226,718 research outputs found
Brief History of the Kent State University Museum
No full texthttps://kent-islandora.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/museumvideo/1/thumbnail.jpgA history of the Kent State University Museum.</p
"The Kent State University Museum: Celebrating 25 Years" Gallery Tour (Part 1)
No full texthttps://kent-islandora.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/museumvideo/21/thumbnail.jpg"Kent State University Museum: Celebrating 25 Years."</p
"Made in India" Gallery Tour (Kent State University Museum)
No full texthttps://kent-islandora.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/museumvideo/23/thumbnail.jpgKent State University exhibition, "Made in India."</p
Old Kent Shots Postcards
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Health of people who travel to work: the effect of travel time and mode of transport on health: What have we learnt from the Kent and Medway health and lifestyle survey?
No full textThis is the first study of the health of people travelling to work. The paper describes a study from the 2001 Kent & Medway Health and Lifestyle Survey. It focusses on the health of people commuting to London and those working elsewhere who were travelling for more than 45 minutes
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 :
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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 Kentennial, Newsletter of the Kent Historical Society, Volume 36, September 1999
No full text.waterpower: The
A Note from Genesis of Kent the Qirector
Over half of the lim- Often in studying his- As the importance of
ited edition of Kent, tory, we s.ee a com bi- the river's force be-
Ohio: the Dynamic nation-of f~,ctors that came clear, other en-
Decades has already produ~e an effect. For terprising spirits begc
been sold. We're example, without the using the force of the
proud of the book presence of water- · Cuyahoga's flow to
and feel that it is an power along the produce the energy t
. important r~c<?rd of · course of the Cuya- run sawmills and gris
our community's his- hoga River, Kent as miils. it was no arbi-tory
in the 20th cen- we know it today would trary decision to call
tury. never have material- our early community
ized. "Franklin Mills."
Currently, we are
working on two more One of the first actions The great flood whic
book projects. The the Haymaker family swept through town i
first is a children's took when they arrived 1832 destroyed the
history of Kent here early in the 19th original dam and de-scheduled
for publi- century to found the mostrated to the con
~ation at year's end. town was to dam the munity the importanc
river and harness its of flood control for iti
The other is a re- power, building the major power source.
issue of Grism~r's first dam in 1806. It The present dam wa
venerable history of was seven feet high, built concurrent with
Kent in a soft-back built out of stones, the construction of ti
format with a much- earth, and logs just Pennsylvania and
needed new com- above our dam today. Ohio Canal.
plete index, slated to Soon after, the first
be issued in 2001 . gristmill, a primitive Even after waterpoY
"corn cracker" was in was supplanted by
place. other forms of enerf
Continued on P .2
Waterpower (from P .1)
the dam and waterfall in the heart of the
community became symbols of the force
which helped to establish the settlement
on the river's banks that we now call
"Kent."
After the great floods which devastated
Ohio in 1913, the
dam , which
thwarted a
greater disaster
downriver, was
damaged. Karl
Grismer, in his
History of Kent,
tells us that when
some citizens
suggested removing
the o,d dam, " ... most people did
not like the idea of destroying the old dam,
which had served the community so many
-years .. . "
In 1924, a drive was launched to repair
the dam. Even though its waterpower was
no longer needed, it and its waterfall were
such symbol~ of Kent's past that a
community-wide drive began to collect
funds for the restoration . Almost 6000 in
donations were collected through a grassroots
effort and allowed for the work to be
completed in 1925.
When the Kent Industrial District was
made part of the National Register of Historic
Places in the 1970's, the waterfall
and dam were placed at its heart as symbols
of our town's industrial heritage. The
creation of the district meant that both the
national Trust for Historic Preservation
and the Ohio Preservation Office recognize
the area bounded by River Street,
Main Street, Franklin Avenue, and Stow
Street as being one of the nation's historic
treasures.
