Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day and was initiated to honor the soldiers for the Union and Confederate armies who died during the American Civil War. Celebrations honoring Civil War heroes started the year after the war ended. The establishment of a public holiday was meant to unify the celebration as a national day of remembrance instead of a holiday celebrated separately by the Union and Confederate states. By the late 19th century, the holiday became known as Memorial Day and was expanded to include the deceased veterans of all the wars fought by American forces. In 1971, Memorial Day became a federal holiday.
The original national celebration of Decoration Day took place on May 30, 1868. When Memorial Day became a federal holiday, it was given the floating date of the last Monday in May. Since many companies close for the holiday, Memorial Day weekend is three days long for most people. It is the unofficial beginning of the summer vacation season that lasts until the first Monday in September, which is Labor Day. Welcome Summer!
Story telling continues on June 10 during the first session of the 2017 summer series, Coffee and Conversation, presented by the Arcanum Wayne Trail Historical Society. Everyone is welcome to join us at 10 a.m. when Chet Wirrig will lead us down memory lane. It was a dream come true when Chet opened Trojan Pizza, Arcanum’s only pizzeria in 1967. He will tell the story of how he started his business, but don’t expect him to share the recipe for his pizza sauce. Many of us remember going to Trojan Pizza after ballgames, and also for a special night out with the family. Did you work for Chet at Trojan Pizza? What was your favorite pizza? Chet will want to hear your memories too. After making pizzas for 23 years, Chet opened an Antique Shop, Furniture Restoration and Chair Caning business at the same location. Chet still enjoys chair caning. The June 10 session begins the fourth year when friends and family gather to share their stories and reminisce of growing up in Arcanum and Southern Darke County. Join us and share your stories at AWTHS.
The Coffee and Conversation Series continues July 8 with cheerleaders representing squads of different years followed by Dr. Jess Heise, Esther Hoover and Gregg and Patty Spencer on August 12 talking about the “good ole days” in Pitsburg. Located at 123 West George Street, AWTHS can be reach by email: [email protected]. or Barb Deis 937-662-0119.
Abbottsville United Methodist Church invites the community to the Garage Sale In The Basement! Bargains will be galore and lots of baked goods too on Thursday, June 1 and Friday, June 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. Abbottsville UMC is located at 4135 State Route 49, Arcanum.
Save the Date for their upcoming Ice Cream Social on June 10 from 4 to 6 p.m. Abbottsville UMC will have three flavors of ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry), shredded chicken sandwiches, BBQ sandwiches, cole slaw, potato salad, assorted homemade pies, cookies, brownies and coffee, punch and more.
Coming soon will be the Farmer’s Market every Saturday for the summer sponsored by AWTHS in Veteran’s Park in downtown Arcanum. This will begin the first Saturday in June from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and continue every Saturday. Anyone interested in selling their produce or crafts is invited to set up their booth/stand. There is no fee to participate. Any questions, please call Sharon Troutwine at 937-692-5128.
The Arcanum Athletic Boosters will host a Golf Outing which provides golfers the opportunity to socialize on the links, while helping to raise money to support Arcanum Athletics on June 10 at the Stillwater Golf Course. Any questions, please contact Marcus Bixler at 419-957-0977 or email at [email protected]. They are also seeking sponsorships — follow this link to more information: http://www.arcanum-butler.k12.oh.us/Athletics.
The Ladies’ Water Aerobics class at Arcanum Pool will begin on June 14th at 11 a.m. Classes will be held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11 a.m. to 12 noon for the summer providing the temperature is above 70 degrees. Cost for the class is $45 (senior citizen pass). For registration or questions, please call Marilyn Graeff at 937-692-8140.
“True patriotism isn’t cheap. It’s about taking on a fair share of the burden of keeping America going.” ~Robert Reich
“My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” ~John F. Kennedy
