Waterville Historical Society Provides Resource For Research
BY KRISTEN SCHWEITZER — MIRROR REPORTER
Tracking down one’s family history can be as easy as asking Grandma for some old photos and diaries, but it can also be complicated if records weren’t kept.
Northwest Ohio has multiple organizations and research centers dedicated to archiving Ohio’s history, many of which are available for the public to use to track genealogy.
One of those locations is in Waterville.
The Waterville Historical Society is dedicated to the preservation of the history of Waterville and has an archive available to those researching local history.
At the Wakeman Archival Research Center are files about the history of the town, its businesses and the families who have lived there over generations.
Wakeman center documents include village records, family files, church records, maps, store ledgers, photos, school records and artifacts.
The center has information on graduates of Waterville High School from 1898 until the school was closed in 1952.
Old canal store ledgers include information on what was brought by the canals, who bought what and how it was paid for.
In addition to receiving grant funding from the Ohio Humanities Council, the center raises money by creating and selling local history books such as Memorial Profiles and Walking Through the Wakeman.
In the past years, the historical society has also published a calendar using old photos. The society is currently raising money by selling bricks to be engraved and placed in the commemorative wall outside the building.
The Wakeman building was purchased by the Waterville Historical Society in 1997 and opened in 2004. The 1880 building has undergone numerous renovations in order to restore it.
The building was, at one time, a store. Now the historical society is working to re-establish the old storefront to be used as a museum.
The museum currently has several items from the original canal stores in Waterville.
The research center is open on Wednesdays beginning in the summer through October from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and also by appointment.
For people who don’t have time to do their own research, the staff at the Wakeman center can provide local research for $10.00 per hour.
All of the information at the Wakeman center is donated, so if a particular family hasn’t contributed any information, then it won’t be available through the center.
“We only have it if somebody donates it,” said Phyllis Witzler of the Waterville Historical Society. “We’re always looking for more donations.”
Another place to research family history is at the main branch of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library.
According to the library’s Web site, the local history and genealogy department houses a book and microfilm collection of over 35,000 volumes. The collection contains nationwide information.
The Maumee Valley Historical Society keeps records at the Main Library, according to Marilyn Wendler, who helps operate the Wolcott House.
At Bowling Green State University is the Center for Archival Collections, which preserves historical materials and makes them available to researchers.
Waterville Township Trustees Drop Charges Against Officer
BY KAREN BERGER — MIRROR REPORTER
Waterville Township trustees dropped all charges against police officer David L. Krego during their August 27 meeting.
The charges had included failing to obey the lawful orders of a superior officer and beginning an out-of-jurisdiction pursuit without permission from a commanding officer.
Trustee chair Les Disher said after listening to both lawyers and reviewing the charges, the trustees felt it was best to drop charges and let Krego start with a clean slate.
During the meeting, trustees also:
• Approved a revised contract with Poggemeyer Design Group to update the 2001 land use plan at a cost of $12,000. Poggemeyer will focus on planning and land use issues relevant to the allignment of US 24.
Trustees are currently forming a steering committee made up of business, institutional, nonprofit, real estate and residential township members who will provide input in the process. Township residents will also be able review and comment on proposed changes to the plan during a public forum.
• Approved a lighting assessment for Coventry Glen subdivision off Dutch Road. All lots, both developed and unsold, will be assessed by Toledo Edison through the county auditor’s office.
Construction stalled and five homes sat unfinished for several months, trustees said. Trustees paid for the weeds to be mowed down in the area. Construction on homes resumed last week.
• Learned that Metroparks of the Toledo Area representatives were given an additional month to apply for a special use permit for a barn at the Blue Creek Conservation Area.
• Heard resident Karen Schneider ask about the township’s noise ordinance and what police could do to handle loud motorcycles. Chief Kate Hartle said police had stepped up patrolling the Finzel and SR 64 area but that enforcement of the noise ordinance was challenging because of limited manpower.
• Heard that Longnecker Masonry completed renovations to the township building for $550.
• Agreed to donate $250 toward prizes and supplies for the village of Waterville’s September 13 fishing derby.
• Discussed a citizen’s letter to the editor of The Mirror, regarding the trustees’ request for citizen input on US 24 and SR 64 development.
“It’s coming whether we like it or not, but the trustees had nothing to do with moving it (US 24),” said trustee Brett Warner in response to the letter. “We need to start planning to make 64 safe. We don’t want it to be like Airport Highway.”
Because of opposition to the move, the Ohio Department of Transportation has since added underpasses at Waterville-Neapolis and Neowash roads, he said.
The next regular Waterville Township board of trustees meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 10 at the township building, 621 Farnsworth Rd.
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