Blog

  • Darke County Revolutionary War Patriots
    As part of the America-250 Anniversary, AWTHS honors the nation’s celebration with displays, patriots bio’s in readable form, and a map with all the patriots names and cemetery locations where some are actually buried and some where memorial stones are placed in their memory. Here we offer the complete brochure-tour package for your reading which
  • November 2025 at AWTHS
    November is a busy month at AWTHS (Arcanum Wayne Trail Historical Society) with three main events you will want to Save the Date for. Those include November 1, November 13 and November 28-29. November 1 from 9-noon are Open Hours at AWTHS. Special display is the American 250 Traveling Educational Panels, sponsored by the local
  • The Ivester Family Estate
    In looking at early plat maps, we see on the 1875 map 143 acres around where the Ivester house-farm was located. In 1888 it looks like his land has expanded east across N. Main Street in the area of the Painter Creek. (Ivester heirs) This is in no way a complete deed search or study.
  • H. A. Kepner
    A Biographical history of Darke County, Ohio: compendium of national biography, Lewis Publishing Company, 1900, Google Books.“HARRISON A. KEPNER. Harrison A. Kepner was born May 14, 1836, in the old stone house which was the home of his parents at the time they resided in Perry county, Pennsylvania. At the age of sixteen began teaching
  • The Ivester Children
    The six Ivester children were: Martha Jane born 1853; William 1855; Josephine 1858; Olive 1862; Allie Onda 1864; and Mina Bernice 1868. This information is from various sources including: The Darke County Atlas, George Ivester HISTORY OF DARKE COUNTY, OHIO – W.H. BEERS; Find-a-Grave; and The Arcanum Times Newspaper. Various clippings found by Rich Emery.
  • The Ivester Family
    Information from The Secret Town book by William Gunder. George Ivester was born in Chester County, PA in 1821. At 13 years of age he moved to Miami County, Ohio where he worked on a farm until 1837. He learned the blacksmith trade and perfected the profession for 20 years. Then, gold fever struck in
  • The Ivester Home…Past and Present
    1971 oil by Josephine Dunlap In August I had the pleasure of visiting the Arcanum Public Library and was given a tour by Linda Mancz. I regularly visit the library to use their services but this was a up front and personal tour to compare the original and different additions with the blueprints and history
  • Orlando Price McGriff
    Photo and above article from Richmond Palliadium June 17, 1960. Discovered by Rich Emery. https://ohiogenealogyexpress.com/darke/darkeco_bios_1914/darkeco_bios_1914 O. PRICE McGRIFF.     The peculiar and particular talents which combine for success in the insurance business make this one of the most difficult fields of endeavor in which a man may engage.  His standing in the community must he of
  • JACOB MILLER, JR.
    Photo courtesy of Jeff Puderbaugh collection      History of Darke County, Ohio – From its earliest Settlement to the Present Time – Vol. II – Milford, Ohio – The Hobart Publ. Co. – 1914 – pg. 218 The real artist works toward high ideals whether he transfers his ideas to canvass or carves them in
  • Franklin Gordon
    Franklin or “Frank” was the son of Henry Gordon and Nancy Owen Gordon.  He was born in the Gordon area March 5, 1861.  His mother died a little over six months later leaving members of the community to care for him.  He was brought up for several years in or near Gordon then moved to
  • John Reed-Revolutionary War Patriot
    John Reed was born May 1, 1758 in Maryland and died September 27 1844 in German Township, Darke County, Ohio. He was drafted in the Maryland Militia in 1977 in Baltimore County Maryland serving a total of 8 months as a PVT in the Company commanded by Capt Daniel Shaw and under Col Charles Ridgeley.
