Restoring Christmas Spirit in Cecil

For the first time in many years, Christmas lights will shine again at the firehouse in the Village of Cecil thanks to a meaningful community partnership and a bit of elbow grease.

In the early 1990s, the Payne Chamber of Commerce donated a set of Christmas lights to the Village of Cecil. Jim Hooker, former Paulding County Commissioner and then-president of the Payne Chamber, remembers helping with the donation and the hope that the lights would brighten a neighboring community. After more than 30 years in storage, the lights needed significant attention, but their story was too special to leave packed away.

This fall, a small group of Crane Township, Cecil Village, and fire department officials came together to take on the task of refurbishing the lights. Their goal goes beyond decoration: it is about restoring pride, strengthening community spirit, and keeping alive the momentum that began during Crane Township’s bicentennial year. With sold-out performances of the No Compromise! dinner theatre and more than 300 people attending the bicentennial celebration at New Rochester Park, Cecil experienced a renewed sense of togetherness that local officials hope to continue.

The refurbished lights will be displayed on the Cecil firehouse, bringing holiday warmth and cheer to the heart of the village. In addition, the township added a few lights to the Township Hall to extend the holiday spirit even further throughout the community.

What began as a simple donation in the 1990s has now become a symbol of connection between communities and a reminder that even the smallest gestures can shine brightly for decades to come.

Crane Township extends its gratitude to the Payne Chamber of Commerce for its gift many years ago and to all who are helping bring Christmas spirit back to Cecil.