Cherry Valley Coke Ovens, Leetonia, Ohio. The small town of Leetonia is home to hundreds of 19th century coke ovens, one of the largest group of coke ovens in the United States. Coke was used as a fuel for the blast furnaces in the iron and steel industries, and at one time, Leetonia produced more steel than Youngstown, Ohio. Coke is made by heating coal in extremely hot, airless ovens such as these, so that all the impurities are burned away.
Love the misty green!
ReplyDeleteGreat picture! Love to visit historical sites, we visited some coke ovens just south of Chattanooga, posted here. Good to see you back!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting and pretty picture, Judith. How big are these ovens? Are they now just like a little cave in the hillside? I could imagine children playing hide and seek in them, but perhaps they're not that accommodating?
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty picture! Leetonia must be a very interesting place to visit.
ReplyDeleteNever heard of Leetonia! I guess I need to look it up. --- Hope all is well with you.
ReplyDeleteI used to live a few minutes away from Leetonia, and this was one of my favorite places to visit. It's so calm & peaceful and pretty to look at!
ReplyDeleteAnon - yes it was very peaceful there, and such a surprise to find. It was like the past lingers there untouched by the present.
ReplyDeleteI used to visit these ovens. The water "river" is about 6 -7 feet deep. It's where the coke cars would go.
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