Amherst Historical Society

10/16/2026

Thank you to Grant Thompson for his program on "Swift’s Hollow: The Farm and Homestead built by Joseph Swift"!

Swift’s Hollow is so named after Joseph Swift, who came to Brownhelm Township in 1817 as one of the townships earliest settlers. Joseph Swift created a farm out of over 400 acres of wilderness. Over time, his efforts were prosperous enough to build himself a wonderful home. An architectural anomaly situated in the backroads of Lorain County, his home is perhaps one of the most documented buildings in the state of Ohio.

What an informative and entertaining Members Meeting and program!

10/16/2026

Thank you to The Morning Journal for this wonderful article!

Amherst Historical Society has been offering visitors a chance to step into the past since its founding in 1973. Created by community members and the Amherst Public Library, the historical society was established to collect and preserve…

10/12/2026

Two days until "Swift’s Hollow: The Farm and Homestead built by Joseph Swift"- this Wed, Oct 14 at 7pm!

Presented by Grant Thompson, this Members Meeting is free to attend, with light refreshments provided!

Amherst Historical Society Hall, 113 South Lake Street, Amherst, Ohio 44001

We’ve all heard of Mill Hollow and perhaps Cooper’s Hollow. There is also Peaseley Hollow and Swift’s Hollow, all situated along the pristine Vermilion River. Swift’s Hollow is so named after Joseph Swift, who came to Brownhelm Township in 1817 as one of the townships earliest settlers. Joseph Swift created a farm out of over 400 acres of wilderness. Over time, his efforts were prosperous enough to build himself a wonderful home. An architectural anomaly situated in the backroads of Lorain County, his home is perhaps one of the most documented buildings in the state of Ohio. This presentation will speak on the history of the area and the efforts of Joseph Swift.

Grant Thompson is a lifelong resident of Lorain County and grew up in Amherst. A graduate of
Marion L Steele High School and Miami University. Grant worked with the Lorain County Metro Parks for over 31 years and currently in his retirement is serving as a trustee for both Brownhelm
Historical Association and Lorain County Historical Society. He is also an active participant with the Western Reserve Land Conservancy. Grant currently resides in Amherst.

To RSVP, please contact 440-988-7255 or [email protected]!

10/10/2026

Such an amazing day with residents and visitors! We learned so much from the stories and memories shared by everyone. Thank you to the Wesleyan Village for inviting us! ❤️

10/09/2026

The third grade school tours started this week with Vincent Elementary Clearview Local School District! Thank you to the students, parents, and school staff for coming, and to all the amazing volunteers who make the One Room Schoolhouse school tours possible!

And a shout out to Amherst high school students who volunteered as Blacksmiths after their school day ended!

10/07/2026

Thank you HomeGrown Contracting LLC for sharing this incredible history and for visiting the beautiful Sandstone Village!

𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐓𝐎𝐖𝐍 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒:
𝘿𝙞𝙙 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙆𝙣𝙤𝙬…

There’s a 100-year-old caboose in Amherst with a story you might not know!

The 1925 B&O caboose at Sandstone Village was donated to the Amherst Historical Society in 2004 and restored to reflect its original interior.

But what makes it especially fascinating? The caboose sits near the site of the 1916 Amherst Train Wreck — a tragedy that left a lasting mark on the community.

🎬 And here’s the surprising part…
Mary Pickford, one of the most famous silent-film actresses of her time, was among the passengers involved in the wreck.

Today, the caboose and its displays help preserve the story of that day and the impact it had on Amherst.

🚂 Have you ever stopped to explore the caboose?

📍 Sandstone Village
763 Milan Avenue, Amherst, OH

10/06/2026

Master stone carver Nicholas Fairplay is presenting "Stone Carving in the context of Architectural Elements" on Wed, Nov 4 at 7 pm at the AHS Hall, 113 South Lake Street, Amherst!

Free to attend! Light refreshments will be available by donation.

Please join us for this incredible free program!

Nicholas is a European-trained master stone carver and architectural sculptor
with over 50 years of experience, specializing in hand-carved stone and marble sculpture, classical ornament, and historic restoration.

He has worked on distinguished buildings across England and numerous other public and private sculptures and architectural commissions throughout the United States.

To RSVP, please contact 440-988-7255 or [email protected]!

10/05/2026

"Views and Pews" is Tues, Oct 13! https://www.jotform.com/form/262374594744165

Join Main Street Amherst Ohio for a brand-new event, "Pews & Views: A Journey Through Amherst’s Architecture of Faith"!

This special evening will take you on a journey through six of Amherst’s beautiful and historic houses of worship. Step inside, look around, and discover the unique architecture, history, traditions, and special features that make each of these churches an important part of the Amherst community.

Come early and enjoy a light dinner at Good Shepherd beginning at 5:30 PM for anyone who would like to grab a bite to eat before the tour begins at 6:00 PM.

Space is limited and all tickets must be purchased in advance.

$5 per person ~ No Refunds

If you have any questions, please call the Main Street Amherst office at (440) 984-6709!

10/01/2026

In two weeks is "Swift’s Hollow: The Farm and Homestead built by Joseph Swift" on Wed, Oct 14 at 7pm!

Presented by Grant Thompson, this Members Meeting is free to attend, with light refreshments provided!

Amherst Historical Society Hall, 113 South Lake Street, Amherst, Ohio 44001

We’ve all heard of Mill Hollow and perhaps Cooper’s Hollow. There is also Peaseley Hollow and Swift’s Hollow, all situated along the pristine Vermilion River. Swift’s Hollow is so named after Joseph Swift, who came to Brownhelm Township in 1817 as one of the townships earliest settlers. Joseph Swift created a farm out of over 400 acres of wilderness. Over time, his efforts were prosperous enough to build himself a wonderful home. An architectural anomaly situated in the backroads of Lorain County, his home is perhaps one of the most documented buildings in the state of Ohio. This presentation will speak on the history of the area and the efforts of Joseph Swift.

Grant Thompson is a lifelong resident of Lorain County and grew up in Amherst. A graduate of
Marion L Steele High School and Miami University. Grant worked with the Lorain County Metro Parks for over 31 years and currently in his retirement is serving as a trustee for both Brownhelm
Historical Association and Lorain County Historical Society. He is also an active participant with the Western Reserve Land Conservancy. Grant currently resides in Amherst.

To RSVP, please contact 440-988-7255 or [email protected]!

09/30/2026

The Friends of the Amherst, Ohio Public Library book & media sale is in November! If you are doing a fall clean-out, now is a great time to donate any of the below items:

✅ Gently used books
✅ CDs and DVDs
✅ Puzzles and games

Please drop your donations off to the first floor circulation desk of the Amherst Public Library during operating hours - there is a cart available for use if needed!

The November book & media sale is coming soon! 🎉 If you are doing a fall clean-out, now is a great time to donate any of the below items:

✅ Gently used books
✅ CDs and DVDs
✅ Puzzles and games

➡️ Please drop your donations off to the first floor circulation desk of the Amherst Public Library during operating hours - there is a cart available for use if needed. No donations in the book return slots or left outside the library after hours (they might get rained on! 😭)

THANK YOU for your support!! 🧡