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Grove City Area Historical Society & Museum
The Society was incorporated in 1998 and exists to preserve the History, Heritage, and Supporting Artifacts of the Grove City Area. How You Can Help
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About Us
In 1998 Grove City celebrated the 200th anniversary of its founding. During that year, many activities commemorated this anniversary. A book was produced, Reflections of Our Past: Celebrating 200 Years of Grove City, Pennsylvania. A play, Upon These Waters, was written … →
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Officers & Directors
Those Who Serve You President Kathy Jack jackfamily@zoominternet.net First Vice President Jean Waugaman bobjean@zoominternet.net Second Vice President Lillian Reeher lrreeher@zoominternet.net Treasurer Todd Burns burns-60@hotmail.com Recording Secretary Doris Steffan catsrus@comporium.net Corresponding Secretary Laurie McCandless clarionriverrats@aol.com Representing Grove City Borough www.grovecityonline.com … →
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Original Founders
GROVE CITY WAS FOUNDED IN 1798. TWO HUNDRED YEARS LATER, WHEN GROVE CITY WAS ON THE HEELS OF ITS 1998 BICENTENNIAL AND TOWNSPEOPLE HAD A HEIGHTENED INTEREST IN GROVE CITY’S HISTORY, SEVERAL PEOPLE BEGAN MEETING TO SEE IF THERE WAS … →
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Mission Statement
The Mission of the Grove City Area Historical Society and Museum (GCAHS&M) is to preserve the history, heritage, and supporting artifacts of the Grove City area. Thank you for visiting the Grove City Area Historical Society’s website. My name is … →
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Discover
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History of Grove City
Using The Timeline (pdf) | | Copyright & Fair Use (pdf)
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Early 1600+
Indian Settlement The Treaty of Fort Stanwix A National Humiliation Donation Land Settlement Early Public Houses The Establishment of Mercer County Development of Townships in Mercer County Development of the Communities in Mercer County Black Settlement in Mercer County MORE … →
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1700
Venango Path Early Settlers Valentine Cunningham Cunningham Gristmill William Montgomery Deniston Family MORE INFO: Detailed Info
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1796-1799
Venango Path Early Settlers Valentine Cunningham Cunningham Gristmill William Montgomery Deniston Family MORE INFO: 1796-1779
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1800-1809
Mercer County Census Settlers Cunningham Sawmill Wolf Creek Township Wolf Creek Tax List Road from Mercer Early Taverns Glenn Mill MORE INFO: Detailed Info
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1810-1819
Robert Moore Gristmill MORE INFO: Detailed Info
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1820-1829
1822 Map Old Stone House Johnson’s New Lodge Inn MORE INFO: Detailed Info
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1830-1839
Subscription School Free School Methodist Meetings MORE INFO: Detailed Info
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1840-1849
Wolf Creek Post Office Pine Grove Village Methodist Episcopal Church Presbyterian Church Springfield Township Creation of Lawrence County MORE INFO: Detailed Info
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1850-1859
1850 Map with Pine Grove Black Furniture and Undertaking Pine Township Liberty Township James Cunningham House Union Hotel Thompson Preparatory Classes MORE INFO: Detailed Info
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1860-1869
Civil War Recruitment Francis Marion Craig Civil War Veterans Return John R. Cunningham Dickson Private Academy Erie and Pittsburgh RR Norman Maxwell Joseph Newton Pew Craig, Dale and Company MORE INFO: Detailed Info
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1870-1879
Business Census Montgomery Broom Shenango & Allegheny Railroad Telegraph Service Ketler “Select School” McKay Carriage Company Pine Grove Presbyterian Church Academy Building MORE INFO: Detailed Info
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1880-1889
Grove City Borough Incorporated Burnett Coal Vein Lock Mill The Pine Grove Bank Pine Grove Telephone Filer Hotel William J. Harshaw Telephone Service Grove City Banking Company Hallville Mine Union Heat and Light Co. Rhodes and Redmond Grove City College … →
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1890-1899
Broad Street Fires McCoy and Peasale Uber House Christ Reformed Church Mission of the Holy Cross Imperial Company Water Works Established Carruthers-Fithian Clutch Co. Bessemer Gas Engine Co. Roman Catholic Mass Coyer Mines Harshaw Real Estate and Insurance First National … →
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1900-1909
Bessemer Foundry Co. Mount Olive Baptist Church Hunter Dairy Municipal Electric Plant Grove City Fire Department Coal Mining Grove City Savings and Trust George Junior Republic King Planing and Supply Co. Barmore Lake Association Orrin Osborne Bashline Grove City Hospital … →
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1910-1919
Good Citizens League Dysentery-Typhoid Fever Epidemic Coal Mining Bashline and Rossman Hospital Grove City Country Club Police Department Bessemer Motor Truck Co. Pioneer Diary Merry Widow Train Wreck Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Standt Fatal Air Crash Grove City Creamery Johnstone … →
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1920-1929
