Centerville/Wash Twsp Historical Society

Who We Are

There are many reasons to learn local history. Fran Puterbaugh Holyoke, one of our first local history authors, was proud of our community and felt that part of that pride came from knowing where the community had been and how it had evolved. Celia Elliott, editor of the historical society's first publication, says that the old phrase "you don't know where you're going if you don't know where you've been" describes why she thinks local history is important. And for Martha Boice, local history author and authority on the landmarks of our community, knowing local history is the process of being at home in the community. Our community has a very interesting and rich history, and we are proud to tell the stories that are the background to today's active community.