HOCKING COUNTY HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM

04/29/2026

Update on the 1881 Carriage House Repairs
Excitement surrounds the nearing completion of repairs to one of the museum's original two buildings: the 1881 carriage house. Initially, the carriage house and the 1881 home were intended to comprise the entire Hocking County Museum complex. However, the museum quickly outgrew these two buildings, underscoring the growing interest in preserving and sharing local history. We are now owners of a six-building complex that is full of Hocking County History!

We are open Saturdays and Sundays from 1- 4. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. This museum belongs to Hocking County, come see the heritage of the area.

04/29/2026

The Schempp Property: From Historic Home to Museum
The Clarence Schempp property, currently under the ownership of the Hocking County Historical Society, is located at the intersection of Hunter Street and Culver Street. The Society purchased the site from Clarence Schempp in April 1977 to house the Hocking County Historical Museum. The main house and its carriage house, both erected in 1881 by R.O. Kitsmiller, have a storied past. Kitsmiller sold the property in 1886 to George Mumford, marking the beginning of a long lineage of notable owners.

Notable Ownership and Historical Significance
In 1895, Charles Keynes, who co-owned Keynes Milling Co. with his brother, acquired the house and lot. His father, Robert Keynes, was the first miller at the Logan Flour Mills (Keynes Bros. Mill) and lived on the property until 1905. The Schempp family took possession in 1948 and operated Schempp's Beauty Shop from the house until the 1970s.
The official deed dated January 23, 1895, from George and Fannie Mumford to Charles Keynes, notes that the property lies within what was originally referred to as the Central Addition to Logan. The deed also specifies that window screens, the kitchen range, the stove in the wash house, and all pipes, furnaces, bathroom and related heating and lighting apparatus were considered fixtures and conveyed with real estate.
The Hocking County Historical Society renovated the house, converting it into both a meeting space and a mini museum. The area that once served as the beauty shop was repurposed as the meeting room, while the living and dining rooms were furnished with period-appropriate pieces. Additionally, a new bathroom was installed downstairs, replacing the original, to create more space for meetings—since bathrooms were not part of the original design of the house.
Upstairs, one bedroom now displays furniture donated by the Henry Lutz estate. The Historical Society also possesses a bedroom suite crafted by the Sun Glow Furniture Company during its time in Logan, which was part of the Schempp estate.

04/28/2026

THE JAMES BUILDING – PART 2 April 27, 2026 NV
The James building was built in 1860-61, and there was a prehistoric conical mound at the west of the site which was leveled when the building was erected, or even earlier. Originally an areaway extended across the full front of the building, capped by an iron railing, with a stone step across each store entrance. On the second floor was Lewis Green’s printing establishment, home of the Hocking Sentinel. At that time the Knights Pythias, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Grand Army of Republic (veterans of the Civil War) all had their meeting halls on the third floor. Old Charles James came to Logan from Washington, bringing with him a negro slave by the name of Ramsey.
James Building was just East of the courthouse. Site of the courthouse parking lot. This had Pleukarp & White Hardware; First Bank; C.C. Reber, Jeweler; and Charles Rose Clothier (1896). Originally an areaway extended across the full front of the building, capped by an iron railing, with a stone step across each store entrance. On the second floor was Lewis Green’s printing establishment, home of the Hocking Sentinel. At that time, the Knights of Pythias, Independent order of Odd Fellows, and the Grand Army of Republic (veterans of the Civil War) all had their meeting halls on the third floor.

AWARD CONTRACT FOR PERMANENT REPAIRS OF JAMES BUILDING
The Logan Daily News of Dec. 9, 1954
The contract for permanent repair of the James Building on E. Main St. was awarded yesterday afternoon on the low bid of William Loomis and Son of Logan, according to Judge Rhea Bangert Brown, agent for the building.
Work on the project will likely start Monday, according to William Loomis. He said it would be finished in about two weeks and will cost about $6,000.
The building, one of Logan’s oldest and largest, was closed temporarily on state orders in August, then the third-floor ceiling and part of the roof collapsed.
Stores and offices were reopened late in August after temporary repairs were finished by Oshel Rollins, local contractor. Steel beam and truss supports were installed on the third floor to support the roof.
The permanent repairs, planned by Dr. Clyde Morris, consulting engineer of Columbus and approved by the division of factory and building inspection, call for construction of a roof at windowsill level over the third floor in the east section of the building, where the old roof collapsed.
The rest of the third story will be maintained and repaired, and the first floor will be reinforced at Carpenter Hardware and Martin’s GE Appliances, to accommodate the extra heavy loads of those establishments.
The James Building is at least 93 years old. Masonic records show the Masons moved into rooms on the top floor in 1864. They remained there for 71 years, before taking their present quarters in the Chakeres’ Building in 1932.

