Another early pioneer in Jackson Township was James Seeds. He owned 1,000 acres in the area we now identify as Seeds Road south of Grove City. He was an important man in the community because he provided the early residents with a critical mineral. For years, he brought salt to the area using pack horses along a primitive, blazed trail from Zanesville, now known at U.S. Rt. 40, the National Road. Salt was a vital commodity in the early settlements because it impacted daily life; salt was essential for food preservation and was used to cure meats and preserve vegetables. In the early 1800s, the salt trade flourished, particularly in the Ohio Valley region where it could command high prices, ranging from $4 to $6 per bushel.

William G. Sibray, one of the pioneers of Grove City was a native of Baltimore, Maryland. He was living in Pickerington with his father, a tavern owner, when in 1846, Sibray agreed to move to Jackson Township with William Breck. Sibray was a brick mason and plasterer, an important trade for Breck’s new town and Sibray erected many of the early homes of the new village. He learned his trade in the nation’s capital after he drove a herd of cattle from Illinois to Washington, D.C. In 1851, he married Mary, second daughter of Hugh Grant, Jr., a local farmer. Sibray served Grove City over the years in practically every government office and earned the reputation of an honest and industrious citizen.

Grove City was once known for its apple orchards. John Corzelius operated a small canning factory on Columbus Street near Orchard Lane where he processed apples and tomatoes. At the time, a large apple orchard existed north of Columbus Street along Orchard Lane to the present day Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and School. When the Greyhound race track was built, many trees had to be cut down to allow construction of a second access road from Columbus Street. There were numerous other apple orchards in and around Grove City including the Home Road area and Gutheil’s Orchard on Big Darby Creek. The photo from Southwest Franklin County Historical Society files states the boy pictured was eating at apple at the old apple orchard.

Step back in time and celebrate America 250 with the City of Grove City at the Olde Time Fair! Experience the sights, sounds and traditions of the early 1800s during an afternoon of family-friendly fun at historic Century Village.

An Afternoon of Old-Fashioned Fun

Enjoy a variety of activities and entertainment for all ages, including:

• Old-time carnival games
• Hands-on crafts
• Carousel rides
• Food trucks and vendors
• Tours of Century Village's historic buildings
• Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and settle in for an afternoon of live entertainment and vintage baseball.

Noon–2 p.m.

America 250 Red, White & Blue Toadstool Shadow Quartet

2–4 p.m.

Ohio Village Muffins Vintage Baseball Game

Watch the Ohio Village Muffins take the field and experience America's pastime as it was played in the 1860s.

2–4 p.m.

The Village Pickers Band

2-4 p.m.

Explore Century Village - Take a self-guided stroll through Grove City's historic village

Details: grovecityohio.gov/oldetimefair

Step back in time and celebrate America 250 with the City of Grove City at the Olde Time Fair! Experience the sights, sounds and traditions of the early 1800s during an afternoon of family-friendly fun at historic Century Village.

An Afternoon of Old-Fashioned Fun

Enjoy a variety of activities and entertainment for all ages, including:

• Old-time carnival games
• Hands-on crafts
• Carousel rides
• Food trucks and vendors
• Tours of Century Village's historic buildings
• Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and settle in for an afternoon of live entertainment and vintage baseball.

Noon–2 p.m.

America 250 Red, White & Blue Toadstool Shadow Quartet

2–4 p.m.

Ohio Village Muffins Vintage Baseball Game

Watch the Ohio Village Muffins take the field and experience America's pastime as it was played in the 1860s.

2–4 p.m.

The Village Pickers Band

2-4 p.m.

Explore Century Village - Take a self-guided stroll through Grove City's historic village

Details: grovecityohio.gov/oldetimefair