Smithville Community Historical Society

Check the schedule in the Featured section for all of our events! The Pioneer Village of the Smithville Community Historical Society consist of nine main buildings and three smaller structures. Pioneer Log Cabin was built in the 1830's and displays many items used by our early settlers. Sheller House was built in 1850 and had many amenities not shown in the earlier Pioneer Cabin. Carriage Barn & Pottery was built in the late 1800's and shows early construction methods. The first floor is home to the Village Pottery where our potters produce traditional clay vessels on a kick wheel. Village Blacksmith was one of the important tradesmen in any town. Our blacksmith creates many pieces used on the farm and in the home. A wheelwright also occupies part of this build showing how wagon wheels are made and repaired. Tin Shop - The tin shop's craftsmen create the household items from tin and also items to decorate the yard. LyDo Barn is a "Yankee" style barn originally built in 1840. The artifacts on display are from the 1800's & early 1900's. Many pieces were used on local farms. Historic Church of God was dedicated in December of 1867 and continued services until 2005 when the Historical Society became owner. The congregation was instrumental in found the first Sunday School in town. Train Depot houses railroad memorabilia from the local railroads. A second room houses early woodworking tools. The Caboose is home to our children's museum, featuring many early toys and books. At 381 E. Main Street is the Mishler Weaving Mill founded by John and Rosina Mishler. They had traveled to the United States from Switzerland with their three children. They started by weaving rag rugs on a hand loom and would enlarge their business to larger power driven looms. In later years, cheesecloth became a mainstay of the operation and was sold all over the world. The looms operate weekly making many items. The Reception Center is housed in the building that once served as the Mishler garage and workshop. It houses a meeting room, Mishler Photography Room, Mishler Heritage Room and Education Room. The Education Room contains items of the Point Breeze Chautauqua and our local schools.