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The Kent Historian, Kent Historical Society Newsletter, Number 111, Fall 2024
No full textTHE KENT HISTORIAN
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE KENT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
FALL 2024
VOLUME 111
Depot Celebration Will Honor Railroad History
Sandy Halem President Emeritus
On Sunday June 1st, 2025, Kent Historical Society will lead the community in celebrating the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Erie Depot. From
3:00 -5:00 the people of Kent are invited to a birthday party in the Depot, now home to the restaurant Over Easy. The program will include games, food, music, and an educationa l program recognizing the importance of the railroad and Marvin Kent in our town's development.
Local educator and railroad historian Bruce Dzeda is
working to complete an updated history of rail
transportation systems in Kent. Dzeda's previously
published book, Railroad Town, has been a bestseller
at KHS ror years. Keep an eye out for news about his
new book as we get closer to Depot 150.
Also on deck for pubI ication is our very speciaI
coloring book -a collaborative efforl between KHS
and Stanton Middle School art teacher Mr. Knepper.
The coloring pages are based on work by Knepper's
s tudenls and the book wi II also include rail roadthemed
games to help bring both fun and local history to kids in elementary school.
Depot 150
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The celebration will also kick off a fundraising
campaign to aid in our continued preservation of the Depot and the historic Clapp-Woodward house, home of KHS' Museum and archival space.
Finally, a new railroad-themed exhibit will open at our Museum in June. The exhibit will feature custom replicas of clothing from that era and highlight Kent's early historian Charlotte Weaver. We are working with a talented costume designer lo recreate what a woman like Weaver would have worn and carried when
traveling by train.
If you would like to be involved in some of these events please contact KHS and we will help you get started.
Haymaker Family Artifact Finds New Home at KHS
Echo Malleo Collections Manager
The repetition of the name throughout the area provides
[n June, KHS acquired a special piece related to d family whose name is likely familiar to Kent residents. some indication of the importance of the fami ly to our
Visitors to our Museum may recall our display on the city's history.
Haymaker family, but if not, it is still likely that at
Story continued on page 2
some point you have driven along Haymaker Parkway or attended the Haymaker Farmer's Market. Story continued from page 1
The desk complements a number of other Haymaker Family artifacts in our front exhibition rooms. Plan a visit soon to take a closer look!
The Haymakers were among the first settlers in the Kent area and built the first grist mill in 1807, leading to the town's early name of Franklin Mills. Other notable firsts belonging to the Haymaker family include the first nonIndigenous child born in the area in 1807 and the first recorded death in 1810. Members of the Haymaker family have been active in the town since, participating in many clubs and even acting as part of city council
over the years.
Earlier this summer, KHS was contacled by a
descendent of Sarah Haymaker Elgin (another notable family name) about donating a piece of furniture previously owned by Sarah. The item in question was a piano Lhat Sarah had had converted into a desk. KHS doesn'L often accept donations of furniture due to limited ability to care for and slore such special pieces. But this desk, related to two such important families to Kent history, was a welcome addition to our collections.
St. Patrick's School Building Now One Century Old
Tim DeFrange Contributing Writer
Thirty-eight years ago, in 1986, Saint Patrick's School on Portage Street turned 100 years old. To mark that anniversary, Record Courier staff writer Elaine Schwinn wrote a sixteen-page special supplemental article about the history of the school. 2024 now marks another anniversary for Saint Patrick's school: 100 years since the 1924 construction of the "old" eightclassroom building.
Plans began in 1920, after the Humility of Mary Sisters had spent 30-plus years educating the parish school children in an 1886 wooden four-classroom clapboard building. Not only was lhe building painfully overcrowded, but its wooden floor was full of holes and a coal furnace burned below. The sisters wou ld often send the boys down below the floor lo sloke the coal rurnace. Mary Armstrong Bissler remembered how some of Lhe boys would come up wilh their eyebrows singed.
Eleanor McCombs recalled the fundra ising effort of selling bricks to make the new school building a reality. Children in the parish were sent out to sell lhem for the wa lls of the school. For just a dime. a donor could own a portion of a brick and a whole brick cost 90,000.
1952 photograph showing the schoolhouse building to the right of the old Church on Portage Street. The building's construction cost of 1. 7 Million today.
By 1928 nearly two-thirds of the cost had been paid. Unlike the old school, bathrooms were inside the building. 350 students were housed in the eight brandnew classrooms in the fall of 1924. Three decades later by 1964, twelve more classrooms had been added to the origi naI eight. The origi na I eight-classroom portion sti 11 serves, providing the school office, classrooms, computer instruction, and the library for Saint Patrick's school children in 2024.
2
Picturing the Past: The Shively House
The Northwest corner of Main and Depeyster Streets has long been home to the Kent Stage, a building with its own fascinating history. But what came before it? Until 1927, on that very same plot of land stood the palatial residence of Dr. Joe Shively. Originally built for Zenas Kent himself, this house was the very first of the "mansions" of Kent. This 1874 artist's rendering shows the home in all its splendor.
Keeping Pioneer Cemetery Beautiful
As part of our stewardship of local historical sites. KHS hosts regular cleanup days of the Stow Street Pioneer Cemetery. We were very excited to have special volunteers at our most recent one on Saturday, November 2nd.
Aicien Ziots. local prospective Eagle Scout, has been working with us since .July to organize cleanup efforts, conduct a tree inventory or the site with Davey Tree, and arrange for a new commemorative plaque at the cemetery's entrance (you'll be able to see it this coming spring!). John Burnell, stone masonry expert, has done an amazing job at headstone restoralion and taking utmost care to preserve details of th~se artifacts.
Big thanks to both of them and everyone else who came to help out!
Top: Before and after headstone restoration work by Burnell Bottom left: Burnell loading stones to the Cemetery Bottom right: Led by Ziots, young volunteers carry raked leaves
The Mission of the Kent · · Histor«:al Soci~:t)' is to plthe primary Kent history resource
and reference center, leading the co.mmunity in .the.col/ectign,
· ' preservation, and~/nterpretation of Kents heritage. The Soriety offers educational programs to
schools, bw.sinesses, civio . .. organizations, ·and individ'iiais. .
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Board of 11 JadcAm rhefn:, Scott Flynn, Vice Presid Carol Strnble, Vice President Matt Metcalf, Treasurer, drey Cie[inski Kessler, Secretary
Jean Booth . -, Howarcj.Boyfe
Rebecca Dunlap i--,,...--...,..._~ --t-:,"t-t-Hg-cftl-1:-f.er -~:£:::"2-::'::?--.c, Tom Hatch Maggie Mc&endry
., Jim Myers Esther Thatcher
Director
Julie Kenworthy
· · Staff Bengt George, Communication~
Echo Malleo,.. Collections·
Contact us:
Kent H1st6r1(ar Societt 237 East Main Street Kent, OH ·44240
(330)678~i112 KHS ~KentOhieHistory:q~g
KentOhioHistory.org ~, Eacebook.com/KentHistoriaaJ Society
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Museum Hours:
Fridays and Satur~ys lOAM~2PM or by appointment . Last Chance to See Liquid Crystals Exhibit
Save the Date: Winter Open House
On Saturday, December 7th. we will have our regular public hours wilh a feslive twist! From I0AM-IPM we wi ll have free refreshmenls and ramily-friendly crafts!
