The Swartsel house has several artifacts owned and used by the Swartsel family that allow you to take a look into the history of our historical society center! One such artifact is the Blue Staffordshire Sugar Bowl pictured here, which was owned by the Swartsel family.

Additionally, several paintings by Sara Swartsel are on display throughout the house, and there is a display case in the exhibit hall showing many artifacts related to the Swartsel family, including pictures of members of the family, notes, books, and more.

Sara Swartsel, who conveyed her property to the Historical Society in 1974, was born on February 3, 1913 to Joe and Harriet (Vickers) Swartsel. She graduated from both Eaton High School and Miami University, and also attended the University of Washington in Seattle. She was a teacher, a member of the Berema Club and the Preble County Historical Society. During the Depression, her parents operated a restaurant on the family farm on which she lived.