A photograph of the Greenfield Town Hall from the Greenfield Historical Society’s Greenfield of Yesteryear display in the B&O Depot. This is a copy of one of the Christmas cards the society has for sale during History Day.
Submitted photo
Greenfield Historical Society will hold its annual History Day on October 5 in the area around the Grain & Hay building. This is the 16th year for the event, having been held every year since 2007 except during the beginning years of COVID in 2020 and 2021. The day will start at 10 a.m. and finish at 3 p.m.
New displays in the Grain & Hay will include a history of the Orlando and Moehlenpage Department Stores. These businesses were located at 127 South Washington Street for almost 80 years – Moehlenpage 1884 -1934 and Orlando 1934-1973. Diane Orlando Powell, daughter of Leo and Frances Orlando, owners of Orlando’s, will be on hand to share her memories of the store.
In the Smith Tannery will be a display of vintage clothing from the society’s collection. The items in the display are representative of the era which the Moehlenpage and Orlando stores were in business.
Susan Long will be on hand at the Smith Tannery to give several pump organ recitals. Susan’s recitals on the organ in Smith Tannery are always popular. Twelve-year-old Silas Soards will also be on hand to share his musical skills on the organ during the afternoon.
Like previous History Days, several crafters will be setting up and sharing their skills. Jayne Honnold will be quilting while Shirley King will be demonstrating her skills at painting with colored pencils. Mike and Kathy Mincey will be on hand demonstrating cider making. Their free samples are always popular
The B&O Depot will be open for visitors to view the society’s Greenfield Through the Years display. Tom Adams, creator of the display, will be on hand to talk with visitors about his work and the history of Greenfield shown in the display.
In the barnyard, Tom Smith will be on hand to share some of his C. R. Patterson & Sons memorabilia, including a buggy. Wendy Royse will share the history of Conestoga wagons and our Wilson wagon in the Red Barn. Several members of the Greenfield Antique Car Club will have vintage vehicles on display in the barnyard. Also on display in the barnyard will be the society’s Ahrens-Fox firetruck, buggies, Browder lifesaving net and farming tools.
Near the Smith Tannery the historical society will have a booth selling new books and souvenirs, gourds and pumpkins as well as old books and items the society no longer needs. Extra MHS Dragon yearbooks will be available for purchase. Tickets for the raffle benefiting the Shiloh Baptist Church renovation will be sold as well. The winner will receive a seven cubic foot freezer and a quarter of beef. Tickets are $10
Also near the Smith Tannery, the National Art Honor Society of McClain High School, led by Rachel Soards, will be making large scarecrows for fall decorations. Stop by their booth and choose a readymade scarecrow or have one specially made for you with the clothing of your choice. Scarecrows are approximately five feet tall and are sturdy enough for your garden. They are authentically dressed in old denim clothing and stuffed with straw. The cost is only $15 with proceeds going to the McClain Art Honor Society.
And as always, the day will have plenty of great food. Chris Dodds will be on hand smoking delicious pork loins for sandwiches. Ham & bean soup will be served along with hot dogs, cornbread, drinks and desserts.
