At the last minute, I learned of the 40th anniversary celebration of the Pike Heritage Museum from an email by the Pike Chamber of Commerce. The museum was also hosting a Schmidt’s Sausage Truck, so that was another reason to visit the event last Saturday.I understand it was also part of Waverly’s “Art in the Streets,” with tents closing off the block.
One of the art tents was for “Good Carma.” The business focuses on vintage logos on T-shirts, created by Carma Baker – wife of Darren Baker, the new director of the Ross County Historical Society (who I had met just three days before, at their meet-and-greet). Darren has also been involved in the “Print Shop” alcove in the museum. The couple live on a farm on the Ross-Pike county line.
The Pike Heritage Museum was founded in 1983, and in 1992 they were given the German Evangelical Church. They have filled the unaltered 1859-1860 church – and its 1869 bell tower and 1959 annex – with artifacts and displays.
The newest display is on the band “Pure Prairie League.” Formed in 1969 by Pike County natives, they found a hit in “Amie” in 1974, and then the crossover Buddy Holly cover “That’ll Be the Day” in 1977.
Bruce Overly, president of the Pike Heritage Museum, explains what all they offer in my video interview in the Scioto Post – as well as rings the church bell, and welcomes a visitor to play the 1917 church pipe organ.
Here’s my photo tour of the museum (and a little of the town) to compliment my Scioto Post story – of course, not meant to replace an actual visit!
The 1859-1860 German Evangelical Church, with 1869 bell tower, during the event. The 1959 annex is recessed on the right side, behind the neighboring building. The busy Schmidt’s Sausage Truck, parked in front of the church. The Pike Heritage Museum was founded in 1983, and in 1992 they were given the German Evangelical Church.Just inside the annex entry is the newest display, on the band “Pure Prairie League.”The center panel on the timeline of Pure Prairie League.Pure Prairie League albums and photos. A remnant of the A-Plant: THAT is what a fuel element looks like? Pretty. (I hope it’s a dud!)Mementos…some lost, some still with us. I believe Darren Baker, the new director of the Ross County Historical Society, participates in this mini-print shop. An H.O. (or N?) gage model railroad of Waverly… …I believe modeled after this excellent 1859 genre painting of Waverly from the southwest. More model buildings. And yet more models..and a painting of a lost landmark. Admit it – you wanted one of these bumper stickers. The 1917 church organ. (Watch it in play in the video on the Scioto Post.)The musical corner of the church, by the organ. A glass-painting copy of the mural in the Post Office, of James Emmitt at the canal below the Greenbaum Building…the bell from the canal boat “Thomas Worthington”…and atop, a model of the canal boat. A closeup of the model boat.Another look at the painting, bell, and boat. The main military display. Part of the military display. I think the Chillicothe photo is the side or back of an old school building, possibly 1853 CHS #1 at Paint and 6th streets. County commissioners and county officers? And a view of the courthouse before the 1909 front addition. The fire engine display. The c1910 man-propelled, hand-powered red pump is a bit late for the technology, but was affordable for a small village. Looks like it got broken in the firefighting…or demolition. Sounds like it was fun. Not sure what year. More past productions, from the state bicentennial year of 2003. Binders, books, and a nice graphic. 40 years ago, and this year. A clothing display in the small front room of the church… …Beside that, the tiny steep stairs up the bell tower in the entry. (Watch the bell being rung in my article for the Scioto Post.)The view through a lunette window over the entry. Looking down. (Don’t trip – you might get wedged halfway!)
Historical markers for the church and historical society.
Oculus window, stone panel, and two star washers for tie rods. “Good Carma,” the business focusing on vintage Pike area logos on T-shirts, by Carma Baker – wife of Darren Baker, the new director of the Ross County Historical Society.Two views of the 1909 front addition to the Pike County Courthouse, with the original building (and cupola) behind. Two major losses to Waverly in the last decade: the Emmitt House above, and Greenbaum Building below. But at least the remaining part / neighbor of the Greenbaum houses a new business.
Intrepid Heritage Services • Kevin B. Coleman 