Bicentennial in 2021 A Publication of the Miamisburg Historical Society
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A Publication of the Miamisburg Historical Society
Summer 2021 Volume XXIX Issue 2
MIAMISBURG HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Officers:
OFFICERS & BOARD
Judy Wuerstl, President
St. Jacob Lutheran Church Celebrates
Ken Ballinger, Vice President
Sandi Postle, Secretary
Carolyn Kilpatrick, Treasurer
Gary Petticrew, Curator
Bicentennial in 2021
by Kim Izor
Board: St. Jacob Lutheran Church is celebrating its bicentennial throughout the year.
Dick Church Jr. The church was established in 1821 under the leadership of Rev. John Caspar
Kim Izor Dill, who became the first full-time pastor of any church in Miamisburg. The
Eric Flasher
schoolhouse, built in 1818, was the home for worship services in the early
Teri Skudlarek
Martha Ballinger years. That building is now located at 102 South Second Street.
Kurt Stueve, Past President
The construction of the current church building was started and completed
Committee Chairs: entirely during the Civil War and formally dedicated on August 28, 1864. All
Bronwyn Peck, Ways and Means 326,000 bricks were made locally, and the long lumber required was primarily
Ken Ballinger, The Tavern Log Editor, from West Virginia. The top fifteen feet of the spire, which reaches 150 feet to
webmaster, Publicity, Social Media the top, was assembled on the ground, and lifted into place by block and tackle.
Kevin McKinney, City Liaison
Tammy Clark, Displays
Kim Izor, Membership The bell in the belfry dates from 1832 and was moved from the intermediate
Carolyn Kilpatrick, Gift Shop church building. It was cast in Miamisburg, but it did not have a good sound. It
Martha Ballinger, Programs was recast and contains a high percentage of silver thanks to the silverware and
Nita Petticrew, HRRC
Randy Staley, Veterans coins donated by the congregants. The town name stamped on the bell is
John Warrington, Media Production Group spelled “Miamiesburg”. That spelling also appears in at least one other docu-
Judy Wuerstl, Children’s Education and ment in the church archives.
Heritage Village Event Coordinator
……………………………………………………………………….
The Education Wing, completed in 1953, houses Sunday School classrooms, a
The Tavern Log is published four times chapel, and the church offices. Due to shortages during the Korean Conflict,
a year by the Society for its members. the War Department had to grant permission for use of the steel beams in the
Submit material to: building framework.
Editor, The Tavern Log
Miamisburg Historical Society With few exceptions, the pastors of St. Jacob Lutheran Church have served
P.O. Box 774 long terms. Only twelve have led the congregation in 200 years. The current
Miamisburg, OH 45343-0774 pastor, Reverend Michael G. Hout, is celebrating his 23rd year of service.
or e-mail to
tavernlog@historicalmiamisburg.org
The Tavern Log reserves the right to edit Organized tours of the church will be offered in the Fall, with other special
any material submitted. events planned throughout the remainder of this year.
MIAMISBURG HISTORY CENTER
35 South Fifth St., Miamisburg, OH 45342 For more information, contact
Open Wed. and Sat., 1:00—4:00 pm* St. Jacob Lutheran Church at
(937) 866-4324 or visit their
THE HERITAGE VILLAGE website:
Gebhart Tavern and Kercher Pioneer Home http://www.stjacob.net/
Corner of Lock St. and Old Main, Msbg.
BOARD MEETINGS
Third Thursday of each month at
6:00 pm at the Miamisburg History
Center.
EMAIL:
MHSociety@historicalmiamisburg.org The church at 213 E Central Avenue—1887
Phone: (937) 859-5000 (left) and 2003 (right)
Page 2 Summer 2021
1916 Sports
The Miamisburg school system added basketball to its expanding list of student
athletic opportunities in 1916. Both girls’ and boys’ teams were formed that
year. You might recognize one or more of your grand- or great-grandparents in
these photographs from the 1916 Mirus yearbook.
Welcoming visitors into our new Research Room
A very special thank you to Dour Printing for supporting
the Historical Society with printing services for each issue of
The Tavern Log newsletter and Annual Report.
