Connie Dunkle passed away quietly at her home on November 3 at the age of 88, after several years of failing health. She was one of the founding members of the Little Cities of Black Diamonds Council and was a founding member and unofficial leader of the New Straitsville History Group for over a decade. Connie should best be remembered for her fearless, but calculated undertaking of what seemed to be unachievable projects, including the drive to bring the historic Robinson’s Cave site into the hands of the History Group and open it to the visiting public. When Connie set her mind on a project, others followed. Whether it was moving a band camp building from the Hocking Hills to the foot of Robinson’s Cave to create a public gathering space, or saving the original town hall with a new roof and bell tower repairs, the job would be completed.

Though Connie preferred not to take credit, or ever be the elected president of the History Group, she was the group’s anchor over the years. Her spirit and example lives on in the still lively effort to bring New Straitsville’s remarkably unique history to life. Among her many passions was the collection of local history pictures and artifacts that laid the foundation for the outstanding collection of historic photos and artifacts owned by the New Straitsville History Group. Her collection and devotion to the town’s history was a key factor in the publication of two volumes of the town’s history during the 1990’s. She faithfully managed the History Group’s finances and had an uncanny knack for gaining substantial contributions from former residents and alumni of New Straitsville High School. Connie loved to host gatherings. Food was always present at any gathering in which she took part. She cooked an annual Christmas meal for the History Group and made ornaments for all who attended. Once Robinson’s Cave was purchased she and close ally Margaret Hickman mixed cement through the entirety of a summer as fellow member Don McGathey built the steps to Robinson’s Cave. But first, she would always serve breakfast before work on the steps could commence.

Connie served her hometown well. She was librarian at New Straitsville Elementary School, and served faithfully on the New Straitsville Library Board for decades. She was an active member of the New Straitsville Methodist Church, the New Straitsville Alumni Association and worked closely with civic leader Joe Maroon to erect veterans monuments and provide outstanding holiday lights in the community. She also is credited with establishing a written record of all who are buried in New Straitsville’s cemeteries. Connie’s passing further shrinks the number of founding pioneers of the local history movement in the Little Cities region that are still alive today. The contribution that she and others have made should not be forgotten. Their work benefits current and future generations as they learn about, understand and are influenced by this once untold story.