Acknowledging Co-Founder of the Historical Society of Olmsted Falls
Jean Johnson is the first president of the Historical Society of Olmsted Falls. When Jean, Anne Donegan and I first discussed forming an historical society there was nothing. It was just an idea that we discussed. After several meetings at Jean’s home, we decided to go forward. Under her guidance, it has grown. One of the first decisions was to consider the scope of the historical society. We had heard from many people in the area that the society should be limited. People were interested in something specifically for the City of Olmsted Falls and the present (2006) Olmsted Township. We were informed by numerous people that they were willing to donate their treasures but they wanted them to remain in Olmsted Falls proper - not outside her borders. Most of our early work concerned the nuts and bolts of establishing the Society, mundane but vital steps.
One of Jean’s first major accomplishments - and one for which she has received little credit - is the correct spelling of the name “Olmsted”. We had received three original letters written by/to Aaron Olmsted from a donor in Vermont. Jean pursued the issue and accomplished her goal.
Jean arranged for our first HSOF project with then Manager Nick Cronin of the Olmsted Falls Public Library. It was to create an historical theme in the library window (at the former library on Main Street). It was a great success.
One of the most memorable events Jean arranged was a garage sale. The aftermath was rather unique as we tried to figure out the best way to get our metal 3’x5’ sign to her home. “No problem “, she said. Jean would drive and I would hold the sign in the back seat with the car top down. As she drove, the sign began to declare its independence. At the sharp bend on Columbia Road, the sign decided to test the laws of nature. Recall airplanes: how molecules move faster over the leading edge of the wing and the plane begins to lift. Our sign decided it was a wing and began to rise right out of the car. Now that was a short but adventure filled ride.
Jean consulted legal experts for the proper way to file for a 501 C3 designation as a tax exempt organization. She also found locations for our meetings and speakers.
In 2007, Mayor Robert Blomquist gave permission for us to install display cases in the main hall at the City Administration Building. We have two display cases as of 2015. One was built by Larry Prebis, a craftsman from Seville, Ohio. He also makes display cases for the Strongsville Historical Society. We received another case from Mike, the owner of the former Grand Pacific Model Railroad store in Olmsted Falls.
In 2014, Mayor Ann Marie Donegan gave the Historical Society space in an original classroom in the Administration Building. The room was once a typing room (one of its many uses over the years) and we were thrilled - especially those of us who once attended Olmsted Falls High School. This was an important development as we now had a physical location. Jean insisted that the floor be washed -no- scrubbed and there she was on her hands and knees. Who says a title doesn’t carry a lot of glory?
From a humble idea to a place of its own, Jean has guided, cajoled, encouraged, and followed through with making the Historical Society of Olmsted Falls come to life. She has never lost sight of the goal: to have a small, local, historical society where people could contribute their treasures and their treasures would stay within the borders of Olmsted Falls. Thank you, Jean, for all the hard work, guidance, and love that you have put into the Historical Society of Olmsted Falls. Wm. Eichenberg, Jr. 2015
January, 3, 2015