A long-standing mystery at the Mercer County Historical Museum has finally been solved. A striking portrait of a young woman, long housed in the museum’s collection, has been positively identified as Winifred Johnson.

The painting, which had been stored for years before being displayed, was previously misidentified in records as “Dulah in Red Velvet.” Originally, the painting’s subject was thought to be Dulah Pulskamp, a local of Celina who was a friend of Joseph Pfister. Pfister, a World War I sketch artist, operated a studio in Celina during the early 20th century. Further research by museum volunteers indicated that the title “Dulah in Red Velvet” belonged to an entirely different painting by Pfister. Newly-recovered records and photographs confirmed that the young woman is in fact Winifred Johnson, known to the local community as the spouse of Judge Carlton Reiser.

“This discovery connects the artwork to our town’s history in a meaningful way,” said the museum director. “Winifred’s story deserves to be told, and Pfister’s talent as a local artist finally has a name to match his subject.”

The painting is now on permanent display with a new plaque, honoring both the subject and the artist. If you want to see the painting in the museum’s front parlor, make sure to stop by the Riley House museum at 130 E. Market St. in Celina, Ohio. We are open Monday and Friday 9-5 and admission is free.