The Fostoria Museum is located at 123 West North Street. It was constructed in 1877 and used as the City Hall for many years. By 1958, the fire, police, water, and health departments existed in the building along with the municipal court. In addition, all city offices were in the building, including the mayor, service director, city solicitor, and more. The concentration of services in one building prompted the City to construct the Municipal Building at its current site in 1959 and later an addition for a jail in 1964. The fire department existed in the old City Hall until 1974 when it moved to its current location on the site of the former Whittier School.
There had been prior discussion of using the old Whittier School as a museum, but it was eventually decided that the old City Hall would be used. Around the time of fire department’s move, the Historical Society formed and began planning for the new museum. Many dedicated volunteers salvaged school desks, furniture, clocks, correctional devices (paddles), and blackboard slates from the walls of Whittier School. The Historical Society is proud to display these blackboards and desks in the Museum’s “classroom”. In addition, many volunteers helped collect and arrange artifacts on the first floor of the museum. The museum had a nice display of artifacts in time for the United States Bicentennial in 1976.
Other highlights of the museum’s collection are the 1941 Seagraves Ladder Pumper Fire Truck and the 1918 Allen Car manufactured in Fostoria. The fire truck and the car are shown below. In addition, the Wainwright Room and the John B. Rogers Producing Co. Room highlight the importance of the arts in Fostoria.
The Historical Society continues to grow its collection and offer new displays to the public. We look forward to featuring a display of artwork by Fostorian Evelyn Wentz starting in the Spring of 2024.
The museum is open to the public on Saturdays from 11am-2pm, May through October, or by appointment. We invite you to come in for a visit!
