Grove City now has around 70 police officers but there was a time when only one marshal protected the town. There’s conflicting information who that marshal was. Most record state it was Gabriel Postle Sr., who was hired in May 1866 by the newly elected and first mayor, Dr. Joseph Bullen. But other accounts claim Randolph Higgy was the first marshal and another suggest Joseph Pence was the first hire. Guess we’ll never know for sure but history is always interesting and challenging. One fact we do know is that Elbert L. (Lightning) Evans was the first Grove City chief of police assuming those duties in 1954; he previously was a village marshal. Ever wonder where the nickname “Lightning” originated?

Utility pole banners have graced Grove City streets for 20 years. The first banners and mounting brackets were purchased by the Grove City Visitors and Convention Bureau and installed by city crews. Banners first appeared in 2006 at Exit 100 along Stringtown Road in an effort to welcome visitors; wording promoted visits, shopping and lodging supporting the important contribution hotels make to the local economy. The City of Grove City has since taken over and expanded the project to include other primary entrances to the city, Broadway at I-270 and I-71 at London-Groveport Road. The newest banner promotes Grove City’s celebration of America250.

We have just released a new virtual tour of Century Village—you’ll find a QR code on the bulletin board onsite, which will install the STQRY Guide app on your phone. Follow the instructions, and as you approach each building, you’ll get content including photos, an audio description, and other info. This provides a “virtual docent” for times when we don’t have anyone on site. Check it out!

Horse drawn carriages and wagons were once the most common means of transportation in Southwest Franklin County. Here, the Ralph Thomas family is dressed and headed to church. Ralph is at left and the children, Margaret and Rush are seated in the carriage. Note the carriage was equipped with a kerosene lantern mount on the buggy for night travel.

With the America250 celebration well underway, the Society has a number of events coming up this spring. Check out our Events page to keep up with all that’s going on!
SWFCHS Events Page