BUCYRUS — Michelle Johns grew up in Bucyrus, but is still learning about her hometown.
The Altercare of Bucyrus employee and a few co-workers attended the city’s 180th anniversary celebration Thursday at City Hall.
“I’m a lifer. I remember going to Clady’s with my grandmother. She’d sit me at the counter with the old soda fountain,” Johns said. “I would sit there and she’d shop.”
The event marked the incorporation of the city of Bucyrus in 1833, with John Caldwell as its first mayor.
Johns said she misses the downtown theater and skating rink.
“We had a lot to do back then,” she said.
Cathy Rox added, “My first date was in that theater.”
Mayor Roger Moore accepted a proclamation from Tammy Puff, representing Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine’s office.
“This is about Bucyrus. This is what makes us unique,” Moore said, referring to the displays in the lobby, hallway and council chambers.
Firefighter Barry Herschler told visitors about the display donated by the Bucyrus Fire Department.
“Chief (William F.) Maynard was the first fire chief and served from 1888 to 1953,” Herschler said.
That marks the longest tenure in the state.
Maynard kept a book of fire-related news stories from 1899 to 1912.
“Back then we had a lot of small fires,” Herschler said. “Rooftops would catch fire from trains passing through town.”
A photograph showed the fire that destroyed the Vollrath Opera House on Jan. 20, 1936.
“There was an opera the night before,” Herschler said.
Visitors watched an old video. Copies can be purchased through the Bucyrus Historical Society.
“I think it’s fun to get to know the history of your community and have a better appreciation of it,” said Bucyrus Area Chamber of Commerce President Deb Pinion. “It’s like with the cemetery walks, you know who you owe.”
John Rostash came out of his office to enjoy a cake made by Alena Fox. He also has learned more about his city.
“Growing up in the 1970s through the 1990s, I didn’t realize there was so much here at the turn of the century,” said Rostash, who works in planning and zoning for the city. “At one time they had three breweries in Bucyrus.”
Andy Daniels, chief operating officer for Avita Health System, has been in Bucyrus a little more than two years.
“I came to see the history of the town and the community in which we are a part of,” Daniels said as he looked at the historic displays.
Source: http://www.bucyrustelegraphforum.com/article/20130221/NEWS01/302210021/City-celebrates-180-years
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