As we near our seasonal close starting December 15th, we would like to encourage members to come see our most recent temporary exhibt. Modern Vision: Liquid Crystal Technology in Kent.
A collaboration belween KHS. Kenl Stale Universily, and local tech company Kent Displays, this exhibit has stood out for a couple or reasons. First, with artifacts and pholos dating from the 1960s through to present day. it is our most modern exhibit ever. Second, il is our most interactive exhibit lo date. Visitors are invited to take a mood ring (which technically makes use of Liquid Crystal technology) and try a variety or Kent Displays' innovative Boogie Board products.
Liquid Crystal Displays, mosl notably used today in phone and TV screens, have an importanl history in Kent. Kent State has been a major international player in
the development in this technology since 1965 when Professor Glenn H. Brown founded the Liquid Crystal Institute. His colleague. .I. William Doane, would go on to author many patents and secure government funding for important work in the field. He would also found Kent Displays in 1993. The company thrives today creating affordable resuable writi ng surfaces for schools, hospitals, and lhe general public. Plan a visil soon before we inslall a new exhibil for spring!
Holiday Book Sale!
Have you read our bestseller Bars, Bands, and Rock 'n Roll by Chas Madonia? Interested in Bruce Dzeda's Railroad Town: Kent and the Erie Railroad?
Stop by the Museum or visit KentOhioHistory.org/shop to pick up a gift for the local history lover in your lire
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
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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
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And, ofcourse I am grateful for havinggrown up in Kent, a community whose diversity is part ofmy heritage
Old Kent Shots Postcards
No full textEarly 1900s collection of postcardsKent,Ohio 121 Brady, St.
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REMARKS:
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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
The Kent Historian, Kent Historical Society Newsletter, Number 77, Fall 2012
No full textTHE KENT HISTORIAN
The Newsletter of the Kent Historical Society Fall2012
Number77
Kent school
celebrates
90 years with
KHS program
'All About Kent' series to be held
at 7 p.m. Sept. 24 at Davey school
Excerpted from columns by Roger J. Di Paolo,
published in the Kent-Ravenna Record-Courier
and in "Rooted in Kent: IO I Tales from the Tree
City, "published by Kent Historical Society Press.
A new school building is a cause for pride for
any community, a concrece expression of its
regard for the importance of educacion and its
faith in young people, writes Roger J. Di Paolo
in Rooted in Kent: 10 I Tales from the Tree City.
Ninety years ago this fall, there was plenty of
pride in Kent as Theodore Roosevelt High
School opened its doors for the first rime. The
new high school truly was a showplace, the
likes of which Kent - then a community of
7,000 - had never seen.
The Kent Historical Society will mark the
90th anniversary of this school building that
currently houses Davey Elementary School and
originally housed Theodore Roosevelt High
School (1922-1959) and Davey Junior High
School (later Middle School) from 1959-1999.
The "All About Kent" series program, which
will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday Sept. 24,
at Davey Elementary School, 196 N. Prospect
Ninety years ago, Theodore Roosevelt High School opened in Kent on North Prospect
Street, top. Today, the school, above right, serves elementary and preschool students.
KHS has many Roosevelt artifacts, including this cheerleader's uniform, above left, recently
donated to the museum by Cheri Gressard.
St. , will feature presentacions by local historian,
Jon Ridinger and Roger Di Paolo. After the
program, docents will lead guided tours
through parts of the building.
Theodore Roosevelt High School, located on
a 10-acre site at the end of North Prospect
Street at the intersection ofWhinier and
Lowell drives, was a ;5{~fifZf§%Z~~JifS.~s>'~~:?~::s%~JB.'Zf§£j I Program marks 200th .------...,,...----, M
I~ anni.v ersary ofWar of 1812 ~j
ij Two hundred years ago, for the first time ~
i!lo in its earl yh i story, t h e United States d e- I~ ti dared war on another nation, the United i~
Ij Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. f Often referred to as ''America's second war Gen. Joshua ~
; of independence," The War of 1812 offi - Woodard I
f~ cially beg-an on June 18, 1812. (1779-1854), ~ right, an 1. 1
~ This v, ear, a commemoration will be held early settler ~
I at 2 p.m. Sept. 22 at the Portage County of Portage H
~ Historical Society in Ravenna. The event tough~~~~~~ ~
M will honor Portage County veterans who War of 1812. I ij ~ "'--="-----'--' I i served in the war. i.'
~ One well-known Franklin Township resi- and John D . Gardner at Standing Rock; and ~
; dent who served in the War of 1812 was Woodard, George Haymaker, James i
I Gen. Joshua Woodard. Although Woodard Holden, Hubbard Hulbert and Asa Stanley I
J and his wife, Rebecca (Wooden) first settled at Pioneer Cemetery. ~ I in Ravenna Township, they soon moved to The program will last about 45 minutes. I
~ Kent where Joshua established a woolen mill After the ceremony, The Garrettones, a 20- ~
' h ~ ~ wit John Haymaker. The Woodard family piece orchestra, will have a "lawn chair con- S
! home at the top of the hill on Fairchild Av- cert" at the Workman Pavilion. The PCHS ~
~ enue is believed to have been a station in the museum, 6549 N. Chestnut Sr. , Ravenna, f
I Underground Railroad. will be open from 4:30 to G p.m. I
I Several other Franklin Township men 1he program was organized by Jacqueline I I served in the War of 1812 and their graves Woodring of Brady Lake and Sharon Myers f
j are in Kem, including, Raymond Bassett of Summit County. f
! I
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Fall 2012
Exhibit to tell story of devastating commercial fire
Fire in 1972 destroyed landmark
Kent Block, built by Zenas Kent
Forry years ago chis August, a devastating
blaze destroyed the city's oldest block on West
Main Street.
1he fire on Aug. 27-28, 1972 - the worst
business fire in Kent history - destroyed a
building that had been a reflection of the economic
times in the city since it was built in
1836-37 by Zenas Kent.
Tonia Krueger, a KHS intern and a student
from Germany, has spent the last four weeks researching
the history of the Kent Block and
conducting oral histories with people linked to
the building throughout the years.
Krueger obtained additional information in
newspaper clippings, business advertisements,
photos and letters, as well as video of the fire
and the building demolition.
KHS Director Thomas Hatch said Krueger
has many talents and has provided KHS with a
valuable and comprehensive resource.
"Her ability as a researcher, her ability to
connect with people in an oral history environment,
and her command of the English language
has allowed her ro create a project chat
The Kent Block, built in 1837, seen at top
and above, after the fire that destroyed the
building in 1972. An exhibit detailing the
history of the building is being organized.
will stand as a lasting contribution to our communiry
and to our understanding of the roots
of our town.''
Lamppost shines light on history
Gougler artifact donated to Kent Historical Society
One of the lampposts that stood as a sentinel for years outside the C.L.
Gaugler Machine Co. recently was donated to the Kent Historical Society. President
Jeff Crane of Furukawa Rock Drill (FRO USA), the firm that succeeded
Gaugler, donated the lamppost. In the above left photo, taken by Brad Bolton,
the lampposts are seen outside of the Gaugler building before it was torn
down. Gaugler Industries was the largest employer in Kent during World War II.
The Gaugler headquarters building, which was on Lake Street and was constructed
in the 1940s, was demolished in February 2012.
