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The Kent Historian, Kent Historical Society Newsletter, Number 101, Summer 2021
No full textSpecial issue: In Memoriam
Remembering Roger DiPaoloTHE KENT HISTORIAN
September 2021
In Memoriam
Remembering Roger Di Paolo
By Sandra Halem President Emeritus KHS
In June 2009, Roger and I met at the Haymaker Farmer's Market in Kent and spoke once again about putting together a book about Kent history based on his Sunday Record-Courier newspaper columns. He had taken over the local history column after Loris Troyer had retired. It was his rightful inheritance. While Loris had learned his history as a transplant from Amish country, Roger was born to it. He absorbed the stories of his hometown as well as becoming an expert on all the small towns that made up his beloved Portage County.
As the Kent Historical Society Presi ent, 1 ha ma de publications a priority. We began a six-month accelerated timeline to a Christmas publica
tion assisted by "Team Roger," which included journalists Mary Louise Ruehr, Bob Springer, Kasha Legaza-Burton and her husband Jona, along with Roger, my husband Henry and me. We winnowed down hundreds of columns into categories but couldn't decide on a title. Roger settled on Rooted in Kent.
No one was more "rooted" here than
Jit.ne_3, lq5b -JLLne t't, ~o)J
Roger. He had been an award-winning reporter who could have taken his talents to a bigger city but leaving was unimaginable. Kent was everything Roger loved. Being editor of the RecordCourier was everything he had dreamed about. Few people can be so totally fulfilled by a job that both defined them and contributed to the betterment of their community.
He loved sharing. It was his honor to be asked questions and his greatest pleasure to be able to answer them. But most of all, he left us all with a better sense of the arc of our town's life through the eyes of one of its favorite sons who never had to leave to be successful. Roger stayed out of choice and contributed out of love. His death leaves an enormous hole. We will miss all the books that will never be written, but we are grateful to have had you here with us, dear friend. Thank you for making a difference.
By Wayne R. Enders Historian-in-Residence Portage County Historical Society
For most of its 213 years of history, Portage County has been fortunate to have had several individuals who have had an interest in recording local history. Roger Di Paolo and I met when we were in the eighth grade because of our parents' activity in local politics and stayed in touch over a half century due to our love for local history. Through his inquisitive mind, attention to detail, and his search for truth, he was able to apply his journalistic skills to write some of the best nar-, · l, rative histories of our age. As editor of the
Record-Courier at 36, Di Paolo had the most powerful typewriter in the county. He never used his influence to label or divide, but to encourage and unite. Roger was a great listener. He was not one to interrupt. If asked a question concerning someone he knew or a topic that was dear to him, he could talk at great length with a wealth of information. His books on Kent and Ravenna were a reflection of his commitment to history and his desire to educate his readers. Those narratives were but the tip of the iceberg of the knowledge he had, and the unwritten ones forever lost by his untimely death. A friend of the underdog and those who were denied rights and freedoms, he chose his friends from all walks of life, His only unwritten requirement was that a person be fair, honest and opened-minded. It was my honor and privilege to have been his friend and colleague. 2017, he authored Portage Pathways, a went on to careers in national media.
By David Dix Former Publisher, Record-Courier weekly history column that had been Born June 3, 1955, Roger is survivedstarted by his predecessor, the late Loris by his husband, Timothy Krasselt; his
Roger J. Di Paolo, my editor ofthe
C. Troyer. Di Paolo's Portage Pathways
son, Brian Di Paolo; and his sisters, LinRecord-Courier from 1991 until March were compiled into two books. Rooted da Di Paolo Prezioso and Betsy Soule.
2017, died June 18, 2021, following a
. in Kent was published in collaboration
long battle with cancer.
with the Kent Historical Society and An elegant The Ravenna Record was published to stylist and raise money to refurbish the historic grammarian Ravenna flagpole on Main Street.
By Henry Halem
ofprecision, I will miss Roger. He was a wonderVolunteer, KHS
an avid reader
ful conversationalist and my near daily
and student of Beyond a personal friendship, I had
discussions with him about the day's
local history, Di the pleasure ofworking with Roger on
news after he became editor were never
Paolo chronihis book publishing projects for the
dull. I looked forward to them and
cled the news of Kent Historical Society.
learned a lot. Roger held strong views.
Portage County Sometimes we did not agree, but he I have many fond memories ofsitfor 40 years. He got his start at the Rehad a way ofmaking me re-examine my ting around my dining room table withcord-Courier as a reporter in 1977 when
own opinions and Roger nearly always Roger and his editorial team, hashinghe reported on the protests surrounding
made me laugh. He had a great capacity out which articles and photos to includethe construction ofa building on land for empathizing with those getting a in his book Rooted in Kent: 101 Taleschat intruded on the site where four
ftom the Tree City. His eye forstudents were killed on May 4, 1970.
detail was always present. HereA Roosevelt High School student in
are a couple ofdetails Roger1970, the shootings had a formative
wanted included in the bookeffect on Di Paolo's view ofthe world.
that I found in notes from thoseHe had an affinity for the underdog,
meetings: Include about the Silkpassed on by his father, the late Judge
Mill: "... it took about one millionRoger F. Di Paolo.
bricks to build which were all supRoger's abilities were recognized plied by the Ferry Brickyard which early. In 1978 while a student at Kent was located in town. "About the State, Di Paolo was the recipient of Clapp/Woodward House, "... the James M. Sutherland Award, cited there is a fireplace in every one of as the Most Promising Young Profesthe four rooms facing out on main sional by the Sigma Delta Chi/Society street. No two fireplaces are alike. of Professional Journalist. He was One is oak, one is cherry, and two one of60 honored by the Kent State are paintedstone. "The book was University School ofJournalism and his labor oflove. Mass Communications at the School's
The years passed and Roger60th anniversary in 1997. He was
was itching to get involved inthe recipient offour Ohio Associated
another book. I suggested we putPress Awards including Best Editorial
together a book of Kent, BradyWriter. Honors were also bestowed by
Lake and Kent State Universitythe Portage County Historical Society,
vintage postcards. Roger thoughtthe Portage County Chapter ofthe
the book was a wonderful idea,NAACP, the Kent City Schools of
and we were soon hard at workHall ofFame, the Kent Area Chamber
sorting postcards. Once Rogerof Commerce, and the Ohio School raw deal in life and had no patience for made his decision, he would then writeBoard Association. He set a record as those who feel entitled. two or three lines describing each card.the featured speaker for Kent State UniAs
editor, Di Paolo oversaw a staff of But Roger soon found that for many
versity's town-gown Bowman Breakfast approximately 20 full-time and partofthe cards he had more to say. Howon three different occasions.
time employees and a budget exceedcould it be otherwise? Roger was a man Devoted to local history, Di Paolo ing $1 million annually. He enjoyed ofdetails. On many occasions I would compiled a popular weekly history feateaching newcomers and was proud that have to tell him to "shorten it" and ture called Yesteryears. From 2002 until some ofthe reporters he worked with began to think ofmyself as chat grumpy old editor often depicted in old blackand-white movies. He would grumble, but eventually he'd find a way to shorten it. This book, Welcome to Kent, A Postcard Portrait ofthe Tree City,
was in full color, and Roger was very happy with the result.
In 2020 my wife Sandy revived an idea she'd had when she was the president of the historical society. Roger's cancer was in remission and she hoped he could help develop a walking tour ofStanding Rock Cemetery. I would design a folded two-sided piece; on one side, a full-color map of the cemetery with specific grave sites marked, and on the other, a brief synopsis of the person buried at each site. He couldn't wait to start on the project. Roger and Sandy insisted that the tour include those individuals who represented -our historical diversity. Once the names were decided, Roger set to work writing a brief biography ofeach individual. "A Walking Tour of Standing Rock Cemetery" is a Kent "who's who." Seventy-seven people from all walks oflife who made a difference. Sad to say, there is now one more name to add to that distinguished list.
I loved working with Roger and his "Team Roger," as we were known. I loved Roger. Listening to him reflect on all things Kent was a treat. He was not a man of few words when it came to his hometown and all the families that lived and died here. Whenever a Kent question arose about a family, a person, a place or a date, "Call Roger" was the cry. Call Roger. We
cannot call Roger anymore, and I cannot tell you how many times since his death I have needed to make that call. Farewell, my friend.
By Doria Daniels Civic Leader
Roger and I shared the same passion about the accurate history and recognition of Kent's South End neighborhood. Our interaction with each other goes back over 30 years when as a journalist and later a city editor. He had a keen eye for digging deeper into stories that
emanated from our neighborhood. He didn't gloss over stories or dismiss content as we had experienced before. This is how our
friendship developed. It was years later that I learned his heritage began in the south end and he was obviously not embarrassed to associate or identify with his "South End" roots. He was fully supportive of our efforts to seek historic recognition for the neighborhood and was an asset in providing research, especially on the Italian contributions to this community. The legacy he left to this cpmmunity will be the drive to excel and to continue to overcome the prejudice and stereotypical depictions of the neighborhood. To that end we are PREVAILING.
Team Roger: I to r, Henry Halem, Bob Springer, Roger, Kasha Legeza-Burton, Sandy Halem By Charles Michel Childhood Friend
Conversations with my childhood friend Roger Di Paolo, always went something like this.
Me... "Roger, whatever happened to old Mrs. Kelly?"
Roger... "She died on Thanksgiving Day, 3 years ago. She had been living with her daughter, Lucy (whose married name
was Smith) down in Ft. Myers Fl. Lucy was the youngest of the Kelly kids. There were ten kids in all. From oldest to youngest... there was Tommy, Teddy, Theresa, Mary, Emily, Arthur, Danny, Helen, Ellen, and baby Lucy. They lived on Highland Avenue just behind St. Patrick's Church. They are all still living except for Arthur, who died in Vietnam on September 3, 1969."
No one person has ever known more about or cared more about the people in his own home community than Roger. Roger was much more than the editor of a newspaper... he was the heart that held close every memory of everyone and everything. For Roger, every Kent resident, past and present, living and dead... was family. And the entire community was itself more of a family because Roger lived his entire life there. Like George Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life, Roger's life was made wonderful by making a very big difference in his very own backyard. Roger Di Paolo was indeed "the richest man in town." And
the town and the state and the nation
and the world will forever be a bit poorer now that Roger is no longer here
to keep it rich in memories and rich in
love.
By Jack Amrhein
President, KHS
On October 24, 2017 the Kent Historical Society and Museum's Board ofTustees appointed Roger Di Paolo as historian-in-residence. The board was fortunate that Roger was available to do the job and he and his knowledge of Kent's history were well known to the community. Mr. Di Paolo wrote or coauthored as well as edited books for the Society. In his role Roger helped muse
~------------------------
Roger's horse-drawn hearse on its way to Standing Rock Cemetery ~
um visitors research historic questions as well as helped them trace relatives or past businesses that were important to them. He also presented programs
on our behalf to the citizens of the community.
On many occasions I remember Roger sitting down with visitors, employees and members and
weaving Kent's history into fascinating and interesting stories. His knowledge of Kent's long and varied history was amazing. No one had the vast knowledge ofour community's history as did Roger. He was an excellent addition to our Museum's team. His talents as an author, editor and historian enabled the Kent Historical Society to enrich its programs of events, publications and public programs.
Roger will be deeply missed.
To contribute to the Roger Di Paolo Student Scholarship Fund at Roosevelt High School please call KHS at (330) 678-2712 or email [email protected]
Photo credits: Brad Bolton, Tim Krasselt, Sandra Halem, Henry Halem ~ . 1
fu,,b.,fLuc:t~v ill." Jtu~ ~ ~/},_
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And, ofcourse I am grateful for havinggrown up in Kent, a community whose diversity is part ofmy heritage
Kent Historical Society, Winter Notes 2009
No full textKent Historical Society
WINTER NOTES 2009
PLEASE JOIN US
Roger Di Paolo will be available to autograph copies of his new book, published
by KHS, which includes 101 columns from his Portage Pathways articles
for the Record Courier. This amazing book also contains more than 125
photographs from libraries, archives & private collections - some not seen in
100 years. This is a MUST for your holiday shopping list.
Special KHS member price 17.00
Author!
Roger Di Paolo
ROOTED IN KENT: 101 Tales from the Tree City
Published by KHS Press
New Book Launching Party & Reception
Saturday, December 12th 11:30-3:30
KHS HOLIDAY SHOPPING
Don't forget to stop by the museum for some special gifts! A list of items
available - including special discounts for KHS members - is included in
this mailing. Holiday orders must be paid for and shipped ( or picked up) by
Saturday, December 19th.
Books, cards, mugs, puzzles, aprons, maps!
NOW ON DISPLAY
1924 Player Piano (DONATIONS of piano rolls gratefully accepted)
Patchwork quilt from the collection of Evangeline Davey
City of Kent Model Trains
1831 rare stampless cover from "Franklin Mills, Ohio"
signed by George B. DePeyster, postmaster
WINTER VACATION
The Kent Historical Society will be closed from December 20th, 2009 to
February 3, 2010. We will reopen on Thursday, February 4th; call for special
tour or research needs.
Call (330) 678-2712 for more information.
Mary Ann Green, administrator
234 South Water Street. Kent, Ohio
www.kentohiohistory.org
(330) 678-2712
email: [email protected]
Mailing Address:
Kent Historical Society
P.O. Box 663
Members Discount Order Form
Call or Mail your order Phone: 330.678.2712
Web: www.kentohiohistory.org
Kent, OH 44240 Free Kent Bicentennial T-shirt with order over 10.00 (s, m, I, xi)
Quan. Title @ Price Total
(New) Rooted in Kent, 101 tales from the tree city (By Roger Di Paolo)
30.00
Kent and the Great War, The Letters of Leo Bietz (KHS Press) 9.00
The Story of Kent (KHS Press) 8.00
Haunting Tales From the Tree City (KHS Press) 19.00
The History of Kent: Historical & Biographical, Karl Grismer 39.00
Portage Pathways, Loris Troyer 14.00
Vintage Aprons (limited quantity) 15.00
J *KHS Coffee Mugs 4.00
DVD - Kent, The Early Years, Historical Overview (KHS Video) 10.00
DVD - A Film by Roscoe Hahn, Kent & Brady Lake (KHS Video) 6.00
DVD - Made in Kent, The Fageol Bros. and Twin Coach (KHS Video) 3.00
Ship To: (Please Print) Total
Name: _________________________ _
Address: _________________________ _
Address 2: ________________________ _
City: ____________ State: __ Zip: _________ _
Phone: Email: ____________ _
Payable by Check or Credit Card:
Please charge my order to: __ Visa __ MasterCard
Credit Card # _________________ Expiration ___ _
Signature: _________________________ _
* Pick-up only
**Do not add shipping and handling if you're going to pick up your order at the historical society.
J (234 S. Water St.)
D Yes I will pick up my order at the historical society D Please ship my order
r ~' s Ti me t o Ce l e b r a t e !
You're invited to spend the season with
us. We have the accommodations for all
of your holiday parties. Make your
reservations today.
The Pufferbelly's 28th Anniversary week
is just around the corner. Be here for
our _9lassic anniversary specials
December 14·-18.
On Sunday, December 20th Santa Cl a u s is
corning to town early. Join us for a
Brunch wi th Santa and enjoy our Sunday
Brunch buffet from 11:00 - 2:30.
Corne celebrate Ne w Year s Eve with us.
We'll supply the noisemakers , hats and
balloons . At midnight we will have a
complimentary champagne toast. All
you'll need to bring is your
resolutions. Don't forget to
make your reserv a t i ons .
H~PPY HOLIDAYS FROM YOUR
FRIENDS AT THE PUFFERBELLY
·i-
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--- Kent Historical Society
P.O. Box 663
Kent, OH 44240
,,,,,--..,
Nonprofit Organization
U.S . Postage
Paid
Kent, OH
Permit #150
Open House
The historic Marvin Kent Homestead located at the corrw-------er of
Rt. 43 and W. Main St. will be open to the public on Sat rday,
March 21 from 2-5. Tours will be hosted by members f the
Rockton Masonic :Lodge #316 and are FREE to the public Cof-fee
and cookies vv-ill also be served.
)
The Kent Historical Society
Speaker Series Presents
'' All About Kent"
Noted educator and author of the newly published book
Politician Extraordinaire
The Tempestuous Life and Times of Martin L. Davey
Will Speak on
Former businessman, Mayor of Kent, US Congressman, and Governor of Ohio
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Doors open: 6:30 p.m. - Talk at: 7:00 p.m.
Where: The First Christian Church
Corner of West Main & Mantua St., Kent, 0 H
Light refreshments will be served
History of church and tour will follow.
Sponsored by the Kent Historical Society
2,34 S. Water St., Kent, OH
330.678.271
Kent Historical Society Newsletter, Volume 7, Fall Issue, October 1991
No full textKENT HISTORICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER
"PRESERVING THE PAST TO IMPROVE THE FUTURE"
A Society dedicated to the preservation of historical artifacts
and properties within the City of Kent, Ohio
October, 1 gg 1
152 Franklin Avenue, P.O. Box 663, Kent OH. 44240, Pr1one (216) 6 78-27 t 2
A Q Uititerly Public atiori V oltllne 7 . Fall I~ue Oc10ber .1991
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARVIN KENT
1 75th Anniversary
On September 21st, 175 years ago, Marvin Kent was
born. He became a resident of Franklin Mills in
1838 following manufacturing and mercantile
pursuits. Christian Cackler called him our foremost
citizen. When you consider all of his endeavors and
what all he did for the village, it's no wonder that in
1867 its citizens renamed Franklin Mills Kent Ohio.
