Historic Overfield Tavern Museum in Troy Destroyed by Fire
TROY — The Overfield Tavern Museum, a cornerstone of Troy’s history and the oldest log tavern in Ohio, was engulfed in flames early Saturday morning. Established in 1808, the museum housed a rare collection of early Miami County artifacts, marking a significant loss for the community.
Fire crews responded to the scene around 5 a.m. after a call alerted them to smoke pouring from the building. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, as the museum was unoccupied at the time. “Our worst fears were realized,” said Ben Sutherly, the museum’s Board President. He expressed sorrow over the loss of irreplaceable items and artifacts, many of which were integral to the region’s history.
The museum was poised to host its annual Yuletide Dinners Fundraiser, focusing on culinary traditions from the 1800s. Instead, local community members gathered at nearby St. Patrick’s Soup Kitchen to support the event.
In the aftermath, cleanup crews have begun assessing the damage, and experts are evaluating the museum’s structural integrity. Holden Lingrell, owner of Complete Detail Cleaning and Restoration, highlighted the safety concerns inherent in older buildings, noting the need for consultations with engineers and restoration specialists.
Tonya Hittner of the Historical Society of Vandalia-Butler lamented the loss of unique artifacts, stating, “A building can be rebuilt, but the history and items gathered over the years cannot.” Despite the extensive damage, some items from the kitchen may be spared.
As investigations continue into the fire’s cause, museum officials remain hopeful about the possibility of restoration and are preparing to discuss the next steps in preserving this vital piece of local heritage.
Source
Photo credit www.whio.com