(This article, reprinted with permission, featuring the Bexley Historical Society, appeared in Bexley News on June 18, 2003)

Left: Bexley Mayor David Madison and Edie Mae Herrel, founder, past president and trustee emeritus of the Bexley Historical Society, unveil the city's historical marker. Click on the picture to enlarge it.

Bexley made its mark during Saturday’s Summerfest with the placement of the 2003 Ohio Bicentennial historical marker telling the story of the National Road and the Interurban Electric Railway.

The marker was unveiled in front of the Bexley Public Library, 2411 E. Main St. It was sponsored by the Bexley Historical Society, with funding from the Bexley Area Chamber of Commerce, Bexley Woman’s Club, the Whitehall-Bexley Rotary as well as from the society itself.

Society President Barbara Hysell told about 50 who gathered for the occasion that the marker is dedicated to the power and spirit of those who brought it to the city.

"What a wonderful, rewarding ride it has been and what an opportunity to leave a permanent legacy in Bexley," Hysell said.

Jennifer Ritchey, 2003 Ohio Bicentennial Committee chairwoman and society board member, said that while there were times the process of obtaining the marker reached a fevered pitch, "This one marker is exceedingly special, because it is the first and only historical marker in the city (itself)."

Franklin County has the distinction of having the most historical markers of any county in Central Ohio with 69 in all, Verhoff said.

Ohio State University President Karen Holbrook joined those gathered in celebration, attending her first Summerfest.

Holbrook cited recent surveys conducted by OSU showing evidence that very few children and very few adults know and understand their past.

"I am delighted to be part of a community that cares about the history of their community and that cares enough to put up a plaque to tell of that history," Holbrook said.

Ohio State Rep. Jim McGregor (R-Gahanna) recalled how during his tenure as mayor of Gahanna, he learned what to do as mayor under Bexley Mayor David Madison.

"What we’ve done in Gahanna, in adopting a wonderful historical presence, in the appreciation of botany and in frugal management, is largely modeled on what you’ve accomplished for so long here in your beautiful city," McGregor said.

Edie Mae Herrel, Bexley Historical Society founder, past president and trustee emeritus, joined Madison in the unveiling of the marker to the violin, viola and dulcimer music from the past as performed by Anastasia, Alexandra and Antoinette Vargo and Morgan Black, daughter of former historical society board member Karen Black.