News and Events
Annual Christmas Dinner/Meeting to be Held at Golden Corral.
The annual dinner will be held in a private room from 6:30 to 9:00 PM on Thursday, December 14th, at 4750 East Main Street, near Shady Lane Road. Attendees are required by the restaurant to purchase a meal at $16.49 (plus $3.00 for drinks).
The annual dinner will be held in a private room from 6:30 to 9:00 PM on Thursday, December 14th, at 4750 East Main Street, near Shady Lane Road. Attendees are required by the restaurant to purchase a meal at $16.49 (plus $3.00 for drinks).
Storage Unit Gets
New Paint Job
WHS Trustees Jack Long and Ward Sager completed a much-needed paint job on the Society's shipping container. The unit has been used as a warehouse of sorts for extra parts of Lustron homes, which have been collected over the years from various sources. Sale of the parts has been a generous revenue stream for the Society, and has helped dozens of Lustron owners with their needed parts replacements.
Jack provided his own equipment to complete the job, using paint that Ward obtained from a local paint dealer. The result of their efforts can be seen in the photo, which by all appearances is a brand new unit. Our hats are off to Jack and Ward for a job well done!
New Paint Job
WHS Trustees Jack Long and Ward Sager completed a much-needed paint job on the Society's shipping container. The unit has been used as a warehouse of sorts for extra parts of Lustron homes, which have been collected over the years from various sources. Sale of the parts has been a generous revenue stream for the Society, and has helped dozens of Lustron owners with their needed parts replacements.
Jack provided his own equipment to complete the job, using paint that Ward obtained from a local paint dealer. The result of their efforts can be seen in the photo, which by all appearances is a brand new unit. Our hats are off to Jack and Ward for a job well done!
Custom-Built Display Cases Unveiled
The Society's headquarters has taken a giant leap forward this summer with the installation of an entire wall of beautiful, custom-built display cases. City of Whitehall Council President Jim Graham began building the oak units during the winter at his Whitehall home, applying his finely-honed skills to each component of eight units. Six of them are six feet tall, while two that are placed under windows are four feet tall.
The process began in the fall of 2018 when a proposal for the cases was presented to the Society's Board of Trustees. This came about soon after the City's Police Department donated to the Society a large, high-quality display case that previously was in the Whitehall Community Park main activities building, which closed for expansion and remodeling at about the same time. An informal search for comparable units revealed that many thousands of dollars would be required for the purchase of additional units.
WHS Trustee Ward Sager approached Jim and asked if he perhaps would be interested in building the cases if materials would be provided. Jim "stepped up to the plate" immediately, and offered to build all of them as a donation to the Society. Supplied with specifications, he completed each unit in his home wood-working shop this past winter, Ward and fellow WHS Trustee Jack Long brought them to our headquarters, where Ward set up shop to sand and seal each unit.
As this was happening, WHS Treasurer Larry Zapp contacted Mr. Jack Pershing of Columbus Glass and Mirror, who came to the headquarters to measure them for fitting with glass shelves. While an estimate for the cost of shelves was requested, Mr. Pershing arranged for the company to instead donate all of the twenty shelves to the Society. Their installation was completed on August 2nd, and displays will be further arranged in them in the weeks to come.
The Society's headquarters has taken a giant leap forward this summer with the installation of an entire wall of beautiful, custom-built display cases. City of Whitehall Council President Jim Graham began building the oak units during the winter at his Whitehall home, applying his finely-honed skills to each component of eight units. Six of them are six feet tall, while two that are placed under windows are four feet tall.
The process began in the fall of 2018 when a proposal for the cases was presented to the Society's Board of Trustees. This came about soon after the City's Police Department donated to the Society a large, high-quality display case that previously was in the Whitehall Community Park main activities building, which closed for expansion and remodeling at about the same time. An informal search for comparable units revealed that many thousands of dollars would be required for the purchase of additional units.
WHS Trustee Ward Sager approached Jim and asked if he perhaps would be interested in building the cases if materials would be provided. Jim "stepped up to the plate" immediately, and offered to build all of them as a donation to the Society. Supplied with specifications, he completed each unit in his home wood-working shop this past winter, Ward and fellow WHS Trustee Jack Long brought them to our headquarters, where Ward set up shop to sand and seal each unit.
As this was happening, WHS Treasurer Larry Zapp contacted Mr. Jack Pershing of Columbus Glass and Mirror, who came to the headquarters to measure them for fitting with glass shelves. While an estimate for the cost of shelves was requested, Mr. Pershing arranged for the company to instead donate all of the twenty shelves to the Society. Their installation was completed on August 2nd, and displays will be further arranged in them in the weeks to come.
City Council President Jim Graham places clamps on two units to prepare them to be screwed together.
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WHS Trustee Ward Sager assists Jim with additional clamps prior to installing screws that seamlessly hold the units together.
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Jim returned to the headquarters in July to seamlessly connect the units together, forming what appears to be a single, 30-foot long fixture. His fine craftsmanship is reflected in every square inch of the units, especially because each one's dimensions exactly match those of the others - - allowing them to be connected together with no readily-visible seams. Jim has generously demonstrated his art form in a way that celebrates his skill, knowledge, and expertise in a way that will benefit so many.
