The map at right shows Peter Greenen's land holdings in Union Township, Champaigne County, Ohio as of 1874.  It  must be remembered that this was 25 years AFTER Peter first arrived in the county.  It is likely that by 1874 Peter and Mary Greenen had already moved to Indianapolis where their two sons (and Peter himself) were heavily involved in railroading.  It is possible that one of their married daughters were living on this land at the time... and it is not known whether Peter finally sold the land, or whether it might have passed on to his heirs. Earlier documents are being sought; but this one is interesting in its own right because of what became of the northern most plot shown.

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The two large red > symbols indicate where the two plots are located.  Present day (2000) US 36 and Highway 29 are indicated in blue; and the town of Mutual is shown in red text.  Ludlow Pike still carries that name... and is also known in 2000 as highway 884.

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URBANA, OHIO ~~ 1874
Scenes from the time of Peter and Mary and their children.

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The drawings above were photographed in the Champaigne County Library and are authentic 1874 reproductions.  Each can be seen full size by clicking on the pictures.  They should all be self explanatory; but the "Oak Side Farm" is particularly interesting because it would be within a mile of the Greenen farms.  Note that the "Walnut Valley Farm" drawing depicts a "working" 1874 train.

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THE GREENEN FARMS I25 YEARS LATER:

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The "southern" farm or plot looks like this from Ludlow Pike.  It appears that the course of Ludlow Pike has been changed somewhat over the years; so it is difficult to tell where property lines were.  It is certain, however, that we are looking at some of Peter's land; even though it is not certain where the 1874 property lines are.

As for the "northern" farm or plot, a special surprise awaited us when we traced our way to that site during a visit in November of 2000.
 

During my November 2000 visit I set out to find the "north farm" using the 1874 map above and a 1999 map from the phone book.  Starting at the intersection of US 36 and Ludlow Pike (where I also found an "old timer" to talk to) I paced out the map using my compass and odometer... traveling about a mile on US 36 and looking for the first right turn.

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The picture above is what greeted me.  Peter Greenen's "north farm" is now a part of the Urbana Country Club's golf course.  But that is not the end of the "surprises."  Come to find out, our family has an unexpected tie to the famous "Pete Dye" family of golf course fame.
 

Click on the photo to see it in full size What once was Peter Greenen's "north farm" has been transformed over the years into an exquisite golf course, designed by "Pete Dye."  Of special interest is the fact that Pete Dye and his family are actually from Urbana.  I was told that Pete's father designed the "front nine" and his son designed the "back nine" many years later.

Click on the photo to see it in full size Above, Jamie Graham-Hayes, Great great granddaughter of Peter Greenen, is seen on the deck of the Urbana Country club with the golf course in the background.  The camera is looking southwest; and, by my best calculations we are probably looking at former Greenen property.

 

You might be able to tell from the picture... but, just in case, I must tell you that it was a special treat to "stomp" on the ancestral ground.

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