The Freedom Township Historical Society reached a historic milestone in May. Our officers, founding members, and charter members signed our charter document at a special ceremony on May 8. The charter was designed by Freedom resident and James A. Garfield High School junior Samantha Ensinger as part of teacher Kristine Gilmer’s digital photography class. It will have a place of honor at our future home, the former one-room schoolhouse on S.R. 303. Pictured above is FTHS President Claudia Garrett with Barbara Strawman Grafton as she signs the charter After the ceremony, our members enjoyed a delicious cake decorated with an one-room schoolhouse design made by Freedom resident Mary Gruszewski.
The historical society also participated in The First Congregational Church of Freedom’s 190th anniversary on May 19th. Our members made some of the cookies that were given to those who took a historic tour of the church by local historian David Brockelman II. We also had a table at the church’s yard sale. Thank you to Pastors Jim and Janie Melick and the church members for extending their hospitality to FTHS and to all of our volunteers, especially Mrs. Grafton, who expertly manned the cash box and Pete Thornton, who helped sell a lot of items.
The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. June 12 at the Freedom Community Center, 8940 S.R. 700. There will be a special program “Around the Kitchen Table with the Families of Freedom Station” that will focus on the little community at the intersection of Freedom and Nichols roads that used to have a train station, post office, general store, and one-room school. FTHS Treasurer and Historian Judy Thornton will lead a moderated discussion about the station that will include descendants of storekeeper Oscar Hunt. Everyone is invited, and if you have memories and/or artifacts related to Freedom Station you are more than welcome to come and share. Refreshments will be provided.
