Powell Liberty Historical Society

Local Religion and Urban Legends

2025 is the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Powell United Methodist Church. As part of the celebration, Powell-Liberty Historical Society volunteer, Sherry Carmichael, presented Local Religion and Urban Legends. Included are a summary of some of the history of Liberty Township, background of some of the early churches, and the key individuals who developed the area amd formed the churches. The presentation concludes with a personal remembrances of Sherry's involvement in the church as a child. Music Credits: Light the Way by Ian Kelosky Content ID: UBCLXMD8Y4OHN5LK

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Jun-17-2025

Meriwether Lewis' Close Calls

Retired teacher and long-time reenactor, Trim Kreps presents the story of the Lewis and Clark Discovery Corp emphasizind some of the close calls the they experienced. Its an entertaining and informative presentation. Music Credits: System Failure by Wicked Cinema Content ID: 7CYDDBJAI4SJAMKV

Videographer:   Allen Miller

May-24-2025

Interview With Sherry Carmichael

Sherry Carmichael is a sixth generation resident of Powell and a Powell-Liberty Historical Society Volunteer since its inception. In this video she talks about growint up in Powell, some of the significant residents who were important in her life, how Powell has changed and why its a great place to live. She also talks about the importance of the Powell-Liberty Historical Society to the community at large. Music Credit: For All Our Days by A Thousand Words Content ID: N0JATWPHVK2NZGOP

Videographer:   Allen Miller

May-19-2025

Underground Railroad in Ohio

This video is a recording of Valerie Boyer's, educational and entertaining presentation about the codes and hidden meaning in Negro spriritauals that guided travelers on the Underground Railroad. The presentation exposed the subleties of the lyrics and music that formed the codes followed by participants on the Underground Railroad that most of us had never noticed or heard of. The presentation very clearly showed that the Underground Railroad was much more that routes and stations. Its character and features where hidden within the culture. In the words of one participant, the presentation was "eye opening." The audience filled the Powell Municipal Building East Room, was engaged start to finish, and produced an extended question and answer session. Music Credit: "Wade in the Water" by Antioch Mass Choir Content ID: IYHT9ZVYLRRVEDB7

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Mar-23-2025

History of Super Bowl Commercials

Ron, president of Ron Foth Advertising, presents the history of Super Bowl advertising, including a preview (at the time of the presentation) of some of the 2025 Super Bowl commercials. He discusses some of the most significant ads over the years and the impact that they had on advertising. Music Credit: "Big Game" by In This World Content ID: TiyL7CJQRTZNK1IW0MT

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Feb-18-2025

Our Unwritten History in Stone - PiP

The recording of Steve Schenck's presentation had technical issue and could not be used. This video is a temporary substitute until the presentation can be rerecorded. It uses a picture-in-picture format with a thumbnail video superimposed on the presentation slides. The superimposed video contains framing, focusing, and exposure aids and is not color corrected or graded but it does show Steve as he interacted with the screen and the audience. We apologize in advance for the quality and for any inconvenience. Watch for the updated video in the near future. Steve Schenck, a life-long resident of Delaware County and Liberty Township and 45 year member of the Archaeological Society of Ohio, discusses the earliest people to visit and explore Delaware County and Liberty Township Ohio beginning nearly 14,000 years ago. Who were the first people to visit Liberty Township & Delaware County? Where did they come from? How did they survive and evolve? What evidence did they leave? The discussion provides a glimpse into the lives of these people and their cultures that came and inhabited our township and county. Evidence and examples of their existence will be presented as well as actual artifacts to see. Music Credit: Nocturnal Written and performed by Stephen Keech Content ID: 6HSQPWKB6GLMP7OT

Videographer:   Allen Milller

Sep-24-2024

Our Unwritten History in Stone - Slides and Narration

Steve Schenck, a life-long resident of Delaware County and Liberty Township and 45 year member of the Archaeological Society of Ohio discusses the earliest people to visit and explore Delaware County and Liberty Township beginning nearly 14,000 years ago. Who were the first people to visit Liberty Township & Delaware County? Where did they come from? How did they survive and evolve? What evidence did they leave? The discussion provides a glimpse into the lives of these people and their cultures that came and inhabited our township and county. Evidence and examples of their existence will be presented as well as actual artifacts to see. This video includes the slides show with Steve's narration. Music Credit: Nocturnal Written and performed by Stephen Keech Content ID: YG2JOBYGHVPPRGOZ

