The River Boat W. W. O’Neal on display under glass in the lobby of the East Liverpool Area Community Center, on loan from the O’Hara family. (Submitted photo)

EAST LIVERPOOL — For the hundreds of people who pass through East Liverpool Area Community Center each month who are attending weddings, parties, club activities, classes and on government business, often they are unaware of the hidden treasures that are right beneath their noses. Their concept of the center is a great place to gather with friends and family to enjoy several hours on special occasions.

But there is another side to the center that is full of interesting and exciting things to see and do either alone or with friends. Admission is quite reasonable — FREE. Most attractions at the center are unique and are not to be seen elsewhere in the community or even in the area.

Well publicized is the Harker Potter Collection of Bill and Donna Gray. Also there is the Hans Hacker Exhibit Room with Han’s favorite Easel and some Hacker paintings on display. These are kept under lock and key, but center volunteers will allow visitors to browse there at their leisure. Also there is the Conley display of rare pieces of china ware produced at the Homer Laughlin China Company.

However there are interesting things at the center for viewing by visitors who just stop in noon to 5 p.m. seven days a week that go unnoticed. The Little Free Library in the lobby of center allows one to help himself or herself to current books or leave books for others. This is a project of the East Liverpool Rotary Club. Sue Densmore serves as Rotary chairman. There are also children’s books on shelves for them to help themselves and keep the books if they wish. There are hundreds of other children and young adult books in the Jay Room that can be taken home and kept.

The Butterfly Garden at the center is no longer just a dream. The garden itself is now full of beautiful flowers just waiting to be pollinated. On display in center lobby are caterpillars and chrysalis that will hatch in about a week to produce beautiful butterflies. The Butterfly Garden will be in full operation by spring of 2024.

A 7-foot model of the W. W. O’Neil Sternwheeler that was built by Ernest Smith with great care to detail is also on exhibit. The ship plied the Ohio River hauling coal from 1881 to 1913. The beautiful model is on loan from the Terry O’Hara family.

Among other displays in the lobby is a collection of Hall China Teapots. The Hall China Pottery Collectors Guild held its annual convention in East Liverpool for the first time last spring. The center was headquarters for the event.

Legacy & Legacy programs have been held at the center Tuesday evenings for the past seven years. Enrollment is now underway for those from the community interested in its history and people. With a tax deductible donation of $100, a member and a guest may attend six programs over the next nine months. Programs are held at 7 p.m.

This year’s programs include author/humorist Fred Miller in September. In October is Gary Cornell’s program entitled Dark Days. In November author Kathy Shultz of California will speak of the Ohio Underground Railroad. Later in the month will be Craig Wetzel’s presentation entitled “For Pete Sake.” In March 2024 Dr. Marc Hoffrichter will speak about the history buried in the Riverview Cemetery. Wrapping up the lectures will be Susan Weaver in June. She will tell of the many community treasures displayed at the East Liverpool Museum of Ceramics.

The East Liverpool Lions Club is holding its annual Peanut Sale with proceeds used to underwrite the community’s sight-saving projects. Bags of nuts may be purchased at the front desk at the center.

The Guardians of the Children Club in August held its annual Rolling Thunder Bike Show in the center parking lot. Funds raised help underwrite Guardian projects intended to help care for victims of child abuse throughout Eastern Ohio. This includes both mothers and their children. This is the only Guardians Club in Ohio although Guardians Clubs are spread across the United States and Canada. The Guardians hold their board meetings and other community functions at the center.

Denise Pershon each week offers tutoring classes to students having difficulty with their school lessons by appointment. She may be contacted for an appointment through the center. There is no charge for her services.