The list of the Kent's accomplishments includes a
Mercantile business in Ravenna and real estate in
Franklin Millslike the Franklin Exchange, office
building and the Franklin House Hotel. When built in
1837 the hotel was the largest and tallest building in
the state. The Kent's also built and operated flour
rn i1i s, a tannery l woo 1 en rn il1 s, rJ h:iss factories and
the county's fir.st bank.
Marvin Kent's most challenging feat was the charter
and building of the Atlantic and Great Western
Railway. He made it possible for a freight or passenger
car to travel from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great
Western plains. Marvin liked to call it the great link
because r,e felt he had linked the East with the West
by utilizing the same gauge of track from the Erie
Railroad at Jamestown New York to the Mississippi
and Ohio Railway at Dayton, Ohio.
The building of this railroad also brought to Franklin
Mills car sr,ops where the building and repair of
Coach cars provided employment for over 200
workers. The railroad brought great prosperity to
our town.
The Atlas of 1874 says "The great broad-gauge
railway l stretching in unbroken connection from
New York City to St. Louis, is one of the grandest
monuments of American energy and enterprise upon
the continent, and while others have co-operated in
the work, yet the chief honor of the achievement is
due to President Marvin Kent, Jl So 175 years after
his birth, we wish to acknowledge his birthday.
B i1l Birkner
DON "T FORGET I
The Collector's Addition Christmas Tree ornaments
are on sale at the following locations:
Home Savings Bank
Kent Hardware
The Works
Kent Historical Society
McKay Bricker
Thompson 1s Drug
These ornaments are bright red with a picture of the
Station screen printed on them. We plan to make this
a tradition and each year have a different historic
building or structure.
Be a char-i.er- member and buv one todav. Price 3,500 for the purchase of
computer and office equipment. This equipment,
purchased from Jasan Company and Kent Office
Supply, will make the project much easier to accomplish
in addition to having a long-range benefit
to the Historical Society and the Museum. A special
thanks goes out to the Kent Kiwanis and a donor that
wishes to remain anonymous for their generous
donations. Another thanks to Mr. Birkner for his
timeless and dedicated work on behalf of the History
project and the Society itself.
Jody Huebert Hamm
Project Director
HAYMAKER PIONEER CEMETERY WORKDAYS
On Sunday, September 22nd, Dr. and Mrs. John
Jacobs and Debbie Redman 1s Junior Girl Scout Troop
#62, worked all afternoon mowing, trimmingl and
raking up the grounds of the cemetery. They were
one week early because yours truly had given them
the wrong date for our workday. but my error turned
out for the best because they were ab le to get everything
ready for our big work day on September 29th.
We certainly hope no one gets a poison ivy rash from
our tasks.
Our largest group came from the United Church of
Christ. The UYF youth group and twenty great kids
in attendance. There were four members from Kent
Kiwanis, and three of us from the Kent Roosevelt
class of 1945. We want to thank Gary and Mary
Young for taking the time on Sunday afternoon to
bring and supervise the UYF ( United Youth Fellowship)
members. These kids restores one's faith in
our youth.
We accomplished so much, but we still have a way to
go to clear the brush on the other side of the fence,
repair and clean the stones, and get some plantings
done on the east fence.
We cannot end our story without thanking Mr. Pat
Moffet, Craig McClintock, Roy Foster, David Ear 1
Cox, and David Davis of the Kent Parks and Recreation
Department for supplying trucks and drivers
for removing the brush and debris. Without these
people, especially Roy, David Earl, and David, we
cou 1 d not have accom p 1 i shed our goa 1.
Bill Birkner
LATEST ACQUISITIONS
Wagon Jack, circa 1880. By Mrs. W.W. Loewenguth.
Two pictures of Klines Grocery Employees and the
Elgin Reunion, circa 1911. By, Mrs. Dorothy Moody.
Picture of Roosevelt High-school Band, circa 1924.
By, Mr. Wildun Scribner.
Painting Portage Indian from Portage National Bank
Lobby. By, t1r. John Hostler.
Hand Cloths Wringer, circa 1920's. By, Mr. John
M. Birkner, Jr.
Toy Steam Enginel circa 1930 's. By, i1r. Hugo E.
Birkner, Jr.
Book, Kent State, The Years of Youth, by Phillip
Shriver 1 1954. By,--Mr. W111iam B. Birkner.
The Historical Society is interested in any artifacts,
printed material, or photographs that you may have
The day was wonderful, not too cold, the sun was that pertains to Kent. Please contact the Historical
shining and 32 beautiful people showed up to cut Society at 678-2712 if You have anvthina You would
trees, drag brush, and deal with plenty of poison ivy. like t~ donate for our c~llections. · -· '
Kent Historical society
152 Franklin flue., P .o. Boa 663
Kent, Ohio +1240
KENT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
MEMBERSHIP APPL/CATION
NAME: ______________________ _
STREET: ----------------------
CITY: ______________ STATE: ___ ZIP: ___ _
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP RATES (please check one)
D Student 35.00
D Single 50.00
D Famtly 100.00
D Lifetime Membership $1,000.0
Kent Historical Society Garden Tour: Honoring the 200th Birthday of Marvin Kent
No full textKENT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
TOWN AND GARDEN TOUR
June 7 & 8, 2014
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday
WEST MAIN/HISTORIC AREA
D Marvin Kent
Home/Kent Masonic Center
D WW Reed home
D Lilac -Gardens
D Patton House
D Vaughan Gardens
EAsT MAIN/DOWNTON
Acorn Corner 0
Landmark, South Depeyster D
Clapp-Woodward home/Kent
Historical Society Museum D
Dr. Krape/Bumphrey home D
All sites are open and can be visited on either Saturday or Sunday.
This tour booklet is your ticket antlwill be marked at each stop.
Keeping histor~ alive
Family of Leah Bradstock
continues support of KHS
as lead donor for home tour
For more than
Ira Marsh
150 years, the WellsMarsh-
Kunsman-Bradstock
families have contributed
to the life of our community.
Ira Marsh and Edward
Wells both arrived in Kent
Metta Marsh, above left, was the
daughter of Emma (Wells) and Ira
Marsh. Metta's daughter, Leah, below,
was dedicated to preserving the history
of Kent.
after the Civil War. Marsh was a harness
maker; Wells owned a livery. In 1884, Ira
Marsh married Edward Wells' daughter, Emma.
One of Edward and Emma's daughters, Metta, is
pictured in the photo, above right. The duster she
is wearing in the photo is currently on exhibit at
the KHS Museum.
KHS is proud to be the recipient of this family
treasure. Metta's daughter, Leah Kunsman Bradstock,
donated many artifacts, photos and memories
to our museum collection. Leah also served on
our historical society board from 1985-87.
Her daughters, Linda and Jan, continued her tradition
of supporting Kent history.
"Beyond my own interest in keeping Kent's rich
history alive, my family loved living in Kent and I
know how much they wanted to share their part in
its history," Linda said. "The Kent Historical Society
provides me with a way to honor both them
Leah Kunsman Bradstock,
the daughter of Metta
Marsh and Alvin Kunsman,
was born in 1918 in Kent,
where she lived until 2001.
and their wishes, while the dedicated staff continues to provide the public with a
thorough overview of the town's history."
We are sincerely grateful for 'Linda's continued support on behalf of her fami-lies
as the lead donor in this year's event. ·
We salute these families and hope they inspire you to discover and appreciate your
own family's history.
West Side
Tour Sites
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1. Marvin Kent Home/Kent Masonic Center
2. WW Reed home
3. Wolcott Lilac Gardens
4. Patton House
5. Vaughan Gardens
2
Marvin Kent Family Home
(Now Kent Masonic Center)
Built in 1884
409 W. Main St.
Construction began in 1880 on the homestead of Marvin Kent, now
home to Rockton Lodge 316 F & A. M. of Kent. Kent searched northern
Ohio for the finest wood and hired wood carvers from New York
and Cleveland. The craftsmen lived in Kent while work progressed on
the house.
Among the home's remarkable features are walls and partitions of
solid brick, cellar walls and entrance of thick sandstone, and a sloped
slate roo£
When the elaborate home was completed in 1884, it provided 7,335
square feet of living space with 20 rooms, including a ballroom and 20
fireplaces.
During the time the Kent family lived in the home, four U.S. presidents
- either before or after their term - were guests and slept in the
southeast second-floor bedroom. This room remains much as it was in
those days, including the furniture.
The Masons have initiated a nonprofit society, the Kent Home Preservation
Society, to raise funds and coordinate the restoration of the home
to its 1923 status or earlier. The society is open to anyone with an interest
in preserving the Marvin Kent Homestead.
3
W.W. Reed Home
Built in 1889
703 W. Main St.
This beautiful three-story Victorian home was built by W W Reed
for his wife Minnie and their three children, Hattie, Glenn and Helen.
Mr. Reed lived in the house from its construction in 1899 to his death
in 1939.
Mr. Reed was a very prominent and active member of the commu- .
nity, serving as postmaster for several terms beginning in 1905. He also
served the community as a dentist, village clerk, member of the school
board and president of the Chamber of Commerce.
In 1913, Reed, with his son Glen and son-in-law Ross Strimple,
started the WW Reed Agency, which became the region's largest realestate
and insurance business. Mr. Reed also served as the first secretary
of the Home Building & Loan Co. founded in 1898, which is still
thriving today as Hometown Bank.
Through all of his activities, Reed's home became his base of influence
and it was used for many family and community social events that were
enjoyed by his many friends. In October of 1938, Mr. and Mrs. Reed
hosted an open house to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary that
was attended by then governor of Ohio Martin L. Davey and his wife.
After his death in 1939, Mrs. Reed stayed in the house until the mid-
1940s when it was sold to Sam Bissler and later to Dr. Baumgartner for
use as his medical office. The home was later converted to a duplex until
it was restored to its original splendor by current owner Colin Boyle,
who is secretary of Hometown Bank-112 years after the first secretary
of the bank built the home.
4
Wolcott Lilac Gardens
Established 1863
450 W. Main St.
The Wolcott House is a
fine example of eclectic Western
Reserve and Gothic Revival
with influences of
Victorian and Arts and
Crafts from its 1918 additions.
Simon Perkins Wolcott
started construction of the home at 450 West Main in 1863. Wolcott, a
noted politician and civic leader, entertained many at the home through
the years, including Presidents Garfield and McKinley. It was at this
home where Simon and his wife Mary Brewster raised three children,
including son, Duncan, who would eventually own the home.
Although there were some gardens initially present, it was not until
Duncan married Evelyn Daisy Lodge of Silver Lake in 1906 that the infamous
lilac gardens began to take shape. Duncan and Daisy were both
avid gardeners and they set out to build one of the finest home gardens
in the area. The Wolcott garden was far from a normal garden, it was
more of a series of rambling paths, terraces and stone walls, as well as
grassy lawns and flower beds. They purchased additional property to expand
the gardens.
In 1920 the "Lilac Gardens" began to take shape when Daisy received
a gift from her uncle, Col. William R. Plum. Col. Plum owned the
largest collection of French lilacs in the world .and he sent Daisy more
than 100 varieties for her garden. The Wolcotts carefully tended their
lilacs and added more as time went on.
When Duncan died in 1930, Daisy opened the gardens to the public.
The gardens attracted visitors from around the world. Daisy passed
away in 1955 and her sons continued the tradition for a few years until
they eventually sold. the property. The home and gardens fell into disarray.
In the fall of 1985, Stephen and Eleanor Zavodny purchased the property
and set out to restore the estate. At that time, only 70 of the original
lilacs had survived. The· original garden areas were cleared and
azaleas and rhododendrons were planted. A rose garden with a central
fountain was also added. After the passing of Stephen in 2007, Eleanor
and her son Robert continue the restoration of both the home and gardens.
It's a labor of love and far from complete. One hundred and
thirty one lilacs currently occupy the property, with at least 10 more
being added in 2014.
5
Patton House
Established 1902
529 W. Main St.
Once known as the Patton Memorial House, the family residence of
WW Patton, his wife, Harriet, and daughter, Emma, was built in
1902.
Among many community positions, Patton served as Kent's postmaster
and superintendent of Kent schools (1872-1878). Having studied at
both the Boston and Oberlin Conservatories of Music, Emma returned
to Kent to provide music lessons in her beautiful home. Upon her death
in 1939, Emma bequeathed the Patton House to Coterie, a ladies organization
founded in 1896. This "circle of friends," which formed
from the merger of a literary and a cooking club, was chosen to maintain
the property and provide space for community groups to gather.
Having served as the home for Kent State presidents Dr. James Engleman
and Dr. Karl Leebrick from 19 39 to 1942, the formidable front
porch and pleasant large rooms of the Patton House have welcomed
many area social events.
A lovely stained glass window provides a focal point at the landing of
the stairway leading to a large second floor which houses the family
who oversees the property. The decor includes many of the original elements,
from the hand-carved oak foyer, to the antique grand piano
Emma used to share her love of music with her students. Many of her
original furnishings remain, as well.
The home continues in the care of the 125 members of five Kent Co-'
teries who strive to maintain this historic dwelling, which stands, regally,
at the west entrance to downtown Kent.
This historic meeting site is available to rent for groups of up to 50.
Information is available by calling 330 673-5221 or Email kentcoterie@
yahoo.com.
6
Vaugha~ Gardens
129 N. Prospect St.
Home of
Gingr Vaughan
YIN (water) and YANG (rocks)
Rocks are the bones of these gardens; they are ever-present and dominate
in the serene austerity of winter. In warmer months water ripples
from the center of an old stone birdbath, plunges over a boulder-ledged
waterfall and drifts as mist from a secret source high above. The fish
who survived the past winter to call this watery garden home are a
hardy lot and include koi, comets and golden orfes.
Up stone steps, through two ancient red cedars, are a shaded wild
flower garden on the right and a rock garden on the left.
The rock garden provides an environment for a variety of plants as it
covers a bank which is half shade (just the ticket for ferns, hostas and
bleeding hearts) and half sun (to accommodate heaths and heathers,
flocks and thymes).
A redwood gazebo provides a cool, restful spot in the center of the
gardens and allows access to a culinary herb garden and a memorial pet
cemetery which is the final resting place for many cats and two beloved
greyhounds.
7
Kistler
A HISTORY OF
ARCHITECTURE
FIRMS IN KENT,
OHIO
AND THE REMARKABLE STORY OF 330.673.4818
Fuller
Charles G. Kistler was the first licensed architect in the City of Kent. He began
his practice here in 1920. When state licensing became available, he became the 170th
architect in the State of Ohio to achieve that credential. Kistler's designs include the
original Theodore Roosevelt High School, the movie theaters in Kent and Ravenna,
the Venice Cafe in downtown Kent, and the L.N. Gross building on River St. His phone
number was 673.4818. Kistler's career lasted until 1959 and he eventually went on to
practice with the architects Marine Cornachione, Robert Steuber, Kenneth Derr. and W.
Prentiss Brown.
Doug Fuller, a Boston native, graduated from the Kent State University School
of Architecture in 1973, and remained in Kent to begin his career. Fuller's license
number is 6,298, indicating that there had been 6,128 architects registered since
Kistler. Fuller eventually purchased the firm of Kistler's successor, W. Prentiss Brown in
1984, acquiring the phone number 330.673.4818, and becoming Fuller Design Group
for the next thirty years.
David Sommers graduated (also from KSU) in 1974, and became a registered
architect in 1979 (license number 6,340). He worked for W. Prentiss Brown for the first
5 years of his career before founding his own practice, David Sommers and Associates
(DSA), in 1983. When he moved his firm out of its original home bedroom office, he
moved into the very space where Kistler practiced architecture, the second floor of the
Hometown Bank Building (originally the Carver Block building built in 1889).
When Doug Fuller decided to become a member of the DSA team last year,
he brought with him the phone number that originally belonged to Charles Kistler,
returning 330.673.4818 to the DSA offices at 136 North Water Street where it was first
in use by Kistler.
A managing partner at DSA, Jeffery Meyers (license number l4,903) also a KSU
grad, joined the firm in 2002 and is positioned to succeed Sommers at his retirement.
Together with the current staff of 13 at DSA, he is very proud to continue the tradition
of successful architecture firms in Kent, Ohio, into the 21st century.
Sommers
DAVID SOMMERS & .t'\.SSOCfATF .. S, uc
'AHCBITECTUHE • PLANNING • lNJ'E'f.'<fOr{S
IJ-iui11_3 ,ShtifH! to 'Your Vi~on
136 N. Water St. • Suite 208 • Kent, Ohio 44240
330.678.6144 • 330.678.6135F • www.dsarchitects.net
ADVERTISEMENT
8
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1. Acorn Corner (Formerly Franklin Hotel)
2. The Landmark, South Depeyster
3. Clapp-Woodward home/KHS Museum
4. Dr. Krape/Bumphrey home
----=========== The Record-Courier ===========-
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1050 West Main St., Kent • www.RecorclPub.com
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Construction began in June
1919 on a five-story structure that
was planned to be the pride of the
community.
The Franklin Hotel opened on
September 8, 1920. The 16,000-
square-foot concrete and brick
structure featured 50 rooms, including
27 with separate baths,
a formal lobby, mezzanine, coffee
Acorn Corner
(Formerly
Franklin Hotel)
Established 1920
Depeyster/Main
Streets
shop, restaurant, ballroom, billiards parlor and barbershop. At the time,
the city of Kent was very prosperous due to other local development
and the expanding railroad industry. But after numerous changes of
ownership and financial hardship for several decades, the Franklin
Hotel had difficulty operating as a profitable business and eventually sat
empty for nearly 20 years.
