CRESTLINE, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Crestline Historical Society will commemorate a titan of local rail history this Saturday, April 25, with the dedication of a new permanent historical marker honoring the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) roundhouse.
The ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the marker’s new location on West Bucyrus Street (Crestline Road), situated directly across from the site where the massive 1920s structure once stood. The event coincides with National Historic Marker Weekend and will feature a formal ribbon-cutting held in partnership with the Crawford County Chamber of Commerce.
“The railroad was Crestline,” said Julie Rossington of the Crestline Historical Society. “We were known for that all across the country. This is a really neat opportunity for us to honor that history.”
Built in 1920, the PRR roundhouse served as a vital maintenance hub for steam engines until the late 1950s. While the structure was eventually demolished after years of deterioration, the new placard—funded by a private donor and installed with assistance from the city and local volunteers—aims to preserve its legacy for future generations.
Beyond the dedication, the society is preparing for a busy summer season:
- May: The museum will host a special “Ohio Creates” showcase featuring local artists and prolific Crestline authors like Dana Battery and Vanessa Gardner.
- May 17: A first-person historical presentation at 3 p.m. will feature the story of Revolutionary War soldier Robert Porterfield.
- July 4: Board members will host a public reading of the Declaration of Independence at 2 p.m., accompanied by refreshments.
The Crestline Historical Museum is open to the public on the first and third weekends of each month from 2 to 4 p.m.