Discover, Procure, Preserve
For more than 45 years, the Whitehouse Historical Society has been a steward of the memories and treasures of people who have lived, worked and played in Whitehouse and the surrounding area. It preserves the history of the native and pioneering inhabitants, the village's founding in the mid-1800s, the influence of early railroad travel and commerce, and the development of businesses, schools, religious and civic groups, and residential neighborhoods.
The Whitehouse Historical Society meets regularly and welcomes new members. It also collects and maintains historical memorabilia, accepting donations and raising funds for preservation efforts. In 2016, the Whitehouse Historical Society has more than 100 members and volunteers. Officers include: Susan Muenzer, president; Kathy Dollman, vice president; Craig Nilsson, secretary; and Louann Artiaga, treasurer.
The Whitehouse Historical Society meets regularly and welcomes new members. It also collects and maintains historical memorabilia, accepting donations and raising funds for preservation efforts. In 2016, the Whitehouse Historical Society has more than 100 members and volunteers. Officers include: Susan Muenzer, president; Kathy Dollman, vice president; Craig Nilsson, secretary; and Louann Artiaga, treasurer.
How We Began
When an 1840s-era log house was discovered during a building demolition in 1969, an association of Whitehouse businessmen asked village council for permission to move the structure to a plot of village land nearby. These men included Vic Disher, Don Dick, Bill Bucher and Ken Haynes, and they along with other interested citizens formed the Whitehouse Historical Society on April 8, 1970.
The first officers included: Karen Guernsey, president; Clarence Sprink, vice president; Bernadette Krueger, secretary; Mary McGilvery, treasurer; and Del Studer, historian, with Robert Talburt volunteering legal services. Dues were set at $1 and charged to 102 charter members. On May 8, 1971, the society drafted a constitution, bylaws, and incorporation recommendation, which were approved on June 1, 1971. A charter was finalized on Aug. 1, 1971 and sent to Ted Brown, then Secretary of State of Ohio.
Through the next three years, improvements were made to the relocated log house by volunteers and local craftsmen. A poplar wooden floor was laid, shutters and windows were installed, and a door with handmade hinges was hung. Shake shingles were placed on the roof, and a stairway and second-story floor was laid. Furnishings were purchased with funds raised at annual festivals chaired by Ted and Janet Payne. The Oak Openings Garden Club maintained an herb garden on the grounds, adding an important aspect of pioneer life.
The first officers included: Karen Guernsey, president; Clarence Sprink, vice president; Bernadette Krueger, secretary; Mary McGilvery, treasurer; and Del Studer, historian, with Robert Talburt volunteering legal services. Dues were set at $1 and charged to 102 charter members. On May 8, 1971, the society drafted a constitution, bylaws, and incorporation recommendation, which were approved on June 1, 1971. A charter was finalized on Aug. 1, 1971 and sent to Ted Brown, then Secretary of State of Ohio.
Through the next three years, improvements were made to the relocated log house by volunteers and local craftsmen. A poplar wooden floor was laid, shutters and windows were installed, and a door with handmade hinges was hung. Shake shingles were placed on the roof, and a stairway and second-story floor was laid. Furnishings were purchased with funds raised at annual festivals chaired by Ted and Janet Payne. The Oak Openings Garden Club maintained an herb garden on the grounds, adding an important aspect of pioneer life.