Recognition and gratitude is also due Ward, who not only facilitated Jim's donation, but who spent countless hours gathering materials, and transporting, sanding and sealing the units with polyurethane. This resulted in a finish that is beautifully consistent with the "blond" furnishings in the Lustron that are indicative of the 1940s-1950s period that the house represents. Assisting at times also were members Jim Stocksdale, and Steve McLoughlin.
Recognition and gratitude is also due Ward, who not only facilitated Jim's donation, but who spent countless hours gathering materials, and transporting, sanding and sealing the units with polyurethane. This resulted in a finish that is beautifully consistent with the "blond" furnishings in the Lustron that are indicative of the 1940s-1950s period that the house represents. Assisting at times also were members Jim Stocksdale, and Steve McLoughlin.
Glass shelves installed in these two units now hold items for display. The units are six feet tall. The small unit at left is four feet tall.
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All eight units align and connect to create the appearance of one single seamless fixture. Glass shelf installation was completed on August 2nd.
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The addition of the display cases has brought the headquarters to a truly complete museum status, providing the display space that visitors typically expect to find in such a facility. We are very grateful to all who contributed to this effort, as it joins the every-growing list of donations that have made our headquarters become a reality.
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Jim Graham poses with his creation at a recent meeting. At Right, Society President Leo Knoblauch presents to Jim a plaque that is permanently installed on the display cases, which cites Jim's contribution to the Society. Looking on at far right is Society Trustee Ward Sager, who also was recognized for his extensive involvement in sanding and finishing the units.
Memorial Bench Unveiled
Member Billie McComas Bower has spearheaded the installation of a memorial bench in Whitehall Community Park at the entrance of the YMCA that recently opened in the park. Bower worked closely with aerospace historian Nolan Leatherman, who designed the bench, in fundraising, and in coordinating the installation with the Parks and Recreation Department .
Member Billie McComas Bower has spearheaded the installation of a memorial bench in Whitehall Community Park at the entrance of the YMCA that recently opened in the park. Bower worked closely with aerospace historian Nolan Leatherman, who designed the bench, in fundraising, and in coordinating the installation with the Parks and Recreation Department .
The marble bench will include images of multiple aircraft designed and built by North American-Rockwell Aviation during its many years of operation here.
The Company opened its Columbus Division in 1950 after acquiring the adjacent Curtiss-Wright Aviation operation that opened in 1941. It produced fighter jets for the Navy and Air Force until its closure in 1988.
The Park initially was the NAA/Rockwell employees' recreation center, and was donated by the Company to the City in 1988. The bench is designed to coordinate with another of similar design that was placed in the park to honor the astronauts who were lost in the Challenger space shuttle event in 1986. Bower raised $5,000 to have the bench constructed and placed at the park. A separate plaque was placed near the bench that bears the name of donors.
The Park initially was the NAA/Rockwell employees' recreation center, and was donated by the Company to the City in 1988. The bench is designed to coordinate with another of similar design that was placed in the park to honor the astronauts who were lost in the Challenger space shuttle event in 1986. Bower raised $5,000 to have the bench constructed and placed at the park. A separate plaque was placed near the bench that bears the name of donors.
Members Jim Schenz and Steve McLoughlin hold models that Jim built.
Lustron Models Reflected in Lego Art
Member Jim Schenz presented at a recent meeting his rendition of three Lustron models made from Lego blocks. Jim patterned them after the same Lustron model as is the Society's headquarters: The Westchester Two-Bedroom Deluxe. Detail is reflected in the placement of windows and doors, and especially the inset front porch with its corner support pillar.
The models have been placed in the headquarters' display case, which will eventually include a portion related to Lustron Corporation and the role it played in establishing our headquarters.
Member Jim Schenz presented at a recent meeting his rendition of three Lustron models made from Lego blocks. Jim patterned them after the same Lustron model as is the Society's headquarters: The Westchester Two-Bedroom Deluxe. Detail is reflected in the placement of windows and doors, and especially the inset front porch with its corner support pillar.
The models have been placed in the headquarters' display case, which will eventually include a portion related to Lustron Corporation and the role it played in establishing our headquarters.
Mammoth Restoration Aids Society After Pipe Bursts Under Garage
Trustee Ward Sager knew something was amiss when he heard an odd sound coming from the bathroom of the garage annex at our headquarters. His routine check of the building revealed that a burst pipe in the crawlspace was flooding it, and that water was rising quickly. His call to the City's Fire Department, and later to the Parks and Recreation Department, brought an end to the flow when the outside valve serving the annex was closed. It was oddly fortunate that water overflowed thorough electrical conduits to the house, preventing it from rising to the wooden floor of the annex, and allowing time for member Steve McLoughlin to bring a sump pump to the site and remove the standing water.
A subsequent visit by Mr. Patrick Martin of Mammoth Restoration and Cleaning was followed with a quote of $1,120.00 to dehumidify and dry out the two crawlspaces. Treasurer Larry Zapp determined that the Society's $1,000.00 deductible on its hazard insurance policy would make the service well outside of our budget. However, his discussion with Mammonth president Matt Farris resulted in Mr. Farris' offer to donate the service to the Society free of charge.
