by Wayne O. Welshans (Author)

The first settlers in Nippenose Valley found the area to be burned over and seemingly inhospitable. They settled high near the springs, but the wet clay soils above caused them to move down to the limestone valley floor. They soon discovered that the soil beneath them was some of the richest in the county. These photographs trace the communities that define Nippenose Valley, from Antes Creek to the villages of Millport, Rauchtown, Jamestown, Oval, Collomsville, and Bastress. Nippenose Valley documents the development of an agricultural community that has evolved slowly over the years while still holding on to its roots.