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Windham Historical Society meeting
The Windham Historical Society will hear about the amazing new facilities at the old Silica Sand Quarry at their February meeting on Monday, February 15 at 7 PM.
The public is invited to the new Renaissance Family Center, 9005 Wilverne Dr., formerly the East Elementary School, for this presentation by Kelly Haylett, director of the JeepSkool at the former sand and gravel site, which is owned by Dale Soinski.
Most Windhamites have yet to discover the conservation and preservation efforts of Soinski and Haylett. Nature hikes, camping, fishing, off-roading, and even a law enforcement training range are among the offerings of this new venture.
Haylett plans to discuss the cleanup of the old quarry site, the legal battles it has involved, and their vision for its future.
The Renaissance Center opens at 6:30 to all interested visitors for a meet and greet and a chance to look at exhibits before the brief meeting. The Society has increased its membership tremendously in 2009, and hopes to expand even more in the new year.
At the January meeting, author Ralph Pfingsten presented a fascinating overview of the history and development of the Ravenna Arsenal. Since many of the overflow audience had worked there, Pfingsten's Powerpoint presentation brought back a bevy of fond memories.
Pfingsten's lavish book, "The History of the Ravenna Arsenal," has become a local bestseller, and the Windham 2011 Bicentennial Committee receives a stipend for every copy the Society sells. They are available for purchase at the upcoming meeting or by contacting President Lynnea St John at 330-326-6061, or emailing her at lynnya45@yahoo.com.
Recent donations included the Hall of Fame plaque of Windham All-American Robert Turner, donated by his sister Lois Turner Mullaly. Louise Sands donated her father's commendation pin from the Ravenna Arsenal.
Larry Fisher donated an Alford sign, which may be related to one of Windham's founding families. Florence Waddell sent numerous pictures of historical events from the Windham schools.
Former Windham Fire Chief Don Miller has given the Historical Society several books and ledgers, one of which details the formation of the Fire Department in 1923. All of the volunteer firemen and their positions are recorded in these volumes.
The Society is always interested in obtaining, whether permanently or on loan, any object with relevance to Windham. Items of special interest include films, pictures, scrapbooks, ephemera, newspapers, advertising, tokens, school items, sports items, or family genealogy.
The society has extensive facilities for copying paper items. For more information, please call Society President Lynnea St. John at 330-326-6061, or email her at lynnya45@yahoo.com.
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