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 on Second Saturdays, 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
Who were the Purple Devils?
Pickerington's Mason Family
Pickerington's Mason Family
"Purple Devils" was the name of Violet Township High School's first basketball team seen in the above photo taken in 1930.
Players in the front row are: Cecil Diley, Art Houser, Norman Diley, Jack Moran, Ray Boyer.
Second row: Ray King, Gale Houser, Dale Knepper, Rupert Alton, Ray Diley.
Third row: Fred Knowlton, Raymond Dunlap,
Frank W. Fenstermaker, Howard Beals,
Violet Township High School's name was changed to Pickerington High School in 1940. The building still stands on East Street and houses Heritage Elementary and the PLSD offices.
Pickerington's Mason Family
Pickerington's Mason Family
Pickerington's Mason Family
Phillip B. Mason (seen here in this 1904 photo) gave up his traveling meat market business in 1934 when he was appointed Pickerington's Postmaster. The family owned and lived above Mason’s Meat Market which they built in 1914 and still is located at 21 W. Columbus Street in downtown Pickerington. The Masons remodeled the Meat Market to accommodate Pickerington's Post Office; and Philip served as Postmaster until his death in 1940. At that time his daughter, Cleo, became Postmistress and served until 1967. Later, under Cleo’s care, the building became Pickerington’s first Historical Society headquarters.
Through the Years: April Happenings
Pickerington's Mason Family
Through the Years: April Happenings
April 3, 1984: The traffic light at Hill Road North (SR 256) and Refugee Road was installed.
April 4, 1977: Pickerington's municipal offices moved from downtown Pickerington to 500 Hereford Drive (see photo above). This was the site of the original Pickering family homestead (attachment at left side is former log cabin).
April 9, 1934: Phillip B. Mason transformed his downtown Meat Market into Pickerington's Post Office when he was appointed Village Postmaster.
April 15, 1928: The Wetherell Dairy in southern Violet Township began their dairy operation on Pickerington Road. It remained a family business until March 31, 1971 when it closed.
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
