The Wilderness Trail Museum is open 1-4 every Sunday in June, July and August. The public is invited to come in and visit or do research.
June 21st the GOBA (Greater Ohio Biking Adventure) tour came through town on their way from New Bremen to Sidney. They took the scenic route past the lake. More than 15 of them stopped at the museum. They all seemed interested in the history of the building and the area. We sold 2 books and got some donations. One of the bikers told us they have participants from many other states and countries including Japan.
The front of the church is being re-landscaped. The white concrete fence in front will be taken down and the museum will be acquiring pieces of it that will be installed in the backyard. It is uncertain how old the fence is but a post card mailed in 1907 with a photo of the church doesn't have it. It was repainted in 1919 probably for the homecoming of the troops from WWI.
The bell and tower from the old school have been sitting in the backyard along with a capstone from the school. There are plans to have a plaque fixed to the capstone. There are also plans for the bricks from the old school. They have a second historical connection. They were made at Wagler's Brickyard in Fort Loramie.
Fort Loramie Main Street and Beyond has sold so well that we will soon be out of copies. It would cost too much to have it reprinted so we are looking into e-books so it can be read on Kindle or Nook. Like it or not e-books are the future.
We have received donations from the Kroger Rewards program. Call Jim Rosengarten if you need help signing up.
Back in 1976 members of the community made squares for a huge quilt to benefit the Rescue Squad. Each square portrayed a local building. The museum ended up with the quilt. It would be nice to know who made the squares. If you made one of them or know who did let us know.
The Legion has a nice display of letters from soldiers in the wars. They also have done video interviews with several local men who were in the military. This can be seen whenever they are open or by getting in touch with Mr. Moore who would love to tell you all about it.
Jack Dillehay is looking for pictures of his father when he was a teacher and principal at the school. He also wants photos of the ball teams he coached. All he has are newspaper pictures and would like to find originals. A Mr. Nutt has been told that his Aunt Emma once dated the notorious John Dillinger. Does anybody know anything about it?
Local families whose ancestors came from the town of Steinfeld in the Duchy of Oldenburg now the state of Niedersachsen: Balster, Barhorst, Borgarding, one of the Bergmans, one of the Horstmans, Nieberding and Olberding.
As usual scroll down for more new stuff.