  • Henry Gordon and Nancy Owen Gordon
    Photo courtesy of Susan Isenbarger Jones, Isenbarger descendant. AWTHS had written earlier history about the Gordon family in reference to the founding of Gordon.  At that time, there was a question about Frank or Franklin Gordon and his family as well as Henry, his father, whether he was in the will or not. Recent research
  • Harrison Township Patriots Rush & Wood
    Our Harrison Township Revolutionary War Patriots buried at First Universalist Cemetery are: James Wood 1761-1840 and Peter Rush 1754-1819. These notes are from the Rush Book gathered by Garst Darke Genealogy. Peter Rush’s wife was Mary Slaughter. They had 8 children: Phillip, Jesse, Elizabeth, Catherine, Asa, Margaret, Phoebe and Isaiah. From the Beers book we
  • Revolutionary War Patriots Harriman & Satterley
    At old Castine Cemetery, in Butler Township, lays two Patriots: David Harriman 1756-1842 and Samuel Satterley 1745-1833. In researching and studying cemetery inscriptions, we read that the two patriots not only served but had family connections. According to the Stephens & Spencer Cemetery Inscriptions, David Harriman’s son, Charles, married Jemima Satterly the daughter of Samuel
  • Updates to Owens family and Old Lynch Cemetery and Methodist Church
    Well, you know the saying, “One thing leads to another”.  It certainly was in this story. The AWTHS has been working on displays for America-250 which includes our Southern Darke County Patriots and getting their stories together for display and research.  We came upon the patriot, William Walker, who has a memorial stone at Ithaca
  • Samuel McClure & William Brodrick, Patriots
    Both patriots have memorial stones in Harrison Township at the Old Friendship Cemetery. Samuel McClure, 1757-1818, was married to Rosannah Steele and had eight children. We read in the Beers book that Samuel was a commissioned justice, lived near the Whitewater, was a preacher and teacher at Otwellis Seminary, a prominent place of higher education
  • The 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence
    By NPS Photo – NPGallery, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=80130509 This is a photo of the Memorial located in The Mall in Washington DC. The links below bring up photos and information on all the signers. Very informative. Credit to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_to_the_56_Signers_of_the_Declaration_of_Independence President of Congress1. John Hancock (Massachusetts)New Hampshire2. Josiah Bartlett3. William Whipple4. Matthew ThorntonMassachusetts5. Samuel Adams6. John Adams7. Robert Treat Paine8. Elbridge GerryRhode Island9. Stephen Hopkins10. William ElleryConnecticut11. Roger
  • The Sacrifices Made By The Declaration Signers…
    By By MichaelWSmith.com inNews What happened to the signers of the Declaration of Independence? This is the Price They Paid Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence? Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.
  • Patriots Joseph Wiley and William Graham
    Our two Revolutionary War Patriots are Joseph Wiley C 1766-1822 and William Graham 1764-1841. Both have stones in Harrison Township at Providence Cemetery near Braffetsville, Ohio. Joseph Wiley-His stone was rededicated at the cemetery Wiley was a Soldier in the American Revolutionary War. He wasin the Virginia Militia with a rank of Private. He enlisted
  • William Noble Revolutionary Patriot
    William Noble 1756-1791. Stone placed at Ft. Jefferson Pioneer Cemetery.  This memorial is a cenotaph. Grave is unmarked at the Fort Jefferson Burial Ground. Revolutionary War Soldier William Noble died about November 19, 1791 and was buried in the Fort Jefferson Burial Ground. He had been mortally wounded at the Battle of the Wabash also
  • Patriot William Byers
    Our patriot is William Byers whose memorial stone is placed in the Old Abbottsville Cemetery, Van Buren Township. Records indicate Lot 1& 2. Byers was a Soldier in the American Revolutionary War. He was in the Virginia Militia with a rank of Private. He volunteered for service in the spring of 1781 for three months
  • John Owen and Margaret Peggy Walker
    In researching Patriot William Walker and his life, we came across some findings about the Owen family and ties with Gordon, Ohio, cemetery and early church. William Walker lived with his daughter, Peggy Margaret, a number of years after his service. See our blog for details about his military record. https://awths.org/2025/06/revolutionary-war-patriots-walker-and-farmer/ From Find-a-Grave: Margaret “Peggy”
  • Revolutionary War Patriots Walker and Farmer
    Added photo William Walker and Ezekiel Farmer are recognized at Ithaca Cemetery in Twin Township, Darke County, Ohio. First some history on the county and township to help establish a time line of events before and during the patriots coming to settle their lands or live with family. Darke County Ohio became a state in
  • Revolutionary War Patriot William Ashley
