Pickaway Township (part 5 of 49)

Charles, who spent his entire life in Pickaway County, was the son of George and Caroline (Blum) Gerhardt. His father came to America from Boden, Germany in 1858 as a young man of twentysix. For a short time, George (1832-1890) was a dishwasher in New York City. Like his father, his mother also came to America from Germany (Hassen-Darmstadt) and worked in Ohio and Pennsylvania. They met in Chillicothe, married, and started a family and a farming career in Ross County, near Kingston and later moved to Walnut Township. They had three sons and two daughters: George, Edward, Charles, Katherine, and Caroline, all who became farmers except for Charles. Katherine died at age 14. Even though he was discouraged by his father; after several years of farming, Charles grew restless, and at the age of twenty, he decided that farming was not for him; he would go to college and study to be a lawyer at Ohio Northern University. His brother, George, sent him money on the condition Charles would not tell "Dad".

In 1903, he married Edith Gantt, who was born in Zanesville. He also was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Pickaway County in 1903 and served for two terms. In 1908, he opened a law practice in the Masonic Temple where he practiced by himself for 24 years. He did not employ a secretary until the last three years of his practice. He answered his own telephone, made his own coffee, and typed his own letters. He was the first person in Circleville to own a typewriter. Charles and Edith had two sons: Nelson, who died as a baby, and in 1908, George Edward.

In 1912, Charles and several other prominent citizens of Pickaway County founded the Circleville Savings and Banking Company and he served on the Board of Directors for the next thirty-two years. Over the next twenty years Charles, joined by his brother, George, and some other local citizens, also founded a number of other companies and organizations, among them Pickaway Grain Company, The Pickaway County Farm Bureau, and the Pickaway Country Club. Charles also served as a member of the Ohio Board of Pardon and Parole from 1915-1917.

Charles belonged to the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Circleville. Coming from a strong German background of Lutheranism, he was very active in church and rarely missed a religious gathering until he and the Rev. George Troutman had a dispute over his membership and strong support for the Masonic bodies. Because Charles had been so strongly affiliated with his church, it was a disappointment when his son decided to join his mother's church and become a member of the Community United Methodist Church. Fraternally Charles was a member of the Royal Arch Chapter of Masons and Tyrian council N. 60, R.S.M., Improved Order of Redmen, Knights of Pythias, and the Pickaway Lodge No. 23 F&AS Masons. Politically he was a Democrat and for many years served as a member of the Executive Committee.

After a stroke in 1930 and upon his doctor's advice, he became an avid, and somewhat famous walker in Pickaway County, sometimes covering 20 miles at a time. In 1932, after putting his son, George Edward, through law school at Ohio Northern University, Charles and his son opened a law practice together at the asonic Temple building.

Charles' son, George Edward, married Dorothy Alys Riegel (see her mother, Sadie Bolender Riegel's biography). George Edward continued the tradition of serving on the Savings Bank Board for years and was also elected Prosecuting Attorney of Pickaway County and later Circleville City Attorney, a position he held when he died in 1956. He was notorious for his practical jokes on Dr. E.L. Montgomery, Link Mader and for his hunting beagles, Laddie and Cassie, and fishing with barber Ginny Merriman.

In 1943, Edith, Charles' wife of forty years died. In 1945, Charles married Agnes A. Gantt, who was the sister of Edith. In Charles' later years, his two biggest joys were the births of his two grandsons, George Charles and Richard Lee. His walks by this time had become shorter, and he would take his grandsons with him and proudly display them to anyone he could.

George Charles graduated from Ohio University in 1960 and enjoyed a 35-year career as a banker starting at the Second National Bank of Circleville and later with BankOhio and National City Bank.

Richard Lee became the 3" generation to graduate from Ohio Northern University in 1963 and then Georgetown University Law Center in 1966. He returned in 1966 to the same offices in the Masonic Temple in Circleville-to practice law. Richard became the 3" generation Gerhardt to be elected Prosecuting Attorney of Pickaway County after serving as Mayor of Circleville.

Charles' grandson, George Charles, had 3 children (wife, Barbara Allen of Circleville) Mark, a physician; Beth, a registered nurse; and Matt, a banker and Richard Lee had 2 children (wife, Marie Baldwin of Newburgh, New York) Kara, a communications/media spokesperson and Richard III, a fourth generation attorney. A more detailed biography of Charles Gerhardt can be found in the Pickaway Quarterly, Fall 1987.

Henry F. Page began the practice of law in Circleville in 1845. Hon. Isaac Abernethy formed a partnership with Page in 1878. Richard Simkins became Abernethy's partner in 1919. George D. Young joined Simkins in the firm in 1947. Thomas F. Tootle became an Associate of George D. Young in 1973. In the 1980's James Denny Kitchen was a partner in the firm for a short period and Gary Robert Dumm entered the practice in 1991.

Although there were earlier lawyers in Circleville and Pickaway County, (Joshua Folson-1810, Caleb Atwater-1812, Richard Douglas-1815, Joseph Olds-1819, Jonathan Renick-1840 and John A. Lutz) most left for practice in larger cities and faster growing communities. The first exception was Henry F, Page who was born in Circleville, graduated from Miami University at Oxford, attended Harvard lectures and conducted a vigorous practice while representing Pickaway County in the Constitutional Convention of 1873-1874. He acquired a large body of choice land in Champaign County, Illinois and three (3) farms in Pickaway County. At his bequest, the land was sold for One Hundred Sixty Five Thousand Dollars ($165,000.00) and given to The Ohio State University. Page Hall, formerly housing The Ohio State University Law School, remains his legacy to this day. Page's bookcase remains in the law firm's office today at 180 West Franklin Street in Circleville.

Hon. Isaac Abernethy (1844-1932) of Virginia English Heritage, was born in Ross County but reared on a farm in Monroe Township, Pickaway County. He earned his education at Ohio Wesleyan during 1860-1866 and admitted to the Bar in 1868. He settled in Circleville with H.F. Page. He served as Prosecuting Attorney, Pickaway County Bar Association Presdient for man years, served as Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the Fifth Judicial District for five (5) years. He was one of the first Professors of The Ohio State University Law School. The "Grand Old Man" died in 1932, though to be the oldest practicing lawyer in Ohio.

Richard Simkins came to Circleville as a progressive young attorney in 1919 and became the partner of Judge Isaac Newton Abernethy. Born in Clarksburg, Ross County, Ohio, he attended The Ohio State University as an undergraduate and attended the Backus School of Law, Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio. He practiced law with expert interpretation, administered in a practical way with the confidence of his clients.

George D. Young became associated with Attorney Richard Simkins in 1947 in the practice of law with offices in the IOOF building at Court and Main Street in Circleville. He graduated from Kingston High School and The Ohio State University School of Law. Attorney Young returned to practice law after serving five

(5) years as a Captain in the World War II U.S. Army Military Intelligence compiling evidence for war trials. This experience established Young's keen insight to direct civil and criminal cases and he served as Pickaway County's Probate and Juvenile Judge from 1949-1955.

Thomas Franklin Tootle graduated from Circleville High School and Ohio Wesleyan University. After spending two (2) years in the U.S. Army, he received his Juris Doctor degree from Ohio Northern University. He passed the Bar in 1973 and became an associate in the George Young Law Firm. The offices were moved from the upstairs Court and Main location to 180 West Franklin Street in 1977, a readily accessible location on the outer edge of the original circular lay out of Circleville. The large bookcase of Henry Page is still used by current members of the firm at this location.

J. Denny Kitchen was a partner of the firm in the 1980's. He was born in Ross County, Ohio on November 12, 1939, and admitted to the Bar in 1970after graduated from The Ohio State University that year. He had formerly been associated with the Leist Firm also in Circleville, Ohio.

Gary Robert Dumm joined the firm in January, 1991. He was born January 1, 1952, graduated from Ohio University in 1973, studied law at Capital University Law School, graduating in 1977. He started practicing law in the City of Circleville in the same year.

This long standing law firm now Young, Tootle and Dumm, continues to assist people professionally with legal problems, to probate estates, to defend the innocent, and to represent them before the Courts of Pickaway County.

On October 15, 1834, the first Pickaway County Fair was held. There was a period of twenty years before there was another Fair. Sometime around 1858, the Pickaway County Fairgrounds Association was formed. A fair was held for several years.

Again, around 1876, a Fair Association was formed and 18 acres were purchased. In 1887, notes were sold by a corporation organized under the then laws of the State of Ohio and was named the Pickaway County Fair Company. This "new" Fair was conducted for three years.

After a period of almost sixty years, a new modern Fair was discussed. In 1944, the Pickaway County Agricultural Society was organized. A 60-acre tract of land was purchased on November 3, 1944 for $13,000. About one-fourth of this tract was located in the east edge of Circleville and the balance in the county. One day later this tract of land was given to the Pickaway County Commissioners to conduct a County Fair under the control of the Agricultural Society.

In 1921, Robert Wylie came to Pickaway County as its first county agent. Rural boys and girls were starting to learn "how to make the best better" in homemaking and agricultural skills. One 4-H club goes back to 1915. The first junior fair board was organized in 1936. Girls' 4-H and miscellaneous projects were exhibited in the Armory and boys' animals were in tents behind the Armory. These projects were displayed during the annual Pumpkin Show. In 1943 and 1944, no Pumpkin Show was held, but a Junior Fair was held on Franklin Street and in several business buildings along that street.

By 1946, one building had been erected and housed 4-H exhibits, but the livestock was still housed in tents. There were 462 4-H members and 45 advisors recognized at the annual banquet.

A half-mile track, said to be one of the finest in Ohio, was completed just a few days before the Fair. This track was used for the first time during the September 11-14, 1946 Fair. Lights were installed to provide a well-illuminated track.

Fireworks, a full-fledged circus, harness races, open livestock exhibits, horse and pony show as well as the 4-H and FFA displays were all part of the 1946 Fair. The admission price for the Fair was forty cents over 12 and free for anyone under 12. A Fair membership was $2.

In 1947, the Coliseum was built for $80,000 after 15 years of planning by the Pickaway Agricultural Society. Just £ before Pearl Harbor, the society was ready to let contracts for construction of the building. The war delayed the construction. After the war, contractors bid well over $100,000.

Bypassing routine procedure, the society made a contract with Raymond Rader, Circleville contractor, to handle construction supervision on a flat fee basis. The society purchased all the materials at wholesale list, along with cash discounts and paid for all the labor, saving about $20,000 on the construction. For many years, this building served as the location of the Pickaway County basketball tournaments.

