History Day Open House showcases towns and villages

Warren Township will host a greatly expanded follow-up to last year’s History Day Open House on Saturday, March 16 from 2-4 p.m. at the Warren Township Community Center. While last year’s History Day Open House focused on the immediate township area, this year will bring in several historical sites from around a much wider region.

“Last year it really got started when my daughter came home from school with a lot of questions about the history of the area,” said Jeff Latimer, the event planner.

Latimer, who also is a township trustee, realized there were many people in Warren Township who might have photos and documents relating to the founding and development of the area.

“I was sure many older people especially would have such things to share and which could offer information about Warren Township history,” Latimer said.

A History Day Open House was assembled, and the response was far greater than anyone expected.

“We probably saw 100, maybe 125 people that day,” said Portia King, Warren Township Community Center director. “I don’t think we really expected that, and it was wonderful.”

Both King and Latimer said there were a surprising number of people who asked if the event would be repeated. “We kept hearing, ‘This is great. Are you going to do it again?’” King said.

Latimer said they were encouraged enough by interest in the first History Day Open House to open it up to a much wider area. This year there will be information and displays from Historic Zoar Village, Fort Laurens historic site, Trumpet in the Land, the Tuscarawas County Historical Society, Mineral City Area Historical Society and Ragersville Historical Society.

Latimer said groups and organizations are still responding with plans to attend, and there also will be several individuals with tables sharing information and artifacts.

Also attending will be Lost Relics Metal Detecting Club of Northeast Ohio, a group which searches Tuscarawas, Carroll and Harrison counties for buried relics using metal detectors and other tools. “They’ll be showing us some of the things they have found or acquired in their many searches,” Latimer said.

There also will be an appearance by Todd Beckett, who impersonates Barney Fife of the 1960s television series, “Mayberry RFD.” Beckett will bring his collection of memorabilia related to the TV show.

There is no charge to attend or to set up a display table at History Day Open House. Tables are provided by the Warren Township Community Center. Limited electrical connections will be available.

Those who wish to create a display table should call Latimer at 330-204-2709. Registrations will be accepted through March 15. No ticket or preregistration is needed for attendance at History Day Open House.

“Interest in local history seems very strong,” Latimer said. “I really hope those who come out will learn something new. I’m personally looking forward to learning more about the story of Trumpet in the Land. I know it will be a great day.”

Food will be available during History Day Open House. King said there will be hamburgers, chips and other items available at the Warren Township Community Center that day.

“Everyone seemed so enthusiastic about the first one last year,” King said. “I would definitely think it would be a bigger history day this year with more people and incorporating the history of a wider area. It just deepens what we’ve already started. We were very excited about last year and honestly couldn’t wait to do it again. And I’m sure it will continue in future years, absolutely.”

Anyone in the multi-county area with photographs, prints, maps, postcards or other interesting items are welcome to participate.

“It’s a day to share stories and learn a little bit about the area and its small towns and villages,” Latimer said.

The Warren Township Community Center doors will open for set-up at noon on March 16. The center is located at 3986 New Cumberland Road NW in Mineral City.