COUNTY IS NOT PLANNING TO BUY JAMES BUILDING
The Logan Daily News of Aug. 17, 1968 (condensed)
“Last March, owners of the building approached commissioners to see if they would be interested in buying the property. Commissioners then said that if the former Charrington Hospital building could be sold, they might consider the purchase and remodel the building as a Courthouse annex.”
The James building is owned by a corporation consisting of Dayton Schulties, John Owens, Joe Thomas, Keith Hawk, and Lawerence Ellinger.

COMMISSIONERS MOVE TOWARD PURCHASE OF JAMES BUILDING.
The LDN of Jan. 11, 1973 (condensed)
Hocking County commissioners today took initial action to purchase the James Building, a century-old landmark in downtown Logan, located adjacent to the Courthouse on E. Main St.
Cost of the building is listed at $55,000, and the building will be razed.
The site will provide off-street parking long-range improvements and possible expansion, Otto Show, commissioner said.


PIGEON CLINGS TO NEST AS BUILDING IS RAZED
The Logan Daily News of May 11, 1973
Where will the birds go now that their home for so many years in the James Building is being torn down?
Thursday, as the Keiner Wrecking Co. steadily continued razing the building, one lone pigeon clung obstinately to his perch along the upper ledge just under the eaves of the roof.
The huge crane’s clamshell bit big chunks out of the roof, and the wrecking ball slammed against the brick walls, but the pigeon remained – fluttering his wings at times but staying all day until the tension became too great.
By late Thursday, the pigeon finally conceded defeat and flew from his perch.
Also, amid dust and noise, sparrows could be seen still carrying worms to their young offspring they had thought were safe in the nest under the roof of the building.
Pigeons for many years have made the James Building their home, but after today all will be locating new homes as the old structure tumbles.
And it’s not only the birds who are dismayed by the razing of the building.
Standing among the numerous local citizens watching as the building came down Thursday was an elderly gentleman, now retired, who unashamedly wiped the tears from his eyes, no doubt remembering the many years he spent on the job in the James Building.

04/27/2026

The James Building: History and Legacy 1861 - 1973 - Part 1
Information written by Helen Mowrey and various Logan newspapers.
C.W. James, who served as Logan’s first mayor from 1860 to 1861, was responsible for the construction of the James Building. This notable structure once stood on East Main Street, occupying the site where the Hocking County Courthouse parking lot is now located. Construction of the building reportedly began on January 3, 1861, and the brick building quickly became recognized as one of the finest in the Hocking Valley—an ornament to the town and a significant accommodation for the community’s business needs.
In 1973, the Hocking County Commissioners purchased the three-story James Building for $55,000. Their intention was to raze the structure and utilize the property for off-street parking, long-range improvements, and possible future expansion. At the time of its demolition, the building had more than 115 feet of Main Street frontage. The top floor was empty, having been condemned after collapsing several years before the sale. In April 1973, the building was ultimately razed, marking the end of its more than 100-year history.

Businesses and Occupants
Throughout its existence, the James Building served as home to a variety of businesses and organizations. According to a 1973 Logan Daily News article, businesses occupying the Courthouse side at the time of purchase included Community Cable, John Eberst Barber Shop, Fuller Furniture and Appliances, and the Hocking County Unit of the American Cancer Society. Additionally, an Electronic Hobby Shop and the Hocking County Unit of the Cancer Society operated on the Court Park side.
Over the years, Charles Bowen operated the former First National Bank in the building’s northwest corner. The bank later merged with the former Rempel Bank and became the Farmers & Merchants Bank, which eventually became part of Bank Ohio National Bank. Jurgie’s Confectionary later occupied the space that once housed the bank. Judge Claude Pettit maintained his law offices on the second floor for more than four decades, and several other lawyers also worked in the building from time to time.
The building’s long history includes many other businesses, such as Carpenter’s Hardware, Johnson Beverage Co., a grocery store, and a dry goods store. The structure was also notable for hosting the Mingo Lodge, and the Logan Masonic Lodge occupied the third floor for a number of years before it was condemned.
Photos from the Harold Sinnott collection

04/26/2026

FROM A TANNERY and A CHURCH TO THE HOCKING COUNTY MUNICIPAL BUILDING

TANNERY:
The Tannery was situated on the corner occupied by the Evangelical United Brethren Church on Hunter and Spring Street; In the early days this area was quite swampy from springs on the hillside here we find Spring Street so named.
In 1854, Mr. Gus Steinman came to Logan and bought the Tannery, having learned his trade in Lexington Kentucky, and he did a thriving business.
He always wore black and white checkered flannel shirts with his pants pulled up and let rest on top of his boots as the tannery was a very sloppy place.
Dubbin was made and used in preparing the leather. Dubbin consisted of oil and tallow and was sold by the dimes worth of horn-full to customers for greasing boots.

