Henry County Historical Society Museum, Grelton, Ohio

The Henry County Historical Society’s museum is housed in a former Methodist Episcopal Church.

Pictures of Museum Displays

Located at Henry County Roads M & 7, the museum accents several aspects of county history. “Many Were Called” exhibit features the residents’ participation in military life. “House Calls” exhibit contains instruments of several well-known local physicians, some dating as early as the Civil War. Large portrait cameras, once part of Deshler and Holgate studios, are displayed. A general store gives the visitor a chance to look into yester-year and make an occasional purchase An exhibit under progress will center on the unique Heller-Aller Wind Mill Company of Napoleon. Many dresses and some quilts may be viewed. Special programs are hosted by the museum during the year. Different ethnic customs and foods are emphasized during the Christmas festivities. The museum is open the last Sunday afternoon of each month from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, or by special request by calling Bennie Dawson at 419-592-4568.

July 20, 1890, the deed was recorded for the Grelton Methodist Episcopal Church. The site was purchased for 50 dollars from the Dewey Stave company. Its description is as follows: starting at the N.E. corner of Sec.1 Range 4T, 7 Monroe Twp then west 16 rods, then south 10 rods, then west 8 rods, then north 10 rods, then east 8 rods to the point of beginning.

That summer the church was erected by contractor C. H. Thompson and helpers. William Overhuls and helpers did the plastering.

Gen. William Gibson, preacher, statesman, and Civil War hero dedicated the church in the fall. The first minister was Rev. Cost. The first funeral was that of Grandma Hallopeter.

In 1893—94, an orchestra played hymns: violins, L.L. Thompson, Fred Boulton; comets, William Overhuls, Georgia Craigmiles; bass viol, Mary Thompson; harmonica, Girda Lee Hoppeter; flute, Charley Hughes and organist Minnie Robertson.

In 1902. a Sunday School room was built on the east side of the church. With a higher floor than the main one, it was used as a stage. Carl McComb and father were carpenters. With horses and wagon, Malcomb Crockett hauled the bricks from Napoleon.

In 1904, the first graduating class in Grelton held commencement in the church. Cornelius Ballard conducted singing Schools, also in the church. In 1923 the pulpit was moved from the south to the west side of the church. The main floor was raised to the level of the Sunday School room. And in 1930 a basement was dug. In 1940 at Grelton’s 17th Annual Homecoming, the 50th anniversary of the church was celebrated. In 1943 the basement was dedicated.

In 1950 the church was redecorated and the first weddings to be held in the church took place.

On March 11, 1980, the Henry County Historical Society accepted the church building as a museum and that fall began having meetings at the 1ocation. In April of 1981, they had a banquet in the new museum building. Gradually improvements were made. Basement windows were bricked up. The fuel tank was moved. The bell was removed from the tower and the tower closed. A new roof was added. The outside and interior were painted and a hard plastic installed over the stained glass window. Outside toilets were constructed. The entry was redecorated and new doors installed front and back. The floor was leveled, electrical outlets and carpet added. The interior was re-plastered and painted. The windows on the south were closed. A ramp for the handicapped was erected. An Open House in July of 1990 celebrated the 100th anniversary of the building and the 10th anniversary of it being used by the historical society. In 1990 the society began opening the museum for visitors on the first Sunday of each month. Several exhibits had been erected and cataloging of artifacts begun.