The Willard E. and Alma B. Harold Fund of the Licking County Foundation was established in 1989 through a bequest from the Harold estate. Willard and Alma were originally non-natives to Licking County. Born in Lafayette, Indiana in 1902, Willard grew up with close relatives after his father passed. After high school, he moved to Canada and worked on a ranch while pursuing a higher education through correspondence classes. In 1923, Willard moved to Ohio and enrolled in the Cleveland Advertising Club’s school program.

Willard went on to join the Henry Packer Outdoor Advertising Company, where he worked for almost 20 years until WWII began. Willard enlisted with the U.S. Army Air Corps and worked as a supply officer for the 493rd Fighter Squadron. During this time, Willard met and married Alma Barmes from Los Angeles. It was not until three years later that Willard and Alma moved from Cleveland to Newark, Ohio where Willard formed his own outdoor advertising business, Harold Advertising Co., with Alma’s help.

Over time, the couple became more involved with the Newark community. Willard was a member of the Licking County unit of the American Cancer Society and the Chamber of Commerce. Other organizations he joined were the Newark Rotary, the Newark Lions and the Moundbuilders Country Club. After retirement, Willard and Alma moved back to California, but continued to support Licking County. When both passed, a generous gift was given to the Foundation to create a fund of unrestricted dollars to address community needs. Thanks to their generosity, each year since 1989, our Governing Committee has been able to use this fund to support organizations across Licking County, allowing the Harold family to have a lasting legacy here at the Licking County Foundation.