Videographer:   NA

Sep-20-2024

Haunting Histories

A video recording of Charise William's presentation at the May 13, 2024 program presented at the Martin-Perry House. Charise explained what the various types of hauntings are, some of her favorite places to explore in Ohio and her recent investigation of the Martin-Perry House. She concluded with equipment recommendations to get started with ghost hunting and an extended question and answer session. Music Credit: "Unworld" by Lost Ghosts Content ID: Y6F3AZLK8B3QA7VP

Videographer:   Allen Miller

May-26-2024

Local History Quiz

A recording of the September 15, 2024 Powell-Liberty Historical Society Program presented by Allen Miller. The presentation was in the form of a quiz examining a wide range of subjects from the history of Powell and Liberty Township with extra emphasis on the late 19th and early 20th century schools. Music credit: "Tresco Abbey" by Moments Content ID: GVN74P23TNDUEVUJ

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Apr-23-2024

Newark Earthworks

Brad Lepper from the Ohio History Connection and the Ohio Humanities Council describes the Newark Earthworks, the Hopewell Culture that built them, some of the efforts to preserve them through the years and the recently successuf efforts to have them established as a World Heritage Site. It is a very informative and entertaining presentation. Music credit: "Be Like Water" by Basketcase Content Code ID: BHOVP8IYCQFKPQ2R

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Mar-21-2024

Delaware County Sports

Brent Carson, retired history teacher and long time Delaware County Historical Society volunteer, provides an interesting and often humorous presentation about the early days of sports in Delaware County. Highlighted are many pictures of facilities and teams from the early 1900s through today and interesting anecdotes about school related sports before it became the big business it is today. Music credit: "August" by Dario Benedetti Content Code ID: IMMCRQWN9KTZUON8

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Oct-16-2023

Libraries on Horseback

Linda Foster, retired teacher and history enthusiast, tells about the Libraries on Horseback Project, a WPA (Works Progress Administration) program that delivered books to remote regions in the Appalachian Mountains between 1935 and 1943. This was an important effort to bring books to remote regions that otherwise had little access to books. Music Credit: "Dialogues" by Rest and Settle Content Code ID: ORLQRXNZELXBTS7H

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Aug-21-2023

Then and Now

This video contains a series of photographs of sites around Powell and Liberty Township in years past and the same sites today. Together they show how the area has changed and how, in some instances, the evidence of the past is still visible. No narration. Music credits: "After the Rain" by Ian Kelosky Content ID Code: QYUBKEENGBQGI4WR "Changing Colors" by Sounds Like Sander Content ID Code: 2BNKIQQFQBTNHUQ2 "Going Home" by Anthony Catacoli Content ID Code: DFC0JDN0LA4VFJKG

Videographer:   NA

Aug-10-2023

Comparing Two Communities in Central Ohio

This video is the final report for Grant Spirko's project Social History course that compared Powell and Marysville. Presented courtesy of Grant Spirko

Videographer:   Grant Spirko

Jun-01-2023

History of Powell and Liberty Township

The first white family to settle permanently in what became Liberty Township, Delaware County, Ohio arrived in 1801. Using pictures, this video briefly traces the development of the area by highlighting a few key events. Music Credit: "Reason for Living" by Alsever Lake Content ID Code: DQGWTCJTNP2SC9G9

Videographer:   NA

Apr-09-2023

Serpent Mound - An Icon of Ancient Ohio

Brad Lepper, Senior Archaeologist, Ohio History Connection World Heritage Program, describes the Serpent Mound located in Adams County Ohio and various studies performed over the years to try to determine its origin and age. Music credit: "Light the Way" by Ian Kelosky Content ID Code: BHMGEU8JF1V5ERX9

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Mar-18-2023

How I Spent My Honeymoon With Martha Washington

Ron Foth Jr. takes us on a tour of the Presidential libraries and museums that he has visited and explains the story behind the title. Music Credit: "Hail to the Chief" by the US Marine Corp. Band

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Feb-19-2023

History of the Liberty Presbyterian Church

Tracy Scott presented the history of the Liberty Presbyterian Church that dates back to 1810. She also pointed out key features on the grounds and showed and discussed key features of the barn sanctuary. Misic credit: "Sigh of Relief" by Moment Content ID Code: JOAZNXNERVFNWN66

