By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com
Armed with cameras, local businessmen and women were not afraid to show their enthusiasm when they entered Brownella Cottage. Many of them even sported anticipatory grins, maybe in the hopes of catching a few ghosts haunting the place.
The Galion Historical Society teamed with the Galion-Crestline Area Chamber of Commerce to hold a Business After Hours event at the cottage Thursday evening. Marcia Yunker, chairwoman of the Historical Society’s Outreach Committee, said they wanted to be able to get people involved and to have them participate in events. The Business After Hours event featured self-guided tours as well as a Pot o’ Gold drawing.
“We have a place we can showcase,” said Yunker. “It’s a beautiful place in Galion. We show it off when we can.”
Yunker also expressed her appreciation to the volunteers who helped prepare for the event.
Two of those long-time volunteers were Joel and Treva Seckel. The Seckels used to attend the Business After Hours events in Galion and now they are helping to host one.
“Getting to know your community is what it’s about,” Joel Seckel explained.
They greeted guests and talked about the history of the cottage and its former inhabitants. Though Brownella Cottage has been a part of Galion since its construction in 1887, Treva said this may be the first time many of those who attended the After Hours event had ever been in the historic building.
“I love this place,” said Treva. “It’s just so full of history.”