From the windows of our historical society
offices on the second floor of the Great Atlantic
and Western Railroad depot, there
is a spectacular view of the Cuyahoga and
the falls. Blue heron come every morning
to fi~h near the base of the falls. Humans
fish there too, and iri
a constant parade,
hikers stroll along the
~ ... ~ walkways. The ~-- ;-~ arches of the historic
. sto·ne bridge form
.... ,_ ._ .. , ·,! perfect circles with
. :~ , ~ .. : ~:.· ·,. , · their reflection in the i/J. · · ·:" > · :·· · riyer below. If you sit
~· · :,: an_d watch for any
length of time, you
can grasp the flow of history in the power
the dam represents. In the roar of the water,
you can near the voices of historythe
Haymakers', -John · Brown -Zenas ·Kent . ' ,
Marvin Kent, Martin Davey-imagining
these historic figures watching the water
flow over the dam which has served its
community for over one hundred and sixty
years.
Ted Sapp Passes Away
Trustee Emeritus and long-time supporter
of the Kent Historical Society, Ted J.
Sapp, died June 30, 1999 at age 89. An
alumnus of Kent State University, Ted was
a life-long lover of Kent history. In addition
to his service on the historical society
board, he a_lso served on Kent City Council,
the Board of Trustees for Standing
Rock Cemetery, and the Portage County
Board of Elections. He was at one time a
Portage County Commissioner.
Kentennial June 1999 p. 2
Coming-
A history of Kent, Ohio written especially
for children
(but grown-ups will like it, too!)
Kent Historical Society
P.O. Box 663
Kent OH 44240
(330) 678-2712
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
KENT OH 44240
PERMIT #ISO
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At Last!
A history of Kent designed for younger readers:
THE STOilY OF KElfT, OHIO
J" AM:E8 :F. l!Al!l!AM:O
Award-winning author and Director of the Kent Historical Society
For release December of 1999
50 pages, soft-cover, illustrated, indexed, this new history of Kent was written with children in mind but is suitable reading
for all ages. Hr. Caccamo is the author of many books induding Hudson, Ohio and the Unde'lround Railroad and The
Jtory of Hudson, Ohio. From the days before the settlers came, through canal days and the arrival of John Brown, right
into modem times, The Jtory of Kent Ohio presents the history of an Ohio city in a dear and accessible manner.
Non-members: SI 0 .. 00 plus .63 sales tax: total SI 0.63 __ Number of copies x SI 0.63 S __ _
Members: .50 sales tax: total 8.50 __ Number of copies x 8.50 ___ _
Libraries and other non-profit organizations 8.00 __ Number of copies x ___ _
Shipping@ __ _
Total Order S ----
Name ----------------------------Address ---------------------------
Phone # ( ) _____ __check here if you will pick your copies up at our office above
the Pufferbelfy Ltd. at 152 Franklin Ave. and save the shipping charge.
Hake checks payable to the Kent Historical Society and mail to:
Kent Historical Society
P.O. Box 663
Kent OH 44240
. .,
Thanks! Oral History Project Continues
bur thanks go out to long-time member and Under the g'u"idance ·of K~nt Historical Soci-supporter
Marjorie Woodring, who recently ety Trustee Bill Wileri , our long-standing oral
donated four scouting uniforms (Cub Scouts, history project continu,es. Qnce again this
Boy Scouts, Bluebi~ds, and Campfire Girls) year we will be using students from Kent
frpm th~ 1950's and 1960's. We plan to fea- Roosevelt High Scho_or as interviewers. The
ture these uniforms ·in next year's exf1ibit on Society is pleasea ·to continue its support of
sport and leisure in Kent. · · this important documentation of our commu-
, - · •., · · nity's past. ·
□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
-
0 Hours: 0
□ ·. . □
□ The Office is open every □
·
0 Monday: Wednesday, 0
~ and Friday from 10-4 ~
□ The Museum is open ev- □
0 ery Wednesday and Fri- 0
~ day from noon to 4 ~
0 0 □ . □ 0 DD O □ DO O □ DD D
Membership in the Kent Historical Society
Name ---------------------------
Street Phone ----------------- --------
City __________ State _____ Zip _____ _
Student
Senior Citizen
Single
Family
5.00
15.00
Additional donation of 35.00
100.00
---------
Make Checks Payable to the Kent Historical Society and send them to
P.O. Box 663, Kent OH 44240
Your continued support through your membership dues and through contributions helps us
maintain the day-to-day operations of our historical society and enables us to undertake
projects such as Kentennial. Thanks to all for your generosity.