Late in 2011, entrepreneur, philanthropist and Acorn Alley developer,
Dr. Ronald L. Burbick, purchased the building and committed to
renewing its historic character, adding some modern-day flare and turning
it into a viable mixed-use facility.
Dr. Burbick began by having the hotel placed on the U.S. Registry of
Historic Buildings. The restoration began in 2012, and the plan called
for restoring the hotel as closely as possible to the 1920s version with a
new minor addition within the footprint of the original building to accommodate
a new, modern elevator and interior staircase. In the spring
of 2013, the old Franklin Hotel was dedicated as "Kent's Acorn Corner,"
and is now home to Buffalo Wild Wings on the first floor and second-
floor mezzanine level; Kent Area Chamber of Commerce and
Marathon Financial Services on the third floor; luxury apartments on
the fourth and fifth floors; and The Secret Cellar Speakeasy in the basement
level.
11
The Landmark
210 South Depeyster
Established 2014
The Landmark at Kent is located in the heart of Kent's new
1 if the group could find a permanent site for it.
It is one of several known houses still standing in Kent linked to the
Kent family. Four other identified houses are the Clapp-Woodward
House, now the Kent Historical Society Museum; the Helen Parkhill
house, now the office of Attorney Ralph Oates; the home of Marvin
Kent, now the Masonic Temple; and the home of Charles Kent on
North Pearl Street.
May H. Prentice Home
KSU Esplanade
Originally located at 128 Willow, this
was the home of May H. Prentice, the first
female faculty member of Kent State Normal
School.
Prentice began teaching extension
courses in the fall of 1912, before any of
the academic buildings were under roof on
campus, and retired at the close of the 1930 summer session. When the
Memorial Gateway at the corner of East Main and South Lincoln
streets was dedicated in her honor, Prentice called the gate "a fitting
symbol of the college ... as an entrance into the larger life."
She died at home three weeks later, on Feb. 6, 1935. Her two
youngest sisters continued to live in the house, and Georgianna Prentice
took in student boarders until her death in the 1950s.
The May Prentice House will be the new home of Kent State University's
Wick Poetry Center. The university recently relocated the home to
its new Esplanade.
15
Home is where
the heart is.
Our heart has been in
downtown Kent since 1898.
MEMBER
FDIC
ff Hometown
Bankao
142 N. Water Street, Kent, OH • 330-673-9827
www.htbnk.com
Hometown Banking Since 1898.
16
"'
Thanks
Contributing Sponsor ( 100)
Ametek
Claudia and Jack Amrhein
Don and Jean Booth
Linda and Howard Boyle
Brimfield Insurance Group
Kasha Legeza-Burton and Jona Burton
Carter Lumber
Dale Adams Ltd.
Detect Alarm Systems, Inc.
Janet and David Dix
Christine and Bruce Dzeda
Kitty and Fred Endres
Escott & Company, LLC
Anna and Scott Flynn
Connie and John Flynn
Sandra and Henry Halem
J ance and Thomas Hatch
Jean and John Jacobs
McKay Bricker Gallery and Framing
M.O.M.S.
Sue Nelson Designs LTD. Inc.
Jim and Sally Myers
W.W. Reed Insurance
Ray's Place
Robinson Memorial Hospital
Carol and Jim Stroble
Betty Hejma-Sweet
Walgreen's of Kent
Williams, Kratcoski & Can
Wright Heating & Cooling
Special thanks to co-organizers Dawn Carpenter and Carol
Stroble, committee members jean Booth, Sandy Halem
and jack Amrhein, and book editor Lorie Bednar.
18
Thanks
Contributing Sponsor (100)
Ametek
Claudia and Jack Amrhein
Don and Jean Booth
Linda and Howard Boyle
Brimfield Insurance Group
Kasha Legeza-Burton and Jona Burton
Carter Lumber
Dale Adams Ltd.
Detect Alarm Systems, Inc.
Janet and David Dix
Christine and Bruce Dzeda
Kitty and Fred En
The Kent Historian, Newsletter of the Kent Historical Society, Volume 61, Spring 2008
No full textTHE KENT HISTORIAN
Newsletter of the Kent Historical Society
Spring 2008
Number61
HISTORY FEATURE
Spring Floods in Kent Cause Extensive Damage to the Area
It may not have been the first flood
in recorded history to inundate
Kent over the years, but it certainly
was the worst.
The spring 1913 flood did extensive
damage throughout the state, especially
in the Dayton area, though the
Kent area was not spared its ravages,
leaving extensive damage in its wake.
The reservoir at the Kent water-
Commerce and school children together
found the money to repair the
dam. This was regarded as a civic enterprise.
The restored dam remained
intact until the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency demanded that it
be breached during the late 1990s and
early 2000s.
Kent's history of floods began in
the early 1800s, not long after its first
Cuyahoga River dam (albeit a
crude one) was built in 1806,
roughly where the Main Street
bridge is today. The dam was
about seven feet high and was
made of stones, logs and dirt
packed into it to stop the water
flow. A mill race was
constructed on the west side of
the river, and several businesses
used the water. These
included a small grist mill
started by the Haymaker family.
A short time later, a saw
mill was erected, as was a
forge with a trip hammer for
the manufacture of scythes,
The statewide extent of death and destruction in the
1913 flood exceeds all other weather events in Ohio
history, justifying the title of Ohio's greatest weather
disaster. Rainfall over the state totaled 6-11 inches.
The death toll statewide was 467. In Kent (above) , the
Cuyahoga River overflowed its banks.
axes and pitch forks. All used
works was breached, and the water did water from the dam.
considerable damage to the B&O railroad
tracks. Uptown, people anxiously
watched the dam at Main Street as
the water rose higher and higher. The
water was now almost to the floor of
the Stow Street bridge. Large quantities
of stone were placed by the
bridge's footers, and the bridge held.
Back at the dam, the water finally
washed through the lock gates. The
rushing water then started moving the
great blocks of stone from the ends of
the dam. The stone was carried down
the river, and the pool beside the dam
.___; -vas reduced to just the river itself.
The dam was not repaired until
1925 when the Lamson-Sessions Company,
women's clubs, the Chamber of
In March 1832, it rained most of
the month, and on March 28, the dam
gave way. Water rushed downstream
and washed away most of the businesses
that were along the river. The
grist mill, the saw mill, the woolen mill
and the forge all were gone. This dam
was replaced with a sturdy stone dam
when the P&O canal was built from
1836 to 1840. This new dam, which is
historically unique in many ways, is
the same one that is in place today.
It has been reported that the Kent
dam is the oldest masonry dam in
Ohio, the 19th oldest masonry dam in
the United States, the second oldest
arched dam in the United States and
the only masonry dam in the country
that is attached to a canal lock. Although
both the dam and the canal
lock were severely damaged in the
1913 flood, the dam was rebuilt in
1925 to its current height and is in relatively
good condition today. Underwater
remnants of the canal lock also
remain.
Numerous periods of high water
came along in the next few years, but
the next flood of any importance occurred
during the second week of
March in 1868. This flood damaged
the canal banks, breaching them in
several places. The canal at this time
was all but abandoned, but the banks
were repaired by the Akron Hydraulic
Company, which had purchased
the water rights. This was not accepted
by the villagers because they now
complained that the canal was filled
with weeds, had stagnant water and
smelled bad. This flood also washed
away several foot bridges.
During May and June of 1904, the
water in the river rose steadily until
the top course of blocks on the dam
gave way. The rushing water
uprooted many trees and undermined
Sec FLOOD, p. 6.
Inside ...
Tree City Ball . . ... . ... . ... .. .... . . 2
Happy Birthday, Kent . . . ... . . .... . .. 2
KSU Museum Fashion Exhibits . .... .. . 3
From the Kent Tribune . ...... .. ...... 3
KHS Volunteer Spotlight . . ... ..... . . 3
Tales from Oral History . . .. . ... ..... 4
Kent History Briefs .. . . . . ... . ... ... . 4
1924 Kent Cook Book . . ...... . ..... .. 5
New Book on Martin Davey . . . . . . . . . . 5
New KHS Volunteers . .... . ...... . .. 6
Third Annual KHS Tree City Ball
Celebrates 'Preserving Community'
T he Kent Historical Society's Third
Annual Tree City Ball will celebrate
"Preserving Community" while
it honors the recipients of its Leadership
and Legacy awards.
The gala event-which includes a
buffet dinner, an open bar, and dancing
to the music of the gifted singer Helen
Welch and her band-is set for 6 p.m.
on April 26 at the '
American Legion
Hall, 1945 Mogadore
Road in Kent.
Recipients of
the Leadership
Award are Nancy
and Bruce Hansford;
the Legacy .t
Award will be •
presented to the Main Street Kent organization.
The Hansfords are being
honored for their lifetime of service to
the Kent community, while Main
Street Kent is being recognized for its
dedication to preserving and revitalizing
downtown Kent.
Proceeds from the Tree City Ball
support the many programs of the
Kent Historical Society, including ongoing
preservation and care of the
Erie Depot; the acquisition, preservation
and display of Kent artifacts and
photographs; the Oral History Project,
which records spoken accounts of
Kent history; and the Community
Education Program, which takes Kent
history to local schools, organizations
and businesses.
Tickets for the gala are 90 per couple. Sponsorship
tickets are available at three levels.
The 500 Legacy
Sponsor includes
a listing
in the program
and four event
tickets; the 250
Leadership
Sponsor includes
a listing
in the program and two event tickets.
Tickets for the community event
would make a thoughtful Mother's Day
gift! Come out, support the Kent Historical
Society, and enjoy a fun evening.
The Historical Society accepts
Visa, Master Card and checks. Make
checks payable to the Kent Historical
Society, and mail them to P.O. box 663,
Kent, Ohio 44240.
For additional information, call
the Historical Society office at
330 I 678-2712, board president
Sandy Halem at 330 / 673-8632, or
event chairperson Jack Amrhein at
330/ 678-9749.
Happy 141s~ Birthday, City of Kent!
Bake a big cake, and light the
candles-all 141 of them-for that
2
day in 1867 when Franklin Mills Village
was officially
incorporated
and
renamed Kent
on May 6,
1864.
It was on
that date that
the Ohio legislature
ap-proved
the name change, though the
Post Office Department adopted the
new name on August 17, 1864.
The community was so grateful to
Marvin Kent for his efforts to bring
shops and railroad jobs to the village
that it pushed for naming the newly
incorporated town to Kent in honor of
Marvin Kent.
But Marvin Kent thought otherwise.
His preference for the town's
new name was Rockton. It is not
known why Marvin Kent favored that
name. Despite his protestations, the
name was changed to Kent.
Kent Historical Society
THE KENT HisroRIAN is a quarterly
publication of the Kent Historical Society,
a nonprofit organization that strives to be
the primary Kent history resource and
reference center, leading the community
in the collection, preservation and interpretation
of Kent's heritage through exhibitions,
educational programs and activities.
The society brings educational
programs to schools, businesses and
civic organizations and collaborates with
the Main Street Kent and other historic
preservation projects in the community.
Board of Trustees
Sandra Halem, President
Dawn Carpenter, Vice President
Jack Amrhein, Treasurer
John Benedik
Howard Boyle
Scott Flynn
Larry Hugenberg
Audrey Cielinski Kessler
Pat Morton
Jim Myers
Carol Stroble
John Wunderle
Staff
Mary Ann Green, Administrator
Newsletter Staff
Audrey Cielinski Kessler, Editor
Museum Hours
Thursday: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Groups and special tours
by appointment
Direct inquiries to
Kent Historical Society
P.O. Box 663
Kent, OH 44240
330/678-2712
[email protected]
www.kentohiohistory.org
Spring 2008
'Timeless Fashion' from Designers,
Artists on Display at KSU Museum
. ~ xperience .. . timeless fashion at the Kent State University Museum now
- .1....1 through early 2009. Several galleries have been devoted to many of the
world's great fashion designers and artists, with changing exhibitions spanning the
18th century to the present.
Included are European and American gowns, celebrity gowns, traditional
dress and more. The following exhibits ar on display:
• Inner Secrets : Japan ese M en's Haori. Blum Gallery, extended until further notice
• Native Americans through the Prism of Culture: Edward S. Curtis & the Legacy of
Collectors. Mull and Palmer Galleries, through June 15, 2008
• Mood Indigo. Broadbent Gallery, through August 31, 2008
• Belle Epoque Brides. Higbee Gallery, through January_4, 2009
• Galanos. Stager Gallery, through January 4, 2009
Sec FAS HION, p. 6.
From the Pages of the Kent Tribune,
May 24, 1928: 'An Appeal to Public
Spirited Citizens of Kent'
"For the last month, 20 solicitors have worked constantly and steadily to raise a fund
of 8,000 with which to purchase land now owned b y the Gougler Machine Co., having
a frontage of 402 feet located on North River street [now known as North Mantua
Street] to be deeded to the L.N. Gross Co., upon which said Gross Co. proposes to
'-""~rect a beautiful factory
building, and to
beautify this present
unsightly lot from the
street to the river,
with lawn, shrubbery
and trees .... Subscriptions
will be appreciated
and are
solicited from 8,300 was subscribed locally
to purchase a lot on North River Street where the company could erect the
kind of building it needed. The building was completed in October 1928. A large
amount of new equipment was installed and capacity operation was started within
a short time. The branch employed approximately 150 persons, the large majority
,f whom were girls and women (source: The History of Kent, by Karl Grismer.) In
.._/l 994, Dale Adams bought the building that had been vacant for many years and
began its restoration. It i s now home to Dale Adams Enterprises, 315 Gougler Street
(formerly North River Street).
Spring 2008
KHS Volunteers
in the Spotlight
T he volunteers in the spotlight for
the spring are Guenveur Burnell
and Kathryn Hahn Burgess. Here is
what each one had to say about donating
their time at the Kent Historical
Society.
Gu enveur: "I am a long-time Kent resident
and Kent State graduate. I have
seen many changes in the city. I really
enjoy
learning
more
about its
past and
finding
stories of
the Kent
people
from long
ago."
(Guenveur
is helping to scan the Historical Society's
scrapbooks.)
Kathryn: "I was born in Kent, at
home, and have lived in the area for
84 1 / 2 years now. It was my hometown
and having our family business
here [Hahn's Bakery] for over 50
years, you
become
acquainted
with everyone.
By
volunteering
at the
Kent Historical
Society,
I can
help preserve
the
memories of the town I grew up in
and relive them alongside the wonderful
members who work so hard to
keep Kent's history alive."
The Kent Historical Society offers a
variety of activities for volunteers, including
making and sorting artifact
files, identifying and organizing photos,
conducting research on a topic or
individual, leading tours of the museum,
and helping with administrative
tasks such as filing and making copies,
and preparing new-member packets .
To volunteer, contact the Historical Society
office at [email protected]
or 330 / 678-2712.
3
Recollections: Tales from Oral Histories
The following are excerpts from the oral history of Mabelle Apley
(shown here as a young child) recorded December 6, 1990, prepared
for the Kent Historical Society by Donna L. Jeffers and Brigette
Bolger. Apley was born in Kent in March of 1915. She is a
member of the Longcoy family who owned and developed a considerable
amount of property on Kent's west side.
DL/88: And when my father, Harry C. Long-
Could you coy, went into business with the twins,
tell us a little why they started a grocery store. The
bit about the building was a wooden building origi-
Longcoys and nally, and they decided that they
their impact ought to make a cement building. It'd
on the city of be safer .. .. in February of 1912, a fire
Kent? broke out, and they lost a great deal.
MA: ... the original David Longcoy
came from New York state and settled
in what was Franklin Mills at that
time. He had some experience in a
[linseed] oil mill, so he began an oil
mill and then later went into the brick
making business, which was on
Franklin Avenue. And there are build-ings
in Kent which have those bricks.
Sue Nelson Designs' has uncovered
some of those bricks ... in her store.
He married Abbey Woodard, and for
years we had a Woodard-Longcoy reunion.
And as a child ... they told the
story of Abbey's mother taking one of
her babies and riding back to Geneva,
New York, to see her family because
she was so homesick, and she did this
several times on horseback. Then David
and she had a house at Twin
Lakes, and eventually they changed
property with the Haymakers ...
which was known as Longcoy Acres
eventually. And he built a large home
there ... so they lived out here on the
farm for a long time and they said
that David Longcoy was one of the
most generous people. That even with
his large family, they never sat down
to a meal without an outsider, and
that he was a very kind man . . .. But
my grandfather had married Ada
Whetmore ... and they went into the
meat business and [butchered] at
night, late at night, 'cause there was
no refrigeration, and went out the
next day to sell the meat ... later the
business moved across the river ....
Correction ...
They were able to save their cows, and
some meat blocks, and some important
things ... but the rest was gone.
And they called into Akron ... and a
company came and piled everything
they could out of the store, and they
took it down to another building,
south of them, and put it in there ...
they were able to open the store on the
next Monday.
DL/88: So they didn't lose a lot of
money ... ?
MA: ... my father had one of the first
trucks in Kent, an International truck.
They had cars, but they didn't have
trucks. And so, after they got that
truck, they could begin to make deliveries
... again, in the meat business,
they would work and cut that up and
go into the retail business . ... They
would have a route, and they'd pull
up in front of a house and a woman
would come out, select her meat, for
what she wanted, and they'd go on.
And of course, the person at the end
of the route didn't have the best selection
[laughs] unless she had ordered
ahead. And my father started the Kent
Packing Company, which is now
[1990] part of the waterworks over
here on Middlebury Road. The great
hopes were for my brother to go into
the business, but World War II came
along, and he didn't come home. And
so, in a couple years my dad decided
to sell the store, and he sold to
See APLEY, p. 5.
