Louisville is located in Stark County, a ten minute drive northeast of Canton. Discovered in 1873 by the French, it was originally named Lewisville. However, Ohio already had a town by that name so it was changed to Louisville.
In 1951, Mrs. Olga T. Weber, a mother and homemaker, fearing that we were taking our freedoms too much for granted, resolved to do something about it. She distributed copies of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, flag booklets, and other patriotic leaflets to the local schools, churches,libraries and to the public in general. She encouraged the first celebration of Constitution Day, September 17, in 1952 and formed a committee for the "preservation of the Constitution." In 1953, State Representative Karl Baurer and Rep. John Lehmann introduced a bill into the Ohio Legislature proclaiming September 17 as Constitution Day. This day was later proclaimed by Governor Frank Lausche. Another bill was introduced into the Congress of the United States and was signed by President Eisenhower in 1955. Historical markers designating Louisville as Constitution Town were placed at the four main entrances to town in 1958.
Today's Constitution Week is full of activities including a band show, queen's pageant, prayer breakfast and, of course, the parade. |