Mammoth staff members Elija McGraw and Joshua Fultz arrived and installed equipment. Marketing Representative Wendy Ellsworth brought hot chocolate to everyone on site, and took multiple photos of the Lustron for the company's website. For the "Whitehall News" story that was published, go to https://www.thisweeknews.com/news/20190226/serendipity-charity-help-whitehall-historical-society-after-pipe-bursts-at-offices
Trustee Ward Sager knew something was amiss when he heard an odd sound coming from the bathroom of the garage annex at our headquarters. His routine check of the building revealed that a burst pipe in the crawlspace was flooding it, and that water was rising quickly. His call to the City's Fire Department, and later to the Parks and Recreation Department, brought an end to the flow when the outside valve serving the annex was closed. It was oddly fortunate that water overflowed thorough electrical conduits to the house, preventing it from rising to the wooden floor of the annex, and allowing time for member Steve McLoughlin to bring a sump pump to the site and remove the standing water.
A subsequent visit by Mr. Patrick Martin of Mammoth Restoration and Cleaning was followed with a quote of $1,120.00 to dehumidify and dry out the two crawlspaces. Treasurer Larry Zapp determined that the Society's $1,000.00 deductible on its hazard insurance policy would make the service well outside of our budget. However, his discussion with Mammonth president Matt Farris resulted in Mr. Farris' offer to donate the service to the Society free of charge.
Mammoth staff members Elija McGraw and Joshua Fultz arrived and installed equipment. Marketing Representative Wendy Ellsworth brought hot chocolate to everyone on site, and took multiple photos of the Lustron for the company's website. For the "Whitehall News" story that was published, go to https://www.thisweeknews.com/news/20190226/serendipity-charity-help-whitehall-historical-society-after-pipe-bursts-at-offices
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Manager Patrick Martin examines dehumidifier directed into crawl space by associates Elija McGraw and Joshua Fultz.
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Old Newspapers Sought
Vice President Nancy Kennedy, Trustee Ward Sager and Secretary Kim Braucher are continuing their work on a project of reviewing and categorizing hundreds of old newspapers that have been stored for many years. According to Ward, a gap exists for the years 1959 through 1974 for local publications that would include, but are not limited to, the Eastside Messenger, Whitehall News, Eastside Spectator and possibly the Whitehall Gazette and Whitehall Reporter.
It is possible that only some of these were published during those particular years, but a lack of newspapers in general in the collection for that period of time was nevertheless noted. If anyone has issues from this period and would like to donate them to the Society, please contact Ward at (614) 937-9853, and/or wardsager@yahoo.com.
Vice President Nancy Kennedy, Trustee Ward Sager and Secretary Kim Braucher are continuing their work on a project of reviewing and categorizing hundreds of old newspapers that have been stored for many years. According to Ward, a gap exists for the years 1959 through 1974 for local publications that would include, but are not limited to, the Eastside Messenger, Whitehall News, Eastside Spectator and possibly the Whitehall Gazette and Whitehall Reporter.
It is possible that only some of these were published during those particular years, but a lack of newspapers in general in the collection for that period of time was nevertheless noted. If anyone has issues from this period and would like to donate them to the Society, please contact Ward at (614) 937-9853, and/or wardsager@yahoo.com.
Society Featured in News Story Regarding Historical Societies
The Columbus Dispatch published a feature story that focused on the challenges faced by local historical societies to remain relevant to their communities, and to attract and maintain members. Reporter Kevin Stankiewicz interviewed representatives from local historical societies, and the Ohio History Connection’s Ohio Local History Alliance. Society President Leo Knoblauch posed for a photo inside our headquarters with past presidents Bill Flood and Steve McLoughlin. The other photo in the article showed the exterior of our Lustron home. Subscribers to the Dispatch’s webview can access the story at https://www.dispatch.com/news/20181119/historical-societies-struggle-to-adapt-to-future-while-preserving-past. For non-subscribers, the text of the story follows below. (Photos could not be posted due to the Dispatch's copyright.)
Historical Societies Struggle to Adapt to Future While Preserving the Past
When Steve McLoughlin’s time as president of the Whitehall Historical Society ran out, Bill Flood was there to take over. When Flood’s term ended, Leo Knoblauch stepped into the role. It’s a standard process of succession known well by local historical societies. But some say “passing the torch,” as Flood called it, is getting harder, and they worry about its implications.
“A lot of times they’re the only ones preserving the history of a community,” said Todd McCormick, president of the Ohio Local History Alliance’s board of trustees. “Local history is also Ohio history and American history. If it goes away, sometimes it can’t come back.”
It’s not that historical societies have ever had it easy — securing funding and volunteers have always been challenges at some level, McCormick said. But many organizations are struggling to recruit new, younger members, and some longtime members are aging and no longer able to contribute like they once did. Because each organization’s characteristics are as distinct as the histories of their communities, the specifics of their challenges vary. Some groups have hundreds of paying members. Others have endowments that supplement operating costs or receive more grants or funding from their city government than some. Many are all-volunteer. Others, such as the Worthington Historical Society, have a paid director. And a handful have multiple historic buildings creating their own kind of village, as the Southwest Franklin County Historical Society and Hilliard Historical Society do.