Dour Printing—18 North Second Street, Miamisburg, OH 45342 (987) 866-5040
Summer 2021 Page 3
Welcome New Members! Membership Application
Josh Liles, Joe & Rita Harrison, Joseph & Marsha
___ Student Membership $5.00
Johnston, Donald & Joan Boyer, Lynn Miller Trust,
Sally Ermlich, Andrew Chance, Judge Robert ___ Individual Membership $15.00
Messham, Jr., William Shade ___ Family Membership $25.00
___ Sponsor Membership $50.00
___ Business Sponsor * $50.00
Summer Membership Renewals
___ Patron Membership $100.00
Linda Bernard John & Karen Warrington
___ Lifetime Membership $500.00
Ted & Kathy Fink Mike & Peggie McCabe
Keith & Anne Freimark Rosina C. Beachler ___ Society Friends
Anna Gilkison Jay & Angie Robinson Donation
Ann Harris Jim & Patricia Caldwell Total enclosed $ ______________________
Sally Kilpatrick Stuart & Sandie Postle * Please include a business card or small size ad for
Paul & Sandi Miller Tom Readmond The Tavern Log.
Betty Morris Bill & Teri Skudlarek
Gene & Pat Paff William & Karen Zimmerman Method of Payment:
Daniel Shell Brenda Robinett Hill ____ Check ____ Cash
Douglas & Judy Stamm Jack & Sally Cullers Make check payable to Miamisburg Historical Society.
Jim & Maryann DeYoung Charles Thomas
Jo Ann Chipman Stanley Aultz ____ New member ____ Renewing member
Edward & Betti-jane App Joe & Deana Stebbins
Mary Ann Alspaugh Gerald Thoma
Name ______________________________
Nestor Insurance Agency
Mound Development Corporation Address ____________________________
___________________________________
Historical Society plans for reopening City _______________________________
The History Center is open on Wednesdays by appointment from State ________Zip ____________________
1:00 to 4:00pm.
Go to www.historicalmiamisburg.org/history-center-reservations Phone ______________________________
OR
email reservations@historicalmiamisburg.org. E-mail _____________________________
Include your name, phone, email, and a requested visit time.
Why not become a volunteer?
We will be OPEN to the public on Saturday, August 7th from Please note your areas of interest:
10:00am to 4:00pm—a one-day preview of our wonderful facility
and collections. The Grand Re-Opening is scheduled for Fall ________________________________
2021. ________________________________
________________________________
The Gebhart Tavern Heritage Village is OPEN on the 1st and
3rd Sunday in August and September.
Please mail to: Miamisburg Historical Society
MIAMISBURG CRAFT MALL PO Box 774
Miamisburg, OH 45343-0774
18 N 2nd Street in Miamisburg 45342
Email: info@Miamisburgcraftmall.com
Phone: (937) 530-2202. FAX: (937) 866-5011
Website: www.miamisburgcraftmall.com
Page 4 Summer2021
A Letter from the President
Judy Wuerstl, President
I hope you are all doing well. Summer is finally here, and we have begun open-
ing up! The Historical Society is reviewing new activities and programs that
will expand our services to the community and enhance the attractions for the
History Center. Our goal is financial security to fund our programs and activi-
ties through our upgraded website and other electronic means to our members
and the community. We are honored by your trust in our Board of Directors and
in our future activities and goals.
Sincere regards,
Judy
Programs Report
by Martha Ballinger
Our Virtual Speakers Series has been a success and allowed us to continue to do programs during the pandemic.
As restrictions are lifted, we will restart in-person programs as well as online content.
All four virtual programs from Spring and Summer 2021 will be available online this fall:
March: Miamisburg Brewing History with Tim Gaffney
May: The Plaza Theater Then and Now with Doug Sorrell
June: Lost Dayton with Andrew Walsh
July: The Mysterious Miamisburg Masonic Temple with Ken Ballinger
Our guided walking tour of “Millionaires’ Row” is rescheduled for Saturday, September 25th. This is a partner-
ship with the Dayton Metro Library. Check our Facebook page and Historical Society website for more information.
REMEMBER TO REGISTER!
Did you know that you can donate to the Miamisburg Historical Society every time you go to the grocery?
