Historical society hosts banquet

NEW LONDON — Members of the New London Area Historical Society met Dec. 10 at the Grange Hall for their annual banquet. President Tom Neel gave an update on the society's activities for the past year. He said there are 185 society members, and the museum has been at 13 E. Main for 18 years and added, "We are filling it up." As usual, the society had a display at the New London High School Alumni Banquet and participates in Hometown Holidays each year. The museum is open most Saturday afternoons and can be shown by appointment at other times by calling Neel at 419-750-4061. Neel produces the newsletter three times a year, and the New London Record online index is complete and available for anyone seeking information. The evening's speaker was Brad Harp, a volunteer since 2001 at Historic Lyme Village, which is located near Bellevue. He showed photos of the many buildings making up the village, such as the church, cobbler shop, post office and the John Wright Mansion. He also described the origin of each building, most of which were used in the 1800s in the area. Harp is also a Revolutionary War reenactor, a bagpiper and a wood worker. Membership in the Historical Society is $10 for an individual and $15 for a family, which helps support the organization that is devoted to New London's history. In addition to Neel, officers are Mike Crabbs, vice president; Dick Landis, secretary; and Stacy Crabbs, treasurer. Meetings are 1:30 p.m. in the museum the third Sunday of most months, and all are welcome.