ABOUT THE MIDDLETOWN HISTORICAL SOCIETY

In 1966, the City of Middletown was 164 years old.  For many years the history of the community had been documented by prominent citizens such as Judge William H. Todhunter, in the 19th century and Benjamin F. Harwitz and Wilfred Vorhis in the 20th century.  The Middletown Journal had kept an interest in history alive by publishing articles and photographs.

But some citizens felt there was a need for a historical society to provide a base for the preservation of local data and artifacts.  Miss Mary Stodtbeck and Mrs. Martha Rush decided to act by calling a meeting on March 2, 1966, at the Civic Association building. Thus, was born the Middletown Historical Society.

The Society organized quickly by adopting a constitution, a logo drawn by Herbert Fall and a motto suggested by Kenneth Shafor, “Linking the Past with the Present for the Future.”  A Board of Trustees was elected with Dr. Robert K. Johnson as the first president.  During that first year the organization rented space at Central School and presented historical programs and two historical markers were erected with the cooperation of the City of Middletown.  By the end of its first year, the society had enrolled 272 members.  In January 1967, the society was incorporated with tax exempt status secured by the IRS.  

In 1968, the society began publishing a monthly newsletter, edited by H.H. Harrison.  The old bell was removed from South School and refurbished for its eventual placement at the new high school then under construction.  The organization also agreed to assume responsibility for the maintenance of the grounds at the Excello Lock.  By December 1968, the society had a new home at the Carnegie Library.  Through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Harvey, a large basement room was remodeled and furnished for use as a meeting place.

During the 1970s the society was active initiating the placement of markers at several significant historical locations including the Excello Lock, the crossroads where Stephen Vail began the town, Port Middletown and the gravesite of pioneer founder Daniel Doty.

 On July 4th, 1976, the Bicentennial of the country, the new Middletown City building was dedicated, and the society was offered a room on the second floor to display a large art collection of over 100 pieces.  When society member Doris Cooper Russell passed away in the late 1970s, she left her home to the society in her will and with the sale of the property, a long-time dream was soon realized.  With the lease by the city of a parcel of land located on the old Hydraulic Canal, the society made plans to build a museum dedicated to the history of the Miami-Erie Canal which had begun in Middletown in 1825.

Construction began in 1981 by local builder Lawrence McGonigle and on November 1, 1982, the Canal Museum was dedicated with Armco CEO C. William Verity as the guest speaker.  The museum was organized by long-time Middletown teacher, principal and historian George Crout with many of the artifacts from his personal collection.

For many years Mr. Crout and volunteers from the society, most notably Everett Sherron, opened the Canal Museum on Sunday afternoons from April to October to thousands of visitors and schoolchildren, presenting the history of the old canal and its impact on Middletown.

In the late 1990’s, George Crout, decided to retire as curator of the museum and the board began discussions about a replacement.  A search for a part-time curator was conducted and in April 1998 former board member Sam Ashworth was hired.  By November the board decided that a permanent headquarters was needed and after an extensive search, the 1836 Pickwick building on South Main Street was acquired.  

The society now had a place to house and archive the two major collections that had recently been donated – the Armco collection and the huge collection of photographic negatives from the Middletown Journal.  With the help of a part-time archivist, Phyllis Ashworth, and a group of loyal volunteers, the work of organizing and accessioning these and other collections began. 

During the next 12 years the society continued the work of collecting, archiving and presenting Middletown history with exhibits and programs including the history of the railroads, the paper industry and downtown Middletown, as well as the permanent exhibits at the Pickwick on Armco, Middletown founders and artist Herbert Fall.  In 2001, with the removal of the City Centre Mall, the society contributed, along with the Middletown Community Foundation and the City of Middletown, to the building of a monument highlighting the history of the Miami-Erie Canal on the site of Port Middletown.

In 2012, the society was offered a building by the Middletown Community Foundation and the decision was made to move its headquarters to the former Women’s Center, now called the Shartle House, located at 120 North Verity Parkway.  The 1895 structure houses several historical exhibits, and the small auditorium has proven the perfect venue for recent programs on local, regional and global history as well as tonight’s Annual dinner.

Decades later, we honor the legacy of those past patrons, trustees and officers and salute those who serve today.  Their dedication to preserving the rich heritage of Middletown has kept the society focused on its original purpose as stated by Dr. Robert Johnson, its first president.

“The strength of a nation, state or local community is built not only on the present but also the past, for the past provides traditions and landmarks as well as a record of the lives of people who have made significant contributions.

Historical societies, such as ours, can play a very important part in preserving such records for the inspiration of present and future generations.”

The work continues.

* The Historical Society is not funded by the City of Middletown, but by donations and bequests made to the society.  We are thankful for any donations.   Learn more about donating or becoming a member of our wonderful organization.

Today, we operate two locations: The Canal Museum is located at 1605 North Verity Parkway on the outskirts of Smith Park, and the Shartle House.  It is located at 120 North Verity Parkway near the corner of Verity and Manchester.