But many of the complications confronting the different organizations stem from the same place: a changing lifestyle.
“Whereas people maybe want to attend lectures to learn about their neighborhood, historical societies are competing with all sorts of entertainment and restaurants and sporting events,” said Kate LaLonde, director of the Worthington Historical Society. “We have to rethink, how do people want to use their time now?” Organizations are doing just that. The Worthington Historical Society, for example, has put on ghost tours around Halloween for the last few years. Despite rain, about 100 people attended this year, LaLonde said.
The Whitehall Historical Society has organized antique shows with food trucks in the parking lot of its museum, which is a Lustron prefabricated, enameled steel house from the 1950s — a nod to the city’s post-World War II boom.
The hope is that events that appeal to a broader audience over time will inspire attendees to remain involved with the historical society, LaLonde said.
Barbara Cash, president of the Hilliard Historical Society, said her group has started looking for volunteers in new ways, such as partnering with a high school history club to help archive items that the group has collected in recent years but has struggled to catalog.
The Dublin Historical Society hopes to hire an intern from Ohio State next year to help research ways to modernize its museum for a more hands-on, interactive experience, society President Tom Holton said. The digital age has brought both barriers and opportunities. While new technology creates the possibility for a more engaging experience — the kind of experience that doesn’t just draw people in, but makes them want to get involved with the organization — it can be costly to institute those changes, Holton said. Certain software also has made cataloging records and artifacts easier, but some of the smallest groups might not be able to afford it, said McCormick of the Ohio Local History Alliance.
At the same time, online fundraising sites such as Kickstarter and GoFundMe have opened doors at a time when many organizations say their historic structures are badly in need of repairs. In Hilliard, for example, the historical society estimates it needs to make $27,000 worth of repairs for a new roof on its late 19th-century, one-room school and new bathrooms in the museum.
Holton said he remains committed to helping the historical society navigate the changing times. “I can’t connect a straight line between where we are and where we need to be, but we know we need to be somewhere else,” he said. “I’m determined to do what I can to make sure people aren’t forgotten.”
https://www.dispatch.com/news/20181119/historical-societies-struggle-to-adapt-to-future-while-preserving-past
The Columbus Dispatch published a feature story that focused on the challenges faced by local historical societies to remain relevant to their communities, and to attract and maintain members. Reporter Kevin Stankiewicz interviewed representatives from local historical societies, and the Ohio History Connection’s Ohio Local History Alliance. Society President Leo Knoblauch posed for a photo inside our headquarters with past presidents Bill Flood and Steve McLoughlin. The other photo in the article showed the exterior of our Lustron home. Subscribers to the Dispatch’s webview can access the story at https://www.dispatch.com/news/20181119/historical-societies-struggle-to-adapt-to-future-while-preserving-past. For non-subscribers, the text of the story follows below. (Photos could not be posted due to the Dispatch's copyright.)
Historical Societies Struggle to Adapt to Future While Preserving the Past
When Steve McLoughlin’s time as president of the Whitehall Historical Society ran out, Bill Flood was there to take over. When Flood’s term ended, Leo Knoblauch stepped into the role. It’s a standard process of succession known well by local historical societies. But some say “passing the torch,” as Flood called it, is getting harder, and they worry about its implications.
“A lot of times they’re the only ones preserving the history of a community,” said Todd McCormick, president of the Ohio Local History Alliance’s board of trustees. “Local history is also Ohio history and American history. If it goes away, sometimes it can’t come back.”
It’s not that historical societies have ever had it easy — securing funding and volunteers have always been challenges at some level, McCormick said. But many organizations are struggling to recruit new, younger members, and some longtime members are aging and no longer able to contribute like they once did. Because each organization’s characteristics are as distinct as the histories of their communities, the specifics of their challenges vary. Some groups have hundreds of paying members. Others have endowments that supplement operating costs or receive more grants or funding from their city government than some. Many are all-volunteer. Others, such as the Worthington Historical Society, have a paid director. And a handful have multiple historic buildings creating their own kind of village, as the Southwest Franklin County Historical Society and Hilliard Historical Society do.
But many of the complications confronting the different organizations stem from the same place: a changing lifestyle.
“Whereas people maybe want to attend lectures to learn about their neighborhood, historical societies are competing with all sorts of entertainment and restaurants and sporting events,” said Kate LaLonde, director of the Worthington Historical Society. “We have to rethink, how do people want to use their time now?” Organizations are doing just that. The Worthington Historical Society, for example, has put on ghost tours around Halloween for the last few years. Despite rain, about 100 people attended this year, LaLonde said.
The Whitehall Historical Society has organized antique shows with food trucks in the parking lot of its museum, which is a Lustron prefabricated, enameled steel house from the 1950s — a nod to the city’s post-World War II boom.
The hope is that events that appeal to a broader audience over time will inspire attendees to remain involved with the historical society, LaLonde said.
Barbara Cash, president of the Hilliard Historical Society, said her group has started looking for volunteers in new ways, such as partnering with a high school history club to help archive items that the group has collected in recent years but has struggled to catalog.
