
Preserving Massillon's Heritage
Preserving Massillon's Heritage
Historic sites are being lost every day. The Massillon Heritage Foundation strives to preserve and restore sites of historical significance to Massillon and the surrounding area. The Foundation currently holds the deed to Five Oaks, a Massillon Victorian mansion built in 1894. Preserving it is our main focus and a costly one. The above picture shows President William McKinley and his wife, Ida, at the wedding at Five Oaks of Edna McClymonds to Arvine Wales on October 25, 1900. The wedding party and the President were seated in the billiard room which was adorned with hundreds of flowers. Five Oaks is on the National Register of Historic Places. View the "Photos" page for a photo tour of the building.
The Massillon Heritage Foundation was formed in 1975 and is governed by a board of trustees. Its mission is to receive and administer funds for the purpose of acquiring, restoring, preserving and maintaining properties of historical significance to Massillon and the surrounding area for use in scientific, educational and charitable purposes. Its main focus is the preservation of Five Oaks. Five Oaks was deeded to the Foundation from the Massillon Woman's Club when preservation projects and expenses became too burdensome for them. As a charitable, non-profit organization, the Foundation is eligible for local, state and federal grants. Other funding, some of which is tax-deductible, comes from memberships, special events, local capital campaigns and tourism.
There are many ways to get involved with historic preservation in our area. There is always a need for docents for tours of Five Oaks. Fund raising and grant writing is an ongoing process and we have a need for people experienced in these areas. The Education and Outreach Committee works with the local schools to make young students aware of Massillon's rich history and the contributions to the city by the McClymonds and Russell families. We always welcome volunteers. There are so many ways to get involved with the Foundation.
You can help to support our mission. Contact us to find out more about volunteer opportunities, fundraising events, and ways to get our message to the community. Donations can be made at the bottom of this page.
The Foundation DOES NOT book Five Oaks.
Contact the Massillon Woman's Club at
330-833-4896 for rental information.
Massillon Heritage Foundation, PO Box 383, Massillon, OH 44648
Make a donation to aid in historic preservation or donate in memory of a special friend of the Foundation.
Copyright © 2019 Massillon Heritage Foundation - All Rights Reserved.
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