NKHS unveils new marker
NEW KNOXVILLE —The Fledderjohann property in New Knoxville boasts five historic buildings and three of those buildings were honored over the weekend with the unveiling of a National Heritage Marker that marks the buildings’ presence on the National Register of Historical Places.
The buildings had been a part of the National Register since 1993, but New Knoxville Historical Society President Todd Spieles said that they were only recently made aware that there was a signage program as well.
“We applied for funding and got it,” said Spieles.
The funding comes from the Pomeroy Foundation in New York and the signs are manufactured by a company in Chillicothe.
“This has been about a year in the planning. We applied and the Pomeroy Foundation called me and said, ‘You got three buildings in the National Register already — you’re a lock for this sign,’” said Spieles. “That was great news.”
To be included on the National Register of Historical Places,
the foundation needed to know the exact location and age of the buildings and whether or not they had been structurally altered.
Spieles said that the 100-plus year old barn that belongs to the society would never be able to be listed on the register because of alterations that were made over the years.
“The barn will never qualify because they had to move it across town and they cut 7 feet off,” he said.
Community members gathered at the corner of East German Street and South Mill Street where the H.E. Fledderjohann House sits and where the marker was installed.
“In 1993, these three buildings were all placed in the National Register of Historic Places and today we are commemorating that event with the unveiling of a historical marker that indicates that,” Spieles told the crowd that was gathered. “Two iconic doctors who were pioneers of medicine in Auglaize County, Dr. Zuelch and Dr. Fledderjohann — this is their life’s work on this very corner. That’s what we’re here to do today. By these buildings being listed in the National Register, they’re part of a long list of national treasures that have to be preserved for future generations. That’s the aim of the New Knoxville Historical Society.”
The sheet was taken off to display the marker which was marked with applause.
The doctor’s office was built in 1890 and made of soft brick, which was common for New Knoxville at the time.
Fledderjohann was born on a farm west of New Knoxville on Nov. 12, 1855, with his family descending from Prussia in the early 1800s.
Spieles thanked Myron Fledderjohann, a well-respected and highly involved member of the community, who passed away three weeks ago on Aug. 21.
Myron’s wife, Beverly, sat in his place on Saturday.
“My husband died in the house where he was born, three weeks ago,” said Beverly. “Can you believe that? That was his wish. It’s really a beautiful memory. You really can’t believe it. Everybody said you should grieve, but he got his wish.”
She spoke of Myron, to whom she was married for 65 years, and how they met.
“I came from 30 miles away. Sixty-seven years ago that was a long ways to travel to see a woman,” Beverly laughed. “People thought he was nuts.”
Roberta Tanzini sat with Beverly Saturday at the unveiling and she was married to Umberto Tanzini.
The former Fledderjohann married Tanzini in February of 1960.
“I grew up here, was gone for 39 years, and came back here in May of 1988,” said Tanzini. “My husband liked this little town so much he said, ‘Maybe we’ll retire there someday. I thought that would never happen. It was his decision to move back to New Knoxville and I’m glad he said that.”
Following the unveiling, a musical performance led by Abby Smith took place as well as a screening of “Small Town, American,” which was produced by Randy Haberkamp, a New Knoxville native.