We have a new, easy, and free way for everyone to direct much-needed funds to the depot project.  If you shop at Kroger, please select us as your Community Rewards charity.  Click this link to set it up.  You can search for us by name or input QI550 as the organization number.  Then every time you use your Kroger Plus card, 1% is donated back to LAHS--there is NO COST to you.  Want help enrolling?  Bring your laptop or phone to a meeting or contact us and we will walk you through the process.

The Depot Restoration Project

For many years now, local citizens have had a vision to restore our train depot to prime condition.  The depot once was the hub of the community and the LAHS believes that it can be  again.  The people who are connected to the depot, and the building itself, have many stories to tell that will celebrate our remarkable past, surprise our youth, and attract visitors to our town.

With the June 2019 purchase of the depot from CSX, the LAHS is ready to move forward with that vision.  Will you join with us?  There are several ways to be part of the effort, either as an individual, a business, or an organization.
  • Monetary donations.  We are $120,000 into fundraising but a complete exterior renovation with landscaping will cost over $200,000.  We need $35,000 to activate the $100,000 in funding pledged by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission.  Individual and corporate contributions are greatly appreciated.
  • In-kind donations.  We welcome contributions of professional services and materials by donation or at cost.  And we'll gladly promote your business to the community!
  • Volunteer time.  Join our Publicity & Fundraising committee, Depot Restoration committee, or History committee.  Regardless of your age or experience with any of these things, your involvement will help.  None of us are experts.  We're all learning & working together.
Contact us to make a pledge or donation, or share your time on a committee.  Thank you!


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June 2022 Depot News:
South Central Power Company Foundation Grant
of $10,000 for Roof Replacement

We're thrilled to announce that the South Central Power Company Foundation has awarded us a grant in the amount of $10,000 to help replace the roof of the depot. Along with an anonymous donation, this will help keep the building from deteriorating any further while we complete the rest of our fundraising.  We are now in search of roofing contractors who would like to be involved with our project and receive some publicity for their efforts.  We are looking to add a standing seam metal roof this summer or fall.  If you know anyone who might be interested, please have them contact us.


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September 2021 Depot News:
Huhtamaki Donates $1000

We are pleased to report to you a generous donation from Huhtamaki of New Vienna! They recently donated $1000 to the depot project. Pictured at the presentation of the check are Michael Wadsworth, Head of Plastics Operations; Julie Ivey, HR Manager; Jessica Maxwell, HR Assistant; John Noftsger, LAHS Treasurer; Raymond Friend, LAHS VP; Judy Mason, LAHS Membership Chair; Nicole Friend, LAHS Publicity Chair; and Kenny Worley, LAHS President.

If you are a Huhtamaki employee, please thank your administrative team for investing in our community!


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August 2021 Depot News:
​Merchants National Bank Donates $1000

We are honored to announce a $1000 donation from Merchants National Bank, which was presented on July 14 at the depot.  
 
According to Denise Fauber, the Vice President of Branch Administration and Human Resources, “a goal of Merchants National Bank is to invest in our communities. The Leesburg Area Historical Society allowed us to do just that by envisioning the rich tradition, importance, and legacy of the Depot. We are honored to support the Society with this project and are excited to see the Depot come back to life.”
 
Pictured above, at the presentation of the check (left to right), are: Beth Roehm, Commercial/Ag Loan Officer; Chad Hamilton, Residential Loan Officer; Ryan Corzatt, Commercial/Ag Loan Officer; Blain Bergstrom, Regional Loan Manager; Kenny Worley, LAHS President; Ashley Taylor, Customer Service Representative; Denise Fauber, Vice President, Branch Administration and Human Resources; and Nicole Friend, LAHS Fundraising Chair.

If you bank with Merchants National Bank, be sure to thank them for their support!  ​


February 2021 Depot News: Contractor Selected

At the February 2021 monthly meeting, the LAHS Board of Directors announced that we have reviewed all bids provided for the scope of work developed for us by architect Doug Karnes of McCarty Associates, LLC.  Doug and the board were most impressed with the bid provided by Quality Masonry, which is located in Marion, Ohio.  They have extensive experience in historical restoration work including work on the state capitol building.  Closer to home, they have done repairs on the Greenfield Post Office.  We have agreed to move forward with this company as our contractor for the exterior phase of the project, beginning as soon as we reach the $150,000 fundraising threshold.  As of April 2021 we are still working to raise approximately $37,000.  We plan to hold several fundraising events this year and are also contacting businesses to ask for their support.  If you are connected to a business that might like to sponsor our project, please contact us for more information.


October 2019 Depot News:
$12,000 gift from the Valero Energy Foundation

These businesses & organizations have given professional services or financial support.  ​Thank you!
​
Highland County Historical Society
Vicki Knauff, Director
Sue Honeycutt, Board Member
 
McCarty Associates, LLC
Tom Purtell & Doug Karnes
 
Grow! Highland County
Tracy Evans

OSU South Centers
Business Development Network
Melissa Carter

Railroad Tools & Solutions, LLC

Leesburg Friends Church

​Leesburg Library Employees
 
E.P. Ferris & Associates
Jim Henry

MS Business Services, LLC
Morgan Sheppard
 
Picnic-Style Cookout Donations
Batter Up Bakery
Bridgewater Creek Farms
Community Market of Greenfield
Community Market of Hillsboro
Country Corner Market
Family Farm & Home
First Stop
Flagway 15 (Marathon)
Highland County Historical Society
KFC of Hillsboro
McDonald's of Hillsboro
Maplecrest Meats & More
Save A Lot of Greenfield
Save A Lot of Hillsboro
Subway of Greenfield
Southern Hills Community Bank
Wendy's of Hillsboro
Kay Simmons Insurance
Kimberly LaVoie, Agent

Valero Energy Foundation
Candace  Horton, Bloomingburg Plant Office Coordinator
Zach Beversdorf, Bloomingburg Plant Manager
Sterley Lightner, Bloomingburg Plant Process Operator & local advocate

Huhtamaki 
Michael Wadsworth, Head of Plastics Operations
Julie Ivey, HR Manager
Jessica Maxwell, HR Assistant
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Merchants National Bank
Hillsboro and Greenfield Branches
Denise Fauber, VP of Branch Administration & Human Resources

Tom E. Dailey Foundation, Inc.
​
Smith & Quance
Peter Quance
 
Southern Hills Community Bank
Jeff Cloud
 
Southern Ohio Appraisers, LLC
Mary Beth Hodson
 
The Barn & Cabin Friend, LLC
Raymond Friend