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Lake County History Center News

N E W S L E T T E R D A T EV O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1

October-December 2017 Volume 58 Issue 4

REQUEST

DIGITAL

NEWSLETTER

AND GET IT

SOONER ! Call

in your email and

request digital news-

letter and get the

news 1 week earlier

than mail.

440-639-2945

Thanks to the

Sidley Family for all

their support!

History Begins With You!

Fall Brings Many Activities to History Center

. Lake County’s Treas-

ures are now being

guarded by Sievers

Security. Thank You!

Last Weekend Hours

Oct. 28-29

Stop In for Tour!

415 Riverside Dr.

Painesville Township, Oh

44077

440-639-2945

Unique Lake County History Lessons

Can Be Enjoyed From Home Computer

Take time today to get to a computer and access nearly three dozen delightful, intri-guing, surprising and educational Lake Coun-ty History stories. Created by an LCHS vol-unteer, these stories are presented in photo-video format with musical background. They range in scope from over two minutes to over five. They cover topics from the Inter-urban Electric RR in Lake County to the ef-fect the polio epidemic had. Sports, schools, Lake Erie College, and cultural looks back are covered. The Gilded Age on Little Mountain, summer camps, and local celebri-ties from author Joan Lund Shiplett to the celebration and tragedy that was the life of Robert Manry for whom a park in Willowick has been named. With a wide range of top-ics, this addition to the LCHS website and Facebook Page gives a unique way of learn-ing more local history.

Go to www.lakehistory.org and click on “Sights & Sounds” (best viewed if you have a Facebook account, but not required) and youwill find a link to take you to these intriguing videos. You can also find them using Facebook.(www.facebook.com/lakecountyhistory)

Call 440-639-2945

Lake County

History Center for

-Rentals

-Speakers

-Group Tours

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Meet the LCHS Board of Directors 2017-2018

Executive Board

Judy Moran President Served Lake County Commissioners as president, Willowick City Council, business owner—Willowick

George Maier Vice-President Experienced Board member, former Men-tor City Council –Mentor

Joe Kovalcheck Treasurer CPA/CFP account manager– Mentor

Pete Hamo Secretary Commercial real es-tate agent, serving second term on Board –Pv’l Twnp.

Marian Redmond Experienced Board member, design coordi-nator History Center public spaces and Home for the Holidays Concord

Jeanette Crislip Experienced Board member, former Pv’l Twnp. Trustee, retired educator– Painesville

Kathryn Lupold Former LCHS Board president, retired edu-cator, volunteer sign-up coordinator—Willoughby

Keith Fauver— Business Owner, co-ordinator of LCHS Advisory Board– Newbury

Judith Hempel– Former educator, has served as V-P of Quo-ta, Int. for Lake Co. - Painesville Township

Josh Pennock Chair-man of Painesville Twnp. Board of Trus-tees, engineer for State of Ohio- Pv’l Twnp.

Richard Frey

Volunteer Executive Board, 41 years with Avery Dennison, philanthropist –Perry

Returning to the Board

Newly Elected to the Board

Not pictured– Susan Louis / Mentor

To contact LCHS Board members,

Please call 440-639-2945 (Center) or

email Opmanager@lakehistory.org and

your message will be forwarded or you

will receive a call back from the Board

member you wish to contact.

David Lemiell-Business Owner/medical supplies, Civil War collector and LCHS event coordina-tor –Painesville

The Best Christmas Tea Ever!! The holidays are a time to remember events, people and places that have

made up our lives. Join the LCHS staff and volunteers on Saturday, Dec, 9

from 1pm-4pm. Take some time from a hectic holiday schedule for a de-

lightful and memory filled afternoon with friends as you enjoy a tea of lite

sandwiches, fruit and especially delicious treats. The afternoon will spin

around a presentation, “Yesterday’s Christmas-Lake County” with a look

back at those things that made the holidays special. Making the event more

memorable will be Father Christmas telling his story and being available for

photos with the kids. Grab your “ugly sweater” or dress for the holiday and

join us, reservations required by Dec. 6. Call 440-639-2945 (10am-2pm) Mr. Jingeling

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Visionary

Charles Bolton

Annie Hitchcock

Arthur & Arlene Holden Fund

.Joseph P. & Mindy Kovalcheck, Jr.

