Willoughby Historical Society

06/21/2026

A big "Thank you!" to local author, Jeff Daniels, for his presentation at our June meeting! We all know the Daniels name and their family history is very much integrated with our Willoughby history.

Jeff's book, "My Brother, The Boxer: The Terry Daniels Story" is available to
purchase at the Welcome Center.

06/20/2026

It's another gorgeous Saturday morning in Willoughby and Kathy and Maureen are already busy chatting up market goers, selling raffle tickets, signing up members, and supplying the coldest water at
market.

Stop on down and visit with us!

Please note parking in DTW closes at 12:00 p.m. and roads close at 1:00 p.m. in preparation for Cruise-In.

06/19/2026

Happy Juneteenth!

As you are enjoying Downtown Willoughby today and this weekend remember to take a moment to stop at the War of Rebellion monument and the flag pole, both of which honor our ancestors who served in the Union Army. Their service and sacrifice helped to get us to June 19, 1865 and beyond.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1FhuWojYae/

Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and that enslaved people in Texas were free. While President Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Emancipation Proclamation declared freedom for enslaved people in Confederate states, it was not until the 13th Amendment was ratified on December 6, 1865, that slavery was fully abolished throughout the United States. In the decades that followed, Juneteenth observances spread across the country. In 2021, Juneteenth was established as a federal holiday.

At the African American Civil War Memorial in Washington D.C., the central feature is a bronze sculpture by artist Ed Hamilton titled The Spirit of Freedom. The work stands as a tribute to the United States Colored Troops and honors the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for freedom during the Civil War.

Photo by National Park Service.

06/15/2026

A quick reminder to not miss our meeting this Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Willoughby Public Library where we are happy to host local author Jeff Daniels discussing his book, "My Brother, The Boxer: The Terry Daniels Story". Many of you will remember in 1972 when Terry got into the ring with Joe Frazier - the undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World, 10 months after Frazier won the "Fight of the Century" against Muhammad Ali!

We will have our June raffle baskets available for bidding before and after the meeting.

The new T-shirts are in so if you placed an order you can pick it up. We have a few extras to purchase, too.

Don't forget to get your tickets to our old school Block Party fundraiser by June 21st!

06/08/2026

Big Boy #4014 has passed through Willoughby. Several of us were at the Church Street crossing, thinking it would be less crowded. We were wrong. People lined up at the crossing and all along the track.

Kaity Weber got this excellent photo with the Ohio flag.

06/07/2026

Steam Engine Big Boy #4014 Update

Monday, June 8, is the BIG day when the historic Big Boy #4014, the world's largest steam locomotive, rolls through Northeast Ohio!

As of Sunday afternoon, Big Boy will stop at Chardon Road in Euclid from 1:30-2:00 p.m., then head east. There are no stops in Lake County but it will be visible on the Nickel Plate track (the southern track) as it goes through Willoughby.

Check the schedule at https://www.up.com/about-us/history/steam/schedule for updates.

It looks like it will be a hot one with temperatures forecast at 91 F so be sure to stay hydrated and as always stay safe. Safety rules are posted on the Union Pacific web page.

Spirits in Willoughby, 3872 Erie Street, directly north of the track, is hosting a Parking Lot Party starting at 11:00 a.m. Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BNtQCvmCp/

The Lake History Center in Painesville is hosting a Big Boy Day to celebrate both the sandwich and the steam engine! Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19C9ZKiAjg/

Enjoy this great part of American history!

Union Pacific connects 23 western U.S. states, providing safe and efficient railroad transportation, freight shipping and logistics.

06/06/2026

It's a beautiful morning and the place to be is visiting us at the Saturday market. We have new raffle baskets and items for June:

An Espresso Coffee Maker (Value $100)

A Summer Fun for Kids Basket (Value $70)

A Sweet and Spicy Kitchen Treats Basket (Value $95)

Tickets:

$1.00 each
6 for $5
30 for $20

If you can't make it today these baskets will be available through June.

Look for us in the shade of the Methodist Church. Dave has set up next to us this morning with musical entertainment!

06/02/2026

Old School Block Party Fundraiser - Saturday, June 27, 2026

Looking forward to seeing you at our big, old fashioned block party fundraiser scheduled for Saturday, June 27, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. on the lawn of Chesbrough House. This is a family-friendly event with food, raffles, and fun!

The invite is attached. Please send to address provided or give your reservation and payment to any board member by June 21st. You can also drop-off at our booth at the Saturday market. Zelle payments to willoughbyhistoricalsociety and add Block Party and number of guests to the description line.

Donations of raffle baskets and raffle items for the block party and the market welcome!

All proceeds support our work and help us bring our history alive!

06/01/2026

https://share.newsbreak.com/iltzok0d

PAINESVILLE TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- Railroad enthusiasts, families, and local history buffs will have a chance to celebrate the arrival of one of the world’s mos

05/30/2026

It's Saturday morning and what to do in Willoughby? Come and visit us at the market and the Welcome Center!

We always have a lot to chat about and enjoy discussing our unique and interesting history.

We have our May basket raffle today. You can get your tickets until 11:45 a.m.

As always, we are in the shade of the Methodist Church and have the coldest water at market to quench your thirst.