The first fair board members for the new Pickaway County fairgrounds were: Bernard Young, Forrest Short. H.A. Strous, Lewis Halderman, Russell Palm, Ned Dresbach, Ben Gordon, Ralph Fisher, and John Beryl Stevenson.

When there wasn't enough money to pay all the bills, the fair board members paid the bills from their own bank accounts. The members did this willingly because they thought it was important for the youth of Pickaway County to have a place to show their projects.

On July 1, 1948, the Pickaway County Harness Club was formed, and secretary receipts were signed by George A. Fissell. Local horsemen were: George A. Fissell, Forrest Short, George W. Van Camp, Clarence Helvering, Merle Thornton, Emmitt Ebenhack, Art Mace, Wayne Martin, Porter Martin, Bern Shidaker, Raymond Westenbarger, Art Morris, Clarence Myers, Clarence Wolfe, Ed Shellhammer, Phil Markley, Joe Wolfe, and Robert Taylor.

The Jaycees, led by John Fissell, sponsored harness matinees each spring to help obtain money to build a grandstand along with the help of the harness club, as partners, who furnished the drivers and horses for the venture. The grandstand was erected for harness racing, horse shows, and Fair events.

Sixteen years later while Glenn McCoy was president, the biggest change was moving the fair from the valley in front of the grandstand to the hill.

Sixteen years later the fairgrounds graduated from a 4- H type fair to a modern-type fair. It was decided by Glenn McCoy, president of the fair board at this time, to add more features to the fair to attract non-4-H by having musicals and mechanized entertainment.

On May 13, 1944, ninety-nine Pickaway County landowners filed a petition with the Ohio Soil Conservation Committee for Pickaway County to be organized as a Soil Conservation District; now known as Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).

The purpose of the proposed District was to provide farmers technical assistance in voluntarily changing their farming practices in an effort to eliminate erosion and other loss of valuable land.

County-wide voting by the farmers took place on September 9, 1944 and 86% of the 311 votes cast were in favor of the creation of the Pickaway County Soil Conservation District. F. Kelsey Blair, Pickaway County Agricultural Agent, sent a letter to Pickaway County landowners announcing the favorable vote to organize the district and that the next step was to elect the governing board of five supervisors. Supervisors are responsible for developing the local programs, obtaining and disbursing funds and setting priorities. They also have the authority to hire district staff and to oversee all district activities. A ballot was enclosed with the letter and landowners could mail their ballot, or go to the County Agricultural Agent's office, located in the basement of the Post Office on Court Street, Circleville, Ohio, or to the Farm Bureau Office at 159 East Main Street to cast their vote.

Pickaway County residents and landowners elected their first District Board of Supervisors on December 9, 1944. They were Chairman, Ralph E. May of Circleville; Vice Chairman, Frank A. Beatty of Orient; Secretary, Lawrence R. Liston of Circleville; Treasurer, Stewart E. Beers of Ashville; and Member, Wayne F. Brown of Groveport. Supervisors serve three year terms and receive no pay for their service.

Secretary of State, Edward J. Hummel, certified the Articles of Incorporation of the Pickaway County Soil Conservation District on April 14, 1945 making it the District in Ohio.

The first major objective of the District was to sectire technical help. A memorandum of understanding and plan of work were negotiated by the Board of Supervisors with the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) in 1945. The SCS, now known as the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is the federal agency that provides technical assistance to the District. James A. Muster, Soil Conservationist, was the first SCS employee assigned to the Pickaway County District.

A landowner having a soil and/or water problem and wanting to find a solution, applied for assistance at the district office, housed in the Knight of Pythias building at 114 _ North Court Street in Circleville. The fee for applications was $3 for farms to S00 acres and $1 for each additional 100 acres above 500. After the board approved the application, the District would furnish technical aid through the SCS in planning and applying the practices needed to correct the problem.

During the District's first year, soil surveys were made on the farms of five applicants. There sever seven applications for conservation farm plans covering 1,148 acres of farm land. During the District's second year, fifty-seven farmers

Cub Scout Bear Pack 55 (From Pickaway Elementary) November 8, 2004 "Soil Lesson' at Co. Services Building. Erosion Control Model. L to R: Karen Halley, PSWCD Education Coordinator, Bear Members, Zach Putree, Wyatt Woolever, Ben Caplan.

In January of 1906, Bernice Hunsinger was hired as the first District employee. She worked as part-time Clerk for three days a week and was paid $1.50 per hour by the district.

The District office has moved to various locations in Circleville: (1950) Sieverts Building above the Cussins & Fearne Store at 122 North Court Street, (1951) 159 East Main Street, (1960) 206 _ South Court Street, (1966) 1450 North Court Street, and (1989) 110 Island Road, County Services Building.

Although the District was originally established to assist "agricultural" landowners with erosion problems, today technical assistance is also provided to urban landowners as well as goyernmental offices. Equally important to the Board of Supervisors is providing natural resources conservation education to all youth and adults in Pickaway County.

The current staff (SWCD & NRCS) and Board of Supervisors are: SWCD - District Technicians, Lloyd F: McManus, Jr. (1979), Douglas A. Kohli (1981), Darren Romshak (2004), and intern, Chris Pancake (2005); Office Administrator, Sue A. Lumley (1994); Education Coordinator, Karen J. Halley (1995); and Administrative Assistant, Zawn G. Seimer (2000); NRCS - District Conservationist, Dan E. Garver (1989); Civil Engineering Technician, J. Robert Skidmore (1984); and Soil Conservationist,

Joe Weber (2003); SWCD Board of Supervisors: Chairman, C. Randall Metzger of Williamsport (1990); Vice Chairman and Treasurer, S$. William (Bill) Black of Ashville (2000); Secretary, Bradley C. Zwayer of Groveport (2004); Member,

The Salt Creek was started Januar: by a group of fiv den of the Laurelville area to provide a banking service for the community. These men were: George D. Mowery, Milton Armstrong, George S. Reichelderfer, D.K. Wilson, and W.F. Armstrong.

In 1909, Mr. George D. Mowery and Milton Armstrong were appointed to look for a site to build a bank building. The bank continued to operate in its original location while the committee was looking for a building site.

On the 28" day of November 1922, the owners made application to form a corporation. The capital of the corporation was $25,000.00 consisting of 250 shares of Common Stock with a par value of $100.00 per share. The subscription books were opened December 1, 1922.

The purpose of forming the corporation was to purchase the Assets, Liabilities and Capital of The Salt Creek Valley Bank, Unincorporated, and to continue the operation of the organization in Laurelville, Ohio for the benefit of the residents of the Laurelville community.

In 1925, the Board of Directors, seeing the need for a new Bank building began planning by appointing a committee to find a suitable site. This committee reported back to the Directors in their February meeting saying the vacant lot at the corner of Main and Water Street was available. After discussion, the committee was authorized to purchase this lot for the construction of the bank building.

The Board decided to build the building by contracting with different companies to construct different parts of the bank building. The concrete work was done by hired labor. The contract for the brick, stone, and labor was awarded to A.F. Mowery at his contract bid of $2,575.00

In March of 1933, The Board of Directors passed a Resolution to limit withdrawals from checking account and certificates of deposit to 5% of the balance to conform with a law passed by the Ohio General Assembly and emergency measures taken by the President of the United States and the Secretary of the Treasury. This resolution was to be in effect for a period of 60 days due to the economic conditions throughout the United States. In December 1933, the bank applied for membership in the new formed FDIC.

In April 1937, Gwendolyn Dent Egan became the first female employee of the Salt Creek Valley Bank. She eventually became the first female officer of the bank, and worked until her retirement in 1983, after 46 years of service.

In 1942, the bank hired Thomas D. Rose. Mr. Rose became a director of the bank in 1951. He was promoted to the Presidency in 1980 and served until 1992. Mr. Rose retired as Chairman of the Board of Directors in 2001, at which time his daughter, Laura Louise Hinton, was elected to serve on the Board of Directors.

In July 1968, the Board contracted with H.J. Upperman and Sons to repair the camage caused by the food that had ravaged the Village of Laurelville.

The Board decided to purchase the restaurant adjacent to the bank building in 1968. The Carroll Brothers of Chillicothe were hired to remodel and add the first addition to the current building. The first drive thru system was installed at this time.

The bank continued to prosper and grow over the next few years. Discussion of a second addition began in 1986. This addition added a second drive thru lane. The addition was completed in 1987.

During the next years, the bank continued to change and upgrade its computer systems to keep the pace with the changing technology. In 1999, the bank began offering ATM/Debit Cards. Our first ATM was installed at the main bank. Currently, the bank has 7 ATM/Cash dispensers.

In April 2000 the Board decided to redecorate the interior of the bank in preparation to celebrate the bank's 100" anniversary in January 2001. The redecorating was completed by year-end 2000, in time to celebrate "A Century of Service and Dedication" to Laurelville and its surrounding area.

In 2002, Salt Creek Valley Bank opened its first branch location inside Young's Family Market in Pickaway County. The extended hour branch allowed customers the convenience of doing their banking where they shopped.

In 2004, the second branch of Salt Creek Valley Bank was opened in the Village of Tarlton. Donna Thornton serves as Branch Manager and Carolyn Wharton is the Loan Officer at this location.

started with sixteen (16) Stockholders. On March 1, 1912 the John C. Goeller, H.M. Crites, J.R. Noecker, F.E. Archer, Philip Herrnstein, Frederick Barnes, G.W. Runkles Dr. W.L. Peters, Charles Gerhardt and J.J. Mast. Later the diréetors elected the'first officers: Philip Herrnstein, President; H.C. Allen) Vice President; J.R. Noecker, Secretary-Treasurer; and Charles Gerhardt, Assistant

Bank to open their door for business in the first location'at 110 N. Court Street. In 1913 the bank moved over to a small portion of the first floor at 118 N. Court Street in,the building historically known as the Pythian Castle. In 2001 major renovations and a much needed elevator was added and the bank now \ the entire building.

The first drive up facility was opened in 1964 jocated on what is now The Savings Bank parking lot on the corner of Nofth Court Street and Pinckney Street. On December 31, 1977 the bank entered into the ever changing world of technology by advancing from a totally manual "hand posting" system to computers. In 1988 the first automated teller machine was installed.

»2/1979 - L.E. Priest; 4/1989 - Harry J. Clifton; 4/1991 - to present - Stephen A. Gary. " In/1987 the bank built the lobby/drive in facility at 120 Pinckney Street: Over the years the bank found it necessary to expand part of the county. The Savings Bank is proud to be the largest locally owned bank in Pickaway County as it has grown to an "approximate asset size of $200,000,000.

