For the very first time, a history of our community has been written, bound in volumes, and made available for reading and purchase.

With the publication of the two-book set, “The Olentangy Legacy,” Dr. Bernard Mansfield has brought the history of Galion to life as no one else could. According to its publisher, Xlibris, the books “…cover the history of Galion, Ohio from the first primitive settlement on the Olentangy River to the vibrant community existing after the First World War. Much of the history of Galion is taken from newspaper columns written by the author and published in the Galion Inquirer. Photographs were derived from several sources, primarily the citizens of Galion, Ohio. Publication was made possible by resources and funding provided by the Galion Historical Society.”

This past week, advance copies made their way to the Historical Society, and the book has been devoured by avid readers. Each is organized into thematic chapters under general topics such as “The Heritage” and “The Growth,” and contain numerous photographs and drawings.

The first book begins with a lone rider making his way an old Indian trail, seeking a place for the wagons behind him to settle down and begin a new life. At the intersection of that trail with the Portland Road, the settlers stopped, and the rest, as they say, is history.

It is literally impossible to give Dr. Mansfield the praise and thanks he richly deserves for his almost six decades of seeking to preserve the history of his community. From his service as a founding member and first President of the Galion Historical Society, Inc., way back in 1955, to his continued service on the Society Board, he has been a champion for collecting and preserving the past. In his typical humble way, however, he dedicates the book to the people of Galion.

Those who know Dr. Mansfield well will recognize his wonderful sense of humor in the pages of these books, a sense which further animates the stories he shares. It’s a terrific read.

Copies of The Olentangy Legacy are now available for purchase through the Galion Historical Society, and plans are already underway to host Dr. Mansfield for a book signings later this summer.

Related posts:

1. Galion’s Most Important News Stories of 2010 – #5 – Galion’s First-Ever History Published
2. Society Announces Book Sales, Signings
3. Historical Society News
4. Brownella Investigation Book Published
5. Talking History