Club History
The Friends of Beaver Creek State Park are carrying on a long tradition of preserving the Pioneer Village that started back in 1960s with the formation of The Columbiana County Forrest and Parks Council, a group of dedicated community volunteers that formed the roots of our present day organization.
The Columbiana County Forests and Parks Council formed as a citizen's non-profit 501(c)(4) corporation consisting of about 100 members. It worked with the Columbiana County Historical Association and Sandy & Beaver Canal Association to restore Gaston's Mill, Sandy & Beaver canal lock no. 36 and construct of the Pioneer Village.
Over the years the group has under gone a continuing and complete transition from old to new volunteers. In 2008, the group agreed to change the name to better reflect the current mission. The Friends of Beaver Creek State Park is a diverse group of citizen volunteers dedicated to preserving Pioneer Village and demonstrating pioneer life.
In August, 2009, The Friends of Beaver Creek State Park was granted 501(c)(3) status by the IRS. Our only source of funding to operate and maintain Pioneer Village is through public donations and the various fund raising events conducted by our organization.
On the first Saturday of each month, May - October, Pioneer Village comes to life with period presentations, exhibitions, and operation of the mill. Stone ground grains are for sale in both the mill and at the trading post.