Century Village Museum Enters Its 75th Year! By Sandra Mueller y g Amish Countryside 11 May 30, 1942 is the date that marks the start of a landmark year for the Geauga County Historical Society. This date was when the museum doors, of what we now know as Century Village Museum were opened to the public for the first time. In 1942 the public saw a much different picture than what visitors are privileged to see today. In fact, there was only one historic building open for viewing by the public. This building was the Eleazer Hickox home built in 1838 that remains on its original site. The story of the growth of Century Village Museum revolves around the importance of how a number of individuals shared their vision and dedication for preserving the history of our county for future generations. When these interested individuals gathered together, the result is what you now see on the southern end of Burton Square. It all began at a family reunion gathering of 172 descendants of John and Ester Ford held July 24, 1873. It was here that the beginning steps for the formation of a historical society took shape. One of the family members of this family reunion was Col. Henry Ford. He had invited Homer Goodwin, Judge Lester Taylor and General Garfield to attend. This resulted in giving Judge Taylor and Homer Goodwin the opportunity to reemphasize their enthusiasm for the formation of a historical society to a sizable group of people and to accomplish the following. “A date was set, September 16, 1873, and Garfield was to make the address. With the Hon. Peter Hitchcock as temporary chairman, a constitution was formed. The name of this society shall be the Historical Society of Geauga County. Its object, the gathering and preserving in permanent form the names of early settlers, facts, and incidents connected with the early settlement, together with such relics as may be of interest and value. Officers were elected, the Hon. Lester Taylor of Claridon as president, and C.E. Clapp of Huntsburg as secretary. Representative from the townships made up the board of managers. Songs, stories, and an historic address were given; 67 members were present.” “In the beginning, that first historical society planned only to collect and house in a safe place relics of the early days, from which they hoped their descendants might learn the lesson of care of prudence. Meetings were held annually on September 10th at the fairgrounds. Judge Taylor delivered the centennial address in 1876. In May, 1878, the society undertook the publication of a county history, and the aid of the Agricultural Society. The last meeting of the society was held in Burton, October 15, 1878, the Judge Taylor presiding. The Hon. ed he c g me nal site The stor of gathering and preserving in permanent
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