Fall 2012
Intern tackles fire project
By Tonia Krueger
KilS intern
This summer, I
came to Kent to visit
some old friends and
made lots of new
ones.
I came co Kem because
I thought it
would improve my
English but it did a
Krueger lot more for me.
As a student of History and English at
the Universiry of Goettingen, Germany, I
was thrilled to learn about the Kent Historical
Sociery because what you love
doing as a history major is researching.
At the Kent Historical Society I met
great people - helpful, open-minded and
motivated. I found that a very inspiring atmosphere.
I started seeing and understanding
the character of the town while I
See KRUEGER, page 4
The lamppost, which
weighs about 450
pounds, was first
moved on a forklift,
middle, loaded on a
truck, then placed on
a concrete slab at
KHS, left. The site
was wired and a lightsensitive
switch was
installed so the light
turns on at twilight.
Gaugler restored and
painted the lamppost.
3
Kent Historical Society
P.O. Box 663
Kent, 0 H 44240
SCHOOL, from page 1
The new facility received a glowing write-up
in the New England Journal of Education,
which described it as having "every modern
suggestion of the school and art of high school
design and equipment so that it has every
convenience, comfort and opportunity for up
to date education." Today, we call that a stateof-
the-art facility.
"If there is a better high school plant in any
particular, we have yet to see it," the article
noted.
Heady praise, indeed, but the Kem Courier
was no less effusive in its tributes to
Superintendent WA. Walls and the Kent Board
of Education as the new facility was dedicated.
Walls and the board "spared no pains to give
the city the best possible up to date building
and equipment they could have gotten for the
money," the Courier reported. "It is no idle
flattery to say that rhey have reared for
themselves, as well as for the city, a monument
that will stand to their credit long after they
have passed away."
The new school received congratulatory
messages from Edith Kermit Roosevelt, the
widow of its namesake, and her son, Theodore
Roosevelt Jr.
4
CHURCH, from page 1
hard wood timbers char none of the original
structure was discarded when the church was
enlarged in 1900,'' Carl Grismer writes in Histor_
y of Kent.
The original building, which remains a part of
the church today, was a simple wood frame
structure with a bell tower, a basic Gothic style.
Although alterations and renovations were
made in 1867, 1886 and 1900, it wasn't until
1927 that the church was entirely remodeled.
The reconstruction was made possible through
a ~equest of 5,000 by WS. Kent, a member for
many years.
In 2002, the church tore down its education
wing and built a new ministry wing, meeting
rooms and administrative offices. And in 2010-
2012, the congregation undertook the first major
renovation of its worship space since the 1920s.
Christ Church was the fourth denomination
organized in Franklin Mills. Preceding them
were: the Congregationalists (United Church of
Christ) in 1819; the Methodists in 1822; and
Disciples of Christ in 1827. The Baptists organized
the same year as the Episcopalians.
Following were the Universalises in 1866; the
Roman Catholics in 1867; and the Evangelical
Lutherans in 1884.
Nonprofit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Kent, OH
Permit #150
Or Current Resident
KRUEGER, from page 3
learned about its history.
The long-gone Kent Block became a fascinating
subject of study for me. I wondered why
this huge brick construction was built here almost
two centuries ago when Kem was nothing
more than a few small houses.
Asking questions often is how a new project
begins. When I started asking questions, I had
no idea what would become of it.
I am leaving Kent on September 5. I will not
be able to see what the Kem Historical Society
makes of the Kent Block project. I am sure,
however, it will be great and I hope lots of people
will come and experience the multi-faceted
history of the Kent Block. Even if it burned
down in 1972, I feel it is still part of Kent.
I wane to thank everyone at KHS for all their
help and support. I had a great time in Kent.
Upcoming Events:
• War of 1812 commemoration,
2 p.m. Sept. 22, Portage County
Historical Society, Ravenna.
• All About Kent, 7 p.m. Sept. 24,
Davey school, 90th anniversary.
Fall 201
The Kent Historian, Kent Historical Society Newsletter, Number 108, Spring 2023
No full textTHE KENT HISTORIAN
The Newsletter ofthe Kent Historical Society Spring, 2023
Number 108
Madonio music scene memoir rocks off charts
Inside story delights to tune of 1,000 copies sold
By Chas Madonio
Author, "Bars, Bands, and Rock-nRoll:
The Golden Era in Kent, Ohio"
I had always aspired to be a writer
from the time I was in high school, but
life took me in a different direction. I
freelanced a number of articles over the years, including a few to the Record-Courier about my years in music. My friend, Roger Di Paolo, always published them and after a few, he encouraged me to write a book about those years when Kent was the #1 spot
in the area for
rock 'n roll.
I resisted and never took it seriously. One day over breakfast with Roger Thurman, who was compiling information for such a book, he
encouraged me First-time author, Chas to "just start Madonio, sets 1000+ copies
sold record at KHS Press.
writing" all my memories and see where it took me. So I did. I contacted Di Paolo and told him I
Bars, Bands,and Rock'nRoll
Front cover: Chas Madonio's popular new book delivers memories of Kent's 60s, 70s music scene. [Published by KHS Press.]
would write the book if he would agree
to be my editor. But he related to me
that he was unable due to his illness.
I realized that my generation was dying at an alarming rate and ifsomeone didn't start documenting this period in Kent's history, all the wonderful stories would be lost forever. It was such a magical time in all our lives, I wanted to recreate the atmosphere for those who experienced it to relive it and for those too young to know
Writer, press chronicle local history
By Thomas Hatch
Wearer of Many KHS Hats
KHS Press is the publishing arm of Kent Historical Society. We publish books that chronicle the history and culture of those who have lived, worked, or grown up in Kent. "Bars, Bands, and Rock 'n Roll" by Chas Madonia is a great example of a story that comes out of the lived experience of some remarkable people -and Chas has told it well.
Publishing a book requires the skills of many. For this book, Jona Burton offered his graphic design expertise for the book design and typography, I served as editor, and Nancy Madonia skillfully copyedited the manuscript. Jim Gundlach designed the cover.
Editor's note: Previous KHS Press publications include "Rooted in Kent, " "Railroad Town" and "1hen & Now. "
what it was like, to find out. So, I started
writing.
It was in the fall of 2018, a few months before the word Covid debuted in our vocabularies. My plan was to contact as many of my old contemporaries as I could find and let them tell their stories. I wanted to collect all the stories about not only the musicians but also those who hung around with us, the clubs where we played, the club owners, the places we hung out and all the many characters who made everything even more interesting.
Without Facebook, I would never have found so many of them. They all had stories and nearly everyone thanked me for
.,}_,_i""":~..,~~-1'-~--,1-.:i
-~,_____......;::i-.._ ___::::s.a==~
Back cover: Finding their cool: Madonio with "Monopoly" band-mates, (L to R) Dave Andress, Rod Reisman, Rich Underwood
and Chas Madonia.
undertaking the project. They all wanted to be remembered.
Sadly, many had faded memories. And even sad
der, manyhad died.
Three years later, the book was complete, with as many pictures as I could find. Unfortunately, there were few pictures from the early years. My hope is that anyone reading the book can be transported back to the magical days of the 60s and 70s to share our experiences.
Editor's note: copies ofChas' book may be purchased online (kentohiohistory. org).
