Forward Wayne County’s focus on Main Streets this month leads us to Main Street Centerville. They are using their unique history to drive redevelopment. Mindy Myers, with Main Street Centerville, shares why Centerville is so special:
Main Street Centerville’s mission is to renew and restore the Town of Centerville to its former prominence through economic development, redevelopment, beautification initiatives, and collaboration with local businesses and organizations such as the Historic Centerville organization. Our vision is to help educate others on the history, architecture and vitality of the businesses and residents.
History
Centerville was platted in the town of Salisbury in 1814 and became Wayne County’s first seat of government in 1818. It remained the seat until 1873. Centerville still has the Salisbury Log Cabin which is the only original log courthouse still standing in the old northwest territory. It is located behind the Historic Mansion House on Main Street.
A visit to Centerville will provide amazing shopping, restaurants, and a chance to see our unique arches. The arches make us distinct and can be dated back to prominent Centerville families. They include: Shortridge Arch (1830), Dill Arch (1830), Lantz Arch (1823), Backenstoe Arch (1835) and Malone Arch (1836). You will have to visit us to find them all!
Our Businesses
It’s this history that drives us to help restore Centerville to its prominence and assist our local businesses to grow and thrive in our town. We want to promote them, share their success, and come along side them with resources, grant opportunities, and opportunities to help them grow their revenue.
And if shopping is on your mind, check out Lavender & Sage, The Village Forager, our many antiques shops, or Warm Glow Candle. That not enough? How about Bendy Farms, American Wellness, Cornerstone, or Stella Chrome. Yes, all of this is in Centerville.
Don’t forget to sprinkle in dining at 5 Arch Brewing, Americana Pizza, or Auntie Em’s Pies. Or get a smoothie from the Smoothie Shack.
Centerville also has all the family-fun you can manage. Bring the family and/or your friends to Cope Environmental Center. Maplewood Park, or Crown Creek Hiking Trail.
Connecting Community
Main Street Centerville has held new events this year for our community such as Flickering Films under the stars with Warm Glow Candle Company. The event was a huge success providing bounce houses, games and food followed by a free community movie in Maplewood Park.
We are excited to hold a Fall Festival in collaboration with our Centerville Lion’s Club and Centerville Farmers Market on Saturday October 19th from 4-7pm. Attendees will experience free games, bounce houses, costume contest, Spooky Stories at the Mansion House, and $1 pumpkin painting. Caboose tours will be provided by the Wayne County Railroaders Association. And food will be provided by the Lion’s Club. And don’t forget to purchase produce and other goodies from the Farmer’s Market.
Main Street Centerville supports many events the town holds, such as our upcoming Christmas in Centerville event which is held on the 1st Saturday of December. This is a magical event that brings businesses and communities together in fellowship and charity. Other events we support during the year are the Centerville Farmers Market, Archway Days, and the Centerville Veterans Parade.
Downtown Beauty
Main Street Centerville is grateful to the Wayne County Foundation for their generous gift which helped provide our stunning planters that are placed along Main Street for the enjoyment of residents and guests who pass by them on National Road 40. We get compliments from all over on their beauty.
Hometown Heroes
We are also pleased to highlight our community champions and volunteers who help us be successful with the Kyle Turner Hometown Spirit Award. The award is given to local business or community members who make remarkable contributions to our community. Main Street Centerville recently awarded the Kyle Turner Hometown Spirit Award to Scott and Jeff Wheeler in memory of their beloved mother, Sue Wheeler. She established Wheeler’s Antiques in 1970 and was a staple of our town for 54 years.
There are so many wonderful businesses, organizations and people in our town of Centerville. Main Street Centerville has the privilege to partner and promote our unique historical community. Come and see for yourself!