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Jan-29-2023

Powell In the Civil War - The Halls

Video of Mandy Henning's presentation for the November 14, 2022 program. The focus is on the Hall family that sent seven sons to the civil war with only five returning. General civil war history is also included. Music Credit: "Quiet Desperation Part 1" by JCar Content Code ID: W25M12LIOGWC9AKR

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Nov-23-2022

Life on the Big Bear Farms

Diane Cordial and her daughters Cathy, Anne, Carolyn and Marilyn describe growing up on the Big Bear Farms and life in Powell in the 70's, 80's and 90's. Diane's husband Chuck was the farm manager from 1961 until it closed in 1996. Music Credit: "Chasing Horizons" by Dreamlamp Content ID Code: IGWDKYC19R3RPIKM

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Oct-09-2022

Irena Carpenter's Journal

Sherry Carmichael portrays Irena Carpenter, the matriarch of the first white family to settle in Delaware County, as she describes her family and their moves from Connecticut to central New York and then in 1801 to what became Liberty Township. Music credit: "Dreamstrider" by Cody Martin Content ID Code:: XCU6YRMTJP66BJVE

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Jul-21-2022

Beyond Peter Rabbit

Linda Foster describes the many fascinating facets of Beatrix Potter's life including the origin of Peter Rabbit and many of her other books.

Videographer:   Allen Miller

May-09-2022

Interview With Sue Heston

Interview with Sue Heston, former Hyatts resident.

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Apr-27-2022

Meet a French Voyageur Fur Trader

Tim Kreps becomes Henri, a French Voyageur fur trader, as he shares many trade artifacts and many stories of the Voyageur. You will hear the music of the jaw harp, hear the crack of a flintlock rifle, and see starting a fire with flint and steel, Music Credit: "We Will Last" by Alsever Lake Content Code ID:: TMOMV3DRPI0TJMNC

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Apr-18-2022

History of the Columbus Zoo

Dr. Michael Kreger, VP of Conservation and Sustainablility at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium presented the History of the Columbus Zoo, 1927 - 2022. Major events in the development are highlighted with numerous anecdotes about zoos in general and the Columbus zoo in particular.

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Mar-14-2022

For the Love of Chocolate

Recording of Gretchen Curtis' presentation for the February 14, 2022 program titled "For the Love of Chocolate". The program was prerecorded for presentation at the scheduled time. Gretchen discussed the history of chocolate, where and how it is grown and harvested, its introduction as a treat for the wealthy and how it became more widely distributed for the enjoyment of people around the globe.

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Feb-14-2022

Honoring Veterans of Powell and Liberty Township

Video prerecorded on November 1, 2021 for the November 8, 2021 program honoring veterans. The presenters are Marilyn Battin, Amanda Henning, and Sherry Carmichael. Veterans from the Revolutionary War to current day are highlighted with interesting anecdotes and photographs.

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Nov-08-2021

Interview with Don Bell

An interview with Don Bell conducted by Carole Wilhelm on June 25, 2021 for the September 2021 Program. Don grew up in Powell and attended the Powell School all 12 years. He has many humorous anecdotes about Powell in the '30s and '40s.

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Sep-06-2021

Don Bell Interview - Extras

A few extra clips from the Don Bell interview, not included in the main video, that reveal more of Don's personality.

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Sep-06-2021

Donna and Charlie Lawrence Talk About the Powell School

A 1994 video with Donna and Charlie Lawrence talking about their experiences at the Powell School in the late '30s and early '40s. It provides an interesting window into school life at that time. Times have changed!!!!

Videographer:   Bob Wilhelm

Jun-29-2021

Walking Tour of the Powell Cemetery

A video of the walking tour of the Powell Cemetery hosted by Sherry Carmichael. The tour highlights the first burial (Sherry's great, great, great grandfather) and several other significant former residents of Powell with highlights of Powell history along the way.

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Jun-28-2021

All Men Should Be Free

Dr. Ronald St. Pierre portrays the Rev. John Rankin as he delivers an address to the Ohio Anti-Slavery Society in 1851.

Videographer:   Allen Miller

May-10-2021

History of Early Schools

Sherry Carmichael's presentation of a brief histroy of schools and schooling from pioneer times to the present. The video is primarily intended for elementary school students but is of interest to all.

