Riverby Memorial Gardens

The lots acquired by the FAC created a pleasant outdoor area to greet visitors and host special events, though there was little upkeep in the final years of Mrs. Holzer’s residency. Shrubbery was overgrown, and many planting needed to be removed. The Holzer’s installation of the Williamsburg-inspired garden– on the northwest side of the home— had a sunken garden area, tiered by flower beds and limestone. Remained empty for years, but created great opportunity for garden enthusiasts…herb garden.

Holzer sculptures

Dogwood- one of the largest in Ohio (get dimensions!)

Mast Cypress, etc.

Dedication of Oak tree in honor of Mr. Charles Holzer, Jr? AND Dedication of Weeping Cherry Tree- “Carpe Diem”, In memory of Mark Robert Lukac, 4-11-69 to 4-08-90?

In 2005, Mrs. Janice Thaler bestowed a gracious a gift to the French Art Colony, in honor of her husband, Dr. Donald Thaler. Dr. Thaler was instrumental in forming the organization, and oversaw the preservation of the Holzer home. She found it more than suitable to dedicate the restoration of the sunken garden area to her late husband. Plans began—

Candice

The master garden plan included several benches, placed in desirable viewing spots around the pond and grounds. Members purchased them in honor of the many helping hands that made the FAC a success.

The gardens include memorial benches dedicated:

To Remember is to Honor, Bradley S. Abels, M.D., Major USAF 1960-2004

In memory of Doris R. Avery and Vilma Pikkoja, Garden Friends

In loving memory of Harold W. Black, Eleemosynary Volunteer

Gift from Bill and Marianne Campbell, Friends of the Arts

In memory of Jean E. Hitlin Gloss, Avid Gardener and Friend of the Arts

Dr. and Mrs. Charles E. Holzer, Jr., Benefactors and Friends of the Arts

Jack A. Hudson, Artist and Leader, A man who loved this place

In memory of Lola Mae Suiter, Faithful Volunteer preserving our history

In memory of Donald M. Thaler, M.D., 38 years service, Founder, Benefactor & Volunteer

In loving memory of Ida K. Thaler, Willing worker wherever needed

In memory of Jeffery M. Thaler, To everyone there is a season

Memorial trees were added to the gardens and northwest grounds on October 22, 2005, in memory of area youths who had passed before their time . Each tree is dedicated with a plaque in the child’s memory, and fulfilled more of the master plan for the grounds of Riverby

The Memorial Tree Project was funded by family supporters and county schools, matched with a grant awarded to the FAC from the Ohio Governor’s Office of Appalachia in partnership with the Ohio Arts Council and Ohio’s Appalachian country. The 17 trees were planted on national “Make a Difference Day”, by students from Gallia County School’s Junior Teen Institute (JTI), along with Davison Landscaping. The project was named as an award semi-finalist for national Make A Difference Day.

Barbie Sue Armstead – Robinson Crabapple

Jaret Rae Boothe – Autumn Blaze Maple

Justin Paul Bowers – Pin Oak

Ryan Keith Eddinger – Autumn Blaze Maple

Josh Farmer – Pin Oak

Ashley Brooke Holliday – Purple Plum

Jimmy Hurlow – Purple Plum

Tommy Kemper – Purple Plum

Patrick Michael Lawrence – Purple Plum

Brian K. Long – Purple Plum

Stacey Renee Lucas – Purple Plum

William Montgomery – Yoshina Cherry

Heather Peck – Purple Plum

Shannon Marie Rankin – Yoshina Cherry

Aaron M. Rose – Robinson Crabapple

Haylee Jo Swain-Love – Yoshina Cherry

Dallas Wayne Watson – Autumn Blaze Maple