History Group
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The history group meets on the first Tuesday of every month from 10:00 a.m. until Noon to chat casually about a pre-announced topic, usually a narrow segment of Massillon history. Chris Craft moderates the discussion. The "Massillon Remembers" group is free and open to everyone; new participants are welcome at any time. Some people come to every session; others attend when the topic is of special interest to them. No reservations are required. Coffee and donuts are available for a donation. The Massillon Museum is located at 121 Lincoln Way East (Ohio 172), in downtown Massillon. For more information, call the Massillon Museum at 330-833-406 |
History Discussion Group 2023 Topics
Tuesday, January 3, 2023
"Old Cars, Dealerships & Gas Stations"
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
"Favorite Childhood Toys"
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
"Retail Establishments"
Tuesday, April 4, 2023
"The Family Dinner Table"
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
"Parades"
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
"Local Attractions & One-Day Trips"
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
“Massillon & Stark County Restaurants”
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
"Back to School"
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
“Fall Songs to Remember"
Tuesday, October 3, 2023
“Colorful or Famous Relatives”
History Discussion Group 2022 Topics
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
"Live Performances & Venues"
Tuesday, November 1, 2022
"Fraternal & Service Organizations"
Tuesday, December 6, 2022
"Grandma's Household Chores"
History Discussion Group 2020 Topics
Aha! Moments
When did you decide on your career path? When did you know for sure you wanted to live in Massillon?
February 4, 2020
Most Interesting Thing You Ever Did
Did you climb the water tower? Hike the Grand Canyon? Master making Baked Alaska? Take a fascinating class?
March 3, 2020
Virtual Massillon Main Street Mansion Tour
Archivist Mandy Altimus Stahl will project images to illustrate discussion about the grand homes that lined Lincoln Way.
April 7, 2020
Grandma’s Kitchen & Grandpa’s Garage
Did you learn to make noodles and eat leftover icing in her cozy kitchen? Learn to change a spark plug or tire in his garage?
May 5, 2020
Do You Remember...
We’ll start with a great list of favorite former places—compiled by John Tschoff, adding more as they come to mind.
June 2, 2020
Inner Workings of the Massillon Museum
An opportunity to ask how collections, exhibits, and events are organized and executed. End with a behind-the-scenes tour.
July 7, 2020
Downtown Massillon Virtual Tour—1950s & 1960s
Take an imaginary walk along Lincoln Way by looking at MassMu images projected by Archivist Mandy Altimus Stahl.
August 4, 2020
Memories and Images of Columbia Heights
Do you know some inside stories about “The Heights?” We’ll see photos, in case you were never there in person.
September 1, 2020
Music in Massillon
Bands, concerts, music teachers, programs, and musicians! Did you play an instrument? Did you perform in public?
October 6, 2020
Favorite Childhood Toys
Were your toys homemade or improvised? What was the best toy you ever received? Did you have a bicycle or a wagon?
November 3, 2020
Tigertown Trivia
Have fun learning about eclectic Massillon history. Earn “fabulous prizes” for correct, courageous, or crazy answers.
December 1, 2020
Show and Tell
Bring in your special treasures and memories to share with the friends you’ve made throughout the year at History Group.
2019 Previously Discussed Topics
2018 Previously Discussed Topics
2017 Previously Discussed Topics
JANUARY 3, 2017
Hobbies, Pastimes, and Special Skills
What have you collected or crafted?
FEBRUARY 7, 2017
Diners, Dives, and Drive-ins
Remember Smitty's, Brady's, Roberta's, and Bill's?
MARCH 7, 2017
Favorite TV Westerns
Who were your favorite cowboys?
APRIL 4, 2017
Pranks and Practical Jokes
How did you trick your friends, and what did they do to you?
MAY 2, 2017
Fires and Firefighters
Remember the corner call boxes?
What's the worst fire you ever witnessed?
JUNE 6, 2017
Hold onto Your History
What do you want the young people in your life to know about you?
JULY 4, 2017
Streetcars and Buses
How did you get around before you could drive?
AUGUST 1, 2017
Grandparents and Special Ancestors
What was the best advice Grandpa ever gave you?
SEPTEMBER 5, 2017
Neighborhood Fun
Where did you live? How did you and your friends amuse yourselves before video games?
OCTOBER 3, 2017
Origin of Old-time Expressions
Think about this until the cows come home!
