News

Quaker Heritage Center Involved with Historic Warren County Book

History Has Distinct Friends Connection

01/04/10

The first comprehensive written history of Warren County since the late 19th century delves into more than 200 years of local heritage, culture, entertainment and industry.

Historic Warren County: An Illustrated History was written by local author Cynthia Pauwels and highlights the distinct features of this corner of southwest Ohio that makes it a popular destination for families, businesses and visitors.

The Meriam R. Hare Quaker Heritage Center at Wilmington College is part of the Heritage Advisory Council that championed the task of producing such a comprehensive history.

Following its incorporation in 1787, the newly-opened Northwest Territory provided a refuge for Quaker settlers that arrived in what is now Waynesville after fleeing their home state of South Carolina in protest against the scourge of slavery.

The Friends form a still-active community in this diverse county that was named for the first American soldier killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill, General Joseph Warren.

Numerous stops along the Underground Railroad dot the gently rolling countryside. Quaint villages line the curving rural lanes and historic buildings nestle gracefully alongside modern technology in a thriving county, which is one of the fastest growing in Ohio.

The Heritage Advisory Committee is a collaborative effort among many historic preservation groups in southwest Ohio, including historical societies from Carlisle, Franklin, Harveysburg, Loveland, Mason, Springboro and Warren County; the Mary L. Cook Public Library with its extensive Ohioana Room and local history collection; and the Warren County Genealogical Society.

Also included are special-interest museums: Fort Ancient, the Quaker Heritage Center and the Museum at the Friends Home.

For more information or to purchase a copy of the book, contact any member agency or the author (cynpauw@gmail.com; 937.542.96280).