    With the activities of America-250 in full swing ramping up for next year, we felt it was a good time to acquaint our readers with some of the patriots who lived and are buried in Southern Darke County. Did you know the Ft. GreeneVille DAR Chapter (Daughters of the American Revolution) have already found and
  • AWTHS Programs 2025
    Events for 2025 at the Arcanum Wayne Trail Historical Society, located at 123 West George Street in Arcanum, Ohio. Contact info is awthsinfo@gmail.com or through Messenger. Other contact info is on our website under “contacts”. Open Hours for ‘First Saturday Morning of the Month” from 9am – noon. Agricultural displays are up through July 5
  • Savona Elevator
    Photo by Vintage Aerial. 1996 Story written by Wendell Miller: “My Uncle Wayne Geeting owned the elevator in Savona. I worked there during the summers while I was in High School (1960-1963). My Grandfather Lester Geeting bought the elevator at public auction for my Uncle while he was serving in the US Army Air Force
  • Tobacco Warehouses and Buyers
    Was at 212 South Main. Destroyed in fire. Dull & Williams Tobacco Warehouse Tobacco Warehouse and Buyers Burnett Shank & McCure John A. Smith Imperial Miami Valley Mayer Tobacco Hangen (American Tobacco Co) Daniel Francis National Leaf Tobacco Dull & Williams Rosenwald & Brother Tobacco Warehouse Arcanum Leaf Tobacco Burnett & Smith E. Rosenwald &
  • Southern Darke County Tobacco Farming
    Tobacco was the cash crop in earlier times before soybeans became poplar to plant as a field crop. Most farms planted some acreage of tobacco. It was time consuming and and was very involved for many months of the year. We know there was acres of tobacco as there was lots of tobacco warehouses in
  • Dairy Men and Creameries
    Dale Baker, Dixie Baker Kepler’s grandfather, bottled his own milk and distributed it from the farm. ”My sister has two bottles with the Dale Baker Dairy name on them. Bill Baker’s grandfather Leonard Dewey Baker delivered milk for Dale with this milk wagon and horse. (attached is a picture of Leonard Dewey’s milk wagon that
  • Poultry Houses
    1926-28 H B Hole Poultry House. Located at 112-118 North Street Arcanum. Arcanum Poultry House-Harvey Cook Smith Poultry & Produce Earl Lehman Stover & Hole Holl Poultry H B Hole, Inc. and Dairy Shuler Arcanum Poultry Arcanum Hatchery 103 North High. Was Arcanum Hatchery from 1945-46. Per Arcanum Business book. Pitsburg Youngs Harters Hatchery Thayers-Processer
  • Farming and Country Living 1920-1940’s
    As told by Betty Sease to her daughter, Annette Sease Stewart Threshing Days According to my mom, the threshing machine would make its rounds in the farming community threshing the wheat.  Neighbors would help each other.  The farm wife’s would fix the huge meals consisting of ham or chicken, wilted lettuce from the garden, mashed
  • Almost a Century Farm
    Family homestead built by the Condon’s around early 1900’s as original home burnt. The story of the Michael’s, Brumbaugh’s, Sease and Stewart farm families written by Annette Sease Stewart. EVERY FAMILY HAS A STORY….WELCOME TO OURS My Great-Grandpa and Grandma, George and Emma Michael, bought our homestead on Karr Road in 1928. George was the
  • Delisle Elevator
    I967 photo from Vintage Aerial. History by Kent Thompson-2025 In 1956 the original Delisle Elevator wood structured building caught fire due to a lightning strike. It was replaced by cement block structure which exists today. It was owned by the Gettysburg Equity Elevator in Gettysburg, Ohio. The Elevator also consisted of a local country store
  • Ag Implements of Southern Darke County
    First New Idea Two-Row Corn Picker in Darke County around 1950’s. Hency’s Farm Service. Implements Alber & Heck Farm Alber Alber & Neff Wallace & Flory Wondle Farm Implements Kelch-Crow Chemical Co. G F Hapner & Son Farm Implements Agricultural Implements-Minnich & Pease Neff Implements Lytle Farm Implements Bailey Farm Service Hency;s Farm Service &
  • Southern Darke County Canneries, Greenhouses and Misc Ag Businesses
    Cannery at 303 South Main Arcanum Cannery Shirley Canning Lutz Canning Schmidt Canning Greenhouses Arcanum Greenhouse-Harvey Wogoman (need photo) Arcanum Greenhouse-Beck & Wogoman Beck Arcanum Greenhouse & Green Thumb Ithaca Cromwell’s Greenhouse (need old photo) Misc Rife Dekalf Seed Corn Coblentz & Howell Pork Shippers Valentine Fertilizer Sales Smith Douglas Fertilizer on Alt. Rt. 49
  • Elevators…Flour Mills…Farm Services of Southern Darke County
    Elevator believed to be by Arcanum ball diamonds. The following lists were compiled from the Arcanum Business Book through 1968 by Anita Short with additions from research on Pitsburg from ads and newspapers as well as individuals memories from 1970-present. Please read to the end-looking for updated lists through to present as well as old
  • AWTHS Has New Displays
    Extensive display of toy equipment on loan from Carole Fourman. Check out AWTHS new displays during Open Hours. The theme is centered around Agriculture which includes: Farming, Ag businesses, community ag businesses, and the village of Pitsburg with items from Monroe, Franklin, and FM School. The displays, many on loan, will be on display through
  • Donation of Acquisitions to AWTHS, Inc.