LOGAN EUB CHURCH WILL CELEBRATE 50TH ANNIVERSARY
The Logan Daily News April 14, 1961
The Logan First Evangelical United Brethren Church will celebrate its 50th Anniversary with special services Sunday.
The Rev. Emerson Iles, pastor of the Flat Rock EUB Church at Flat Rock, O., will be guest minister at morning services. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Iles, 340 Zanesville Ave.
The history of the EUB church in Hocking County dates back to the organization of the county itself. Less than 10 years after the county was formed, early pioneers of the church of Otterbein started the church.
In 1890, two brothers, Willaim and Jerry Iles, bought the site of the present church for $2,400 from the Steinman family. A tannery once was located there.
The board of trustees consisted of W.P. Mathias, T.J. Brown, W.W. McDonald, the Rev. Jeremiah Iles, William Iles, Isaac Mathias and William Lemon.
In 1892, a little brick building consisting of one room heated by a large stove in the center, was built. During its history the church was served by 15 ministers.
In 1909, the Rev. Barngrover was assigned to the church and to fit the needs of the growing congregation it was decided to raze the old building and build a larger one. Plans were drawn up by F.L. Packard of Columbus and adopted April 6, 1910, by the board of trustees, consisting of T.J. Brown, Rev. Jeremiah Iles, M.B. Brown, H.G. Hansel, Henry Trimmer, Otto Iles, Walter Reasoner, Dr. J.S. Cherrington and E.F. Stiverson.
The first church was razed in July and the cornerstone for the new church was laid in August of 1910, and the building was completed in March of 1911.
This building costing $25,000 is the Old English style of architecture built of rock faced vitrified brick, trimmed in Bedford limestone, roofed with variegated tile, having copper valleys, opalescent glass windows, a splendid pipe organ, circular pews, heated by hot air fan system and having a seating capacity of one thousand people. The church with such a small beginning now has a property value of $30000. Mr. J.D. VanGundy was the builder.
The dedication service with Bishop William M. Bell presiding was held April 16, 1911, on Easter Sunday. The entire community joined in the dedicatory service. It has been the custom of the church to observe the anniversary of the dedication of each succeeding Easter Day.
During the ministry of the Rev. A.N. Grueser it was decided more space was needed for Sunday School classrooms, recreation and social activities due to a growing congregation. On August 27, 1948, the property adjacent to the church was acquired from Mrs. Ida Radenbaugh of Columbus, a former member of the Logan Church. A fund for the construction of a new bui9lding was begun with the Easter offering in 1947, and by Easter 1949 the construction got under way. The construction was by William Loomis & Son. The new educational unit was dedicated June 18, 1950. Bishop Bardorf was present. Trustees in charge of the construction were the Rev. A.N. Grueser, pastor, E.M. Godfrey, C.F. Barker, Sherman Lyke, N.M. Brown, Ralph Walker, William Loomis, J.C. Iles, Myron Stoltz and J.A. Hutchison.
The Rev. D.S. Dunkle was assigned to the Logan Church in 1956, and many improvements have been accomplished during his ministry. Modern folding doors have been installed in the unit to provide more classrooms for the children. The church has been redecorated, new wiring and lighting fixtures installed, a modern public address system and carpeting installed, the chancel was enlarged, the furnace, air conditioner, and tile floors were installed in the unity, two new pianos and office equipment have been added.
There is an active Women’s Society of World Service, Men’s Brotherhood and Youth Fellowship. Three choirs: the senior, youth and children add much to the services. A growing Sunday School: and children’s church add to the entire progress of the church both locally and in the emission fields. The church also sponsors a Boy Schout Troop and a Cub Scout Pack. The church congregation is contributing both time and means to the support of Camp Otterbein, located on St. Rt. 328.
Serving the church since 1911 has been the Rev. O.L. Barngrover (deceased); the Rev. Wallen Rieble, The Rev. J.C. Spears, the Rev. T.C. Harper (Deceased; the Rev. E.H. Daily, the Rev. John A. toy (deceased); The Rev. E.B. White (deceased); the Rev. A.N. Grueser, and the Rev. D.S. Dunkle.
On the present board of trustees are Charles Geil, Porter Heinlein, C.M. Guess, Bruce Fickel, W.A. Cannon, N.M. Brown, Jow Wilkinson and Walter Derr.
There are 42 people who have been members of the church for 50 years. They are: F.M. Godfrey, Miss Merlin Whitcraft, Mrs. Jennie martin, Mrs. Fred Hugli, Walter Reasoner, Marie Bright, Mrs. J.S. Cherrington, Mrs. H.G. Hansel, Miss Florence Hansel, Mrs. J.A. Hutchinson, Mrs. Florence Myers, Mrs. Henry Robey, Mrs. Maude Hack, Everett Jacoby, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Kitchen, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Kitchen, Mrs. Ruth Phillips, Mrs. Tillie Tolbert, Mrs. H.P. Thomas, Mrs. Margaret Heft, Mrs. John Spence, Mrs. James Larimer, Mr. John Hiles, Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Iles, Mr. and Mrs. W.O. Iles, Mrs. S.T. Lyke, Mrs. Cyrus Shultz, Mrs. George Roberts, Mrs. Clarence Chute, Mr. Lloyd Hansley, Mr. and Mrs. William Loomis, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Arnold, Mrs. Carl Brandt, Mrs. Anna Miller, Eber Wolfe, Mrs. A.R. Kelch, Mrs. Addie Weaver.
Photo from 1911

