Historical society advances museum project in downtown Hartville

The Lake Township Historical Society (LTHS) has already been very busy this spring beginning the use and renovation of its new building at 139 E. Maple St. in Hartville, just east of the new Gateway project and east of the railroad tracks. The building has a front section covering 1,800 square feet and a rear section, previously used as a machine shop, of more than 3,100 square feet. It sits on 0.42 acres.

The restoration project follows the society's landmark acquisition of the building earlier this year. Thanks to a generous donation from a community member and additional support from local residents and businesses, the historic property was purchased to serve as a permanent home for the organization and its growing collections.

Over its long history, the building has served the community in a variety of roles, including as a church, automobile dealership, cabinet shop and office space. Once renovations are complete, it will become a center for local history featuring expanded exhibit areas, a gift shop, community event space, library and research facilities, offices, and significantly increased collections storage.

First, there is the story of the move of LTHS property from its storage location at the Hartville Thrift Shoppe in Hartville. For many years, important historical materials were safely stored thanks to the generosity and cooperation of the team at GentleBrook and, subsequently, the Thrift Shoppe after it purchased the property. Their willingness to provide space and assistance ensured that irreplaceable pieces of Lake Township's history were protected until the society was ready for this next chapter. LTHS is deeply grateful for GentleBrook's and the Thrift Shoppe's patience, kindness and ongoing encouragement.

Next, a heartfelt thank-you goes to Tyler Royer of Royer Farms in Marlboro Township, whose leadership and generosity made the relocation remarkably efficient. By bringing a long trailer and flatbed truck, Tyler enabled volunteers to move nearly the entire collection from the Thrift Shoppe to the museum in a single load, slowly moving through downtown Hartville to the new location. This accomplishment saved countless hours and resources. After moving five boxes previously, the team completed the remaining transfer together in one coordinated effort, demonstrating true community spirit.

LTHS also wants to extend special appreciation to Christian Ramsburg of the Hartville Elevator for immediately lending his time, forklift and hands-on help during the move, unloading the various boxes and placing them into the new building. His willingness to step in and assist made a demanding task far more manageable.

The board stated, "On behalf of the LTHS, thank you for the extraordinary support you provided in caring for and relocating our historical collections to the new LTHS Museum in downtown Hartville. Because of the dedicated volunteers who showed up ready to work, we now have almost all materials successfully moved into our new downtown home. This milestone represents far more than a change of location; it marks the beginning of expanded exhibits, research opportunities and community programs that will allow Lake Township's history to be shared more fully with future generations. Please know how much your generosity, teamwork and belief in our mission mean to the society. The new museum stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when neighbors come together in service of preserving local heritage."

Local craftsman Elmer Yoder and members of the extended Sturgill family have begun the careful restoration of the building's original historic windows, preserving architectural features that have been part of the downtown Hartville landmark for generations. This restoration is under the direction of Dr. Mark Smith, LTHS curator of displays and a board member.

The restoration of the windows is among the first visible preservation projects underway and highlights the society's goal of retaining the building's historic character while adapting it for modern use. The restored stained-glass windows will once again showcase the craftsmanship of an earlier era and help tell the story of the building itself. The work includes repairing deteriorated woodwork, stabilizing and reglazing historic glass, and restoring decorative stained-glass elements that contribute to the building's distinctive character.

"I think the windows are beautiful!" Ruth Sturgill said.

"These windows are among the building's most recognizable historic features," said Shelly Quinn, president of the LTHS Board of Directors. "Their restoration reflects our commitment to preserving the authenticity of this remarkable structure while preparing it to serve the community for many years to come."

Quinn went on to say, "This project is about more than preserving a building. It is about preserving the stories, craftsmanship and community heritage that make Lake Township unique. We are grateful to Elmer and the others from the extended Sturgill family for sharing their skills and helping bring this historic treasure back to life."

The new Hartville facility will complement the society's other existing properties: the former Greentown Library, which serves as a museum and meeting space, and Schoolhouse No. 12 in Uniontown, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With the additional space available at 139 E. Maple St., Schoolhouse No. 12 can now be dedicated exclusively to interpreting the history of education in Lake Township.

Community members interested in supporting restoration efforts or learning more about the project are encouraged to contact the Lake Township Historical Society or follow the organization's Facebook channels for updates. The Lake Township Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and contributions may be tax-deductible as allowed by law.

The mailing address is LTHS, P.O. Box 482, Uniontown, OH 44685. The email address is lths1995@gmail.com.

LTHS also wants to announce that its America 250 home tour will again be held at Hickory Run Farm, the home of Dr. Mark Smith. Attendees will be able to tour the newly renovated century-old barn, the Pioneer Farm Museum and House.

Add this to your calendars: Sunday, July 26, from 1-5 p.m.