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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. .
• ~ ➔
" .,
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
Jit.ne_3, lq5b -JLLne t't, ~o)J
Roger. He had been an award-winning reporter who could have taken his talents to a bigger city but leaving was unimaginable. Kent was everything Roger loved. Being editor of the RecordCourier was everything he had dreamed about. Few people can be so totally fulfilled by a job that both defined them and contributed to the betterment of their community.
He loved sharing. It was his honor to be asked questions and his greatest pleasure to be able to answer them. But most of all, he left us all with a better sense of the arc of our town's life through the eyes of one of its favorite sons who never had to leave to be successful. Roger stayed out of choice and contributed out of love. His death leaves an enormous hole. We will miss all the books that will never be written, but we are grateful to have had you here with us, dear friend. Thank you for making a difference.
By Wayne R. Enders Historian-in-Residence Portage County Historical Society
For most of its 213 years of history, Portage County has been fortunate to have had several individuals who have had an interest in recording local history. Roger Di Paolo and I met when we were in the eighth grade because of our parents' activity in local politics and stayed in touch over a half century due to our love for local history. Through his inquisitive mind, attention to detail, and his search for truth, he was able to apply his journalistic skills to write some of the best nar-, · l, rative histories of our age. As editor of the
Record-Courier at 36, Di Paolo had the most powerful typewriter in the county. He never used his influence to label or divide, but to encourage and unite. Roger was a great listener. He was not one to interrupt. If asked a question concerning someone he knew or a topic that was dear to him, he could talk at great length with a wealth of information. His books on Kent and Ravenna were a reflection of his commitment to history and his desire to educate his readers. Those narratives were but the tip of the iceberg of the knowledge he had, and the unwritten ones forever lost by his untimely death. A friend of the underdog and those who were denied rights and freedoms, he chose his friends from all walks of life, His only unwritten requirement was that a person be fair, honest and opened-minded. It was my honor and privilege to have been his friend and colleague. 2017, he authored Portage Pathways, a went on to careers in national media.
By David Dix Former Publisher, Record-Courier weekly history column that had been Born June 3, 1955, Roger is survivedstarted by his predecessor, the late Loris by his husband, Timothy Krasselt; his
Roger J. Di Paolo, my editor ofthe
C. Troyer. Di Paolo's Portage Pathways
son, Brian Di Paolo; and his sisters, LinRecord-Courier from 1991 until March were compiled into two books. Rooted da Di Paolo Prezioso and Betsy Soule.
2017, died June 18, 2021, following a
. in Kent was published in collaboration
long battle with cancer.
with the Kent Historical Society and An elegant The Ravenna Record was published to stylist and raise money to refurbish the historic grammarian Ravenna flagpole on Main Street.
By Henry Halem
ofprecision, I will miss Roger. He was a wonderVolunteer, KHS
an avid reader
ful conversationalist and my near daily
and student of Beyond a personal friendship, I had
discussions with him about the day's
local history, Di the pleasure ofworking with Roger on
news after he became editor were never
Paolo chronihis book publishing projects for the
dull. I looked forward to them and
cled the news of Kent Historical Society.
learned a lot. Roger held strong views.
Portage County Sometimes we did not agree, but he I have many fond memories ofsitfor 40 years. He got his start at the Rehad a way ofmaking me re-examine my ting around my dining room table withcord-Courier as a reporter in 1977 when
own opinions and Roger nearly always Roger and his editorial team, hashinghe reported on the protests surrounding
made me laugh. He had a great capacity out which articles and photos to includethe construction ofa building on land for empathizing with those getting a in his book Rooted in Kent: 101 Taleschat intruded on the site where four
ftom the Tree City. His eye forstudents were killed on May 4, 1970.
detail was always present. HereA Roosevelt High School student in
are a couple ofdetails Roger1970, the shootings had a formative
wanted included in the bookeffect on Di Paolo's view ofthe world.
that I found in notes from thoseHe had an affinity for the underdog,
meetings: Include about the Silkpassed on by his father, the late Judge
Mill: "... it took about one millionRoger F. Di Paolo.