04/26/2026

Washboards may not be the preferred method for washing clothes today, but one last remaining factory produces them in the United States. In Logan, Ohio, the Columbus Washboard Company still sells about 80,000 washboards per year.

The company estimates that 40 percent of its sales are to people using them to wash clothes or keeping them for a prepper stash, 20 percent are sold for decoration and 40 percent are sold for use as musical instruments.

On National Laundry Day, discover the history of the company that first opened in 1895: https://bit.ly/3OssqFd

📸: Austin Shaw Penrod

04/25/2026

How We Fund Our Everyday Operation for the Museum

Our museum operates as a 100% 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. To support our mission and keep all six of our buildings open, safe, and running smoothly, we rely entirely on the generosity of our community through fundraisers, membership dues, and donations. These sources of funding are essential for covering the museum’s day-to-day expenses (insurance, phone, utilities, everyday repairs, weekly mowing, etc.) and ensuring that our facilities remain accessible and well maintained.

FUNDRAISERS, DUES AND DONATIONS RUN OUR MUSEUM’S DAY-TO-DAY NEEDS
Yard Sale/Flea Market
Our annual Flea Market is scheduled for June 6, weather permitting. To ensure the event runs smoothly, we are seeking volunteers to assist in a variety of roles. Help is needed with cashier duties, as well as setting up ahead of the sale and tearing down afterward. Volunteering at the Flea Market is a great way to contribute to the museum and connect with the community.
Approximately 90% of the items at the Flea Market are sold by donation, making it accessible for everyone. A small selection of more valuable items will be individually priced. Your support, whether through volunteering or attending the sale, is greatly appreciated.

Hocking County Barn Painting Sale Continues
The annual Barn Painting Sale serves as a vital fundraiser, providing essential support for the daily operations of the museum. A selection of beautiful Hocking County barn paintings is available for purchase. Framed paintings are offered at $150 each, while unframed pieces are available for $125. The artist generously donates these works to non-profit organizations, including 4-H groups and museums throughout Ohio and surrounding states, ensuring that proceeds directly benefit community-focused initiatives and the ongoing preservation of local history. He only takes a small fraction of the cost for his expenses.

UPCOMING BUILDING NEEDS
Replacing electric in the 1881 Schempp House

EVENTS COMING UP
School Tours for 3rd and 5th Grades
In May, the Complex will host its annual school tours for 3rd and 5th grade students. This year, tours are scheduled for May 12, 13, 15, and 18. These visits offer students a unique opportunity to explore the museum and learn about various sections of the buildings. Volunteer tour guides are always wanted. Volunteers do not need to learn about everything in the buildings, just one section of the museum. Most of our guides are retired teachers.
Due to bus schedules, students typically spend between one and a half to 2 hours at the complex during their visit. Please let us know if you are interested in helping.

Weekend Volunteer Opportunities
Currently, the museum relies on the dedication of the SAME THREE individuals who work every weekend to keep the buildings open for the public. While their commitment ensures that visitors have access to the museum on Saturdays and Sundays, it also creates challenges for these volunteers in attending to their family needs and participating in personal functions.
To provide relief and ensure continued weekend operations, we are seeking additional volunteers willing to assist from 1:00–4:00 p.m. Duties primarily include giving tours to visitors or assisting with research. Training is provided, so prior experience is not necessary. Even volunteering once-a-month significantly helps sustain our weekend hours and supports the museum’s mission while giving our usual volunteers a break.
We always try to have at least 2 people there at a time, one for tours and one in the main office for research, phone calls and questions.

