A look back at McGuffey Historical Society

Photo by: William D. Lewis

The Vindicator (Youngstown)

Photo

Shirley Eckley, vice-president and secretary of the William Holmes McGuffey Society, and a decedent of William Holmes McGuffey and Richard Scarsella stand hear a plaque at the William Homes McGuffey Wildlife preserve on McGuffey Road.

A LOOK BACK

The William Holmes McGuffey Historical Society is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and has achieved numerous milestones since 1961. The society’s accomplishments include:

Buying the McGuffey Homestead, which consists of 78 acres, on McGuffey Road in Coitsville Township.

Listing the homestead as a National Historic Landmark in 1966.

Transferring the homestead to Mill Creek MetroParks in 1998 and renaming it the McGuffey Wildlife Preserve.

Donating $15,000 to the MetroParks to maintain the wildlife area.

Naming of William Holmes McGuffey Elementary School, McGuffey Memorial Bridge and a portion of Interstate 680 the William Holmes McGuffey Memorial Highway, all in Youngstown.

Storing the McGuffey family archives at the D.D. and Velma Davis Education and Visitors Center in Mill Creek Park’s Fellows Riverside Gardens in Youngstown.

Donating letters and other effects from the archives to the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown.

Starting annual Founder’s Day and Pioneer Award ceremonies, as well as a Front Porch Storytelling program.

Source: McGuffey Historical Society