Forest City Area Historical Society Celebrates 15 Years

The Forest City Area Historical Society (FCAHS) held its first meeting on Sunday, February 21, 2010. Twenty-one people from the community attended; elections were held and bylaws

drafted along with an application for non-profit status. The Society was not able to find a

location until the Methodist Church congregation decided to disband due to lack of attendees.

We talked to members of the congregation and then contacted the Methodist Conference to

urge them to donate it to the Society which they did at no cost. It is now the depository of all

available artifacts and documents from our past in order to preserve the history and heritage of Forest City and the surrounding areas including, lumbering, railroads, coal, clothing

manufacturing and more. All major repairs and improvements, costing more than $80,000,

have been funded by donations from many benefactors including a new outside wall, sidewalk, an elevator, new stairs, new bathroom, repairing of stained-glass windows, building a new office, plumbing, and electrical work.

The museum is a testament to the ethnic diversity of our area. At one time there were 9 churches in Forest City, most being devoted to a particular nationality. Our building was dedicated on November 17, 1886, as a Methodist church and closed in May, 2013. The society is dedicated to the preservation of the local history!

The 10th anniversary fell during COVID and a celebration was not held. 2025 celebrates 15-years in existence and we will celebrate on Sunday, November 9, 2025, beginning at 1 PM at the Beacon Restaurant, Union Dale. The public is invited to attend, a short program will be held, and a buffet by the Beacon will be enjoyed by those in attendance. Cost of the buffet is $25.00 per person. Cash bar will be available. Reservations are required by Sunday, November 2nd to Secretary, Juliann Doyle 570-499-4908 or jdoyle@nep.net.