Author: SCHS webmaster

1st Spring SCHS Meeting in new Swiss Heritage Center

~ SCHS webmaster

By Kaye Phillips on Facebook

April 19 was a momentous day for the Swiss Historical Society of Bluffton and Pandora, Ohio.

We had our first Spring Meeting in our new Heritage Center that featured Fred Steiner previewing his book, “Our Swiss Story”. Eighty-eight people gathered to listen to Fred’s presentation. Thanks to Ray Rayburn, a video of the program is available on YouTube CLICK HERE. Eleven people/persons from around the country watched our event live from their homes.

We also enjoyed the company of those who attended, while sitting around the tables and enjoying pie baked by Joyce Schumacher, Marcia Lugibihl, Chrissy Lugibihl and Sue Habeggar. We even used vintage china while sipping hot beverages. It was a day to remember!

A silent pie auction of hickory and walnut pies made with Dr. Ollie Lugibihl’s famous recipe ended our time together. All proceeds went to furnishing the new Children’s Discovery Room in our center.

Thank you to everyone who made this day possible.

Scenic Stops & Stories at Schumacher Homestead

~ SCHS webmaster

On October 23, 2025, WBGU-PBS premiered an episode of Scenic Stops & Stories featuring the Schumacher Homestead, 8350 Bixel Rd. The production took place during a Second Saturday event and includes interviews with board member Jason Althaus and docent Van Risser. The next event at the homestead will be the Christmas Open House on December 6-7.

Althaus provides an overview of the development of the historic site, including the new Heritage Center, which is a repurposed timber frame barn from a nearby farm. Risser demonstrates how the Schumacher family would have cooked using the fireplace in the summer kitchen. Using homegrown produce, he makes a one-pot stew or “Eintopf.”

The episode is titled “Amusement, Art and Family” and runs about 25 minutes. Additional subjects focus on northwest Ohio and include Sandusky’s Merry-Go-Round Museum, the Cedar Point Historical Museum, the Wood County Fair, Firefly Nights in Bowling Green and the Black Swamp Arts Festival.

The program is available to stream live at wbgu.org and WBGU’s YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/q2qrt8a9DC0/ The segment on the homestead begins at about the 20 minute mark.