Gomer remembers its' Welsh heritage - Hometownstations.com-WLIO- Lima, OH News Weather Sports

Gomer remembers its' Welsh heritage

For 95 years people have gathered at the Gomer United Church of Christ to sing on the first Sunday night in October.

They sing Welsh songs, sometimes in English, sometimes in Welsh.

Not many people are left in Gomer that know the language anymore, and the crowds for the event have dwindled over the past several years. But with this year's event, it is now the longest continuous Gymanfa Ganu in North America.

Ross Thomas, a member of the church for the past 70 years was one of the conductors for the event. He says he feels a passion for the Welsh music so much it hurts, sometimes.

Gomer's Welsh roots are documented in the Welsh Museum, across the street from the church. People and events that shaped Gomer throughout the years can be found inside.

The house itself was home to several generations that traced their lineage to Wales, including a man known in these parts as Santa Claus.

While there are many things Welsh at the museum, many items have a sentimental value to the community as a whole.

The museum even chronicles an event that brought an estimated 70 thousand people to Gomer.

It was probably the biggest thing to happen here …. well ….ever. An antarctic snow cruiser was being transported from Gary, Indiana to Boston along the Lincoln Highway when it got stuck in a nearby creek after a steering malfunction.

It took three days to get it out.

A replica of that snow cruiser is on display at the museum.

The Welsh Museum in Gomer is open the Second and Fourth Sundays of each month from 1:30 to 4.

There is no admission charge.