Historic Sites: Then & Now

Posted on Jan 20

Look through the lens of transformation...

There’s a special kind of magic in seeing how places change, and how some things stay the same. We've paired original photos of local historic sites and museums with images of what they look like today!

Find this article + more in our 2026 Butler County Insider Guide

THEN: 1910 Museum

_{^{Photo Credit : MidPointe Library, Marion G Warner Photo Collection}}

From general store to soda fountain to clothing store, this historic museum has undergone many names and purposes in the last century. It currently houses the Monroe Historical Society and Museum.

NOW: 1910 Museum

^{10 E. Elm Street | Monroe, Ohio}

THEN: Barn-N-Bunk Farm Market

_{^{Photo Credit : Barn-N-Bunk Farm Market}}

Barn-N-Bunk Farm Market in Trenton has been a family-owned market since 1992. The barns, with the oldest dating back to 1893, have been repurposed to house the farm market, event spaces, and crafts.

NOW: Barn-N-Bunk Farm Market

^{3677 Wayne Madison Road | Trenton, Ohio}

THEN: Bethany Relay Station

_{^{Photo Credit : Voice of America Museum}}

The Bethany Relay Station, now known as the Voice of America Museum, played a significant role in United States history during World War II and the Cold War. The relay station remained operational until 1994.

NOW: Voice OF America Museum

Voice of America Museum, West Chester Ohio

^{8070 Tylersville Road | West Chester, Ohio}

THEN: Black Covered Bridge

_{^{Photo Credit : Butler County Historical Society}}

Built in 1968, the Black Covered Bridge is one of the longest covered bridges in Ohio, and one of three that you can find here in Butler County.

NOW: Black Covered Bridge

^{5401 Corso Road | Oxford, Ohio}

THEN: Hughes Schoolhouse

_{^{Photo Credit : Liberty Township Historical Society}}

This one-room schoolhouse in Liberty Township opened its doors in 1887 and functioned as a learning space for the first through eighth graders until 1922.

NOW: Hughes Schoolhouse

Hughes Schoolhouse, Liberty Township Ohio

^{6010 Princeton Glendale Road | Liberty Township, Ohio}

THEN: Sorg Opera House

_{^{Photo Credit : Butler County Historical Society}}

The Sorg Opera House in Middletown first opened its doors in 1891. After a fire in 1935, the Sorg temporarily shut down but has since been revitalized. It still hosts performances and events today.