Smithville Historical Society tin shop ready for grand opening
May 8, 2010
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The Smithville Community Historical Society met Monday, May 3, at 7 p.m., in the Reception Center. Harold Downey, president, called the meeting to order. Bob Studer led the opening prayer.
The new tin shop is finished. David Evans and Joe Irvin provided some of the tools. The grand opening will be during for the first open house on Sunday, June 13. Nita Downey updated the historical society brochure and it is available. Society members will spring clean the log cabin, the log house, and the Reception Center on June 2 and 9 (Wednesdays) beginning at 9 a.m.
Reid Smucker gave the history of the J.M. Smucker Company. Jerome Smucker grew up in the Smithville area. He attended Center College (a one-room school) and the Smithville Academy. In 1880, he and his brother began a creamery business. They made butter, Swiss cheese, and ice cream. Jerome started making apple butter at home using a recipe from his grandmother. He bought a cider mill in 1887, and in 1904 he started making jams and jellies.
David and Fae Evans served refreshments.
The next meeting will be held Monday, June 7, beginning at 5:30 p.m., with supper at the Das Dutch Essenhaus in Shreve. At 7 there will be a tour of the County Line Historical Society. A small fee will be charged for the tour.
