In memory of Jim Dodge. Jim Dodge, who passed away in April 2025, was a former board member of WHS and a familiar and most welcome presence at WHS events. (He also served the Town of Worthington on the Conservation Commission, Fire Department, and Westfield River Committee.) Jim volunteered in the construction of our building in the late 1990s. Later, he led a wonderful backwoods ramble to historical sites behind his property on River Road. At one of our annual meetings Jim delivered a fascinating presentation on his former neighbor, the renowned painter Lyder Frederickson. An article based on his presentation can be found here.
We are deeply grateful for contributions we’ve received in Jim’s memory from Suzan Ballmer and the DeFalco/Lippert family.
Lafayette lives. Great thanks to the Lafayette Committee, and to co-chairs Evan Johnson and Pamela Wicinas, for the Lafayette 200th Anniversary Celebration, a roaring success. One event remains, with timing still TBD: a double-feature talk and presentation. Clark Pearce will speak on the furniture designed for Lafayette’s 1824-25 tours, and Jim Downey and Kevin O’Connor will discuss the Pearce Tavern, where Lafayette spent the night, close to where the Library now stands.
Several Lafayette-related antiques are now on display at the WHS building, including Lafayette-themed dinner and salad plates, and lithographs of Lafayette from around 1818 and 1830; click here for a PDF with detailed descriptions of each item.
Fifty years after first arriving to serve with the Continental Army, General Lafayette stopped overnight in Worthington, Massachusetts, while on his 1825 goodwill visit to all twenty-four states. As the “Nation’s Guest” the General was welcomed with affection and gratitude and his tour was of immense importance to the young United States. His visit highlighted the achievements of the Revolution and provided a contemporary window into the country’s progress.
Read recent posts in our WHS Journal online. Our latest article is The Benevolent Women of Worthington in the Kitchen, exploring the food customs of over a century ago as revealed in the Worthington Cook Book. We’ve also published nine interviews with town residents from 2018, recorded during the Worthington 250 celebrations, plus an article about Frankie’s Place in West Worthington, an article about town legend Guy Thrasher, and an exhibit of vintage postcards. Select from our long list of articles here.
Donation of Russell H. Conwell materials. The family of John and Marion Sweeney has donated a massive, privately printed, three-volume biography of RHC along with one of his signature stamps and other materials. Other recent donations are listed on our membership and donations page.
Membership Drive. 2024 was a busy year as usual for our all-volunteer board. We helped with genealogical inquiries, organized an expedition for the R. H. Conwell School, digitized hundreds of historical documents, and made our digital archive more accessible. Please join our organization and support our core mission of preserving Worthington history at our membership and donations page.
WHS Facebook group! Our Facebook discussion group is bustling, with 800 members and counting. Here is the link to join the group and share photos and memories.
DVD Interview with Rolande & Robert Schrade. In the interview, recorded in 2008 at the Academy in South Worthington, the Schrades discuss moving to Worthington, purchasing the Academy building, their musical dynasty, and their renowned summer concert series, Sevenars. The 68-minute DVD, produced by Edward & Helen Pelletier, also includes a tour of the Academy’s three floors. The DVD is available for $30 (proceeds divided equally between WHS, the Pelletiers, and the Schrade family) by downloading an order form at our Publications & DVDs page or by contacting us at contact@worthingtonhistoricalsociety.org.