ST. MARYS — The Auglaize County Historical Society continues its renovations at the Daniel Mooney Museum, 223 S. Main St., St. Marys.
Floors have been refinished in five rooms, returning this architectural feature to a more original appearance. The extended downstairs living area and foyer have been repainted, with the dining room currently in the process of being repainted. An upstairs space is being converted into a revolving exhibits room as well.
Trustees Christopher Burton and Susan Crotty are heading up the renovation effort at the Mooney Museum, which was constructed in 1876 for Charles Hipp and his wife Mary. Hipp was a highly decorated veteran of the Civil War who had been wounded in the conflict, losing an arm. He later served as postmaster for St. Marys. Later owner Daniel Mooney was an attorney, legislator, and ambassador to Paraguay under President Woodrow Wilson. His widow, Carrie Steinemann Mooney Bettellini, donated the house to the Auglaize County Historical Society in the late 1970s.
One of the goals of the Mooney Museum renovation is to tell the unique and intriguing story of St. Marys and western Auglaize County in a more comprehensive way, especially the theme of economic development. As such, the Historical Society is seeking the donation of artifacts that relate to local industries from the 19th through the mid-20th centuries.
States Crotty, “Industry and manufacturing have played such a strong part in building our community. The Mooney Museum provides a perfect venue to tell that story of the role of industry in the St. Marys area. However, we need some help to fill in gaps in our collections. Exhibiting artifacts from local industries helps us to better communicate what was produced here, why it was important, and how it affected people’s lives.”
The Mooney Museum remains closed until the completion of the renovation. A grand reopening gala is planned for Sunday, Dec. 6.
Those who may be able to assist the Historical Society with artifacts should contact the organization at 419-738-9328 or [email protected].
The Auglaize County Historical Society was founded in 1963. The Auglaize County Historical Society collects, preserves, interprets, and shares the history of Auglaize County and its people through exhibits, programs, and publications.
For more information about this or other Auglaize County Historical Society programming, please email [email protected] or call 419-738-9328. The Auglaize County Historical Society is also on Facebook.