The Dublin Historical Society hopes to hire an intern from Ohio State next year to help research ways to modernize its museum for a more hands-on, interactive experience, society President Tom Holton said. The digital age has brought both barriers and opportunities. While new technology creates the possibility for a more engaging experience — the kind of experience that doesn’t just draw people in, but makes them want to get involved with the organization — it can be costly to institute those changes, Holton said. Certain software also has made cataloging records and artifacts easier, but some of the smallest groups might not be able to afford it, said McCormick of the Ohio Local History Alliance.
At the same time, online fundraising sites such as Kickstarter and GoFundMe have opened doors at a time when many organizations say their historic structures are badly in need of repairs. In Hilliard, for example, the historical society estimates it needs to make $27,000 worth of repairs for a new roof on its late 19th-century, one-room school and new bathrooms in the museum.
Holton said he remains committed to helping the historical society navigate the changing times. “I can’t connect a straight line between where we are and where we need to be, but we know we need to be somewhere else,” he said. “I’m determined to do what I can to make sure people aren’t forgotten.”
https://www.dispatch.com/news/20181119/historical-societies-struggle-to-adapt-to-future-while-preserving-past
New Mailbox Installed
The Society's first mailbox was installed by member Bob Eudy and Trustee Ward Sager. Mail had previously been delivered to the former activities building at Whitehall Community Park and was picked up there occasionally. (That building became a WMCA health and fitness center. The back opening of the new mailbox is within our surrounding fence and has a lock on it. This is a practical and convenient addition to our headquarters. Thanks go to Bob and Ward for doing such a great job!
Vintage Mid-Century Items Donated to Our Headquarters
The Society received the donation of two vintage mid-century items for display in our headquarters. Mr. Paul Cavanaugh, right, and his brother-in-law Mr. Jerry Manley, both of Columbus, examine the electric "Silex Juicit" that had been used by Mr. Cavanaugh's family in the 1950s and 1960s. It is currently displayed in the kitchen pass-through of the headquarters. Mr. Cavanaugh donated also a Kodak "Brownie 8" movie projector (pictured) that his family used in the same era. It will be placed eventually in display cases that could be installed in the coming months to accent the Whitehall history information that they would contain. (See related item below regarding display cases.)
Mr. Manley purchased the Cavanaugh home in 2009, and soon thereafter donated the GE refrigerator that is in our headquarters. It had been in the Cavanaugh home from the time that they purchased the house after its completion in 1949.
The Society received the donation of two vintage mid-century items for display in our headquarters. Mr. Paul Cavanaugh, right, and his brother-in-law Mr. Jerry Manley, both of Columbus, examine the electric "Silex Juicit" that had been used by Mr. Cavanaugh's family in the 1950s and 1960s. It is currently displayed in the kitchen pass-through of the headquarters. Mr. Cavanaugh donated also a Kodak "Brownie 8" movie projector (pictured) that his family used in the same era. It will be placed eventually in display cases that could be installed in the coming months to accent the Whitehall history information that they would contain. (See related item below regarding display cases.)
Mr. Manley purchased the Cavanaugh home in 2009, and soon thereafter donated the GE refrigerator that is in our headquarters. It had been in the Cavanaugh home from the time that they purchased the house after its completion in 1949.
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Display Case Donated by Whitehall Police Department
Our headquarters is now home to a high-quality display case, which the Whitehall Police Department donated to the Society. It was removed from the main activities building at Whitehall Community Park to allow for the expansion and remodeling of the building as a WMCA health and fitness center. An email from Ms. Miranda Vandegriff, Administrative Assistant to Chief Mike Crispen, said "The Whitehall Police Department would like to donate the display cabinet being kept at Parks & Rec to the Whitehall Historical Society for its use. You have our permission to make the necessary arrangements to pick it up."
Our headquarters is now home to a high-quality display case, which the Whitehall Police Department donated to the Society. It was removed from the main activities building at Whitehall Community Park to allow for the expansion and remodeling of the building as a WMCA health and fitness center. An email from Ms. Miranda Vandegriff, Administrative Assistant to Chief Mike Crispen, said "The Whitehall Police Department would like to donate the display cabinet being kept at Parks & Rec to the Whitehall Historical Society for its use. You have our permission to make the necessary arrangements to pick it up."
The display case will include information about, and objects relating to, the City's Police Department, including a tribute to Officer Terry McDowell.
The fixture will also include items from our collection related to the Fire Department's history. Its design will serve as a model for additional display cases that are planned for placement in our headquarters.
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Trustee Ward Sager, assisted by several of the Parks and Recreation Department's employees, rolled the unit into our headquarters soon afterward. This was a delicate task, considering its nearly six feet by six feet height and width, and the lengthy trek between the two buildings.
The back surface of the case has a mirrored finish, on which is etched a memorial to Officer Terry McDowell, who died in the line of duty in August, 2001. It will be flanked by additional Police Department history and memorabilia. A resident of the City has offered to construct additional display cases along the full width of the back of the meeting room, possibly beginning as early as January. The addition of display cases are part of a larger plan being considered to improve the facility in concert with the Society's twentieth anniversary in 2019, and the tenth anniversary of our first meeting in the house. |
Mark Myers reviews items that will be included in the display of the collection
in the 1950s room at the Reynolsburg-Truro Historical Society.