NOVEMBER 7, 2017
Tigertown Trivia
Local history fun, facts, and “fabulous” prizes with Margy Vogt!
DECEMBER 5, 2017
Show and Tell
Bring your special photos and treasures to share with friends.
2016 Previously Discussed Topics
JANUARY 5, 2016
Extreme Weather
Heavy snow storms, floods, tornados, 1969/1970 rains
FEBRUARY 2, 2016
Special Moments in My Life
Bring photos of personal and family milestones
MARCH 1, 2016
What Was There Before?
What used to be in the McClymonds building, the Library
parking lot, the Stone Block, Grand Mill Center...?
APRIL 5, 2016
Most Embarrassing Moments
Did you hit 27 foul balls? Trip on stage at graduation?
MAY 3, 2016
Gardens
Victory Gardens, best public gardens, your vegetable crops,
favorite flowers, trouble with Peter Rabbit...
JUNE 7, 2016
Famous Folks
Who visited Massillon? Did you shake hands with a President?
Celebrity autographs?
JULY 5, 2016
The Best of...
Where did you get the best burgers? Produce?
Car repairs? Hair cuts? Flowers? Milk shakes?
AUGUST 2, 2016
Drug Stores
Remember Jackman’s? Baltzly’s? Briner’s? Lincoln Drugs?
SEPTEMBER 6, 2016
Gossip
Where did ytou learn the juiciest scoop? Cigar stores, barber
shops, beauty parlors, Salmagundi, gas station, neighbors?
OCTOBER 4, 2016
Show and Tell
Bring your special photos and treasures to share with friends!
NOVEMBER 1, 2016
Tigertown Trivia
Local history fun, facts, and “fabulous” prizes with Margy Vogt!
DECEMBER 6, 2016
Cherished Christmas Memories
Family traditions, church pageants, parties, best gifts...
2015 Previously Discussed Topics
JANUARY 6, 2015
Why Did They Call It That?
Streets, buildings, parks, neighborhoods, and bridges
FEBRUARY 3, 2015
“Old School”
Bring photos and objects for possible use in exhibit
Part of The Big Read
MARCH 3, 2015
Local Inventions and Inventors
Cars, bridges, the cow catcher, stoves...
APRIL 7, 2015
Pranks and Practical Jokes
April Fools tricks, camp antics, jokes on friends
MAY 5, 2015
Massillon Stone Quarries, Buildings, and Bridges
Where did the stone come from and where is it now?
JUNE 2, 2015
Local Musicians and Music Stores
Piano factories, Engelhardt’s, and talented Massillonians
JULY 7, 2015
A Century of Films & Fun at the Lincoln Theatre
WHS senior movies, favorite films, dish night, bank night
AUGUST 4, 2015
Tools and Hardware
Did you ever buy tools from Blaumeiser’s or Demmer’s?
SEPTEMBER 1, 2015
Fall Traditions
Football mums, Oktoberfests,Trick or Treat...
OCTOBER 6, 2015
Unexplained and Odd Occurrences
A door won’t stay closed? A warm spot in a cold house?
NOVEMBER 3, 2015
Tigertown Trivia
Local history fun, facts, “fabulous” prizes with Margy Vogt
DECEMBER 1, 2015
Show and Tell
Bring your favorite photos and treasures to show!
2014 Previoiusly Discussion Topics
January 7, 2014: History of Local Church Buildings
Previous buildings? Offbeat uses of buildings?
February 4, 2014: Experiences with Wild Animals and Pets
Squirrels in the house? Have you been skunked?
March 4, 2014: Trains, Planes, and Streetcars
Tell about your rides!
April 1, 2014: Fairs and Festivals
Street fairs, Stark County Fair, traveling festivals
May 6, 2014: Gas Stations and Car Dealerships
Wash the windshield and check the oil?
June 3, 2014: Fine Residences of Massillon
Remember the homes that lined Lincoln Way?
July 1, 2014: Hotels and Motels
From the Conrad Hotel to the Conrad Hilton
August 5, 2014: Downtown Massillon Stores
Stark Dry Goods, Long & Pietzcker, Segal's...
September 2, 2014: Massillon History Trivia
Fun questions... with "fabulous" prizes
October 7, 2014: Home Delivery
Milk, bread, groceries, laundry...
November 4, 2014: Viaducts and Dedication
Did you attend the parade?
December 2, 2014: Show and Tell
Bring your favorite treasures to show!