ENON — The Enon Community Historical Society (ECHS) is preparing for its annual Enon Apple Butter Festival, which is always slated for the second full weekend in October.
The Enon Apple Butter Festival started 38 years ago, soon after the historical society began under the leadership of its first president, Bob Fowble. The event serves as part of the local community’s fundraising efforts, providing a means for organizations to raise money for their goals and work in Enon and Mad River Township.
Some of the goals of the ECHS are to preserve local history and family genealogies. It also restored the Enon Log House, which is open for special occasions. The inside includes antiques from the early 19th century lifestyle such as cooking in the fireplace, sleeping on rope and feather tick beds — and no television.
ECHS joins the local community when celebrating special events such as sponsoring the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, during which Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at the Enon Log House to talk with visitors and find out what youngsters wish for Christmas. Free cookies and hot drinks are available, and inside the Michael Barry Research Center there is always entertainment as visitors view rotating displays and look through the growing library there. The village Christmas tree is always lit by special guests.
Through the efforts of Michael Barry, former president of ECHS, and generosity of the Village of Enon, the society’s home is the former Warder Library building on Indian Drive near the Native American Mound. The Micael Better Research Center (RC) is open three days a week for a few hours for researchers interested in history, family genealogies and similar topics. Periodically, there are special exhibits. There is currently a display of model automobiles collected by the Arnold family. Next on the agenda is another display coming in September of Native American history, crafts and artwork.
Most recently, the society has placed information signs for visitors viewing the Enon Mound to learn a brief history of the site. Another sign was placed in Settlers Park at Route 444 and Main Street to describe a brief history of the village and a few famous people who have lived in the Village of Enon.
ECHS collects information about local veterans. Forms are available to fill in with information about veterans from the Revolutionary War through today. Another library item the society is looking for are high school year books from the local schools. Family stories and genealogies are also always welcome.
For further information or to join in the membership, write to the ECHS at, P.O. Box 442, Enon, OH 45323, or call and leave a message at 937-864-7080. Check out the Research Center on Indian Drive, between the Log House and the Enon Mound; hours are noted on the door.
