Sharing Stories. Preserving History.
What We Do
Publications
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.
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
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
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
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
William H. Magrath
Life in Alliance in the late 1800s
History of Lexington Township
Levi L. Lamborn
Including Alliance, Limaville, and Mt. Union
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