Crane Township Marks 200 Years
Crane Township celebrated its bicentennial on Saturday, August 16, at historic New Rochester Park, the original Paulding County seat. It was the first of twelve township bicentennials planned across the county.
Economic Development Director and township landowner Tim Copsey emceed the event, introducing trustees Joe Sukup, Mike Meyer, Kevin Stewart, Fiscal Officer Carol Razo, and maintenance technician Mike Zielke. Special recognition was given to Louise Van Aiken Worms of Michigan, a direct descendant of founder Oliver Crane. The Antwerp and Paulding bands performed the national anthem, Pastor Mike Pennington offered an invocation, and Trustee Mike Meyer led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Sheriff Jason Landers and Fire Chief Bob Herber recognized the Cecil-Crane Volunteer Fire Department for more than six decades of service and over 450 combined years of experience among current members. Commissioner Mark Holtsberry highlighted the sacrifices of 193 veterans buried in township cemeteries.
County Engineer Scott Strahley shared the township’s transportation history, from Native American trails and the Wabash and Erie Canal to railroads and modern highways. He noted how local hands dug ditches through the Black Swamp and built the foundation for today’s infrastructure.
State Representative Roy Klopfenstein honored founders Oliver Crane and Horatio Curtis, praising their courage in carving a community from the Black Swamp. He presented a resolution from the Ohio House of Representatives commemorating the township’s 200 years.
The Ohio History Connection, represented by Melinda Krick and Jennifer Brady Altman, dedicated a new marker at New Rochester Park to preserve its history as the county’s first seat of government (see detailed article about this marker next week).
The day concluded with food, ice cream, and activities provided by local churches and organizations. Trustees especially thanked Fiscal Officer Carol Razo for her leadership in organizing the event.
Celebrations continued August 23rd with a guided nature tour at Forest Woods Nature Preserve.