Volunteer Opportunity STOW STREET PIONEER CEMETERY
SPRING CLEAN UP
Date: Sunday, May 7 Time: 2-4 a.m. Located in Kent, OH, on Stow St. (near Kramer Fields) Artifact Special Edition
By Bengt George,
Spotlight
KHS Collections
advantage oftechnological innovations,
Following the disastrous fire of and boasted a daily yield of 1,200 barrels
December 2, 2022, in the historic by 1922. This rapid improvement in
flour mill on North Water Street, we've production put pressure on a competing
decided to highlight some ofthe items mill on the west side ofthe river, which
in our collection related to the history ended when the famous 1913 flood deciofflour
manufacturing at the complex mated both mill and business.
originally known as Peerless Roller The items pictured here are smallMills.
sample bags, bearing the Williams Bros.
Charles A. and Scott T. Williams first moniker, used to market the mill's
funded the construction ofthe mill in 1880, with an initial investment of products to prospective buyers. Each one
1.2 million today. Production began to recipients. (In 2023, KHS does not
recommend attaching stamps to bags
the following year with a daily yield of ofpowder and dropping them in USPS
125 barrels offlour. The brown building destroyed in the collection boxes.)
A number ofartifacts from the mill
recent fire housed the original grain elewill be on display in the Museum-stop
vator for the company (the iconic white by and browse.
towers would be built later in 1936). The Williams Brothers periodically Remember, our new public hours are Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
renovated the mill, always taking
New exhibit-in-progress explores history being made
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A HISTORY OF LIQUID CRYSTALTECHNOLOGYIN KENT, OHIO
Season Year
The Kent Historian, Kent Historical Society Newsletter, Number 82, Winter/Spring 2014
No full textTHE KENT HISTORIAN
The Newsletter of the Kent Historical Society Winter/Spring 2014
Number82
Town and Garden Tour returns June 7, 8
Kent is an eclectic mix of old and new, of
past and present.
In June, residents will have a special opportunity
to see this up close.
1he Kent Historical Society will host the
Town and Garden Tour on June 7 & 8, with a
special sponsors night party on June 6. The
tour will include a variety of unique historic
homes, gardens, and buildings in the downtown
and the West Main Street area. It will also
feature unique urban living spaces at Acorn
Corner.
Tickets will be 1 ,400 with a good portion of that going to
support the mission of Kent Historical Society.
KHS also raised 1,400, which will help support
the mission of Kent Historical Society.
The Brady Lake Park opened in 1891 and
remained in operation until the late 1940s,
when it deteriorated into a gambling and
nightclub resort.
veloper, Don Wilson Sr., rook over the park in
the late 1920s and led it during its "golden
age," Endres said.
The park eventually featured a figure-eight
roller coaster, a carousel and a midway. Campsites
and summer cottages were developed.
Big-name bands and acts performed, including
Cab Calloway and Rudy Vallee. Unusual
acts were brought in to draw larger crowds including
"aerial daredevils ," rodeos and horse
swimming acts. Bingo was added in 1938. In
1942, the park was sold to a group of Clevelanders,
who changed the focus to gambling,
which ultimately led to its closing in late 1949-
50.
Winter/Spring 2014
Sandy Halem steps down as KHS president
By Sandra Halem
This January, I retired from the presidency
and board of the Kent Historical Society. fu I
look back, I remember so much of the history,
both institutional and personal, that has
made this 40-year partnership so gratifying.
I was cleaning out my files and came across
an interview in the Record-Courier from
May 1977 which began with the following
paragraph: "Keeping Kent history alive is
Sandra Halem's hobby, a hobby that is keeping
her quite busy lately. Sandy and members
of the Kent Historical Society are preparing
to restore the Kent Railway Station."
At that time, I was a producer and writer
in the Television Services Department at
Kent State University, creating programming
for the newly opened PBS station Channels
45/49.
Our daughter, Jessica, was three years old
and my husband, Henry, was building the
glass program within the Kent State Art Department
from the ground up. His academic
appointment at Kent State was the reason we
had come to Kent in the summer of 1969.
We were newly married and anxious to find a
place to call home.
Loris Troyer, then editor of the RecordCourier,
had met my husband and I during a
1970 Town/Gown meeting held following
the tragic events of May 4th on the Kent
State campus. At that first meeting, Loris
learned of my love of history and convinced
Henry and I that Kent was a great place to
live and raise a family. It was the beginning of
a friendship that would last more than 40
years until his death in 2011.
Loris submitted my name to the Kent Historical
Society Board ofTrustees in 1974. I
would be replacing John Carson, who was
leaving to serve as county commissioner. I
was 30 years old and would serve as the first
woman, still unusual for membership on
boards of trustees. John Flynn also was appointed
at the same time, and Howard Boyle
would join in 1977 as the board sought to
engage younger members with skills that
would help in our 10-year quest to preserve
the Erie Depot.
See Halem, page 6
KHS board members in the spotlight
Amrhein new KHS board president
Retired teacher has served on
KHS trustees board since 1997
Jack Amrhein joined the Kent Historical Society
Board of Trustees in 1997 after being
asked by then-superintendent Marc Crail to
represent the school district.
Amrhein began his education career in 1980,
teaching at Davey Junior High, Stanton Middle
School and Theodore Roosevelt High
School before retiring in 2013. He also serves
on Kent City Council representing Ward 2.
This is his second term.
Amrhein moved to Kent in 1976. He graduated
from Kent State University in 1980 and
fell in love with the city and decided to make it
his home, he said.
Amrhein and his wife, Claudia, who is the
general manager of P ARTA, have two sons,
Joshua and Matthew and a daughter-in-law,
Raquel, who is married to Matthew.
Amrhein said chat although he has big shoes
to follow in caking the reins from Sandy, he
said he has learned valuable skills from her.
"Sandy has taught me to go with my gut instinct
and she has taught me to listen to others,"
Amrhein said. "She has also taught me to
think outside the box."
Amrhein said he always had a deep interest
in history and pop culture and has had the
Winter/Spring 2014
"privilege and good fortune to work in the
Kent Schools for some 33 years teaching those
subjects."
Amrhein's avid interest in pop culture helps
him to better understand what Kent was like
during the 1900s and how it has affected the
community as we know it today.
He hopes to continue to share his love of the
topic by hosting pop culture presentations for
the community in the near future.
He said his main goal, though, is to continue
on the same track char Sandy has taken, adding
that education, membership and preservation
are his top priorities as board president.
"History is important because WE ARE the
past: we are the sum of all the events - good,
bad, and indifferent - chat have happened to
us. This sum product guides our actions in the
present," he said.
Amrhein said he encourages people to get involved
with KHS to support the mission of education
and preservation and to assist with the
ongoing renovation and maintenance of KHS
museum's new permanent location at 237 E.
Main St. The museum has been located in the
historic Kem home for nearly three years. Amrhein
wants people to learn to know and love
the museum like he does.
"The Kent Historical Society is the caretaker
of the city's past. I love it," Amrhein said.
Sandy Halem resigned in January as
president of the Kent Historical Society
Board of Trustees. Jack Amrhein has
been selected as the new president of
the board. See story, below.
