(Submitted by the Wood County Commissioners)
The Wood County Commissioners invite the public to an open house on the third floor of the Wood County Courthouse for the rededication of the restored courthouse murals on Sept. 9 at 3 p.m.
I. M. Taylor, an artist and the 1911-1920 mayor of Bowling Green, painted the two large murals on the third floor. Fort Meigs is portrayed on the east wall and railroad tracks and oil wells south of Portage on the west wall.
In November 2018, the commissioners contracted with Stefan Dedecek from McKayLodge Conversation Laboratory Inc. to begin conservation treatment procedures on the two murals to repair, conserve, and protect the paintings for many years.
At the conclusion of the rededication event, the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce will provide light refreshments. RSVPs are appreciated and can be made by contacting the Chamber at 419.353.7945 or emailing events@bgchamber.net.
This event kicks off Wood County’s 200th birthday celebration with additional events slated including a Gala Dinner and Benefit for the Anniversary Celebration on Oct. 26. To view events or add to the list of bicentennial projects, visit woodcounty200.org.
Created by the Wood County Commissioners, the Wood County Bicentennial Committee exists to promote the 200th anniversary of the founding of Wood County throughout 2020 and to preserve pictures, memorabilia, and documents concerning the history of Wood County.
The committee will also bring attention to the 125th anniversary of the Wood County Courthouse in 2021. The courthouse opened on Sept. 29, 1896, and has been in use continuously since that time. The courthouse remains a stalwart symbol of our county and its unique history, which stretches back to 1813 when General William Henry Harrison ordered the building of Fort Meigs.
Since 1820, Wood County has been part of the fabric of Ohio and United States history, having significant influences on both. The committee wants to celebrate that involvement and calls upon all citizens to participate by submitting memories, photos, or volunteering at events to help everyone in Wood County understand our county’s history and recognize its contribution to our shared story.
