Our Historical Museum is closed until the coronavirus crisis ends.
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
Postcards from the Past: Dude Harrell's Sohio Station
Postcards from the Past: Dude Harrell's Sohio Station
Postcards from the Past: Dude Harrell's Sohio Station
In 1920, the Huntwork-Shimp Sinclair Filling Station stood on the northeast corner of Columbus and Center Streets. Co-owner, Roy Huntwork, also was a director of Pickerington Bank and involved in the development of Mingo Estates.
That original small gas station was replaced by this larger brick building, and in 1973 it was known as Dude Harrell's Sohio Station.
At the present time, the building is owned by Violet Township and serves as the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Substation.
1981 Labor Day Parade in Pickerington
Postcards from the Past: Dude Harrell's Sohio Station
Postcards from the Past: Dude Harrell's Sohio Station
Charles "Chuck" Badger and his wife, Vivian, led the 1981 Labor Day Parade as it passed Pickerington's Public Library on Columbus Street. Badger had recently retired as Chief of the Violet Township Fire Department, a position he held from 1970 - 1981.
The Pickerington Volunteer Fire Department had been established in 1934 with 8 volunteers under the direction of Mayor T.O. Ebright. The first Fire Department was constructed at 22 North Center Street in a building that is still standing. In 1953, a bond issue was passed by voters of Pickerington and Violet Township to build a new Violet Township Fire Station at 21 Lockville Road.
Through the Years: September Community Happenings
Postcards from the Past: Dude Harrell's Sohio Station
Through the Years: September Community Happenings
Sept 2, 1916: On Labor Day in 1916, the Violet Township Library (now Historical Museum) was dedicated and opened to the public.
Sept 7, 1986: The Zeller-Smith covered bridge was moved from Busey Road to Sycamore Park.
Sept 9, 1967: A newly constructed post office (photo above) opened at 51 E. Columbus St. Before this date, the post office was housed in various businesses in Pickerington Village.
Sept 13, 1808: Violet Township was formed.
Sept 15, 1815: The first plat of "Jackson Ville" was recorded at the Fairfield County Courthouse.
Sept 29, 1968: A new Pickerington High School was dedicated at 130 Hill Rd S at the football field in outdoor ceremonies.
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!
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