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Ward —
Thomas Museum Click here to become a Niles Historical Society Member or to renew your membership |
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| E-Mail Us | Phone: 330.544.2143 | Mail: PO Box 368 Niles, Ohio 44446 |
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Ward-Thomas House Vendor Market a Resounding Success!
Laura Altobelli, Brittany Jarrett, and Sally Bogdan standing in the greenhouse. The grounds of the historic Ward–Thomas House were buzzing with activity on June 29th as the Niles Historical Society hosted its first major event in recent years: the Ward–Thomas House Vendor Market. And what a comeback it was! With over 300 attendees and 35 diverse vendors, the market was a vibrant community gathering that exceeded all expectations. This fantastic event was spearheaded by the efforts of Brittany Jarrett, who organized the market. She received invaluable support from Laura Altobelli, Sally Bogdan, and Ashley Lokash. Brittany and Laura dedicated two months to meticulously preparing the sprawling 5.5–acre property, transforming it into a picturesque venue. Their hard work was augmented by the generous help of volunteers who trickled in to assist with preparations. On the day of the market, even more volunteers stepped up to ensure everything ran smoothly. We send a special thank you to Patrick Moro, who expertly manned the grill, keeping everyone fueled with delicious hot dogs. And a shout–out to Niles High School Feature Twirler, Delaney Alexander, who brightened the day working the always–popular lemonade stand! The funds raised from the concession and lemonade stands at the market will be dedicated to a vital cause: repairing the greenhouse on the Ward–Thomas House property. Your support directly contributes to preserving and enhancing this historical landmark. The Niles Historical Society extends its deepest gratitude to everyone who attended, all the vendors, and especially our dedicated organizers and volunteers. This event was a true testament to what we can achieve together, and we look forward to more successful community gatherings in the future! By–Brittany Jarrett
Maggie Cameron, Owen and Jack Cameron, and Sally Bogdan in front of a vendor's tent near the Westenfield House. To view more photographs of the Vendor's Market Event, click here.
Update on the Ward-Thomas property: The Westenfield Room, the old carriage house, which serves as a meeting space has been renovated and is now open again. The improvements include: proper insulation, painting, flooring and temperature – humidity control. Advisory Committee sought: There is a proposed rendition for
a facility that would be expensive to build and maintain. The
amount of money in this fund is not adequate to cover the expense
of this lofty plan. The Board of the Society seeks input from
members on how to best use the building fund monies to provide
an improved space.I implore members to
weigh in on this discussion. Average attendance at meetings is
approximately ten members who should not be making this enormous
decision for an organization with over three hundred members.
Thank you, Anna Marie Beagle, President. Gift Ideas: Try one of the many Niles Historical books. Books vary in price. Sample of book content
Over 200 pages and 400 high resolution photographs To
order your book call: Sandy at: 330.652.8329 Price: $40.00 local pickup or $45.00 shipped To save on shipping costs, all
of the listed books are available for purchase at any Ward-Thomas
Museum open house. Please make checks out to: Niles
Historical Society Thank You |
How to Schedule a Tour of the Ward - Thomas Museum.
Sample piece of 19th
Century bedroom set With the price of gas going up and people trying to find things to do close to home, may we suggest, visiting your local historical home. It is interesting how many people in Niles have never been inside the McKinley Memorial Library building, let alone our Ward-Thomas museum. People travel all over the world looking for interesting places to visit, and here in their own home town, sits one of the most beautiful museums in the country. The Ward-Thomas Museum exists because caring people have volunteered to create it. It holds over 5,000 items in the 14 rooms and it takes over an hour just to walk through. If you take your time, you could spend hours and still not see everything. I once asked a Niles man, who has traveled the world, why he never visited our museum. He said, “I guess because it will always be there.” “No, it will not”, I answered him. If no one visits and donates money to support it, the Ward-Thomas Museum will fade away like everything else in town”. Remember we are open for public tours on the first Sunday of every month from 2-5 pm. However, we are more than glad to open the doors just for you, if you call ahead and schedule a tour time. Just E-Mail Us or call the office, 330-544-2143 and leave your name and phone number. We will return your email or call and schedule a tour. Tours of the Ward-Thomas Museum for groups will be scheduled as requested. We have frequent requests for private tours from those visiting the area, various organizations and church groups.
A membership drive is currently being held. The yearly membership drive is underway with fees of $20 for individuals, $30 for families, $50 for patron level, $100 for businesses and organizations and $500 for life memberships. Memberships support the society's programs and includes the bimonthly newsletter. For more information call: Sandy at (330)
652–8329 or Newsletter:The
Society will gladly publish stories of the accomplishments
of current or former residents of Niles.
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