Friends look
back at Halem's
contributions
Booth
JEANBOOTI-1
KHS Board member
I have only known Sandy
well since I started volunteering
at the Kent Historical
Society a few years
ago. Over the years we
have spent a lot of time
in basements, attics and
storage rooms finding
and preserving historically
significant Kent artifacts. With Sandy
everything is fun no matter if it was a dirty
project like pulling weeds; a tedious one like
folding newsletters or a scary one like climbing
down rickety basement stairs (at our new museum)
to a damp dungeon (at our old museum
on Water Street.) A growing vibrant museum is
Sandy's legacy to Kent Historical Society. Although
Sandy has resigned from the board we
expect that she will continue to share her enthusiasm,
sense of humor and joy in life with
all of us.
See Friends, page 4
3
Halem from page 3
ROGER DI PAOLO
Historian, author, editor
"(Sandy's) like a force of
nature ... a whirlwind of
energy and ideas, but always
with a focus. She's a
great motivator. People
enjoy working with her
because she brings a sense
of fun to whatever needs
to be done. She decided it
was time that I had writ-
Di Paolo ten a book and she did so
much to make it happen. "Rooted in Kent"
would not exist without Sandy and Henry. We
started talking about "doing a book" in June,
she promised me that if I did what she told me
to do, it would be ready by the holidays. I did,
and we published it in early December 2009.
We sold 500 copies by Christmas."
BECKY DUNLAP
KHS board member
For countless years I have accompanied
Longcoy's third-graders on their walking tours
of the city of Kent. One of the students' favorite
stops was the Kent Historical Society
Museum. Sandy (or Mrs. Halem to the students)
would captivate and amaze her 9-yearold
audiences (and the parent chaperones) with
stories of Franklin Mills, early pioneers, etc.,
and show students some of the many interesting
artifacts housed in the museum (including
Martin L. Davey's desk from his time as governor,
antique wedding dresses, an early letter
with a Franklin Mills postmark, Haymaker
family tree quilt, etc.)
She made Kent's history come alive year after
year with the kind of enthusiasm a gifted
teacher wishes to instill in her students. Sandy's
eyes would shine and glow as she shared the
gift of the Kent Historical Society Museum.
Ending the tours, she would sit at the player
piano, pop in a roll of music, and her feet
would pedal to power the music that would
have students swaying to the beat as we exited
the museum.
Thank you Sandy, on behalf of all the children
you have helped educate on the rich and
varied history of Kent, Ohio!
AUDREY C. KESSLER
KHS board secretary
I remember the time after I first came on the
KHS board and Sandy asked me to be the person
to do the newsletter. We met about starting
up the publication. I was impressed with
Sandy's vast knowledge of Kent history. She
knew the information in such depth and detail.
She had ideas for the newsletter but was open
to my suggestions as well, including content
and the name of the newsletter. Her enthusi-
4
asm for the project also increased my excitement
about the work ahead. I felt honored to
be working with her and being able to tap her
expertise and wisdom about Kent history and
how that history could be expressed through
the newsletter.
SCOTT FLYNN
KHS board vice president
Everyone knows that
Sandy was a tireless and
passionate leader of
KHS, but what I'll miss
most is the sense of
humor Sandy brought to
KHS. She and Henry are
a hilarious couple. You
never know what will
come out of Sandy's
mouth next, which is
Flynn part of the reason the
KHS board is going to
miss her so much. Sandy joined the board in
'74, and left in '84. She rejoined the board in
'94 and became president in '04, only to leave
now in '14. I'm looking forward to her return
in 2024.
TOM HATCH
KHS Director
The entire Kent community has been fortunate
for Sandy Halem's leadership of the Kent
Historical Society and Museum over the past
10 years. Sandy's vision and articulate advocacy
has brought us acclaim and growth as she ably
helped us achieve our goal of collecting and
telling the important story of Kent's history
and keeping it accessible for future generations.
KASHA LEGEZA-BURTON
KHS board member
I always assumed historical
societies were stuffy.
And history? Never much
cared for the subject during
my school days. Then I met
local-history dynamo Sandy
Halem - and everything
changed!
In 2009 Sandy recruited
my husband, Jona Burton,
and me to volunteer as de- Legeza-Burton
signer and editor, respectively,
for our mutual friend Roger Di Paolo's book,
"Rooted in Kent: 101 Tales from the Tree
City." We (along with many others) worked
great together as a team to get a fantastic book
published on a very tight deadline. And I was
hooked on local history - and the Kent Historical
Society!
Not long thereafter, Sandy encouraged me to
join the KHS Board of Trustees - yet another
volunteer job I simply couldn't resist because of
her never.:.ending examples of energy, enthusiasm
and a heartfelt commitment to the preser-vation
and promotion of Kent history.
Sandy's youthful spirit permeates every aspect
of KHS - and it's the reason I constantly
find myself encouraging younger friends to join
our local history family with the catchphrase,
"We're not your grandmother's historical society!"
MATT METCALF
KHS board treasurer
Sandy's knowledge of the Kent community,
its people and history will be impossible to replace.
The size and the incredible state of our museum
is a direct result of her years of hard work
and dedication to the Kent Historical Society.
And now that she is no longer volunteering on
our projects, she better learn to keep her checkbook
ready.
JIM MYERS
KHS board member
Sandy, more than anyone
in the history of our
organization, has
PUSHED us to do more
and do better as a group,
encouraging others and
relying on the skrns of
others to make it happen.
We should all be grateful
for her being interested in
the history of her adopted Myers
home town. Since I as one
of the founders of the KHS, have seen her accomplishments
make others, who like myself
have helped along the way, seem "pale by comparison"
to what Sandy has done for us. The
"latch of Hatch," that is the hiring of Tom
Hatch, has taken us to a new higher level!
CAROL SfROBLE
KHS board member
I first met Sandy about
seven years ago when I
stopped in the historical
society when it was on
Water Street. There had
been an article in the
paper about the society
looking for new board
members.
So when I stopped in
to inquire about the open- Stroble
ing and to check out the
place (I had never been there before), I met
Sandy for the first time.
I was so impressed and inspired by her enthusiasm
for the society, her love of the history
of Kent and her passion for preserving it, I just
knew I wanted to be a part of this group!
I know we will all miss her constant presence
there, but she can be reassured that she has
been an inspiration to many others who will
carry on her work.
Winter/Spring 2014
From the pages of history
Fire destroyed Longcoy grocery 102 years ago
Store operated next day, was
rebuilt after Feb. 1912 disaster
The following is reprinted from a story in the
Ju61 30, 1952, edition of The Record-Courier as
the store shuttered its doors cifter 87 years of
operation in Kent.
In 1865 The Civil War had just ended when
a new grocery store and meat business was
started in Kent. Today, after 87 years'
continuous service to the community under the
same name, the store has gone out of business.
The Longcoy grocery store is no more. The
store that has carried the name "Longcoy" for
87 years, serving many of the old-time
Kentites, has sold its stock and fixtures.
***
THE STORE was started in 1865 by David
Longcoy with his twin sons, Frank and Francis
as partners. It continued that way until 1876
when Frank pulled out and went to Iowa. Soon
afterward, the market was moved from its
original location at the corner of Main and
River Sts. to 124 S. Water St.
Frank returned to Kent in 1889 and, with
his brother, handled the store until 1902.
Then, Harry C. Longcoy, son of Frank, bought
the store along with WA. Sparror.
It was during the tenure of these owners that
disaster struck. Early Sunday morning on
Lincoln's birthday in 1912 fire broke out and
destroyed the store.
