Viktor Makes the News

Dedication of Schreckengost Park in Sebring, Ohio

Gazebo at Schreckengost Park

On July 5, The Alliance Review reported the Independence Day dedication of Schreckengost Park in Sebring, Ohio. The park was named in recognition of the Schreckengosts’ contributions to the town’s economic and cultural heritage. As mayor John Smith commented, "The Schreckengost family is the backbone of Sebring. Don, Paul and Viktor contributed immensely to this town." Family, friends and local residents gathered around the park’s gazebo to enjoy speeches, music and refreshments.

Viktor at park dedication

The cover story in the Review included a photo of Viktor in the gazebo and a description of the park. Designed and financed by Paul Schreckengost, the park is intended as a resource for the entire community. Paul is Viktor’s nephew; he still owns the Schreckengost family home in Sebring and maintains close ties with the town. The Review describes the park: "a large gazebo (is) flanked by decorative sidewalks and the area is landscaped with trees. The inside of the gazebo will be painted with scenes depicting familiar sites in Sebring and the south-facing exterior wall of (a neighboring building)...will be painted with a mural depicting the early years of the Sebring potteries."

An editorial in the same issue of the paper cited the park as a "wonderful way to honor both the legacy and ongoing accomplishments of the Schreckengost family." The idea for the park is attributed to the late Daphne Cannell, former mayor of Sebring. "The idea was a good one," states the editorial, "and now people who visit the park...and enjoy the painted scenes of Sebring’s history will keep alive the name of some of the area’s most famous sons."

Crowd gathers at dedication of Schreckengost Park