A new historical tour is set to spotlight individuals who shaped Wayne County's past.
Eleven area historical societies are joining forces for the Historical Figures of Wayne County Tour, a series of open house events planned for four Sundays starting Sept. 14, according to a community announcement.
"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," Joe Slater, an organizer, said in the announcement.
Each participating museum is scheduled to open its doors from 1 to 4 p.m. on the designated dates, offering free admission and refreshments.
Tour begins in Dalton and Mt. Eaton
The tour is scheduled to begin at the Dalton Community Historical Society on 115 E. Main St., Dalton, at 1 p.m. Sept. 14. Exhibits are expected to feature Victor Gerber, a longtime music teacher in Dalton schools, federal prosecutor Edwin S. Wertz, and Joe Walcott, a world welterweight boxing champion.
The same day, Mt. Eaton-Paint Township Historical Society at 15966 E. Main St., Mt. Eaton, is set to highlight James Galbraith, an early village planner, and Frank Foster, a 19th-century pottery operator, with Foster's pottery on display and books available for purchase.
On Sept. 21, Apple Creek Historical Society at 185 Church St., Apple Creek, is scheduled to feature Dr. Nevin Mayer, a physician known for making house calls by horse and carriage, and William J. Knight, a Civil War Medal of Honor recipient.
Orrville Historical Society at 365 W. Market St., Orrville, plans to showcase Jerome Smucker, founder of the J.M. Smucker Company, and basketball coach Bob Knight, with food trucks available for visitors.
Smithville Community Historical Society at 381 E. Main St., Smithville, is set to present information on John Mishler, builder of the Mishler Weaving Mill, and his son.
The tour continues Sept. 28, at Chippewa-Rogues' Hollow Historical Society, 17500 Galehouse Road, Doylestown, with an exhibit on Hazel Harvey, Ohio's first woman school superintendent.
Marshallville Historical Society at 8 E. Church St., Marshallville, is scheduled to honor Robert "Curly" Carpenter, a longtime community leader.
Rittman Historical Society at 28 Gish Road, Rittman, plans to feature Martin Fritz, a Revolutionary War veteran, and Jacob Gish, an early tobacco farmer.
Final stops in Wooster and West Salem
On Oct. 12, Moreland Community Historical Society at 7135 Millersburg Road, Wooster, is set to highlight Chief Killbuck, a Lenape war chief, and early settlers James Morgan and his daughter Rebecca.
Wayne County Historical Society at 546 E. Bowman St., Wooster, plans an exhibit on Nobel Prize winner Arthur Compton and his family.
West Salem Historical Society at 99 E. Buckeye St., West Salem, is scheduled to feature Pvt. Jacob Parrot, the first Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, along with architect William K. Shilling and the Columbian Trio.
The tour is part of the America 250-Ohio celebration. For more information, call 330-201-1935 or email [email protected].
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