Minerva Historical Society program to spotlight Charles E. Wilson

The Minerva Area Historical Society will meet Monday, Sept. 22, at 6 p.m. in the lower level of the Minerva Public Library. There will be a brief business meeting, program and refreshments. This month’s program will be presented by Laurie McClellan on Minerva’s own Charles E. Wilson, president of General Motors and the fifth secretary of defense under the Eisenhower administration.

Wilson was born and raised in Minerva, moved to Mineral City and then Pittsburgh before beginning his career with General Motors. His parents were both teachers and his mother was related to the Perdues and Unkefers, early founders of Minerva. He had a remarkable journey in his work with not only General Motors but also with the federal government.

There will be 50/50 tickets available for the October drawing. For $25, you can have your name or business placed on a quilt patch that is a fundraiser for the historical society’s museum air conditioning unit. Once finished, it will be on display at the Haas Museum.

All are welcome to attend Monday’s meeting. Interested people are encouraged to join the society; dues are $15 a year. The historical society invites you to become involved in preserving area history and learning about the many people, businesses and community that have shaped and continue to shape the Minerva area.

The Haas Museum is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each Wednesday and on the second Friday of each month. The museum is located on the square of the village in the old bank building with the town clock.