Garrettsville – The James A. Garfield Historical Society met at 7:30 p.m., February 17, 2014 in the historic Mott Building on Main St. in Garrettsville (The JAGHS meets on the third Monday of the month).
Julie Thompson headlined the Old Business with her delineation of the anticipated program to observe the dedication of the commemorative plaque marking the Last Great Train Robbery in the United States, which took place in Garrettsville in 1935. This included the discussion of the pictures to be on the plaque, the proposed text, the participation of the James A. Garfield High School Marching Pride, possible presentation by drama students, the list of possible participants and the date—May 14, 6:00 p.m. Donations to cover the remaining costs, those not covered by the already-received grants, will be accepted from anyone wishing to be a part of the community’s participation.
Valorie McCullough came with information on the plans of the Nelson United Methodist Church for their participation in the 2014 Christmas Walk as an expression of a joyous celebration of their bicentennial. The theme of their activities and decoration will be “Heavenly Host”. John Wesley would be proud of their “cloud of witnesses”, now and over the years.
There was discussion of revisions to the by-laws, stipulations for membership and spending, recognition of accomplishments and contributions of members…all to be continued.
There was a continued explanation of the proposed James A. Garfield Memorial By-way, proposed by the Friends of the James A. Garfield National Historic Site (Mentor). These esteemed folks apparently believe that James A. Garfield only traveled from Cleveland to Painesville via U.S. Rte 20. The President would probably have debated this point and won; he was a very good debater. He also traveled plenty between Garrettsville and Hiram and on the Ohio Canal.
Members voted to join the Northeast Ohio Intermuseum Council to strengthen ties and broaden horizons in historical preservation and interpretation.
By acclamation, members chose to grant lifetime membership to Helen Danku, a stalwart of the organization since its inception, and spouse of Louis Danku, for whom the small garden adjacent to the Mott building is named. The historical marker about Garrettsville’s part in early maple syrup production is also there, as is peace on a sunny day.