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Apr-27-2021

A Look at Ohio's Historic Barns

Video recorded for Dan Troth's presentation about timber framed barns focusing on restoration and relocation of barns from the 1800s.

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Apr-12-2021

Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Powell

Video of the stops on Sherry Carmichael's walking tour of downtown Powell that is offered every summer. Learn about some of the key point in the history of the city.

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Mar-13-2021

The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History

March 8, 2021 presentation by Dr. Alice Frasier describing the 1918 pandemic with comparisons to Covid 19. The similarities of the two pandemics are reviewed and some of the differences between the two viruses are presented.

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Mar-07-2021

100 Miles Downstream

Presented by Brett Carmichael for the Feb. 8, 2021 Powell-Liberty Historical Society program. The presentation was recorded on Feb. 3 and made available for viewing on Feb. 8. The Portsmouth, Ohio "100 Mile House" is a little known gem in southern Ohio, recently nominated for the National Registration of Historic Places. Learn how the property received its moniker, the connection to Ohio River navigation, and its surprising connection to Delaware County.

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Feb-07-2021

One Room School Districts of Liberty Township

A presentation made by Sherry Carmichael to the Olentangy Rotary on January 28. 2021 via Zoom. The presentation reviews the development of the Olentangy Local School system with emphasis on the origin of one room schools. Pictures of the buildings in their current state are included.

Videographer:   Zoom Recording

Jan-30-2021

Martin-Perry House

Introducing children to the history of the Martin-Perry House in Powell, Ohio. This video was produced as part of Abbi Ogilbee's Girl Scout Gold Award project

Videographer:   Jeffrey Ogilbee

Nov-20-2020

Homefront Knitting Supported WW I and WW II Troops

Gretchen Curtis' presentation for the November 9, 2020 program prerecorded on November 3, 2020. Gretchen describes the fascinating role that knitting played in supporting our troops. The emphasis is on WW I and WW II but earlier wars are also included.

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Nov-09-2020

The Story Behind the Stories

Presentation by Linda Foster for a virtual program. Recorded on October 7, 2020 for our October 12, 2020 program. The program covered the roles of key individuals in the development of children's and teen literature in the early 20th century.

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Oct-11-2020

History of the Liberty Township Fire Department

Battalion Chief Jim Reardon presented the history of the Liberty Township fire department from the early '90s to the present.

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Mar-09-2020

Area High School Students Work Toward Gold and Eagle Awards

Presentation by Abbie Oglibee and Gavin Bull describing girl and boy scout programs leading to the Gold Award for girls and Eagle for boys.

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Feb-11-2020

Gavin Bull's Slides for Scouting Program

Slides with audio from Gavin Bull's presentation February 10, 2020. Gavin describes the journey through scouting culminating in the Eagle award.

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Feb-10-2020

Mildred Evans McNeal Interview

Mildred Evans McNeal was the daughter of Hazel Martin Evans, the oldest daughter of Albert and Mary Martin, the first occupants of the Martin-Perry House. Mrs. McNeal was recorded while touring the house in November 1994. Mildred's father died when she was 2 years old, and she and her mother Hazel returned to live with Mary. The video contains Mildred's first-hand accounts of growing up in the house with Grandma Mary. Music Credit: "Lost Without You, " by Alsever Lake Content ID: 7CGWL9AAUFFUIFNL

Videographer:   Bob Wilhelm

Nov-17-2019

Powell Tree Lighting, 1964

Video converted from 8mm film by Will Reeves, grandson of the photographer Fred Reeves. The video shows the fire department decorating the Powell Christmas tree in 1964. The tree stood on the north side of West Olentangy St. across from Prohibition. The tree was cut down in the 1990's. Mac Reeves, son of Fred, is at the top of the tree.

Videographer:   Fred Reeves

Oct-11-2019

Powell Civil Defense

Video converted from 8 mm film by Will Reeves, grandson of Fred Reeves. The video shows two women checking the skies at the civil defense post that was located east of South Liberty St. in Powell.

Videographer:   Fred Reeves

Oct-11-2019

2019 Walking tour of downtown Powell

Video of the Walking Tour of Downtown Powell courtesy of Bud Cahill.

