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Greater Buckeye Lake Historical Society 15 Year Anniversary Celebration
May 26, 2013
 Growing and expanding from day one, a wonderful and enthusiastic Historical Society and Museum. Original Building Committee Members in 1996, RtoL: Dave Dement, Chance Brockway, Fran Baughman, Fred Wright, Donna Braig, Mac Wood, ___ _____?, ___ _____?, Dave Stickle. |
Just the history of it all! In September, 1994, a group of interested people came together for the purpose of starting a Historical Museum in the Buckeye Lake area. This was to preserve the historical record of the Lake, including the Amusement Park, the Ohio Canal, the Interurban, the National Trail, the early pioneers and early boaters. Just the history of it all! The group met in the Civic Association building on Hebron Road and from the first, all were very enthusiastic. Donations began to appear: A gun from the shooting gallery, a Rocket Ship and a Bug Car from the old Park, a piano that had arrived in Hebron in 1840, roller skates, swim suits from Crystal Pool, photos, cards and other memorabilia. Phil and Betty Holtsberry Clark gave us an old log cabin built around 1840. Donna Braig, having gotten the group together, conducted the first meeting and was later elected as the first president. Kathie Brussee was the co-chairman. Karen Kentosh, a gal who grew up at the Lake, said she would be Secretary and David VanSicke who was manager of the National City Bank, agreed to be the Treasurer. The first 'general membership' meeting was held at the Lions Clubhouse in Millersport and a slide show was presented by historian Chance Brockway. In 1996, the Society had 200 members who paid a membership fee of $1O. Moneymakers were needed. Going into the second year, the Society found membership totals reaching 250 members. Since those humble and exciting beginnings, the Society has seen many changes: The Queen of the Lake II Tour boat, 2 additions to the building, the management of Cranberry Bog, enlarged gift shop, an entire estate was bequeathed to the society, 6 boats have been donated and one canoe. |
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 Two invited guests remind us what a thrill it was to ride on the Buckeye Lake Amusement Park Rocket Ship. |
And what an Anniversary Celebration took place. The Museum was packed to the walls with invited guests such as members, friends, past officers and donors, recalling their favorite memories of the Museum. Donna Braig had a book signing of her latest stories My Buckeye Lake Memories. Recorded memories were given from past residents for use in the production of our latest DVD. This was followed by a special Queen of the Lake tour for guests attending the event. There was food, drink, a historical program on the building of the Museum by Director J-me Braig and many information displays concerning society activities. In the parking lot table section there was live music for all to enjoy. |
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A beautiful day to celebrate our recently expanded Historical Society Musuem's 15th Anniversary.
John Holtsberry built this log cabin below, about 1780. It was on the shore of the Big Swamp. The first log cabin in the vicinity. Many descendants have lived there. Originally it was one large room, loft and porch. Has been entirely covered for protection. Descendent Life Member Doris Holtsberry Clark donated this historical site to the Society. The cabin now sits next to our museum and is landscaped to fit the era.
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