Speakeasy Era Memorial Park Radio Broadcast Burdick Newspapers Geoge J. Howe Grocery Montgomery Builders Margaret Williams Cooper-Bessemer Corporation Grove City Floral Company W.M. Bashlin Co. Five Filer Bros. Carruthers Park Rotary Club Kiwanis Club Church of the Beloved Disciple GC … →
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1930-1939
Chestnut Street Bridge Wendell August James McCausland Natale Rossi Arthur Armour Ted Uber James DePonceau Palmer Smith Arthur Palmer Book Davis Company Covenant Orthodox Presbyterian Grove City Machine Shop Young’s Dairy Cunningham Funeral Home Grove City Alliance Church Original Grove … →
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1940-1949
Grove City Fire Dept. Charter GC National Guard Activated GC College Naval Training School Cooper-Bessemer Wartime SS Grove City Victory GC Joint Consolidated School District Holter Bus Henry T. Limberg Company Filer Auto Body Christian Science Society Lions Club Grove … →
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1950-1959
Grove City Area Credit Union McMullen Bus Station Hovis Trucking Arcweld Manufacturing Co. Pine Grove Golf Course Grove City Community Library Grove City Bowl-O-Drome Costello Candies General Electric McGill, Power, Bell, and Associates Willow Hills Golf MORE INFO: Detailed Info
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1960-1969
Pine Instrument Company SATEC Systems, Inc. WEDA Calcium Chloride Sales, Inc. Allied News Grove Manor Bryer Appliance Store Filer Heating and Plumbing WSAJ-FM Mercer County Vo-Tech Interstate 80 MORE INFO: Detailed Info
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1970-1979
General Electric Armstrong Cable Television Grove City Municipal Airport United Community Hospital Joden Jewelers Jubilee Christian School Grove Manor Thomas Construction Tri-County Industries, Inc. College View Towers Neely, Cashdollar and Assoc. Adobe Mining Co. FORTA Corp. Osborne Landfill Hillcrest Nursing … →
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1980-1989
General Electric Diesel Plant Pine Grove Square Plaza Ithen Global Borough Building/Public Library YMCA Riverside Market Grove City Paving Florence E. MacKenzie Award Grove City United Way TMS Physical Therapy County Market Pine Twp. Engine Company Grove City Agway Red … →
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1990-1999
Grove City Literacy Council Ivex Packaging Corporation Strawberry Days GC Factory Shops – Prime Outlets Carbis Walker and Associates US Investigations Services Cooper Cameron Liquor sales in Veterans Clubs Grove City Realty Grove City Water Plant Cooper Cameron Corp. Grove … →
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2000-2009
GC History Society Building Slovak Folk Crafts Downtown Renovation GC College Facilities Expansion Cooper Industrial Commons Born 2 Run Grove City Sears Central Heating and Plumbing Liquor Sales to General Public Blue Ribbon Tavern Alcoa Reynolds Packaging Graham Memorial Veterans … →
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2010-2019
Premium Outlets Wendell August Fire Olde Town Sculpture project Library Addition Tri-County Landfill Downtown Sculptures Grove City College Project Grove City Credit Union Project MORE INFO: Detailed Info
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Museum
The current projects and exhibits of the Grove City Area Historical Society include:
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1st Floor Exhibits
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The Lobby
Welcome to the Grove City Area Historical Society and Museum, original home to a hotel built between 1905 and 1910, and purchased by the Society in 2000. Remnants of the hotel are seen immediately upon entering as the original registration … →
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The Main Activity Room
This central room is the hub of activity at the society. Meetings and events are held here, where the Museum Shoppe is housed. The walls are adorned with a collection of Wendell August Christmas plates and Arthur Armour pieces, original … →
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The Kitchen
When this building was a hotel, the travelers were served a meal with the cost of their stay. Food preparation occurred here, and guests ate in what is now the Main Activity room. Feast on the appliances and kitchen tools … →
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The Office
Although not a public room, much activity occurs in this room. Our volunteers and Board members can be found here conducting the business and doing the work which keeps the Grove City Historical Society and Museum functioning as such a … →
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The Lillian Reynolds Reeher Library
At your disposal for research, or simply informative relaxation, this room has a vast collection of reference material on local and county history. It houses the Civil War Diaries of Ranals Craig, an early resident. In addition, there are pictures … →
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The Publications Room
This room is not directly accessible to the public but serves many important functions. It serves as a workroom used by Grove City College students as they continue digitizing the treasured Ketler Collection of papers. It houses maps, digital files, … →
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2nd Floor Exhibits
Welcome to the 2nd Floor Original home to 13 sleeping rooms, 2 toilet rooms, a tub room, and a shower room, the second floor, which is handicap accessible, now houses rooms designed to serve specific topics of community interest. As … →
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The Travelers Hotel Room