The caption for the photo on page 1 of the winter edition, gave an incorrect date of
1826. The correct date is 1876. We apologize for the error.
4
Kent History Briefs
First Mayor of Kent-by Two Votes
John Thompson, a native of Scotland
who emigrated to the United States in
1832 and settled in Streetsboro, had
the distinction of being the first mayor
of Kent. He was elected Tuesday, July
30, 1867, at the first election held after
the Kent's incorporation as a village. He
defeated Luther Parmalee 145 to 143.
Multi-Arched Bridge
The multi-arched downtown bridge was
started in 1876 and completed in September
of 1877. The bridge it replaced
was a covered bridge made of wood
and constructed in 1837. This wellknown,
arched landmark is 275 feet
long by 60 feet wide and consumed
123,750 cubic feet of stone.
Underground Railroad
Throughout the 19th century, AfricanAmerican
families lived and worked in
Kent. Among them was George Jennings
, a free black man who lived in the
town for more than 40 years. He
worked at the Cuyahoga House and Inn
at the corner of Cuyahoga and Mantua
streets. Run by Jonathan and Eliza
James, the Cuyahoga House was one
of the Underground Railroad "stations"
operating in town. Even though it was
against the law to do so, many citizens
sheltered runaways who went through
Kent, heading north.
Town Slogan
In 1910, a community contest was held
to create a slogan to represent the bustling
town of Kent. The winner? " Kent,
Home of Hump and Hustle."
The Original Tree City
John Davey, founder of the Davey Tree
Expert Company, published a book in
1901 titled The Tree Doctor, which provided
the foundation for a great business
success story. From this book
grew the Davey Tree Expert Company.
John Davey became know as the father
of tree surgery. Martin L. Davey would
go on to become Governor of the State
of Ohio in 1932.
An Ohio Tree City
Long before the National Arbor Day
Foundation initiated the Tree City USA
program , the city of Kent was proclaimed
the original Tree City of Ohio,
on February 19, 1949. The Davey Tree
Expert Company commemorated the
occasion in its newsletter, The Davey
Tree Expert.
Spring 2008
Museum Gift Shop Featured Item:
l924KentCookBookforMother's Day
'" __,J- n 1924, when the ladies of Kent's Congregational Church published their cook-
~ .1. book, modem conveniences such as washing machines, refrigerators and gas
stoves gave women more leisure time. The 17 women in the Circle C Ladies'
Union who compiled and edited more than 300 of their favorite recipes for the
book were happy to share a few of their cooking secrets. This nostalgic reprint is a
perfect gift for your favorite lady. A small selection of vintage-style aprons also are
available. To purchase the book or an apron, visit the Kent Historical Society Gift
Shop during regular museum hours. Here is a recipe for Sunshine Cake from Miss
Emma Patton.
Sunshine Cake
7 whites small, fresh eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 / 3 teaspoon cream of tartar
5 egg yolks
2 / 3 cup flour
Pinch of salt
Beat whites, add cream of tartar and beat very, very stiff. Stir in sugar lightly,
then 5 yolks, well beaten. Then add flour. Put in tube pan and into oven at once.
APLEY
Continued from p. 4
the wrong person ... were not making
a go out of it. So he took it back,
'nd for a few years, David Longcoy
_____.Al ran the store, and then finally he
sold off the equipment. ... When dad
retired, he built this house next door
for he and mother . . . this was out in
not uncommon for tramps to walk
along there .... Generally people we
called tramps were not really looking
for work. They were just footloose, and
would go to houses and ask for food,
and the housewives generally did not
want to turn anybody away .... they
usually got some food. I can remember
one time somebody stopping at our
house when we lived on Park Avenue.
Mother gave him a sandwich,
and at the end of the
driveway he threw it away. It
didn't suit him. But sometimes
they were really
hungry, and they would sit
on the steps and eat, and tell
her how much they appreciated
it.
DUBB: You weren't
afraid? I mean, today you'd
be afraid if someone did
Employees and interior of the Longcoy grocery store , 124 S. that to you.
Water Street in 1917.
the country. So when I came as a Girl
Scout, we used to hike out there and
bring our picnic lunches. And the old
house down at the end of Middlebury
Road, the David Longcoy house ...
and the wallpaper was sagging off the
ceiling and ... it was really spooky.
t\nd there was a straw stack outside
-..__....ihat was still standing, and one time
we were playing around in that and
we saw a man' s clothes and oh, were
we scared! But in those days it was
Spring 2008
MA: I wasn' t because I was
young. And they, my parents, never
made me afraid. But when I think
about it, mother made me stay in the
house when they were there. And one
Sunday morning, I was the only one
that had gotten up, and one came to
the door, and I said, "Well, I'm the
only one up." And after that, mother
said, "You don't say those things."
That was the time I began to realize
you had to be a little bit more careful.
New Book Tells
Story of Kent's
'Most Famous Son'
Politician Extraordinaire: The Tempestuous
Life and Times of Martin L.
Davey by history professor Frank Vazzana
is a carefully researched and engagingly
written political biography
that marks the first full treatment of
Ohio native and politician Martin L.
Davey. An important figure on the local,
state and national political scene
in the early decades of the 20th century,
Davey served as mayor of Kent,
Ohio, was elected to the U.S. House of
Representatives and completed two
terms as Ohio governor.
As Vazzana shows, Davey, a
maverick Democrat, did things his
way no matte
The Kent Historian, Kent Historical Society Newsletter, Number 89, Winter 2016
No full textTHE KENT HISTORIAN
The Newsletter of the Kent Historical Society Winter 2016
Number89
Historic Kent Town Tour successful fundraiser
Eight sites showcased to celebrate Marvin Kent's birthday
The Kent Historical Society's celebration
of Marvin Kent's 200th birthday began
with an open house for the sponsors on
Friday, Sept. 16, at the KHS Museum.
On Sept. 17 and 18, hundreds of participants
enjoyed touring the eight sites that
highlighted the contributions of the Kent
family in the town's transformation from
Franklin Mills to the city of Kent.
Tour participants received a 36-page
booklet that included descriptions of the
tour sites and Kent family history.
The celebration concluded with a
birthday party on Marvin's actual birthday,
Sept. 21, at Hometown Bank Plaza. The
See Tour, page 4
Kent Wells Sherman House volunteers Tracy
Wallach, Bruce Gill, Allan Orashan and Gayle
Bentley stand in the house, which was moved in
September 2013 to its current location.
Eleanor Zavodny, ow-ner of Kent's
Wolcott Lilac Gardens, passes a-way
Donations being accepted to continue garden preservation
photo courtesy of Lilac
Gardens Facebook page
Eleanor Zavodny purchased the
Lilac Gardens, which now feature
over 170 types of lilacs.
Eleanor
Zavodny,
owner of the
Wolcott Lilac
Gardens
and adjoining
house
on West
Main Street
in Kent,
passed away
on Oct.
16, 2016.
Her house
was built in
1863 by Simon
Perkins
Wolcott.
Wol-cott
and his wife, Mary Brewster, raised
their three children there and their son,
Duncan, eventually took ownership. He
married Evelyn Daisy Lodge in 1906 and
they began to build what would be one
of the finest home gardens in the area. In
1920, Daisy received 100 varieties of lilacs
from her uncle, Col. William R. Plum,
who owned the largest collection of French
lilacs in the world.
After the death of Duncan in 1934,
Daisy opened the gardens to the public
and hundreds of visitors would come every
year on Mother's Day to enjoy them. A
few years after Daisy's passing in 1955,
the property was sold and the home and
gardens fell into disarray.
In the fall of 1965, Stephen and Eleanor
Zavodny purchased the property and
set out to restore the estate. At that time,
only 70 of the original lilacs had survived.
The original garden areas were cleared and
azaleas, rhododendrons and a rose garden
with a central fountain were added.
After the passing of Stephen in 2007,
Eleanor and her son Robert continued the
restoration of the house and the gardens.
At present, there are over 170 types of lilacs
occupying the property. One of a new
variety of lilacs was chosen by them, and
See Eleanor, page 5
Descendant celebrates
Marvin Kent
A journal entry of my September trip
to Kent
by Mary Jo Johnston
Two hundred years after his birth,
Marvin Kent would be proud of his
namesake city.
With thanks to the kindness of Sandy
Halem and the Kent Historical Society,
my husband Kelly and I are invited
to travel to Kent from our home in
Missouri in order to celebrate Marvin's
200th birthday. My siblings and I have
long known Marvin was our great-greatgreat-
grandfather though occasionally
we must pause to count the number of
greats. Marvin's granddaughter Grace
Emily Kent was our great-grandmother.
We eagerly accept Sandy's invitation and
arrive for a celebration of both the man
and the city.
See Birthday, page 2
Kelly Johnston, KHS president emeritus
Sandy Halem and Mary Jo Johnston, greatgreat-
great-granddaughter of Marvin Kent,
were eager to greet guests at the Sponsors
Night of the Historic Kent Town Tour.
Birthday, from page 1
Upon arriving in Kent, we head directly
to Standing Rock Cemetery to visit my
mother, her mother and the others in the
Kent family plot back through time to
Grace Emily to Henry Lewis to Marvin
and Maria. My Kent family ancestors were
long-time Ohioans, including my mother,
who lived in Cleveland until her undergraduate
years at Carleton College. With
a geography degree in hand, she moved to
The headstones for Mary Jo Johnston's ancestors,
including Marvin Kent, can be found in
Standing Rock Cemetery in Kent.
Washington, D.C. to work for the U.S.
Army Map Service, met and married my
father, and started a family. My siblings (a
mechanical engineer, a teacher, an accountant)
and I (a librarian) are now scattered
around the western half of the country, but
we know well our Ohio roots.
My mother and her mother are also remembered
with a 1949 photo in the Kent
State University Library exhibit, "From
Johnston's grandmother, Josephine, and mother,
Judy, at the Marvin Kent train car dedication
in 1949.
Franklin Mills to Kent: Prominent Families
in Kent's History." This exhibit, presented
by Cara Gilgenbach and the KSU Special
Collections and Archives, showcases several
of KSU's fabulous holdings, including the
papers of Zenas and Marvin Kent. We applaud
the efforts of KSU in taking on the
long-term responsibility of caring for these
significant and historic collections.
2
Though today's Marvin Kent train car is
different than the one dedicated in 1949,
we applaud its community use by the Kent
Jaycees and appreciate our tour from John
Benedik.
Mary Jo Johnston stands with John Benedik,
who played Caleb the canal boy while he led
tours of the modern Marvin Kent train car.
Kentites remember well their past and
the Kent Historical Society is leading the
charge in preserving and sharing local
history. The society's meticulously restored
Clapp-Woodward House is a landmark for
outreach and education programs and for
hosting public receptions like the one we
Kelly Johnston admires the working train table
as KHS volunteer Henry Halem points out the
model buildings of Kent landmarks.
attend during our visit. We enjoy meeting
so many Kent residents who support the
historical society and have made it into
what it is today. The train room is the
ideal tool for presenting third graders (and
visitors like us) an overview of the city and
its history. Thanks to Henry Halem for the
tour. We also enjoy the comparison photos
of the "Then & Now" exhibit that were
taken from similar vantage points of familiar
locations. Kudos to KHS for keeping
Kent history alive!
Visiting the Marvin Kent homestead
allows us to take a step back in time to the
late 19th Century and imagine life in Marvin's
circle of family, friends, businessmen,
Kelly and Mary Jo Johnston take a break from
their tour of The Marvin Kent Homestead, which
was led by Barb and Fred Moore.
politicians. What must it have been like
to host a U.S. president? Or four? Upon
inheriting the home from their uncle William
Kent in 1923, my great-grandmother
Grace Emily Kent and her sister sold the
home to the Rockton Lodge and it has
been in their good care since. During our
visit, we explore this magnificent building
with Fred and Barb Moore and unexpectedly
meet my fifth cousin once removed, a
descendant of Mariah Kent.
Touring the Erie Car Shops and the
Kent Free Library, we find evidence of two
examples of Marvin's marvelous gifts to the
city more than 100 years ago.
Mary Jo Johnston and other participants look at
the Erie Car Shops during a tour led by Tom Myers,
president of Davey Drill.
We're pleased to be part of the Kent family
that is known for their generosity. And
we are delighted to return to Kent more
than 100 years since Marvin's death and
see first-hand the continued prosperity of
his namesake city due to the generosity and
hard work of many 20th-Century Kentites.
Marvin, too, would be proud.
Thanks for including us in the celebration.
Winter 2016
.
.KENT
, HISTORICAL
. SOCIETY
> >
Winter 2016
Saturday, Dec. 3
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Kent Historical Society Museum
237 E. Main St.
Kent, Ohio 44240
(330) 678-2712
~ Victorian Style Decorations
~ Activities for Kids (Holiday Crafts &
Decorating/Eating Gingerbread Cookies)
~ Carolers from KSU Men's Chorus
It's FREE!
Check out our photo exhibit, "Then & Now,"
and purchase the photo book! Editor Henry Halem
will be on-site signing.
"Kent, Ohio:
Then & Now"
A photo book of KHS'
current exhibit
17
(cash, check, or credit card)
Featuring 86 photographs of historic
sites and buildings in Kent
which are re-photographed as they appear now
For sale during KHS'
Victorian Holiday Celebration
Get your copy signed by editor Henry Halem!
11
3
Kent Tribune: Read all about it!
The Kent Tribune newspapers' 611 issues
and 6,655 pages are now available through
the KHS website. KHS is the only known
resource for Volumes III through XIV,
which cover the period from November
1917 through September 1929.
The complete set of weekly newspapers,
collected by its editor John Paxton, was
passed on to his daughter and the bound
volumes were given to KHS by his granddaughter,
Pat Hall, in 2006. The newspapers
were very fragile and deteriorating
and, after several years of use, were no
longer available to the public for viewing.
Thank You
The Kent Historical Society would like
to thank those families and organizations
who have continued to preserve their
historic residences and buildings and
graciously offered to share them with all of
us for the 2016 Historic Kent Town Tour,
including Rockton Lodge 316 F & A.M.,
Coterie, Heather and Wade Caldwell, Kent
Wells Sherman House, Kent Jaycees and
Davey Drill.
4
Lead Sponsor (5,000)
Woodward Foundation
Gold Sponsors (1,000)
Bissler & Sons Funeral Home
Brimfield Insurance Group
The Burbick Foundation
Furukawa Rock Drill, USA
Hometown Bank
Renaissance 2000, Inc.
Silver Sponsors (500)
Kent Jaycees
PARTA
R.W Martin & Sons, Inc.
Wright Heating & Cooling
Thanks to the generosity of donors to
the project of preserving them, KHS had
the volumes professionally microfilmed,
digitized and uploaded to the Ohio
Memory database. The database, located at
www.ohiomemory.org, is the collaborative
statewide digital library project of the Ohio
History Connection (formerly the Ohio
Historical Society) and the State Library of
Ohio.
At the age of 19, John Paxton came to
Kent to become a reporter on the Courier.
William Kent, Marvin's son, was the
See Tribune, page 5
Bronze Sponsors (250)
Jack and Claudia Amrhein
Bill and Donna Anderson
Jim and Sallie Bear
Doris Brown
Colonial Machine
DS Architecture
Carol Lockhart
Linda Bradstock MacDougall
Portage Community Bank
Schlabig & Associates, LTD
Contributing Sponsors ( 100)
Don and Karen Barrett
Don and Jean Booth
Linda and Howard Boyle
Jona Burton and Kasha Legeza-Burton
City Bank Antiques
College Town Kent
Detect Alarm
Janet and David Dix
Jim and Becky Dunlap
Bruce and Christina Dzeda
Kitty and Fred Endres
John and Connie Flynn
Scott and Anna Flynn
Polly Germer
Sandra and Henry Halem
Tour, from page 1
Davey Elementary School fifth grade choir
led guests in singing "Happy Birthday." A
proclamation by Mayor Jerry Fiala declared
that day as Marvin Kent Day.
The program concluded with birthday
cupcakes for all in attendance. On display
was a birthday banner created by Davey
students.
Special guests for sponsors night and
the tour were Mary Jo Johnston, Marvin
Kent's great-great-great-granddaughter, and
her husband Kelly from Aurora, Mo. It was
an honor to have a descendant of Marvin
here to help us celebrate his birthday and
for us to learn more interesting facts and
stories about the Kent family. Enjoy reading
the article in this newsletter that Mary
Jo wrote about their recent visit.
The funds raised from the tour will be
used for the preservation of the historic
Erie Depot, the preservation and operations
of the KHS museum, and for ongoing
educational programs.
More party & tour pictures on page 6
Dona May Hall
Patricia H. Harper
Lynn A. Harvey
Betty L. Hejma-Sweet
Jean and John Jacobs
Dave and Sherry Joy
Kent Kiwanis Club
Kent Lions Club
Kent State University
Audrey Cielinski Kessler
The Kretovics-Saito Family
John and Kathy Lilley
Melissa M. Long
Jim and Sally Myers
George and Jane Preston Rose
Rotary Club of Kent
Mark and Linda Seeman
Siefer Electric, Inc.
Smithers-Oasis Company
Carol and Jim Stroble
Sue Nelson Designs, Ltd Inc.
WW Reed&Son
Harold and Janet Walker
Bill Wilen
Williams, Kratcoski & Can
Robert Zavodny
See Thank You, page 6
Winter 2016
Marvin Kent Curtis' books donated to KHS
KHS recently received a donation of five
fictional books written by Marvin Kent
Curtis and published in the late 1920s.
He was named for his great-grandfather,
Marvin Kent, but was also known as Kent
Curtis. The books were donated by Missouri
residents Mary Jo and Kelly Johnston
while they were visiting in Kent to celebrate
Marvin's 200th birthday. Curtis was
Mary Jo's great-uncle and they are both
descendants of Henry Kent, Marvin's son.
