Dalton, Mt. Eaton kick off historical figures tour

Dalton Historical Society will feature an exhibit on Vic Gerber, Edwin S. Wertz, and Joe Walcott on Sept. 14. Mt. Eaton’s display on the same day will feature James Galbraith and Frank Foster.

SUBMITTED BY VICKI SLATER
Dalton Community Historical Society

Eleven area historical societies are joining together for a Historical Figures of Wayne County Tour, to take place over four upcoming Sundays beginning Sept. 14.

“Our local historical societies wanted to highlight some personal stories of ordinary individuals connected to Wayne County that had extraordinary impacts on our local communities and in some cases our nation’s history,” said Joe Slater, an organizer of the event and trustee at Dalton Community Historical Society.

“Telling these stories of individuals is a great way to learn about larger historic events. As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, it’s a great time to remember these individuals and connect to our shared heritage in a personal way.”

Visitors are encouraged to visit and browse through the museums on the tour to learn about individuals who made their mark on local history. The tour will have an open house format from 1 to 4 p.m. with visitors able to come and go throughout the afternoon at no charge to learn about the hometown individuals each museum will highlight. The public is encouraged to attend and refreshments will be served.

Starting the tour on Sept. 14, Dalton Community Historical Society will feature Victor Gerber, who taught music at Dalton schools for more than 30 years and was involved in dozens of musical endeavors. Federal prosecutor Edwin S. Wertz, who successfully prosecuted a landmark case in 1918 regarding freedom of speech will also be highlighted. News of Joe Walcott, world welterweight champion, an unfortunate passerby who met with a fatal accident and was buried in an unmarked grave in Dalton in 1935 will also be on display. The museum is at 115 E Main Street, Dalton.

Also on Sept. 14, Mt. Eaton-Paint Twp. Historical Society will feature James Galbraith, who helped to plot Paintville (the former name of the village) in 1813, and Frank Foster, who operated a successful pottery just east of Mt. Eaton in the late 19th century. His pottery will be on display and books on the pottery’s history will be available for sale. The museum is at 15966 E. Main St., Mt. Eaton.

On Sept. 21, Apple Creek Historical Society will highlight two men born in the village including Dr. Nevin Mayer who began making house calls by horse and carriage and continued serving the village for sixty years. William J. Knight, a Civil War medal of honor recipient who was part of Andrew’s Raiders during the Civil War will also be featured. The museum is located at 185 Church St., Apple Creek. Also on Sept. 21, Orrville Historical Society will feature Jerome Smucker, founder of the J.M. Smucker Company, and Bob Knight, nicknamed “the General”, who won 902 NCAA Div. I men’s basketball games. The museum is in the Smith Orr Homestead, 365 W. Market St., Orrville. Food trucks will be available.

Sept. 21 will also include Smithville Community Historical Society who will have a special attraction on John Mishler, builder of the Mishler Weaving Mill in 1887. The mill was once the only producer of cheesecloth in the United States for the Swiss cheese industry. Information about Mishler and his son will be available at the museum, 381 E. Main St., Smithville.

On Sept. 28, Chippewa-Rogues’ Hollow Historical Society will feature Hazel Harvey, who became school district superintendent in 1926 when the district consisted of a collection of small one-room schoolhouses. As the first woman school superintendent in Ohio, Hazel Harvey had an illustrious career spanning 41 years of service, with 37 years as superintendent. The historical society is at 17500 Galehouse Road, Doylestown.

Also on Sept. 28, Marshallville Historical Society will highlight Robert “Curly” Carpenter who came to the village in 1939 and quickly became a cornerstone of the community, serving on the local fire department, the historical society, organized the local softball league, and was mayor for many years. This tribute will be at their museum, 8 E Church St., in Marshallville.

Also on Sept. 28, Rittman Historical Society will feature two men, Martin Fritz, a Revolutionary War veteran and the first white settler in Milton Township, and Jacob Gish, a successful early tobacco farmer in the area and original owner of the Pioneer House, which is now the museum for the Society. Visit the Pioneer House at 28 Gish Rd., Rittman, to see information on these fascinating early pioneers.

On Oct. 12, Moreland Community Historical Society will feature Chief Killbuck, a Lenape Indian war chief during the American Revolutionary War and whom the local Killbuck Creek is named after. Early settlers James Morgan and his daughter Rebecca, will also be featured. The society is located in the beautifully-renovated Moreland Church of God, 7135 Millersburg Road, Wooster.

Also on Oct. 12, Wayne County Historical Society’s exhibit will feature the Compton family including Nobel Prize winner Arthur Compton who as a physicist discovered the true nature of light and was a leader at the beginning of modern atomic energy. The exhibit featuring the entire Compton family will be in the Kister Building at the Society campus, 546 E Bowman St., Wooster.

Oct. 12 will also feature West Salem Historical Society, who will highlight several persons born in West Salem, including Pvt. Jacob Parrot, recipient of the very first Congressional Medal of Honor ever awarded. Parrot was involved with Andrew’s Raiders and the Great Locomotive Chase during the Civil War. Also featured will be world-famous architect William K. Shilling, whose specialty was designing public buildings. The West Salem-based Columbian Trio, consisting of Benny Williams, Charles Myers and Clint Fuhrman, three blind musicians, will also be featured. The museum is in the West Salem Schoolhouse Community Campus, Room 1, 99 E Buckeye St., West Salem.

This unique tour is the result of local societies working together to share stories of historical figures. It is part of the America 250-Ohio celebration.

For more information, call 330-201-1935 or email [email protected].