SCHS
Acquires Properties for Expansion
The Shelby County
Historical Society recently announced the acquisition of two
properties to the west of the Ross Historical Center for the future
expansion of it's building. The Couchman and Yeager properties will
eventually be torn down in order to provide space for the addition.
Long range planning
underway since 2004 by the Society's board has identified several
needs that must be addressed. Three themes have emerged from the
planning activities that will drive the design of the new addition.
The first, Traveling through Time, will bring to life an industrial
display area, giving due recognition to Shelby County's significant
contributions to manufacturing history. A multi-purpose
youth/program/theater area defines the second theme, Where the Past
Connects to the Futures. Here, the creators of exhibits and
displays can use broad band technology to stream programming into
classrooms. The third them, We Are the Community's Smithsonian,
covers the artifact exhibit and preservation work area.
One-third of the
building (about 3,00 square feet) will be devoted exclusively to a
Traveling Through Time display of the industrial history of Shelby
County. Lack of space in the Ross Historical Center has prohibited
the Society from telling the real story of tremendous business and
industrial legacy that is Shelby County. This area will allow
the visitor to tour our fascinating history from the beginning of
commerce (Maxwell's Mill and the R. Given & Son Tannery of the
1830's) To the industry leaders of the 21st century, such as
Emerson Climate Technologies, Honda, Plastipak and many more.
Supporting companies will be able to help design their display and
help preserve their heritage for the next generation of employees.
Retired employees from
Monarch Machine tool Company, Wagner Manufacturing, Amos Press,
Stolle/Alcoa and other businesses will be able to relive memories of
their working world and show their grandchildren what the workplace
was like a half century ago. Business leaders from these companies
stoked a civic pride tin Sidney that resulted in national acclaim
for our town during the Great Depression and World War II, then
eventually led to the city attaining All-American City status in
1964.
As a result of this
heritage and the business leaders of this county, community, land
marks we take for granted such as the Monumental Building, the
historic downtown Court Square and Tawawa Park were created. The
IUTIS Club, the YMCA, the Chamber of Commerce and many other
organizations began with the farsighted leadership of Sidney
business leaders, Lessons for our future leaders care contained in
these stories from the past.
Ross Legacy
Partners
Started in 2003, Ross Legacy Partners was created to encourage
additional community participation in The Shelby County Historical
Society. To recognize the generosity of these individuals and
businesses we highlight members name in every newsletter and provide
additional benefits, including complimentary tickets to our fall
Victorian Celebration at The Greatstone Castle. Ross Legacy Partners
allow us to continue the important business of preserving our local
history. Call or email for additional information.
Current Ross Legacy Partners
Lisa Alvetro DDS, MSD, Inc.
Walt & Carol Bennett Frank Chaney Chase Bank Comer Trucking, Inc.
Continental Express, Inc. Mr & Mrs Raphael Echeman Elsass,
Wallace, Evans, Schnelle & Co, L.P.A. William & Karen Feth Mr &
Mrs Tom Given Jack & Kathleen Haslup Heritage Gems Lochard
Inc. Miami River
Stone Co.
Minster Bank Partners in Recognition, Inc The Peerless Group Joel &
Inez Phillips Primary Eyecare Associates Ron and Nita's Inc.
Ross Aluminum Foundries Dave Ross Mr & Mrs Bob Sargeant Nettie
Schlater Mr & Mrs Tom Shoemaker
Sidney Body Carstar Sidney Tool & Die
Slagle Mechanical
Contractors
Mr & Mrs Eric
Smith The UPS Store US Bank Rich & Susan Wallace Wilson
Memorial Hospital
|