library - Local History Library, a branch of Troy-Miami County Public Library in Troy, Ohio

Important Update:#LHL will be closed for the Veterans Day Holiday tomorrow, Wednesday, November 11, 2020.

#FlahsbackFriday - Did you know Troy had a mechanical elephant company at one time? Maurice E. Baird was a shoe salesman in Troy with a store on South Market St. About 1895, Mr. Baird invented and constructed a full-sized, life-like mechanical elephant to advertise his business in the Fourth of July parade, and the idea, as we would say today, went viral. Accordingly, he developed a business to meet demands and interests in the curiosity. In 1897-1898, Mr. Baird shipped mechanical elephants all over, from the Dakotas to New Jersey. #LHL

Did you know that historically Ohio has been a big player in Presidential Elections? It is not just in recent years that the Buckeye state has been considered a key state. Throughout the history of elections, since Ohio became a state, only nine candidates have won the presidency without carrying Ohio. The General Election of 1960 was the last time a candidate won the presidency without Ohio behind him. So, whatever the outcome, history is being made. Learn more about Ohio and local history at the #LHL!

SAVE THE DATE and bring home the holidays this November! Our annual #TMCPL Festival of Trees fundraiser event will be an online auction, held November 16 - 22, featuring beautifully decorated trees created by our friends in the community. Stay tuned for more information later next week. Please LIKE & SHARE to help us spread the word.

#FridayFlashback - In the last few days, we have seen a few pictures of the courthouse being illuminated in different colors, specifically, green and orange for Halloween. How many recall that a portion of the courthouse once actually had a reddish-orange hue? This image is from 1967. On the right side of the picture is the old Sheriff’s offices and residence. #LHL

Need help navigating your family tree? We are now open to the public Monday - Thursday and available by appointment only on Fridays!

You can still reserve a spot for A Pictorial Journey of Miami County being presented tonight. You will be emailed an invitation to the ZOOM program. Register here: https://forms.gle/uTgkNMWyKEhAV6Q69

Coleman Allen Saidleman Building,1861, on Troy’s square.

Who doesn't love an old picture with a great story? Join Doug Christian, former Miami County Engineer (1979-2011), to explore Miami County's past with over 100 historic photos! This program will be presented over Zoom. Register now: https://forms.gle/4HWTG8581eQkoNEz9

The Troy-Miami County Public Library, Oakes-Beitman Memorial Library in Pleasant Hill, and Local History Library will be closed today, Monday, October 12, 2020, due to the Columbus Day holiday.

#FridayFlashback from the #LHL : Historically, one of Troy’s most popular industries was the WACO Aircraft Company. WACO (pronounced Wah-co), became a very popular manufacturer of biplanes for the general public. From their beautifully crafted frames to the distinct sound of a WACO biplane flying overhead, these air machines have captured the imagination of young and old alike for generations. The photo is an overhead, from a WACO plane no doubt, of the WACO plant and he...adquarters, just off Archer Dr. The house is no longer there, but the plant buildings have been preserved through the years as part of other corporations in that location. For about ten years, WACO sold more aircraft to the general public than any other manufacturer in the United States, and they also developed plans for the gliders utilized by the Allies in World War II. The second image is a simple design sketch of the popular Taper Wing aircraft, Model 225.

Schedule change: #LHL will be closed Monday, October 12 for the Columbus Day holiday.

The #LHL is now open to the public. Come see us. Local History Library Hours: Mondays 12-7, Tuesday through Thursday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Fridays by appointment only from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

#FlashbackFriday Prior to the Safety Building’s construction, Plum Street ran north between the 1888 Courthouse and the old Sheriff’s residence and the jail. In 1975, a new courthouse named The Miami County Safety Building was dedicated, along with a plaza located between the two courthouses where North Plum St. was formerly situated. During the past year, the Courthouse Plaza was deconstructed and entirely redesigned to its current appearance. Officially dedicated October 1, 2020, it once again highlights the beauty of the old 1888 Courthouse, Miami’s Pride, and brings a new aesthetic beauty to the center of the county.