Videographer:   Bud Cahill

Aug-12-2019

Historic House and Garden Tour

Video of Carole Wilhelm's presentation at the July 2019 program. The formation of the Powell Liberty Historical Society, restoration of the Martin-Perry House, and the long-term relationship with the Powell Area Garden Club are addressed.

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Jul-08-2019

Historic House and Garden Tour - Slides with Audio

The presentation slides used at the July 8, 2019 program with recorded narration. The presentation addressed the formation of the Powell-Liberty Historical Society, rennovation of the Martin-Perry House, and development of the gardens by the Powell Garden Club.

Videographer:   NA

Jul-08-2019

Hyattsville, "A Railroad Town": the village, the man and his house

Sherry Carmichael's History of Hyatts presentation from June 10, 2019. The presentation covers the formation of Hyatts in northern Liberty Township and traces its development to the present day.

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Jun-10-2019

The Story of the Historical Marker Database

Presentation by Jose Prats, May 13, 2019. The Historical Marker Database documents the location and contents of historical markers throughout the US and the world. Jose conceived the idea of the database, developed it, and is responsible for its maintenance and operation.

Videographer:   Allen Miller

May-13-2019

Interview with Hallie Lawrence Heath

Hallie Lawrence Heath is a life long resident of Liberty Township, attended Powell and Hyatts Schools, and has lived between Powell and Hyatts most of her life. The interview relays numerous anecdotes of growing up in the area in World War II era and living here during the period of rapid growth.

Videographer:   Allen Miller

May-13-2019

The Four Corners and the Railroad Crossing

Police Chief Gary Vest remembered 23 years of service to Powell.

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Apr-08-2019

60 Years of Farming

Open house held at the Askins farm to celebrate Craig Askins 60 years of farming, 1929-1989. No Dialog.

Videographer:   Unknown

Mar-27-2019

Powell Coed Baseball Game

Coed game where men dressed as women, women as men. Date unknown. Unedited footage. No sound.

Videographer:   Fred Reeves, Footage contributed by Will Reeves

Mar-23-2019

Powell July 4 in the Park

Activities in the park on the 4th of July in the early '60s. Exact date unknown. Unedited footage. No sound.

Videographer:   Fred Reeves, footage contributed by Will Reeves

Mar-23-2019

Miscellaneous Activities

Various activities around Powell in '50s or '60s. Details and dates are unknown. Unedited footage. No sound.

Videographer:   Fred Reeves, footage contributed by Will Reeves

Mar-23-2019

Powell Coon Dog Trial

A coon dog trial or chase probably in the '50s. The event took place on Hank Marquette's property on North Liberty Road. Exact date not known. Unedited footage. No sound.

Videographer:   Fred Reeves, Footage contributed by Will Reeves

Mar-23-2019

Powell Speedway

Footage of the Powell Speedway. Date unknown. Unedited footage. No sound.

Videographer:   Fred Reeves, film contributed by Will Reeves

Mar-22-2019

A Powell Parade

Footage of a parade on W. Olentangy St. in the late '40s or early '50s. Date unknown. Unedited footage. No sound.

Videographer:   Fred Reeves, contributed by Will Reeves

Mar-22-2019

History of the Powell United Methodist Church

Video traces the origins of Powell and the history of the church from its start through the construction of the current building on Powell Rd.

Videographer:   unknown

Mar-20-2019

A Ride on the C D & M (Columbus, Delaware and Marion Railroad Company)

Jack Hilborn's presentation recorded at the Martin-Perry House July 9, 2018 Lighting conditions are not optimal. Approximately the first half is exposed for the room and the screen is not visible. The screen is somewhat more visible in the second half but the speaker and the room are underexposed.

Videographer:   Allen Miller

Jul-09-2018

Memorial Day Parade, 1995

Footage of the 1995 Powell Memorial Day Parade and ceremonies that followed at the Cemetery.

Videographer:   Bob Wilhelm

May-29-1995

Tour the Martin-Perry House with Louise Cornish and Marge Bennett

A tour of the Martin-Perry House guided by Louise Cornish and Marge Bennett who were two of the founders of the Society. The tour was recorded in 1994, just eight years after the Powell-Liberty Historical Society was formed. Louise and Marge provide insights into the Martins and the Perrys and provide background on some of the items obtained to establish the museum.

Videographer:   Bob Wilhelm

Nov-02-1994