Born in 1890, Curtis was an aviator in
World War I, a novelist, illustrator, sailor,
teacher and camp counselor. He published
boy's adventure stories that took place in
the locations he loved most: the North
Woods of Minnesota and islands off the
Eleanor, from page 1
was officially named the Daisy Wolcott.
They opened the gardens for public
viewing the past two Mother's Days
and hundreds of visitors were thrilled
to be able to step back in history and
enjoy Daisy's legacy.
The
city of
Kent
thanks
Eleanor
for her
loving
care of
these
magnificent
gardens
and for
help-photo
courtesy of Lilac Gar- ing to
dens Facebook page preserve
One of the features of Eleanor's them
Lilac Gardens is this birdbath. for the
enjoyment of future generations.
KHS is accepting donations in
Eleanor's name for their continued
preservation.
Tribune, from page 4
owner and Charles Scott was the publisher
and editor. Scott left abruptly and Paxton
became the editor at the age of 24. When
Kent sold the paper to A.N. Lawson,
Paxton started the Kent Tribune with Sam
Baker in 1915. A year and a half later,
Winter 2016
Florida coast.
This is only a brief men-
., tion of Curtis. In the next
newsletter, you will be able to
learn much more about his
amazing life, which included
a dangerous journey as
an aviator during the war,
his many sailing adventures
across the Atlantic Ocean
and the Caribbean Sea and
his love for the outdoors.
The five books written by Marvin Kent Curtis that were recently
donated to KHS are, in back, from left to right, "The Tired Captains,"
"Drumbeater's Island," "The Last Wanigan," "The Blushing
Camel" and, in front, "Cruises in the Sun."
Thank you, Mary Jo and
Kelly, for this generous gift.
You have opened our eyes to
another extraordinary member
of the Kent family!
Davey picture mystery solved
Ever since the KHS Museum received
the large, backlit picture of tree cavity
repair work done by the Davey Tree Expert
Company, everyone has tried to guess
where and when it was taken.
The mystery was solved when Matt
Fredmonsky, senior project manager at
Davey Tree Expert Company and managing
editor of The Davey Bulletin, recently
discovered the photograph in an old Davey
Tree publication.
The photo showcasing the then-common
practice of tree cavity repair appeared
prominently in magazine advertisements
for Davey in the early 1920s. It was taken
on the estate of Jon A. Turner in Hamilton,
Ontario, Canada.
Davey pioneered the practice of tree
cavity repair, a method which sought to
remove decayed and rotting wood and
Paxton
bought
out Baker
and ran
it alone
for seven
years.
Later, LB.
Holm
bought
a half
interest of
the newspaper.
In
A young John Paxton stands in
the doorway and William Kent sits
in a chair in front of the Tribune office
at 149 N. Water St.
replace it with a special cement to maintain
a tree's integrity. Davey commonly provided
the service to estate owners who wanted
to preserve and maintain their mature trees
rather than remove and plant new trees.
The practice was discontinued in the mid-
20th Century.
1929, the Tribune was sold to M.L. Davey,
transferred five months later to E.V. Dix
of Wooster and then merged with the
Courier.
The Tribune filled its weekly pages with
the life of its local community as well as
documenting the changing world. This
collection includes World War I and ends
just before the collapse of the stock market
and economy in 1929. Visit the KHS website
at www.kentohiohistory.org and enjoy
browsing through the Tribune pages to see
what life was like in Kent and around the
world almost 100 years ago.
5
6
Kent Historical Society
7he Kent Historian is a
publication of the Kent Historical
Society, a nonprofit organization
that strives to be the primary Kent
history resource and reference center,
leading the community in the
collection, preservation and
interpretation
of Kent's heritage through
exhibits, educational programs and
activities. The society offers educational
programs to schools, businesses
and civic organizations.
Board of Trustees
Jack Amrhein, President
Scott Flynn, Vice President
Carol Stroble, Vice President
Matt Metcalf, Treasurer
Audrey Cielinski Kessler, Secretary
Jean Booth
Howard Boyle
Rebecca Dunlap
Thomas Hatch
Kasha Legeza-Burton
.· Maggie McKendry
Jim Myers
Staff
,Julie Kenworthy, Director
. . Amy Craft, Collections Manager &
· · Membership Coordinator
. ·: Dari Stroble, Newsletter Editor
Museum Hours
\ 237 E " Main St.,
9 ·a:m. 'tcr2 p.m.
Fridays and Saturdays
/:. and by appointment.
.Contact ,·
Kent Historical Society
. 237E. Main St.
Kent, Ohio 44240
330-678-2712
· Email
[email protected]
. Website
-www.kentohiohistory.org
Find us on Facebook
www.facebook.com/
KentHistoricalSociety
KHS schedule
for end of 2016,
new year
The last day in 2016 that KHS Museum
will be open to the public is Saturday,
Dec. 17. It will reopen on Friday, March
3, 2017. While it is closed, the volunteers
and staff will be busy preparing for the new
year. Under the direction of new employee
Amy Craft, the archives and artifacts in
our collections will be inventoried and
organized. Plans will be made for our
educational programming and for future
events. Even though we will be closed, we
are always available to take phone calls and
to schedule group tours. Thank you for all
your support in 2016!
Birthday party & town tour
Andrew Madonio, Kent Jaycees vice president
of community, explains the organization's steps
in preserving the "Marvin Kent" railroad coach,
which was manufactured in 1922 .
Several
town tour
sponsors
enjoy reading
the KHS
Museum's
list of prominent
Kent
residents
who were
members
of various
social clubs
in the early
1900s.
David and Kay Hansford compare the past and
present of Kent at KHS' photo exhibit, "Then &
Now."
Thank You, from page 4
Special thanks to Hometown Bank, Sue
Nelson Designs and McKay Bricker
Framing/or selling the tour booklets.
Also, thanks to tour co-organizers Dawn
Carpenter and Carol Stroble, committee
members Jean Booth, Sandy Ha/em,
Henry Ha/em, KHS administrator Julie
Kenworthy, KHS board president Jack
Amrhein and booklet editor Dan Stroble.
Volunteers at Sites
Carlyn Bassham
Paul Bauer
Jaime Baughman
John Benedik
Brad Bolton
Julie Brett
Jona Burton
Amy Craft
Faye Darrow
Roger Di Paolo
Becky Dunlap
Bruce Dzeda
Sue Frank
Carol Fridy
Jean Giulitto
Becky Head
Lee Higgins
Barb Hipsman Springer
Adrienne Kaltenborn
Darlene Kousaie
Karin Lange-Underwood
Kasha Legeza-Burton
Tim Martin
Joanne Maynard
Amanda Metcalf
Matt Metcalf
Jim Myers
Sally Myers
Cathy Ricks
Eleanor Schindler
Beth Schoonover
Bob Springer
Polly Tucker
Allyson Westover
Mikelann Williams
Mark Yohe
The Davey Elementary School fifth grade choir
leads guests at the Marvin Kent birthday party in
singing "Happy Birthday."
Winter 201
The Kent Historian, Kent Historical Society Newsletter, Number 109, Fall2023
No full textNewsletter highlighting recent events and collections of Kent Historical SocietyTHE KENT HISTORIAN
The Newsletter ofthe Kent Historical Society Fall, 2023
Number 109
Modern Vision exhibit adds recent Kent history
Researchers, local business, KHS, together celebrate mutual effortfor displays
By Bengt George
KHS Staff Writer
When walking through the front doors of our museum, visitors are often taken with the warm, rustic materials that greet them. The ornate wood and brass trim of the house, the vintage glass and ceramic of our pharmacy exhibit, distressed leather above a stone fireplace in our Early Kent room. It all creates the sort of sensory experience one would expect from a history
museum.
Within these walls, visitors may be surprised to come across space age polymer-dispensing displays in durable plastic. This is exactly the case with our latest (in both senses of the word) exhibit.
Modern Vision: Liquid Crystal Technology
in Kent is the culmination of months
ofwork with both Kent State University's
Liquid Crystal Institute (LCI) and local
company Kent Displays. We are delighted
to continue our preservation of local industrial
history through to the 21st century, tracing our relationship to technological innovation and our continued relevance on the world stage. As President Emeritus Sandra Halem says about the new exhibit, "The reason that Kent is thriving where many small towns are
not, is because we keep
reinventing ourselves."
Liquid crystal displays, most commonly seen in the screens of cell phones and televisions, have a long history with the city of Kent.
In 1965, Kent State
professor Glenn H.
Brown established
LCI as a cutting-edge
research center into
various applications of
liquid crystals.
His colleague and Dr J. William Doane shares his story of of making industrial history in Kent with Liquid Crystal Technology, as Sandy Halem listens.
Director of the LCI,
J. William Doane, products to this day. Their line of reusable would in 1993 co-found Kent Displays, writing tablets, the Boogie Board, are used which continues to create new commercial See Modern, page 4
Tap Talks emerge from natural elements, local history
Unique location brings community through story
By Tom Hatch
KHS Board Member
Before we get to the story ofTap Talks and how this speakers' series has enriched our community, the story of North Water Brewing, the venue at which Tap Talks occurs every third Tuesday at 7 pm, is worthy of some ink. Many things came together to make NWB an important Kent landmark.
First, there's the North: Located at the northern end ofWater Street, past the Mill, the Art Gallery, Scribble's, Lucci's,
Bent Tree Coffee, and the Fairchild Bridge; Don Schjeldahl, chief visionary, calls it the perfect spot. He should know.
Don returned to full-time life in Kent after a career as a site selection specialist and industrial economist. Along the way, Don worked for two years finding perfect spots for Sierra Nevada Brewing.
According to Don, "This location checked all the boxes: an old under-utilized
industrial structure begging for rebirth,
on the hike and bike trail, a stone's throw
from the Cuyahoga River, in a neighbor-
See Talks, page 2 :
KENT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
" ..•
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Talks, from page 1
hood showing signs of revitalization, and
part of a resurging Mill District commercial
street." Get some exercise, grab a beer.
Next, there's the Water: Did you know that, because glaciers covering our area left behind deep river valleys and underground tunnels of sand and gravel (nature's premier system for filtering water), we have
access to some of the best water in North
America? Who knew we were walking on
interbedded and interlensing sand, gravel,
silt and day in buried valleys?* Don did.
Finally, there's the Brewing: According to Dylan Hamilton, North Water's master brewer, "Kent's water is as dose to perfection as it gets. Starting with a dean canvas allows me to create exciting beers without the worry ofwater chemistry skewing the results." Ahhh, perfection!
Right spot, great beer, so what's missing? It's complicated. Don Schjeldahl's vision for NWB is to build a sustainable business that fosters social, economic, and environmental responsibility.
His work experience taught him that, in today's world, successful towns grow and prosper when "there's a focus on people, streetscape improvement, and building a lively ascendant downtown." These days, with dime stores gone and pharmacies on every corner except downtown, forward-looking central areas feature used bookstores, art galleries, coffee shops, yoga studios, and, yes, microbreweries. Places that foster reflection and conversation.
Tap Talks, the speaker's series that focuses on telling stories of Kent's past, present
A K
and future, is a natural part of the vision to align culture and community. If you've been to North Water Brewing on a third Tuesday at 7pm in the past year or so, you may have heard the "likely true" story of Captain Brady; the story of Brady Lake as an amusement park; Spiritualist encampment, and mob hangout; how the May 4th site on Kent's campus became a National
Landmark; the key role Kent's Historic South End has played in the growth of our city; how we got the Kent Environmental
Council, the Wick Poetry Center, Davey Tree Expert Company, Portage Parks, and
the Franklin Hotel.
Doug Fuller, retired Kent architect and member of the Kent Historical Society Board, is planning a new slate of fascinating stories for this coming year. In September, we'll hear about the Davey SEED (Science Employee Education and Development) campus currently under construction at the former Oak Knolls Golf Course.
In October, we'll hear about the "Story Mapping" project underway to make information about historic structures in Kent available to building and homeowners and the general public interested in historic preservation.
Could there be a talk about the history of Fageol Twin Coach? We're working on it.
See Talks, page 3
*Visuals provide brief geology explanation
Soil composition, layering, filters water for fine brewing
Photo Oose-up
Sand
Silt
Clay
~ ·.
Left, comparing size differences between sand, silt, clay--types of soil fo~nd in·K~nt area (good for brewing); right, example of interbedding. Don Schjeldahl explains that, because of glacial activity, deep underground tunnels of sand and gravel were formed. This natural mixture provides excellent water filtering.
Fall 2023 2
Talks, from page 2
We're also working on stories about Kent's Black History, the Williams Brothers Mill, the famous Blue Gill dinner at Twin Lakes, Native Americans in Franklin Mills, the Silk/Alpaca Mill, and many more.
There are lots of stories to tell. According to Don Schjeldahl, "Kent is loaded with smart people." Doug adds, "Ifyou come to a Tap Talk, you'll likely learn something you didn't know before and you'll have a chance to sample some great beer."
Ifyou have an idea for a Tap Talk, or would like to research any aspect of Kent history, please contact Julie Kenworthy, KHS Director, or Doug Fuller at Kent Historical Society and Museum. We have lots of resources, can point you in the right direction, pair you with a capable speaker if you are shy, and help you create a Tap Talk that will not only spark conversation among your fellow Kentites, but will help point you in the right direction, pair you with a capable speaker if you are shy, and help you create a Tap Talk that will not only spark con-
At a Tap Talk in November, 2022, Chas Madonio (above, left, with microphone). local author of"Bars, Bands, and Rock 'n Roll," played to a full crowd. Find upcoming topics at https:1/northwaterbrewing.com/eventsltaptalksl or on KHS Facebook during the second week of each month.
Artifact Spotlight
By Bengt George
KHS StaffWriter Most Kent residents are familiar with the Masonic Center, the palatial brick building on West Main that serves as a destination for the city's Ghost Walk and regular flea markets. Well before its 1923 acquisition by the Rockton Masonic Lodge, the mansion had been constructed
in the early 1880s as Marvin Kent's home. While it belonged to the Kent family, the home was visited by multiple US Presidents, who stayed in the guest quarters still dubbed the "President's Room" today.
Photos ofthe Masonic Center can be seen in our Early Kent Room at the museum, but the attic holds other artifacts ofthe Masons.
This season we've chosen to feature two ofour ornate ceremonial swords, personalized for two notable figures from Kent history. These swords belonged to Hugo Birkner and Lincoln Garrett, evidenced by their engraved names on the blades and scabbards and initials emblazoned on the grips.
This type of sword was commonly presented to high-ranking members of Masonic organizations, used not as weapons, but symbolic representations versation among your fellow Kentites, but will help introduce many people to perfect beer.
Join us for Tap Talks, every third Thursday, at North Water Brewing, at 7 p.m.
of their importance to the order. Accompanying these swords is a portrait ofan unknown Mason wielding a similar sword, produced by popular 1870s and 1880s Kent photographer James Wark. The photo shows the kind of ceremonial dress and ornaments that complimented the decorative swords in Mason ceremonies.
More ofWark's work can be seen throughout our collections, including those hosted on our website.
Though these swords are not currently on display, they serve as beautiful
reminders ofKent's enduring history and the importance ofpreserving physical artifacts. As always, we invite all community members to visit our museum during public hours to experience our collections from all eras and corners ofKent society. Remember, our new public hours are Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fall 2023 3
KHS HOLIDAY -"OPEf4 HOUSE\
.SAVE
Saturday, the t>ATE December 2nd 10 AM to 1 PM
Carolers,
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;:. • ~••••
> •• • •
Modern, from page 1
in schools, offices, hospitals, and homes all over the world.
On June 29, we had the opportunity to bring together the KHS family, Kent State researchers and Kent Displays staff in celebration of the exhibit's opening.
in the community who serve as sources of
"living history," contributing to our mission-
ofpreservation on a constant basis. The exhibit can be seen alongside all our other displays during public hours on Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors can expect to see a variety of
LCI photographs
and documents,
including Doane's
official patents on
its technological
developments.
Below this, a large glass case shows the history of Kent Displays' products, from government projects to commercial prototypes to the affordable and accessible products they sell
today.
:..;..:___ _J
Exhibit contributors, families enjoy displays, mood rings and Boogie Boards. We've also aimed
Dr. Doane himself addressed attendees and shared his first-hand experiences through the events documented in Modern Vision. It's our great fortune to have people to make this our most interactive exhibit to date. There are Boogie Board products to test, mood rings (which contain liquid crystals) to take, and multiple videos
Modern Vision interactive exhibit includes videos, LCI photographs, Doane's official patents, video, Kent Displays' products and more to try.
explaining the science of liquid crystals to watch.
We'd like to thank all of our volunteers, our contacts at LCI and especially Kent Displays for their invaluable help in making this exhibit a reality.
Fall 2023
The Kent Historian, Newsletter of the Kent Historical Society, Volume 63, Fall 2008
No full textTHE KENT HISTORIAN
Newsletter of the Kent Historical Society
Fall 2008
Number 63
HISTORY FEATURE
Stately Stow Street House Prominent Landmark for 152 Years
A stately house on Stow Street in
Kent has figured prominently in
the developing history of the community
for at least 152 years. The home,
owned for the past 35 years by L.A.
Bachman, is one of the few surviving
landmarks of what once was known
as Kent's "lower village." Each day
thousands of motorists on Haymaker
Parkway, plus many more on Stow
Street, pass this old homestead. Probably
most of them are unmindful of
the prominent role this house has
played in Kent's history.
