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  • Elkton was first called Oliver Center
  • 1886  The application for a post office was submitted. 
  • Elkton was incorporated as a village in 1897.
  • 1898  Elkton’s first newspaper was printed.  It was called The Huron County Review. 
  • Early 1900’s  The Elkton Co-op Farm Produce Company was started in the early 1900’s. 
  • 1913  Village residents requested the village “do something” with a swampy piece of land.  A committee was formed and a park was developed.  The park has had many names over the years but there was not an official name given to the park until 1996.  The Elkton Village Council named the park Memorial Park.  A community calendar board was placed in this park.  Phyllis Forester maintained this sign for many years.  Flowers have also been planted in the park and maintained by volunteers, including Carol Deneen. 
  • 1915  The “Elkton Elevator Co” a division of Wallace and Morley Co was started.  After several mergers throughout the history of the company a final merger took place in 1978.  The company is now named Agri Sales, Inc. 
  • 1940  The first meeting for the Elkton Rotary Club was held February 23, 1940.  The club membership was representation of leaders of their professions or trade for the Elkton area.  The club disbanded in 1991.
  • 1945  Active Industries Inc began shipping metal stampings out of Elkton.  At the time it was expected to employ 50-60 men and women.  Today the company employs over 750.  Henry Drettmann was the founder and owner of the company.  The company was sold and changed names in the late ninety’s.  The plant now operates under the name Tower Automotive. 
  • 1945  In 1945 the Veterans of Foreign War Post was started.  The Elkton Post is number 6013.  The post is also called the Carpenter-Dorsch unit, named after two Elkton area servicemen who  made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country. 
  • 1948  The Village hired it’s first police officer, Jake Deering.
  • 1956  The Elkton Athletic Park was renamed Ackerman Memorial Park.   This is still the name of the  park to date.  The park was named after Milton L. Ackerman.  Ackerman was active in developing the ball fields, as well as coaching and playing ball in the park.  Today there are four ball  diamonds, tennis courts, two bath houses, a play ground,  two pavilions,  and multiple soccer fields available for the community to use.
  • 1959  In the summer of 1959 an effort was made to create social opportunities for women in the community.  A club was formed and called Club 59.  This club was a vision of Ruby Ewald.  The club is involved in many civic projects.  One of their main activities is hosting “Lunch with Santa” every December for local children.  Club 59 is also the sponsor of the Elkton Autumfest Queen’s Contest.
  • 1960 The charter meeting for the Elkton Lions club was held May 12, 1960.  Lionism consists of fun, fellowship, and service.  The Lions Club of Elkton is a very active service club, who donates to many groups, families, or individuals in need. 
  • 1969   In 1969 the Ginter Department Store building was purchased by the Elkton Civic Organization for 3,000 dollars.  It’s purpose was to provide a center and meeting place for the senior citizens club, girl and boy scouts, and many other groups of the community.  Many citizens donate to the building every year to help renovate and maintain the building. 
  • 1974  The water tower was built.  It’s cost was 109,250 dollars.  It holds 100,000 gallons of water.  Don Haley came up with the idea to have a smiley face painted on the tower. 
  • 1982  The first meeting of the Elkton Historical Society was called to order on October 26, 1982.  In 1985 a log cabin built by Enos Mayhew in 1865 was secured.  The cabin was located ½ mile north of Pinnebog.  The cabin was dismantled and moved to Ackerman Memorial Park in 1986.  the cabin houses many antiques, and artifacts relevant to Elkton and the surrounding area.  Tours of the cabin are available during Labor Day weekend each year at Autumfest. 
  • 1988  The gazebo is another village landmark.  Walt Forster (DPW Superintendent) and Elmer Ropp (Village President) wanted something to beautify the village.  The gazebo was dedicated in 1989 by Rev. DeWeerd Smith.  Many passers by have stopped to have their picture taken in the structure.  It is a popular place to have wedding pictures taken. 
  • The former Active Credit Union (now Team One Credit Union) building was converted into the Huron Youth Center, providing a place for area youngsters to productively expend their extra energy.
  • 1997  In 1997 a large centennial celebration was held during the Atumnfestival on Labor Day weekend.  A highlight of the weekend was a concert from country star Aaron Tippin on the Laker High football field
  • 1998  During a successful Atumnfest weekend, country entertainer Ricky VanShelton performed out at Lakers.
  • 1999  Neil McCoy headlined a concert at Laker High as part of entertainment at Autumnfest. 
  • 2001 The Chamber of Commerce builds a motocross near Ackerman Memorial Park.  The site eventually houses tractor pull and demolition derby tracks too.
  • 2002  When Elkton Elementary (Laker East)  let out classes in June of 2002 the school closed it’s doors.  A new centralized elementary was built out by the high school and junior high. 
  • 2003  A new digital sign was purchased for Memorial Park.  The sign was purchased by the Village, the Elkton Lions Club, and the Elkton Chamber of Commerce. 
  • 2003  The Oliver Township Fireman’s Memorial was dedicated.  The monument is located at the village hall, and across from Memorial Park. 

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