Get to Know Your Local Historical Societies

 

Medina County is fortunate to have many societies dedicated to preserving our local history.  For the third blog post in this series, we’re featuring the Brunswick Area Historical Society. Sam Boyer, the society's secretary, answered our questions about the society. 

If you are interested in local history and/or have a family connection to Brunswick, below are some details about the history of the society and the programs and activities it offers. 

MCDL Library Associate: How did the society begin? Who were some of the early members? 

SAM BOYER: The Historical Society of the Brunswick area (it’s official name) became active in 1992. There had been an attempt at starting one in the 70s, but it never really gained steam. Some of the founders included Linda Scarcella, Ellen Gibbs and Aqua Neura. Shortly thereafter, Mamie Grunau became involved as the city of Brunswick began looking for a permanent home for a historical society.

 
They purchased a farm on Laurel Road after the death of Mary Groening, who purchased the farm in 1947. The city became only the fifth owner of the property, which was first settled in 1818. It now consisted of 32 acres. There was a deed restriction as Mrs. Groening was known to have driven off developers with a broom.

The city used a federal grant to renovate all the buildings before leasing them to the society in a partnership in which the society cares for the buildings and the city takes care of the property.

MCDL Library Associate: Who are the people who manage the Brunswick Area Historical Society? And what are their responsibilities? 

SAM BOYER: Current officers include three Brunswick High School graduates – Carl Bilski, president; David Goodyear, vice president; Joyce Petchler, treasurer. I am the secretary and have been a member for a long time, but became active when former president/vice president Amber Dalakas moved to Chippewa Lake. Ms. Scarcella continues to be active; Mamie, who is 97, is still in touch but not attending meetings now.

MCDL Library Associate: Tell us about your upcoming programs?  Where/when does the society meet?  Do people have to be members to attend?

SAM BOYER: We have tried several approaches to programs and just began a series on early families who have descendants still here. We heard from Carol Gannon and Nola Benjamin Lowther about their families, and we will have a program on the Chidsey family at 7 p.m. Oct. 28 at Goodyear’s Big Barn, 691 Pearl Road.

On Jan. 28, Chrissy Rhoades, the online storyteller about historic Brunswick, will be the guest and that meeting will be held at the Brunswick United Methodist Church, 1395 Pearl Road. We plan to continue with other families. The public is invited to attend. As of now we don’t charge, but do accept donations.

During the summer, meetings are held at 7 p.m. the last Thursday of the month at the Big Red Barn at Heritage Farm.

 
To help make what is now known as Heritage Farm more visible, we started a farmers’ market and it  ended its eighth year with the fall foliage tour this year.

MCDL Library Associate: If an individual needs help with research -- or if they live too far away to visit the historical society -- how can they get assistance?

SAM BOYER: We have been offline a couple of years as we continue to work to open a new building meant to house more than 200 years of school artifacts. We will also move our office from the very crowded second floor and then will offer online and in person access. 

We are always open to conducting tours of the farm by appointment, by calling 330-441-0292 or emailing brunswickareahistory@gmail.com. 

MCDL Library Associate: How can an individual join the society?  

SAM BOYER: Information about the society, how to become a member, upcoming events, and videos of past programs are available at www.brunswickhistory.com.

See more about the Brunswick Area Historical Society by clicking on this link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8qPTm71mi0&t=22s