Karen Zisler is the new Town of Lima Historian. Photo provided by Karen Zisler
The town of Lima appointed Karen Zisler the new town historian. The Sentinel asked Zisler a few questions so that area residents could get to know her. Here are the questions and her responses.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in Lima with my 3 brothers (one is my twin) and a sister. My brothers all played in little league baseball behind St. Rose Church, my sister and I played softball in the fields Joe Conway donated behind where the Lima carnival took place. Dad was often our coach and mom was scorebook keeper and provider of snacks and delicious refreshments! Both always cheering us on and great role models. I graduated in 1983 from HFL then worked at Southco and Wegmans while attending Monroe Community College. I moved to Cincinnati in 1988 where I worked for a variety of companies in the customer service/sales fields. I was an active volunteer at my kids’ schools and youth football team mom. After almost 30 years I moved back to my childhood home with my kids at the beginning of summer 2017. I rediscovered Lima during my daily walks and was amazed at how little our town had changed over the years.
The Pandemic impacted all our lives, while I was still on furlough from Scholastic Inc. I opened a seamstress shop in downtown Lima, Wright Works Services. Many folks stop in just to share stories of the good old days! I will be researching to see if this story is true … that my Great Aunt Rose had a shop in the same location back in 1944!
When did you first get interested in history?
I have always had an interest in history, not just dates and events but more the human-interest aspect. I look across the street at the American Hotel and I think back to photos with ladies in long dresses and gentleman in suits and hats, if only the walls could talk … I think sometimes they do!! When I began working for the town and saw all the history in the town hall my interest was piqued even more. I want to understand the story behind the picture/person! I want to share the story with our residents! When Mike Falk asked if I would be interested in the position of Historian I was honored. I was appointed the following week on Tuesday, May 3rd!
What is the most interesting thing about the history of Lima?
We became “Lima” in 1808 so there is over 200 years of interesting history! From a hanging to courageous war heroes, our own Major League Baseball player and ghost stories about Mary Vary’s home (who was an extremely sweet lady)! I am excited to dig in and find new stories and ways to share with our families. When we appreciate where we come from, I believe we take more pride in our community. If you have a story to tell, please email me at historian@townoflima.org watch our website, www.lima-ny.org for a link to our new Facebook page and enjoy!
