Edith “Edie” Mae Hamilton Herrel

“My every today reflects someone’s yesterday and can enrich someone’s tomorrow.”

Edie, at an early age, developed a deep interest in her community. In 1974, she founded The Bexley
Historical Society.

Edie, through her art, created a historical portrait of homes, businesses, schools, houses of worship – all that comprised her beloved Bexley.

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The Bexley Historical Society, with Edie’s guidance, held a series of Reminiscing Parties where Bexley residents met to talk about the “olden days” and their stories of growing up in Bexley.

Through the years, she interviewed many and especially those who were descendants of Bexley’s earliest families.

Edie had a vast collection of memorabilia from a slate used by a student at the Pleasant Ridge School to an ice cream scoop from the soda fountain at Wentz Pharmacy to the dining room furniture in the first parsonage of Bexley United Methodist Church.

As The Bexley Historical Society had no permanent home, the basement of Bexley City Hall, the 3rd floor of Jeffrey Mansion and Edie’s own home held these collections.

In the early 2000’s, the City of Bexley was in the process of constructing the David H. Madison Community Pool Complex. Part of this plan was to demolish the small home near the complex. The Bexley Historical Society, with Edie as spokesperson, approached Mayor David Madison and Bexley City Council with the proposal that The Bexley Historical Society create their museum and office in the home.

This was accomplished in 2006. Edie’s 30+ years hope for a permanent home for The Bexley Historical Society came true.

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Written by Nancy Beck
July 2026

All artwork and images (c) Bexley Historical Society 2026.

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