This Royal Examiner article, published in October, 2024 summarized key points covered in an interview about the Gooney Valley History Club’s work and our 2025 Historic Browntown Calendar. Tom Lacombe, Roger Tomhave, and Brian Wilkinson were interviewed by Mike McCool, Editor of the Royal Examiner.
T o see a video of this interview click on the link below.
Click to view video(NOTE: The written article contains one factual error where it states that the club “has already published several books.” We think that these particular books were actually published by either the Warren Heritage Society or other local organizations.)
“Browntown is more than just a tiny, rural community in the scenic Gooney Valley of Warren County. Its rich history, stretching back well before the town was established in the 1870s, is now being celebrated and preserved through the efforts of its dedicated History and Preservation Club. Roger Tomhave, Brian Wilkinson, and Tom Lacombe ensure that Browntown’s past remains a living part of its future.
Browntown might be a place many have heard of, but few have visited. However, for those who call this community home — whether lifelong residents or more recent “move-ins” — it holds a special charm. The club members shared their passion for preserving Browntown’s history, how they began their efforts, and their latest project: a 2025 calendar featuring the history of Browntown, packed with old photographs and stories.
A Club Born From Passion
The Gooney Valley History and Preservation Club has been active for about three years and formed with two main goals in mind. Brian Wilkinson explained, “The first was to involve people in the area, so they appreciate their history and learn about it.” The second focus, which is equally important, is preservation. “We wanted people to understand that it’s not just about the buildings, but about preserving the environment, the old trees, the landscape, and the spirit of the place.”
Many new residents have moved into Browntown during the pandemic, drawn by the rural charm and the chance to work remotely. Roger Tomhave noted that the influx of new neighbors prompted a desire to connect the newcomers with the town’s long-standing history. Browntown’s residents are often called “locals” or “move-ins.” Despite living there since 1978, Lacombe humorously shared that he is still considered a move-in. “I asked a local how long it takes to be considered one of them,” Lacombe joked, “and he said, ‘You won’t live long enough.’”
But over time, the “move-ins” have seamlessly blended with the local community, embracing its unique heritage. Tomhave shared that the club’s goal is to help foster this connection, blending old traditions with the new energy brought by the newcomers.
The Historic 2025 Calendar
The History Club’s 2025 calendar, which highlights historic photographs of the town, is their latest effort to ensure Browntown’s history remains in the forefront. The idea to create the calendar came from the need to raise funds for the Browntown Community Center, but the club quickly realized it was also a perfect way to educate both locals and newcomers.
The History Club’s 2025 calendar, which highlights historic photographs of the town, is their latest effort to ensure Browntown’s history remains in the forefront. The idea to create the calendar came from the need to raise funds for the Browntown Community Center, but the club quickly realized it was also a perfect way to educate both locals and newcomers.
Choosing which photos to include was no simple task. “It wasn’t just about the quality of the photos,” Tomhave explained, “but about the stories behind them.” The club members worked together to choose images that tell the most meaningful stories about Browntown’s past. Wilkinson even wrote detailed accounts of each image, which are now available on the club’s website via QR codes printed on each calendar page.
This QR code feature, a first for Browntown’s calendars, offers a deeper dive into the community’s history. By scanning the codes, residents and history enthusiasts can read more about each photograph, view additional pictures, and learn details that simply wouldn’t fit on the calendar’s pages.
Connecting Generations Through History
Beyond the photographs, the club members hope to capture the memories of Browntown’s residents. “We want to collect stories from the older generation before they are lost,” Wilkinson said. The club has already published several books, including one focused on the local grade school, filled with photos of former students. These books have been popular not just with Browntown natives but also with people who’ve never lived there, selling out regularly.
Tom Lacombe, whose wife’s family is from Browntown, has been instrumental in preserving the area’s history. As the town’s unofficial historian, Lacombe played a key role in getting it designated as a historic district. He fondly remembers the community activities that have shaped the town over the years, including the famous Redbud Festival and the annual duck race on Gooney Creek.
“The duck race is still a highlight,” Lacombe chuckled, recalling the many small-town events that have brought people together over the decades. These traditions are as much a part of Browntown’s fabric as its buildings and landscape.
A Larger Vision
While Browntown is the focus of the History Club, its efforts extend beyond the town itself. The club is named after the larger Gooney Valley, which has a history stretching far back beyond the founding of Browntown. “Our work encompasses the whole valley,” Wilkinson said, “including southern Warren County.”
The club also hopes to collaborate more with the Warren Heritage Society in the future, aiming to link Browntown’s story with the broader history of Warren County. Tomhave pointed out that the county has a rich past, not only from the Civil War but from periods before and after as well.
The Browntown History and Preservation Club’s efforts are paying off in more ways than one. The calendar, available for $20, is not just a fundraiser. It’s a reminder of the community’s roots, a way to connect past and present, and a thoughtful gift. “It’s the perfect Christmas gift,” McCool said, “and something that lives on beyond the year.”
With every sale, the funds go back into supporting the Browntown Community Center, ensuring that the town’s history and vibrant community spirit will continue to thrive.
As Browntown looks to the future, its history is in good hands with this dedicated group. Whether you’re a lifelong local or a new resident, there’s something in Browntown’s history for everyone to enjoy.”