Fayette County Ohio Historical Society

05/30/2026

In the latest edition of “Who Am I?” our featured individual is that of Sheriff John Millikan.

Elected in 1872, he served two (2) terms as the chief law officer of the county.

Passing in 1908 at the age of 80, he is buried in the Washington Cemetery.

To learn more about the history of story and the other 42 men who have held this post, stop by the museum and pick up a copy of the book “I Solemnly Swear: The Sheriffs of Fayette County, Ohio.”

Open ever Saturday and Sunday 1:00-4:00 PM.

05/28/2026

Born 10 days before Christmas in 1828, I was the youngest of 11 siblings. Married at 22, the union of my wife and myself yielded five kids of our own.

In my adult years, I wore many hats, including millworker, grocery operation, and coroner.

Elected twice to the office of Sheriff, I would also serve as both Mayor and Fire Chief of Washington Court House.

Who am I?

Please share your thoughts/knowledge within the comments. Answer to be revealed this weekend.

05/25/2026

The National Moment of Remembrance — @ 3:00 PM today — Memorial Day, for one (1) minute of silence in honor of our fallen in military service to our country.

05/25/2026

Did you know?

Erected in 1919, and only standing for eight years, the very first War Memorial in Fayette County stood tall, if only for a brief time, across the Court Street sidewalk leading to the courthouse.

The tablets upon includes the names of those who gave their all in the First World War.

Built of frame and with a stucco finish, it stood some 20 feet from the steps upon the aforementioned side of the building. Falling in disrepair, in 1927, it was removed and replaced with the still-standing pink granite one just off the alley. The original bronze plaques now reside upon this current structure.

To great celebration, nearly 107 years to this day, the Memorial Arch was dedicated on the 27th day of May in 1919. Constructed at a cost of $1,800.00 (roughly $30,000.00 today), much of the funding was generously received from local citizens. Believed to have drawn in some 15,000, the patriotism of our fine community was at an all time high.

IF you’re out and about today, stop by and take a moment to reflect, remember, and honor ALL who have given everything in service to our nation.

After all, such is the meaning and reason for today.

05/24/2026

“Angel Flight” by Radney Foster and Doug Crider, honors the military pilots who respectfully carry fallen soldiers on their final journey home.

“Angel Flight” is the unofficial call sign used by the U.S. Air Force for military flights that transport fallen service members to their final resting places.

These flights hold the highest priority in U.S. airspace.

Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, ...

05/24/2026

“In Flanders Fields” — by John McCrae

First published in 1915, this poignant poem symbolizes the red poppies that grew around the soldiers’ graves as REMEMBRANCE.

As we pause this weekend to remember and honor those who gave ALL — what President Lincoln referred to as the “last full measure of devotion” — we should reflect upon the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

05/23/2026

“Sure Signs of Rain”

In his book Down Through the Golden Years, first composed in his newspaper article in 1959, Mr. Kelley wrote about “signs of [oncoming] rain” passed down through familial generations.

These included:

* the turning up of a dead snake upon its belly
* the call of “black and yellow cuckoos”
* another included the “sweating of a water glass”
* and finally, if you witnessed the upturn curing of leaves from an oak tree, you could feel confident of approaching rain in the forecast

Luckily, we need only look out the window this weekend, as the rain seems destined to continue.

Come out of the rain and into your Fayette County Museum this Saturday and Sunday, where the atmosphere is warm and the history, like the snake belly, is to be upturned.

Open Saturday and Sunday, 1:00 - 4:00 PM.

05/20/2026

A short silent film clip (54 seconds) of Ms. Clara Bow, the original “It” girl.

Check “It” out!

05/20/2026

On this date, May 20th, 1937, a famous star of the silver screen, while passing through town, stayed at The Cherry Hotel in downtown Washington C. H.

Ms. Clara Bow, seen in the second photo with her husband Rex Bell stopped in front of the hotel for a photo upon their departure back to Hollywood.

Prominent in both the era of silent films, she later transitioned to “talkies,” as well. Appearing in 58 films during her career, including 31 in less than three years, and 11 movies in 1925 alone.

05/14/2026

Mark your calendars:

One month from today, The Fayette County Historical Society will be hosting area Scouts at the museum for a flag retirement ceremony event.

June 14th, 2026.

More details to come.