Kentennial June 1999 p.3
The Kent Historical Society
P.O. Box663
152 Franklin Avenue
Kent OH 44240
(330) 678-2712
Nonprofit Organization
U.S . Postage
PAID
Kent OH 44240
Permit #150
Kentennial p .
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
The Kent Historian, Kent Historical Society Newsletter, Number 107, Fall 2022
No full textTHE KENT HISTORIAN
Fall 2022 Number 107
Woodward Foundation honored at KUS gathering
Generosity celebrated by all
By Jack Amrhein
President, KHS Board of Trustees
The Kent Historical Society Board of Trustees, employees and volunteers gathered on Thursday, September 29, to honor the Woodward Solem Foundation for their significant generosity to our non-profit organization over the past 11 years. The evening consisted ofhors d'oeuvres and beverages, culminating in a champagne toast.
Woodward Foundation board members, Tim and Ruth Trowbridge, Chrystal Shook and Bob Riggie have donated substantial monetary gifts, not only to the Historical Society, but to other area non-profits such as Kent Social S-ervices-, The Children's-Advocacy Center and the Kent Free Library over the past fifteen years.
The foundation was formed following the death ofJosephine Woodward Solem in June of 2007. As noted in her obituary, Woodward Solem took great pride in being a member of one of Portage County's pioneer families, and in their role in the
Photo by Brooke Forrest
Guests of honor, Woodward Foundation board members Chrystal Shook (left, center) and Bob Riggie
(right, center), stand with past and present KHS board members and directors (left to right), Sandy Halem, Julie Kenworthy, Jack Amrhein, Jim Myers and Tom Hatch. (Woodward board members Tim and Ruth Trowbridge were unable to attend the gathering.)
early growth and development of Kent. A member of Kent Normal School's first kindergarten class, she continued her education at KSU and The Cleveland School ofArt. She went on to study Russian Ballet with Nicholai Seminoff in Cleveland, and then with Nijinsky and Tarasoff in New York City. After touring the country with a professional dance company, Jo returned
r--:--=r.---i
to Kent where she married John Solem.
Together they owned and operated Solem Jewelry in Kent for over 30 years. Jo also took special pleasure in serving the fraternities and sororities of KSU during that period. She also had a great love for animals, books and
her city of Kent. She became a charita-League, Reed Memorial Library of Ravenna and other local organizations such as the Kent Elks.
Other contributions included scholarships to Kent Roosevelt High School graduating seniors and, in January 2007, the "Woodward Room" in the Kent Free Library. She dedicated the room in memory ofher father, to whom she attributed her life-long love of learning. Because of her generosity, many senior citizens have enjoyed gathering in that room for reading and companionship.
The Foundation has gifted the Kent Historical Society and Museum generously over the past 12 years. The foundation helped to secure the purchase ofJosephine Woodward Solem's childhood home at 237 East Main Street (current home to KHS and its museum). More recently, during the pandemic, their timely contribution averted the possibility of the closure of the society and museum.
Once again, we wish to thank the
Woodward Foundation for their gifts and
Photo by Brooke Forrest ble supporter of
stewardship to the Historical Society and
Bob Riggie (I) and Cheryl Shook share stories of Jo Woodward the Portage County with attending KHS board members and staff. Animal Protective larger Kent community. Bengt George comes across manyfascinating artifacts ofKent history as he works in
KHS Museum's varied collection. KHS knows that these donated items may very well be ofinterest to our members; unfortunately, the available museum display space is limited.
Artifact
Spotlight
Instead, we offer this Artifact Spotlightfar the enjoyment ofKent history enthusiasts.
successful and Martin's political career overlapped
KHS holds a variety of artifacts related
he served from with the Great Depression and is notable
to Davey Tree and its eponymous family.
Our most recently acquired piece, donated
earlier this year, is a framed campaign
poster for Martin L. Davey.
Martin was born in Kent in 1884, four years after his father John founded the company that would become famous for "tree surgery." As a young adult, he attended Oberlin college and worked for Davey Tree before he set his sights on a political career by the age of 30.
