
How St. Marys, Ohio turned a riverbank “eyesore” into Memorial Park—a living war memorial built by hand, vote, and will between 1922 and 1940.

In the heart of Mercer County, Ohio, the story of fire protection is one of community spirit, adaptation, and unwavering dedication. From the early 20th century, residents of Maria Stein and the surrounding Marion Township recognized the need for organized defense against the ever-present threat of fire. This narrative traces the evolution of these vital […]

I. Genesis of a Legend: The Pie-Pilfering Proto-Hoedag (1926) Our saga begins not with a roar, but with a whisper—a whisper of missing pies. The setting: the hallowed (and apparently not entirely secure) clubhouse of the Hunters, Traders, and Trappers (H.T. & T.), a social organization in St. Marys, Ohio. While a modern account (The […]

Discover how J.C. Penney in Celina, Ohio launched a bold retail concept—bringing groceries, fashion, auto care, and innovation under one roof in 1970.

Discover how the 1934 Grand Lake improvement plan proposed roads across Grand Lake near Celina and St Marys, breakwaters, and dredging to transform Ohio’s top recreational spot.