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.
Community Summer Entertainment 100 Years Ago
Postcards from the Past: Dude Harrell's Sohio Station
Postcards from the Past: Dude Harrell's Sohio Station
"Chautauqua", first held in New York, became an adult education and social movement in the U.S. in the late 19th and 20th centuries.
Holders of one of the above-pictured 1920 Chautauqua Festival tickets could attend a 3-day mid-August event. It consisted of lectures, humorists, soloists, and small musical groups including the Colonial Maids, Tropolitan Male Trio, and Brownell Concert Company. Ticket price was $1.25 plus War Tax of 13 cents.
The event was held in a large tent in the area off Lockville Road now occupied by Victory Park. Later, the gathering was moved to school grounds.
Through the Years: August Happenings in our Community
Postcards from the Past: Dude Harrell's Sohio Station
Through the Years: August Happenings in our Community
August 10, 1980: Pickerington Village Council passed a resolution to fluoridate the water supply.
August 13, 1849: Bowen School (photo above) was built at Bowen & Schoolhouse Roads. This school has been restored as a private residence.
August 23, 1989: McDonald's restaurant opened in Pickerington at Hill & Refugee Roads.
August 24, 1908: Natural gas came to Pickerington.
August 31, 1977: The Blacklick-Tussing covered bridge, constructed in 1888, collapsed under the weight of a gravel truck carrying 17 tons of gravel.
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
