Our Old Bookcase
How is the Mercer County Historical Society, Inc. serving Mercer County government and Mercer County’s citizens, in the past and continuing this service in the present and future? Part I reflected on four history books, which related to international and national history and Mercer County. Part II reflected on Mercer County history books which related to the Mercer County level of history. This week, Part III, reflects upon local community history books in Mercer County.
“Our Post Card Past History Series,” instantly became the books purchased by tourists, in 2001. The most popular postcard book, was “Grand Lake, Ohio.” The Lake Improvement Association asked about selling these books at sites around the lake. This book included photographs of landings and sites on the Lake. The books sold for $5 and they sold faster than any other book our historical society has printed. The other three postcard books included historic photographs of Celina, Rockford and villages in Mercer County.
Four other local history books have been popular and three of them are sold out. The New Idea Historic Preservation Committee, between 2013 and 2019, published books about New Idea Company’s history: The first book was the most popular: “New Idea Co. Horse Drawn Spreaders.” On April 11, the historical society is hosting a New Idea toy exhibit and a book sale about the hay tools and the oil and gas well boom at the museum. Masks and social distancing are requested.
Next week, I will address Part IV, whereby I have left a legacy for academic and local historians who seek documents and references which are available to local citizens seeking historical research. I know that some citizens who enjoy local history, copy from past publications, because they not only work but also maintain their homes and families, and they do not have the time to do the detailed academic research.
The “Passport to History” books provide bibliographies of excellent resources for serious local historians and genealogists as well as the citizens who just happen “to like local history!”
Mercer County Historical Society President Joyce Alig may be contacted at 3054 Burk-St. Henry Road, St. Henry, OH 45883, histalig@bright.net or 419-678-2614.