Recently, here in Toledo, director Gary Foreman held a preview of his film about the Battle of Fallen Timbers. It is part of his new series entitled "Frontier: The Decisive Battles" that will air on the History Channel in August.

In 1998, his four-part documentary for A&E, "Frontier: Legends of the Old Northwest," won many awards. His use of local historical actors instead of Hollywood extras gives his films credibility. The combat scenes for Fallen Timbers were filmed at Secor Park, a local Metropark with thick, swampy woods that have the look of the 1794 frontier. The reconstructed Ft. Meigs was used as a stand-in to film scenes of General Anthony Wayne's Ft. Recovery. In Toledo's newspaper, "The Blade," Gary Foreman says, "I really have a message for people for the premiere of this documentary. In my way, I'm going to ask people if they could just be quiet for a second and listen. They'll hear drums beating along the Maumee, drums of passion and desire, to be in touch with the past."

This film could not have come at a better time. As I mentioned last issue, the actual Fallen Timbers Battlefield has been classified as a National Historic Site, but is still lacking the funding necessary to preserve it. The Federal government, the State of Ohio and the City of Maumee have all agreed to support this project. The Fallen Timbers Battlefield Preservation Commission has been very active for years in raising funds and public awareness about this important landmark. If the fund-raisers are successful, we'll be free to enjoy this area -- a place where a crucial battle in the history of our nation occurred.

For those of you who would like to visit some of the historical sites that Toledo has to offer, be sure to attend the Drums Along the Maumee convention, May 19-20. Don't forget the free tour of Ft. Meigs on Sunday morning, May 21. We hope to see you there!