Geib in Touch
A recent Geib in Touch program, held at the Geib Funeral Center in Dover Thursday, April 8, offered a chance to not only learn about history but to see old friends, share stories, and talk to an expert on local history.The Tuscarawas County Historical Society (TCHS) president, Fred Miller, conducted the program using photos and maps from the society's collection with the assistance of his wife, Becky.
"Our funeral home is good about the preservation of all towns and their histories because history is really about the people," said Robin Mackey, an employee of Geib Funeral Center. "These programs are important because they educate the community and bring people together to share stories. There's a feeling of camaraderie."
The first surprising thing the approximately 50 attendees learned was that Bolivar used to be closer to the Tuscarawas River than it is today. Miller used a map from 1908 to illustrate the fact and he even told of farfetched stories of school boys leaning out the windows of the school to try to launch spitballs into the river. When I-77 was built the river was moved slightly to the east.
Another effect of I-77 was that it brought an influx of people to the town, which saw its population increase from around 500 to more than 1,000 in the decade between 1960 and 1970.
The Geib in Touch programs have allowed the TCHS to connect with people outside of their membership to find new information and materials for their collection.
"We just got this picture. Does anyone recognize this gentlemen?" asked Miller. There were a few guesses but no conclusion was reached. In another photo, Jean Baker, 91, of Bolivar, recognized her mother, Helen Miller Detrich.
Many of the photos used in the presentation had been copied from Baker's collection. She has lived in Bolivar all of her life except for a short time when her husband was in the service. She thoroughly enjoyed the program and the stories and added, "I could have told a few."
Miller asked another attendee if he was in an old school photo being shown. "I'm not sure, Fred. I looked pretty good back then," the man replied.
It is important to note that by allowing the Tuscarawas County Historical Society to scan photos, residents can make a valuable contribution to the area history while keeping precious photos intact and in the family.
Photos aren't the only important aspect of preserving history. "Unless the story of a period is written down, it is lost," said Miller.
No part of Bolivar's history was missed as the program touched on a variety of aspects of the town's businesses, schools, and fire department. "In small towns, you wear many hats," said Miller as he listed the various occupations of the volunteer fireman.
Others in attendance were hoping to find information about their ancestors. Patty Reeve, of Massillon, attended along with several other descendants of the Patrick Daley family. The Daley family members rebuilt the number eight, nine, and 10 canal locks in the Bolivar area. Anyone with photos or information may e-mail Reeve at pattyr@sssnet.com.
Miller announced that a walk at the Bolivar cemetery will be held in September. Among the late citizens to be featured are Ralph and Helen Miller Detrich (the parents of Jean Baker), who ran a hardware store in the town.
He also announced that the Ohio Historical Society has given its permission to allow Kent State University students to conduct a survey this summer at Schoenbrunn Village. Using special equipment that can locate objects under the ground, the students will be looking for unmarked gravesites.
The TCHS, along with Kent State University Tuscarawas, operates the Tusc-Kent Archives at the campus. The TCHS can be contacted by e-mail at tuschs@tuschs.org, by sending mail to P.O. Box 462, New Philadelphia 44663 or at 330-339-3391, ext. 47494.