Donald & Patricia Lewis

Robert and Marilyn Mallett

Robert & Wilma Simon

Dr. Lynn and Mrs. Sheila Smith

Roger & Judy Sustar

Benefactors

Anonymous Donor

Robert & Rosemary Bradt

Jeanette Crislip

Larry G. & Sandy Disbro

Thomas & Lois Ann Houston

Kathryn L. Lupold

Daniel F. & Grace C. Richards

Barbara Whidden Skrocki

Dr. Ronald J. & Sandy Taddeo

Dr. Joyce West

Dr. & Mrs. Herman Wolfe

Sustainers

Mary A. Bugno

Carl Thomas Engel

Geri Kranz

Karen A. Sawitke

Patrons

Lois Armington Fund

Latham W. & Marian T. Murfey III

Anonymous Donor

Geraldine J. Brown

Elizabeth Brahler

Keith Fauver

Henry R. & Robin Hatch

Gretchen M. Reed

Charles & Cindy Seaman

Anonymous Request

Carol Sustarsic

John & Diane Vanas

Nancy Weitzel

Mr. & Mrs. William Bennet

Jackie Cicconetti

Frank & Mary Cihula

Kathryn H. (Kay) Disbro

Victor P. & Collene H. Eyth

David F. Gilmer

Kay B. Lingafelter

Richard & Jean Lohiser

Mark & Pat Mazzolini

Ellen Steele McCarville & Paul Brown

Ruth Stevenson

Anonymous Donor

Commissioner Daniel Troy

Ralph & Lola Victor

Anonymous Donor

General Donors

Anonymous Donors (9)

F. Elaine Walter

Don & Beverly Baines

Katherine S. Ball

Gregory L. & Anne Bandi

Paul & Susan Belanger

Albert J. DiIorio

Anthony & Jacqueline H. Evangelista

David & Anne Fornari

Peter Hamo

Julia A, Heng

Theodore H. & Jane Hieronymus

Edward & Shirley Hodina

Mrs.Connie Irvin

Ruth Jackson

Ann Kassing

Caroline N. Luhta

Gerald M. & Susan

Mancino

Merle & Vicky Robb

Fred Wittenbrook & JoAnn Stern

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas C. Talcott

Joseph & Judy Tirpak

Elaine Uonelli

Geraldine Woodruff

Timothy & Sandy Wright

Kevin & Janet Burke

Doris (Dee) Cermak

Stephen & Roberta Abbey

Harold & Karen Abraham

Nancy Benes

Terry & Sharon Boener

Lucia Braca

Gerald & Shelby Brumbaugh

Dr. & Mrs. Jeffery Bullard

Ben Capelle

Suzanne R. Chapin

Michael & Danielle Jasinski

Generosity of LCHS Donors For Mid-Year

Fund Raising Campaign Raises Record Amount

LCHS Board, staff, and volunteers thank all those who responded to the unique mid-year ask for support following unusual

expenses in 2016 and early 2017. Over $30,000 was raised in just three months to continue the work of the Society at the

History Center. These funds support programs from education to collections and help cover the costs of operating the site.

Despite many cutbacks and belt tightening, additional funds were still needed. The Society will return to its normal calendar

of Annual Fund Campaign beginning in Nov. of 2017 and continuing into the Spring of 2018. Thanks you again to all our

donors and we look forward to your continued support. For those who gave memorial donations, a special thank you.

General Donors

Dorothy Dunlap

Carolyn D. Ford

George & Donna Fornadley

Donald & Barbara Garris

Mary Griffith

Michael & Danielle Jasinski

Betty Leiby

Fred & Francis Martin

Irene Mechail

Robert & Lynn Mendelsohn

Catherine Nasca

Terrance & MaryAnne O’Brien

George Olic

Loretta Pretzeus

William & Jo Ann Rogers

Joanne Sadar & Jim Blackstone

Carol L. Szoka

John & Kathy Tuttle

Joann Valentine

Alan & Gloria Wright

Joy Yommer

Joyce P. Kasserman

Betty Lemieux

Arline E. Coleman

Robert Curtis

Kay Downing

Shirley S. Green

Bryan & Judy Kasky

Kathleen P. Leonard

Marv & Wendy Maynard

Ray & Frances Mersek

Bette L. Pollino

Wayne & Jean Ross

John & Angela Starp

Marilyn J. White

Robert & Jacqueline Wolf

Gary & Judy Grant

James & Judy Koelsch

Debra Simpson

LCHS Earns $9500 Grant from Ohio Arts Council

The Society has learned that OAC will continue its support of programs, events and exhibits organized by LCHS staff and volunteers. The support comes in the form of a “Sustaining Grant” which is very important in that the funds can be used to help fund a wide variety of programs and exhib-its open to the public not just one event. Thanks to our legislators who fund the OAC.

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Mentor Landmark Endangered !