Our historical society is currently housed in the building previously occupied by the Travelers Hotel. This room is a replica of the accommodations a guest of The Travelers Hotel would enjoy upon their arrival. The 1920’s bedroom furniture has beautifully … →
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The Church Room
In the Church Room are ink sketches, done by Rev. William Bovard, of all the current and past churches in the Grove City area. The stained glass window and podium were donated by East Main Presbyterian Church, and the podium … →
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The Grove City Business Room
Mostly gone, but worthy of remembering, the memorabilia in this room is a reminder of what was business as usual in Grove City from when the streets were covered with dirt to present day. Leather & harness shops, meat markets … →
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The Military Room
Housed here is memorabilia from the Civil War to the present. The Civil War diary of Ranals Craig, one of Grove City’s founding fathers is found here as well as an array of medals. (Rm.Mgr.-Skip Sample – skipsample@zoominternet.net)
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The Craig, Harshaw, Bestwick Real Estate Room
This room tells a pictorial history of the community through pictures of her treasured houses. (Rm. Mgr. – Georgie Hodge – broker@grovecityrealty.com)
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The Community Organizations Room
If the organization existed in the past or still exists, it’s likely we have the scrapbooks and relevant information concerning its formation, participants, and history. The smell and detail of the hand-tooled leather scrapbooks fascinate all who visit. (Rm.Mgr – … →
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The Industrial Room
Major industry has often found a home in Grove City. Although this room focuses heavily on Cooper Bessemer (Cooper Industries) and General Electric, the evidence of many other industries find a home here. There is a wonderful collection of instructional … →
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The School Room
This room contains typical pictures, books, flags, and class pictures, but what consumes the eye of the observer is the collection of desks, lockers, etc. that highlight the evolution of classroom furnishings from the 1800’s to the late 1900’s in … →
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The Grove City College Room
Designed to replicate the office of Isaac Ketler, Founder/President of the College and his son, Weir Ketler, the office houses artifacts, portraits, and memorabilia from the college. The white suit on the mannequin was worn by Dr. Weir Ketler. This … →
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The Grove City Sports Room
Focused on the home teams, the memorabilia housed here represents the impact of sports at Grove City College and in Grove City Area Schools. (Rm.Mgr. Roger Flynn – rogerflynn21@hotmail.com)
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The Agriculture Room
The walls are barn siding. The murals depict country life. The implements represent a day gone by and underscore the importance of technological advancement. Don’t touch the bear trap! (Rm.Mgr. Ed Carlson – thegrizandmrs@zoominternet.net)
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The Scouting Hall
Boy Scouting surfaces in Grove City history as early as 1919, and Girl Scouting in 1932. In this hall are pictures, badges, and uniforms worn by the youngsters in their pursuit of the scouting objectives of truth and fairness. (Rm.Mgr. … →
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The Medical Room
Curated lovingly by Dr. Betty Jo White, the room merges the history of two hospitals that serviced Grove City from the early 1900’s to 1978. A visitor can easily come to appreciate the advances made in medicine as they experience … →
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The Men’s Clothing Room
Take a look back in time at the garb of a day gone by, the usual and the unusual. Many military uniforms are housed here also. (Rm.Mgr. Cathie and Camille Sadler – reach via info@grovecityhistoricalsociety.org)
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The Women’s Clothing Room
Tickle the fancy; open the drawers. Find everything from pantaloons to crinolines, a unique mixture of clothing from pre 1900 to the present. There’s a bridesmaid’s dress made from the WWII parachute of the groom, a mourning dress worn by … →
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The Basement Exhibits
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The Arthur Armour Aluminum Room
Note: This room is currently under construction, pending receipt of grant money. The picture shown is of the Arthur Armour wall in the Main Activity Room When completed, this room will preserve the artifacts, documents, and story of the Arthur … →
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Virtual Tour
A vacant cement block building built in 1903 for the purpose of bottling “Soda Pop”, then converted into a two family apartment dwelling became the decorative aluminum workplace for artison and craftman Arthur Armour. From this shop emerged well designed … →
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The Mail Wagon Room
The central focus of this room is the mail wagon owned by R. Hood Reynolds, a Grove City rural mail carrier; it is believed to be one of the last in existence in Pennsylvania. For Reynolds to drive his … →
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The Coal Mining Display
Walk a little further beyond the Mail Room and enjoy the coal mining display, the labor for which was donated by the Randy Voltz family in memory of James F. Dunkerley, an early coal miner. Coal mining was very important … →
