day credited Hitchcock with pursuing the historical marker. Hitchcock is a former City Councilman, Council President and Park Place Teen Center Director.
“Everywhere you look here at Tuscora Park, you’ll find an RTY or a New Philadelphia Rotary Club project – from the rides to the amphitheater to the boardwalk, and now an Ohio History Connection plaque,” Day said. “One Rotarian has been the driving force behind several of these projects, including this one. That Rotarian is Sam Hitchcock.”
Day says Hitchcock spent four years pursuing the marker and was rejected twice before finally getting approval in fall of last year.