    As we are about to start the 2025 New Year off we would like to remind our supporters about our acquisition or donation policy to AWTHS in regards to items for the research library and displays. We certainly appreciate our supporters because without you, our collections would not be shareable with our guests and the
  • Part Two of Pleasant View Church
    The “new” building which is present location of current church on Gettysburg -Pitsburg Road. The basement was dug by teams of horses and men with shovels.  Pulpit, chairs, and rug was donated.  Funds totaling $100.61 was raised by the youth and children by soliciting in the community.  Money was used for a piano (since replaced),
  • Beech Church-Pleasant View Church History
    Early History Pleasant View Church-Originally Beech Church AWTHS obtained the history of the Pleasant View Church, thanks to Christian Davidson, who is being mentored and helping with AWTHS history. We learn early on that services began in 1874 at the home of Robert Wright, across from the former “Beech Church”.  *In looking at the old
  • December Hours
    The AWTHS will not be open for First Saturday open hours. We will resume our Open Hours January 4, 2025 from 9am-noon weather permitting. The facility can be rented by reservation for your holiday dinners or parties. Contact Carolyn Furlong or Sharon Troutwine to reserve. AWTHS dues can be sent by mail to: AWTHS, PO
  • Saluting our Veterans…John Deis
    Information furnished by the Deis family. John was Jim Deis great grandfather. John served from Dayton and enlisted at Camp Dennison with Company M, First Ohio Volunteer Light Artillery. After the war, John organized an officers’ club called The Old Guard Post #23, Grand Army of the Republic. Buried at Calvary Cemetery, Moraine, they erected
  • Part Twp:  Corp. John Kaufman from the Civil War
    In light of Veterans Day and researching our veterans, we have more to the story on John Kaufman.  In our earlier account, AWTHS acquired a Civil War document on John Kaufman from the Thompson family.  This document was handed down to Bryon Davis and his brother from the Hissongs. Previously, we had information from the
  • War Department
    Bureau Of Public Relations Press Branch Tel.  Re 6700, Brs. 3425 and 4860 SIS  Release B-43 Material provided by Barb Deis. This was her Uncle, Edward Koehl. From WWII. This is a salute to ALL our Veterans! Thank you for your service today and every day to protect our freedom. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia. Bougainville
  • November -December Events 2024
    On Thursday evening, November 14 at 6:30pm at AWTHS, Cary Wogoman will do a virtual tour of Arcanum. Two popular AWTHS events have been the walking tours of downtown Arcanum and also the south end of Arcanum or early Industrial section. Cary will show photos and tell interesting stories of highlighted businesses, people and locations
  • September Events 2024
    The month of September brings thoughts and images of fall scenery: pumpkins, mums, apples, bon fires, football and all the beautiful colors and scents of fall time. Kids will be off to school, fall sports will be in full swing and our summer’s farmers market on West George will be winding down but continuing on
  • John Kaufman Of The Civil War
    AWTHS acquisition -Document on John Kaufman who served 16 Indiana Volunteers Civil War. AWTHS acquired a unique Civil War record on John Kaufman, Co K 16 Indiana Volunteers. We know from the paperwork he was 23 yrs old and served in a number of engagements which are listed from 1862-1864. The last entry by the
  • More AWTHS Founders
    Part two of The Founders Blog. Meet Fred and Carolyn Troutwine. Sadly, several of these founders are gone now: Carolyn Troutwine, Dave Hill and Holly Trigg. Also, William Gunder, Anita Short and Keith Furlong as well. We are celebrating our 20th anniversary this year. Follow our blogs and Facebook posts as we reminisce about our
  • Summer Events & June Displays
    AWTHS Open Hours are June 1, July 6, and August 3 from 9-noon. Research appointments are recommended but visitors are feel to browse the research library and tour the house. https://www.facebook.com/events/983809833373590/ Special open hours include: June 21 (Friday) from 12 noon-5pm. We will have a special military type display along with our 20th anniversary photos
  • AWTHS Founders
    In celebration of our 20th year anniversary and remembrance of our founders: See our display at Arcanum Public Library during May and special exhibits this summer at AWTHS during open hours which are June 1, 21, and 22. See FB event for times and details. Summer month dates include: July 6 and August 3. Take
  • AWTHS Research-Reference Library
    After the formation and purchasing the building for the Arcanum Wayne Trail Historical Society at 123 West George in Arcanum, the early members began a web site for AWTHS. In 2008 Bill Gunder, historian and awths founder, began overseeing the web site. Soon after, the AWTHS newsletters were an addition to the on-line records section.