History of Western Electric/AT&T/Lucent Compiled
The history of the Western Electric complex on East Broad Street has been assembled by member Mark Myers, who is a past president of the nearby Reynoldsburg-Truro Historical Society. A former employee at the facility, known also as AT&T and Lucent Technologies throughout its history, maintained an extremely comprehensive collection that now comprises some 20 binders upon its completion.
Mark commented “I continue to be impressed not only with the magnitude of the collection of over 6,500 photos and 1,600 obituaries, but also with how carefully the albums were put together and preserved. This collection is said to be the most extensive photographic record of the Western Electric-AT&T-Lucent years at 6200 East Broad (1957 to 2008), with a thorough record of both inside and outside the plant, and employees at work and in retirement - - with more photos to come.”
He invites former employees of the facility to contact him with photos, memorabilia, and information. He has documented and indexed the names of all employees shown in the collection's photos, many of whom lived in the east part of Franklin County, including Whitehall. “ I continue looking for three-dimensional objects as well as documents and pictures,” he said.
Mark retired from Whitehall City Schools, where he was librarian for Rosemore Middle School. He can be reached at (614) 868-5354.
The history of the Western Electric complex on East Broad Street has been assembled by member Mark Myers, who is a past president of the nearby Reynoldsburg-Truro Historical Society. A former employee at the facility, known also as AT&T and Lucent Technologies throughout its history, maintained an extremely comprehensive collection that now comprises some 20 binders upon its completion.
Mark commented “I continue to be impressed not only with the magnitude of the collection of over 6,500 photos and 1,600 obituaries, but also with how carefully the albums were put together and preserved. This collection is said to be the most extensive photographic record of the Western Electric-AT&T-Lucent years at 6200 East Broad (1957 to 2008), with a thorough record of both inside and outside the plant, and employees at work and in retirement - - with more photos to come.”
He invites former employees of the facility to contact him with photos, memorabilia, and information. He has documented and indexed the names of all employees shown in the collection's photos, many of whom lived in the east part of Franklin County, including Whitehall. “ I continue looking for three-dimensional objects as well as documents and pictures,” he said.
Mark retired from Whitehall City Schools, where he was librarian for Rosemore Middle School. He can be reached at (614) 868-5354.
National Road Mile Marker Dedicated
The placement of Refurbished National Road Mile Marker number 251 was dedicated during a ceremony on East Main Street at Bernhard Road. The marker is an original one which, for a period, had been relocated to Madison County for an undetermined reason. Board members, both past and present, spoke at the ceremony, as did former Franklin County Engineer Dean Ringle, Whitehall City Council President Jim Graham, Mary Ellen Weingartner, Past President of the Ohio National Road Association, and Elizabeth Reeb, President of the Ohio National Road Association.
A complete review of the event, including video, can be viewed on the website of This Week Community News: http://www.thisweeknews.com/news/20180723/extra-mile-leaders-guide-historic-route-40-milepost-back-to-whitehall.
The placement of Refurbished National Road Mile Marker number 251 was dedicated during a ceremony on East Main Street at Bernhard Road. The marker is an original one which, for a period, had been relocated to Madison County for an undetermined reason. Board members, both past and present, spoke at the ceremony, as did former Franklin County Engineer Dean Ringle, Whitehall City Council President Jim Graham, Mary Ellen Weingartner, Past President of the Ohio National Road Association, and Elizabeth Reeb, President of the Ohio National Road Association.
A complete review of the event, including video, can be viewed on the website of This Week Community News: http://www.thisweeknews.com/news/20180723/extra-mile-leaders-guide-historic-route-40-milepost-back-to-whitehall.
Left: Mile Marker 251, back at it's original location. Right: WHS President Leo Knoblaugh, WHS Past President Bertie La Corte, Dean Ringle, former Franklin County Engineer, Mary Ellen Weingartner, Past President, Ohio National Road Association, and Elizabeth Reed, President of the National Road Association.
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Society's Lustron Home Documented by Preservation Group
Representatives of the Ohio Exploration Society visited our headquarters to tour, photograph and aerial video our Lustron home. According to its website, “the OES is a group of urban explorers who visit both well-known historical locations and those forgotten with time. Members of the OES research and photograph locations that include everything from abandoned buildings to rural cemeteries to ancient Indian mounds to wonders of nature.”
Members Jason Robinson and Phillip Niklas were eager to learn about the house’s background, and Mr. Niklas used a drone to record remarkable video of the house and grounds. The YouTube video can be viewed at https://youtu.be/PQ55LKFch30. Mr. Robinson said that more information about the house will be posted on its website in the near future. See https://www.ohioexploration.com/
Above: Phillip Niklas and Jason Robinson pose during their tour and documentation of the Society's Lustron home.