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The John Sample Decorative Aluminum Heritage Center
This room, established after his passing, is a memorial to the research and collecting done by John Sample. John was a collector of ‘old hammered aluminum from the Grove City area’, but he not only collected hammered aluminum, he studied … →
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The Stairwell
When using the stairwell to the basement rooms, you are surrounded by paintings of the banks of Wolf Creek, one side a view in summer and the other side a view in winter. At the bottom of the steps is … →
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Offsite Displays
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Cunningham Wheel
Offsite of the society building (at the corner of Greenwood Drive and East Main Street) is Cunningham Mill Park where you will find a treasured artifact, the main gear from the original Cunningham Mill which stood near that site. Cunningham … →
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Genealogy
Those wishing to do genealogical work at the Grove City Area Historical Society and Museum have the option of choosing to do the research themselves, using our resources and equipment, or requesting help from our volunteer genealogists. We have two … →
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Geneo Form
Geneo Form
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Library Resource Index
using june 24 2021 Historical Society – Library Resources 2020 (3)
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Libraries & Courthouses
Libraries Grove City Community Library, 125 West Main St., Grove City, PA 16127, 724-458-7320 Community Library of the Shenango Valley, 11 North Sharpsville Ave., Sharon, PA 16146, 724-981-4360 New Castle Public Library, c/o Genealogy Department, 207 E. North St., New … →
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Other Local Historical Societies / Genealogical Services
Mercer County Historical Society http://www.mchspa.org , 724-662-3490, they will check their records (which include obituaries from local papers, family histories, etc.) for a $15.00 per surname inquiry donation if you make a request by mail to 119 South Pitt Street, … →
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Historical Homes of Grove City
The streets of Grove City are lined with homes that have interesting histories. As a part of the town’s Bicentennial celebration, members of the Grove City Woman’s Club researched a sampling of Grove City’s more historical dwellings. A sampling of … →
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Local Artists
Margaret Williams Margaret Williams was a local woman who taught art at Grove City College and was known throughout the community for her artwork. The young girl in the painting below was Margaret’s next door neighbor, Mary Ellen Lamb. B. … →
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Publications
GCAHS&M is proud to be offering two premiere hardback books that spotlight various aspects of our local history. The Way We Were features agriculture, mining, business and industry, local entrepreneurs, entertainment, events and wars, families, schools and churches. Grandma Left the Light On focuses … →
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Grandma Left the Light On
Grove City folks built ordinary homes and businesses and then set out to do extraordinary things. All of us here in Grove City, generation after generation, benefited from those who lit the way. These are the stories. This 8×10.5″ hardback … →
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The Way We Were
A visual heritage in hardback you will be proud to own. Fond memories of our community in the “Good Old Days”. This 8″ x 10.5″ hardback book contains more than 138 pages and 260 pictures from our past printed in sepia-tone. … →
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Wolf Creek Legacy
Order your copy of Wolf Creek Legacy now for $25! We have reprinted Wolf Creek Legacy I and II in one fully indexed volume, with additional new photos. The definitive oral history of Grove City, was first published as a series … →
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Protected: Members
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Newsletters
2022 April 2022 2021 April 2021 July 2021 November 2021 2020 July 2020 April 2020 2019 November 2019 July 2019 April 2019 2018 November 2018 July-2018 April 2018 2017 November 2017 July 2017 April 2017 2016 November 2016 July 2016 … →
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Events
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Society
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Calendar
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Historical Society Picnic
The Historical Society Annual Picnic will be on August 9 at 6:00 PM at Grove City Memorial Park. Bring a dish to share. Drinks will be furnished
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Speaker Series
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NYE FAMILY HISTORY 10/23/2017
Laurie McCandless discusses the history of the Nye family in Hickory Township and Grove City https://youtu.be/Dxvnu33GVIQ
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THE HEART AT THE START OF MY ART 9/25/2017
Tales of a Storied Expressionist by Lillian Reynolds Reeher https://youtu.be/qFeYqW24cNk
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THE RHONA TRAGEDY 10/9/2017
A World War II tragedy with Grove City ties. https://youtu.be/EwVYk4-pkSE
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GROVE MANOR 4/30/2018
