A Short Story About Kalida Pioneer Days
The Birth of the Pioneer Association (1873 – Early 1900s)
Pioneer Days in Kalida, Ohio, proudly holds the title of Ohio’s oldest continuously running festival, tracing its origins to the early 1870s. What began as a modest picnic to honor the area’s first settlers—fondly called “pioneers”—soon grew into an annual celebration of local history and community spirit. On September 6, 1873, Oliver Talburt was named president of the newly formed Putnam County Pioneer Association. A constitution was drafted by Dr. Moses Lee, Henry Crawfis, and George Skinner, with the goal of preserving the county’s early history and honoring its settlers. Membership was initially limited to those who had lived in Putnam County before 1840, each paying $1 to join.
The first annual meeting was held at Kalida Presbyterian Church, with Col. J.L.H. Long as the guest speaker. Attendees came from 11 different states, emphasizing the widespread connection people felt to Putnam County. By the early 1900s, new activities were added for children, including a merry-go-round, tightrope walking, Indian Corn dancing, and a balloon ascension.
Growth and Recognition (Early 1900s – 1940s)
As the festival grew in prominence, attendees traveled great distances by horse and wagon, often leaving at dawn for a journey that took three to four hours each way. A 1944 Pioneer News article described the annual meeting as a tribute to the early settlers who cleared the wilderness and established homes. “These sturdy people of all nations made great sacrifices so that they might enjoy the freedoms and liberties provided by our Constitution,” the article stated.
IThe Pioneer News, published by Charles Veach from 1943 to 1947, played a crucial role in documenting the festival’s history. Around the same time, the Pioneer Association secured a perpetual lease on the second floor of Kalida City Hall, where it remained for nearly three decades.
Evolution into Pioneer Days (1950s – 1970s)
By the 1950s and 1960s, what was once a one-day gathering transformed into a full weekend event, officially becoming Pioneer Days. The Kalida Lions Club and Kalida Firefighters Association took over organizing the festival, ensuring its continued success.
In 1970, the Kalida Lions Club purchased a former Methodist Church and donated it to the Putnam Pioneer Association for use as a museum. After extensive renovations, the Putnam County Historical Museum opened in 1972, coinciding with Putnam County’s Centennial. That same year, the Pioneer Association rebranded itself as the Putnam County Historical Society.
A Living Legacy (1980s – Present
Today, Pioneer Days continues to thrive, thanks to the dedication of the Kalida Lions Club and Kalida Firefighters, who serve as the festival’s primary hosts. The festival has grown into a true homecoming experience, welcoming both longtime residents and new visitors eager to share in the fun.
The Putnam County Historical Society remains deeply involved, opening its museum to showcase rare artifacts and historical exhibits during the festival. Over the years, the museum has expanded, adding a new adjacent property and installing accessibility ramps to ensure a welcoming experience for all.
Pioneer Days is held “Always the Weekend After Labor Day,” making it the perfect end-of-summer tradition. Whether reuniting with old friends, exploring the county’s rich history, or enjoying the festivities, Pioneer Days remains a cherished piece of Ohio’s heritage.