Equal Housing Lender

Shifty's (122 South Washington Street) has been a neighborhood tavern in Circleville for many decades. This welcoming wayside tavern was built around the 1930's by a local who had gained some notoriety as a boxer. He had been gifted with the nickname of "Shirty" based on his quick feinting foot movements when facing his opponents in the ring.

Shifty's Proprietor, Jeff "Mac Daddy" McClanahan, moved to Pickaway County during the late 1970's while stationed at Rickenbacker Air Force Base. He was born in Springfield, Ohio and raised in Xenia, Ohio, but Jeff's desire for owning a tavern extended back to his family's Kentucky heritage.

Jeff traced his family ancestry back to Ireland, where his great, great, great, great grandfather James McClanahan immigrated to America in the late 1700's. During the early 1800's, the McClanahans purchased the Old Stone Tavern near Blue Licks, Kentucky. Located at the intersection of "Smith's Wagon Road" and the Ohio-to-Alabama mail stagecoach line (now called Route 68), the Old Stone Tavern is where Jeff's ancestors served drink and food to neighbors and travelers for 100 years (five generations of McClanahans). Tavern local, frontiersman Daniel Boone, likely visited the tavern.

Whether through his family lineage or his own personal calling, Jeff longed to own his own tavern. Like his ancestors, Jeff wanted his tavern to feel comfortable to neighbors and their families - and convey an inviting and welcoming atmosphere to travelers passing by. Jeff saw that Shifty's offered this environment and bought it after being a 20-year patron. He closed the deal and became Shifty's Proprietor in 2001 - after the Ohio State-Michigan game. Former owners of Shifty's include William J. Massie; Beverly A. Congrove; Bucker and Sally Moss; and Rick Weller with brothers Joe and Brad Schneider.

Jeff believes a major reason families and travelers like Shifty's is its neighborhood feel - 75 percent of Shifty's patrons are locals. Whether stopping by for the first time or taking a seat at your usual spot, you'll be personally met at the door by Jeff or welcomed by his son, Kevin, who assists his dad by tending bar - the McClanahans care about their patrons and genuinely want them to enjoy their visit. Jeff says the best part of being Shifty's owner is "the people I get to meet. The difference in Shifty's from other taverns is the diversity. We don't just have one group of people that stop by. We have college students, retirees, lawyers, bikers, tattoo artists, graphic artists, politicians, farmers, housewives, business men and women, and construction workers. The motorcyclists stop in after hearing about Shifty's from their friends when they are out touring or returning from a poker run. Name the profession and they come to Shifty's. We watch a lot of college sports and talk about what's happening locally."

Shifty's has inspired musician patron Tom Harker to write and record Sittin' Down at Shifty's. Lilybandit named their CD and title song, Shifty's Tavern and included a photo of Shifty's on their CD cover. A music video and other film footage have been shot within the small tavern's walls. "Musicians and videographers like the old-timey, neighborhood feel of the place," explains Jeff.

covered with pictures of family, friends, and patrons; five televisions are tuned to a variety of sports broadcasts; a new jukebox plays background music; tournament trophies are on display, and women are now tending bar. Jeff laughingly recalls hiring women. "Years ago Shifty's was a stag bar - only men were allowed. When I first started hiring women to tend bar and then I brought on Dawn Huff to manage it, some of the folks weren't too sure about it. "Now," he chuckles, "everyone is fine with it." Jeff held his granddaughter's (Sydney Marie McClanahan) first birthday party at Shifty's. "Yeah," smiles Jeff, "Shifty's always has a wide mix of age groups and now both genders are represented."

Shifty's seats about 40, including room for 10 at the bar, and employees a dozen people in addition to McClanahan family. Jeff's fiancee, Beth Howell, along with her son, Stephen, ensures the family atmosphere extends into the kitchen. "We hand cut our own fries," she says. "We take special care to make sure our cheesburgers are the best in town. I even prepare Shifty's sauces (tartar, mustard and buffalo wing) from my own recipes." In addition to great cheesburgers, Shifty's serves quesadillas, buffalo wings, and perch on Friday and Saturday nights. Tuesday's Frog Legs night has been popular fare - patrons can even buy a whimsical t-shirt with Jeff's "Mac Daddy" logo to commemorate their visit.

Shifty's offers a wide assortment of mixed drinks and 28 varieties of beer - draft, bottled, domestic and imported. Shifty's bar tenders are well versed in mixing the most popular college drinks as well as pouring the more traditional cocktails. Jeff occasionally keeps requested beer brands in stock when regulars express an interest.

Like any good neighbor, Shifty's contributes to the local community. Shifty's sponsors several softball teams and local race cars, including dirt track, funny cars and mini-tractors. Shifty's sponsors an annual golf outing.supporting Crohn's and colitis disease research and contributes to the Brooks Yates Center School for the disabled.

While the food, drink, and inviting atmosphere draw visitors to Shifty's, it's the friendly people that keep them coming back. Jeff guarantees, "If you don't know anybody when you go into Shifty's you'll know somebody by the time you come out."

The Stout Family has been in construction in the Circleville area since the early 1920's. Over the years, the business has built or remodeled many structures in Pickaway County and surrounding counties. The company started in 1924 when J.B. Stout assisted his father, William H. Stout, in the construction of small concrete bridges on township roads and farm lanes. Three years later he was driving a solid tire Republic truck for The Ringgold and Son Co. helping to install the first brick section of Route 23 to Columbus.

J.B. Stout started a trucking company in the late 1930's and became a partner in the Stansbury & Stout Company with Harold Stansbury. In 1938-40 the company built the Telephone Company on Pinckney Street. During World War II they totally rebuilt the Container Corporation factory. In addition, they built government housing, just west of The Ohio State University (now Grandview) for military and veterans attending there. Following WWII they remodeled the Crist Building at Court and Main for the Gallager Drug Company. They also built the Sunoco filling station on North Court Street and Montclair. Later in 1980 they remodeled it for Dr. Robert Tootle's dentist offices.

In 1945, J.B. Stout went on his own and opened The Zero Locker plant on Edison Avenue in Circleville and Ashville. He then built Boyd's Inc. next door which sold plumbing and heating supplies. He also sold the first Zenith television in Circleville.

In 1952, J.B. Stout started the Knollwood Development Company and laid out 45 lots for Knollwood Village located in Washington Township in Pickaway County. The J.B. Stout Company built many Scholtz Homes in the development and the village is now eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

In 1958, he developed the Lincolnshire Subdivision consisting of eight homes located behind Atwater School. In 1958 his son, William A. Stout, returned from the Army and joined the Corporation with J.B. as Chairman and William as President.

In 1960 they developed 113 lots in the Garden City Subdivision and Garden Plaza Apartments. (The Company built most of the homes and all of the apartments during the next 8-10 years.)

They also started Stout Investment Company to purchase various properties such as, The Circleville Ice Plant, Circleville Lumber Yard, Norfolk and Western Railroad Station, Marshalls

The J.B. Stout Company thru 2004 has built over 200 homes, 30 plus new commercial buildings such as The Third National Bank - The National branch, The Scioto Building and Loan, The YMCA, Columbia Gas Company offices, Union 76 gas station, Hummel & Plum Insurance offices, H & S Garage, Dr. Rickey's office, Wardell Carpets, The National Bank of North Court Street.

The company did remodeling, restoration and major additions on over 50 buildings such as Mader Funderal Home, Defenbaugh Funeral Home, Lindsey's Bakery, Savings Bank lobby, Circleville Herald, Circleville Oil offices, J.R. Hooks Restaurant, Community United Methodist Church, Dr. Robert McCoy office, Court and Main (Peck's Hall), Harden Chevrolet, Owens Illinois, Ashville Cardinal Market, Ward's Cardinal Market, Brown Memorial Home, Cook's Creek Golf Course to name a few. Also over 100 residential and small restorations and remodeling. To name a few, Block's Shoe Store, Fitzpatrick's Printers, Circleville Fire Departement, Pickaway County Historical Society, Tinks, Dale DeLong Insurance, Dr. Emily Lutz, St. Joseph's Church, St. Phillips Church and residences of John Stevenson, Charles Pockras and Tom Rodenfels.

They built three apartment complexes. The first was a | 2-unit building at 137 Watt Street in 1958. From 1960-1969 the company built SO units in Garden City on Plaza Drive. Finally they started Valhalla LLP and built 45 units on Lewis Avenue. Valhalla also started Hargus Clinic LLP on Lewis Avenue consisting of 5 medical offices.

Grandson, John W. Stout, joined the firm in 1985 and in 1987 the company reorganized following the death of J.B., with William A. Stout - Chairman, John W. Stout - President, and Cheryl K. Stout - Secretary. William formed Bill Stout Realty in 1970 for real estate sales and property management. John heads up the management section of the properties. John and Cheryl formed JCEE in 2003 to manage their apartments at 137 Watt Street.

The Circleville Oil Company was incorporated in April, 1924 and according to its charter, the intended purpose was for the buying, selling and trading in gasoline, kerosene, lubricating oils and greases and other materials. The first stockholders meeting was held on April 24, 1924 at the Chamber of Commerce Room in the Masonic Temple. The stockholders elected Glenn R. Nickerson, G.A. Schleyer, Edgar Barrere, E.E. Wolfe, Irvin Snyder, R.L. Brehmer and W.H. Nelson as Directors. Officers elected were Glenn Nickerson, Chairman and W.H. Nelson, Secretary.

The company's operation was originally located on West Mound Street consisting of a bulk plant and office. A retail gasoline site was soon added and in 1934 the retail site was moved to 301 N. Court Street. These two locations are still in operation in the same buildings. In 1941 there was a disastrous fire at Mound Street, which destroyed the office, garage and three trucks. In 1992 the company expanded into the convenience store business and in 1996 entered into the propane business. In recent years the company has expanded into the fast food business and currently owns and operates four Subway restaurants.

Defenbaugh-Wise-Schoedinger Funeral & Cremation Service has been serving Pickaway County families for many generations. Founded originally before 1840 in Tarlton, the funeral home was eventually moved to its present location on East Main Street in Circleville.

Daniel S. Deffenbach began making coffins as part of his family business in the Laurelville and Tarlton area. Daniel was well respected in the area as a woodworker and builder of organs, as well as a cabinetmaker. He began constructing fine coffins, which led to the founding of the Defenbaugh Funeral Business in Tarlton.

Daniel's son, Peter, assumed ownership of the business and built the funeral home at the corner of Main and Harrison Streets in Tarlton in about 1843. Peter passed the business on to Stephen after the Civil War. Stephen continued the business until several years prior to his death in 1919. His son, Harley, succeeded Stephen in the funeral business.

