Celebrate 200 years of Seneca County

SENECA COUNTY --- Seneca County's 200th birthday celebration begins with a kick-off event Monday at the Seneca County Museum, 28 Clay St., Tiffin. The kick-off is scheduled for 10 a.m. and will feature a presentation of the U.S. flag, a performance of the National Anthem, and distinguished guests being recognized following the presentation and performance. Proclamations from elected officials throughout the state will be read and a summary of the county's history will be provided. Following kick-off, which is free and open to the public, the museum will host an open house until 4 p.m. The A-T spoke with members of the bicentennial committee to discuss the history of Seneca County, the significance of a bicentennial and events and initiatives to celebrate the county's birthday. A brief history of Seneca County Seneca County was not always as we know it today, "the mysterious mound builders" were the first inhabitants of the land that would later become the county, according to the committee. The Senecas and Wyandots settled here until whites arrived "during and after the War of 1812". Whites first permanently settled at Fort Ball, a military depot established in July 1813. Fort Ball was located "on the west bank of the Sandusky River along Frost Parkway near the foot of Miami Street." The depot was followed by Pan Yan Tavern, founded in 1817, located along the "Old Military Highway" connecting Columbus with Fremont. The tavern later became a "stagecoach stop" and a post office, later taking the name of Fort Ball. The land across the river from Fort Ball was purchased by Josian Hedges in 1820, drawing more settlers to the area. The community was named Tiffin after Edward Tiffin, who was "one of the champions for Ohio statehood and later elected its first governor," the committee explained. Tiffin was designated as the county seat for Seneca County, named after one of the original tribes, officially created in 1824. Seneca County was officially formed April 1. "From the beginning, Seneca County has seen its share of catastrophes, such as cholera epidemics, destructive fires, devastating tornadoes, paralyzing blizzards, and fatal train wrecks," the committee said. "But probably nothing compared with the 1913 flood that swept the lives of entire families. Over the generations, the county also sent its sons off to war, where many sacrificed their lives in this service. One, Rodger Young from Adams Township, won the Medal of Honor during World War II. "Nor has the county been spared the pain of economic hardship as technological innovation, foreign competition, and changing consumer tastes repeatedly have created challenges for residents, the committee concluded. "But throughout it all, the people of Seneca County have demonstrated the resilience and perseverance first seen in the county's early settlers." The importance of the bicentennial "Seneca County's Bicentennial holds immense importance for our community, government, businesses, and residents as an opportunity to pay homage to our past while embracing the future," the committee said. "This year of celebration and remembrance serves as a reminder of Seneca County's rich heritage, the sacrifices made by those who came before us, and the strides we've taken as a community over the last two centuries." The bicentennial allows the government to "engage with constituents, listen to their voices and chart a course for the future" that honors the county's collective history. Businesses can benefit from bicentennial activities throughout the year, while community members and visitors can explore and celebrate the county's history. "Most importantly, the Bicentennial is a time for our community to come together in unity and pride," it concluded. It's a celebration of our community's identity and the progress that has been made over the years." Bicentennial events The next event following the kick-off is "Be a Tourist in Your Own Town" which will take place noon–4 p.m. April 19–21. This event will allow residents free admission into many museums and galleries. The galleries and museums will be accepting donations. There will also be experiences throughout the county that weekend. Those who participate in the event will have an opportunity to win over $500 in prizes by completing a passport, giving them an opportunity to explore at least two experiences and six attractions. Passports can be found online at www.SenecaTourist.com and picked up at the 24/7 Seneca County Welcome Center, 96 S. Washington St. They can also be picked up at one of the five experience locations beginning April 19. To be entered into the drawing, passports must be returned. Seneca County Museum will be hosting a speaker series, focusing on history around Seneca County. It begins with a talk on April 28 discussing John Dillinger's 1934 robbery of First National Bank of Fostoria. The talks will continue until October. September will see the next bicentennial event, the Tiffin-Seneca Hertiage Festival Sept. 20–22. The bicentennial committee has partnered with the Tiffin-Seneca Heritage Festival committee to focus on the county's history that weekend. The grand marshal of the festival will be Becky Hill, a long-time Seneca County historian and genealogist. Bicentennial initiatives The bicentennial committee is hosting a canine commissioner contest. The winning dog will receive a "dog-friendly bicentennial swag and be featured on social media and on the website." Fourteen dogs have been submitted for the honorary title. You can vote at www.destinationsenecacounty.org/dogvote Voting is open until April 12 at midnight. Seneca County's bicentennial will bring back another way of celebrating with a bear contest. People can submit their information and a picture of their beard at www.destinationsenecacounty.org/beard by Monday to be considered. County residents can also participate in a self-guided Secrets of Seneca County Historical Driving Tour. People can explore the county's history, fun facts and landscapes. The tour will have a stop in every township. Finalized tour details will be announced at the kick-off event Monday.