Historical Society celebrates 50th year of Highland House Museum
Lead Summary
By
Pamela Nickell-
This is the 34th 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.
* * *
Elsie J. Ayres
1905-1975
Elsie Ayres was a prime mover in the establishment of the Highland County Historical Society and a constant worker for the progress of the organization.
Elsie Johnson Ayres was born on a farm in Darke County, Ohio.
Her roots grew deep into the soil of Ohio. It was through the stories of her ancestors that she became interested in history.
Upon moving to Highland County and marrying Edwin Billingham Ayres, she started building her collection of information which she then published in two volumes, “Hills of Highland” and “Highland Pioneer Sketches and Family Genealogies.”
When her two books were published, she asked the historical society to promote and sell them.
The society received half the income from the sale of the books after she had recouped her investment.
Those funds allowed the historical society to make many improvements to the inside of the Highland House Museum.
Elsie Johnson Ayres made many contributions to the Highland County Historical Society as a benefactor and historian.
* * *
Elsie J. Ayres
1905-1975
Elsie Ayres was a prime mover in the establishment of the Highland County Historical Society and a constant worker for the progress of the organization.
Elsie Johnson Ayres was born on a farm in Darke County, Ohio.
Her roots grew deep into the soil of Ohio. It was through the stories of her ancestors that she became interested in history.
Upon moving to Highland County and marrying Edwin Billingham Ayres, she started building her collection of information which she then published in two volumes, “Hills of Highland” and “Highland Pioneer Sketches and Family Genealogies.”
When her two books were published, she asked the historical society to promote and sell them.
The society received half the income from the sale of the books after she had recouped her investment.
Those funds allowed the historical society to make many improvements to the inside of the Highland House Museum.
Elsie Johnson Ayres made many contributions to the Highland County Historical Society as a benefactor and historian.