On Saturday, September 24th, the first day of the Prairie Days, the Tecumseh Room at the Shawnee Prairie was re-dedicated to honor Susan F. Gray form her many years of undying passion for the Darke County Park District.
Throughout her life, Susan devoted herself to nature and history, teaching and encouraging others along the way to protect, preserve and respect the natural world around us.
Many people, family, friends and spectators who knew Gray came to this ceremony. Director Roger Van Frank, who will retire at the end of 2022, was glad to see the re-dedication of the Tecumseh Room during his time at Darke County Park District.
Since Susan was the one who convinced van Frank that Shawnee Prairie has to have a Tecumseh room and was so passionate about it, he thought that it’s just right to rename this room to honor her.
Unfortunately, Susan Gray was not able to see her dream of this room in full fruition: she passed away in 2019 but her memory will continue to live (not just) in and with this room.
It took a little bit more than 12 years to finish it. Her favorite tree, the Kentucky Coffee Tree, is painted on one of the walls.
Susan’s daughter and some of her friends shared stories about Susan or things they have experienced together with her.
