ABOUT US

In The Beginning...

The Historical Society of Vandalia Butler was founded in 1977 as an out-growth of the Vandalia Bicentennial.  We had purchased the Log House, but didn't have a home for it until 1980 when Mary C. Hoottinger donated her homestead and 8 1/2 aces to the Historical Society.

The first deed of this property on Alkaline Springs Road was recorded in Volume One of the Montgomery County Deed Book.  It was considered public land and was purchased from the government by Benjamin Furnas in 1825, and originally consisted of 154 acres.  The deed was signed by John Q. Adams.

Ferdinand Hoottinger (at left - Mary's father) purchased 19 acres of the above property in the late 1880's.

Today, with the Hoottinger Home, Log House, The Brown School and other buildings, we have an educational tool of history where one can see first hand a hint of what life and education was like in the early years of our country.

Additional Reading

Read the complete story of "The Founding of The Historical Society of Vandalia-Butler: 'Aunt Mary' our Benefactor".

General Membership Meetings

There are five General Membership meetings each year:

• January:  Annual Election of Officers and Carry-In Dinner
• March:  General Meeting
• July:  Annual Carry-In Picnic at our Shelter House
• September:  General Meeting
• November:  General Meeting

Each meeting will include food, speakers and/or entertainment.  For dates, times and location of General Membership and Guest Meetings please see our Calendar or call 937.898.5300 and leave a short message with your phone number.