The exact year in which this
house was erected with bricks made,
o doubt, at the site, is ha zy. The la te
--.,/
The house is only a s tone's throw
from the site of the town' s first gri s t
mill, a crude affair built by the founding
Haymaker family in 1806 That
mill, plus other buildings which followed-
John Brown's tannery built in
1835 for Zenas Kent just west of the
Stow Street bridge and many other
historic businesses and homes-was
the central concern in the lower village'
s early beginnings.
As with other historic Portage
County sites, deeds to the property
date back to the Connecticut Land
Company. It is known that in 1817
George B. DePeyster and William H .
Price purchased 500 acres in that a rea,
The house at 326 Stow Street has been a prominent
landmark in Kent for more than 150 years.
including the Bachman house
site, from Jacob Reed. At that
time, the two entrepreneurs
improved the old Haymaker
mill and built a sawmill and
forge where they made
scythes, pitchforks, and axes.
Then in 1832, Zenas Kent and
David Ladd bought all of the
Price and DePeyster holding s
along the river for 65,000. That was in anticip ation
of Franklin Mills ' s ill-
Dudley Weaver, one of Portage
County' s most knowledgeable historians,
placed its construction year in
1834 in writings some years ago. He
said the house was built in that year
by Chauncey Beach, chief miller for
the Kent flouring mill that was built
by Zenas Kent in the 1830s along the
1.1yahoga River just north of the Riv-
Stow Street intersection. However,
Bachman says he was told m a ny
years ago that his house probably was
built about 1825.
fated silk business and the
coming in 1840 of the Pennsylvania
and Ohio Canal.
Probably Price's untimely death
influenced the sale of the land to Kent
and Ladd. In 1831 Price went to New
Lisbon, Ohio, to return a huge millstone
by horse and wagon. On the
way back, the millstone shifted and
fell on him. He died of his injurie s .
De Peyster was Kent's first postmaster,
receiving the appointment
from President James Monroe in 1820.
He operated the post office in his
Stow Street home, keeping the mail in
a cigar box. He also operated a store
in the basement of his home, and he
built the Lincoln Tavern, a stagecoach
hostlery which stood on the northwest
corner of Stow and South Mantua
Streets.
Apparently, Joseph and Elizabeth
Dyson were the next owners of the
old Stow Street property. Deeds in
Bachman' s possession indicate that
they sold to John H. and Henry A. Davis
of Palmyra in 1903. Frank H. Johnson,
who sold to Robert and Hannah
Dyson, also was an early owner, as
were J. H. and Rose Evans. Deeds indicate
that the property' s title passed
to Harry A. Davis a nd then to his sister,
Cora Bascom, in 1834, and eventually
to Philip and Reynolds Bascom.
For more than 30 years, the Davis
brothers, who were Palmyra sawmill
operators, maintained an antique
business in the old Stow Street house.
Bachman' s association with the
house goes hack to 1933. He lived
there, helping to care for Mrs. Bascom
in her declining years, and in 1951 he
and his wife, Irene, bought the property
from the Davis brothers .
Sec STOW, p. 6.
Inside ...
From the President's Desk ... . ... .... 2
KHS Programs . . .... . .. . . . . .. . . .. . 3
Family Information Sought .. .... .. . .. 3
World War I Artifacts Needed . . . .. . . 3
KHS Volunteer Spotlight ... . . ... . . . . 3
Thomas the Tank Train Donated . .... . 4
In Memoriam: Larry Hugenberg . . .... 4
From the President's Desk
Franklin Mills Artifact
T his newsletter features an article directly
from the book Portage Pathways
by Loris Troyer. Loris was a founding
member of the Kent Historical Society
as well as editor emeritus of the Ravenna-
Kent Record Courier. His popular
column of the sam e name formed the
basis of this wonderful book, which was
published by Kent State University Press
in 1998. We are happy to feature it in our
gift s hop, and we have a few already autographed
by Loris on sale now.
We decided to concentrate on the history
of the house on Summit Street that
serves as the centerpiece of the article because
it was once home to George DePeyster.
George was an important figure
in the early history of our community and
the history of our community, we
have never actually had any artifact in
the Museum that said "Franklin
Mills."
All of that recently changed when
we purchased a l etter (reproduced below)
that was postmarked Franklin Mills
and was signed by Geo B. DePeyster,
P.M. This letter, which is being archivally
restored and framed will soon be on display.
Its contents revolve around a piece
of land to be sold at what appears to be a
sheriff's sale. The letter is marked Franklin
Mills, March 8, 1831. It will become
our oldest artifact directly related to our
community's history. I can' t wait to see
the faces of the students next spring
when they visit the museum. Then we
served as the first postmaster
of Franklin Mills. To quote
from a section of Portage Pathways:
"Those acquainted with
Kent history are aware that
what is now Kent was known
as Franklin Mills almost from
the time of its settlement in
1805 until 1867 when residents
renamed the village
Kent as a tribute to the Kent
family. The name change was
executed in a ppreciation to the
family, particularly Marvin
This letter, postmarked Franklin Mills , was signed by Gov. B
Kent, for the community pros- DePeyster, P.M . The letter is dated March 8, 1831 , making
perity that resulted form the it the oldest artifact related to the community's history.
success in bringing the Atlan-tic
and Great Western Railroad and its
railroad s hops into the town.
"And for several years the upper village
(that area north of Cuyahoga Street)
was called Carthage. In 1825, that area
was platted and it was officially entered in
Portage County records as Carthage. The
name had only a brief existence, residents
apparently preferring the name Franklin
Mills for the entire community. Even
during the Carthage years, people in the
lower village in the Stow Street area still
dung to the Franklin Mills name. But in
one instance the name stuck; Carthage
Avenue still exists." (Note: I live o n Carthage
Avenue.)
Every yeai~ our s tude nt tours with
Kent third graders increasingly become
a more important part of our mission as
a his torical society. While we relate
2
can tell them that our town was once
called Franklin Mills and show them
the rare and valuable letter directly related
to local history. The letter will be
framed in such a way that its contents
will be visible and sealed. Most of the
artifacts in our collection have been
generously donated by interested families
who want to share a piece of their
local history with with the community.
This letter was purchased through a
donation from the Spindler family. We
thank them for their generosity.
If you would like to assist us as we
collect and archive our pieces of history,
please note that your donation to the
Kent Historical Society is welcome and
appreciated.
-S~evff.ale,m;
Kent Historical Society
THE KENT HISTORIAN is a quarterly
publication of the Kent Historical Society,
a nonprofit organization that strives to be
the primary Kent history resource and
reference center, leading the community
in the collection , preservation and interpretation
of Kent's heritage through exhibitions,
educational programs and activities.
The society brings educational
programs to schools , businesses and
civic organizations and collaborates with
the Main Street Kent and other historic
preservation projects in the community.
Board of Trustees
Sandra Halem, President
Dawn Carpenter, Vice President
Jack Amrhein, Treasurer
John Benedik
Howard Boyle
Scott Flynn
Audrey Cielinski Kessler
Pat Morton
Jim Myers
Carol Stroble
John Wunderle
Staff
Mary Ann Green , Administrator
Newsletter Staff
Audrey Cielinski Kessler, Editor
Museum Hours
Thursday: 11 a .m.-3 p.m.
Friday: 11 a .m.-3 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a .m.-2 p.m.
Groups and special tours
by appointment
Direct inquiries to
Kent Historical Society
P.O. Box 663
Kent , OH 44240
330/678-2712
[email protected]
www.kentohiohistory.org
Fall 2008
Tiffany Lamps, Politics, Campaign Buttons
Topics of Upcoming KHS Programs
~ As part of its series of forums on historical subjects about Kent and Portage
County, the Kent Historical Society will be hosting a talk by Linda D. Alexander
of Stow about her fourth cousin, Clara Wolcott Driscoll. Driscol was the
chief designer of the famous Tiffany lamps from 1888 to 1907. Alexander will
speak at 7 p.m. on September 17 at the Kent Free Library. The Wolcott family
founded Brimfield and Tallmadge and were prominent in Kent politics in the
late 1800s.
Alexander has spoken throughout the area at other historical societies. Alexander
will bring enthusiasm along with lamp replicas, pictures and genealogical
information. Light refreshments will be served. A short tour of the historic
Kent Free Library will be available.
On October 9, Alice McVetty-Vars will speak about politics and presidential
campaign buttons from a historical perspective at Kent Ridge at Golden Pond,
5241 Sunnybrook Road. The program begins at 7:30 p.m. McVetty-Vars is a nationally
recognized educator in public schools, a consultant to museums in the
eastern United States and Canada, and a curriculum and process writer for
schools and churches.
McVetty-Vars, a Kent resident since 1975 (formerly from Lexington, Kentucky,
Buffalo, New York, and Findlay, Ohio, where she grew up), will u se her
mounted collection of campaign badges from 1880 through 1996 as a backdrop
for asking the following questions: Why do we wear presidential badges? Why
do we collect presidential badges? Why and how can museums effectively enable
these badges to speak to us with historical significance? She will speak
about her family's memories of badge collecting, show examples of resource
naterials about presidential campaigns and give practical process-diagrams for
~ useum or personal use.
For more information about either event, call Mary Ann Green at
330 / 678-2712 or John Benedik at 330 / 677-0929.
Letter Writer Seeks Family Information
I n an e-mail to the Kent Histoical
Society, Marsha Braun writes:
"I am hoping you can help me. I
am looking for information on my
family. I had a great aunt who lived in
Kent. Her husband ran a restaurant in
Kent, and his name was Joe (Joseph)
Roberts. Her name was Lillie May ( or
May). I remember going to Kent but
do not remember the year. I think the
restaurant would have been operating
between the late '30s and early '50s.
Do you have any information of such
a place and, if so, would there be a
picture? Sincere thanks, Marsha Phallen
Braun, Vero Beach, Florida."
If you can help, contact the Kent
Historical Society.
Artifacts Needed for World War I Exhibit under Construction
Construction of the Kent Historical Society's World War I exhibit is
nearing completion, but additional artifacts and memorabilia are
needed . If you have any artifacts, photographs, family letters or
any other items from World War I in Kent during 1918, inclduing
the flu epidemic that year, please contact the Kent Historical Society
today . The artifacts are needed to help Derrick Ranostaj complete
his exhibit, which is set to open in November on the 90th anniversary
of the end of World War I on Armistice Day in 1918.
Fall 2008
Museum Gift Shop
Featured Item:
Vintage Aprons
H and-sewn vintage aprons are the
featured item from the Kent Historical
Society gift shop. Volunteer
April Bleakney wears one here, at left.
Historical Society volunteers make
each one with fine craft-smanship.
The aprons
come in a variety of
shapes and sizes,
from kids to grandmas.
If you would
like to share your
talents, call Mary
Ann at the society
office and become
part of our "sewin'
circle." We are think-ing
of having an evening
devoted to making
some vintage skirts
and shirts to wear during
the Kent Heritage
Festival and for other
important occasions.
KHS Volunteers
in the Spotlight
V olunteers in the spotlight for the
summer are Anita Foote (top)
and Marilyn Cox (bottom) .
" I enjoy coming
here to share
Kent's history with
the kids. I love going
through the
[family archive]
boxes and discovering
new facts or
reading about
people from the
community."
"I like knowing
I'm helping keep
the history of
Kent so others
will enjoy it in the
years to come.
There is a lot of
good history from
the Cuyahoga
and Native Americans
to the canal
and railroads ."
3
STOW
Continued from p. 1
Originally an Akron resident, Bachman worked for
General Tire, Davey Tree, arborist Sam Parmenter, the
Twin Coach Company, and Fageol Products, before retiring
from Kent State University.
Bachman's wife died in 1968. Today [1998] he occupies
an apartment on the west side of the house and his
daughter, Margaret Humbert, and her three children reside
in the east side. All together, the house has ten rooms.
For Bachman, the house is a treasure trove of memories.
His affection for the house and its one-acre, well-wooded
lot runs deep. And for Kent, the property stands as a stately
reminder of its early days. [The current owner of the
house, the Weigels, purchased the house in 1992.]
Source: This article is a verbatim excerpt f rom Portage Pathways by
Loris Troy er (Kent State University Press, 1998 ). Th e book is available
at the Historical Society 's g ift shop. Th e co st is $20.
5n .!ltenuPdam.· Pauv ~
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. : extend6 U6 deep~t l}tpnpat/ik✓., to. S .fwvuf' /} ~, 91Wt&vta, and fzi., family,.
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'
Kent Historical Society
P.O. Box 663
Kent, OH 44240
Thomas the Tank Train
Donated to Historical Society
T hanks to Connor Gynn, the Kent Historical Society
has a new addition to its Children's Activity Room.
Thomas the Tank train made a permanent stop there recently
when Connor ' s parents, Bob and Carrie Gynn, donated
the train set. Connor helped to assemble the train at
its new home.
This gift comes complete with table, train and track
as well as lots of things that kids can play with when they
A smiling Connor Gynn stands
beside the Thomas the Tank
train set, which he helped assemble.
The set was donated
by his parents, Bob and Carrie
Gynn.
visit the museum. Families
can view the HO-scale model
of Kent in the Wunderle Train
Room and move next door for
activities that include reading
books about trains and canals,
coloring, completing projects
in activity books and, now a
train set.
Thanks to the G ynn' s for
their generosity and to for
Connor for his help in supervising
its move to the Kent
Historical Society. Now children
of all ages can have fun
with trains, a mode of transportation
that helped the area
grow.
Nonprofit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Kent, OH
Permit #150
Kent Historical Society-Where History Comes Alive!
4 Fall 200
The Kent Historian, Newsletter of the Kent Historical Society, Volume 64, Winter 2008
No full textTHE KENT HISTORIAN
Newsletter of the Kent Historical Society
HISTORY FEATURE
Winter 2008
Number 64
Kent Grows, Changes During the' Great War' of Early 1900s
In 1916, the village of Kent was already
growing. As noted in Karl H.
Grismer' s The History of Kent, he
writes: "The entrance of the United
States into the World War found Kent
well started on the most prosperous
period of its history. The growth was
due almost entirely to three thingsthe
Kent State Normal School, by
then, well established; the Erie shops,
which were employing more men
than ever before,
and the
Mason Tire
and Rubber
Compa-ny
... which
spnng into
existence almost
overnight
and flourished
Kent grew, and
grew rapidly."
On
April 6, 1917,
the United
States declared
war on Germany, and Kent, like the
rest of the country, was swept up in
the war. "Within two weeks after war
was declared, 23 Kent men enlisted in
the 10th Regiment of the Ohio National
Guard. There were: Frank W.
Elgin, Kennerdell E. George, KM.
Hass, John H. Jones, J.W. Lackey, Max
M. Miller, George H. Moon, George
W. Myers, B.J. Sawyer, W. A. Simpson,
I.W. Shanafelt, G.E. Shanley, W.F.
Myers, H.C. Strayer, F.W. Ferry, C.J.
Weideman, H.P. Boak,C. A. O'Connor,
C. C. Cannon, Claude Davis, Ralph
'.. Hawk, H.E. Swarthout, and H.D.
~ ilt. A camp was established at
Brady Lake where many of the men
trained until they left for Camp Sheri-dan,
at Montgomery, Ala., on Sunday
morning, September 16, 1917."
Many war-bond drives were organized
from 1917 until the end of
the war in 1918. Every war loan was
quickly "oversubscribed and every
call made by the Red Cross was answered
generously. Kent meticulously
observed the 'heatless days,' the
'meatless days,' and the 'breadless
days,' and when sugar and coal were
rationed, no one grumbled. The only
concern was: 'Bring the boys back
safely-and quickly.'"
Many young men from Kent were
either drafted into the Army or volunteered
to serve. These young men
were given the nickname "our boys"
by the local newspapers, which included
The Kent Tribune, the Portage
County Democrat, and the Ravenna Republican.
The latter often published
some of the letters the soldiers wrote
to their families back home.
"On June 5, 1917, 726 Kent men
were registered for the draft. The first
contingent left for Camp Sherman, at
Chillicothe, [Ohio], on Thursday, Sept.
20. Thereafter, hardly a month passed
until the end of the war without more
men leaving to enter the service.
"The tragedy of the war was first
brought home to the Kent people
when it was reported that Clinton Allen,
a graduate of the Kent high
school, was injured in France on June
4, 1918. From then on, the casualty
lists were read with the greatest
dread-no family knew when it
would learn that it had lost a son, a
brother, or friend." Word of a local
soldier's death would often be frontpage
news, and letters from soldiers
became regular features.
The Kent Historical Society's new
exhibit on the "Great War" features
the personal effects of local Kent soldiers
Roscoe Hahn, James Apple and
Luther Parmelee. In 1917, Ravenna
would establish a training facility for
the American Red Cross. Many young
women would train to become
nurses. Some, like Kent librarian Nellie
Dingley, volunteered to serve as a
nurse in France.
Kent, like the rest of the world,
also suffered the effects of the worldwide
influenza epidemic, or Spanish
flu. In October 1918, a small influenza
outbreak caused the Kent schools to
be closed for a month.
As the war wound down, news of
its impending armistice continued at
home and to the troops overseas.
"Then came the false armistice, on
Nov. 8, 1918. Kent, like the rest of the
nation, celebrated with the wildest
abandon. Every whistle in town was
blown--bells were rung-work was
forgotten. Until late at night the downtown
section was thronged with celebrants.
Everyone was determined to
have a good time-and everyone did.
Verification of reports that the
Nov. 8th armistice was only a newspaperman's
blunder came like a sickening
blow. The town, which had ris-
See WAR, p. 4.
Inside ...
