Covid-19 has closed our Historical Museum until it is safe to reopen.
15 E Columbus Street - (614)382-5989
15 E Columbus Street - (614)382-5989
About Us
Historical Society Mission and History:
The Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Society has been an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization since 1987. Its mission is to preserve our community's past for future generations to see and use.
Our Historical Society has maintained a museum in the community's Carnegie Library since 1993 -- the year the library moved into its new facility. The Carnegie Library originally opened in 1916 with the aid of a $10,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie. The building remains one of the few Carnegie-financed buildings that exist in Central Ohio.
Our Museum:
Our Museum, located in the center of historic downtown Pickerington, tells the story of Pickerington-Violet Township. Admission is free.
Artifacts include prehistoric Native American tools and weapons collected around Pickerington, an original town pump, restored 1879 Taber pump organ, the cooking stove and photos once residing inside Moore's Pool Hall, photos of our high school graduating classes from 1909-1981, and much more.
A reference and reading area is available for public research of historic documents, directories, and photos, along with a searchable database of all graves in Violet Cemetery.
Getting Involved:
We are an all-volunteer organization and depend upon the generosity of our Historical Society members, Museum visitors, and the community for support and funding of projects and programs. You can help by:
- Becoming a member. Click for Membership Application and more information.
- Volunteering to help at our Museum during Open Houses, for tours, special events, and Museum maintenance. For more information or to sign up, contact Volunteer Coordinator, Stephanie Johnson at "Contact Us" below or visit Volunteer Sign Up to choose a date/event.
- Donating an object/document of local historical interest, or making a monetary contribution at the "Donate Now" box.
Historical Society News
May 1909: First High School Graduates!
May 1909: First High School Graduates!
May 1909: First High School Graduates!
On May 30, 1909, the first graduation ceremonies were held at the Violet Township High School on East Street in Pickerington. The first graduation class consisted of Guy Fishbaugh, Rue Fishbaugh, Amy Lyons and Perlie Milnor. All went on to attain college degrees.
May 1946: Williamson Sunoco
May 1909: First High School Graduates!
May 1909: First High School Graduates!
20-year old Raymond "Kayo" Williamson, who just returned home from serving in WWII, opened his Sunoco station at the corner of West Columbus Street and Hill Road in 1946. At the time, gasoline cost 15.9 cents per gallon and tires were $9.95 each. Eventually, Williamson purchased more land behind the station and built the larger station seen in this 1958 photo.
The station's underground gasoline storage tanks were removed in 1992, but the business continued handling vehicle repairs until 2004. Although both Kayo and Lois Wiliamson have passed away, the property still is held by their children.
Through the Years: May Happenings
May 1909: First High School Graduates!
Through the Years: May Happenings
May 2, 1901: The above photo above shows a crew of 9 men installing the first telephones in Pickerington at the corner of Center & Columbus Streets.
May 9, 1901: Earl Lonzo Moore, Pickerington native and pitcher for the Cleveland Indians, pitched 9 perfect innings against the Chicago Americans, the first no-hitter in the American League. However, the Indians lost the game in extra innings.
May 12, 1983: The Pickerington Board of Education purchased the first computer equipment for the high school and middle school.
Donate
The generous support and contributions from people like you enable us to collect and preserve local history for future generations.
The Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Society is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Your donation may be tax deductible. Please contact your tax advisor for information.
Thank you!
Business Members and Sponsors