Harley "Harl" became involved in the late 1800's and completed his embalming training in 1902. Harl was active in the growth and development of the business and was instrumental in the decision, along with his son William, to move the business to its current location on East Main Street in Circleville in 1940.

The last generation to participate in the family business was Harl's sons, Harold and "Bill". Harold and Bill were active in the operation of the business until Bill's untimely passing in 1961 and Harold's later retirement. The funeral home was sold to Jack V. and Marilyn Wise who continued their ownership until February 2001.

In 2001 the funeral home became affiliated with Schoedinger Funeral & Cremation Service who maintains ownership presently. Schoedinger was founded in 1855 by German cabinetmaker Philip Schoedinger. Today, Schoedinger is in its 6" generation of family ownership serving all of central Ohio with 11 locations.

Dentistry in Circleville has a long history dating back to 1830. In earliest times a dentist visited Circleville for a few weeks at a time to provide treatment for those in need. As time passed, dental colleges in Cincinnati and Philadelphia provided a professional education for these turn-of-the-century dentists practicing in Circleville: Clark, Lilly, Corne, Towers, and Hitler. Great advancement was made from then until the present time with broader knowledge and improved technology.

Dr. Robert M. Tootle graduated from Circleville High School, Ohio Wesleyan University, and The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. In 1980 he purchased the Sunoco Station at the corner of North Court Street and Montclair Avenue. The property was once a part of the original fairgrounds in Circleville, and later became part of the Dr. Howard Jones estate. It was then sold to Mr. and Mrs. Ned Grooms who sublet the property to Joe Jenkins as a gasoline and auto repair station. Thus, in 1980 it evolved from a filling station to a "filling station."

Dr. Tootle designed a modern office with four dental operatories, and practices family dentistry with all modern methods of treatment. Additions to the office were completed in 1991 and 2002 to increase treatment, sterilization, and business office space. Comfortable and adjustable chairs, immediate x-rays, more attractive and durable restorative materials, and effective medications are some of the benefits of modern dentistry.

The DuPont Circleville site was commissioned in 1954 as the first commercial polyester film manufacturing facility in the world. Mylar, polyester film is still produced at the site, today, for applications including video base, solar window protection, and flexible packaging.

Four other businesses have been added to the site over the past 50+ years, with associated manufacturing, research, sales, and marketing facilities and staffing. Those businesses are Kapton, polyimide films, Teflon, fluoropolymer films, SP Resin for Vespel, machineable parts and shapes, and Advanced Glazing Products.

DuPont is currently the largest industrial employer in Pickaway County, at 540 full service employees and over 200 contract partners. The company is known for excellence in safety and environmental stewardship, and for using new technology to drive improvements in product quality and manufacturing efficiencies.

Based in Wilmington, Delaware, DuPont delivers science-based solutions for markets that make a difference in people's lives in food and nutrition, healthcare, apparel, home and construction, electronics,

The Metzger Insurance Agency has been family-owned and operated for 37 years. Business was originally purchased from George C. McGhee, who established the McGhee Insurance Agency in 1925. George C. McGhee was an uncle to Robert H. Metzger. In June, 1968 Metzger Insurance Agency was established by Bob and Patricia "Pat" Metzger, selling only property and casualty lines. Their first office was located in their home at 425 S. Water Street, Williamsport. In 1981 Bob and Pat added crop insurance, writing directly with FCIC. In 1986 their daughter, Crystal Metzger Sowers, joined the agency. In 1992 they purchased property at 404 Mill Street and remodeled for the present home of the Metzger Insurance Agency. The following year their son-in-law, Larry Sowers, joined the agency. Crystal and Larry have two children, Chance Hiram Sowers and Cassie Lynn Sowers. In September 1999, Drema Evans Conrad joined the agency. Drema resides in Circleville and is married to David Conrad and

In 1958, Robert Rhoads encouraged his son, Brent, to sell some of their excess sweet corn at the end of their farm lane. There were $8 in sales that day selling corn for $0.50 a dozen, tomatoes $0.25 per pound, and eggs $0.45 a dozen. The farm stand was operated by Brent, Robert and his wife Lurose, and Bill Friece, Lurose's father.

Brent, who was 9 years old that summer, was up each morning picking sweet corn, opening the stand by 10 a.m. and closing at dusk. The open-air market continued until 1961 when Rhoads Farm Market moved to a 10'x15' building at the intersection of Hitler Road and St. Rt. 56. Products that were sold included their own homegrown vegetables, fruits, local eggs, their own whole hog sausage, Amish meats and cheeses, and bedding plants. In the early years, Hartford Renick and Paul Eitel grew melons for the stand, and Rev. Elsea grew strawberries.

The family business remained a season market, open three to four months a year, while Brent obtained a degree in horticulture at The Ohio State University and served two years in the Army. In 1972, Brent and his new wife, Kathy, returned to the farm and realized it was necessary to enlarge the business in order to support two families. By the mid 70's the market expanded to a full service farm market and garden center by adding trees, shrubs, mulch, garden supplies and landscaping. A 1978 fire in the main farm market building prompted further expansion of buildings and greenhouses.

toclose. This event allowed Brent to enter the wholesale tree nursery business; now known as Split Rail Nursery. The nursery produces 110 acres of shade trees, evergreens, shrubs and Christmas trees and the family farm grows 150 acres of fruits and vegetables, which are sold at the farm stand, farmers markets, and wholesale.

In 2005, the business is still family operated by Brent, Kathy and children, Brett Rhoads, Carly Neff, and her husband, Jeremy. The store is located on four acres of property on St. Rt. 56 and is open twelve months of the year. Rhoads employs ten full-time staff members and 10-15 additional seasonal laborers. The onetime farm stand now consists of Rhoads Farm Market and Garden Center, Rhoads Floral Shop, Rhoads Landscaping, and Split Rail Nursery. The Rhoads family will be celebrating 50 years of business in the Circleville community in 2008.

The Wellman Funeral Home was founded in 1973 by Charles E. and Patricia E. Wellman, to provide caring, personal service to the families of Pickaway County. The Wellmans pnzehased 8 acres from Clyde and Ruby Cook that at the time was just beyond the Circleville corporation limits. While plans were made to construct the present building, the residence on the property was equipped to serve as the funeral home. The building was completed and business began in the new facility in July of 1974 and continues there today.

The Wellman's mission is "to serve the needs of every family with dignity and to celebrate the life lived." To this end, in 1975 Wellman's purchased the former Church of God building on Sherman Street in Laurelville, Ohio in 1975 to be used as a funeral chapel, and established Wellman Monument Company. The Wellman's incorporated their business in 1982 when they purchased the Bastian Funeral Home in Ashville, Ohio. In addition to these Pickaway County facilities, the company purchased the Highlawn Cemetery in Fayette County in 1992 and the Gerstner-Kinzer Funeral Home in Washington Court House in 1993. Wellman's Funeral Homes, Inc. currently employees 20 people.

As principles in the company, Charles Wellman, Sr., Charles Wellman, Jr., and Craig Wellman are all licensed funeral directors and embalmers, having graduated from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, served their apprenticeships, and passed the Ohio state licensing board exam. They are supported in the business by several family members including Mr. Wellman's mother, Mabel

West, who was secretary and bookkeeper until the time of her death in May 1999; Patricia Wellman, a licensed funeral director; Cathy Wellman, administrator; and Christina Wellman, also a licensed funeral director and embalmer. Please see "Charles Earl Wellman, Sr." 7 family biography for comey, plete family information.

The Pickaway County and Adjacent Area Retired Teachers group held its first meeting on December 9, 1967, Pickaway Arms, with 43 very interested persons in attendance.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is one of the most respected fraternal organizations in the United States. The organization had its birth on February 16, 1868 and exactly twenty years later to the day, District Deputy George A. Clugston of Mansfield instituted the Circleville Lodge in the Odd Fellows Halls. Allen O. Myers of Cincinnati, whose boyhood home was in Circleville, assisted him.

The following were installed as the first officers of the new lodge: Exalted Ruler, Lawrence Weldon; Esteemed Leading Knight, M.A. Lanum; Esteemed Loyal Knight, G.A. Schleyer; Esteemed Lecturing Knight, Charles Dresbach; Secretary, Alf C. LeBaron; Treasurer, S.T. Ruggles; Esquire, Fred L. Fickard; Chaplain, G.H. Pontius; Inner Guard, R.C. Welcon; Tiler, W.H. Albaugh, Jr.; Organist, Edward Wittich; Trustees, W.B. Jacobs and J.G. Wilders. Including these officers, there were twenty-six

In the early years the Circleville Elks Lodge had for its meeting places the Odd Fellows Hall, the Fred Warner block on West Main Street, the City Building and the First National Bank Building. The goal of having a permanent facility was finally accomplished on June 11, 1924, when construction of the Lodge Home, at 215 North Court Street, was completed and the building occupied. It stands today as a testimony to the zeal and industry of the faithful members, whose hopes and aspirations were focused on having their own Lodge Home.

Today, the Circleville Elks continues to help support charitable and community programs such as the Ohio Elks Cerebral Palsy Fund; Hospice of Pickaway County, Brooks Yates, Stepping Stones, American Red Cross and many more. Support of youth programs such as Youth Baseball and Soccer, the local Elks Basketball Hoop Shoot Contest, the Soccer Shootout and the annual three on three Basketball Contest show that Elks care about our community. In addition, two Pickaway County high school seniors are awarded one thousand dollar scholarships each year. Finally, the Elks strive to support Americanism through programs such as our annual Flag Day Ceremony and the annual Veterans Day Program.

The Circleville Lions Club was chartered on April 11, 1951 by a group of local businessmen as part of the International Association of Lions Clubs. These men were President Winford Koch, Nick Condello and Clarence Radcliffe, as well as 14 others who joined when the charter was received. The primary focus of all Lions Clubs has been sight saving and the related causes of blindness. In addition, the Circleville Lions Club has developed and provided many additional local projects to meet the needs of Circleville and Pickaway County. Their motto is "We Serve". In the early years, a Ladies Auxiliary was formed and became the basis for what some clubs called a Lioness club. In the 1990's this organization was abandoned in favor of including female members in the Lions Club itself. (A few communities still have Lioness Clubs, but the Circleville club chose not to.) However they served, the ladies supported the men as well as promoting and strengthening the club. The Circleville Lions Club is stronger because of all the dedicated ladies who have been a part of this organization. The last surviving charter member of the club, Clarence Radcliffe, died in 2003.

During the past 50 plus years, the club has contributed significantly to the needs of the people of Pickaway County. In the early years (1951-54), the club purchased a sterilization cabinet for Berger Hospital, provided eye surgery for a 6 year old, began providing glasses for needy children - which continues today. In the later years (1950's forward), the club supported all the Ohio Lions projects (Pilot Dogs, eye research, etc.) and that support continues today. In 1953, they purchased a Tele-Binocular machine for eye screening, doing this screening of elementary age children into the 1970's.