Martin was elected mayor of Kent in 1913, then served four terms in the US House of Representatives. Of his total five bids for Ohio Governor, two were
Fall cleanup announced for Kent Pioneer Cemetery
Join KHS and the Preservation Group as we remove leaves and generally clean up our historical cemetery:
. ·~. SUNDAY, NOV. 6th, 2to4p.m. Please BRING RAKES!
Pioneer Cemetery is located on ~-~~~ Stow Street in Kent at east side ofFred Fuller Park. Refreshments will be rovided ollowin clean u .
1934 to 1938.
Though it is undated, we have compared his appearance in this poster with photographs from various years
and concluded
that it was most likely produced
during his first
J
I
Ab_ove, an original c~mpa1gn
poster of Martm
L. Davey joins the Dav
ey family exhibit in KHS Museum.
unsuccessful campaign in 1928.
for his public conflicts with labor organizations, the state legislature, and even President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Following a political dispute, Martin infamously issued an arrest warrant for FDR's Secretary of Commerce on charges of libel. For those interested in Martin's story, we sell copies of Frank P. Vazzano's 300-page biography "Politician Extraordinaire: The Tempestuous Life and Times of Martin L. Davey."
The campaign poster is now on display in our museum, alongside several other Davey-related artifacts from our collections.
Prescription for Memories: A Personal Tour
/fJUB~~~
ANEW EXHIBIT ON TRB HISTORY OP .PHARMAOIBS AND MJiDIClNE IN .!{ENT
' • 1_ .,--.! ·~
KHS OFFERS a MEMBERS ONL EVENT with JIM MYERS Thursday, Oct. 27th, 4 to 6 p.m.
Guests will be guided through the Museum's newest exhibit by the knowledgable retired pharmacist of Kent's Thompson's Drugs.
SEATING JS LIMITED.
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED:
~===~~~~~~~~=~~ EMAIL at [email protected]
L
,., _,_;>,'·~-j~Xou are invited. .. ~.re\::-•; --·~~ '1-{o(iday ;_;, O_pen '1-{ouse
Saturday, 'December 3, 2022 10am to i_pm
;Y
'F'RXX 'Refreshments & 'Kid-'Friend{y ~ctivities
or CALL 330-678-2712
'To:
'llistory & 'Museum :Enthusiasts 'FamiUes and'Friends 'lfear & 'Far ~wa_y
'From: 'Kent 'llistorica(Society &'Museum
237 :E. 'Main St. 'Kent, Ohio
,t
330-678-2712A __
Fall 2022
Kent Historical Society Garden Tour: Honoring the 200th Birthday of Marvin Kent
No full textKent Historical Society
Historic Kent Town Tour
Honoring the 200th Birthday
of Marvin Kent
September 17 & 18, 2016
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday
East Side Tour Sites
D Clapp-Woodward House/Kent
Historical Society Museum
D Erie Depot
D Marvin Kent Train Car
D Erie Car Shops *
D Wells-Sherman House
* Interior accessible only during guided
tours at 1 p.m. & 2 p.m. each day
West Side Tour Sites
Patton House D
Charles H. Kent Home D
Marvin Kent House/ D
Kent Masonic Center
All sites are open and can be visited
on either Saturday or Sunday.
1his tour booklet is your ticket and
will be marked at each stop.
e
0
(1)
---- "tl .... ~ · ·· ·········· ► s.
Ql
u5
j
<f)
0
Summit St.
East Side Tour Sites
0 Kent Historical Society e Hometown Plaza e Wells/Shennan House
;z. A
~ V Erie Depot - Marvin Kent Car
(")
~ 0 Erie Shops
fa
Esplanade
ekno so ethini about history, too!
We are celebrating our
65th year
serving our friends
and neighbors!
&ufa<t t4e ~ ad tk ~ ~ "Kent f4t μn
5Uta,,,e ~~- "Jlle atze &e4aed ta de a juVtt 1 tt!
vVith appreciation to
The Kent Historical Society
for keeping history alive in
Kent, Ohio
1
In saluting the Kent family we would like to tell
of the historic connection with the family to
Hometown Bank. Early commercial banks such
as the Kent Nationa1 Bank,which was owned
primarily by the Kent Family, were not of the
habit of lending on a long term basis to finance
housing. Seeing the need for this type of lending,
Marvin Kent helped facilitate the chartering of
our bank as an Ohio Chartered Building and Loan
to specialize and encourage home ownership in
the community of Kent and its surrounding area.
