Belden Historical Society
Belden Historical Society 35950 State Route 303 Grafton Township, Ohio
The Belden Historical Society was organized in May 1984 for the purpose of collecting, cataloging, and preserving artifacts and folklore that are related to the history of our community, and procuring historical buildings in the area. Our area not only includes Belden, but also includes all of Grafton Township.
Shortly after organizing the historical society, the estate of Betty Schaefer donated money to purchase the Schaefer property located at the corner of State Routes 303 and 83, which contained a building to develop into a museum and another building that formerly housed a one-room
school. The schoolhouse was built in 1883 and hosted students until 1922. The museum was built in 1868 and was used as a school, community hall, and later as a general store. The park was created in the 1990s to commemorate veterans of Grafton Township.
Over the years, the historical society collected items and documents related to local history including items donated by residents and local organizations, including Grafton Township Trustees, Belden Church, and Belden School. The items and documents are housed at the museum. The one- room schoolhouse was restored with various desks and a period type woodburning stove.
In addition to restoring and maintaining the properties over the years, the group hosted monthly square dances, annual old-fashion days with crafts, flea markets, steam engines, car shows, and many other programs showcasing the historical presence that shaped the area.
The historical society for many years sponsored Memorial Day parades and program to honor our local veterans.
In 2021, the historical society turned their property over to Grafton Township but continue to operate the buildings for historical displays and programs.
Foundation repairs were made to the one-room schoolhouse in the spring of 2021 and to the museum in the spring of 2022. The one-room schoolhouse was painted in the summer of
2021. Slate roof repairs were made to the museum and one-room schoolhouse in late
2021. Improvements to the gazebo housing the veterans honor board were completed in 2023. In the spring and summer of 2025 new siding and windows were installed. Following that, renovations to the interior were made.
Membership
To become a member of the Belden Historical Society, please submit your dues payment ($10 per individual and $20 per family) to Treasurer Bob Flickinger (35939 State Route 303, Grafton, Ohio 44044).
Donations
The Belden Historical Society is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Tax-deductible monetary donations can be sent to the Belden Historical Society c/o Bob Flikinger, 35939 State Route 303, Grafton, Ohio 44044.
Additionally, items such as clothing, dishes, farm equipment, furniture, militaria, tools, toys, utensils, etc., can be donated to the historical society or placed on loan.
Please share the following with us about the greater Belden / Grafton Township area:
a) Your knowledge and family stories of the past;
b) Papers or books about early area businesses, churches, organizations, etc.; and
c) Old albums, deeds, diaries, letters, newspapers, photographs, wills, etc.
Meetings
Monthly meetings are held at the museum on the second Saturday of each month (except January and February). The public is invited to attend, and new members are always welcomed.
Contacts
For more information about the Belden Historical Society, please contact:
President Linda Smolilo, 440-213-3210, OurPalace@yahoo.com,
Vice President Kimberly Tatro, 440-453-8168, KimberlyTatro@gmail.com,
Treasurer Bob Flickinger, 440-309-6210, BobFlickinger@aol.com,
Secretary Chuck Smith, 440-309-6279, CS3Grandsons@aol.com
One-Room Schoolhouse
The One-Room Schoolhouse was built in 1883. It was one of six such schools in Grafton Township. It was repaired and restored as close to its original look starting in 1984. The schoolhouse received extensive floor repairs and new wallpaper to match the original. Most of the structure is original. Desks of various sizes and periods were acquired from private donors and auctions over the years.
The school hosted elementary students for many years. Teachers conducted classes as they would have been taught in the early days. Many old books and memorabilia are available for viewing.
For many years in the late 1900s reunions were held for those who attended the school.
Veterans’ Park
Veterans’ park was created in the 1990s to commemorate veterans of Grafton Township. The park grounds include a gazebo containing an Honor Board with the names of township residents who served in the armed services. A brick walkway with memorial markers and trees serve to honor township residents who were killed in action or were prisoners of war. There also is an M114 155 millimeter howitzer on loan from the United States (US) government. According to Wikipedia,
“The 155 mm Howitzer M114 is a towed howitzer developed and used by the United States Army. It was first produced in 1941 as a medium artillery piece under the designation of 155 mm Howitzer M1. It saw service with the US Army during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, before being replaced by the M198 howitzer. The gun was also used by the armed forces of many nations.
The M114A1 remains in service in some countries.”
