Soakum Festival

Why Soakum?

Noble County once had a little town called Soakum. The real name was Matrim but because of the sky-high liquor prices the townspeople charged their guests, it was better known as Soakum.
Soakum was about 25 miles (a day's travel by horse and wagon) from Marietta, Ohio's first settlement.
Soakum was well-placed to capitalize on the needs of travelers, being along Duck Creek. Corn squeezin's and applejack were plentiful.
The small town faded from the Noble County scene well before 1900.

Each year a participant at the Soakum Festival receives a $100 education award. The participant must be able to teach both young and old alike. This year's recipient was James Chrisley, Gold Prospector, from Byesville OH. James is pictured above with Soakum Festival Chairman, Cathie Neuhart.