Whitney Manson’s pursuit to bring a community together

Nestled within Tuscarawas County lies the town of Uhrichsville. Established in 1804 by Michael Uhrich, a mill owner whose Uhrich’s Mill became the foundation of the town, Uhrichsville has weathered its fair share of challenges.

Originally known as Waterford, the town’s spirit and identity were so closely tied to Uhrich’s enterprise that by 1828 the name was officially changed to Uhrichsville. This small town has a history imbued with resilience and community values — a heritage Whitney Manson and her family cherish.

Whitney Manson, 37, and her husband Braden Stocker strive to harness that Midwestern spirit of unity and perseverance in Uhrichsville. Manson was born and raised in Columbus, and in 2009 she met Stocker on E-harmony. Their bond grew, and after a year of dating, they moved in together. Over the next 15 years, they built a life grounded in family values and community service, eventually marrying and raising three children: Theo, 9; August, 6; and Phoenix, 4.

In 2021 Manson and Stocker opened a small business in downtown Uhrichsville called Camp the Backyard. What began as a home-based venture soon expanded from a storage shed to a storefront, offering families items for stay-at-home campouts. From games and craft supplies to snacks and sleeping gear, every piece of their inventory is geared toward providing a respite from life’s stresses — a vision that originated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, Manson and Stocker’s aspirations extend beyond their storefront. In 2022 they sought to revitalize Uhrichsville by fostering a sense of belonging and community.

Inspired by the Tuscarawas Valley Farmers Market in Dover, Manson reached out to Mark McKenzie, who mentored her on the intricacies of running a successful farmers market. Newfound knowledge including how to integrate EBT and WIC programs as valid forms of payment empowered her to launch Uhrichsville’s own farmers market in 2023.

Set on Third Street, the Uhrichsville Farmers Market became a success, setting the stage for its second year in 2024. For Manson, her husband and close friends, work in Uhrichsville is more than just running a business or a farmers market. It’s about kindling the proverbial mill once established by Michael Uhrich. By focusing on community-driven initiatives, she aims to restore Uhrichsville to its former vitality.

As the farmers market continues to grow, Manson’s ultimate goal remains to ensure everyone in Uhrichsville and the surrounding communities can proceed as one.