With Crystal Bowersox one of the last nine standing in the quest to become the

To honor Elliston’s “American Idol” contestant, Dorothy Gackstetter enlisted the help of airbrush artist Bob Poiry to create and erect a sign proclaiming the town as the “Home of Crystal Bowersox.” (Press photo by Ken Grosjean)

2010 American Idol, the Ottawa County native is gaining more and more recognition nationally and even internationally.

But what about her hometown of Elliston? Even native Northwest Ohioans might be challenged to find the tiny hamlet on the map.

“I’ve lived in this area for over 50 years,” said Dorothy Gackstetter, who lives just outside of Elliston in Graytown. “My husband’s grandma grew up here and she lived to be 108 and his mom and dad lived in Elliston.

“But people often ask, `Where is Elliston?’” she said. “One lady told me that her GPS had no listing for it.”

Gackstetter envisioned a way to congratulate Bowersox’s success, and maybe bring a little recognition to the singer’s hometown too. She proposed a sign announcing Elliston as the home of Crystal Bowersox.

“When I had kids in school, and they had success in track, or baseball, or showing their horses, I always appreciated when they were recognized,” she said. “I thought, here’s a young girl who persevered and follow her dream like she did – she’s already a champion in my mind.

Gackstetter did a little research on Elliston’s history, and then called airbrush artist Bob Poiry, who agreed to paint the sign. With permission, they erected it on private property owned by Rollie Gahler on March 26.

“We put the first sign at the intersection of Elliston and Witty roads, not far from Crystal’s grandpa’s house,” she said. “We’re planning to put up to more signs on the north and south sides of Elliston.

“It think it’s an honor for her and for Elliston too,” Gackstetter said.

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