The photo shows the display in the medical section of the museum, The wheelchair from the Cherrington Hospital, Dr. Shonk’s and Dr. Gaffin's office equipment.

04/24/2026

Recent Accomplishments with Grants

New Tool Shed Added to the Complex
The Complex has benefitted from the addition of a new tool shed, a project made possible through the dedication of a local boy scout working towards his Eagle Scout badge. With the support of his family, the scout carefully leveled the site and laid a brick patio to serve as the foundation for the building.
Funding from a grant provided by the Foundation of Appalachian enabled the hiring of Adam W**d, who constructed the three-sided shed. This collaborative effort not only enhanced the functionality of the Complex but also demonstrated the positive impact of community involvement and grant support.

Preservation of the 1881 Carriage House
The historic 1881 Carriage House was recently preserved in a comprehensive restoration effort. Initially, only the front wood siding was believed to require replacement due to rot. However, upon closer inspection, it became clear that the underlying support beams were also deteriorating and needed to be addressed before we lost the building.
Securing a grant from the HHTA’s Destination Investment Funds was instrumental in moving the project forward. This critical funding was received just in time and allowed for the hiring of Nathan Lipish from Bremen, after several attempts to engage local contractors were unsuccessful.
Nathan and his team approached the work with professionalism and thoroughness. They replaced the compromised support beams, installed a header over the front door—which had never been in place—matched and repaired the siding, painted the structure, and added new gutters. Through their dedicated efforts, the Carriage House has been successfully preserved for future generations.

Digitalization Grant Initiative
The Complex has been awarded a grant specifically for digitalization equipment, which will empower us to copy and preserve thousands of records. These include birth and death certificates, military documentation, and other invaluable historical materials currently housed in our collection. The grant was generously provided by the HHTA Destination Investment Funds, continuing their support of our preservation efforts.
Work on this digitalization project will commence as soon as the new equipment arrives. As with other initiatives, volunteers are encouraged and welcomed to participate, helping us safeguard and share our community’s history for generations to come.

The photo is of the 1881 Carriage House during repair.

04/23/2026

Women That Shaped Our History
First Public Meeting of 2026
The Hocking County Historical Society will host its first public meeting of 2026 tonight at 7 p.m. The event will take place at 64 N. Culver St.
Featured Presentation
Cindy Coss, Sustainability Coordinator for the Hocking Hills Tourism Association and board member of the Historical Society, will lead a discussion during the meeting. Her presentation will focus on the often-overlooked contributions of women to the development, protection, and promotion of the Hocking region.
As with all of our presentations, this event is open to the public. It promises to be of special interest to anyone who enjoys learning about history.
The museum complex volunteers have been very active recently. Attendees are encouraged to join us to discover what is new and what upcoming events and projects are planned.

04/22/2026

HOCKING HILLS COUNTRY CLUB
Logan Daily News of April 13, 1945

04/21/2026

The First Public Meeting for the Hocking County Historical Society

Hidden Figures of Hocking Hills Presentation Highlights Women Who Shaped the Region
LOGAN, OH — The Hocking County Historical Society will host a special presentation, “Hidden Figures of Hocking Hills: The Women Who Shaped the Region,” on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the Hocking County Historical Society, located at 64 N. Culver St. Logan.
The presentation will be led by Cindy Coss, Sustainability Coordinator for the Hocking Hills Tourism Association, who brings a unique perspective through her work in visitor education, conservation, and community engagement.
This engaging program explores the often-overlooked contributions of women in the development, protection, and promotion of the Hocking Hills region. From early tourism hosts who welcomed travelers into their homes, to fire tower lookouts like Mrs. L.T. Worley and Miss Davis who safeguarded local forests, to legendary hiker Emma “Grandma” Gatewood, the presentation brings forward stories that have largely remained untold.
Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how women played a vital role in shaping the Hocking Hills experience—past and present. The program will also connect these historical contributions to ongoing stewardship efforts, emphasizing the importance of caring for the region’s natural and cultural resources.
“This presentation invites the community to look at Hocking Hills history through a new lens,” said Cindy Coss. “It’s a story not just about what was built here, but about who cared for it, protected it, and continues to share it with others.”
The presentation is open to the public and is ideal for history enthusiasts, community members, and anyone interested in the rich heritage of Hocking County.

Send a message to learn more

04/20/2026

LOGAN CLAY