  • May Events
    AWTHS Open Hours are Saturday, May 4 from 9-noon. Join us as we’ll be highlighting AWTHS 20th anniversary all year long with special remembrances at programs and through social media posts. May’s program is Thursday, May 9 at 7pm with presenter Kelli Bergheimer- writer, teacher, editor and international genealogical speaker on DNA and Genealogy. Kelli
  • AWTHS 20th Anniversary
    This year, The Arcanum Wayne Trail Historical Society, Inc. will celebrate 20 years as a historical society. On Thursday, March 24, 2004 Arcanum residents William Gunder, David & JoAnne Hill, Fred & Carolyn Troutwine, Keith Furlong and Anita Short first met to organize an historical society, encompassing Arcanum and the surrounding area.  On June 15,
  • April Events
    Our April Open Hours will be held Saturday, April 20, from 2-4pm. This coincides with the Arcanum Alumni event scheduled for the evening. This is open to all alumni, guests, and the general public. We also invite Franklin-Monroe alumni as well. Please RSVP through the Alumni Association-AWTHS is not handling details or reservations. We are
  • March Events
    AWTHS will host open hours Saturday, March 2, from 9-noon at 123 West George in Arcanum. We always recommend appointments for research but visitors are always welcome to come in the browse the research library, old newspapers or the many books, photos and binders available. March 14 at 7pm our program will be Dayton*Union Railroad:
  • Ithaca, Ohio
    The following was written by Barb Deis some time ago for our library display and when AWTHS was compiling a brochure about the “historic driving tour” of Ithaca and Beech Grove. We felt our readers would enjoy the history of Ithaca, Ohio located in southern Darke County. Link for driving tour brochure: https://awths.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/HISTORIC-DRIVING-TOUR-Addendum2022.pdf Ithaca EUB
  • Beech Grove
    This was written by Barb Deis but is an interesting recollection of a faded community we often drive by on Rt. 503 and Arcanum-Hollansburg intersection. Perhaps it has been forgotten…maybe even unknown to many. If you have any old photos of Beech Grove, please contact AWTHS: awthsresearch@gmail.com. Beech Grove Cemetery The Beech Grove Cemetery is
  • 2024 Program Year
    AWTHS has announced their program year for 2024. Please follow our blogs and AWTHS Facebook page for event listings and updates. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Arcanum Wayne Trail Historical Society. At each program a few memories will be shared about the historical society. Join us in September, 2024
  • January House Tours
    How many of you really know about the founding of Arcanum? Or the AWTHS building-what it was before our organization purchased and restored it? If you aren’t familiar, please join us during our January 6, 2024 Open Hours on Saturday morning, as AWTHS will conduct building tours at 10am and 11am. RSVP’S are encouraged but
  • Loami Ashley
    This blog is in memory of Elder Loami Ashley and is dedicated to descendant, Scott Ashley, who saw the very sad state of his burial grounds at Backman Cemetery and began a historical preservation project to remember this cemetery and it’s fallen. Elder Loami Ashley is the son of William Ashley and Rachel Howe Ashley. 
