Local author writes book about Spiegel Grove squirrel inspired by property’s history
On an unforgettable day, a brave squirrel took a tumble through time to 1851 and had an adventure that took him through Spiegel Grove history.
This is the story of Otis the squirrel, and it’s the premise of the latest children’s book by local author Elizabeth Davenport.
“Otis at the Grove” is available for purchase this summer in the Museum Store at the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums for $14.99. A limited number of signed copies are available for $16.99.
The book is an engaging read for young readers that blends real history with imagination and adventure. For those who want to add an Otis squirrel stuffed animal, squirrels are also available for $9.99.
The story starts with Otis, who loves his home at Spiegel Grove, the grounds of the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums and an arboretum, where school buses rumble in, tour guides tell fascinating stories and children always seem to have snacks to share. When a barking dog sends Otis tumbling into a mysterious hollow tree, he finds himself somewhere very unexpected.
Suddenly, there are no school buses. No museum. No mansion at all.
Instead, Otis is face-to-face with a horse and buggy—and a kind man named Sardis Birchard—on a summer day in 1851. As Otis travels through the past, he wrangles runaway hogs, causes quite a stir in a busy bank, and learns that bravery can come in very small, furry packages.
Set on the real grounds of Spiegel Grove and inspired by true history, “Otis at the Grove” is a warm, humorous time-travel adventure about curiosity, courage and discovering who you are—no matter the century.
Davenport will give readings from the book during GroveFest, Hayes Presidential’s annual nature event on the grounds of Spiegel Grove, at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Saturday June 27. Admission is free. For information on GroveFest, click here.
She also will give readings during Hayes Presidential’s America 250 Celebration at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, July 4. For information on the celebration and Independence Day events, click here.
Davenport is a former administrative assistant at Hayes Presidential, and during her time there, she did everything from portray First Lady Lucy Hayes to repair buttons on a World War I nurse’s uniform.
“It was my favorite job. Ever,” Davenport said. “One day, while reminiscing about my time at HPLM, Otis’ story came to me in a flash. I had not been imagining a time-traveling squirrel, but suddenly, I had one running around in my head! He is a nod to everything I hold dear about the grounds of Spiegel Grove, the building and the staff that roam its halls.”
Her first children’s book, “Freddie and the Bear,” was published in 2025. It was the realization of a dream she’d had since she was 18. Today, she lives in Ohio with her husband, two children, three cats and a flock of chickens. When she isn’t writing, she can be found homeschooling her kids, reading, exploring local history or dreaming of new adventures for the characters in her books and their friends.
The release of “Otis at the Grove” at the Museum Store coincides with the Squirrel Doors program at Spiegel Grove. Doors will be hung around the Grove by June 15 for visitors to find, and Otis has his own door. Participants can stop by the museum lobby to pick up a Squirrel Door map or download one online here: https://www.rbhayes.org/estate/squirrel-doors/.
Hayes Presidential is America’s first presidential library and the forerunner of the federal presidential library system. It is partially funded by the state of Ohio and affiliated with the Ohio History Connection. Hayes Presidential is located at Spiegel Grove on Buckland Avenue.
For information, call 419-332-2081, or visit rbhayes.org. Like Hayes Presidential on Facebook and follow on Instagram at rbhayespres and on Bluesky at rbhayespres.bsky.social.