Members present, left to right, front: Leroy Brookins, Marvin Jenkins and Samuel (Pete) Cook. Back row: Phil Everett, Marion Miller, Paul Meadows, (past District Govenor) lvy Walters, Elliott Hakes, Kenny Hardesty, Jim Peters, Art Johnson, (past District Governor) Doyle Spangler, President Tom Kuhn, and Sec./Treas. Daryl Wolfe. Members not present are Lions Don Bowman, Dale Gifford, Roger Hood, Chet lery, Bob Kellogg, Ron McPherson, Carol Reicheldefer and Dan Teal.

Some further notable projects have been (or continue to be) 4-H youth programs, youth baseball, and the Good Program that targets middle school youth who demonstrate the qualities of effort and good citizenship. In 1997 the Circleville Lions Club began offering $1000 scholarships that are renewable for a total of 4 years. The recipients are graduating seniors from Circleville, Logan Elm, Teays Valley and Westfall in Pickaway County.

If a club has projects that need funding - some ways include a Pumpkin Show booth 1952 to 1988, sold license plates in 1953, light bulbs from 1953 to the 1980's, brooms were sold from the 1950's to 2001, in 1989 the Lions golf Scramble for Sight began (which in 2004 alone raised almost $7800). In the early 1900's the club sold cookies (and now nuts and candy) and for four years was involved with the Pickaway County Fly-in.

Besides their activity in Pickaway County and the State of Ohio, they have demonstrated leadership by supplying three District Governors: Clarence Radcliffe (1960-1961), Doyle Spangler (1977-1978) and Ivy Walters (1997-1998). Five Melvin Jones Fellows (an award bestowed by Lions International): Clarence Radcliffe, Doyle Spangler, Samuel (Pete) Cook, Ivy Walters and Phillip Everett. By individual donation or by club support, $1000 donations were made to the Lions International Foundation and it uses this money for humanitarian projects worldwide. In addition, the club supplied several Zone Chairmen: Frank Woodward, Jr., George Mallott, Ivy Walters and Kenneth Hardesty. As one can see from this brief history of the Circleville Lions Club, it is not only a part of Circleville, but a part of Pickaway County. Persons from all parts of the county have been members of the club. Recipients of the generosity of the Circleville Lions Club have come from the various schools and communities of the county. We, as members of the present club, believe that Pickaway County is a better, healthier place because of the dedication of all of the members because WE SERVE!

Circleville Sunrise Rotary Club was presented its Charter on June 28, 1989. The Club was organized with the help of Noon Rotary Club members Jim River, Bill Stout and Drexel Poling. There were 38 charter members and the meetings were held at J.R. Hooks Café. The Club's first officers were: Steve Carter, President; Vern Bolender, President-Elect; Ruth McFadden, Vice- President; Doug Palm, Secretary; and Bernard Wilburn, Treasurer. Board members were Richard Amsbary, John Emerine, Connie Hooks and Steve Jones.

1990 was an active year with the following events: Sweetheart Day, Law Day in May (which has become an annual event), assisting with Friday in the Park, purchasing livestock at the Pickaway County Fair (which the Club still does), establishing a "recycling make-up" at Rumpke's, and donating to the Massieville Flood Relief.

In 1991 the membership increased to 53. The Club provided ushers for the Preaching Mission, participated in the MDA telethon, served pumpkin chili at its booth at Pumpkin Show, underwrote the Circleville Artist Series, supported Junior Achievement, and named the newsletter, Rise and Shine News.

In 1992 the Club began serving at the local Soup Kitchen, initiated the Adopt-a-Family Program at Christmas, and was honored to have Beulah Temple as the Club's first Paul Harris Fellow.

In 1993 the Club participated in the Student Exchange Program, established the Leo Moats Scholarship Fund, sponsored students to the Ethics meetings, contributed money to purchase a storage building at Barthelmas Park, sent donations to the Quincy, Illinois Flood Relief, and participated in the Adopt-A-Highway clean-up program.

In 1994 a Paul Harris Annuity with 10 members was formed, the first reverse raffle was held for the Leo Moats Fund, and members went Christmas caroling.

In 1996 the Silent Auction became a part of the Leo Moats reverse raffle night, members toured the State House, and the Club became the sponsor of the Miss Pumpkin Show Parade and Pageant.

In 1997 an Appreciation Roast was held, the club established the Community Closet in conjunction with the Goodwill Store and the first newsletter was published in color.

In 1998 some members traveled to Indianapolis to attend the Rotary International Convention and Major General Robert Shadley, a former resident of Circleville, was the speaker for the Club's annual Law Day.

In 1999 the Club celebrated its 10" anniversary with a special morning meeting. Donations were made to the YMCA and the Courthouse Chimes, and members voted to support the restoration of a section of the Ohio-Erie Canal in Wayne Township. A second Paul Harris Annuity was begun. The Club purchased $10,000 worth of playground equipment for Circleville's Barthelmas Park. The Club supported a Dental Clinic in southern India, and a new songbook was initiated.

In 2000 the Club inaugurated an annual Community Leadership Award to a member of the community with Gerry Hannahs being the first recipient. The Club organized the "Sunrise Snow Brigade" to help clear driveways for the elderly. The club developed a website at www.circlevillesunriserotary.com

In 2001 the Club purchased three animals from the County Fair, donated to the new skateboard organization, donated to United Way, purchased and constructed more playground equipment at Barthelmas Park, and toured the Kenworth plant in Chillicothe.

In 2002 the Club donated $1,000 to the new County library, supported the Bicentennial Gala, donated $1,000 toward the Pickaway County bike trail, and established the "Loser's Ball" after the Leo Moats night.

In 2003 the Club finished the retaining wall at Brooks Yates School, hosted the Group Study Exchange Team from Italy and began updating the club's directory on a quarterly basis.

In 2004 the Club held a hog roast with the Noon Rotary club from the Fair purchase, and authorized a make up for recycling newspapers and magazines. The Club continues to sponsor, along with the Noon Club, the annual Four-Way Test Speech Contest for the high schools in Pickaway County.

Sunrise Rotary, as of this writing has a membership of 74 with 11 of the original 38 charter members still active and 4 charter members have perfect attendance. Since the start of the Leo Moats Scholarship Fund, the Club has awarded four scholarships annually to one Senior from each of the County's four high Schools. The club continues to meet at 7 a.m. on Tuesday mornings at J.R. Hooks Café on Watt Street.

"Heber" denotes "Friendship" in Hebrew and is the name of the Lodge of Freemasons numerated #501 and chartered October 21, 1875 to conduct work in Williamsport. It is part of the 8" Masonic District under the Grand Lodge of Ohio which was founded in 1808 in Chillicothe.

Many of the original members of Heber Lodge were Civil War Veterans, notably Captain William B. Davis who fought in over twenty battles under General W. T. Sherman and was the first Worshipful Master of Heber Lodge. Other founding officers were: Henry Clarke, Senior Warden; John Alkire, Junior Warden; James Finnell, Secretary; J.J. Myers, Treasurer; Palmer Lowe, Senior Deacon; Benjamin Linville, Junior Deacon; Clinton Lee, Tyler. The silver "Jewels of the Lodge" were fashioned by Rezin Wolfe, the third Worshipful Master of Heber and a silversmith in Williamsport. They are on loan to the Ohio Historical Society, Ohio Village and are the focus of their exhibit on Freemasonry in Ohio.

The Lodge first met over the drugstore of Dr. G.W. Hurst; then in 1876 built a two-story frame building. The present Masonic Temple was constructed in 1902-03 at a cost of $6000. For sixty years the ground floor tenant was the Farmer's National Bank.

The dimensions of the Lodge Room, which faces East, are 30x60 feet (20x40 cubits), according to scripture being the same as the middle chamber of King Solomon's Temple.

Heber Lodge receives and instructs candidates in the Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason Degrees and supports local relief and charities, the Ohio Masonic Home and generously support Special Olympics. Men of at least 19 years of age may seek admittance by asking for a petition.

Heber Lodge is also the home of Heber Chapter #62 Order of the Eastern Star, Chartered 1896, the oldest chapter in Pickaway County. The first Worthy Matron was Mrs. Belle Hunsicker, the first Worthy Patron was Dr. Charles D. Briner.

Distinguished Masons of Heber Lodge #501 over the years include: Charles C. Chappelear, Grand Patron Order of the Eastern Star and first 33" Degree Mason in Pickaway County; Edward C. Rector, Grand Master of Royal and Select Masters; Malcolm H. Grady, Grand Tyler, Jean W. Justus, Grand High Priest Royal Arch Masons of Ohio, MWB Robert E. See, Grand Master of Mason in Ohio.

The Pickaway County Senior Center was started in April, 1972 in the Lorentz filling station across from the County fairgrounds, with Twila Lorentz as director. The center provided socialization, crafts and carryins each Friday for about 20 people.

In 1977, a larger home for the Center was established in the Community Building at 8010 St. Rt. 22 East. This building was provided by the County Commissioners until a Federal Grant was issued so the senior citizens could enjoy their own center. The Nutrition Program was started to provide a hot lunch for all those who could be transported or come on their own.

Twila Lorentz retired in January 1978 and with the recommendation by the Pickaway County Commissioners, Robert Liston, Carl Schein and Donald Strous, Wanda Hamilton was named Director. This was a position she would hold until her retirement in 1995. With the help of Vera Saunders, Senior Center Coordinator and the county commissioners, the present and permanent home for seniors, located at 2105 Chickasaw Drive, was completed in December of 1978. Since then two additions have been added, one in 1981 and another in 1998.

Many things began to happen with the opening of the Senior Center; many fund raisers, home delivered meals, congregate meals, transportation, homemaker, supportive services, and many social activities. An adult day care was started in 1995, meeting one day a week and is now available three days a week and funded with federal funds. The Caregiver program started in 2002 providing respite and personal care. In 199i, a_ mil 5 year levy was put on the ballot to help fund the center and it passed by a small margin. It has been on the ballot two more times as a replacement levy and has passed both times. The senior center receives money from a county levy, United Way, federal and state grants, local contributions and money making projects held at the center.

The first presence of YMCA activity in Pickaway County began in 1869. The Pickaway Lyceum served as the local library at this time, and a group of women devoted their time to establishing a reading room for young men. So it was in 1869 that a Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) reading room was opened, with magazines and some books. The room was available for a short time, and when it became clear that the young men of the town were not utilizing the reading materials, the room was closed in 1872.

