Library also showcases history

In addition to providing access to books, information, and computer services, libraries serve an essential role in preserving and showcasing history. At Tiffin-Seneca Public Library, we take pride in connecting our community to its past through our genealogy and local history section, the Seneca County Digital Library, and quarterly rotating exhibits in our glass display cases. The Tiffin-Seneca Public Library is committed to celebrating and preserving the rich heritage of our region. Recently, the Library was honored to feature a remarkable piece of Ohio history — one with a unique connection to Tiffin! In 1965, Ohio Governor Jim Rhodes wanted the Ohio state legislature to make flint the state gem stone, possibly due to its historical use in the state to make tools and weapons such as arrowheads. At that time, lawmakers were against this proposal, so Governor Rhodes sent a letter to all of the gemologists in Ohio asking if they could develop a display of flint jewelry that could counter the then belief that you could not make jewelry out of flint. Harry L. Sheely, a resident of Tiffin, was one of four gemologists who went to the Governor's office and presented their displays. His display featured different types of flint found in Ohio, showcasing the vibrant colors and interesting patterns that make it suitable for jewelry making, as well as two white flint pins shaped like the state of Ohio (one of which was worn by Governor Rhodes for many years afterward). The display also included flint rings, belt buckles, flint pins, and string tie clasps. Mr. Sheely's display was chosen by the Governor to be presented to the Ohio House and Senate, and on May 18, 1965, the General Assembly of the State of Ohio enacted House Bill No. 313, adopting "Ohio Flint" as the official gem stone of the state. In 2002, Mr. Sheely gave the Seneca County Park District his collection of over 50 samples of geology formations found in the United States. His collection was categorized and displayed in the Nature Center at Garlo Park. About six weeks later, Mr. Sheely called Roland Zimmerman, then Director of the Seneca County Park District, and thanked the district for displaying his collection. He stated that he had something else to give to Mr. Zimmerman — his collection of flint found in Ohio. Mr. Zimmerman told Mr. Sheely that the Park District would proudly display his exhibit. He replied "I am not giving this to the Park District, but because of the way you displayed my rock collection, I want you to decide where my exhibit should be displayed." Since then, Mr. Zimmerman has taken great care of this exhibit, and recently reached out the Library to request that this display be showcased somewhere prominent in the Library. We were honored to be the latest spot chosen to display this piece of local history. It can currently be found on the art rails to the left of the Checkout Desk. There is truly something for everyone at the Tiffin-Seneca Public Library! For the most up to date information about library happenings, please call the Library at (419) 447-3751, find us on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, or visit www.tiffinsenecalibrary.org. Kayleigh Tschanen-Feasel is the Community Relations Manager at Tiffin-Seneca Public Library,