Arcanum Wayne Trail Historical Society

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Arcanum, OH
Arcanum Wayne Trail Historical Society

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Preserving the past and present for the future through education, preservation and research. Follow our FB page for updates.

House is currently open by appointment and open First Saturday of month for research and tours from 9am-noon.

11/04/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1ABMUxsg2S/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Kitchen Aid-Hobarts

11/03/2026

William M Smith and Sons
William Smith lived at 2 South Main in Arcanum. We have found one original photo of the home from an old placemat.
His son, John W. managed the grain buying with his father at the lot beside the home known as the "sawmill lot". After John's death in 1893, William's son, Jesse ran the elevator and warehouse until he moved to Dayton.
John W. Smith Home
W.M. Smith adms. of estate of J.W. Smith, dec’d to Farmers and Merchants Bank Co of Arcanum; 2-1
1894; court authorized sale of real estate being lot 13 in original plat of Arcanum. Ida B. Smith, widow,
has dower interest. (Deed Book 112, page 155)
This home was the former JoAnne & Dave Hill home, now owned by Tim Becker and Michael Scott.
The former Kincaid home, now the Wright's.
Jess Smith has bought Mrs. Ozias’ residence and will in future reside there. Mrs. Ozias will move to
Dayton. (Greenville Journal April 17, 1890, Arcanum Items April 14, 1890)
Jess Smith has put another story on his kitchen. (Greenville Journal, Dec. 3, 1890, Arcanum Items Oct. 5,
1891)
J.C. Smith has moved to Dayton and Dr. Hawes now occupies his residence on Main street. (Greenville Journal Oct. 28, 1897)
All of these Smith's are buried at Abbottsville Cemetery.

https://awths.org/2026/03/william-martin-smith-1828-1898/

11/03/2026

Attention: New Madison area and Brown family

We had a family member request help from us about the Brown family in the 1940-50’s from New Madison area.
Those of you from this area did you know this family or where they lived or any school photos?
Unfortunately AWTHS doesn’t have many yearbooks for early new Madison.

Any help is appreciated. The gentleman is trying to find info and photos of his mom. Nancy married Larry Gentry. It doesn’t sound like she graduated from New Madison.

I’m researching my mother, Nancy Virginia “Ginny” Brown Gentry

“I’m also interested in the Brown family history where it might help fill in her story. Her parents were Coy Brown and Mamie (Lynch) Brown. I know Nancy was born in New Madison, but I haven’t confirmed whether the family lived there throughout her childhood.”

Thank you

11/02/2026

New acquisitions from Kyle Kress Vanosdol.
Will be ready to view in January 2027.
Thank you!
Kress history, Pitsburg Methodist history and old school house book. Plus yearbooks.

11/01/2026

Just a fyi before donating to museum’s or historical societies including awths.
Not everything is “historical society worthy”. Most have space and storage issues along with guidelines regarding duplicates and items they do and don’t take. Just because it’s old or antique doesn’t always mean it’s ok to donate.

So call and make an appointment with the appropriate people. Have a list and photos of possible donations.

And please don’t leave items on the porch or in the door. Thank you!

🤍 Clearing out Mom and Dad’s house is one of the hardest jobs there is.

You don’t have to keep everything to keep them close. Here’s a gentle guide to what’s worth holding on to and what you can let go of, guilt-free.

💾 Save this for when you need it, and share it with someone going through it right now.

10/30/2026

Thank you to Still Shot Photography LLC for some great fall shots of our building and downtown area event

10/30/2026

Three binders completed from JoAnne Hill collection on the store, family and their life. Includes the auction and antique store.
View during open hours or by appointment.
[email protected].
Some notes on other Smith relation.
Display case contains a few new photos.

10/29/2026

Sent in as inquiry and digital collection
First photo is Arcanum 1901.
See list of Alumni names.
Does anyone have additional info?
Seeking help with names Frank Willis and Nathan Dustin if anyone would like to research. Possible teacher.
Second photo: we are uncertain which school, yr or if Arcanum. Help appreciated.

Address

123 W George Street
Arcanum, OH
45304

Opening Hours

9am - 12pm

Telephone

+19374172966

Website

http://www.awths.org/

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