The Brumback Library was built with funds bequeathed to Van Wert County residents by John Sanford Brumback, a former resident of Van Wert. Mr. Brumback’s will directed that enough funds from his estate be devoted to the building and furnishing of a library as a gift to Van Wert County if the county would provide books and maintenance. The Brumback Library stands as the first county library formed in the United States. With turreted towers and a Ludowici tile roof, the library is nestled amid the trees of the park where it is located. The architecture is a combination of Romanesque and Gothic. The cornerstone of the building was laid in 1899 with dedication on January 1, 1901. In 1991, a 10,500 square foot addition was added along with a complete renovation of the existing structure took place.

Contact the Van Wert Area CVB at 877.989.2282.

The Land of the Cross Tipped Churches. In July of 1979, over sixty buildings representing the German Catholic settlements of southern Auglaize and Mercer Counties, as well as portions of northern Darke and Shelby Counties, were placed on a National Register of Historic Places. Consisting of churches, schools, rectories and convents, this grouping is symbolic of the culture and historic uniqueness of the region. Today, most of these structures remain to remind us of the hard work and dedication of these early settlers as they built the Miami-Erie Canal and forged a new life on the area’s rich and productive farmland. A drive along this Ohio Scenic Byway through the rural countryside follows the quaint churches with their cross tipped “spires to heaven” and includes stops at the focal points of the region: the former convent at Maria Stein, St. Augustine Church – the original Mother Church of the area, and the magnificent and impressive former seminary at Carthagena.

For more information, call Auglaize –Mercer CVB at 800.860.4726.

Fort Piqua Plaza. A visit to downtown Piqua is not complete without a visit to Piqua’s historic gem, the Fort Piqua Plaza, a fully rehabilitated historic facility that serves as the heart of activity in Piqua. First completed in 1891, this elaborately constructed Richardsonian Romanesque style facility has been transformed into a spectacular multi-use community building that houses the Piqua Public Library, Winans Fine Chocolates and Coffee shop, state of the art meeting rooms, an elegant ballroom and a high end eating establishment. Visitors can enjoy the magnificent lobby with the perfectly restored stained glass windows, breathtaking skylight and an opportunity to appreciate the well-worn gray Tennessee marble grand staircase. The Piqua Public Library boasts of a large local history collection as well as genealogical research resources and historical displays. The second floor houses a Piqua art gallery as well as visitor friendly Local History Department. This building is a great source of community pride. Tours are free.

Contact the Miami County Visitors & Convention Bureau for times and information, 800.348.8993.

Designed by famed architect Louis Sullivan in 1917 and completed in 1918 the Peoples Federal Savings and Loan is an architectural masterpiece. The bank features clear-cut lines terminated with a flat roof and bold cornice. The building is dominated by a Syrian arch at the entrance with blue glass mosaic in the tympanum. Sullivan’s terra cotta relief ornamentation is punctuated by lion’s head gargoyles (decorative rain spouts). To give the business a spacious and well-lighted interior, Sullivan designed within the building’s west wall a continuous string of windows composed of subdued green glass, accented by occasional ornamental designs in tomato and pale amber glass. The interior of the building, with its safe symmetrically located, and in full view by all, offers the comforting
presence of security.

For more information or to schedule a tour call 937.492.6129.

Nestled in the lush countryside, two European-style chateaus will recapture your curiosity for days gone by. Each with its own charm and personality, Castles Mac-A-Cheek and Mac-O-Chee were two limestone homes constructed prior to the turn of the century by Abram and Colonial Donn Piatt, prominent brothers who grew up in the area. Castle Mac-O-Chee resides in the hillside of what the native Americans once called “smiling valley”. Castle Mac-A-Cheek sits on top of a hill with a breathtaking view of its surroundings. This home has never been out of the Piatt family. Visitors can engage in a detailed, guided tour of each castle.

Call 937.465.2821 for more information.

You have likely seen many amazing visionary art sites, but none quite like the one Jim Bowsher has created on Wood Street in Wapakoneta. The Temple of Tolerance feels more like a place that has been unearthed rather than constructed. Massive glacial boulders mound up to form the central monument, dedicated to tolerance. Surrounding the main temple is a stage for summer music performances, a Vietnam War memorial, a Tree of Life and remnants and mementoes covering hundreds of years of history. Very difficult to describe, something you will long remember.

Contact the Auglaize-Mercer CVB at 419.394.1294.

Built in 1910, the St. Clair Memorial Hall is the center for the arts in Darke County. Also housed in this building are the Anna Bier Gallery, featuring art work during the year, and the Civic Room. Located in Greenville, this fine piece of architecture has been completely remodeled and is a showpiece for all of Darke County.

For more information, contact the Darke County Visitors Bureau at
800.504.2995 or www.discoverourlegends.com

The Orr Mansion was built in 1906-1908, using only the finest lumber, by lumber baron, William Orr in Bellefontaine, Ohio. It has been said that the home cost $40,000 when it was built. This was a huge sum of money, for the average factory worker may only have made $2 per day. The residence & the attached nursing home were purchased in 1988 for $50,000 by the Logan County Historical Society. After much work remodeling, it was opened to the public in 1989. The former nursing home attached to the Mansion now houses the Logan County Museum. To show the change in times, in 1995 the Society restored the tile roof on the mansion at a cost of nearly $90,000.

Contact Logan County Visitors Bureau at 888.564.2626.

The Monumental Building was constructed in 1875 as a living memorial to Shelby County Civil War veterans. During its lifespan the Monumental Building has been home to the Sidney Fire Department, Public Library, and Government Offices. The third floor featured an Opera House where performers like Annie Oakley, Buffalo Bill, and many other legends graced the stage. Today the Monumental Building is home to the Sidney Municipal Court and Shelby County Veterans Services office.

To schedule a tour, please call 937-498-0011.