  • The Rails & Tales of the Dayton Union: The Early Years by Todd Clemmons
    Todd Clemmons has released his new book about the D&U Railroad in time for Christmas! The flyer below has all the details but a percentage of the proceeds will go to Arcanum Wayne Trail Historical Society. At this time, the book is available at Fourman’s Variety on West George in Arcanum and The S &
  • Connie Lee Miller’s Memories
    Written by Connie Miller and Sandra “Sandi” Smith Baker Ruth Werts Married Forest Miller taken in 1938 for their wedding Connie Lee Miller was born in April 1939 to Ruth and Forrest Miller. She lived all of her youth in Pitsburg, Ohio. She was made to quit school at Franklin Monroe in the 8th grade
  • The Delk’s of Pitsburg
    The following was researched and written by Carolyn Stutz Temte in helping AWTHS update our Pitsburg Archive and file. I believe Charles Delk, a very popular contractor in Pitsburg, was the builder along with Jacob Young, of the Pitsburg hotel after it was destroyed by fire. Charles Delk built a house on the corner of
  • Sue’s Pitsburg Memories
    Written by Sue Hunt Besecker In the spring of 1976 we were looking for a home to buy. We had been renting from 68 to 76, and it was time to get something of our own. Matt was 8 and Stephanie was 5. I wanted to find something before school started. Both kids had been
  • Young Family of Pitsburg
    This article on the Young family of Pitsburg and Pitsburg Hotel was researched and written by Carolyn Stutz Temte who was a past resident of Pitsburg and has helped us research Pitsburg for our recent “Pitsburg Businesses” program. I researched Google books, Books out of print, The New York Public Library, Library of Congress and
  • Terry Lavy’s Pitsburg Memories
    Written by Terry Lavy September 4, 2023 1947 Lavy Grain & Feed in Pitsburg, OH, on Jefferson Street I am 87 year old Terry Lavy retired Arkansas University Professor of Weed Science living near Lowell Arkansas.  Much of this may be too detailed and too corny for your publication.  Feel free to shorten, delete some
  • Pitsburg Program Date Change
    The program on Pitsburg Businesses has been changed to Saturday, September 16 at 10am at AWTHS location. This is a change from September 14. Please note and share the change with interested parties. Thank You.
  • Carl & Earlene (Netzley) Morris Family
    Memories written by Earlene Morris and contributed by Jane Brown. Gene, Jane Morris Brown and Judy Morris Carl & Earlene (Netzley) Morris married on October 7. 1939 and started farming and housekeeping on Delisle-Fourman Road.  They went to Pitsburg, Oh, for most of their needs.  Earlene says they shopped at Kissel Grocery, sold their grain at Stoltz
  • Byron Davis …The Good Olde Days
    Byron is 100 years old!  Was born in 1923.  He was telling me about his two big birthday parties, one with the sr. citizen card party and one at Rob’s in Brookville.  By the way, Bryon plays cards several times a week to keep active. The Davis home place was on Verona Pitsburg Road where
  • PITSBURG REMEMBRANCES
    Written by Susan Isenbarger Jones August 2023                Growing up just 4 miles south of Pitsburg in far southern Monroe Township, the village always played a large role in our lives.  It was essentially the nearest “big” town – far bigger than Gordon because it had a hardware store, a grocery store, a bank, a
  • John Brown: Pitsburg Memories
    My name is John Brown and I am the youngest child of Richard and Phyllis Brown. Richard (Dad) owned an automotive (body) shop on Brown Street from 1959 to 1965.  We are not certain when Brown street was aptly named, but we lived across the street from a cousin, Donovan Brown. Phyllis (Mom) was the owner
  • Arcanum’s Industrial Section Walking Tour
    Due to the rain last week, the walk was rescheduled to Saturday, July 15, 2023. Meet at 2 South Main Arcanum, between 9:15-9:30am. The walk is approximately one mile and will be led by Cary Wogoman. Here’s the link to the brochure/map which can be viewed, downloaded and printed off, of the brochure map. Brochures
  • Herbert Stutz Family and Stutz Garage
    The Herbert Stutz Family and Stutz Garage In working on the Pitsburg project, Carolyn Stutz Temte saw our post on the FM Alumni page and thus responded about her dad, Herbert Stutz and family. This is Carolyn’s story. My parents were Herbert and Leona Stutz.  Dad and his twin brother, Howard Martin Stutz, started Stutz
  • Royer Potato Farm-Keep Smiling
    Photo taken by Dayton Newspaper. From Joyce Miller. Story from Joyce Miller (Virgil’s great niece) Information also from daughter, Marjorie Weeks. Virgil Royer graduated from Franklin Township.  Attended Manchester College in Indiana and attended Ohio State University.  Married Florence Miller of Greenville.  Parents of four daughters:  Lois MacDonalds, Virginia Chase, Marjorie Weeks and Alice Jean
  • Fertilizer Company in Pitsburg
    Leis Chemical Company . Photo from Don Leis Story from Don Leis. The Pitsburg plant was built in 1964 and was called Leis Chemical Company.  Owners were John Leis, his brother Ralph and Ralph’s son, Don Leis.  Don managed the Pitsburg plant.  Charles Hangen was the outside salesman calling on farmers along with Don Leis. 
