The Historical Society of Columbiana and Fairfield Township celebrate 70th anniversary
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COLUMBIANA --The Historical Society of Columbiana and Fairfield Township, INC. enjoyed a 70th anniversary picnic celebration at Mirror Lake Pavilion in Firestone Park on Monday.
Seventy-three members and guests were treated to a BBQ dinner, catered by Becky Rance and No Swine Left Behind. Greeters were Vaughn King-Musser and Susan Drotleff. Invocation was given by Bob Belding. The emcee for the evening was President Deborah Firestone-Himes.
The Board of Trustees recognized three members. President Deborah Firestone-Himes recognized Curator Nora Salmen. She and husband Bill joined the Society in the 70's. She served on various committees and the board, being elected president in 1983. Jane Fitzpatrick-White stepped down as curator in 1985. Nora was appointed curator and has served 48 years as curator. Nora was thanked for all her years of devotion to the Society. She was presented with a tall steel floor lantern.
Miriam Hutson, was honored for being the one of the first members of the Society in 1953. Husband John Hutson was one of the first organizers, securing the 501(c)3 status and writing the Articles of Incorporation. Miriam has been a board member, committee chair, including the only yearly fundraiser, the quilt raffle. She still volunteers during street fair and attends the quarterly meetings. She is the last living original member. Her charm, laughter, positive attitude and 70 years of service is an inspiration to all. Miriam was presented with a box of chocolates and a presentation bouquet of beautiful flowers designed by member, Dan Malanowski of the Lemon Tree.
Walt DeRhodes, was honored for his years of service to the Society. He is currently serving his last term on the board of trustees. Walt was recognized as "the match that lit the flame!" One year ago, he made the motion for the society to take on the project of raising funds to restore the 1890 Stick Chapel in Columbiana Cemetery. He ignited a fire under the board. The membership responded, fundraising, Citizens of the Cemetery, STEAM project at Dixon and various fundraisers. He also undertook the project of restoring the 17 chapel windows. He and team members cleaned, scraped, replaced broken glass with aged glass, pointed, glazed and primed the windows. The windows were the Society's personal project. They were recently installed by Jim Santini, Builder. Walt received a box of chocolates and two of his special gift certificates to Lovies Ice Cream and Cooks Corner.
President Himes introduced Mayor Rick Noel. the mayor complimented the organization for its positive impact on the community and schools. He read a proclamation from the city honoring the 70 years, --the historical influence and dedication to preserving Columbiana's local history.
Jim Santini was introduced and gave an update on the 1890 Stick Chapel restoration. Santini's company enjoys working on historical projects and bringing life back to worn and tired projects. The building when restored will be a second working chapel in the Columbiana Cemetery.
The program of the evening was "Society History Thru the Decades." First President Leilah Beard was portrayed by Joyce Naughton-Allcorn; the 60's, Mr. Columbiana, Harry Eberhardt, portrayed by John Groner; Jane Fitzpatrick- White, the all important 70's by Nora Salmen; and the last 48 years of Nora Salmen curator by Deborah Firestone-Himes.
The evening ended with a raffle of the centerpieces donated by Catalpa Grove Farm.
The Historical Society was a dream of Wayne Paulson, editor of the Columbiana Ledger. His dream of a local society, inspired a group of citizens to form the Historical Society of Columbiana and Fairfield Township, in August 953.
The Log House Museum and annex is open Saturday afternoons from 2-4 p.m. and the archives Tuesdays from 9 a.m.-noon.