His Cashier ( the Executive Managing Officer of
the Bank) at the Kent National Bank, a young
man by the name of W. H. C. Parkhill, became
an incorporator of the new institution as well as
five other local prominent business leaders. Mr.
"'~ William Hamilton Clarke Parkhill ~.. Parkhill became our first Treasurer and the guiding
banking mind behind the newly chartered Building
and Loan. This could not have happened without
the blessing of Marvin Kent. Incidentally, Mr.
Parkhill was the husband of Marvin Kent's niece
Helen Wells. So in saluting Marvin Kent on his
200th birthday we would also like to salute his
nephew W. H. C. Parkhill because with his early
guidance and banking knowledge we have been
able to serve his community for the past .118 years.
Thank you, Mr. Parkhill.
Hometown Banking Since 1898
www.htbnk.com
2
MEMBER
FDIC
Clapp-Woodward
House
(Now Kent Historical
Society Museum)
237 E. Main St.
Built in 1883
In 1883, either Harriet
Kent Clapp, eldest of Zenas
Kent's 13 children, or her
son Charles began building
the house on land Harriet inherited from her father. Harriet had married
Charles Clapp, but when he joined the Shaker religious community, she
chose to leave him behind, living alternately in Kent with her son, Charles,
or in Brooklyn, N.Y., with her brother, Henry Kent.
Charles lived here with his wife, Mary Eliza Wood, and their four sons,
Charles, Frank, Leon and Harold. Leon's initials were scrolled on the
plaster wall in the front parlor, where they remain. The Victorian house
features high ceilings, large rooms trimmed with carved cherry woodwork,
three sets of pocket doors and a large entryway with an elaborate staircase.
It also has four unique fireplaces and sits atop the hill on East Main Street
with dignity and beauty.
In 1912, the Clapps sold their home to John and Jeanette (Greenshield)
Woodward, who lived here with their son Paul, 6, and daughter, Josephine
"Jo," for just 19 months. Woodward owned the Woodward Coal Co. Jo
was in the first kindergarten class at Kent Normal School and later attended
both Kent State University and the Cleveland School of Arts. She
studied Russian ballet with the famous Nijinsky in New York City, but her
father's illness brought her back to Kent, where she married John Solem.
They operated Solem Jewelry at the corner of Main and DePeyster streets
until May 1970. The home was sold to Keller Electric in 1956, but Jo built
a duplex on the Columbus Street end of the property, where she lived until
her death at age 96 in 2007.
In December 2010, the Kent Historical Society purchased the home
from its fourth owner, Mary and Bob Paton, who had already done some
restoration. The society's historic remodeling will continue to preserve this
building as its home for generations.
It is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays or
by appointment for group tours or research by calling 330-678-2712.
3
Erie Railroad Depot
Second Floor
\
152 Franklin Ave.
Built in 1875
The first railroad depot
in Kent was simply a large
wooden box of a building for
people to wait for trains and
where freight could be deposited
or picked up. By 187 4, the citizens of Kent asked the Atlantic & Great
Western Railroad to build a better depot for their growing community.
The railroad agreed, provided the town would pay 10,000 cost. Under the direction of Marvin Kent, townspeople oversubscribed
and this second depot opened in 1875. Constructed oflocal brick
in classic Tuscan design, it was second only to Cleveland's in size.
Inside the depot's first floor was a large waiting room for passengers, a
lunch counter and space for freight shipments. It has three large towers.
The central tower contained living quarters to house the agent; later this
space was given over to the people who worked at the downstairs lunch
counter, such as the Elgin family, who had two daughters born there.
The south tower contained beds where train crews could rest and sleep
on their layovers. The railroad's agent, George Hinds, placed books in
the north tower for the crewman to borrow and read. As the number of
crewmen increased, they could not all sleep in the depot tower and the Erie
Railroad decided it was not in the library business. The books became part
of Kent's Carnegie Library built in 1902.
The depot was the place where news came first via telegraph, where passengers
got their first vivid impressions of Kent, where soldiers and sailors
left their families on their way to war and finally how countless students
arrived to study at Kent Normal School, and later at Kent Sate University.
