Friday, May 10, 2019

200 Years of Lucasville -- What Does It Mean?





The Lucasville Area Historical Society has been a critical fixture in the town of Lucasville, Ohio, serving to bridge the gap between local history and personal
and familial significance. It aims to be a central hub for historical records from
the area, and its large collections, mostly gleaned from personal donations, demonstrate the penchant for the preservation and exhibition of history
within the community.”

Center for Folklore Studies, The Ohio State University

The Bicentennial Celebration of Lucasville, Ohio, is upon us. Without the Lucasville Area Historical Society, the small community of Lucasville may have allowed this commemoration to slip by with scant observance. A modest number of people in this service organization rose to the occasion to insure that the birthday of the village received its due regard. That commission was not taken lightly, especially reviewing the outstanding sesquicentennial collaboration of fifty years before.

The work being done by club members is monumental to say the least. Early on, the historical society assumed the challenging assignment of planning the 2019 celebration and organizing multiple events during the year. Although the task often seemed overwhelming, caring people volunteered to create an astonishing schedule of meaningful bicentennial engagements – all of which pay homage to an exceptional small town.

This labor of love serves to build community and preserve the heritage of a most significant Southern Ohio hamlet. As people, young and old, add their ideas and energies to the bicentennial celebration, the diverse threads weave a stronger fabric of commonality. The old adage of “It takes a village” transcends its banality when people experience the real dependency of community. This reliance surely mirrors that of the Founding Families of 1819.

It is hoped that many will observe the Lucasville Bicentennial. So much thought and work have gone into making the birthday a memorable time. And, it is surely presumptuous of the historical society to expect throngs to attend all the events. But, I understand that multitudes matter less than enthusiasm, and I am convinced that the Lucasville Historical Society has grown immeasurably due to meeting the pressures, expectations, and deadlines of commemorating 200 years of Lucasville existence.

Therein is great progress. Without a doubt, the Lucasville area is being revitalized by the celebration. Turning this page of history, people are both honoring tradition and revealing new, exciting developments that serve as the lifeblood of the community. We continue to discover ourselves in the process.

"There is no power for change greater than a community
discovering what it cares about."

Margaret J. Wheatley

The relatively small group of people who dedicated themselves to this mission have grown together mightily as an organization because each individual continues to flex considerable muscle through his or her strong talents and timely industry. Through pushing the limits of their engagement, the club has met the challenge and continues to grow.

Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress;
working together is success.”

Edward Everett Hale, American author and historian




1 comment:

Linda Scott said...

Just came across this. Brought back wonderful memories..Thanks for sharing.