Name/Title
008 Mary Lou Ruch-Hirzel (1953–1955)Entry/Object ID
WOGS_008Description
From 1953 to 1955, Mary Lou Ruch Hirzel was a Geological Aide with the Ohio Geological Survey. She received a bachelors in geology and in geography from the University of Toledo. After her service with the Survey, she was a graduate assistant at Bowling Green State University and in became an interim instructor of geology in 1962.
Shortly before Mary Lou left the Survey, she and her mother founded “Rock Circus” in Lemoyne, Ohio. Rock Circus became an earth science education destination for school groups, scout troops, church groups, garden clubs, and other local organizations in northwestern Ohio. During the first year of operation, Rock Circus welcomed over 3,000 visitors.
Mary Lou gave educational lectures on geology, her rock collection, and other science topics. Rock Circus included a display building housing glass cases filled with Mary Lou’s rock collection. Rock Circus also had a 22-bunk dormitory for overnight stays. Groups would often either stay in the bunkhouse or bring their tents and camp onsite.Photograph Details
Subject Person or Organization
Ohio Geological SurveyContext
Rock Circus is listed in the “A Guide to Ohio Outdoor Education Areas” published in 1975:
“ROCK CIRCUS is 200 acres, located 1 mile north of Lemoyne, southwest of Exit 5 of the Ohio Turnpike. The owner of this area emphasizes one feature on the farm, a museum collection of rocks and minerals. Lectures and demonstrations are given by appointment to school groups or others with a geology interest. A campground is provided for groups wishing to extend their field trip to quarries or other points of interest.”
Rock Circus closed in the early 1980s.Collection
Women of The Ohio Geological SurveyCataloged By
Molly E. Hunt, Madge Fitak