Bethel, Ohio
In the early 1900s, Bethel, Ohio, was a small farming village poised for change. Local entrepreneur William “Billy” Caldwell transformed it by opening a general store in 1908, creating a gathering place for townsfolk. By 1915, he founded Caldwell Furniture Co., providing jobs and attracting new businesses. The town flourished with the arrival of the railway, a growing economy, and cultural landmarks like the Bethel Opera House. Education improved, and community pride deepened. By the 1930s, Bethel had become a thriving, forward-looking town—its success built on hard work, innovation, and the enduring spirit of its people.