In 1922,they introduced the Regal Lily and it became their

signature flower.

Wayside Gardens catalogues are world renowned for their

botanical accuracy and are still used today in botany instruc-

tion. Plants can still be ordered on-line from the owner of

the famous “Wayside Gardens” name.

After Wayside Gardens name was sold to Park Seed Compa-

ny and moved to South

Carolina, the property

changed hands many times.

The acres that once grew

flowers were sold off to

developers. The house,

that had served as the Way-

side Garden office, was

occupied by Colpetzer Woods Consulting Engineers and

Surveyors, then Phil’s Place for Ribs, Sawyer House restau-

rant, Grinders and Such, Frank and Pauly’s, and finally Local

Tavern.

Though businesses have not thrived there, the home is still

an historic landmark and it needs to be saved.

What can Lake County Citizens do? See the next page!!

Lake County was once known as the Nursery Capital of the

World. It hosted some of the nation’s best known nurseries

such as Storrs and Harrison, Bluestone and Wayside Gardens.

A combination of a wide variety of soils in a narrow area, lake

cooled or warmed weather ,workers and easy transportation

created the perfect environment to create successful nurse-

ries. Wayside Gardens, once one of the world’s largest, was

located on Mentor Avenue with its offices in what is known

as the Daniel Sawyer house. It is this house that is now en-

dangered by development.

The house, 174 years old and listed as an LCHS Heritage

Home, is a Mentor Township and Lake County landmark. It

is a unique structure built of stone in the Federal style. Built

in 1843 by Daniel Sawyer, it was a grand house for a quiet

man. Daniel was the son of pioneers, Benjamin and Polly

Sawyer. The elder Sawyers arrived in Lake County in the ear-

ly 1800’s along with extended family members. Other Saw-

yers were Joseph and Isaac, cousins of Daniel. These cousins

commissioned architect Jonathan Goldsmith to design their

homes. One is still standing on Forsythe Lane. Known as

Twin Maples Farm, it was the home of Joseph Sawyer. Jo-

seph’s beautiful home was moved from its original location

on Mentor Avenue and Chillicothe Road in order save it from

demolition.

Upon Daniel’s death, his son William inherited the house and

large farm. After William’s death, William’s daughter inherit-

ed. She and her husband farmed the land until 1923 when

they sold it to Wayside Gardens. In 1920, Jan Jacob Grul-

lemans, marketer and plantsman, and nurseryman Elmer

Schultz, had pooled their talents and European horticultural

backgrounds to found Wayside Gardens. Their vision was to

grow and market exciting, unusual, and garden-worthy plants

of the highest quality they knew from their native Holland.

Photo by Richard Jeschelnig

By Lynn Vandevort, Curator of Collections

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The Lake County Historical Society receives many calls from

individuals concerned about the future of various endangered

historic properties. Oftentimes the LCHS is asked, “What is

the Historical Society going to do about it?” The best answer

is that the local citizens affected by the proposed changes to

the property have the greatest voice.

The letter that follows is a demonstration of this principle.

Sharon Sammon and Thomas Marsh took all the right steps

to protect an historic property and community. We posted

this article on our website’s blog in April, and we posted it on

Facebook as well. It serves as the best template for how to

protect an endangered property.

“A 140’ Cell Tower had been proposed for the property be-

tween the Maple Grove Grange and the Maple Grove Ceme-

tery on River Road in Willoughby Hills, Ohio Late in 2016.

My husband Chris and I started receiving information in our

mailbox about a cell tower that was being proposed to be

constructed on the Maple Grove Grange property on River

Road in Willoughby Hills, just a short distance from our

home. We didn't pay much attention to the information be-

cause we didn't realize the scope of the project. Once we real-

ized the situation, we immediately engaged.

We attended a City Zoning meeting on February 2 (meeting

minutes enclosed), with several other neighbors from our

development. There were many residents in attendance, want-

ing to voice concerns to the Willoughby Hills Zoning Com-

mittee. People spoke about property value depreciation

(which was substantiated by a resident who is a licensed real-

tor), zoning restrictions, health concerns, not to mention the

unsightliness of a 140’ tower camouflaged as a tree, which

would be in plain view from all neighboring properties and

developments.

But maybe the most heart-felt were those people who spoke

about the history of the Grange and what it meant to them.

One neighbor spoke of being baptized at the Grange. Others

spoke about the Maple Grove cemetery that is on the neigh-

boring grounds, and the children that were buried there in the

1800’s that “needed a voice” in the absences of their parents.

Because of this compelling situation, I have personally walked

house to house asking neighbors opposed to this project to

sign a petition I have prepared (blank petition enclosed).

