Historical Society celebrates 50th year of Highland House Museum
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By Pamela Nickell
HCP columnist
This is the 40th article in a series from the Highland County Historical Society featuring members of the Highland County Historical Society Hall of Fame and recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Highland House Museum.
Charles M. Harsha
1913-2000
Charles Harsha was a monumental civic leader in Highland County for many decades. One legacy of his financial leadership is the continuation of the Highland County Historical Society and Highland House Museum into the 21st century.
Harsha graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1931 and from the Ohio State University College of Commerce in 1935. He met his wife, Inez Walker Harsha, while working in insurance in West Virginia. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Medical Corps and Finance Department.
After the war, Charles and Inez returned to Hillsboro to become the fourth generation to run The Harsha Monument Company. He retired in 1980, leaving his son, Sandy, and grandson, Justin, as the next generations to run the company.
Harsha was a founding member of the Highland County Historical Society and served on its board for 28 years. For six years, he served as president, but it was as treasurer that he made his greatest contribution. His attention and wise investment decisions provided the financial basis for the organization’s success. These investments still supply funds for current operational expenses.
Harsha was an active member of the Masonic Lodge, becoming a Master Mason and serving in several high offices. He was also a member of the Lions Club, serving as secretary, president, zone chairman and district governor.
He was a lifelong member of the Hillsboro First United Methodist Church, serving as choir director and lay leader.
Harsha also served with the Southern Ohio Tourist Association, the Cancer Crusade, the Hillsboro Cemetery Association, the Monument Builders of Ohio and the Monument Builders of North America.
HCP columnist
This is the 40th article in a series from the Highland County Historical Society featuring members of the Highland County Historical Society Hall of Fame and recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Highland House Museum.
Charles M. Harsha
1913-2000
Charles Harsha was a monumental civic leader in Highland County for many decades. One legacy of his financial leadership is the continuation of the Highland County Historical Society and Highland House Museum into the 21st century.
Harsha graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1931 and from the Ohio State University College of Commerce in 1935. He met his wife, Inez Walker Harsha, while working in insurance in West Virginia. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Medical Corps and Finance Department.
After the war, Charles and Inez returned to Hillsboro to become the fourth generation to run The Harsha Monument Company. He retired in 1980, leaving his son, Sandy, and grandson, Justin, as the next generations to run the company.
Harsha was a founding member of the Highland County Historical Society and served on its board for 28 years. For six years, he served as president, but it was as treasurer that he made his greatest contribution. His attention and wise investment decisions provided the financial basis for the organization’s success. These investments still supply funds for current operational expenses.
Harsha was an active member of the Masonic Lodge, becoming a Master Mason and serving in several high offices. He was also a member of the Lions Club, serving as secretary, president, zone chairman and district governor.
He was a lifelong member of the Hillsboro First United Methodist Church, serving as choir director and lay leader.
Harsha also served with the Southern Ohio Tourist Association, the Cancer Crusade, the Hillsboro Cemetery Association, the Monument Builders of Ohio and the Monument Builders of North America.