Right: Robinson and WHS Trustee Ward Sager observe as Niklas guides his drone overhead. |
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Local Media Highlight City's Growth, DSCC History
WOSU-TV's highly-acclaimed Columbus Neighborhoods series recently included a feature on the history of the DSCC, which can be viewed at http://columbusneighborhoods.org/video/driving-with-darbee-defense-supply-center-columbus/. The site also includes an excellent segment on the history of Big Bear grocery stores, including images of the former location at Great Eastern Shopping Center. The "Neighborhoods" drop-down menu on the upper right of the page provides links to other segments produced for the series, including one that includes an interview with Mayor Kim Maggard: http://columbusneighborhoods.org/video/a-conversation-with-the-mayor-of-whitehall/
The Columbus Dispatch published on November 13th an extensive review of the momentum of growth and development in Whitehall. View it on the Dispatch website at http://www.dispatch.com/news/20171113/whitehalls-rebound-lures-new-businesses-residentsod,
Successful Classic Car Show and Antiques Sale Held
Periodic antiques and collectibles shows that were established by WHS Past President Bill Flood have been recently combined with an annual classic and collectible car show sponsored by the Whitehall Community Celebrations Association. The most recent one was reviewed by Bill as follows:
It was a picture-perfect day during the Eastside Vintage Marketplace. About 200 guests shopped a dozen antique and art vendors offering mid-century furniture, retro items, Ohio pottery, fiber arts, classic audio equipment, and repurposed industrial pieces. Two new food trucks were added to the lineup for this show. The Lustron was once again open for tours and became a focal point during the event. Compliments of the City of Whitehall, local band Waterloo 5 provided entertainment midday, playing classic rock from the 60's-80's.
New this year was the Society's partnering with the Whitehall Community Celebration Association, to pair the antique show with the WCCA's annual car show. Nearly 40 vehicles spanning eight decades of automotive history were on display. Guests lauded the combination, and both groups are discussing plans for another joint show.
The Columbus Dispatch published on November 13th an extensive review of the momentum of growth and development in Whitehall. View it on the Dispatch website at http://www.dispatch.com/news/20171113/whitehalls-rebound-lures-new-businesses-residentsod,
Successful Classic Car Show and Antiques Sale Held
Periodic antiques and collectibles shows that were established by WHS Past President Bill Flood have been recently combined with an annual classic and collectible car show sponsored by the Whitehall Community Celebrations Association. The most recent one was reviewed by Bill as follows:
It was a picture-perfect day during the Eastside Vintage Marketplace. About 200 guests shopped a dozen antique and art vendors offering mid-century furniture, retro items, Ohio pottery, fiber arts, classic audio equipment, and repurposed industrial pieces. Two new food trucks were added to the lineup for this show. The Lustron was once again open for tours and became a focal point during the event. Compliments of the City of Whitehall, local band Waterloo 5 provided entertainment midday, playing classic rock from the 60's-80's.
New this year was the Society's partnering with the Whitehall Community Celebration Association, to pair the antique show with the WCCA's annual car show. Nearly 40 vehicles spanning eight decades of automotive history were on display. Guests lauded the combination, and both groups are discussing plans for another joint show.
A dozen participants offered a variety of collectable and specialty items.
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Staffing the Society's booth were Vice President Marie Long, Judy Hinckley and Trustee Ward Sager.
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Dwight & Julie Root’s 1977 Ford F100 pickup truck won top honors, and Miss Whitehall Chelsea Cress presented their trophy to them.
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Classic rock band Waterloo 5 provided afternoon entertainment.
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Rare Norton Field Coveralls and Memorabilia Donated
The Society has received the donation of what might be the only existing Norton Field coveralls. Benjamin Lee Miller was a pioneering aviator from Columbus, beginning in the 1920s when he earned money to buy flying lessons. His lengthy career as a pilot trainer began at Columbus's Sullivant Airfield, and expanded to Norton Field in the early 1940s. It stretched into the late 1940s at Curtiss-Wright Aviation, and in the 1950s and 1960s at North American (later Rockwell) Aviation, where he was a nationally-renowned test pilot of newly-designed and built aircraft. His niece, Joyce Stump, of Columbus, has maintained an extensive archive of his, and his (also pilots) wives. She recently donated the garment and numerous photographs and documents to the Society, some of which will become parts of Norton Field display in our headquarters.
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Left: Miller's Norton Field jump suit, tailored for his 6' 4" height.
Center: A competition at Norton Field, 1935. Miller is in upper row, just to right of propeller.
Right: Miller as a test pilot, North American Aviation.
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Past WHS Past President Bill Flood asked students to identify an "Eight Track" cassette tape - - something none of the them had seen before.
