Say Hello to Sidney's Spooks!

Can you hear the wind begin to moan and the shutters creak on the old homes along Walnut Avenue as fall arrives and the Halloween season approaches? We can, and we want to share it with you.

Come join us for the third annual Ghost Tour of Sidney on October 20 and 21, beginning at 7 p.m. Did you ever wonder about the real history of Bonnyconnellan Castle and the old hotel next to it? How about the triumphs and tragedies of the members of the Wagner family who lived in the Victorian mansions up on the hill? When Cephas Carey moved into the neighborhood, he brought with him the haunted memories of Indian massacres too horrible to recount. Was that really a ghost in the window of the home of Sidney’s most famous businessman?

We understand that some of the more interesting characters from our past may be out that night to surprise you. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Come and learn, but most importantly, be prepared to be scared. Our supply of tickets is limited, so call us now. Tickets are on sale now for $10/adult and $5/child. Tickets MUST be purchased in advance!

Tatting Classes to be Held

Historical Society members and the general public are invited to participate in a tatting class held at the Ross Historical Center. Bill Stem, a Sidney native, will lead classes where you will learn to tat. Bill has been tatting since 1973 and has taught tatting classes since the 1990s.
Tatting dates back to the early 19th century and is a form of durable, handcrafted lace formed by a pattern of rings and chains. Tatting can be done using shuttles or needles. Tatting became very popular in the beginning of the 20th century when lace collars and cuffs were popular for ladies’ dress items. Magazines of the day were often filled with tatting patterns.
The month-long tatting class will be held on October 5, 12, 19, 26, and November 2, and 9 at 7 p.m. Each class will last one hour. There is a $20 charge for taking part in the classes plus the cost of a tatting kit. We must know how many kits to order, so please call and reserve your spot in the class ahead of time. We hope you will take advantage of this learning experience and join us at the Ross Historical Center!

Vietnam Comes to the Ross Historical Center

On September 1, the Shelby County Historical Society's exhibit APO Shelby: A Vietnam Experience opened at the Ross Historical Center. Since then over 500 people have been through to see the exhibit. The exhibit tells the story of Shelby County's men and women who served their country during the Vietnam War. Using the stories and memories of local men, we created an exhibit to show the different facets of Vietnam.

Visitors can step into a Tactical Operations Tent and see radio equipment used in Vietnam. With the sounds of a helicopter over head, walk into the Vietnam jungle, view footage taken overseas, and look at a soldier in his fighting hole. Displays on the Viet Cong, American POWs, nurses, chaplains, and the men killed in action also fill the house.



If you haven't stopped in to the Ross Historical Center to view the exhibit yet, we hope to see you there! The museum is open Monday-Friday 1-5 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m.-Noon. Please stop in and remember the sacrifice of those who bravely served their country. APO Shelby: A Vietnam Experience will be open until October 15.

Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall

Following are some photographs of the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall ( by AVTT) that arrived in Sidney on September 1 and left on September 6. The Wall is a scaled replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. and has the names of the men and women killed during the Vietnam War. The Wall also travels with displays on other conflicts in which Americans have been involved, 9-11, and a memorial wall to those killed in the global War on Terror.

Healing Field pictures

The Healing Field of Flags was in Sidney from September 1-12 at Custenborder Field. 1200 flags, each representing a hero, were flown day and night in appreciation for those who give so much to our community and our nation. Thousands of visitors stopped by every day to view the flags and read the names attached to each one. Here are a few pictures of the event.







Shelby County truly came together to show our gratitude to our heroes.

Vietnam Wall Escort

Here are some photos taken during the Wall Escort on September 1. Over 2000 motorcycles escorted the Wall into Sidney from Wapakoneta, Ohio. The wall traveled down 25A and was greeted by thousands of people waving flags, clapping, and welcoming the veterans and the Wall to town. The Wall was in Sidney until Monday, September 6.

Trivia post!

The Shelby County Courthouse is the focal point of the historic court square district of downtown Sidney. This French Second Empire style building cost $200,000 when it was built. It features marble, sandstone, and limestone brought into Sidney by canal boat.



What year was this court house constructed? And how many court houses were on the square before this one was built?

The first person to comment here on the blog or to send an email to the society with the correct answer will win a free SPOT poster!