H.C. Longcoy, aided by his employees,
worked all day obtaining a new stock and
business was resumed as usual Monday
morning in an adjoining room.
In 1917 Harry Longcoy bought out Sparror's
interest and became sole owner. He continued
in possession until 1946 when he sold to Harry
De Voe, who operated the store for a year and a
half under the Longcoy name.
***
ON DECEMBER 1, 1947, David B.
Longcoy, cousin of Harry Longcoy, bought the
store and carried on in the family tradition
until July 19. That date was the last business
Tour, from page 1
the Masonic Temple, the Clapp-Woodward
House (KHS Museum), the Franklin Hotel,
the May Prentice House (new home of the
Wick Poetry Center), the former Lilac Gardens
of Daisy Wolcott, and several other gardens
and historic homes where prominent figures
from Kent's early days lived.
One of the featured houses is the home and
Winter/Spring 2014
A fire in 1912 destroyed the Longcoy grocery store at 124 S. Water St. It was rebuilt and
continued operating until 1952.
day for the Longcoy grocery.
H. C. Longcoy expressed a desire and a hope
that the store could have continued for 100
years. But in this modern day of constant
change and movement, tradition has been
overcome by practicality.
Dave, whose health was the primary reason
for the selling, said, "It was unfortunate that it
fell to me to end the st
The Kent Historian, Kent Historical Society Newsletter, Number 75, Spring 2012
No full textTHE KENT HISTORIAN
The Newsletter of the Kent Historical Society Spring 2012
Number75
New book tells of Davey's extended family tree
Dr. Jacobs recalls company's family ethic, camaraderie in 'Growing Up in a Davey Family'
John Davey, founder of Davey Tree Expert
Co., is considered to be the "father of tree
surgery" and was fondly referred to as "Father
John" by his employees.
But a new Kent Historical Society Press book
by John Jacobs entitled, "Growing Up in a
Davey Family: A Reminiscence," presents
snapshots that show a company where the
importance of family took root and co-workers
also became an extended family for each other.
Dr. John Jacobs
was born in 1927.
"The Davey
Company was largely
centered in Kent,"
Jacobs writes in his
book:, published this
year. It was an
organization of which
the employees were
proud and to which
they were fiercely loyal.
It was a closely knit
group."
Jacobs, the son of
Homer Lee and Mary
Alice (Cochran) Jacobs,
Jacobs' father began working for Davey in
1922. And, although his father was born into a
poor farm family, he eventually retired from the
Davey organization in 1962 as vice president
for research and development.
Jacobs said that John Davey was looked
upon as a "kindly man."
"My father knew him and only had good
words about him - and mv father, like me,
was not reluctant to be cynical about people,"
Jacobs said with a smile.
The book by Jacobs in the fuse in a series
called "Kem Remembers." While some
forthcoming titles now are in the preliminary
stages of production, KHS also is looking for
further ideas for additional volumes in the
series.
Jacobs originally began writing his
recollections several years ago for his own sense
of enjoyment.
But, lacer, he decided to share it with KHS
Director Tom Hatch, not only to allow Hatch
to learn more about Jacobs but also to give him
a sense of the Davey Company, which was
founded in 1880 and still has its global
headquarters in Kent. The organization now
has more than 7,000 people in its workforce
and has been employee-owned since 1979.
Children whose parents worked together at Davey Tree
Expert Co., top photo, shared a special camaraderie and
friendship. Above, from left, are Shorty Williams, John Jacobs
and Bill Birkner. Jacobs is the author of a new KHS ·
publication entitled "Growing Up in a Davey Family."
"I was immediately taken with it as an
authentic, vivid recollection of an important
time in Kent history," Hatch said.
Jacobs said a large majority of the Davey
extended family were from rural areas all over
the eastern part of the country. The company is
what initially brought them together and it was
also what kept them together.
"They needed each other and congregated
and became like a large family," Jacobs said.
"They had family dinners, their children played
together, many worshiped together."
Jacobs' recollections focus mostly on his early
years as a Davey child and feamres photographs
and Jacobs' recollections of the families and
where they lived, played and vacationed
together.
See Davey, page 4
2
'All About Kent' kicks off
with Civil War play, exhibit
To be held at KSU museum, where clothing is on display
"There is nothing civil about thii, war but
the name," wrote a 20-year-old Adam
Weaver in a letter to his sweetheart, Charlotte
Morton, while fighting as a union soldier
in the Civil War.
The observations and emotions that they
recorded in letters and diaries during chat period
are the basis for an upcoming "All
About Kent" series program at 7 p. m. May
17.
The staged theatrical reading, entitled
"Charlotte and Adam: Franklin Mills and the
Civil War," was written by Sandra Perlman
Halem, president of the KHS board of
trustees, and is directed by Sarah Coon, a
student in the Kent State University Theatre
Department.
It will be held at KSU's Rockwell Auditorium,
515 Hilltop Drive, at Lincoln and
Main streets.
"Since the 'All About Kent' series had been
searching for something local to connect our
audience to the 150th commemoration of
the Civil War, adapting these actual letters
into a dramatic reading seemed to offer a
perfect marriage of history and art," Halem
said.
And by offering a cooperative program
with the KSU Museum, the audience will
not only have the opportunity to enjoy a play
about Kent's history, but also will be able to
visit the museum's current exhibit, entitled
"On the Home Front: Civil War Fashions
and Domestic Life" at no charge chat night.
Adam Weaver,
above,and
Charlotte
Weaver, left,
lived in Franklin
Mills and corresponded
during
the Civil War.
Their letters are
the basis of a
play that will be
staged at 7 p.m.
May 17.
The exhibit features women's and children's
costumes, photographs, decorative arts and
women's magazines.
See Civil War, page 4
r:3315 for KHS members and 20 I
ij for non-members. Each session is limited to KHS is hosting a Victorian tea this spring. The I
I I d il M event will be held at the Kent Historical Soci- ; I 12 gir s, an registration is open um· 1 ay ety, located at 237 E. Main St. The historic Vic- j j 1. For more information or to regii,ter, torian home was built in 1883 for Harriet Kent j
~ please call (330) 678-2712. Clapp, Marvin's sister and Zenas' daughter. ;
L~~~'&'&~'&'&'&~~~'&'&~'&~'&'&~~~~~~'&~~~'&~'&~'&'&'&~'&~~~'&'&~~'&~~'&~~~~~~~~~J
Spring 2012
Jean Booth tapped for KHS board of trustees
Kentite has been volunteer for 6 years,
helping expand KHS digital research base
When Jean Booth first visited the Kent
Historical Society seeking volunteer
opportunities in 2006, it was at the urging of a
friend, Betry Sweet, also a KHS volunteer.
Six years later, the rest, as they say, is history.
"I walked in that first winter morning in
2006 to a cold building but warm and
welcoming people," Booth recalls. "Since that
first day, I have done fun work like the thirdgrade
tours, and dirty work when we moved,
and everything in between."
In January, the Kent Historical Society Board
of Trustees unanimously voted to appoint
Booth to the 12-member board. Booth ftlls the
position left vacant by the death of John
Wunderle.
"Jean Booth is an incredible asset to the
historical society," said Jack Amrhein, vice
president of the board. "Her dedication and
hard work over the past few years has helped
th.e historical society organize its records and
has made our move and transition so much
smoother. We welcome her aboard."
