CHAMPAIGN COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM
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Looking Back at Champaign County

Then & Now: Ohio Caverns Entrance

10/27/2020

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Ohio Caverns Entrance 1941
Then – This is a 1941 photo (#0336) of the entrance to Ohio Caverns: ‘Where nature carved a fairyland.’ The caverns were discovered in 1897 on the farm of Abe Reames north of Mt. Tabor. The caverns were initially referred to as the Mt. Tabor Caverns. Beginning in 1925 tours of the Ohio Caverns were offered. The formal tour takes visitors past stalactites and stalagmites of all sizes including the Crystal King, a large white stalactite more than 200,000 years old. The person in the photo is unidentified.
Ohio Caverns Entrance
Now – The Ohio Caverns entrance now is remarkably similar to that in 1941, except the arch has been replaced. The stone posts are the same, but another slab of concrete was added to the top of each to increase the entrance clearance. 

The Champaign County Historical Museum is a not-for-profit organization that depends upon donations and dues to preserve, protect, archive and display the artifacts that tell the Champaign County story. The free public museum, 809 East Lawn Ave., Urbana, is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays; and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays.
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Looking Back: Wilkins Trucking Service - Kennard, Ohio

10/16/2018

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Wilkins Trucking Kennard Ohio
This is a photo (#0483) of the fleet of trucks of the Wilkins Trucking Service of Kennard, Ohio. The trucks have Ohio 1930 license plates. Note the large motormeters on the radiators of the two trucks on the right of the photo. Motormeters were devices that indicated the temperature of the coolant. Drivers are in every truck except the second from the left. Diagonally across the radiator of the second truck from the right is spelled Bellefontaine. It is not clear what this signifies. The truck to the far left appears to be a dump truck while the others are livestock trucks. This is commercial photograph taken by William Whitham who was a commercial photographer in Champaign County during the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s.

As we have no information about the trucking service, we would appreciate information about it including owner’s name and location of the business and other information relevant to the photo. Also, information about the trucks (year, make, model etc.) would be appreciated.

The Champaign County Historical Society is an all-volunteer, not-for profit organization that preserves, protects, archives and displays the artifacts that tell the Champaign County story.  The society depends upon donations and dues to provide a free public museum, which is open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays and 1-4 p.m. Sundays.
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St. Paris History Preserved at the Champaign County Historical Society Museum

9/24/2018

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The Pony Wagon Town, St. Paris, has a rich history, much of which is preserved by the Champaign County Historical Society. Are your parents or grandparents in these photos? Help us identify them in the comments below!   Or visit us and see the photos in person at the Museum, 809 East Lawn Avenue, Urbana.
Graham High School Class of 1974
Graham High School Class of 1974
St. Paris High School Basketball
The St Paris HS Basketball team were the county champions in 1928.
St. Paris High School Basketball Team
The St Paris HS Basketball team were the county champions in 1928.
St. Paris High School Class of 1934
St. Paris High School Class of 1934
St. Paris Gardner's
St. Paris businessman
St. Paris Theater
This photo dates to 1947.
Buckeye Excavation St. Paris Ohio
St. Paris Gas Station
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Looking Back: Bright-Shepard Grain Elevator

9/17/2018

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Christiansburg Ohio history
Circa 1910 photo of the Bright and Son Grain Elevator with Cory and Mary Bright standing with dog Flash.  The railroad grain cars labeled ‘CH&D’ were from the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad. Note the horse drawn wagon next to the track presumably bring grain to the elevator.  Adam Bright local businessman and farmer, learning of the pending construction of a railroad traction line through Addison (established as Christiansburg in 1817 changed to Addison in 1842 and returned to Christiansburg in 1915) realized it would be a more efficient means to get grain to outside markets. He initiated construction of a grain elevator in 1905.  It was dedicated in July of that year. Cory Bright, Adam’s son, began working as a grain dealer.  Adam Bright died in 1911. George Shepard, an employee, purchased the elevator in 1912.  The elevator became known as the Shepard Grain Co.  When the Springfield, Troy & Piqua railroad traction line was discontinued in 1918, Shepard hauled grain by truck. In 1923 he purchased the elevator in Thackery which had railroad access. 

The Champaign County Historical Society thanks Candy Gilliam for sharing this photo and other photos of locations in Christiansburg.

The Champaign County Historical Society is an all-volunteer, not-for profit organization that preserves, protects, archives and displays the artifacts that tell the Champaign County story.  The society depends upon donations and dues to provide a free public museum, which is open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays and 1-4 p.m. Sundays.

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    Looking Back at Champaign County

    The Champaign County Historical Society strives to highlight historical people, places and events throughout Champaign County.  If you have photos of historical significance that you believe would be of interest to Champaign Countians, please Contact Us.

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    Looking Back Champaign County
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Champaign County Historical Society Museum

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809 E. Lawn Ave.
Urbana, OH 43078
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  • Home
  • About
    • Looking Back
    • Search Our Archives
    • Artifact Donations >
      • Collection Application
    • Donations- Main >
      • Links
    • Events >
      • Antique Appraisal Fair
      • OktoberFest
    • Governing Documents & Newsletters
    • Resources for Students & Scouts
  • Join Us!
    • Volunteer
    • Become a Member
  • News of the Society
  • Board of Trustees
  • Contact
  • Historical Markers