To date I have gathered 118 signatures. I also ordered yard

signs for those who signed the petition, to display their con-

cerns to passersby, as well as to city officials who had been

involved in the discussions with the tower construction com-

pany. A Maple Grove neighbor, Tom Marsh, hired an attor-

ney specializing in Zoning Law, which proved to be helpful

through this process. In an effort to raise funds to cover legal

expenses, we have started a GoFundMe page at Go-

FundMe.com/p/6hbkk and we have communicated this

through LinkedIn and Facebook with the hopes people will

contribute and pass it along to others in the community and

those opposed to cell towers in residential areas.

Our goal was to stop the tower construction through our

zoning meetings. At this point, the zoning board has voted

down the tower construction, which was a victory for local

residents and those interested in preserving the Maple Grove

Grange and Maple Grove Cemetery. Our community had

banded together, and we will remain prepared to take a stand

in the future to preserve our rural Historic Maple Grove

neighborhood.”—SHARON SAMMON

The time to act is now before Mentor grants a

demolition permit for the Sawyer House. The

people to act are those who have a vote.

Remember that Daniel’s cousin’s house was moved in the

1960’s to Forsythe Road in order to protect it. Another

house moved to protect it from demotion was the Gage

House in Painesville that was moved in 2007.

Go to our Facebook page, Lake County History Center,

to watch an exciting video on the Sawyer House

property.

Saving an historic land-mark can be done! Joseph Saw-yer’s house was moved to save it!!

What Can Be Done to Save an Endangered Property?

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Welcome New Members !

Judith Hempel

Catherine J. Trobenter

The Josh Pennock Family

Keith & Pat Fauver

Jeff & Peg Kinsey

Janet Kustlan

Martin & Gisela Hillyer

Elizabeth Denny Peters

Volunteer Update

LCHS Salutes the Volunteers of the Month

June– KATHY LUPOLD– staffing volunteers work

July- MARGARET NOGA– library collections work

Aug– VICKY ROBB– Heritage Home /Collections work

CONGRATULATIONS TO THOSE WHO WORK

ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL.

Annual Clambake Success with Volunteer Help

Dedicated to the work of Dick Muny at LCHS

Scores of guests enjoyed the annual

fall clambake as the food was served hot from the

steamers and grill, and many LCHS volunteers made

sure everyone had a great time. Special Thanks to

Annette and Jack Vendi for all their help in set-up

and organization, Bob Sidley for the generous loan of

his huge tent, dessert served by Rae Greaves, the

work of all the volunteers, and to the crew from the

Horsefeathers band whose lively music was the per-

fect addition. Dick passed away in May, but his

leadership and generosity will never be forgotten.

AREA SCHOOLS LEARN HANDS ON HISTORY IN PIONEER SCHOOL

Pioneer School, one of the longest continually running field trips in Ohio, was packed with local schools this fall. Students from 2nd to 5th grade experienced life on the Western Reserve frontier in the 1830’s. Their visit takes place in the Pioneer Village behind the event barn at the Center. Traveling in small groups, they visit the authentic log cabin where they view what their home would have been like and then are assigned chores from hauling water from “the creek”, to bringing fire-wood, doing washing in a tin tub with a scrub board, watching out for the baby, making “johnnycake” ( cornbread) and more. Next they move on- to school where they learn how im-portant education was to the early settlers and experience an actual school lesson from the 1830’s writing on slates. Their last stop involves a chore often given to children on the fron-tier, candle making. Hand dipping their own wicks, the students learn how much work this chore entailed.

Schools this fall came from Kirtland, Madison, Painesville Township, Painesville City, Willoughby-Eastlake, Mentor, Orange, Burton, Kingsville ( Ashtabula), and Perry. Several Christian based and Catholic private schools rounded out the schedule.

Joe Greaves

Joe Greaves, Volunteer President

IMPORTANT– PLEASE READ

In a continuing effort to improve the accuracy of the master list of

volunteers, please note that a mailing will be sent in October to

approximately 75 volunteers on the Master List whose contact in-

formation is inaccurate and/or no volunteer hours have been rec-

orded for the past 2 years. Those receiving the letter are thanked

for their past interest and service, but will need to respond to re-

main on the active volunteer listing to receive future volunteer infor-

mation and reminder calls. Volunteer Executive Committee

HEAR YE, HEAR YE, HEAR YE COME ONE COME ALL - YOUR ATTEND-

ANCE IS "IMPORTANT"

Please mark your calendar for the next Quarterly Volunteer Meeting. Lots of items will be discussed and you will be able to sign up for Beggar's Night, if you haven't already done that, and Home for the Holidays. Yes, Home for the Holidays is just around the corner!

