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Honey Haul: The Home of the Hive
Posted on Aug 15
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Butler County, Ohio holds a sweet claim to fame as the birthplace of the modern honey bee hive, a major milestone in American beekeeping history! This legacy began in 1851 with Lorenzo Lorraine Langstroth, known as the Father of American Beekeeping. Learn more about his incredible legacy below, and to honor this rich history and the hardworking honey bee, check out our list of locally made honey and bee-inspired products.
The Home of the Hive
Lorenzo Langstroth's groundbreaking recognition of “bee-space” led to the creation of the Langstroth hive, a design that forever changed the way beekeeping is done around the world. Langstroth lived and made these discoveries in Oxford, Ohio. Pictured below is his former home, the Historic Langstroth Cottage, which is now a National Historic Landmark on Miami University’s campus.
Photo Credit : Miami University, Scott Kissell
Today, Oxford and Miami University proudly carry the Langstroth legacy forward, contributing to vital honey bee research and innovation. You can visit the cottage, as well as the Miami University Apiary Yards, to learn more about honey bees and their history. The Apiary Yards are run by the Miami Apicultural Society and Alex Zomcheck, where visitors can come into a live, active bee yard and stand within inches of honey bees at work!
Alex Zomchek is an award-winning apiculturist, researcher, instructor, and lifelong beekeeper of 50+ years. He has worked at Miami University’s Ecology Research Center for 25 years, where his work focuses on the survival of honey bees, particularly in the face of threats. Alex uses genetic research and advanced breeding to develop stronger, healthier honey bees that are better equipped to withstand diseases and parasites. He is deeply passionate about honey bees and their vital role in the world, as well as better beekeeping education.
The Hive Mural
This vibrant public art piece celebrates Oxford’s beekeeping heritage. It is the only mural of its kind, designed to imitate true bee-space, so visitors feel like they are walking through a beehive. The mural is painted on both walls of an alleyway to imitate being inside a hive.
The Hive Mural was painted by local artist, Joe Prescher, and members of the community were invited to help paint the mural as well. You can experience the mural, spanning two walls, in the alleyway next to Mac & Joe's on High Street in Oxford.
Butler County Honey Haul
Bring a little sweetness to your day with this selection of honey and bee-inspired products from local farms and shops around Butler County, Ohio!
Local Honey + Beeswax Products
Don Popp’s Honey Farm | Milford Township, Ohio
Don Popp’s Honey Farm is a local family-owned and operated farm, producing pure honey and beeswax products. Don Popp’s is dedicated to sustainable beekeeping and educating the community about the importance of honey bees as vital pollinators. Try their jars of creamed honey or their popular honey sticks!
Vinyl Bee Stickers
JellyDoodles by Cassie Dyer | Middletown, Ohio
This adorable honey bee sticker is from JellyDoodles by Cassie Dyer. She calls her work, "happy art for the young and young at heart,” offering stickers, books, paintings, and other whimsical and colorful products at her studio located at the Pendleton Art Center in Middletown.
Local Honey
Johnson Family Farm | Somerville, Ohio
Johnson Family Farm is a locally-owned family farm dedicated to fresh, seasonal produce, high-quality honey and jams, all rooted in generations of family tradition.
Pass the Honey Honeycomb
Jungle Jim’s International Market | Fairfield, Ohio
Find this delectable Pass the Honey Honeycomb at Jungle Jim’s International Market in Fairfield. Known for its whimsical displays and vast selection, it’s a foodie wonderland offering over 200,000 products from 70+ countries around the globe, including sweet local finds.
Handcrafted Honey + Oat Soap
LahVdah | Hamilton, Ohio
Find artisan Honey + Oat Soap at LahVdah, a locally-owned boutique by Venita Allen, offering bath and body products, makeup, candles, and more, all handcrafted and made with natural ingredients.
Beeswax Wraps
Moon Co-Op | Oxford, Ohio
These beeswax wraps are from Moon Co-Op, a cooperatively owned shop in Oxford, offering organic and locally-sourced groceries, wellness items, and eco-friendly goods. Their mission is to empower the community to live a more sustainable lifestyle.
Honey Bee Dryer Ball
The Healthy Bee | Monroe, Ohio
Find this cute honey bee Dryer Ball at The Healthy Bee, a wellness-focused boutique and coffee shop in Monroe, featuring a variety of products from local artisans and vendors. Their shop offers a selection of coffee, smoothies, and energy drinks with healthy living in mind.
Honey Ginger Balsamic Vinegar
The Spicy Olive | West Chester, Ohio
Try this Honey Ginger Balsamic Vinegar from The Spicy Olive in West Chester. This tasting emporium specializes in fresh olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, gourmet food items, wine, and weekly tastings.
Wild Honey Beeswax Lip Balm
Wildfire Hygge Goods + Home | Hamilton, Ohio
Photo Credit : Wildfire Hygge Goods + Home
These Poppy & Pout beeswax lip balms can be found at Wildfire Hygge Goods + Home, a cozy boutique filled with handcrafted and locally-sourced home goods, bringing a warm “hygge” touch to everyday life. An added bonus— the lip balm comes in Wild Honey!
Local Public Pollinator Gardens
- Timberman Ridge MetroPark (features an active apiary) – 1976 Timberman Road, Hamilton, Ohio
- Chrisholm MetroPark – 2070 Woodsdale Road, Trenton, Ohio
- Keehner Park – 7411 Barret Road, West Chester, Ohio
- Marcum Park – 116 Dayton Street, Hamilton, Ohio
- Pollinator Park – Corner of S. 4th Street & Henry Street, Hamilton, Ohio