After retiring from NEOMED (formerly
NEOUCOM) in 2003, Booth wanted to
increase her volunteer activities, but was unsure
where she could most effectively contribute.
Although she volunteered in a variety of
capacities, including United Way and the
Portage County Clothing Center, she was eager
to become a museum docent once again.
It was Sweet who suggested KHS to Booth
after a morning church service.
''Although we have belonged to KHS for a
number of years, I had not considered
volunteering here since I am not originally
from Kent," Booth said. "I quickly realized that
Davey school subject
of 'All About Kent'
program on Sept. 24
In 2010, the original metal sign for Roosevelt
High School - a gift from the class of
1933 -was discovered at an antique score in
Medina.
As we prepare to celebrate the 90th anniversary
of the building's dedication, Kent Historical
Society members are hoping to discover
more memorabilia from the school building
that once housed Roosevelt High School until
1959, Davey Junior High/Middle School until
1999, and now Davey Elementary School.
On Monday, Sept. 24, an "All About Kent"
series program will be held at 7 p.m. in the
Davey Elementary School Auditorium.
KHS members are looking for any pictures
Spring 2012
Jean Booth is the newest member of the
Kent Historical Society Board of Trustees.
Trustees unanimously approved her appointment
to the board in January.
since I use the historical and genealogical
resources of historical societies where I cannot
volu~teer that perhaps I should volunteer
here.
Booth, a native Ohioan who hails from
Bergholz in northwestern Jefferson County,
first came to Kent in 1961 to attend the ciry's
university, from which she graduated with a
degree in communication and political science.
It originally was a deal she made with her
parents that brought her to Kent.
"My father believed that a degree in
education or nursing would provide a woman
with security," Booth said. "I did not want to
be a teacher or a nurse. Since my mother - a
school teacher - was a 1928 graduate of Kem
Normal College, we compromised and I
attended a 'teachers' school but didn't major in
education."
Jean and her husband Don are the proud
parents of three daughters: Sheila, Angela and
Valerie, and six grandchildren, Justin, Blair,
Sara, Jeffery; Jacob and Nicolas.
In addition to raising vegetables, herbs and
ornamental plants, due to her prefere~ce for
"cooking with fresh herbs and vegetables and
having butterflies" in her yard, she also enjoys
nature during vacations in Eels Lake Ontario
(where she reads and Don and their
grandchildren fish).
She and her husband also travel to Ft. Myers
in Florida when Don plays baseball in a Roy
Hobbs tournament in November and a charity
fundraiser in January.
"With attending Indian and Aeros games,
baseball for old people, baseball and basketball
for little boys and Kent State basketball and
football games, I spend a lot of time watching
sports," she said with a chuckle.
Jean plans to continue using her
organizational and research skills to press on
with the work she loves: organizing and
cataloging artifacts into KHS' computer
database and writing and editing various
publications.
"Through my work at KHS I have come to
realize I am a Kentite and have a responsibility
to help preserve the history of our town and its
people," Booth said. "Therefore I am both
pleased and humbled to be a member of the
board of the Kent Historical Society."
An "All About Kent" series program will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 24 at Davey school. The
event marks the 90th anniversary of the dedication of the building, which has housed
high school, junior high and elementary students in its 90-year history.
or yearbooks relating to the building that we
can digitize.
If you have any items you think would add
to the program, please contact Jon Ridinger at
[email protected] or stop by the Kent His-torical
Society. And please let any friends or
family members who attended school -
whether as a Roosevelt, Davey Junior High, or
Davey Elementary student - know about the
program!
3
Kent Historical Society
P.O. Box 663
Kent, OH 44240
Davey, from page 1
"I believe that the use of nicknames was
more prevalent in the Davey Company than
elsewhere and I take that as evidence for the
camaraderie in the company," Jacobs writes.
His memoir also provides memories of
company operations, offices and trips,
including fami)y vacations at Camp Perry on
Lake Erie, where many Davey families stayed as
guests of Martin L. Davey, who was preisdem
of the company, governor of Ohio and the son
of John, and at a summer home in the
Thousand Islands on the St. Lawrence River
near Alexandria, N.Y., Jacobs writes.
"There were probably a dozen or more
Davey families in Kent consisting of Mother,
Father and one or more children," Jacobs
recalls.
''.And since the employees tended to be
closely knit, there were many occa~ions and
activities which brought us together. It is from
this closeness that I draw memories of being a
Davey Child."
Jacobs hopes that his reminiscenses provide a
larger perspective on the company, its
workforce and our community for readers.
"I expect that having the opportunity to go
through those childhood experiences in a
community the size and character of Kent
enhances those experiences and connects one to
more people," Jacobs said.
Jacobs' book sells for 5 and is available for
purchase at the Kent Historical Society.
Upcoming 'All About Kent' Events:
4
• May 17, 7 p.m. at Rockwell Auditorium,
515 Hilltop Drive. "Charlotte
and Adam: Franklin Mills and the
Civil War."
• Sept. 24, 7 p.m. at Davey Elementary_
School, 196 N. Prospect
St. 90th anniversary of the building's
dedication.
Nonprofit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Kent, OH
Permit#l50
Or Current Resident
Civil War, from page 2
Charlotte Morton and Adam Weaver lived in
what was then known as Franklin Mills.
Charlotte was 16 years old in 1863 when she
started writing letters to the young man who
later would become her husband. Their letters
are part of the Civil War history recounted in
the pages of the Portage County newsletter 100
years later by their son, Dudley Weaver. Charlotte's
mother operated a canal boat and she developed
a great love of history. Dudley
inherited his mother's affection for history and
writing, and he recorded many of Kent's historical
events in the newsletter years before there
was a Kent Historical Society.
It was a recent gift to KHS by Jacqueline
Woodring, who is Dudley's daughter, and the
granddaughter of Charlotte and Adam, that got
the ball rolling. Woodring donated copies of
the Portage County newsletter, edited by her
father, to KHS, and in subsequent readings of
the newsletters Halem discovered the letters.
Admission to the program is free but reservations
are required. Reserve your ticker by calling
KHS at (330) 678-2712.
For more information about the KSU museum
and its exhibit, call (330) 672-3450 or
email [email protected].
Spring 201
The Author: Kent Davis
No full textKent Davis is a Montana based author of “A Riddle in Ruby” and the soon to be released sequel, “The Changer’s Key”
The Kent Historian, Kent Historical Society Newsletter, Number 90, Spring 2017
No full textTHE KENT HISTORIAN
The Newsletter of the Kent Historical Society Spring 2017
Number 90
Questions about Kent's black squirrels answered
Local authors share book and activities at KHSM event
By Bailey Mulholland
Publications Specialist
Do you know how the black squirrel
came to Kent? Those who attended a
Kent Historical Society & Museum event
on Feb. 18 learned the history and even
some biology of this spunky rodent from
local authors Kathy Frazier and Deborah
Walker.
Frazier and Walker read their book ''And
Now You Know Too! The Story of How
the Black Squirrel Came to Kent" to an
audience of more than 30 children and
adults, afterwards engaging in discussion
and overseeing a variety of activities.
Attendees of all ages enjoyed munching
on squirrel-shaped cookies while making
bracelets, assembling pipe cleaner squirrels
and coloring characters from the book.
