MANSFIELD, P.A. (WENY) -- As Women's History Month comes to a close, Mansfield's History Center on Main Street honored three remarkable women from years past. A teacher who collected menus, a doctor, and a rich widow were featured in the 3rd Annual Mansfield's Outstanding Women event on Sunday.

Since 1987, the United States has recognized Women's History Month every March. However, this year marks year three for the History Center hosting their annual celebration honoring women.

Stories were shared by historians about these women to give visitors a better look into their lives and learn just who exactly comes from their hometown.

"We were trying to find out, what are some areas that are unrepresented?" said Steve McCloskey, the board president at the History Center on Main Street. "What places have we not really talked about? And of course the first thing that came to mind was women because unfortunately, women in the early part of our history, their place in society is narrow, they're passed forwards and their opportunities for professions were narrow, but what we did find out is how many women in this community superseded that handicap and went on to incredible things."

A presentation was given to guests on each of the three women.

The first was Dr. Edith Irene Flower Wheeler, Mansfield's first female physician who continued to treat patients up until she died at age 93.

Second, Frances Edytha Buttles, also known as Frank, was a teacher who collected over 25,000 menus from all over the world, spanning years of history.

Lastly, Ellen Marie Bailey Williams was the richest widow in a three-county area at the time. She built the building that later served as Mark's Brother's Restaurant and contributed to other architectural projects in the community.

"Well, they were all very independent women for their time," said Joyce Tice, the founder and director of the History Center. "Actually, a couple of them graduated here from the Normal School, which is now Mansfield University or Commonwealth University. But they had careers, they all tried new things. They didn't seem to be afraid of operating out of the norm."

As this year's event marks the third celebration in Mansfield, Tice says she hopes that by continuing this event, the community will appreciate and learn more about where they come from.

"Always when we talk about our local people, it gives people pride in the community, pride in our local education, and pride in a small town, you know so many people are related and all, and you know it's just -- it makes our community look good," said Tice.

McCloskey agreed with the sentiment and discussed his favorite part about giving these presentations.

"For me it always is, 'I can't believe that happened here. I can't believe that person from here. They did that here, they did that and they were from here.' And all of a sudden the pride they have in themselves and the pride they have in their community is elevated. That's the magic I think," said McCloskey.

Even though it's the end of Women's History Month this year, the History Center on Main Street says there are so many more women from Mansfield who will continue to be honored in the future.

For more information on upcoming presentations and events, you can visit the History Center's website or Facebook page.