Historical Society celebrates 50th year of Highland House Museum

By Pamela Nickell
H.C. Historical Society

This is the ninth article in a series from the Highland County Historical Society featuring members of the HCHS Hall of Fame and in recognition of the Highland House Museum’s 50th Anniversary.

* * *

Willa Bare Stanforth
1915-2009

Willa Stanforth was a great supporter of Highland County history as an artist, a political activist, a preservationist and an author. Willa Bare was born Aug. 28, 1915 and was raised in the New Market area. She had written of her family and farm life in her book “Each Blade of Grass,” published in 1974.

Another book, “New Market Memories,” was published in 2003.

Now sold out and out of print, the proceeds from this book supported Willa’s efforts to preserve and restore the New Market Community House, which she helped to place on the National Register of Historic Places.

Willa also supported this project by auctioning two of her paintings. Other examples of her fine watercolor, oil and pastel paintings hang at the Ohio University Inn and the Highland House Museum, as well as in many private collections.

She continued painting into her 90s, passing away in 2009 at the age of 94.

Willa’s efforts in preservation also resulted in the refurbishing of the log cabin that stands behind the Highland House Museum.

She was a charter member of the Highland County Historical Society. She was also on the staff of the American Cancer Society for many years. Willa was a member of the Highland County Women’s Hall of Fame.

She made great efforts to promote education in the region and was politically active as an advocate for Highland County.

A woman of great integrity, Willa Bare Stanforth was a great asset to her Highland County community, church and family.