June 8:  Oberlin Rest Day  0 miles

The day was spent sightseeing around the college town -- minus students -- the college is in-between terms so the city is quiet and barren of people.  The tourist center had left for each rider a packet of information about all the sights, both historical and informational for investigation.  Off on foot the group divided into smaller teams and "marched from historical sight to another"!

Oberlin and its Oberlin College was founded in 1833 by two ministers who believed in an utopian philosophy.  Wanting an equality for all, the college was the first in the nation to accept its students no matter what gender or race.  Mary Jane Patterson was the first black woman in the world to receive a college degree and did so from Oberlin in 1862.  The college trustees had decided to accept blacks as early as 1835.  During the UGRR years the students and faculty of the college played an integral role in assisting the freedom seekers in their quest north.  The "fugitive" slaves lived openly in the town and had a chance to make a living and/or obtain an education.  To this day the college is considered an excellent place of learning including a renown Conservatory of Music and Art Museum.  

Within the city limits stand several homes that contain remnants of the hidden passageways or secret compartments that were used to hide someone if need be.