Renee Powell, Head Pro at her Clearview Golf Course in East Canton, Ohio, has received many honors, accolades, and awards, however, one day has become very special for her. That was the day the nearby town of Minerva, just a 15-minute drive from Clearview, came together wholeheartedly to support the dedication of a sculpture honoring her father, the late William Powell. “There have been many days I cherish, but Thursday, Nov. 16 ranked among the best,” she shared on her Facebook page. “The town of Minerva, Ohio, really showed up in support of the dedication of the sculpture of my father.”
Placed in a picturesque spot on the grounds of the Minerva Library, the metal sculpture commemorates William Powell, a man considered the most famous figure to emerge from Minerva, with great sentiment expressed by the community as they paid homage to his legacy. Powell passed away on December 31, 2009. He was 93-years old.
Present at the event was the sculptor, Patrick Buckohr of Canton, captured with his cane in one of the accompanying photos. The gathering included Ohio State Representative Scott Oelslager, students from the OSU golf and football teams, members of the arts council, grandchildren of Mr. Powell’s classmates, and friends of Clearview Golf Club. “This remarkable piece, commissioned by the Minerva Arts Council and ArtsinStark, stands as a testament to the collaborative effort to honor ‘Mr. P.'”
Patrick Buckohr’s craftsmanship in designing this unique sculpture is truly commendable. The artwork features a lion’s heart, symbolizing the school teams’ mascot, and the “lionhearted Mr. Powell,” as described by the artist. The Canton Repository had previously reported on the sculpture’s progress, highlighting the dedication of Mr. Buckohr, who first unveiled the finished piece on June 26 through his Facebook page. Now, under the radiant sunlight of a beautiful November fall afternoon in Northern Ohio, the sculpture stands as a lasting commemoration.
The location chosen for the sculpture is meaningful, as elementary and middle school children will pass by it daily, providing an opportunity to learn about the life of this WWII veteran at the library.
As for Minerva itself, its roots trace back to Surveyor John Whitacre’s arrival in 1818, when he acquired land to construct a log mill. The town officially took shape in 1833, and it was incorporated as a village in 1862. Known for its historical charm, Minerva offers a serene atmosphere with shopping locations, parks, trails, and recreation areas. The town’s allure is enhanced by well-kept buildings and homes, some of which still house businesses today.
One of Minerva’s notable figures is William Powell, the owner of Clearview Golf Course. Located at 8410 Lincoln St. SE near East Canton, Ohio, Clearview Golf Course holds historical significance as the first integrated course in the country. Designed and built by World War II Army veteran Powell, the 18-hole course opened its first nine holes in 1948, with nine more added in 1978. Recognized as a National Historic Site in 2001, Clearview is now managed by Powell’s children, golf pro Renee Powell and her brother, course superintendent Larry Powell. For more information, you can visit the Clearview Golf Club website at clearviewgolfclub.com.