Christensen Foundation Grant .... .. . . 2
Loris Troyer Honored .. ... . . . . ..... 2
Gift Shop Featured Item .. ..... ...... 3
Kent Historian First Anniversary .. ..... 3
94 Club ....... .. .... .. ........ . .. 3
New KHS Building Sign .. . . . . . ...... 4
All About Kent Speaker Series ..... . .. 4
KHS Receives Christensen Foundation
Grantfor'School Days' Project
T he Henry V. and Frances W.
Christensen Foundation has
awarded the Kent Historical Society
a 2,280 grant to help fund a project
titled "School Days: Kent, Ohio," an
audiovideo/Web site and oral history
project about life in the Kent schools.
The project will include video
oral histories with Kent's senior citizens
on what their life was like when
they were in school, including their
experiences during important events
in the community. This valuable resource
is part of the Historical Society's
commitment to helping students
understand their heritage as well as
bridging the generations from children
to seniors.
The Historical Society has made
education a priority. Each spring the
third-grade students in Kent schools
study local Kent history, which includes
a tour of the Historical Society
museum and a chance to see the DVD
"Kent: The Early Years." The grant will
help purchase a new video and digital
camera as well as enhancing the Historical
Society's Web site featuring excerpts
from the museum's collection.
If you would like to help with this
project by contributing an oral history,
call the Historical Society office for an
appointment. Of particular interest are
Union/ Central, Longcoy, Holden,
Franklin, Walls, Davey, Roosevelt, St.
Patrick's, South, University and DePeyster
schools. If you have any personal
photographs, documents or newspaper
articles you would like to add to
the project, these items can be scanned
and the originals returned to you.
The Historical Society is very
grateful to the Christensen Foundation
for its past assistance in funding
the museum's second-floor Children's
Learning Center as well as helping to
upgrade the building's fire and security
systems.
Friends Gather to Honor Loris Troyer
0 n a cold winter day in early
December, nearly 40
friends braved the snow for the
official dedication of the Loris C.
Troyer Library & Archives at the
Kent Historical Society museum.
Troyer and his wife, Laura,
greeted guests in the Visitors
Room.
Board President Sandy Halem
earlier had presented Troyer
with the proclamation naming
the Archives & Library in his
honor at his home on his 94th
birthday, October 11, 2008.
Troyer was one of the Kent Historical Society President Sandy Halem pre-founding
board members of the sents the library-and-archives dedication proclamation
Historical Society and has ac- to Loris Troyer.
tively promoted the preservation of local history throughout his life. As editor
emeritus of the Record-Courier, Troyer began writing his weekly "Portage Pathways"
columns, which later became the basis of the book Portage Pathways, published
by the Kent State University Press in 1998. This wonderful compilation of
more than 140 of his most memorable essays and illustrated with historical
photographs is available at the Historical Society's Museum Gift Shop. To help
support the library and archives with a donation, see the related article on page 3.
2
Kent Historical Society
THE KENT HISTORIAN is a quarterly
publication of the Kent Historical Society,
a nonprofit organization that strives to be
the primary Kent history resource and
reference center, leading the community
in the collection, preservation and interpretation
of Kent's heritage through exhibitions,
educational programs and activities.
The society brings educational
programs to schools, businesses and
civic organizations and collaborates with
the Main Street Kent and other historic
preservation projects in the community.
Board of Trustees
Sandra Halem, President
Jack Amrhein, Treasurer
John Benedik
Howard Boyle
Scott Flynn
Audrey Cielinski Kessler
Matt Metcalf
Pat Morton
Jim Myers
Carol Stroble
John Wunderle
Staff
Mary Ann Green, Administrator
Newsletter Staff
Audrey Cielinski Kessler, Edita,
Museum Hours
Thursday: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Groups and special tours
by appointment
Direct inquiries to
Kent H lstorical Society
P.O. Box 663
Kent, OH 44240
330/678-2712
[email protected]
www.kentohiohistory.org
Winter 2009
Museum Gift Shop Featured Item:
Kent and the Great War, The Letters
ofLeoBietz
A few years ago, Dr. James Best, emeritus
professor of political science at Kent State
University, donated a collection of letters from
Leo Bietz. Bietz drove an ambulance in France in
what was known as the "great war." Bietz wrote
to his family in Kent, who had taken over his
role in running the Imperial Dry Oeaning Co.
without him. Bietz returned to Kent and became
Kent's postmaster (in the old post office located
next to the Kent Historical Society' s office on
South Water Street) as well as an active community
leader.
The letters in this book were transcribed
by Derrick Ranostaj, one of the Historical Soci-
, ety' s Kent State University's interns. Ranostaj' s
interest in World War I prompted the HistoriL,;,.,..-===
= === ==::;__;.._.., cal Society to help him create the society's
exhibit, Kent and the Great War, as well as this book. Volunteer Henry Halem
created the book design and helped guide this wonderful little piece of history to
publication. As you will note, it is the first book published under the Kent Historical
Society Press.
Stephen H. Paschen, university archivist at Kent State, described the book:
"The World War I letters of Leo Bietz provide not only a rare glimpse of an Amer-
--.__.Acan soldier's experiences in wartime but also a snapshot of life in and around
Kent, Ohio, during 1918 and 1919. A fascinating collection of letters Leo wrote to
family and friends back home is accompanied by letters he received providing
the precious news of goings-on in Kent. His letters convey some of the profound
awe he experienced as the dramatic global conflict drew to a climax. But the true
significance of this collection is personal history. The First World War is viewed
through the eyes of one individual and those who knew him. These letters, a
collection preserved by the Kent Historical Society, reveal much of what Kent and
its people experienced during a war that changed the face of the world."
Kent and the Great War, The Letters of Leo Bietz, (Kent Historical Society Press, 143
pages, 15, ISBN 9781607251743); transcribed by Derrick Ranostaj.
The Kent Historian Celebrates Its First Year
F our seasons have passed since the
Kent Historical Society launched
its new quarterly newsletter, The Kent
Historian. Thanks for all of your positive
responses. We especially appreciate
our board member, Audrey Cielinski
Kessler, who volunteers as our
editor and layout specialist.
This Winter 2009 issue features a
special insert by Dr. John Jacobs. Ja:
obs is not only well known in the
---.._../community for his long history of service
as a caring physician, but he also
is a consummate professional who
Winter 2009
has helped the Historical Society archive
thousands of photographs. He
and his wife Jean have helped with
identifying the many "anonymous"
photographs in the Historical Society's
archives.
If you have some local history
you would like to research or a personal
or family story to share, please let
us know. For any photos you want to
donate, please identify the people in
the picture and the location and date
the picture was taken. The photos will
be scanned and the orginals returned.
'94 Club' to Fund
Loris C. Troyer
Library & Archives
H ave you joined the "94 Oub"
yet? You can help create a lasting
legacy for the Kent Historical Society
archives. The Historical Society started
the "94 Oub" to honor Loris C. Troyer
on his 94th birthday and to maintain
the organization's growing library and
archives.
The names of those contributing
$94 for a listing will be added to a
plaque in the library, and a DVD of
the dedication will be sent to all donors.
If you would like to contribute,
send your tax-deductible contribution
to the Historical Society or call Mary
Ann Green for credit-card orders.
Contributors will be listed in the
spring newsletter.
KHS Volunteers
in the Spotlight
V olunteers in the spotlight for the
winter are Christy Schjeldahl
(top) and Betty Sweet (bottom).
"I look forward
to my
time each
month at the
KHS. As a
transplant to
Ohio from
Minnesota
and Michigan
, I find it
a great way to become acquainted and appreciative
of Kent's history. I enjoy working with
Mary Ann [KHS administrator], who is so positive
and encouraging. I thank Betty Sweet,
who encouraged me to volunteer."
"After my
husband
Richard's
death in
2005, I discovered
the
Kent Historical
Society.
The people I
met were
very upbeat and caring. Mary Ann had a
friendly way of keeping me busy. I have been
living in Kent since 1957, so I do feel at
home here. Every time I volunteer, I learn
more about Kent's great heritage.
3
WAR
Continued from p. 1
en to the pinnacles of ecstasy, sank into the depths of
gloom. But not for long. The real armistice came on November
11, and this time the people waited until the afternoon
to celebrate. Mayor (Martin) Davey, Dr. J. H. Hull
and Dr. M.J. Slutz addressed a crowd which gathered at
the public square. A parade formed, which was headed by
E.O. Carlin's hearse, in which there was an effigy of the
Kaiser. The band played, the fire trucks fell into line, and
so did scores of automobiles and hundreds of celebrants
who walked. Later, part of the procession went on to Ravenna
to show that town how Kent greeted the fall of
Prussian militarism."
The Historical Society hop·es its exhibit will give the
viewer a sense of how that World War I affected Kent and
the men and women who served the country and the Kent
community.
Source: This article is a verbatim excerpt from The History of Kent by
Karl H. Grismer, Chapter XI (pages 109-110), copyright 1932.
Welcome 2009! The Kent Historical Society
has a new sign in front of the Society
office at 234 S. Water Street to welcome
visitors and give the hours the office
is open to the public . Remember
that tours for grou. s can always he
scheduled by appointment.
Kent Historical Society
P.O. Box 663
Kent, OH 44240
KHS Announces 2009 'All
About Kent' Speaker Series
'--"' T he first speaker in the Kent Historical Society's 2009
All About Kent Speaker Series is Portage County historian
Wayne Enders. His presentation will begin at 7 p.m.
on February 9 at the historic Marvin Kent residence, now
home of the Masonic Center ( corner of Mantua and West
Main streets). Enders will present highlights of people
and events in Kent and Portage County between 1850 and
1900. When he spoke as part of the series last year, Enders
talked about people and events prior to 1850.
Enders, a lifelong resident of Ravenna Township, is
the author of Connecticut Western Reserve, State of Ohio,
County of Portage Timeline 1669-2007. Copies of the book
will be available and will be signed by the author.
Guests will be met at the front door by Marvin and
Maria Kent (portrayed by Bruce and Nancy Hansford). On
behalf of the Rockton Lodge 316, they will provide a tour
of their former home along with members of the Portage
County Historical Society, also in period costumes. Jeffrey
Jones will play period music on a dulcimer. Pictures of a
sleigh once owned by the Kent family and reconstructed
by the Portage County Historical Society will be on display
along with archival photos from the period assembled
from the KHS archives by John and Jean Jacobs.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be
served. For more informatio:1, caB the KI-IS office.
Nonprofit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Kent, OH
Permit #150
Kent Historical Society-Where History Comes Alive!
4 Winter 200
Kent State Scrapbook 1920s and 1930s
No full textScrapbook containing items from Kent State University from the 1920s and 1930s. Also included is the university name of Kent State Normal College. Includes early commencement programs and photographs.FAIR KENT STATE
By MARIE F. KULOW, 1923
Tune: "'Believe me, if all those endearing young charms."
Fair Kent State, we· re singing our praises to you,
We students who've known you so long,
We believe in you, love you;
We know you will prove
Everything that is noble and strong.
For these few short years
We've lived with you here,
We've labored, we've played, we ve been free:
And now to you, dear Alma Mater, we raise,
We raise up our voices to thee.
With the rise of each morn,
And the set of each sun,
We pledge our allegiance anew;
The hills and the woodlands re-echo our praise;
Kent State, we are honoring you.
Tho' ties may be severed, and knowledge forgot,
Alma Mater, our faith will be true;
As the swallows will ever come back to their nests,
Fair Kent State, we'll come back to you.
PROCESSIONAL.
Ruth Hartlerode.
~t; ~ ~-~l_---=~~~~-==#.r!+~==M~=~~
~ -r-• - r---.1- y · r-r-~ -1----?:•--r-- - .-- •----
voic - es tiow we raise; We sing each one, Kei1t Nor - m11l, Deep
place in Mem' - ry's halls, Of Loy - al - t.y, Kent Nor - mal, En-aft
- er ,years we'll yearn To speed the day the fu - ture Holds
I 1 ~ J -D-F-==,-----1-~--"-- -~~-tt~J=l I~~---.-•-- -r=i-s==-=~:_:rl======G'j-~-== -- • '=:1 r--r- -~--r : ti -• I 9---- i r -r.
l~==#=--=&J~=t~~;;g i I i+,_f=L~~i==~~
~8- -•-:_;• ·r ctt ~ -•· ·•-.. -------..
-heart-felt word~ of praise. With love we'll e'er re - vere you, With pride we'll speak your
d11r- ing as your walls. Firm bonds of love and friendship Will bind us close tu
II _ forth for our re - turn. A - gain we'll tread your pathways, Once more we'll view your
~==ft=--i4 if&BF~bhJtW1t~•t ~ !=l ~ ..- -r ... .. d.
name,
you,
walls,
"
cresc. I _ l i
With· joy - ous-ness. we'll cher - ish
These bonds we ne'er will sev - er,
Re - gret will mark our part - ing,
The splen - dor of your fame.
Each day will find them true.
When_ 110 - ble du • ty calls .
. r=P 1al
R. E . MANCHESTl!R.
lo strict march time.
I. We'll sing to Kent. We'll siog to state
z. We'll Jell for Keot. We'll yelf for state s. We'll fight for Keat. We'llfigllt for state
toy-al
Joy- al
toy- al
our sing-er
our yell-er
our fight- er
Buck-eye men
Buck-eye meu
Buck-eye men
8
full of
full of
full of
8
sing,
,rel!,
f,gbt,
We'll aiog to
We'll yell tor
We'll figbt for
0. We'll
0, We'll
O. We'll
8 8 8
KATHLEEN BOYD-21
We'll siof to Col-lege
We'll ;rel for Col-lege
We'll figllt for Col - lege
And
Aud
And
wom-eu, brave aufl
wom-eu brave and
wom-eu brave aud
Wher-ev -er
Wber-ev- er
'l\'ber- ev - er
we may
v.•~ may
we may
We'll sing to
We'll yell for
We'll fight for
0
0
0
8
too.
too.
too.
true.
true•
true.
r...
Copyrigbt
-
~ THIRD cANNUAL
li{ ~ n1 ?f.r conirin« 1 I1I .~ Din mHeIt' .'
IN THE 8v!ASONIC TEMPLE, CLEVELA
ND, OHIO :: cAT FIVE O'CLOCK
FRIDAY, OCTOBc<RT._W ENTY-EHJHT
W,__INETEENTW ENTY-OW,__£
• ~
L·===·~ •
....
"Ohio"
Our Profession Ansalen Cobbs
Co-operation Prof. C. S. Van Deusen
Loyalty Miss Lucile Hillis
From Far Away . Miss May H. Prentice
Our Alumni Mr. Gordon De Witt
Our Future . President J. E. McGilvrey
" Processional "
0-H-1-0
R. E. MAl!ICHESTBR.
In strict march time.
Keat. We'll siag to state
Keat. We'll yelf for state
Kent. We'll figbt for state
loy -al
loy- al
loy- al
Buck-eye men
Buck-eye men
Buck-eye men
We'll aing to
We'll yell tor
Wo'll figtlt for
8 8
full of sing,
full of yelT,
full of fight,
0. We'll
0, We'll
0- We'll
fl
KATHLEEN BOYD-21
We'll sinf to Col-lege
We'll yel for Col-lege
We'll fight for Col-lege
And wom-eo.,
And wom-en
And wom-eo
brave aad
brave and
brave aud
too.
too.
too.
true.
true.
truo.
Wber-ev - er we may go,
Wher- ev - er we may go,
Wber-ev-er we may go,
We'll sing to
We'll 7ell for
We'll f1gbt for
8
0 g
Copyri&tlit
•
JArnt ~tate ftormal ~ollege
NINTH ANNUAL
COMMENCEMENT
J[ull! t!)e Wwentl!•oixt!), Jl'linetern [Qunllren ann Wlllentl!•tlllo
<!College aunttotf um
PROGRAM
March of Graduating Class.
Invocation.
Doxology.
Processional _____________________________ Ruth Hartlerode Bentley
Piano (a) En Automne ____________ ·---··············Moszkowski
(b) Chant d' Amour ........... -····· ............ Stojowski
(c) Dance of Gnomes ........ - ....................... Liszt
Alma Schirmer
Violin (a) On Wings of Song .................. Mendelssohn•Aver
(b) Spanish Dance ...... -·•···-····· .............. Rehfeld
Howard deGant
Address ...................................... Dr. Carroll R. Reed
Superintendent of Schools, Akron, Ohio.
Piano. The Etudes Op. 10, Nos. 6, 12 ..................... Chopin
Alma Schirmer
Violin (a) Ave Mari a ........................ Schubert-Wilhelmj
(b) From the Brake ............................... Gardner
Howard deGant
Presentation of Diplomas ............ President John E. McGilvrey
Conferring of Degrees
The Star Spangled Banner
God Be With You Until We Meet Again
The Senior Cl~s
of the
Kent St3..te C0Ue3e
z,..rmounces their
CommetJcement E.:icercises
Tuursd.,,.y,July the nineteenth
JYineteen hundred Z>..tJtdw e1Jtythree
z,..t eight o'clock
College Auditorium
•
~ent ~tatr ftormal <lCollege
TENTH AININUAIL
COMMIENCIEMENT
]Ul1! tbr ntnetuntb. ntnrtem bun'tlttll tturnt~•tbtre
<ll:icil)t o'clock IJ:). S@.
<!Colleg~eu n itorium
PROGRAM
March of Graduating Class.
Invocation______ _____________ ___ _ _______ Rev. J. H. Dobbyn
Doxology
Processional __________________________R_u_th Ha1·tlerode Bentley
Voice
a. King of the Winds ---·-------------------------David
b. Mighty Lak a Rose -------··----·--·-··----Neidlinger
c. Beloved, It Is Morn ...... ·---------·· ........ Alyward
Mr. Frederick True.
