Gift shop opens

The Van Wert County Historical Society celebrated the holiday season with the weekend opening of The Gift Shoppe at Seven Oaks. Author Jim Mollenkopf (above) of The Great Black Swamp series was on hand for a book signing.  Area shoppers continued their holiday shopping from selections of locally produced items. The Gift Shoppe at Seven Oaks will be open again this Saturday, 4-8 p.m., and Sunday, from 2-4:30 in the afternoon. Saturday will feature local author Jay Simson, plus holiday carolers from area churches. Sunday will showcase local authors John Vining and Marcia Wise. The gift shop is located in the Welcome Center behind the Big Red Caboose on the grounds of the Van Wert County Historical Society. (Historical Society photo)