"The Man Who Wrote the Book on the Ravenna Arsenal" will be the guest of the Windham Historical Society in its first meeting of the new year, on Monday, January 18, at the Windham Township Hall at 9011 North Main Street at 7 PM.
Ralph A. Pfingsten, author of "The History of the Ravenna Arsenal," will speak about this gorgeously-produced hardback book that was published just this past Fall. Nearly 350 pages and stuffed with a staggering number of never-before-seen photographs, Pfingsten's masterpiece is a must-have for Arsenal and military buffs, as well as anyone interested in Portage County history. It covers not only the original construction, but continues into its current use by the Ohio National Guard.
Pfingsten is donating all proceeds from the book to non-profit organizations, including the Windham Historical Society, which has already sold 65 copies and will have copies for sale at the meeting, or by contacting President Lynnea St John.
The talk is completely free and open to everyone. Refreshments will be served.
The Township Hall opens at 6:30 to all interested visitors for a meet and greet and a chance to look at exhibits before a brief meeting to elect officers, followed by the talk. The Society increased its membership tremendously in 2009, and hopes to expand even more in the new year, the run-up to Windham's Bicentennial in 2011.
In a Windham Bicentennial Committee fundraising event, an Antiques Roadshow-styled antiques appraisal will occur at the Township Hall on Sunday, January 24, from 1-4.
The Darryl McGuire Auctioneers and Appraisers will inspect, evaluate, and professionally appraise any antique item brought before them. The minimal cost is $5 for one item, or 3 for $10. Lunch will be available, and a 50/50 raffle will be held.
For more information, please call Society President Lynnea St. John at 330-326-6061, or email her at lynnya45@yahoo.com.