  • Farming and Getting Crops to Market Early 1800’s
    From History of Darke County 1880   By W. H. Beers   Page 271:  “Darke County was first settled by an industrious, hardy race of pioneers poor men who had been renters in other parts of the state.  As soon as they were able to raise $100 or upward, they came here and invested it
  • Identifying the “unknowns” of Pearl Harbor
    As we ponder Memorial Day, we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Those who did not come home. I came upon this article and post about needing help identifying those “unknowns” from Pearl Harbor. In fact one of them is Arcanum’s own: https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/2484032/uss-oklahoma-sailor-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-corzatt-b. And yes, he was identified and “came home”.
  • November Events
    November events include Open Hours November 4, a military evening program November 9 and our annual Christmas Bazaar November 24 and 25. We encourage our readers to follow our AWTHS Facebook page events for updates and details. November 4 Open Hours from 9am-noon. AWTHS is located 123 West George Street. Visitors can browse displays and
  • September Program
    September events include Open Hours September 2 from 9am-noon. Check out our military files and old Arcanum Times Newspapers. See our Reference Materials List on our website for a up to date list of what our library as to view as well as conduct research from. September 14 at 7pm at AWTHS, Annette Stewart, fellow
  • July AWTHS Events
    Flour Mill once in southern end of Arcanum The summer is the perfect time to explore your family history and tree or write about those family memories and stories. A great opportunity to research and find those details is during our open hours which is scheduled for July 1 from 9am-noon. Researchers are welcome to
  • May National Preservation Month
    May is the time of the year when numerous historical societies, the government, and preservation groups join forces to promote the importance of preserving historical places. Many times, wealthy individuals who love art and culture, as well as businesses, join the preservation cause since a city that is rich in heritage is bound to benefit
  • Contacting AWTHS
    AWTHS is transitioning our email accounts. If you wish to contact AWTHS we are accessible the following ways: Emails: General is awthsinfo@gmail.com. For Research or to reach Annette Stewart awthsresearch@gmail.com. For all other inquires, including Farmers Market and Facility Rental, use the general awthsinfo@gmail.com. You may contact us through FB Messenger. Open Hours are generally
  • Mary A. Gunder Stevenson
    Another recently discovered child of William Gunder, The Founder of Arcanum. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/203462140/mary-a-stevenson Father: William Henry Gunder, born in PA and of Dutch descentMarital Status: Married at time of deathOccupation: HousewifeMiss Mary A. Gunder married Parkhill John Stevenson 1849 in Darke County, Ohio. Of interest is one of their children, Dr. William Henry Stevenson, was born
  • William Gunder (Founder) Siblings
    As mentioned in the previous blog about Peter Gunder, SR, William Gunder’s father, we will continue this series on the siblings of William’s. Our source is through Find-a-Grave and some notes of Wayne Gunder although a few of the family siblings were researched by other researchers and we will note them where indicated. Please give
  • William Gunder’s Parents, The Arcanum Founder
    Our blogs have concluded up to this point on the children of William and Nancy (Rice) Gunder, the Founder of Arcanum. However, in researching the children of The Founder, we found more information about the Founder’s parents and siblings through the research of Wayne Gunder on Find A Grave, web site. We also found one
  • John Gunder #11 and Capt. Daniel Gunder #13
    We are continuing our Gunder children stories of the Founder of Arcanum, William and Nancy. Gunder Child #11John C. He was born 1842. Died at 7 years old. He was buried near his mother, Nancy also at Ithaca Cemetery.John died of Cholera during the epidemic of 1849-1850. (Arcanum’s Founding)His mother also died from Cholera in
  • Grandma’s Life Lessons
    Inez Michael Brumbaugh
  • Col. George Gunder #10
    Photo from Find-A-Grave. Gunder Child #10: Son of William and Nancy Gunder. George. Named for George Street in Arcanum per book “The Secret Town”.Col. George Gunder was a solider, merchant and politician who was born 1840. At 17 years he began teaching school. We find in Twin Twp. ledger that G. W. Gunder was paid
  • Caroline Gunder Shepherd #8