God of Our Fathers __ .. _. ___ ·-·- -···· ·-····.---··------Warren
To Thee, 0 Country-··--- _______·- - __. _____.- ·--- ... -··- Eichberg
Chorus
Address_ ... --·---·-·-··-Glenn Frank, Editor, Century Magazine
Voice
a. Invictus --------------------------·---·--· -·-··-Huhn
b. A Memory --------------·-----------------------Ganz
c. Lift Up Thine Eyes --····- .. ········----·-····--Logan
Mr. Frederick True.
Presentation of Diploma and Degrees ___ .Pres. John E. McGilvrey
Benediction. God Be With You.
I
©tatluate~
<fltmmtarp ~iploma~
Esther May Arn
Anna M. Baird
Helen Lenora Baker
Ethel Marie Balson
Lois Evelyn Barker
Frances Barnes
Hazel L. Bauder
Harriet Lanning ,
Audrey Lucille Becker
Anna Gayle Berry
Susie Mae Bleadingheiser
Berniece Alcox Braucher
Nettie Brink
Lela May Brookshire
Anna L. Burns
Hazel Albertine Corbett
Louise E. Decker
Hattie Helen Dunlap
Elsie May Eddy
Lucille May Esch\iman
Mabel Frase
Esther L. Gibson
Florence Katherine Golde
Mildred Nancy Graham
Ina L. Griffin
Clyde Hake
Eva Pearl Hassler
Martha B. Hindman
lmsie B. -Hodes -
Cora Riley Horwell
Mary Jane Hughes
Ethel May Johnson
Ethel Mae Jones
Anna Margaret Keener
Margaret Roosevelt Kenaston
Maude Lucille King
Wilm. T ,. Kirkbride
Minn; ...::arolyn Kulow
Lucille Marie Lyons
Inez Mae McCollum
M. Ethel Mccutcheon
Jane Margaret McGuire
Katherine Agnes McGuire
Helen M. Mayne
Florence M. Mehnert
Pearl Amanda Mohr
L. Janice Moore
Elsie Lillian Nash
Lucile Margaret Patterson
Charlotte Payne
Helen E. Perry
Ardis Marie Pfile
Christine Pitkin
Lydia Elizabeth Poley
Stella L. Potschner
Thelma Ruth Proehl
AuVergne Geneve Proper
Hazel M. Reisinger
Rose Rinkoski
Marie Jeannette Roetzel
Bertha Helen Rogers
Willis Ross Root
Rebecca Margaret Rothstein
Grace Lillian Roxbury
Cletus Scheetz
Lyle Delano Shatto
Alice Fern Siegfried
Dora Saima Simukka
Erl~ar William Slough
Elsie May Sohnlein
Saima Marie Sopanen
Blanche S. Stall
Blanche Verena Stauffer
Hazel Louise Stilgenbauer
Eva Sarah Thomas
Bertha Thone
Lillian Leona Timmins
HeTeri M. Turner -
Mattie A. Warner
Vinnietta Jeannette Warner
Gle'l'ina 1-1. Wickert --
Alma Marie Zinning(lr
~ptcfal ~iploma~ in ~omt <fconomfc~
May Gladys Cowdery Edith Meyer Harriet Mae Spinneweber
<!tanninstes for §pedal lDiplomas in 11.)om(e[l ;conomici!g,u C!,3 1, 1923
Ida Florence Critz Naomi Wise
Esther Wattleworth Winnigene Wood
~ptcial ~iploma in £@anual 1<[.raintng
Clyde C. Steele
<!tanninate for ~pedal lDiploma in ~anual ~rainine1, guC!, 31, 1923
Harold W. T~on
15. ~. ~tgree tn <ftmcation
M.A. Shook
~anlJilJatt~ tor <fltmmtarp ~iploma~
\IU(!IISt 31, 1923,
Ruth G. Alspaug
Ruth E. Amos
Bernadette JuRe Arnold
Pearl Arnold
Sophia Bachman
Iva M. Badger
Thelma Barker
Helen E. Bates
Ada G. Bauman
Katht·yn Baughman
Bauschlinger
Irma Beale
Edna Beard
Florence Beaty
Andrew Beechy
Anna Berman
Jessie 0. Billeter
Lucien C. Black
Glennetta Booth
Nora Bowser
Hazel M. Brandt
Helen Bremer
Winona Breyley
Myrtle Mae Bucklew
Ruth Carlson
Hazel Chubb
Mable M. Crubaugh
Margaret Cully
Laura L. Davis
Bessie Dildine
Mary Doyle
Mildred Edwards
M. Ruth Erwin
Bina E. Evans
Eda Fett'!s
Esther Flock
Letha N. Foust
Jean Fowler
Zelda Fry
Bunice G. Ganyard
Hilda Geddert
Ellen E. Geer
Myrtle Gibbs
Fannie Hamalain
Emma B. Hamilton
Daisy May Harper
Laverne Harrison
Zelma F. Harter
Esther R. Hartford
Gwendoline Hartzell
Ina Ruth Hawke
Mary Highberger
Gladys Mildred Hoff
Carrie B. Hutzell
Mary Helen Justice
Nora Nell Kinsey
Ida Marie Kraft
Eleanor Krauss .... '
Mrs. Helen LaBord 1 :>.
Helen E. Ladd
Frances Langhorst
Ethel Alvira Lennig
Edna K. Limbacher
Marion Long
N. E. O. T. A. BANQUET SON \i S
CHEER FOR KENT
Hearts and voices all united,
Cheer for Kent!
Let the echoes ring in answer,
Cheer for Kent!
Square our shoulders. lift our faces,
\\'c arc in our proper places,
KEN Tl
Cheer for Kent!
Join us, all together, in a
Cheer for Kent!
Tho the coming years may take us
Far from Kent,
Younger hearts will fill our places
Herc in Kent.
Tho the voice and step may .falter,
There's a word that none can alter
KENT!
Cheer for Kent!
Every loyal voice will answer
Cheer for Kent.
KENT STATE
h: cnt State College is set en a hill,-
To win to her door you must climb with a
will.
:\ 11d K.ent State Hill is wcariful long,Hut
we trudge on together, a glad-hearted
throng.
Climbing the hill at Kent.
Kent State portal is open wide;
You've made the grade and you're safe
inside;-
There's a clarion call to 111:tiden and youth,
For now is the time you begin. in truth,
Climbing the hill at Kent.
For. hills of the earth or hills of the soul.
It is all the same. for they take their toll,
One of the body and one of the mind,
:\nd the summit is hard to gain. we find.
Climbing the hill at Kent.
But keep a-stepping. and first you know.
You arc u1> on top where the cool wind~ blow
Below. farstrctched. lies a wonderful view
.\nd glad arc the c~·cs and the heart of you
That you climbed the hill at Kent.
\\'c'II yell for loyal Bucke.re men
.\nd women. brave and true.
\\'e'II keep our yeller full of yell,
\Vhcrccvcr we may go,
We'll yell ,for 0, We'll yell for Hi
We'll yell for O - Hi - 0.
\\'c'II fight for Kent,
\\'e'II fight for State
\\' c'II fight .for College, too.
We'll fight for loyal Buckeye men
And women. brave and true.
\\'e'll kce1> ou,· fighter full of ,fight,
\ \'hcrcevcr we may go,
\\'e'll fight for 0, \'\le'll fight .for Hi
We'll fight for O - Hi - 0.
PROCESSIONAL
1 n joyous song, Kent College,
Our ,·oiccs now we raise:
\\'c sing each one. Kent College
Deep heart-felt words of praise.
\\lith love we'll e'er revere you,
\\'ith pride we'll speak your name;
\\'ith joyousness we'll cherish
The splendor of your fame.
A halo bright. Kent College,
\\'c place in Niem'ry's halls.
Of loyalty. Kent College,
Enduring as your walls.
Firm bonds of love and friendship
\\'ill hind us close to you,
These honds we ne'er will sever,
t:ach day will find them true.
Although we leave your campus,
1 n after years we'll yearn
To speed the day the future
Holds forth for our return.
.\i;(ain we'll tread your pathways,
Once more we'll view your walls.
Regret will mark our parting
\\'hen noble duty calls.
PERFECT DAY
\\'hen you come to the end of a per.feet clay,
.\nd yon sit alone with your thoughts.
\\'hile the chimes ring out with a carol gay
OHIO For the joy that the clay has brought.
\\'e'II sing to Kent, Do you think what the encl of a perfect day
\N'c'll sing to State. Can mean to a tired heart
\\'e'll sing 10 College. too. \\'lwn the sun goes down with a flaming ray
\\'c'II sing to loyal Buckeye men \nd the dear friends have to part?
And women. brave and true. \\'e'I. this is the end of a perfect day,
\\'c'll keep our singer full of sing. ~car the end of a journey. too:
vVhercevcr we 111ay go, ft leaves a thought that is big and strong
\N'e'II sing to 0, we'll sing to JTi \\'ith a wi~h that is kind and true.
\Vc'll sing to O - Hi - 0. For memory has painted that perfect clay
\Ve'll yell for Kent, \\'ith colors that never fade.
\\'e'l! yell for State .\nd we find at the end of a per,feet day.
\Ve'II yell for Colleg~, too. The soul of a friend wc'\'C made. _....;;....:,_~------..:...:.:.:........::;..:;.;....;.;_;;,..:..;....=::.....;.:..::....;~=~'
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THE KENTON IAN
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KENT STATE NORMAL COLLEGE
The State College of Northeastern. Ohio
Two Year Course Four Year Course
leading to the Diploma and State lending to the Bachelor or Science
Life Certificale for Teaching- Degree in Educalion
in the Elemenlary Schools
DEPARTMENTS
Mathemalics Educr,1iou
Foreign Languages
Reading and Expression
llome Economics
Kindergnrlcn
Manual Training-
!Vlusic.
SurveyingHis1or~•
Ari
Geography
Agriculture
Physics
Chcmis1ry
Social Science
Physical Educalion
rail Quar1er beginning October J, J923
f.or catalog write,
PRESIDENT J. K McGILVREY.
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THE KENTON IAN
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AUTOGRAPHS
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KENT STATE NORMAL COLLEGE, KENT, OHIO, 1922.
THE FACULTY AT CHAPEL
They sit on the chapel platform
And never smile, you see;
For while they've a sense of humor
They're the K. S. N .. C. Faculty.
They must make a pretense of singing
Though they can't tell A from G,
They must follow churches ragtime.
Because they're the Faculty.
They cannot sit down at prayer,
Though tired as they can be,
For they can't "sit" a good example
They're the Kent State Faculty. '
D'yu know, a new Dean's come to our
school to stay,
To make us act just like we should and
brush gay times away;
An· shoo the men right off the porch,·
and make us go and sleep,
And study till we're nearly dead-and
all her long rules keep.
And all the other college folks, when
their dull class is done,
They go and ride 'bout everywhere
and has the mostest fun I
But better listen to the rules that Kent
State has about-
Or the Dean'll git you
Ef you
Don't
Watch
Out!
An' one time a little girl 'ud allus laugh
an grin,
An' make fun of all the rules and tilt
up high her chin;
An' onc't, when she had "company,"
and no one else was there, t"
She went automobile riding, an' said
she didn't care!
An' jist as she climbed in the car and
couldn't run an' hide-
There was the verv Dean herself
a-standin' by her side,
An' she snatched her to the office 'fore
she knowed what she's about!
An' the Dean'll git you
Ef you
Don't
Watch
Out! -8. P.
Rotarians Listen
To Songs by Girl~
The Rotary hear.cl songs galore
Tues.day noon. President J. E. McGilv1
·ey, of the Normal, brought a
.ctoze:1 gi ,·Is from the school on the
hill antd they sang their ~vay into the
hearts of the Rotarian~. presenting
chornses and solos in liberal number
an.d splcnd Ld style. With pretiident
and vice president both ~vay, M.r. McGilvrey
preside.cl. Mr. Davey asked
help in the way of a place for a class
of 100 young men to recite s'hould the
'company bring them here. They
!
,would spen,d from 40,000
in the town. Mr. McGilvrey sai,d per- ,
haps provisions could be made at the
Normal college. There 1was a rous-
1
ing vote of thanks given the young
ladi~s tor their rendition of songs. \
Gold and Blue
Juniors, Seniors, College students,
All together, we
Shout aloud her glorious praises,
Hail to K. N. C!
CHORUS
KentState Normal, Kent State Normal,
K. N. C. for me;
She's the pride of all Ohio,
Hail to K. N. C I
Boost the college on the hilltop;
Loyal thru and thru;
Shout aloud her glorious praises,
Cheer the gold and blue.
"IN A FRIENDLY SORT 0' WAY"
When a man ain't got a cent, and he's
feeling kind o' blue,
An' the clouds hang dark an' heavy
and won't let the sunshine thru',
It's a great thing, 0 my brethren, for a
feller just to lay
His hand upon your shoulder in a
friendly sort o' way. -Riley.
Lots o' fellers here at College get to
feelin' just as blue;
Work piles up; they get discouraged till
they don't know what to do.
Tell you, boys, it's up to us to have a
word or two to say
To the chaps that get discouragedin
a friendly sort o' way.
"Rambles Round the Campus"
By Melvin Ryder.
MOULTON HALL LOWRY HALI.. MERRILL HALL
This view is ta~,•n from the front of the Auduorium. :\louhon Hall and Lowr)'
llall are dormitories for women
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The campus as seen fro:n Main Street. showing Science Hall four hundred yards distant
i\lERRILL HALL AUDITORIUI\I AND LIRRARY SCIENCE HALL
This constitutes the group of buildings devoted to school work and is planned LO
meet the needs of 1500 students
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LOWRY HALL
As seen from a point near the center of the campus. This dormitory accommodates 66 students
and includes the dining rooms for the student body. The rooms are arranged in
suites for four students with a common study room
MOUL TON HALL
This women's dormitory with rooms for 108 students includes large commodious social rooms
for use of students and faculty. There are single rooms, double rooms and rooms
arranged in suites for four or six students
MANUAL ARTS BUILDING
The heating plant with tunnel connections t'o all buildings, occupies the lower floor. The
upper floor is devoted to work in manual training
LOCATION
The city of Kent is situated almost in the center of the Northeastern Ohio Normal School
district, in Portage County, on the watershed from which the streams flow northward to Lake
Erie and southward to the Ohio River. A more beautiful or nealthful site could not be found.
From the wooded hill, surrounded by eighty-five acres of rolling campus. the buildings command
an uninterrupted view for many miles of the beautiful valley of the Cuyahoga River. These
ample grounds, half of which are covered with heavy woodland, within the edge of which the
buildings are located, bring the students close to nature and furnish an unequaled opportunity
for experimental work in gardening and agriculture and for field work in the natural sciences.
Kent is situated on the main lines of the Erie, the Wheeling & Lake Erie, and the Baltimore
& Ohio Railroads, with twenty-two trains a day. In addition to this, the C. A. & C. and
the C. & P. branches of the Pennsylvania System come within twenty minutes' ride by trolley.
The Northern Ohio Traction line gives half-hour service. Almost any part of the district can
be reached in four hours and the facilities for reaching Kent are such that students from many
parts of the district can travel to and from their homes daily with not more than an hour's ride.
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LECTURES AND ENTERTAINMENTS
Kent State Normal College because of its accessibility, large enrollment and splendid aud•
itorium has been able to command the best platform talent for its students. Few of the large
universities have equaled, and none can surpass, the standard set by the following numbers that
have appeared in the Kent State Normal College entertainment courses. This standard will be
maintained:
United States Marine Band
New York Philharmonic Orchestra
Hon. Will;am Howard Taft
Madame Ernestine Schumann-Heink
Stuart Walker Portmanteau Theater
The Coburn Players
The Ben Greet Players
John Kendrick Bangs
Lila Robeson of the Metropolitan Opera Company
Frances Alda of the Metropolitan Opera Company
Kitty Cheatham
President Henry Churchill King of Oberlin Coll~ge
President E. B. Bryan of Colgate University
President Charles Richmond of Union College
Dr. S. Parkes Cadman, of Brooklyn, N. Y.
Hans Kindler, Cellist, of the Philadelphia Orchestra
Reinald Werrenrath of the Metropolitan Opera Company
President W. 0. Thompson of Ohio State University
Dr. Charles juJd of the University of Chicago.
ENROLLMENT
Kent State Normal College, opened but six years ago, has reached the following enrollment
standards:
Regular Year ........................ •. • • • • • • · • • • • • · · · · · · . 614 students
Summer School.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......................... 1,812 students
Extension School.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............... 1,620 students
Graduating Class, 1917-1918 .... ................. • .... • • • • • .. • .209
Total number of graduates for the six Years . . ..... • • • • • • • • 734 .
These figures do not include the enrollment in the elementary school and the high school
This is a record unequaled by any other teacher's college. . .
In choosing a college the student will find it greatly to his advantage to enter a~ inst•·
tution that has shown such remarkable growth and vigor and that has so much promise for
the future.
For catalog or other information address
PRESI0E;>;T J. E. MCGILVREY
Kent, Ohio
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COURSES OF STUDY
1. A two year course for teachers in the grades, leading to the elementary diploma.
2. A two year course for teachers in the rural schools, leading to the elementary diploma.
3. A four year course for high school teachers, superintendents and supervisors, leading
to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Education.
4. A one year course for college graduates, leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science
in Education.
5. Two year courses, leading to diplomas and state life certificates in the special subjects,
are offered in Household Arts, Manual Training and Agriculture.
For students who wish special preparation for the teaching of Drawing, Music, Physical
Education or Kindergarten an opportunity will be given to elect one fourth of their wo
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