If you have a Kroger Rewards Card, register at www.krogercommunityrewards.com so that a percentage of what you spend
will be automatically donated to the Miamisburg Historical Society each time you shop. It’s SO EASY! You need only regis-
ter once, and it does not affect any prices or benefits you may already be receiving from your Rewards Card.
THANK YOU BUSINESS SPONSORS
Summer 2021 Page 5
Cleaning day at Heritage Village
by Judy Wuerstl and Eric Flasher
st
On Monday morning, June 21 , a group of dedicated volunteers gathered to get our Heritage Village at 147 West Lock Street
ready for a new season. We have not been able to use the buildings for a year-and-a-half due to the pandemic. It was a terrific day,
and the volunteers tackled eighteen months of dust and cobwebs, burned out light bulbs, dirty windows, and overgrown vegeta-
tion. The Gebhart Tavern Museum, Kercher Pioneer Home, and Smokehouse are ready for visitors. We will be open on the first
and third Sunday of the month, from 2:00 to 5:00pm, beginning July 11th. The next date will be August 1st.
Be sure to mark your calendar for our closing day this season on Sunday, October 3rd. We will hold our Old-Fashioned Ice
Cream Social, with awesome ice cream from 3 Dips.
Check them out at https://m.facebook.com/threedipsicream/.
We are thrilled to have the Dayton Metro Barbershop Chorus as our musical entertainment. They are a group of barbershop
singers, both women and men of all ages, who have been entertaining the Dayton area for decades. You can learn more about
them at https://www.singdayton.org/.
Don't forget, we welcome anyone interested in volunteering as a docent at the Village. We are always happy Acme Sporting
to show you theBoat
ropes and guide you in learning the history of our buildings. Please contact Judy at jk.wuerstl@gmail.com or (937) 866-1784.
THANK YOU to our volunteers: Teri & Bill Skudlarek, Gary Petticrew, John Warrington,
Jan & Clair Dobson, Rita Harrison, Alan Jones, Eric Flasher, Joe Stebbins, Carolyn Kilpatrick,
Judy Wuerstl, and Jane McGriff
The Miamisburg Historical Society has partnered with the Baum Opera House and the Plaza Theater for a
special one year membership drive to all THREE organizations. Your $100 donation will help to support Mi-
amisburg history and landmarks. It includes discounts at the History Center gift shop and on Baum merchan-
dise PLUS two tickets to the Plaza Theater that do not expire all year!
Go to www.theBaumOperaHouse.org for more details.
Page 6 Summer 2021
Focus on Veterans
Miamisburg Memorial Day Events 2021
by Randy Staley
The Veterans Committee held its Memorial Day weekend close-out meeting on June 9th at
American Legion Post #165. We are very happy with this year’s turnout overall. I would like to
thank Allen Jones for coordinating the parade on short notice and offering constructive sug-
gestions throughout the whole weekend. Carole Staley Warrick, last year’s parade chair, was
unable to attend because she had surgery. Sheila Russell and the Parks and Recreation staff
were a great team and made things work.
For the first time, the Silver Taps ceremony was outside on
Thursday evening at Riverfront Park. The attendance was light,
but the weather was perfect. The MHS Alumni Band performed
brilliantly. It was definitely a learning experience for us, and we
look forward to trying it outside again.
Paul Zanowick reported that Saturday’s Rocky’s 5K Run attendance was better than
expected. Low cloud cover prevented the aerial flag jump; however, the opening ceremony at Harmon Field was
held prior to the start. Paul said 222 participated and 250 attended. The Muddy Buddy Jeep Club provided 40
manned jeeps to help with traffic control and safety throughout the route.
Memorial Day cemetery services varied in attendance. The Linden Bridge service
had 150 or more. The parade may have been our best yet. People lined both sides of
the street.
Our parade Grand Marshal this year was Korean War veteran, 58-year Legion mem-
ber, and former business leader Jim Lenz. He led the parade of twenty-two units,
including the Troy Corvette Club with ten vintage Corvettes. Jim had nearly two doz-
en family members come to town to surprise him and celebrate his honor.