In January 1970, the last trains departed Kent. Over the next 10 years,
the new Kent Historical Society purchased and restored the station,
utilizing plans by Cleveland architect Robert Gaede. It is still owned and
preserved by the Kent Historical Society.
4
Marvin Kent
Train Car
152 Franklin Ave.
Built in 1922
The railroad coach
"Marvin Kent" was
manufactured by the
American Car and
Foundry Co. in 1922
for use by the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad. The car known as
Coach 6125 saw service west of Chicago until acquired by the Lake Shore
Railway Historical Society in 1969. It was stored in Ashtabula, Ohio, until
purchased by the Kent Jaycees in the summer of 1976 for use as a meeting
hall for both Jaycees and community use.
When the car was moved to Kent in August of that year, the Jaycees
leased the parcel of land south of the .Erie Depot from the Kent Historical
Society. The Jaycees completely refurbished the car over the next four years.
With an original seating capacity of 83, the coach measures 75 feet in
length and 10 feet in width and stands 14 feet above the ground. It weighs
82 tons.
The Erie Railroad had dedicated a sleeping car here in Kent in 19 51 to
the memory of Marvin Kent, the Ohio president of the Atlantic & Great
Western Railroad. The Jaycees felt that their car would be a fitting tribute
to the memory of Marvin Kent and his importance to the railroad industry
in Kent. The Jaycees' car is painted to resemble that sleeping car. The car is
still used by the Jaycees and is connected to all city services and is air conditioned
for summer use. It was recently repainted in its original colors.
Young professionals age 18 to 40 interested in the Junior Chamber of
Commerce Oaycees) can attend a monthly membership meeting on the
second Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. Email [email protected]
for more information.
5
Erie Car Shops
200 W. Williams St.
Built in 1863
Interior accessible
only during guided
tours at 1 p. m. &
2 p.m. each day
When the Adan tic
& Great Western Rail-road
opened in 1863,
the company established shops in Franklin Mills (Kent). Marvin Kent's
influence as the railroad's president - and his gift of land valued at
$15,000 - brought a complex of buildings that would be the center of the
town's economy for nearly 60 years.
Built by some of the same German-American masons who had built
the canal lock here 20 years earlier and constructed of local stone, the
shops were impressive. The main building was two stories high with three
cupolas. The employment of several hundred men - including at times
more than half of all working men in the town - increased the population
dramatically, adding many new homes on Kent's south side. By 1918, some
800 workers worked for A & GW's successor, the Erie Railroad.
The shops turned out hundreds of cars. While some locomotives were
manufactured in the 1870s, the majority were wooden passenger and
freight cars for the Erie. Workers were highly skilled mechanics and artisans
as well as unskilled laborers. The grounds were full of lumber, barrels of
nails and screws, wheel sets and supplies like paint and glass. The passenger
cars in particular were real works of beauty, while the box cars, gondolas,
cabooses and others were built solidly enough to last for decades. The work
was hard, injuries were common and, in the winter, it was cold. A 12-hour
workday was normal with no overtime. The car shops also functioned as
a sort of public square and the community often gathered there to hear a
band concert or see fireworks on holidays.
There were some labor struggles along with the Erie's perpetual financial
crises. After a major strike in 1922, the car shops closed in 1930. 4
The Davey Compressor Co., started by Paul Davey, purchased what remained
of the shops in 1943. After several changes over the ensuing years,
Tom Myers, Paul Davey's grandson, started leasing space in the building in
1981. His company, Davey Drill Division of Davey, Kent, Inc., continues
the drill operations of its predecessor, Davey Compressor Co.
6
Kent Wells Sherman House
247 N. Water St.
Built in 1858
The Greek Revival-styled Kent
Wells Sherman House was built
on the northeast corner of South
Water and Erie streets in 18 5 8
for Frances Kent Wells, sister of
city namesake Marvin Kent, and
her husband George. George
Wells was a business partner of
Zenas Kent in the Wells and
Kent Glassworks. After the Wells
family sold the house and moved
to Brownsville, Pa., in 1863, it
was eventually acquired in 1868 by Dr. Aaron M. Sherman. He was a Civil
War surgeon, prominent civic promoter, state representative, and one of
the founders in 1866 of the Kent Unitarian-Universalist Church.
