Springfield Township Historical Society

02/21/2026

Please go to our Facebook Group... this page will be deleted soon.

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11/26/2025

Just a reminder.... we have transitioned to a "Group"... check us out there.

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08/05/2025

We, at the Historical Society will immediately be transitioning this Facebook "page" to a Facebook "group".... our current page does not allow you to post questions or answers publicly to any of our shared information.
By making this change we feel that it will be a much friendlier place to discuss the history of Springfield Township.
So... for starters.... when you look up the Springfield Township Historical Society, look for our Museum as our picture.. and like us! Here's a link to the new group... https://www.facebook.com/groups/1456914935345468

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07/31/2025

Please start saving your donations for our upcoming Rummage Sale!

07/27/2025

From Marcie Heaver -- update 7/28/2025
3 - Warner Motels
1 in Petersburg, 2 in New Middletown
***Update***
Shirley Drajic told me the following:
1. There was a Motel in Petersburg.The Warner Inn. Elmer opened the Motel (near the road that bears off to East Palestine).
At that time Shirley recalls that on the 4 corners in Petersburg were Shillers Pharmacy, Knesal Hardware, Hess Food Market, and a "Beer Garden." His motivation was to open the Motel to have traveling people a place to sleep. He did this when the Turnpike was open (therefore, a lot of traffic flow) in Petersburg. Shirley remembers that he had horses there that were kept in his barn.
2. The Warner Inn in New Middletown. (Large Red Brick House) Still exists.
This Motel mainly serviced Lawyers, Judges, etc. from Youngstown and surrounding areas. Locals did go for dinner once in awhile.
There was a Greyhound bus route that ran from East Palestine to Youngstown.
The waiter/server's name was "Pinky."
NOTEWORTHY -- Pinky was a black gentleman. Ironic that he lived, mingled and served everyone in our town during a time of serious racism. Shirley said that he was so nice and kind and everyone was kind in return. I will post a postcard from Pinky to the Motel, Twila & Elmer Warner.
Shirley's husband, Nick Drajic, Sr., would drive him to his home, in Youngstown, on Sunday Night. Pinky would bring the Greyhound bus back on Tuesday morning. The Motel & Restaurant were closed on Monday's. He worked daily 1:00 - 9:00. He had a simple cottage like in the back of the Motel where he slept every night. Weekly, he would wake up, catch the Greyhound bus to Youngstown (to gamble) Then, take the return bus ride and start work at 9:00 😂Twila Warner did all of the cooking, Pinky the server and Elmer was the boss, Shirley said.😂
NOTEWORTHY -- Twila only offered Steak and Chicken Dinners. Nothing else! She was known to prepare 40 meals at a time. All by herself! What a woman ♀️ 👠
3. 2nd Warner Motel in New Middletown.
This Motel was placed far back on the 4 acres of land (which included the Red Brick Motel) and had 4 Motel rooms to rent. It was occupied for many years by Nick Drajic, Jr. Until it was sold to Dollar General.
4. Elmer had show dogs (C***s) and horses that I will attach a few of my favorites.
Nick Drajic said that his Great Uncle, Elmer Warner (Nick called him Grandpa) owned a farm in Petersburg. He owned it with Sam Moore of Petersburg. Also, when the Motel burned down in Petersburg is when he bought the Big Red Brick house (still exists) to open up a new Motel & Restaurant.

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07/22/2025

Our last "Afternoon at the Museum" is now on YouTube.

July 13, 2025 Springfield Township Historical Society. A presentation by Cassie Nespor (Cassie is the Curator of the Melnick Medical Museum at Youngstown Sta...

07/20/2025

Highlight today... A Springfield Township Century House that is no longer standing (left in photo)
Part of the Andrew Reesh legacy.
This beautiful home was built about 1915 by Josephine Reesh (1873-1929). "Josie" never married. The house later became the home of the Herman (Junior) Seeger family. " Junior" was the grandson of Isophene (Reesh) Seeger who was Josephine's twin sister.
Sadly the house was razed in the '80's....

07/16/2025

SAVE THE DATE !
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 (9:00 - Noon)
I am so excited to announce that approximately 50 + people have "Liked" or "Commented" with positive feedback. So, let's start having fun !
Further, the first day, Debbie, the owner of Subway, has so generously offered to provide lunch for everyone for FREE. So, everyone attending the first day, please show up by 10:00 a.m. so that she has an idea how many lunches to prepare.
Next, I have purchased REUSABLE name tag holders w/chain to be sold for $1.00.
Thirdly, my granddaughter, Raelyn, wanted to be involved. So, I bought some fun things for her to sell. Everything will be priced for $1.00. She is saving for her summer fun vacation at the 🏖 beach. She will be selling coloring books and markers for your grandchildren, too. Please feel free to have your children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren do the same or something similar.
Lastly, I have purchased a few games to play. If anyone would like to bring their favorite game, please do so! The more fun, the better.
I will add any updates on this post.
I can't wait to see you there. Thanks in advance for your support in bringing a small idea 💡 to fruition.

07/14/2025

Please note that the STHS Annual Member Picnic has had a change of venue and time.
Date: Wednesday, August 13th
NEW location: Welker Park Pavilion, New Middletown
NEW time: 5PM, dinner at 6PM

Hot dogs, buns and bottles water will be furnished.

Please bring a covered dish, dessert and your table settings.

Hope to see all of you there! Bring a friend!

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07/14/2025

Our next Afternoon at the Museum!

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07/06/2025

Springfield Township High School - Class of 1937 as Sophmores

06/28/2025

Looking for some help with naming, or confirming names on this photo from the 80's.... New Middletown Elementary staff 1981-1982