The first phase of the project includes approximately 50 signs which will be placed over the next 12-18 months.  Each of the signs will be similar to the example that was unveiled on Friday.  They will be the same size; will have the same title; each will have a timeline on the right-hand side; and each will include verbiage and photographs.  It is anticipated that five signs will be official State of Ohio historical markers, two-sided signs on a bronze plate in the shape of the state of Ohio.  These markers will describe the history of Huntersville, the Hydraulic Powered Industrial Park at French Park, Fountain Park and Chautauqua, Main Street, and the Edison Electric Illuminating Company. 

The committee steering this project is comprised of President and Chairman of the French Oil Machinery Company Dan French, City Historian Jim Oda, Parks and Recreation Superintendent Scott Myers, and Public Works Director Tom Zechman.  The committee has been working together for the past 12 months putting together the details of the project.  The signs have been designed and produced by Henne and Associates Graphic Design Solutions.

Jim Oda has been responsible for researching and writing the verbiage, as well as, selecting the photographs.  The committee hopes to publish a book upon the completion of the project that will organize all of the information shown on the signs.  The book will present a history of Piqua in a way that has not been published before.

Other industries or organizations will be invited to sponsor additional phases of this project in the future.  It will add an attractive and informative component to the Linear Park to be enjoyed by local citizens and visitors to the community.

Sign of the Past PDF

Sign of the Past (2) PDF