''And Now You Know Too!" is available
online and at Off the Wagon in Kent.
Bonnie Garrett, passionate KHSM
benefactor, passes alVay at 85
Bonnie D.
(Shepherd)
Garrett, 8 5,
passed away
Feb. 11 in Cincinnati,
Ohio.
She was born
July 24, 1931,
in Kent, Ohio
to Norm and
Vivian (Poulton)
Shepherd.
Bonnie was a
1949 graduate
of Kent State
University
High School. Bonnie D. Garrett, a generous
supporter of the historical society,
at an event with family. She is survived
by her sister, Barbara Meeker of Kent;
son, Robert (Judi) Garrett of North Richland
Hills, Texas; daughter, Linda (Harry)
Gurgol of Cincinnati; grandchildren, Chad
(Melissa) Garrett of Henderson, Nev., Ali
(Andy) Massingill of Little Elm, Texas,
and Charles (CJ) Garrett of Atlanta, Ga.,
Michelle (Brian) Gurgol Spegal of Hebron,
Ky. and Sara Gurgol of West Chester, Ohio;
great granddaughters, Peyton Massingill of
Little Elm, Texas, and twins Gabrielle and
Madison Spegal of Hebron, Ky. She is pre-ceded
in death by her husband, Charles
(Larry) Garrett, and sister, Bette Geiger,
of Raleigh, N. C.
Bonnie and her husband, Larry, were
employed in family businesses. As a newly
married couple, they had a 300-acre Hereford
farm north of Ravenna. Then Larry
and his father, Robert, built and ran the
first motel in Kent; the Eastwood Motel,
between Kent and Ravenna. Next, they
owned Garrett Asphalt, followed by the
Foster Bodman Co. in Akron. Larry was
also a pilot for the Davey Compressor
Co. and a volunteer sheriff for Portage
County.
Bonnie enjoyed her family, friends, traveling
and life at the lake. She grew up in
Twin Lakes and spent summers at Muzzy
Lake when her family was young. As
empty nesters, Bonnie and Larry enjoyed
boating with Kent friends at Catawba
Island, Lake Erie. They retired to Marco
Island, FL.
Bonnie was a passionate supporter of
the Kent Historical Society Museum. A
future gravesite service at Standing Rock
Cemetery for Bonnie and Larry will be
performed by the Rev. Julie Fisher of the
Kent Christ Episcopal Church.
Frazier and Walker share their book with local
families and answer questions.
TRENO
RISTORANTE
COMING SOON
In our next newsletter, learn
more about the new Italian
restaurant soon to occupy our
historic Erie Depot. Join the
historical society at the grand
opening later this year!
Author and adventurer Marvin Kent Curtis
One descendent of Marvin Kent honors the interesting life of another
By Kasha Legaza-Burton
KHS Trustee
How do you tell the story of a multilingual
World War I aviator-turned-prisoner-
of-war who went on to live a grand
life as an author, illustrator, a skilled
outdoorsman who mentored countless
young summer campers, a yachtsman and
a globetrotter who rubbed elbows with the
famous in 500 words or less? You can't!
It's the very reason Missouri resident
Mary Jo Johnston created both a Wikipedia
page and a blog website detailing the
adventurous existence of her great-uncle,
Marvin Kent Curtis - great-grandson of
Marvin Kent, for whom our city is named.
Johnston admits with a chuckle that researching
the life of "Uncle Kent" has been
her "passion" for the past two decades!
She believes the Chicago-area native's
gadabout lifestyle was a result of him being
held as a prisoner of war for several months
in Germany after the American 148th Aero
Squadron bomber he was piloting over
France was shot down on Aug. 24, 1918.
His killed-in-action death at the age of
27 - a report wired to father Charles E.
Curtis from the U.S. War Department
(mother, Grace Kent Curtis, died in 1907)
KHS Museum Hours
237 E. Main St.,
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fridays and Saturdays
and by appointment.
Contact
Kent Historical Society
23 7 E. Main St.
Kent, Ohio 44240
330-678-2712
Email
[email protected]
Website
www.kentohiohistory.org
Find us on Facebook
www.facebook.com/
KentHistoricalSociety
- made front-page news in Kent papers.
That provided Curtis with a Mark
Twain-esque "reports of my death are
greatly exaggerated" tale to tell for the next
40 years - and he did! (Record-Courier
Editor Roger Di Paolo detailed this period
of Curtis' life in a Feb. 1, 2015, "Portage
Pathways" column entitled, "Marvin
Kent's namesake lived 40 years after his
obituary.")
Curtis' career as a professional writer was
launched in 1920 when he received a 1,000
in a national writing competition. That's
the equivalent of nearly $14,500 in today's
dollars!
From there Curtis went on to write and
illustrate five novels while continuing to
author magazine essays. Four of Curtis'
books are boys' adventure stories set in
places he loved living: the North Woods of
Minnesota and the Florida coastal islands.
The fifth book, "The Tired Captains," is a
historical novel based on a group of World
War I pilots. Qohnston and her husband,
Kelly, acquired copies of all five novels and
graciously donated them to KHS last fall!)
During his lifetime, Curtis crossed the
Atlantic 2 5 times and the Pacific once. He
lived in Paris intermittently throughout
the 1920s and it was there, while pursuing
his writing career, that he became
acquainted with numerous famous people.
One of them, F. Scott Fitzgerald, wrote
chat Curtis' "The Blushing Camel" was
one of the best boys' books he'd ever read
and compared it to works by Hemingway
and Twain.
Curtis spent more than 30 summers
at Camp Mishawaka for boys in Grand
Rapids, Minn., serving as a counselor,
entertainment director and, eventually, a
co-owner. He led 31 "Big Canadian canoe
trips" for campers through the Minnesota-
Canada boundary waters and also
introduced a sailing program that he ran
from 1937 until his death in 1957.
Johnston said that at the end of most
camp seasons, Curtis would return to his
winter home on Captiva Island by sailing
Photo: Mary Jo Johnston
Marvin Kent Curtis on his sailboat in Miami,
FL circa 1934. Curtis was the great-grandson
of Marvin Kent and was an accomplished
outdoorsman, well-traveled author and favorite
counselor at Camp Mishawaka.
the Mississippi River from Minnesota to
New Orleans. During the 1930s he competed
annually in a St. Petersburg to Havana
sailboat race, captaining his 32-foot
yawl "Marelen II" to a first-place finish in
1932 and third place the next year.
Many letters inherited by the family, as
well as stories gathered by Johnston, reveal
that Curtis' vivacious personality made
him the center of attention - whether at
the yacht dub, aboard a cruise ship, at a
Paris soiree or at Camp Mishawaka.
A man who knew him from camp wrote,
"Kent Curtis was the most unique person
I've known. Multi-talented, Kent could do
anything but add up a laundry slip: writer
(5 books), artist, musician (he played the
piano but couldn't read a note), actor,
woodsman, cook, sailor, expert in canoeing,
raconteur par excellence, but through
all his talents, the humorist predominat-ed.
He was idolized by more boys than
anyone else. He was the life of camp and of
reunions."
To read more detailed stories on the
fascinating life and times of Marvin Kent
Curtis, visit Johnston's blog website at
undekentcurtis.wordpress.com or en.wikipedia.
org/wiki/Kent_ Curti
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