The history of Grove Manor in Grove City told by Robert Guy Jr. https://youtu.be/vjQpKOYdJbM
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STARTING YOUR FAMILY TREE 5/21/2018
How to start researching your family tree by Cathy Coulter https://youtu.be/YpU1Xd_v-qM
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PINE INSTRUMENT COMPANY 9/17/2018
The history of the Pine Instrument Company told by Joe Hines https://youtu.be/SR1gNgBjf_w
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ANTIQUES 10/15/2018
A discussion of antiques of all types by Terry Reeher https://youtu.be/VK194vdmUOU
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GEORGE JUNIOR REPUBLIC 4/22/2019
The history of the George Junior Republic in Grove City told by Susan Boland https://youtu.be/MLZwBSFOpZ4
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CIVIL WAR REENACTING 5/6/2019
The story of Civil War Reenacting in Grove City told by Tim Bennett https://youtu.be/YNvBRY2gwq8
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McDONALDS 5/20/2019
The history of McDonalds in Grove City and the origin of the Big Mac, told by Dan Delligatti https://youtu.be/ilDdT7lo6GU
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EARTH SUN MOON TRADING COMPANY 9/23/2019
The history of the Earth Sun Moon Trading Company told by Nathan Depew https://youtu.be/b7-UmRDHQZo
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PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 5/22/2021
A report on the findings of the investigation of paranormal activity in the Museum building https://youtu.be/Jk6_A88blcY
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AGWAY 6/7/2021
The history of the Grove City Agway by George Rodgers https://youtu.be/tmFu_avQjR0
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BASHLIN INDUSTRIES 6/21/2021
The history of Bashlin Industries by Brad McGill and Rod Paul http://youtu.be/mA-p2A6dunc
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THE ROTARY CLUB OF GROVE CITY 7/12/2021
Mary (Skip) Sample discusses the history of the Rotary Club in Grove City. https://youtu.be/cJ7weUEOULA
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Duraedge Products 10/11/2021
Grant McKnight presens a program on Duraedge Products https://youtu.be/uBBHQtfpRy8
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WENDEL AUGUST AND ARTHUR ARMOUR 10/14/2021
A discussion of the history of Wendel August Forge and Arthur Armour by Mary (Skip) Sample and Tom Armour https://youtu.be/7qpz1SX_vz0
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Museum “Show and Tell” 10/25/2021
Various members of the Historical Society will discuss their favorite artifacts from the Museum collections at 6:30 PM on October 25 https://youtu.be/EveFJX7F1KA
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Tours
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Woodland Cemetery Tour
A Tour of the Woodland Cemetery led by Kathy Jack and Jane Cleary
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IT’S History Museum Tour
A tour of our museum filmed by PCN for their “It’s History” program. Led by Mary “Skip” Sample
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Catholic Cemetery Tour
A Tour of the Catholic Cemetery on Gill Road, led by Kathy Jack and Jane Cleary https://youtu.be/DNvXEFGp6SY
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Old Presbyterian Cemetery Walk
September 20 at 6:30 PM. Led by Kathy Jack and Jane Cleary. Meet at the Cemetery on Greenwood Ave.
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Support
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Volunteer
What can I do? The Grove City Area Historical Society and Museum welcomes your assistance in many areas. Our volunteers can donate one hour a month or as many hours as they can spare. Often, our helpers give us one … →
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Donate
Thank You! The Society, an all-volunteer non-profit, was founded in 1998 and came into existence housed in one of Grove City’s historic buildings, The Uber Hotel, a building well over a hundred years old. Maintaining the facility and continuing the … →
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Membership
Join us in our ongoing quest to preserve the rich and colorful history of the Grove City Area! Membership benefits include: access to the Society’s library and historical archives, an informative newsletter, invitations to our annual picnic and other Society … →
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Acquisitions
The Grove City Area Historical Society and Museum does accept donations of historically and personally significant items based on a number of criteria. Please read the policy below to find out if your item could be a potential donation. The … →
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Business Partners
The Grove City area businesses were there for us when the Grove City Area Historical Society and Museum was started and continue to be strong supporters of our efforts. We are proud to list our current members here, along with … →
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Heritage Tree
The Grove City Area Historical Society and Museum is honored to present to you our Heritage Tree. It was designed and painted by Society Board member and artist, Lillian Reynolds Reeher, and is the focal point of the Society’s lobby … →
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Heritage Tree Honorees
Jean Brown The John Sample Family Hermann and Florence von Ende The Dr. Daniel Gallagher Family Deborah Lynn Gerlach John and Mary Jane Scott Kathleen & David Cashdollar Family Henry T. Limberg Jr. The Gordon Family Edna Fay McCoy Beverly … →
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