bricks to build which were all supRoger's abilities were recognized plied by the Ferry Brickyard which early. In 1978 while a student at Kent was located in town. "About the State, Di Paolo was the recipient of Clapp/Woodward House, "... the James M. Sutherland Award, cited there is a fireplace in every one of as the Most Promising Young Profesthe four rooms facing out on main sional by the Sigma Delta Chi/Society street. No two fireplaces are alike. of Professional Journalist. He was One is oak, one is cherry, and two one of60 honored by the Kent State are paintedstone. "The book was University School ofJournalism and his labor oflove. Mass Communications at the School's
The years passed and Roger60th anniversary in 1997. He was
was itching to get involved inthe recipient offour Ohio Associated
another book. I suggested we putPress Awards including Best Editorial
together a book of Kent, BradyWriter. Honors were also bestowed by
Lake and Kent State Universitythe Portage County Historical Society,
vintage postcards. Roger thoughtthe Portage County Chapter ofthe
the book was a wonderful idea,NAACP, the Kent City Schools of
and we were soon hard at workHall ofFame, the Kent Area Chamber
sorting postcards. Once Rogerof Commerce, and the Ohio School raw deal in life and had no patience for made his decision, he would then writeBoard Association. He set a record as those who feel entitled. two or three lines describing each card.the featured speaker for Kent State UniAs
editor, Di Paolo oversaw a staff of But Roger soon found that for many
versity's town-gown Bowman Breakfast approximately 20 full-time and partofthe cards he had more to say. Howon three different occasions.
time employees and a budget exceedcould it be otherwise? Roger was a man Devoted to local history, Di Paolo ing $1 million annually. He enjoyed ofdetails. On many occasions I would compiled a popular weekly history feateaching newcomers and was proud that have to tell him to "shorten it" and ture called Yesteryears. From 2002 until some ofthe reporters he worked with began to think ofmyself as chat grumpy old editor often depicted in old blackand-white movies. He would grumble, but eventually he'd find a way to shorten it. This book, Welcome to Kent, A Postcard Portrait ofthe Tree City,
was in full color, and Roger was very happy with the result.
In 2020 my wife Sandy revived an idea she'd had when she was the president of the historical society. Roger's cancer was in remission and she hoped he could help develop a walking tour ofStanding Rock Cemetery. I would design a folded two-sided piece; on one side, a full-color map of the cemetery with specific grave sites marked, and on the other, a brief synopsis of the person buried at each site. He couldn't wait to start on the project. Roger and Sandy insisted that the tour include those individuals who represented -our historical diversity. Once the names were decided, Roger set to work writing a brief biography ofeach individual. "A Walking Tour of Standing Rock Cemetery" is a Kent "who's who." Seventy-seven people from all walks oflife who made a difference. Sad to say, there is now one more name to add to that distinguished list.
I loved working with Roger and his "Team Roger," as we were known. I loved Roger. Listening to him reflect on all things Kent was a treat. He was not a man of few words when it came to his hometown and all the families that lived and died here. Whenever a Kent question arose about a family, a person, a place or a date, "Call Roger" was the cry. Call Roger. We
cannot call Roger anymore, and I cannot tell you how many times since his death I have needed to make that call. Farewell, my friend.
By Doria Daniels Civic Leader
Roger and I shared the same passion about the accurate history and recognition of Kent's South End neighborhood. Our interaction with each other goes back over 30 years when as a journalist and later a city editor. He had a keen eye for digging deeper into stories that
emanated from our neighborhood. He didn't gloss over stories or dismiss content as we had experienced before. This is how our
friendship developed. It was years later that I learned his heritage began in the south end and he was obviously not embarrassed to associate or identify with his "South End" roots. He was fully supportive of our efforts to seek historic recognition for the neighborhood and was an asset in providing research, especially on the Italian contributions to this community. The legacy he left to this cpmmunity will be the drive to excel and to continue to overcome the prejudice and stereotypical depictions of the neighborhood. To that end we are PREVAILING.
Team Roger: I to r, Henry Halem, Bob Springer, Roger, Kasha Legeza-Burton, Sandy Halem By Charles Michel Childhood Friend
Conversations with my childhood friend Roger Di Paolo, always went something like this.
Me... "Roger, whatever happened to old Mrs. Kelly?"
Roger... "She died on Thanksgiving Day, 3 years ago. She had been living with her daughter, Lucy (whose married name
was Smith) down in Ft. Myers Fl. Lucy was the youngest of the Kelly kids. There were ten kids in all. From oldest to youngest... there was Tommy, Teddy, Theresa, Mary, Emily, Arthur, Danny, Helen, Ellen, and baby Lucy. They lived on Highland Avenue just behind St. Patrick's Church. They are all still living except for Arthur, who died in Vietnam on September 3, 1969."