The house was moved from its original site to East Erie Street, closer
to Kent Normal College. By 2012, the house, which had been used as a
student boarding house since 1968, was obtained by Kent State University
for the purpose of demolition to make way for the university Esplanade.
Research by avid local historians documented beyond question its significant
historical value to the city of Kent. As a result, the community rallied
and it was moved to its current location in September 2013.
The structure, placed in commercial zoning, now hosts attorneys' offices,
a video company and serves as a meeting place for public and private
gatherings. It is an example of a public-private partnership. Along with
grants, donations and many hours of volunteer work, significant financial
and logistical support from KSU (arranged by retired Vice President Greg
Floyd), the city of Kent, Hometown Bank, and Kent Historical Society, are
gratefully acknowledged. This project serves as an example of what is necessary
to save buildings that are of historical importance to a community.
For information on using the building for meetings, parties or pop-up
retail space, please contact Ann Ward at [email protected] or Rick
Hawksley at [email protected].
7
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Industrial Machinery Specialists
330-673-8712 www.rwmai:tin.com
The former Congregational Church, the third church in Franklin Mills (now Kent),
was ded icated on November 30, 1858, two years before t he election of Abraham
Lincoln to the Presidency in 1860. It served the Congregationa lists for almost a
century, until 1955. 310 Park Avenue was purchased by the Martin fami ly in 1969
and currently serves as the corporate headquarters for R.W. Martin & Sons, Inc.
9
Patton House
529 W. Main St.
Built in 1902
Once known as the Patton
Memorial House, the family residence
of W.W. 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
club and a cooking club, was chosen to maintain the property and provide
space for community groups to gather.
Women of prominent Kent families who were active members of Coterie
in its early years include Mrs. Harry Longcoy, Mrs. Edward Parsons, Mrs.
Duncan Wolcott, Mrs. W.S. Kent, Mrs. Frank Elgin, Mrs. Roy Smith and
Mrs. Burt Spelman.
Having served as the home for Kent State University presidents Dr.
James Engleman and Dr. Karl Leebrick from 1939 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 Coteries
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. For
information, call 330-673-5221 or email [email protected].
Charles H. Kent Home
125 N. Pearl St.
Built in 1843
The Charles H. Kent home
was built in 1843 in the West
Main Street district and is now
located at 125 N. Pearl St. This
home was designed and built
by James Clark of Streetsboro
Village, and is an example of
Gothic Revival architecture. It also features elements of the Greek Revival
and Carpenter Gothic architectural styles.
Charles was the son of Zenas, two years younger than his brother
Marvin, and was married to Mary E. Burrett. Charles was involved in the
dry goods business with his father in Ravenna. When our community was
still called Franklin Mills, Charles was a partner in the Clapp, Spellman
& Kent Dry Goods business and also in a glass company with his brother
Marvin. In 1860, he opened a dry goods and wallpaper store in Kent and
also was an original investor and a director of the Kent National Bank.
Charles died in 1887.
In 1902, the house was moved 150 feet north of its original location
along West Main Street to the current site on North Pearl Street by its
then-owner, Henry Green. This was supposedly prompted by Martin L.
Davey, son of the founder of the Davey Tree Co. Martin, who would later
serve as a mayor of Kent, U.S. representative and eventually governor,
persuaded Mr. Green to move the house to avoid its demolition for apartments
the owner was constructing on the original site.
This home is also referred to as the Palmer House after its longtime owner,
Dr. Maurice B. Palmer, who had accepted a position on the chemistry
staff of Kent State Normal College in 1931. He and his wife, Louisa Fenton,
purchased the home in 1940 and lived in it for more than 50 years.
After the Palmers' death, the house fell into disrepair, and was completely
renovated by Dennis and Jennifer Baughman. Mr. Baughman's company
specializes in the renovation and preservation of historic homes. It was ,
placed on the National Register of Historic Places on Feb. 23, 1978.