Saturday, October 14, at 10:00 am.

Come early to enjoy coffee and donuts.

See you there; Volunteer Committee

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Still Time to Book Reservations

Christmas is Right Around the Corner– Mark Your Calendars for

Home for the Holidays Nov. 30-Dec. 2 11am-4pm

Dine Around with the First Lady– Wed. Nov.1 Lawnfield Suites-Skye Bistro Mentor

Using family letters to create a legacy will be the topic when Debbie Wein-kamer, portraying first lady, Lucretia Garfield, joins guests at the last Dine Around program for fall. $35 Reservations required. Buffet dinner. 6pm so-

cial /6:30pm. Dinner. Call 440-639-2945 today.

Indoor Trick or Treat makes a safe and

warm addition to games & stories

Beggar’s Night Brings Young Families

Beggar’s Night is back! No-hassle trick or treating in a happy, brightly-lit environment. No concerns about strangers. Ideal for ages 2-10 and includes indoor trick or treat (knocking on the many doors of exhibit rooms), old-fashioned carnival games,(3-10 years) inflatable Bouncy Obstacle Course, hay rides & stories around the bonfire. Fam-ilies can request 5:15, 5:45, 6:15, 6:45 and 7:15 for trick or treat groups, but must arrive 15 minutes before their group time. Additional activities are open to all guests from 5-8pm. Admission tickets ($8 for children) will include coupons for the carnival games and bouncy course. Extras may be purchased. Hot dog platters will be available for $3. Call ASAP for this delightful night.

Oct. 26– 5-8pm Reservations a must! 440-639-2945 (Tues-Fri. 10am-2pm)

Nearly Sold Out! Reservations A Must for Trick or Treat

This year’s holiday event promises to remain the most lavish in Lake County and one of the Visitor’s Bureau top ranked

“Things to Do in Lake County” over the holidays. The Lake County History Center’s Victorian rooms and halls are turned

into a winter wonderland with exciting design and whimsical décor adjacent to velvet ribbons, lace and glorious ornaments.

A perfect way to kick off the season, Home for the Holidays has become an event to turn into a destination for individuals

or groups. Plan on spending time visiting the many crafters, then onto explore the various exhibit spaces learning about

Lake County’s unique history and seeing how the rooms have been transformed with the elaborate décor. Don’t miss the

“Magical Musical Machines” exhibit, one of the only places to see and hear amazing music boxes from inches to feet from

the turn of the century. From noon to 1pm each day, there will be delightful entertainment in the Emporium Café. . Bring

your cameras to capture the exquisite huge holiday tree in the café, decorated each year by Chuck Nagy. While you’re there,

enjoy a lite lunch or refreshments served until 3pm. Before you leave the Fabulous Food Emporium, stop at the tables lad-

en with homemade and beautifully wrapped food gifts to keep or give to friends and neighbors over the holidays. Don’t

leave until you have visited the bargains at the Mistletoe Market, donated by friends of LCHS.

If you have a group of 10 or more, a special day, Wednesday, Nov. 29 has been created to give your group an early peek, buy

from crafters, have an escorted tour and enjoy lunch. Reservations are required for group day. ( call 440-639-2945)

Thanks to many hours of very hard work from Marian Redmond, Sandy Nelson & crew ( décor), Judy Muny (Café), Anne

Hitchcock (vendors), and all the volunteers who make this one of Lake County’s most celebrated holiday events.

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Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit No. 193

Painesville, Oh.

44077

Published by the Lake County Historical Society, 415 Riverside Dr., Painesville Township 44077 440-639-2945 www.LakeHistory.org Contributors: Kathie Purmal, Karen Sawitke,, Lynn Vandevort, Tonya Busic

415 Riverside Dr.

Painesville Township, Ohio 44077

SATURDAY, OCT. 14

10AM VOLUNTEER FALL

MEETING

GET ALL THE NEWS! BE THERE

AND BRING A FRIEND.

Most elaborate decorations in

Lake County

Purchase hand crafted gifts

and delicious wrapped food treats

Make a day of it and enjoy

lunch in the “Emporium Café”

Delightful entertainment dur-

ing the lunch hour 12-1 daily

Famous Mistletoe Market

bargain gifts & décor will be open

Special Group Only Day ( 10

or more) & preview Nov. 29

Lake County’s Best Holiday Event-Don’t Miss It!

Better than Ever- Home for the Holidays Nov. 30-Dec.2