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Rosemore Middle School Students Visit Society's Headquarters
Rosemore Middle School teacher and Society member Holly Kramer treated gifted and talented students to a day of mid-century Americana. Roughly thirty students and staff arrived at the Society's headquarters after visiting another Lustron home inside of the Ohio History Center in Columbus. Displayed for their hands-on examination were typewriters, cassette tape players, radios, magazines, and vintage toys, including a "Viewmaster" and "Etch-a-Sketch." WHS Past President Bill Flood conducted a "stump the students" session wherein he asked them to identify items that most of them had never seen - - most notably, 1960s-style "Eight-Track" cassettes, and a hand-held transistor radio. The group was noticeably impressed and enjoyed their trip back in time. |
Whitehall Yearling Classes of 1967-73 Reunite, Visit Our Headquarters
A three-day reunion of these Whitehall Yearling High School classes wrapped up with an open house at our headquarters for alumni and their family and friends. A steady stream of visitors enjoyed the many photos, newspaper clippings, collectables, displays and mementos, as well as marveling at our Lustron home and the story behind it. Reunion coordinator Joyce Hildenbrand Turnbull Reynolds, class of 1969, brought to the headquarters six large posters that she had made for the reunion, each being a composite of historical photos including WHS veterans, school activities, civil services and area businesses. Joyce donated the high-quality posters to the Society, where they are now on permanent display. Attendees reminisced about their years living in Whitehall and attending its schools. Some traveled from as far away as Alaska to attend the reunion, which Joyce said was a well-attended and successful event. Two of WHS Past President Bill Flood's Whitehall History books were raffled off at the conclusion of the open house.
A three-day reunion of these Whitehall Yearling High School classes wrapped up with an open house at our headquarters for alumni and their family and friends. A steady stream of visitors enjoyed the many photos, newspaper clippings, collectables, displays and mementos, as well as marveling at our Lustron home and the story behind it. Reunion coordinator Joyce Hildenbrand Turnbull Reynolds, class of 1969, brought to the headquarters six large posters that she had made for the reunion, each being a composite of historical photos including WHS veterans, school activities, civil services and area businesses. Joyce donated the high-quality posters to the Society, where they are now on permanent display. Attendees reminisced about their years living in Whitehall and attending its schools. Some traveled from as far away as Alaska to attend the reunion, which Joyce said was a well-attended and successful event. Two of WHS Past President Bill Flood's Whitehall History books were raffled off at the conclusion of the open house.
Brenda Adkins Smith, Class of '72 and Joyce Hildenbrand Turnbull Reynolds, Class of '69, enjoy refreshments and handouts. Joyce donated posters in the background.
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Alumni and family & friends view the various images and items on display at our headquarters.
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Norton Field Items Donated
We have received donations of three items related to Norton Air Field. Whitehall native Jack Turner provided the license plate attachment shown in the photo. It was made by George W. Derry Manufacturing Company of Fremont, Ohio. Jack also donated a 1938 aerial view of Norton Field, which will join other Norton Field memorabilia displayed in the Lustron. Another such aerial view of Norton Field, Port Columbus (now John Glenn) International Airport, and the Columbus Depot (now Defense Supply Center Columbus) was donated by Alex Campbell of Columbus, who is an historian and writer. He is writing a book about Central Ohio railways, and will include information about the interurban railway that operated along Main Street in Whitehall. |
Society Assists in Renovation of Urbana, Ohio Lustron Home & Garage
Two Society members have assisted in the renovation of a Lustron home in Urbana, Ohio, which was the highlight of the City's annual historic home and garden tour. Owner Jim Lokai contacted the Ohio History Center in Columbus for information about restoring the house, which in turn referred him to the Society. After several months of finding parts for the dilapidated and neglected house, Jim put his classic car-restoration skills to work and produced a totally original renovation. Trustee Ward Sager and past president Steve McLoughlin provided guidance, hands-on assistance, and helped locate parts elsewhere that were not in the Society's collection.
A very lucky break in the effort came when a Beaver Creek church also contacted the Ohio History Center to offer an identical Lustron on its property that it planned to raze. We connected Jim to the church's administrators, and the result was that he retrieved enough parts to cover his concrete-block garage in all original Lustron parts that match the house. Steve later helped host at the house during the tour. For information on Jim's house, go to http://urbanacitizen.com/news/21111/lustron-home-to-be-on-ccpa-home-garden-tourhttp://urbanacitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/UDC062216S.pdf.
Two Society members have assisted in the renovation of a Lustron home in Urbana, Ohio, which was the highlight of the City's annual historic home and garden tour. Owner Jim Lokai contacted the Ohio History Center in Columbus for information about restoring the house, which in turn referred him to the Society. After several months of finding parts for the dilapidated and neglected house, Jim put his classic car-restoration skills to work and produced a totally original renovation. Trustee Ward Sager and past president Steve McLoughlin provided guidance, hands-on assistance, and helped locate parts elsewhere that were not in the Society's collection.
A very lucky break in the effort came when a Beaver Creek church also contacted the Ohio History Center to offer an identical Lustron on its property that it planned to raze. We connected Jim to the church's administrators, and the result was that he retrieved enough parts to cover his concrete-block garage in all original Lustron parts that match the house. Steve later helped host at the house during the tour. For information on Jim's house, go to http://urbanacitizen.com/news/21111/lustron-home-to-be-on-ccpa-home-garden-tourhttp://urbanacitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/UDC062216S.pdf.
Recordings Available
We have received from Vaughn Graphics (creator of this site) the donation of a limited number of CDs and cassette tapes of nationally-known recording artist Pat Zill, who operated the former Boat House lounge at East Main Street and Beechwood Road. "A Merry Christmas to You" Cassettes are $2 and "New Beginnings" cassettes are $3 (add $1 each for CDs.) See "Links" tab for Pat's website.
