Historical Society
Preserving the heritage and history of Crosby Township for future generations.
Our Purpose
As written in our Constitution, the purpose of our Society is to encourage the preservation of historic structures and sites; identify, collect, and preserve literary, graphic and artifactual materials significant to prehistoric and historic cultures, schools, churches, businesses, and families of Crosby Township; to increase community awareness and appreciation of this heritage through documentation, educational programs and other public events; and to assist persons interested in this history by making our collected cultural resources available for study.
Society Board
The Society is governed by up to seven board members. Current board:
Melba Guard — President
Contact: 513-519-6237
Tony Torres — Vice President
Chuck Heis — Treasurer
Mike Minges — Trustee
Duane Singleton — Trustee
The board meets one hour before each regular meeting at the Senior Center.
Meeting Schedule
April – August:
Third Thursday at 7:00 PM
March, October, November & December:
Second Saturday at 10:00 AM
January & February:
No meetings
All meetings are held at the Senior Center, 8910 Willey Road. The general public is invited! Meetings consist of a brief business meeting, a presentation by an invited speaker, and refreshments. On occasion, the Society goes on field trips to historically related places.
Membership Dues
$10 per individual | $15 per family (same household) | $100 lifetime membership
Checks payable to Crosby Township Historical Society. Mail to: Chuck Heis, Treasurer, Crosby Township Historical Society, 8910 Willey Road, Harrison, Ohio 45030.
Historic Landmarks
The Old Town Hall
Built in 1865 with money left over from a fund to send volunteers to take the place of drafted men who could not fight in the Civil War. The Historical Society leases the hall, located on Oxford Road in New Haven, from the township trustees to house the Society’s museum and research center.
Currently, all materials and collections are in storage while the Society partners with the township trustees to work on the interior and exterior of the structure. The renovation is being performed by member volunteers with donations of money and materials from local businesses, organizations, and individuals.
To make a donation: Contact Chuck Heis at 513-738-4343.
The Passmore Log Cabin
This circa 1815 structure is thought to be one of the first built in New Haven. It originally stood at the northeast corner of Passmore and Willey Roads and housed many occupants over time, including the Elias Passmore family who owned it for more than 50 years.
The cabin was dismantled by Society volunteers and relocated on Baughman Road behind the Crosby Township Fire Department. Artifacts adorn the inside. Members have updated the cabin with a new roof, water protection for the logs, painted window frames, new gravel on the path, repaired bench, and a new storage shed.
Visits: Open during special Society events or by appointment. Call 513-738-1440.
Events & Highlights
Passport to the Past
An annual event showcasing various historical spots in Harrison and Crosby Townships, including the Harrison Village Historical Society Museum, the Othniel Looker home, Fernald Feed Materials Production Center, White Water Shaker Village, and the Passmore Log Cabin.
Crosby Day at Stricker's Grove
Born from the 2003 Bicentennial celebration, Crosby Day at Stricker’s Grove continues as an annual community tradition. The Historical Society participates each year alongside many other organizations, featuring their popular lottery tree and drawing large crowds.
Memorial Day Services
For over 109 consecutive years — the longest in Hamilton County — Crosby Township has observed Memorial Day with a parade and services in the New Haven Cemetery, honoring those who served our country.
Crosby Township History Book
The reprint of “The History of Crosby Township” by Stanley McClure is now available. Contact Melba Guard at guard_m@fuse.net for price and ordering information.