A new, free online Clyde history database is being offered to local historians, genealogists, and the merely curious.  In cooperation with the Ohio Historical Society, twelve public libraries across nine northwest Ohio counties, including the Clyde Public Library, have received a grant to implement a regional document and image digitization project.

The purpose of the digitization project is to make available important and deteriorating local history resources to Clyde residents and a worldwide audience through the Ohio Historical Society’s Ohio Memory Project.

Dedication of McPherson Highway

Materials to be scanned and digitized include books, photographs, postcards, newsletters, slides, and yearbooks among others.  Subject matter will include Clyde histories; area businesses; community celebrations; local personalities; Clyde events; and area homes.

Peanut Wagon

This grant has allowed the Clyde Public Library to create a local database named The Thaddeus B. Hurd Digital Archive after local historian and architect Thad Hurd”  according to Library Director Vicki Balemian.  “Mr. Hurd had a great interest in Clyde and surrounding areas and worked diligently to preserve our history.”  Within the database users will find digitized historical images and text relating to Major General James B. McPherson, WWII hero Rodger Young, and American author Sherwood Anderson as well as city businesses, community events, artifacts, and distinctive Clyde buildings and houses. 

Funding for this grant is being provided by the State Library of Ohio, through the Library Services and Technology Act; the Northwest Regional Library System; and the Clyde Public Library’s Thaddeus B. Hurd endowment fund.