ARCANUM WAYNE TRAIL HISTORICAL SOCIETY DESIGNATED SITES

The Arcanum Wayne Trail Historical Society has marked significant historic sites and buildings with plaques in Arcanum and the surrounding area. A walking tour map with these locations are available at the historical society house located at 123 W. George Street in Arcanum. Hours to pick up are Open First Saturday of the Month or by appointment. We may be reached by e-mail at: contact@arcanumhistoricalsociety.org or by calling 937-692-6462. Fall would be a beautiful time to tour the town and stop by the historical society for a house tour and learn more about the history of the house. Group tours for clubs and organizations are available by appointment. Check out our updated website to see what’s new in our collections by visiting at www.arcanumhistoricalsociety.org. Contact information and volunteers are listed for rentals as well as research.

The George Ivester House, which is the Arcanum Public Library today, is one of the 7 featured sites. Other historic buildings include: Flat Iron Building now the Rose Post; Smith's Department Store now the Arcana and sewing and antique shop; The California House Hotel, now a private residence on North Main Street; The Founder of Arcanum's log cabin site, now a private residence on North Street; last but not least the home of the Arcanum Wayne Trail Historical Society on West George Street which was built as the Louis Deitrich Saloon and Hotel. Our recent designated site is in the Ithaca Cemetery and is the grave site of the town’s founder, William Gunder.

Per the Arcanum Public Library book written by William Gunder, The Ivester House is a Victorian style mansion which was started in 1874 and completed in 1875. George Ivester was a blacksmith, farmer and miller who was born in Pennsylvania. He married Rebecca Davis and they were the parents of six children.

The building was also the Ivy-Ester Tavern purchased in 1927. The tavern establishment was operated in the front part of their home. Weekday noon lunches were priced at 30 cents and Sunday dinner a big 50 cents.

The Ivester House was sold to the Arcanum Public Library and they opened their doors in 1963. To get the rest of the story about the Ivester House or any of the designated sites you may purchase the “Arcanum Business History” book by Anita Short from the AWTHS available at our society or through our website.