Gerber new director of Kidron-Sonnenberg Heritage Center
On Jan. 1, Max B. Gerber assumed duties as the new director of the Kidron-Sonnenberg Heritage Center.
Max B. Gerber has been named as the new director of the Kidron-Sonnenberg Heritage Center.
Gerber is not only a lifelong resident of Kidron, but also has always lived and worked within 800 yards of the town square. The combination of his personal memories, education and experience will allow him to be an asset to the historical society, where he started as director on Jan. 1 of this year.
“For over three decades, I had the chance to share the stories of Kidron with customers and friends,” Gerber said. “Becoming the director of the Kidron Heritage Center seemed like the natural progression of my Kidron story.”
A graduate of Kidron Elementary and Dalton High School, Gerber earned a business degree from Ashland College. Upon graduation, he began working at what was known as the South Side Store and is now the Kidron Town and Country Store. Gerber retired from the store in 2016 after 24 years as proprietor. Post retirement, Gerber spent five years as the purchasing agent for the Central American Medical Outreach.
Gerber comes from a musical family and sang in a barbershop quartet with his sisters in high school. He also played trombone and baritone horn. As an adult Gerber decided to trade his trombone for a tuba in order to participate in the annual Wayne County Tuba Christmas Concert. He achieved his goal and is now a regular at the holiday event. He also plays tuba with the Orrville Community Band.
The Heritage Center welcomes donations. Gerber said they currently need items and background about life in Kidron 1930-60. They also would like to collect the oral history of Kidron, and anyone with ideas how to do this is invited to reach out. To donate, offer suggestions about oral history or inquire about other ways to become involved, email kidronheritagecenter@gmail.com or call 330-857-9111.
“Every new activity brings with it novel challenges and opportunities,” Gerber said. “The history is established, but the excitement is in the way you tell it.
“I have lived in Kidron my entire life, and I remember hearing the tales and myths from people who were there at the time. My grandchildren aren’t interested now, but in the future? My job is to preserve the opportunity for them to change their minds.”