The YMCA reestablished its presence in November 1927, when a local Hi-Y chapter was organized at Circleville High School. Hi- Y is a leadership program for teens whose foundation is rooted in community service. Hi-Y remained an active program at several county schools until the early 1970's. It was the presence of the Hi-Y program in Pickaway County that provided the groundwork for future YMCA developments.

In 1966, YMCA staff member, Harold Hewitt, helped to organize the Shawnee Indian Guide Tribe and a Junior Hi-Y club program at Circleville Middle School. As support for these programs grew, Mr. Hewitt began offering youth basketball and youth overnights in the local armory.

Harold Hewitt would become the Pickaway County YMCA's first Branch Director in 1968. It was also in 1968 that the YMCA established an office in the local Red Cross chapter, located on Pickaway Street in Circleville. A $500 donation, courtesy of the Circleville Kiwanis Club, funded the purchase of office supplies.

The following year, the first YMCA consulting board was formed. The group held their initial meeting on March 29, 1969. This inaugural consulting board consisted of the following individuals: Officers: Robert M. Johnson, Chairman; Nelson L. Stevens, First Vice Chairman; Mrs. E.R. (Jerry) Bennett, Secretary and Treasurer. Members: Mrs. Edwin (Jeannie) Bach, John W. Eshelman, Conrad Hunter, John Jenkins, George McDowell, Paul I. Marshall, E.R. Bennett, Keith D. Wagner, Ben F. Brian, Richard L. Davis, E.G. Grigg, Fritz Jacobs, David C. Munson, Richard Penn and Dr. R.N. Phillips.

It was during 1969 that YMCA leadership came to learn that the Adjutant General of the State of Ohio was trying to sell the local armory. YMCA board volunteers felt that since the land for the armory had been given to the state as a gift from the city, the state should in turn deed it back to the city. Through the efforts of YMCA board member Dick Penn and other YMCA volunteers, a special bill was introduced to the state plea armory be given to the City of Circleville. House Representative Myrl Shoemaker and Senator Harry Armstrong helped secure this bill and the armory was deeded back to the city. The city, recognizing that this was a product of the YMCA's initiative, provided a $1 annual lease for use of the space as a YMCA facility.

The Armory location was a wonderful introduction for the community to many YMCA activities. The site included a gymnasium, exercise room, locker room, preschool room, offices and various other program spaces.

While activities were offered with the Armory location, the YMCA continued to offer programs throughout the community. Some of these locations included schools, churches and fraternal organizations. Youth swim lessons were offered at L&K motel. Y-Indian Guide programs were offered in the homes of program volunteers.

During the 1970's, YMCA enjoyed many successful collaborative efforts, including those with the Red Cross, Pickaway County Community Action, and all the county schools. It was this groundwork that prompted the YMCA board to create a plan for the building of a permanent YMCA structure to support its growing popularity.

Eventually, the YMCA board settled on a site at 440 Nicholas Drive for a permanent facility. With community support, the YMCA completed a successful capital campaign to fund the construction of the building. In 1978, a 26,000 square foot facility was opened for membership. This facility included a gymnasium, exercise room, meeting and program rooms and a 6 lane, 25 yard indoor swimming pool.

In 1988, the YMCA held another successful capital campaign that provided the funding for a new addition. This addition included adult locker rooms, fitness center, updated lobby and racquetball courts.

In 1998, another successful capital campaign provided for the construction of the Family Center, which includes an indoor play gym and climbing wall.

As of march 2005, the Pickaway County Family YMCA continues to be an important community resource. With over 4,000 members serving 1505 different households, the YMCA continues to build Strong Kids, Strong Families and Strong Communities.

Harold Hewitt retired from the YMCA in 1983. Subsequent PCFY Branch Directors are: Steve Gunn, 1984-1993; Tony Delisio, 1993-2002; William "Bud" Oliver, 2002-2004; and Paul

Rotary International is the world's first service organization. Paul Harris, a Chicago lawyer, started the service club in 1905 with three of his clients. The name Rotary comes from the fact that meetings were rotated between the members' places of business. Foremost among the Rotary ideals is the FOUR-WAY TEST of the things we think, say or do:

On 22 February 1922, charter #1087 was presented to the Rotary Club of Circleville, with 23 members, having been sponsored by the Chillicothe club. The charter meeting was held at the Methodist Church; presently the Community United Methodist Church, corner of Main & Pickaway Streets.

The first meetings of the new club were held at the Boggs Hotel, 224 South Court Street, until 1933 when the Boggs was razed to make way for the new Post Office. The meetings were held for a short time on the second floor of the Heffner & Heffner Building, 214 South Court Street; presently Gio's Pizza & Pub. Since then, meetings have been held at the American Hotel, the Elks Club, St. Phillips Episcopal Parish House, the L-K Restaurant, Pickaway Arms, back to L-K Restaurant, and finally to J.R. Hooks' Café, 115 Watt Street. The Club meets on Thursday at noon.

Service projects in which Circleville Rotary contributes are: For Youth - Rotary "Youth Exchange Program', hosting exchange students from around the world; the J.B. Stout Memorial Trust Fund, which awards two-year scholarships to local students planning to further their education at a technical school; and at each meeting during the school year, the club invites two outstanding students from the area high schools to present a short bio of their schooling, involvement in community and future plans. For Community - the club started the Lifeline Program, presently administered by Berger Health System; organizes the Big Wheel Race for the Pumpkin Show; sponsored a room in the new Pickaway County Library; acknowledges community leaders with a Service Above Self Award; picks up litter on North Court Street for the Adopt-a- Roadway Program; and sponsored the Rotary Club of Circleville Sunrise in 1989. For Rotary - the Club has been honored by having four members serve as Governor for District 6690, which consists of over 4200 Rotarians in 57 clubs in Southeastern Ohio. Meeker Terwilliger served as Governor in 1930-31; Dr. Robert G. Smith in 1971-72; H.N. "Steve" Stevenson in 1985-86; and for the year 1990-91, William A. Stout served as District Governor. For the World - the Club has participated in the District's Honduras Water Well Project; provided used medical equipment to Third World Countries; purchased bicycles for a Russian Orphanage; hosted Rotary "Group Study Exchange" teams from Australia, Japan, Brazil, Taiwan, Bavaria, India, England and Italy, sharing culture, customs and vocations; and supports Rotary International's largest project to date, Polio Plus. Along with the World Health Organization, Unicef, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the United Nations Foundation, Rotarians have contributed millions of dollars and volunteered their time in the global eradication of the polio virus.

In 2005, Rotary International celebrated its Centennial Year. "A Century of Service Above Self", with more than 1.2 million Rotarians representing 32,000 clubs in 166 countries worldwide. The Rotary Club of Circleville, 130 strong, proudly accepts the challenge of "A New Century of Success" by encouraging and promoting its members in leadership positions in service to the community. -Submitted by John Stout

In the 1960's, local amateur performers presented several fund-raising benefits for Berger Hospital which were known as the "High Fever Follies." A number of participants in these variety shows decided that perhaps Circleville could and would support its own amateur theatrical company. In 1968, the group organized as the "Roundtown Players." There were some sixty members and patrons supporting the enterprise.

That summer the premier production was presented in the old barn at the Pickaway Country Club. With a very strong cast, the show was a great success. Glenn Plum, a college sophomore majoring in drama, was pressed into service as director, while Ken and Doris Luna designed and constructed a spectacular set. The production ran for three nights, the last night with standing room only.

Over the next four years, there were productions in the PCC barn as well as the old High School on South Court. There was also a memorable production of Agatha Christie's "Witness for the Prosecution" in the common pleas courtroom.

In 1971, the space at Memorial Hall, where the "Teen Canteen" once met, had become vacant and the commissioners were asked to let Roundtown Players use it. Players had become a tax exempt organization, and an agreement was reached to allow RTP to occupy that area and the third floor as well for one dollar per year. The first two productions in the new theater were "Absence of a Cello," and "Blithe Spirit."

The first musical, "South Pacific," directed by Jim Dipple, revealed the inadequacy of the theater's tiny stage. Several members with carpentry skills soon began enlarging the stage. Over several years, it was extended to its present size.

Up to this point, the theater group had been largely for adults. Now, however, a woman entered the group with a different perspective. Her name was Ortha Stambaugh and she said, "Unless you bring in young people and become a teaching theater, the organization will die." The group took her advice and has continued to flourish for nearly forty years.

Two early supporters of RTP were Al Perdion and Edith Grigg. Al was never seen on stage but was willing to do anything else. His enthusiasm was contagious and he helped popularize the organization. Edith was mainly concerned with children's productions and was an early champion of Children's Theater. However, she also performed in a number of shows and was always a competent and reliable actor.

Other members who were active over the many years were B.J. Sowers and Marsha Gunder Schneider. Both were actors and directors. They often did children's shows but also worked with "Experimental Theater." Many will recall Marsha's original musical, "Something's Under the Bed," a memorable premier production on the RTP stage. Marsha also had a lovely singing voice and her performance as Dulcinea in the outstanding RTP production of "Man of LaMancha" was superb. This was another show directed by Jim Dipple.

Several other performers who will be remembered for their numerous appearances are Steve Stevenson, Diane Berger, Bon Fontana, Mary Ann Raterman and David Gillespie. Only one person is still active who was involved with the first production; W.W. Higgins, who was in charge of programs for the first "Picnic," still works and performs occasionally.

Although some actors have continued to perform over long periods, a review of the programs of the plays performed over the past twenty years will reveal the large number of persons of all ages who have graced the RTP stage. Many young people have received basic training in acting and public speaking with this fine community theater.

The quality and variety of RTP productions can be illustrated by afew random examples. These include "My Fair Lady," "The Crucible," "Ages of God," "Oliver," "Annie," "The Sunshine Boys," "The Secret Garden," "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," "Noises Off," and "Trial By Jury." RTP has produced well over one hundred plays in the past 37 years. We also provide small scholarships to support young people's training in the performing arts. RTP has succeeded as both a community theater and a teaching theater, and has contributed substantially to the community.

The present board is composed of the following people: Dr. Gary Gillen (Pres.); Landa Dorris (V.P.); Jane Vest (Rec. Sec.); Mary Ann Raterman (Corr. Sec); Barry Boyer (Treas.); Judy Skidmore and Diane Cooke (Past Pres.) and, as Trustees: Ira Winer, John Rankin, Mel Bethel, Susan Perkins, Tom Cooke and Tom Egbert.

Cast of "On Golden Pond" 1982 Standing: Bob Marazzi, W.W. Higgins, Steve Stevenson. Seated: Shannon Yunker, Diane Berger. Kneeling: Matt Lemley.