Allen Jones compiled a notebook including a standard operating procedure (SOP), staging diagrams, a list of con-
tacts, and current entry forms. This will provide guidelines in setting up and running Memorial Day events in the
future.
As the parade made its way to Veterans Memorial Park, they were met by one of the largest crowds in memory,
maybe as many as 300 people. The Miamisburg High School band and MHS Alumni Band provided patriotic mu-
sic and everyone enjoyed our annual picnic in the
park. American Legion Post 165 members bought
and prepared the hot dogs and ice cream. The
Parks and Recreation team provided fresh popcorn
and helped us get last minute bottled water.
Finally, I can report that Carol Warrick has re-
turned home and is doing well.
THANK YOU BUSINESS SPONSORS
Summer 2021 Page 7
Did You Know…?
Learn more about the Star City
The Gebhart Tavern and the Huesman Family
The Gebhart Tavern today, showing the west side of the building The John Herman Huesman family, circa 1910
The Gebhart Tavern was built in about 1811 and continued in business until
1840 when it was converted to a boarding house. The building was sold in 1853
as a private residence.
Johan Bernard Joseph Huesman immigrated from Germany at age 24, arriving
in Baltimore on May 26, 1865. He filed for naturalization in Dayton on Novem-
ber 17, 1868, changing his name to John Herman Huesman. He became a Unit-
ed States citizen on February 25, 1871. Huesman was often described as a stern,
focused man who took work very seriously. It is probably that focus and drive
that enabled him to take the bold step of leaving his family and country to move
to America. The Tavern as a home, showing the Huesman additions
In December 1866, Huesman married Margaret Busch, initially living in Cincin- John Herman Huesman was a stone
nati. They had seven children, three of whom died at an early age. Margaret died mason and is buried in Our Lady of
in 1889 and is buried in Our Lady of Good Hope cemetery in Miamisburg. Hues- Good Hope cemetery in Miamis-
man remarried in 1890 to Mary Josephine Ebbing, a “sprightly gay woman” fif- burg under a cross that he made.
teen years his junior. They had three children and lived in Dayton and German- Identical crosses mark the graves of
town before relocating to Miamisburg in 1896. his first wife, Margaret, and daugh-
ter, Elizabeth. Mary Josephine was
Huesman acquired the Gebhart Tavern house and added additional rooms on almost 96 years old when she died
the east side for his family. Extra rooms on the west side accommodated his in 1952. She is buried in a plot close
boarders. He lived at that address until his death in 1916. to her husband.
Miamisburg History Virtual Speaker Series continues
The Mysterious Miamisburg Masonic Temple: Tuesday, July 13th, 7:00pm
THANK YOU BUSINESS SPONSORS
Nic Hulsman
Quilter’s Eye Photography
1817 Kathy Lane
Miamisburg, OH 45342
(937) 239-7573
Page 8 Summer 2021
Miamisburg Historical Society
P.O. Box 774
Miamisburg, OH 45343-0774
The Miamisburg History Center dedication
ceremony was in December 2019 and, as
of this Spring, the cornerstone has been
set in place in the northeast corner of the
building.
The Miamisburg High School football team, 1898
Creating the Historical Record of our Time Support the MHS Alumni Band
The Historical Society is asking the community to collect
artifacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, like masks, newspa- We are very fortunate that our Miamisburg
per or magazine articles, or gloves. Especially memories. High School alumni continue to give back to
Take some time and write down your pandemic stories.
the community. They need our support. Please
Send them to: join the Miamisburg Historical Society in mak-
Pandemic Memories ing a donation to keep the music coming.
Miamisburg Historical Society
PO Box 744 MHS Alumni Band
Miamisburg OH 45343-0744 c/o Barb Croskey
or email to MHSociety@historicalmiamisburg.org. Use 126 South Seventh Street
the subject line “Pandemic Memories”. Miamisburg OH 45342
The Tavern Log is always looking for new material about the history and happenings of
Miamisburg. We would love to hear from you! Submissions can be sent to
tavernlog@historicalmiamisburg.org
The Tavern Log reserves the right to choose what submissions are published and edit any submitted material.
THANK YOU BUSINESS SPONSORS
M&Co.
48 S. Main Street
Miamisburg, OH 45342
(937) 397-9595
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