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By Anita Richwine, Contributing Writer Updated 12:00 PM Thursday, December 10, 2009

There’s been a flurry of activity in recent weeks at two of the historic stone buildings associated with the Centerville-Washington Twp. Historical Society — and it hasn’t all been due to holiday celebrations.

What’s happening at the Asahel Wright House, 26 N. Main St., Centerville, and the Walton House Museum, a few blocks away at 89 W. Franklin St., has to do with some interesting changes in the exhibits found at both locations.

Scores of visitors including many school children have viewed the 1930s local history exhibit featured the last several years at the Asahel Wright House. This unique limestone structure, believed built by Centerville founder Aaron Nutt around 1806, was once owned by the great uncle of Orville and Wilbur Wright.

For the last couple of months, the Wright house has been closed to visitors to allow the historical society to dismantle the 1930’s exhibit and move some of the artifacts to the Walton House Museum. Visitors there can now enjoy consolidated exhibits of the 1800s representing the area’s settlement and early years, and the artifacts displaying Centerville households of the 30s and 40s.

The move paved the way for development of changes at the Asahel Wright House which are not yet completed.

“It’s a work in progress,” says Vickie Bondi, CWTHS director. “For some time now, I have envisioned an 1800s exhibit focusing on the early years of the house, specifically in the original limestone section.”

While she and her staff searched their inventory for suitable exhibit pieces, they received a beautiful hutch from Brenda Hershberger, a Bellbrook resident and friend of the Pickerings, original owners of the hutch. The Pickerings lived for many years on the corner of Maple and East Franklin. “We are truly grateful for this generous donation,” says Bondi.

The society will continue to look for additional items to help bring the Asahel Wright House — and its early history — to life. Watch for updates of this significant society undertaking in the coming months.

Gift Shop Treasures: The holiday spirit is certainly evident at Asahel’s Emporium, the little green building in front of the Asahel Wright House facing North Main Street where the society operates a tourist center and gift shop. Open to the public, the charming shop is filled with unusual items for holiday home decorating, stocking stuffers and gifts, many of historical nature.

Of special interest found on the tree-trimming shelves is the 2009 annual charity pewter ornament. Following a tradition of featuring a familiar historical landmark, the 2009 ornament design is appropriately of the Washington Twp. Hall that is celebrating its centennial this year. The ornament sells for $10 with proceeds going to Children’s Medical Center.

The Emporium hours are noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, is (937) 438-0941.

Anita Richwine is a board member of the Centerville-Washington Twp. Historical Society. Contact her at anita824@aol.com.

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