Putnam County Historical Society & Museum

08/28/2026

*Thursday Threads*
Humans, animals, and other living organisms have relied on natural resources for survival since the beginning of time. This week we will focus on the extraction of minerals.
Soil is one of the most important nonrenewable natural resources and has played a large part in the development of our county. Sand, clay and gravel have been very useful, especially the clay tiles that helped drain the Black Swamp and the gravel used to build early roads. Rock and earth materials were excavated, forming open pits. Some are still in operation in the county. Many of these sites, known as quarries, have been used for recreation and diving spots. Gilboa Quarry features diving, snorkeling, and paddle sports as well as camping. It claims the title of "deepest" among those of northwest Ohio.
There is no way to thoroughly cover the value of natural resources in Putnam County or the ways we can be good stewards of the land. Protecting our natural resources will ensure that they will be available for future generations.

08/21/2026

*Thursday Threads*
Putnam County Pioneer Reminiscences is a PCHS publication written by the early pioneers of our county. Throughout the book are first-hand accounts of encounters with the forest creatures who made their home in this region prior to the pioneers. Small creatures such as squirrels, rabbits, pheasants, raccoons, and deer inhabited this territory and became a natural resource for food, clothing, recreation, and trading. According to tradition, bears, snakes, bobcats, lynx and even lions roamed the Black Swamp at one time. As settlers arrived they gradually became extinct.
Many stories concerning the wildlife have been passed down from early settlers--some true, some tall tales; some tragic, some humorous. They are all worth a read. Stop by the museum to learn more about pioneers and their adventures with our natural resource--wildlife.

Hours: Sundays (1-4 PM)
Wednesdays (9AM-noon)
By appointment (send a message to schedule)

08/14/2026

*Thursday Threads* Water was a very important natural resource in the history of Putnam County. Several rivers, streams, and tributaries run through the county. In the early 1800s, the Blanchard River carried the first white permanent settler, David Murphy, downstream in a canoe from Ft. Findlay. He landed at the confluence of the Blanchard and Auglaize Rivers, eventually building a cabin of logs and poles at an area known as the bayou. Pioneers often settled along waterways, and many of our roads follow rivers and streams. Some have interesting stories connected to their names such as Riley Creek and Hog Creek (Ottawa River).
Although water was a necessary resource, it also proved to be an obstacle for our early inhabitants. Draining the Black Swamp was a major undertaking, and the wet climate was the cause of deadly diseases. Floods were recorded as early as 1830 with the 1913 flood one of the worst in Ohio history.
Water provides recreation, fishing, swimming, and a source of enjoyment for our citizens. A blessing or a curse? It is still one of Putnam County's most valuable resources. Stop by the PCHS Museum to view photos of historic floods, the story of draining the Black Swamp, and how Hog Creek got its name.

08/07/2026

Stop by the Canal Museum in Delphos on Sunday, Aug. 9 for an interesting presentation.

America250/Delphos175 History Series

Program Title: "Revisiting the Interurban Era"
Presenter Mike Buettner

Mr. Buettner will share the history of the Interurban, an electric railway, in and around Delphos and Ohio and the Midwest in the early 20th century.

Sunday, August 9, 2026
2:00pm
Delphos Canal Museum
241 N Main Street
Delphos OH 45833

Delphos Canal Museum opens at 1:00pm. Free admission.

Bio
Mike Buettner is a retired professional surveyor and active amateur historian born and raised in Lima. He is a 1974 graduate of Shawnee High School and a 1978 graduate of Purdue University. He retired as the senior surveyor for Kohli & Kaliher Associates in Lima. His interest in transportation history has led to the creation of several programs such as this, including the Lincoln Highway and Dixie Highway.

08/07/2026

*Thursday Threads* This week we are focusing on one of Putnam County's natural resources. The area known as the Black Swamp was an immense wetland covering most of northwestern Ohio. Trees towered high and straight, some reaching 150 feet with a diameter of six feet. Of course the first resource to be exploited was the forest. Much of the land in Putnam County was sold for the value of the timber with the land "thrown in."
Dornington in Greensburg Township was the scene of the last big timber business. Only the finest oak was used with logs up to sixty feet long. Expert French woodsmen made the final hewing. It took two railroad flat cars to accommodate their length as they made their way for the journey to the sea.
Many stories surrounding the timber/lumbering business are available for research at the PCHS museum. We invite you to visit and learn more about our county's valuable resource--trees.

07/31/2026

*Thursday Threads* Church related gatherings around the county.
To learn more about Putnam County history and see additional memorabilia, we welcome you to stop by the museum on Sundays (1-4 PM), Wednesdays (9 AM- noon), and by appointment.

07/24/2026

*Thursday Threads*
Gatherings from around the county.

07/16/2026

*Thursday Threads* Putnam County gatherings often included political and patriotic events. Tap each photo for a description.

For more information and additional photos of Putnam County history, stop by the PCHS museum. Hours are Sundays (1-4 PM), Wednesdays (9 AM- noon), and by appointment.

07/10/2026

07/09/2026

*Thursday Threads* Social life for Putnam pioneers included community festivals and parades. Early citizens of Ottoville took part in county government but never joined in the Putnam County Pioneer Association activities. Language possibly created a barrier. Along with other Germans in the county, they set up their own pioneer gatherings where the German language, German food, traditions, songs, and dancing were accepted and enjoyed.
Parade pictures below document history. We invite you to visit the Putnam County Historical Society to learn more about past social life and community gatherings.