Alliance Historical Society logo 2022

Sharing Stories. Preserving History.

Sourbeck House
Marking Time in Alliance title screen for The Crossing

What We Do

Portion of cover of Magrath book

Publications

Karen Perone speaking at dinner

Speakers Bureau

What We Do

Since 1939, the Alliance Historical Society has collected the stories of the city of Alliance, Ohio and preserved the artifacts that make up our nearly 200-year history.

The Society owns and operates the Mabel Hartzell Historical Home and Alliance History Mini Museum, located at 840 N. Park Avenue.

What We Offer

Tours of the Mabel Hartzell Historical Home and Alliance History Mini Museum are only two of our popular services. We also provide programs for meetings and schools, offer public programs, historic tours, and publications on Alliance’s history.

Tours

Whether you are a group of one or a tour bus of 40, we offer tours of our beautiful historic Victorian home and Mini Museum to meet your schedule. Book online or contact us via email to schedule your visit.

Programs

Members of the Alliance Historical Society are available to speak at your meeting or in your classroom. Topics include slideshows of Alliance history, Mabel Hartzell’s life, genealogy, antiques, Alliance City Cemetery, and much more.

Marking Time in Alliance

Our award-winning YouTube series of short videos on the history of Alliance. Topics include Alliance High School Murals, Silver Park, The Crossing, Freedom Plaza, and many more.

Great Squirrel Hunt of 1832

Sharing Stories

Sharing stories is what we do. Read all about some of Alliance’s stories in our blog posts.

The Great Olive Poisoning of 1919

When Col. Charles C. Weybrecht returned from France in August 1919, Mrs. Helen Sebring Gahris planned a party to celebrate his return. The most prominent families from Alliance were invited to a dinner at the Lakeside Country Club in Canton, Ohio. On the way, Mrs. Gahris stopped at a store in Alliance to purchase candy, nuts, and a jar of ripe olives. She gave the items to the waiter and told him they were to only be served at her table. The waiter and the chef sampled the olives before serving them. Some of the guests sampled the olives and some were told by others to not eat them because they didn’t taste right. Read more…

A Caboose in a Parking Lot

The Main Street Caboose

The Main Street Caboose

If you’ve visited Downtown Alliance, you may have wondered, “Why is there a caboose in the parking lot?

The caboose is a reminder of days gone by when the Lake Erie, Alliance, and Wheeling Railroad passed through downtown Alliance. The track line is now part of the Stark Parks Iron Horse Trail which goes from the University of Mount Union, past the Mabel Hartzell Historical Home and on to Earley’s Hill Park. Learn more

 

Levi L. Lamborn and the Scarlet Carnation

Levi L Lamborn

Levi L. Lamborn

The scarlet carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) was adopted as Ohio’s state flower on Feb. 3, 1904 in memory of President William McKinley. McKinley often wore a red carnation in his lapel, thanks to Alliance’s own Levi L. Lamborn.

Dr. Levi Leslie Lamborn (1827-1910) was a man of many talents and interests. He came to the Alliance area about 1849 after studying to become a physician. At his home he constructed a conservatory and began cultivating flowers, especially carnations. Learn more

 

How Alliance Became the Aviators

Aviators jet

The Aviators jet sits proudly in front of Alliance High School

On August 3, 1927, famed aviator Charles Lindbergh flew over the city of Alliance and tipped his wings when he flew over the house of a friend who lived here. The tipping of wings by a pilot is a sign of recognition and their way to “say hello” as they fly over a familiar location.

In the years following this event, the High School adopted the name “Aviators” to refer to their sports teams. Learn more

 

Our Award-Winning Publications

Sharing Alliance’s history is what we do best. Our award-winning publications tell the story of our community in words and pictures. Pick one up today!

Alliance As I Knew It

Alliance As I Knew It

William H. Magrath

Life in Alliance in the late 1800s

History of Lexington Township by Levi L. Lamborm

History of Lexington Township

Levi L. Lamborn

Including Alliance, Limaville, and Mt. Union

What's Cookin'? historical cookbook of Alliance

What's Cookin'?

Alliance Historical Society

Recipes and stories from Alliance and beyond

Get Involved

The Alliance Historical Society is growing and needs your help! Whether your talents include gardening, office work, event planning, building maintenance, antiques, or even dusting, you will find something that will satisfy your need to volunteer and show your Alliance community support. Become a member to get started and learn more.

Mailing Address

PO Box 2044
Alliance, OH 44601

Hours

By appointment. Contact us to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

Contact Us

330-736-1116
alliancehistory@yahoo.com