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A photo of the first National Convention of United Mine Workers, which Richard L. Davis, the subject of Frans H. Doppen’s “Richard L. Davis and the Color Line in Ohio Coal: a Hocking Valley Mine Labor Organizer 1862-1900” attended as one of only two African Americans. (Submitted)

Examining the Fascinating Social Legacy of Rendville, OH

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Rendville, OH is currently the smallest incorporated community in Ohio, with only 36 residents as of the 2010 census. Just a brief look at the town, and one would probably not guess that the town was more socially progressive than many other communities in the state in the late 1800s.

Unlike nearly everywhere else in the country at the time, Rendville, in the late 1800s, a racially integrated community. This was thanks to efforts made by the town’s founder, William P. Rend, to bring together workers of all races and nationalities to take part in the region’s booming coal industry. Rend is also remembered for his work in fighting for the establishment of coal miners’ rights.

Ohio University Master of Fine Arts student Burr Beard released a documentary about the town earlier this year, entitled Rendville: Across the Color Line. The film incorporates historical photos with interviews with members of the Rendville Historic Preservation Society, as well as those who grew up there. The documentary relates directly to Richard L. Davis and the Color Line in Ohio Coal: A Hocking Valley Mine Labor Organizer, 1862-1900, a carefully researched volume written by Frans H. Doppen, a professor of social studies education and chair of the Department of Teacher Education at Ohio University.

Listen to WOUB’s Emily Votaw’s interview with Burr and Doppen about their projects, and what their work says about the social legacy of Rendville, OH and the importance of preserving that legacy in the link embedded above.

“Rendville: Across the Color Line” will be shown at the Athens County Public Library (30 Home St., Athens) at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 23. Rendville will hold its Emancipation Celebration Day on Saturday, September 22, noon to 5 p.m. The event will feature the unveiling of a marker dedicated to influential labor organizer Richard L. Davis at 12:30 p.m. and multiple showings of “Rendville: Across the Color Line.” The film will also be screened on Saturday, October 6 at the Chester Hill Multicultural Genealogical Center at 1 p.m.