Over two thousand years ago, the Athenian town clock (known as the "Temple of the Winds") was constructed in an octagonal shape. Although not too frequent a form, octagonal buildings appear occasionally from then down to the present. The church of San Vitale was built in Revenna, Italy in the sixth century A.D. The eighth century "Dome of the Rock" in Jerusalem is another example. In medieval Europe, octagonal Romanesque baptisteries and Gothic 'chapter houses' were sometimes associated with great cathedrals. The seventeenth century Globe Theatre in London, and the eighteenth century Radcliffe Observatory at Oxford were renaissance inspired examples.

In North America, Thomas Jefferson was an important influence on architecture. After experimenting with various classical forms, he turned his attention to octagon shaped structures. The octagonal dome at Monticello was an early example. He later designed the plantation house called "Poplar Forest" as an octagon. It was not actually built, however, until the 1820's.

By the time "Poplar Forest" was built, Pickaway County, Ohio, had already made a name for itself in the history of octagonal structures. Between 1813 and 1814, the first county courthouse was constructed in the center of Circleville's Circle. Sadly, it survived for only 26 years. George W. Gregg, who was born in the 1830's, must have recalled the old courthouse affectionately. This and other factors caused him, some twenty odd years later, to build one of the most unusual houses in the county.

The other major influence on Gregg's curious house was an eccentric visionary from upstate New York by the name of Orson Fowler. He became convinced that a more practical and more pleasant home could be built in the octagon shape. His book, "A Home For All," was published in 1848, with a second edition appearing in 1853. His championship of the idea led many builders to experiment with it. Among the earliest in the Midwest was George W. Gregg. In 1855-56, on his farm just south of Circleville, Gregg had this rare and fascinating home constructed. The Greggs seem to have lived in the house until the 1880s. a

Gregg sold the house to Anthony Ruff whose family (including his son, Silas) lived on the farm for a number of years. Around 1920, the farm was purchased by Henry Monroe (Roe) Crites. Although none of the Crites family ever lived in

H.M. Crites was married three times, Edward and Charles Crites being the half-brothers of M.M. and George Crites. In 1932, during the Great Depression, before declaring bankruptcy, H.M. deeded the house to Gwen, the wife of M.M. Crites. The house remained in the M.M. Crites family from that time. It's last owner was Mary Virginia Crites Hannan, M.M.'s only daughter.

While the Crites family owned the Octagon House, it served as a tenant house for the farm that surrounded it. During the 1920's and into the early thirties, Willard and Mildred Merriman lived there and worked the farm. Two of their children, Adrian Merriman and Dona Valentine, were born in the house.

Sometime before the farm was transferred to Gwen Crites, Samuel and Ida Raub moved in. Their son, Walter and his wife Beulah, with their four children, joined them a little later. The Raubs were still working the farm when Pearl Harbor was attacked in December of 1941.

In 1942 or °43, Clarence and.Ruth Shaffer took over the farm and occupied the house. The Shaffers worked the farm for ten years and during that period, three generations of Shaffers lived in the house. According to Bill Shaffer, they grew sweet corn, lima beans, peas and pumpkins. All of these went to the Crites' Circleville cannery.

In the early 1950's, Gerald and Loretta Dumm lived in the house for a time and worked the farm. The house's plumbing was almost non-existent and there was electricity only in the kitchen. The Dumms' daughter, Shirley, was born in the house. Around 1957, Forest and Shurley Moore took over the farm and the house. They

The last family to occupy the property was that of David and Nedra Betts. David worked the land for nearly twenty years. After they left in the late 1990's, the house fell into disrepair and was savagely vandalized. In 2004, the Roundtown Conservancy, a local preservation group, acquired the house, which was threatened with demolition, and moved it to a site contributed by the contractor and the landowner. In February, it was moved over a half-mile >to the new site. It is hoped that it will "> soon be restored and made available for community use.

The American Association of University Women was founded in 1882. It required members to be a graduate of a four-year college. AAUW promotes equity for women, education and self development over the life span, and positive societal change. Locally, the Circleville Branch was founded by Diana Speakman and Donna Harmount. The Association granted their charter on November 12, 1957. There were fifteen charter members. In addition to the Branch meetings, there were study groups on Antiques, Choral Music, Drama, Literature, Gourmet and Interior Decoration. At present, AAUW meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Trinity Lutheran Church.

AAUW has three divisions; AAUW, the Educational Foundation, and the AAUW Legal Advocay Fund. The Educational Foundation offers scholarships to women for graduate study and grants to local branches for worthy projects. Circleville Branch has received a grant for the Lift-Off Program and Cindy Gillen was given a grant for her recycling project. The Legal Advocacy Fund helps women pay legal fees.

In the past AAUW helped promote the founding of Hospice, a Science Fair in the Circleville Schools, the Warm Line with the Mental Health Center, the ten year Friday in the Park Program, the Holiday Home Tour, the Bunny Lunch, and the National Chemistry Week demonstrations in the county schools. At present, they are supporting the Reading is Fundamental Program, the Be Wise Camp (a science camp for middle school girls), the Lift-Off Program (foreign language in the elementary school), and Candidates

Gardenwood Garden Club was organized under the direction of Mrs. Robert (Peg) Scherer in January 1968. The name Gardenwood was chosen as most of the members lived in Garden City or Knollwood Village. Charter members were: Karmen Berlin, Loretta Berrigan, Norma Brackett, Jeanette Chilcote, Arlene Davies, Carolyn Edstrom, Lyn Fisher, Doris Gillespie, Barbara Johnson, Nancy Hoffman, Virginia Hritz, Pat Hughes, Yvonne Lackey, Mary Lundberg, Joy Myers, Kay Peet, Lois Ann Rustin, Pat Sackinger, Kay Sarchet, Joan Schenck, Peggy Scherer, Marilyn Spence, Kathy Stage, Jackie Whitfield, and Mary Williams.

Gardenwood is a member of the Ohio Association of Garden Clubs who motto is Knowing, Growing, Showing, and Sharing. Gardenwood also meets twice a year with other OAGC clubs from Ross, Franklin, Fairfield, and Hocking as Region 9. Gardenwood is also part of the Pickaway County Council of Garden Clubs, which also meets twice a year.

The local club has been active in the community doing the planting of urns at Forest Cemetry for most of Gardenwood's history. The club designed and tended an herb garden at the Clark-May House, Pickaway County Historical Society building, helped weed downtown trees planted by the Beautification Society, helped students with plantings at Nicholas Drive School and Head Start. Gardenwood assisted with the Circleville Plant Pickaway County Ameriflora °92.

Gardenwood decorated windows for the Merchant display during Pumpkin Show winning many blue ribbons. Members still help register entrants in the Flower Show as well as helping register Pickaway County Fair Garden Show entrants.

The Friends of the Pickaway County District Public Library was established in November 1975 as a Bicentennial Project. The purpose is to increase and maintain an association of persons interested in libraries; to foster and promote good public relations and public attention on the library; to stimulate the use of the library's resources and services; to receive and encourage gifts, endowment and bequests to the library; and to support and cooperate with the library in de- veloping library services and facilities for all the community.

gifts and volunteer time. The Friends have sponsored speakers, exhibits, enrichment programs, author visits with book signings, etc. The Friends coordinate a "Book for Newborns" program that provides a packet for parents of newborns through Berger Hospital. The packets include a board book for the newborn and information for parents.

In the past several years the Friends have focused on helping general interest and funds to build a much needed new library. This dream was realized with the opening of the Younkin Branch Library in Ashville in 1999 and the new Pickaway County District Public Library in Circleville in 2003. The Friends held a contest for the design of a donor wall for the new main library. The winner was local artist, Teda Theis, and her mural with plaques of donors' names adorns the entrance of the library.

Currently the Friends continue to support the library with a nine member executive board and approximately 200 members. Memberships range from junior memberships for those under 18, to life members who have a book donated to the library in their name. The primary fundraisers are the used book sales held in the garage room of the main library.

A public library was established in 1873 as the Circleville Public Library and opened on July 1 with a collection of 974 volumes in the Odd Fellows Hall. Other "homes" for the library included the Court House, Edwin F. Olds' building, YMCA and Wittich's Hall. In 1892, the library moved into Memorial Hall at the corner of Main and Pickaway.

Bookmobile service began in February 1938. In the first six trips, more than 1,100 new borrowers were registered and more than 1,400 books were circulated.

The library's first branch opened December 16, 1999, in Ashville. The family, of the late Floyd E. Younkin worked i Memorial Hall, Library was with community leaders from the Teays Valley Civic Association to make this a reality. The 5,000-square-foot facility includes 12 public computers and a meeting room. In its first year, the branch issued over 1,000 new cards and circulated nearly 46,000 items.

In 1994, the library board purchased the former Ames Department Store building at 1160 North Court Street. In 1998, the board agreed to least 17,000 square feet of the 46,000-square-foot building to Berger Health Systems.

Formal fund-raising efforts for the "Main Move" began in 2001. On January 6, 2003, the main library moved into its new facility on Court Street in Circleville with more than 100,000 volumes. More than 6,200 people came through the doors that first week.

The library had been housed in Memorial Hall for 110 years and had outgrown the available 8,100 square feet. The new facility is nearly 29,000 square feet and includes a meeting room, 24 computers with Internet access and adequate space for all collections.

The Pickaway County Chamber of Commerce, as it is currently known, was founded in 1916 as the Circleville Chamber of Commerce. Their slogan was "Better, Bigger Circleville" and it was compiled of eleven officers and directors. Those individuals and their positions were: J.D. Hummel, President; Frank A. Marion, Vice President; C.G. Shulze, Treasurer; E. Jay Howenstine, Secretary-Manager; T.O. Gilliland, Director-Organization Affairs; W.E. Crist, Director-Business Affairs; J.C. Goeller, Director-Civic Affairs; H.M. Crites, Director-Agricultural Affairs, and Directors at Large, C.E. Groce, S. B. Orr and E. Sensenbrenner.

In the First Annual Report published in 1917, a letter from the Board of Directors stated information that still holds true today, eightyeight years later. Referring to the report, the most frequently asked question was "What is the Chamber of Commerce doing." From our experience, that is still the most frequently asked question in 2005. It was stated, "the greatest accomplishment of any Chamber of Commerce is first to induce fellowship within its borders."