    Gunder Child #8:Caroline Gunder who was born 1835 was the first child born on land now part of Arcanum.She was married to David Shepherd, who was a farmer and land owner. Their farms were in Van Buren Twp. In the 1890’s they sold some of their land and moved to Greenville.Their children were: Francis, Flora,
  • Henry Gunder #9 and Caroline Chase
    Henry, Caroline and Son. From Darke Genealogical Society. Gunder Child #9: HenryHenry was born 1837, son of William and Nancy Gunder. He was a scholar and educator thirsting knowledge as a youngster. He went on to found Germantown High School and Greenville High School in 1868. See History of Darke County 1880 page 428. He
  • Martin Gunder
    Gunder Child #2 of William and Nancy Gunder.Martin Gunder, a farmer, was born October, 1824.  His farm extended north of Arcanum and he owned land also in Indiana and Iowa. He married Ann Elizabeth Long and they had 5 children; Sarah, Olive, Winfield, William and Frances.This is a sad story as we discover two daughters died
  • Dicey Gunder And Elizabeth Gunder
    AWTHS will be sharing some posts about the children of William and Nancy Gunder. They will not appear in order of birth as some post are longer than others, so please keep that in mind as you read them. Gunder Child #1 of William and Nancy (Rice) GunderDicey Gunder was born 1822 in a log
  • Sarah Ann Gunder Shepherd #5
    Gunder Child #5:Introducing Sarah Ann, born in 1829.  Married to Hiram Shepherd who was a farmer.  Book said “he took his horses to Jay County, IN each spring to plow and plant crops owned by the Gunder family.”Hiram was the guardian for Daniel and William, Jr. after his brother-in-law Martin died.Their farm was north of
  • Dayton Racquet Company
    The AWTHS received a inquiry concerning the Arcanum Racquet Factory recently. In corresponding with Gwenyth G. Haney, the Collection Manager with Dayton History, we received the following information regarding the Dayton Racquet Company which was the forerunner to the Arcanum plant. For those of you familiar with Arcanum history or who attended the Racquet Factory
  • Founding of Arcanum
    Information from the “The Secret Town” written by William Gunder. We read that William Gunder was planning to plat a town somewhere on his land as early as 1835. William was thinking ahead and the exact location of the new town would later be determined by the railroad angle through the area. Perhaps he was
  • William Gunder, Jr.
    Gunder Child #14:William Gunder, Jr. Jeweler. William was born 1849. His mother, Nancy died shortly after his birth of cholera. He was raised by his father, and stepmother, Huldah. William Jr. and brother Daniel farmed their father’s land in Jay Co., IN during the summer of 1864-68 and after their father died.William Jr. attended a
  • William Gunder, Arcanum’s Founder
    This article about the Gunder family is dedicated to William (Bill) Gunder, the great grandson of the Founder of Arcanum. William “Bill” Gunder   –  1930-2015 Local Author and Historian   Bill was a founding member of the Arcanum Wayne Trail Historical Society.  He served as director and most importantly as historian.  He worked endlessly to document
  • New Year 2023 at AWTHS
    As we usher in another New Year for 2023 at AWTHS, we wish to announce our upcoming events that are planned so far for the year. We wish to thank all of our volunteers, members, board members, chairs, and the community for your time in serving and participating this past year (2022) and the area’s
  • April Events
    The AWTHS Open Hours will be held Saturday, April 15 from 2-4pm instead of our usual “Open First Saturday’s hours”. This will be held in conjunction with the Arcanum Alumni evening event. This year the following classes will be honored: current senior class of 2023, 1998, 1973 and 1948. Visit the Arcanum Alumni FB page
  • March Events
    Open Hours at AWTHS will be the First Saturday, March 4 from 9 am-noon. House open for tours, displays as well as the research library. Appointments are encouraged and recommended for research. Contact AWTHS thru Messenger or by contacting Annette Stewart. Dave Heckaman will be presenting at AWTHS on Thursday, March 9 at 7pm. The

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  2. May… National Historic Preservation Month. More to the old house preservation project: As a note I found that prior to the Kuskie’s purchasing this home that extensive work was done to the home. Readers probably remember the Littel’s living here for many years. My brother, Fred, farmed the ground and would talk to him. Interesting fellow. Anyways this house was in pretty bad shape-the bricks were crumbling, no heat system, old wiring and plumbing. Per past owner, the brick foundation was rebuilt, new windows put in, roof, electric and heating system. So THANK YOU to all who have helped restore and save this old house!

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