If you’re missing the “good old” days, then you needed a dose of Lodi’s Winter Wonderland. Thank you Lodi Library, Lodi Harrisville Historical Society and the Village of Lodi.

I hope some of you were able to share in our Winter Wonderland on Lodi Square last weekend. It warms my heart when I see families, children roasting marshmallows, the excitement of Santa and live reindeer. The Lodi Village Hall was filled with children keeping the face-painters and crafters busy. Hot chocolate and cookies were provided to all.

We had a memorial walk with names of loved ones passed, this benefitted the Christmas for Kids program. Music was coming from the park gazebo and Lodi Music. Most stores were opened for your shopping pleasure.

Please take a walk and enjoy our “Ye Olde Tyme Christmas” characters. I believe it was a labor of love for many organizations and individuals.

The picture featured is Joe Warner and Bob Barone hanging village decorations in 1953. Looks like they are in front of the Mason building. No offense, but I think we have improved.

The board of the Lodi-Harrisville Historical Society wishes you a merry Christmas, happy holidays and a healthy new year. Our main goal in 2017 is to find a home. We have several projects in mind and are pursuing all leads.

The following locations are on our radar as possible sites: The old Lodi Bank (part of Taylor Inn), the old library, the Joe Potts tourist home, the Higbee/Crum house and combining efforts with the Lodi Railroad (Depot). We need to start preserving our historical items we have and need to collect more before they are lost.

This time of the year brings gift-giving and end-of-year donations to non-profit organizations. We ask that you think of us at this time.

We have established an account at Farmers Bank in downtown Lodi. The account is titled LHHS Building Fund and monies are being kept separate from the general historical fund. You may send your donations directly to Farmers Bank, 106 Ainsworth Street, Lodi, or LHHS P.O. Box Lodi, OH 44254. Please write check to “Building Fund.”

A big thank you to Alva and Bill Dunham for getting us off to a great start!

I would personally like to thank The Southern Medina Post for letting me continue to write about my love for historical Lodi. I have a lot more homes and stories to go. I do encourage anyone to send me their stories and/or pictures of school, church, fairs or people.

God bless.