The Chamber of Commerce oversaw several auxiliary organizations such as the Farmer's Club, Automobile Club, Advertising Club, Salesmanship Club, Pickaway Red Cross Society as well as in that same year assumed responsibility for the Pumpkin Show, which celebrated its fourteenth anniversary that year! According to the Directory published in the back of the report, there were 65 different categories of businesses that were among the membership rolls. Some of those were Broom Manufacturers, Buggies & Implements, Canning Factories, Carriage & Wagon Manufacturer, Coal Dealers,

Total income for the Chamber's first year in existence was $2697.32 with $2675.23 in expenses for a net profit of $22.09 with a majority of the expenses towards salaries and "organization expenses."

The Introduction stated that the Chamber of Commerce was "built upon a foundation of Service, cooperation and adequate income and stands as the guiding hand to the Industrial, Social, Civic and Agricultural life in Circleville. It is an organization to promote the highest standard of efficiency, individually and collectively to direct and promote the welfare of your city." Today our mission is "to stimulate business achieving a return on investment for our members." So as mission statements change and evolve over the years, the course philosophy of the organization remains the same, to promote our community and to assist the businesses in their success.

One of the Chamber's directors who knew what it meant to serve our community and our members was the Director for over thirty years, Jean Ankrom. Mrs. Ankrom led the organization to be the premier resource for attracting new business to our community. We have Mrs. Ankrom to thank for the strong industrial base that exists in our county and for the nature in which she not only worked on attraction but retention and promotion as well.

Today the Pickaway County Chamber of Commerce is a strong organization serving over 300 member-investors and the greater Pickaway County. We definitely wouldn't be where we are today if not for all the hard work of our founding fathers.

The Ted Lewis Museum was dedicated on June 5, 1977. His widow, Adah, who had dreamed of a museum in the hometown that Ted loved so much, was present to cut the large ribbon which crossed the front door. Celebrities, relatives, friends and Ted Lewis admirers came from far and near to attend the dedication. The museum is open 1:00 to 5:00 Fridays and Saturdays, except holidays, and can be open by special appointment for tours and visitors. Call the museum at 470-477-3630 for more information.

Theodore Leopold Friedman was born June 6, 1890 in an apartment across the street from where his museum stands today. His parents owned Friedman's Bazaar, an emporium which supplied the womenfolk of Pickaway County with the latest fashions.

From his childhood, young Theodore was less than enthusiastic about ladies' wear. His earliest employment consisted of "sweeping up" both inside and outside the store. In his spare time, he mowed lawns to earn money for a clarinet and, upon its purchase, became a member of the Circleville Boys' Band.

The Friedmans enrolled Theodore in a business college in Columbus, Ohio, but the stage struck youth played hooky. He worked in Goldsmith's Music Store and persuaded Gus Sun, who operated a vaudeville-circuit, to give him a job. He was soon in New York City, working in a cabaret. This was not the future Mr. Friedman had in mind for his son. While on a buying trip to the big city, he discovered the lad's whereabouts and hustled him home.

But, it was too late! Gotham beckoned and young Theodore was soon back with renewed determination. He played at a small theatre were the marquee said Ed Lewis and Ted Lewis. He went to the manager and said hey, I thought I was playing here. The manager said you are, Friedman, but, your name is too long to fit

Ted Lewis Museum

Ted's show business career lasted over 60 years. Throughout his career he maintained one method, one style of administering song and dance. His brand of syncopated jazz became a national craze. He gave command performances for nine U.S. Presidents and the King of England!

The battered old top hat which became Ted Lewis' trademark was acquired in a dice game at Rector's in 1916. The lucky top hat is in the memorial case at Ted's museum along with his clarinet and the sheet music of When My Baby Smiles at Me, Ted's theme song.

The Ted Lewis Museum is housed in the only remaining edifice which stood on the original circle. The building is owned by the Pickaway County Historical Society. Upon Ted's death, his beloved wife of 56 years, Adah, was asked by The City of New York, The Smithsonian Institute, Yale University, and Harvard University for Ted's memorabilia. She politely declined, and said that Ted's memorabilia is going to "The Capital of the World, Circleville, Ohio".

The Museum archives serve as a valuable resource for researchers of early 20" century music. The Ted Lewis Theater provides a chance for visitors to see Ted Lewis in performance on tape from his movies and TV appearances.

Tom Wells in 1935 in front of the Weaver & Wells Restaurant at Court & High Streets during the Circleville, Pumpkin Show. This was the first wire photo taken in Circleville and was sent to the Columbus Dispatch.

The children of Clifton and Bertha Dunkle Dresbach. This picture was taken in 1927. They lived in a big brick home on Rt. #32, in Harrison Townshipp. Now, the Renick farm. They are: Louise Eakin, Helen Bowsher, Marjorie Reed, Mary Spence, Lela Pontious, and Charles Dresbach.

Paul & Ella Adams

Paul J. Adams and Ella J. (Perry) Adams were married in the year of 1943. Paul was in the U.S. Army stationed in New Jersey. They lived in Forest, Ohio, Plain City, Ohio, Marion, Ohio and Ashland, Kentucky. They came back to Plain City, Ohio and then in 1959, moved to Pickaway County on Parkview Avenue, Circleville, Ohio. Paul worked for the telephone company for 41 years. Ella worked as a nurse at Berger Hospital, Circleville, and at Logan Elm Nursing Home, Circleville. She also worked at Mercy Hospital in Columbus, Ohio and returned to Logan Elm Nursing Home and Brown's Nursing Home, Circleville.

Their oldest son, James Larry, started high school as a freshman. He joined the football team and played four years. He went to Morehead Kentucky State College taking teaching and taking part in all sports. James Larry married his college sweetheart and moved to New Hampshire. He taught school in Kene New Hampshire High about ten years. He received a promotion to Vice Principal and is still there in 2004.

Wayne Barry, their second son, started school at Atwater School, Circleville in the sixth grade and went to Everts School and then graduated at Circleville High School. He joined the U.S. Navy for four years. When he returned, he took a job with the State Highway Department. His next job was with St. Francis Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio and from there to Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, as an alumni director for 10 years. Wayne Berry next went to Williamsburg, Virginia as an alumni director for seventeen years. His next job was at Florida State University as president of the alumni association where he is now in 2004.

Their daughter, Vicki Lynn, was born at Berger Hospital, Circleville. She attended Atwater School, Circleville, for six years. She graduated from Circleville High School on Clark Drive, Circleville. She went to Ohio University, Athens, Ohio. In her third year at Ohio University she met the man she was to marry. She and Michael Anderson were married and moved to Centerville, Ohio and later bought a home in Kettering, Ohio.

David Adkins, son of David and Christina (Hott) Adkins, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio on January 12, 1844. Younger David was reared on the home farm and assisted his father, until the father's death in 1863. He then took charge of his father's large interest and continued to operate the farm for his mother, Christina (Hott) Adkins and his three sisters.

It was the same township, Walnut Township, Ohio, that David met and married Christena Runkle. Christena was also born in Walnut Township, on October 26, 1846. She was the daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Kroninger) Runkle.

David and Christena were married on November 16, 1864 in Pickaway County. After their marriage, David continued to operate the family farm and eventually his aged mother made her home with him and his wife Christena.

David purchased 418 acres in Wayne and Jackson Townships . . . not far from Circleville. This parcel of land would be called Wild Wood Park Farm. He would go on to sell this farm only to purchase another one, located on the Old State Pike halfway between Circleville and Williamsport. It was here that he and his family

David and Christena had 15 children all born in Pickaway County: Ella F., born January 12, 1865 and wife of Andrew Herbert; Mary Etta, born February 24, 1868 and wife of Elmer Ellsworth Helwagen; Allona E., born April 24, 1870; Harry W., born March 26, 1872; Charles Irving, born March 1, 1873 (died 20 days after birth); Harriet, born February 5, 1875; Estella, born July 5, 1877 and wife of Benjamin Metzger; Gertrude, born September 18,1879 and wife of Frederick B. Betts; Wilbur, born November 25, 1881; George Hoadley, born November 18, 1883; Addie Alice, born November 27, 1885; David Earl, born February 8, 1888; twin boys Daniel Warren and Emmanuel Eugene, born April 29, 1890; and Merle Augusta, born August 11, 1894.

two terms as County Commissioner of Pickaway County. He was Justice of the Peace and a member of the Jackson Township School Board. He was also one of the leading members and supporters of the English branch of the Evangelical Lutheran Church where he was a deacon.

David Adkins passed away on June 20, 1910... Christena on April 13, 1923 and both lay at rest in the Springlawn Cemetery in Williamsport, Ohio.

Marcus Francis Albright

He was born at home in Ross County on November 11, 1930, the first-born of Roberta (Miller) Albright (4/1/1911 - 9/3/1996) of Ross County, Ohio and Christopher William Albright (12/16/1906 - 7/25/1990) of Pickaway County.

His maternal grandparents were Mary (Hammond) Miller Stout (9/9/1883 - 6/19/1973) and Marcus Andrew Miller (8/24/1863 - 1/10/1922). Maternal great grandparents were Lucinda (Holcomb) Hammond (4/18/1855 - 6/30/1918) and James Hammond (8/9/1846 - 10/13/1914). They were married in Pike County on 3/15/1873. Maternal great great grandparents were Nellie (Drake) Hammond and Paul Hammond from Waverly, Ohio. Both men served in the Union Army during the Civil War. James enlisted at age 15 in the 8" Independent Sharpshooters Ohio Volunteers; Paul served in Co.D, 179 Ohio IVF. Paul lost one son out of four serving in the Union army. James met an older brother at Chattanooga who asked, "What are you doing here? Wait until dad finds out!"" The Hammond family is buried at Mt. Tabor Cemetery in Ross County near Massieville, Ohio.

Shortly after Marcus' birth, the Albrights moved to Circleville where his parents lived the rest of their lives. Both parents are buried in Forest Cemetery, Circleville, Ohio.

In June, 1948, Marcus enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Orion and the aircraft carrier USS Midway during the Korean Conflict. He graduated from Ohio University, Athens, Ohio and became a teacher in the Pickaway County School System where he met fellow teacher Carol Jean Krohn, born January 20, 1933, in Pandora, Ohio. They were married on July 19, 1958, and together had five children: Marcus Andrew (10/28/1959), Athena Kay (12/6/1961), Matthew Lynn (9/16/1963), and twins, Timothy Jay and Tamara Jane (5/31/1967).

Earl & Justine Anderson

John Anderson, a carpenter/farmer, was born in 1750. He lived in New Jersey and Charles Town, Virginia, now West Virginia, before coming to Ohio in 1799. Seven of his eight children - Gershom, Jonathan, Rebekah, John (who moved to Pickaway County), Abigail, "Polly" and Levi - came with him and his wife Deborah Swartz to Ohio. John died in Chillicothe, Ohio in 1815. He was on the board of the Walnut Street United Methodist Church in Chillicothe.