The Meeker Homestead Museum
of
the Delaware County Historical Society
announces the opening of a new exhibit
Stratford a Mill Town
A fascinating exhibit of how Stratford, Ohio was formed and grew from 1804 through 1902. All from water-powered milling of grain, wool, and manufacturing of paper.
The years from 1804 through 1902, the water flow of the Whetstone (Olentangy) River provided the power.
- From the first pioneers who built the mills for grinding grain,
- To cutting of lumber to build homes and barns, and the processing of wool to support the new community,
- To the visionary businessmen who brought paper manufacturing to what would be Stratford.
The exhibit’s focus is primarily about how the present-day village of Stratford came to be called Stratford and how the town was
This exhibit encompasses the mill-related resources along the Olentangy River within Liberty and Delaware Townships in Delaware County, Ohio from 1804-1896. This geographical area was the site of the first white settlement and the first pioneer mill in Delaware County.
The exhibit follows the history
- Water Power period (1804-1840), when water-powered mills operated by farmers, provided the means to cut lumber for houses and barns, process grains for food, many things necessary to begin an early settlement.
- Steam Power period (1840 -1896), steam power was an early technological development that allowed for larger mills and larger outputs of lumber and grains. Steam power also enabled textile manufacturing and paper mills.
The Steam Power period saw the formation of mill “villages”, which consisted of housing, a church, and a general store built and operated by the mill owners for the benefit of the mill workers.
By 1896, the milling industry ended in Liberty and Delaware Townships due to a combination of financial losses through speculation and economic trends.
“Stratford a Mill Town” features
Stratford “on the Whetstone” is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places for the historic preservation of a milling community.
Within the exhibit, there is a special display showing the results of a recent Archaeology dig of an area of prehistoric interest within the original Meeker property.
Meeker Homestead Museum
In Forrest Meeker’s 1820s House
2690 Stratford Road
Delaware, OH 43015
About The Museum Map
Museum and Exhibit open Sundays only from 2pm – 5pm
Exhibit now open thru Dec 15th
Volunteer Docents are available during open hours to guide and assist visitors, as well as answer questions.
This exhibit opened as a complement to the Society’s August program Tours of Stratford Homes and Buildings.
The Stratford Exhibit was created by
Benny Shoults, curator of the Meeker Homestead Museum
With the help of Jean Ball and the Olentangy River Valley Association, Emily Kleinhenz – guest researcher, and Cinthia Smith – graphic designer.
Be sure to visit these other new exhibits:
The Delaware Chair Company was nationally known for its designs and workmanship. It was know for school seating.
Early Spinning making thread on antique devices. Thread is woven to make fabric. Thread sews fabric pieces together making garments.
The Museum and Exhibit are free and open to the public. There will be an opportunity to make a donation, which will help defray the expenses.
For more information, please call the society at 740-369-3831, ext. 3., or email director@DelawareOhioHistory.org .
About The Delaware County Historical Society
The Delaware County Historical Society is a nonprofit institution. Our mission is to promote and sustain interest in the history of Delaware County, Ohio through historical preservation and education.
CRYDER HISTORICAL CENTER
RESEARCH LIBRARY
NASH HOUSE MUSEUM
157 East William Street, Delaware
MEEKER HOMESTEAD MUSEUM
THE BARN AT STRATFORD
2690 Stratford Road, Delaware