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Charles and Daisy
Black settled their 268-acre farm outside of Chillicothe in 1950. In March
1946, the first Ohio University classes were offered in Chillicothe as part
of an outreach and access initiative launched by former Ohio University
President Baker. At the time, few could have guessed that the Blacks' legacy
would become the lead gift in the Bicentennial Campaign benefiting Ohio
University's Chillicothe Campus.
The Blacks built a 20-stall horse Barn on their property in 1958. Mr. Black,
who received his first horse at the age of six, and his late wife then spent
nearly 60 years training gaited horses that were prized by equestrians and
horse enthusiasts across the United States, In fact, Mr. Black attended
nearly 50 horse shows and sales a year before his retirement. Through their
hard work and commitment the Blacks built more than a farm— they contributed
to the heritage of our community.
Mr. Black's generosity and commitment to this community has led to the
establishment of the Charles and Daisy Black Equestrian Farm. This life
estate gift to The Ohio University Foundation will benefit many people. The
initial projected use of the farm is to offer equine studies courses to Ohio
University students as well as programming for children with disabilities.
The Equestrian Farm will be a lasting tribute to Mr. Black's life work as
well as to his late wife Daisy's dedication to the welfare of children in
our region.
The property donated by Mr. Black is located about eight miles southeast of
Chillicothe, adjacent to Route 50. In addition to equine studies courses and
special equine programming for children with disabilities, the facility may
also be used for outdoor and equine programming for at-risk children,
therapeutic riding, recreational purposes, outdoor biology and horticulture
laboratories, environmental studies, and outdoor education courses.
Early in his career, Mr. Black worked with horses at the Kellogg Arabian
Horse Farm and Warner Bros. Studios. As a soldier, he trained mules for pack
trains going to India. He served in the U.S. Army for four years, including
a stint with the First Calvary Quarter Master Remount in Fort Bliss, Texas.
Born in Myra, West Virginia, Mr. Black has followed in the footsteps of his
father, R. L. Black, who earned a living as a road contractor and horseman.
"Daisy and I discussed the idea
of giving the farm to an educational institution many years ago, and we had
decided that it was the right thing to do," says Black . "Helping children
with disabilities was among my wife's favorite interests, so I am happy that
Ohio University is committed to providing this type of programming at the
farm."
Mr. Black's generous gift is part of Ohio University's Bicentennial
Campaign, which raised $200 million for the University's 200th anniversary
in 2004. The campaign provides money for scholarships, faculty support,
technological enhancements, innovative programs, and selected capital
improvements.
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Ohio University-Chillicothe