About Us
History
Researching the history of Goshen in preparation for the sesquicentennial celebration revealed a rich heritage that had not previously been recognized in a public, organized way. But that was about to change.
The people responsible for shaping the Goshen Historical Society were:
| Max Chiddister, Mayor | Paul Schlobohm | Janice Rasley |
| Tom Miller | Nelson Hershberger | John Stith |
| Robert Ehret | Linda Baker | John Huber |
| L.J. Martin | David Alfano | Sharon Holderman |
The Gardner house at the north west corner of Main Street and Madison Street was used temporarily to house artifacts collected during the celebration until the house had to be dismantled in 1987. The artifacts were then stored in the city’s Annex Building, out of sight.
In 1998, the Society bought a 99-year-old retail store at 124 South Main Street known as the Adams Store and transformed it into the Goshen Historical Museum. Finally the third mission statement could be realized!
Mission Statement
The Goshen Historical Society was formed in 1981 during Goshen’s Sesquicentennial Celebration. The Mission of the Society is:
“Preserving and sharing the ongoing story of Goshen.”
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors meet monthly to plan for the ongoing improvement of the Society and its museum. Should you have ideas or concerns please email us.
- Ron Hoke – President, Asst. Curator
- Larry Neff – Vice President
- Randy Clouse – Treasurer
- Ellen Straw – Secretary
- Dale Garber – Curator
- John Hertzler
- Tom Holtzinger
- Jane Iwema
- Ursula Mars
- Rebecca Akens
- Rod Pletcher
- Amy Worsham
- Steve Oyer
The Adams Store
The Goshen Historical Society logo is not a fictitious place. It’s a real store in historic downtown Goshen, Indiana. The building was constructed as part of a block of retail stores by Charles A. Harper during 1888. In this particular building he had “a first class boot and shoe establishment” according to newspaper accounts at the time.
When Mr. Harper retired from active business in 1901, he leased the store to Mr. C. [Charles] G. [Granville] Adams & Sons, a business that sold jewelry, men’s and women’s shoes and other accessories.
The interior was remodeled. New shelving was placed in the long store and the display window lengthened. The entry doorway proclaimed the new business as “The Adams Store.”
By 1906 a balcony was added at the back of the store. A modern front was built with show windows on each side of a centered entry door.
Second generation Adams’ continued the “dry goods” establishment. In addition, the store became the official distributor for Boy Scout merchandise.
The third generation to continue the business was not a son but a daughter, Ruby Pauline Adams, known as Polly. Polly did not change the name on the door or the type of merchandise that was sold.
At the time of this picture, the sign on the door to the left of the store entry indicates at least one of the upstairs apartments was leased to Dr. Hout, Osteopathic Physician.
In 1997, the property was purchased by the Goshen Historical Society. The Society replaced the heating/cooling system, the plumbing and lighting. Volunteers cleaned the original cabinetry and showcases and brought in items that tell the story of the city of Goshen.