By: Jenna Frisby
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jenna@thevillagereporter.com
Stryker’s Heritage Days is an Annual Event that is put forth for the community of Stryker by the Stryker Area Heritage Council which was formed in 2006 by a group of residents in the surrounding are whom wanted to ensure the preservation of the rich history of Stryker, Evansport and Lockport.
That history began back in the early 1830’s when Stryker’s first settlers began clearing the forestlands of the area and settling into homes they built. They transformed the area from dense forest lands into fertile farmlands which still remain today in the area.
The source of power then came from the Tiffin River and Bean Creek which powered many mill operations. Due to Stryker’s resource ability, a New York attorney and railroad executive by the name of John Stryker utilized the resources the area was refining and turned Stryker into the first community within Williams County to have railroad facilities running through it.
This gave the town of Stryker access to resources faster than others as well as the ability to have inexpensive transportation of raw materials, agricultural products and even some finished goods.
The Northern Indiana Railroad which was now running through Stryker, connected Toledo to Chicago and expanded resources and travel to and from each of the big cities.
The same remains today in terms and aspect of agriculture and agribusiness through the town of Stryker. Agriculture remains a vital key in the town’s local economy as well as the numerous hometown businesses and industries.
Today, while the history remains very much alive, so does the fun of Heritage Day’s. This year the annual event began with a parade kicking off the fun at 4pm.
The parade, which featured a multitude of different and fun floats from business, organizations and groups around the area, included over 50 floats!
After the parade commenced, the rest of the evening’s activities began and provided many fun activities for everyone to enjoy. The event featured not only a car show, free inflatables for kids, a mechanical bull and several local food trucks, but this year it also featured Brock Middleton &
The Outlaws live on stage at 5pm! The event had beautiful weather and a successful turnout, once again preserving a little bit more of the history of the village.
(PHOTOS BY JENNA FISBY / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)