11
Marvin Kent
Family Homestead
(Now Kent Masonic Center)
409 W. Main St.
Built in 1884
Construction began in 1880 on
the Eastlake-style homestead of Marvin
and Maria Kent. Kent hired local
craftsmen except for wood carvers,
who came from Cleveland and New
York. Much of the materials used in
the house were likely locally sourced since, among Kent's many businesses,
were a stone quarry and a plate glass factory. The wood for the home was
the finest Kent could find in northern Ohio. When the Main Street covered
bridge was torn down, Kent saved the best of the massive beams and
used one for the arch header near the west coach entrance. There are three
similar arch headers in the west entrance hall and the main center hall.
Among the home's remarkable features are walls and partitions of solid
brick, cellar walls and entrance of thick sandstone, and a sloped slate roof.
Completed in 1884, the home provided 7,335 square feet of living space
with 20 rooms, including a ballroom and 10 fireplaces.
During the 40 years the Kent family lived in the home, four U.S. presidents,
either before or after they were in office, were guests in the home.
When Warren G. Harding, William Howard Taft, William McKinley
and Benjamin Harrison visited, they slept in the southeast second-floor
bedroom. This room remains much as it was in those days, including the
furniture.
When William Kent died in 1923, the home became the property of the
heirs of Marvin's son, Henry Lewis. They sold the home to Rockton Lodge
316 F & A. M. on Nov. 1, 1923.
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.
12
THE BURBICK
PoUNDATION
IS PROUD TO SPONSOR
THE HISTORIC KENT
TOWNTOUR
The Burbick Foundation
EX OBSCURITATE IN LUCEM
13
A BRIEF HISTORY OF MARVIN KENT AND His FAMILY
By jean Griffith Booth
I would like to thank Don Booth, Howard Boyle and Sandy Halem for their
valuable assistance in compiling this history. For purposes of clarity, I have used
birth names for the women in this article.
The Pilgrims
Marvin Kent's ancestors were part of the Great Migration of 20,000 pilgrims
who left England to come to New England between 1629 and 1640.
The Puritan families who made this dangerous voyage were educated and
prosperous. Among the first of Marvin's family to arrive in the Massachusetts
Bay Colony were: his fifth great-grandparents, William Hosford and
wife Florentia Sarah Hayward, who came in 1630; his sixth great-grandparents,
Thomas Talmadge and wife Catherine Cromwell, arriving in 1633,
and his fifth great-grandparents Henry Glover and wife Ellen Wakeman,
who arrived in 1634. Making the journey in 1640 were Thomas Kent and
his wife Ann Noyes with at least three children - eight-year-old Thomas,
six-year-old Samuel (Marvin's fourth great-grandfather) and three-year-old
Josiah.
The Revolutionary War
Both of Marvin's grandfathers, Zenas Kent (his father's father) and Oliver
Hiram Lewis (his mother's father), fought in the Revolutionary War as
privates in the Connecticut Line.
On May 5, 1777, Zenas enlisted in the 4th Regiment of the Connecticut
Militia for a term of eight months. During his service, the 4th Connecticut
fought in the Defense of Philadelphia Campaign, including the Battles of
Brandywine, Germantown and Whitemarsh, arriving at Winter Quarters at
Valley Forge in mid-December, 1777. He was discharged Jan. 1, 1778.
Oliver fought in the Revolutionary War three times, beginning in 1776
when he joined the 18th Regiment of the Connecticut Militia. He was a
member of Captain Thomas Bidwell's Company and took part in the Battle
of New York on Aug. 27, 1776, and the Battle of Fort Washington on
Nov. 16, 1776, before completing his term of enlistment.
The Kent Family Settles in Ohio
In the early 1800s, Aaron Olmsted hired Ralph Buckland, whose mother
was Mary Olmsted, to survey and act as an agent for the land he had
purchased in the Connecticut Western Reserve. It is likely Zenas and his
wife Anne Plumb purchased their homestead in Mantua from Ralph, since
Ralph was married to the Kents' eldest daughter, Ann. Traveling by sleigh,
14
the Kent and Buckland families left Leyden, Mass., and Middletown,
Conn., in the winter of 1812. The younger Zenas came with his family,
but his pregnant wife Pamelia Lewis remained back east. Sadly, two-yearold
Mary Anne Buckland did not survive the journey.
Zenas Kent
The younger Zenas returned to Connecticut for Pamelia and they moved
to Hudson in 1814. Using the skills he had learned from his fathe
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