The loveland frogman
In the quaint town of Loveland, Ohio, this notorious bipedal creature has stirred fear and curiosity among the community since 1955. To caution the good folks of Loveland about this mischievous and perilous beast, I've meticulously crafted a letterpressed broadside.
It serves as a solemn warning to all residents, urging them to be watchful near the Little Miami River, the creature's abode, and to guard against the treacherous 'electrical zapping wands' it (or THEY) wields!
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Reports of these Frogmen to look like bipedal frogs, adorned in leathery skin, webbed hands and feet, and with wrinkled frog-like heads. These peculiar creatures stand at a modest one meter in height. Astonishingly, it is said that these frogmen possess the physical dexterity to employ sticks as tools, all while wielding them like wands that emit sparks. This extraordinary talent suggests a mastery over electricity that leaves many in awe.
Photo Credit: I saved this image 2 years ago and cannot trace this artist anywhere it’s like they disappeared.
What is the Loveland Frogman?
The legend of the Loveland Frogman harks back to the postwar era of the 1950s. During this time, a tapestry of stories began weaving, each narrating various encounters with a frog-like creature, perpetrating an array of mischievous deeds. These urban legends, though seemingly far-fetched, ignite an incredible sense of excitement and amusement as they spread, much like the legendary Mothman or the mysterious Chupacabra. The Loveland Frogman has, over the years, earned its status as an icon, its peculiar charm, and somewhat of a hint of cuteness endearing it to those who ponder the existence of these 3-foot amphibious beings.
Photo Credit: Tetrapod Zoology
In one peculiar account…
A motorist halts his vehicle, steps out, and stumbles upon a riveting spectacle. Three of these Loveland Frogmen are deeply engrossed in spirited discourse. The curious driver can't resist hailing them, yet one of these creatures rises, wagging a stern finger toward its companions, signaling 'Hold that thought.' With an exasperated glare at the audacious intruder, it admonishes, 'Can't you see we're in the midst of a discussion? How terribly impolite!' With an imperious wave of a wand, it produces a dazzling cascade of sparks, akin to the enchanting sorcery of Harry Potter. Startled and alarmed, the motorist makes a hasty exit from the scene.
How was the broadside made?
To craft an effective broadside for alerting the townsfolk about the menacing monster, I embarked on a journey in Herron’s Letterpress class, to create an image that would closely align with the detailed depictions from eyewitness accounts. I illustrated and carved onto a stamp, which would be used to print onto sheets of fine Indian paper. Before printing the image, with great care, I guided these sheets through the letterpress machine to print the arranged type I had set with precision. Subsequently, I embarked on a pilgrimage to the town of Loveland, Ohio, for a long and perilous journey of 2 hours. Where I affixed the broadside right upon a road next to the Little Miami River, ensuring that its message was prominently displayed for all to see.
(then I took it down immediately while dodging cars on the road)
