Fireside chat to explore Amish life in Lake Township

The Lake Township Historical Society is hosting a special Fireside Chat exploring the history, traditions and lived experiences of Amish life in Lake Township.

The event will be held at Evermore Community Church, 1470 Smith Kramer St. NE, Hartville, on Thursday, April 16, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The program will run from 7-9 p.m. Master of ceremonies will be Chip Weisel, president of the Lake Township Chamber of Commerce, who has Amish heritage.

Guests are invited to arrive early to view selected displays and visit informally with guest speakers and attendees. Featured speakers will share personal stories, followed by a community question-and-answer and open sharing session. Evermore is handicapped accessible. Each speaker will reflect on experiences connected to Amish heritage, community and change within the township. Drinks and traditional Amish cookies will be provided. There is no cost for the event.

Marion Coblentz, son of Orin “Orie” Coblentz, will share family history and life within an Amish household. Coblentz served as president of the Hartville Marketplace and Flea Market for 40 years and now works as an executive leadership coach. Ross Miller, senior pastor at Evermore Community Church, will offer insight into faith, community change and the Amish presence in Lake Township. Leroy Yoder, a Hartville real estate developer whose parents transitioned from the Amish faith to the Maple Grove Mennonite Church at 2121 Smith Kramer St. NE, Hartville, will share his experiences.

Also participating will be Emma Jean Miller, who, as an 11-year-old Amish girl from Hartville, won the National Girls Marble Championship in 1949 in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Her quiet smile, accurate shooting and Amish dress worn under a contestant’s sweater marked “Canton” made her popular with photographers and spectators. She is believed to be the only remaining Amish church member currently residing in Lake Township. A former teacher in Amish schools, she will reflect on tradition, continuity and modern Amish life in the area.

As LTHS prepares for a year of growth, the organization is also welcoming leadership changes, including the appointment of Todd Snyder as treasurer. Jim Tawney previously served in the role for nearly 20 years. LTHS is also seeking new trustees to join its board, encouraging those with an interest in local history, community service or nonprofit leadership to apply.

The society recently acquired a historic building at 139 E. Maple St. in Hartville. The structure has served as a church, car dealership, cabinet shop and office space. With support from a community donor and local residents and businesses, the building now belongs to LTHS.

“This is a monumental step forward for our society,” said Shelly Quinn, LTHS board president. “For the first time, we’ll have a centralized location for much of our collection, with purpose-built spaces for research, education and community programs.”

The facility will include expanded exhibit areas, a gift shop, community event space, library and research room, offices and additional storage. It will complement the society’s existing properties – the former Greentown Library and Schoolhouse No. 12 in Uniontown, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

Minimal renovations are needed, though updates such as new raised toilets are underway. In the coming months, the board will determine room usage, relocate collections and develop a full calendar of programs and events as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Plans are also in place for a public opening once preparations are complete.