No one person has ever known more about or cared more about the people in his own home community than Roger. Roger was much more than the editor of a newspaper... he was the heart that held close every memory of everyone and everything. For Roger, every Kent resident, past and present, living and dead... was family. And the entire community was itself more of a family because Roger lived his entire life there. Like George Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life, Roger's life was made wonderful by making a very big difference in his very own backyard. Roger Di Paolo was indeed "the richest man in town." And
the town and the state and the nation
and the world will forever be a bit poorer now that Roger is no longer here
to keep it rich in memories and rich in
love.
By Jack Amrhein
President, KHS
On October 24, 2017 the Kent Historical Society and Museum's Board ofTustees appointed Roger Di Paolo as historian-in-residence. The board was fortunate that Roger was available to do the job and he and his knowledge of Kent's history were well known to the community. Mr. Di Paolo wrote or coauthored as well as edited books for the Society. In his role Roger helped muse
~------------------------
Roger's horse-drawn hearse on its way to Standing Rock Cemetery ~
um visitors research historic questions as well as helped them trace relatives or past businesses that were important to them. He also presented programs
on our behalf to the citizens of the community.
On many occasions I remember Roger sitting down with visitors, employees and members and
weaving Kent's history into fascinating and interesting stories. His knowledge of Kent's long and varied history was amazing. No one had the vast knowledge ofour community's history as did Roger. He was an excellent addition to our Museum's team. His talents as an author, editor and historian enabled the Kent Historical Society to enrich its programs of events, publications and public programs.
Roger will be deeply missed.
To contribute to the Roger Di Paolo Student Scholarship Fund at Roosevelt High School please call KHS at (330) 678-2712 or email [email protected]
Photo credits: Brad Bolton, Tim Krasselt, Sandra Halem, Henry Halem ~ . 1
fu,,b.,fLuc:t~v ill." Jtu~ ~ ~/},_
~-~---, ~ ~1'
And, ofcourse I am grateful for havinggrown up in Kent, a community whose diversity is part ofmy heritage
The Author: Kent Davis
Full text linkKent Davis is a Montana based author of “A Riddle in Ruby” and the soon to be released sequel, “The Changer’s Key”
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-
~ . ·!- ... ... :
.--- ·- · ... ~- \~---~ !~l~ii~:0oi ,
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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 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
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 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 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 78, Winter 2013
No full textTHE KENT HISTORIAN
The Newsletter of the Kent Historical Society Winter 2013
Number 78
Trains set
the track for
Kent history
KHS events mark 150 years
since arrival of railroad
The following is by Bruce Dzeda, author of
''Railroad Town: Kent and the Erie Railroad. "
The book, published by Kent Historical Society
Press, is available for purchase at the museum.
One hundred and fifty years ago, an event
took place in Kent that set the course of our
history.
And the Kent Historical Society intends to
mark that anniversary, or sesquicentennial,
with a series of interesting and fun events this
year.
The event was the 1863 opening of Marvin
Kent's Atlantic & Great Western Railroad. The
coming of the A&GW, and the two subsequent
railroads that continue to serve our city,
changed everything about our town, starting
with its very name. It also set off a series of
events with consequent results which we still
see and benefit from today.
But why celebrate Kent's railroads at all?
Why should the historical society and its
friends mark this 150th anniversary? Well, I
can think of many reasons, but let's start with
these:
First, the railroads gave our town its colorful
and important past and historical legacy.
Franklin Mills, Ohio, today might be just
another semi-rural bedroom community
known as a place where John Brown once lived
for a few short years. Instead it's renowned as
the vibrant city of Kent where any number of
important people have lived, worked and made
their contributions over the years.
Second, the railroads influenced the layour of
Kent's streets and the way the city looks. The
south end, with its smaller, older houses on
small lots, were the affordable starter homes
built primarily by the Erie Railroad's car shop
workers. Even today, we can see there the
evidence of the mom and pop stores rhat were
once characteristic of such neighborhoods.
Here, diverse populations lived and worked
side by side, as the men walked to and from
their nearby jobs. The Kent Free Library that
today dominates and graces the West Main
Street hill began as a collection of books
Thought to have been photographed in Kent in the 1870s, A&GW No. 95, above, is a fine
example of the locomotives of the broad-gauge, wood-burning era of American railroading.
A proud engineer sits atop "his" locomotive between the brass bell and the large
steam whistle, while his fireman looks out the window.
assembled by Erie agent George Hinds for
railroad crews to read during their time off
between train assignments. The location of the
Erie Depot downtown, instead of being on the
edge of the village, confirmed the area as the
rerail center, with all of the positive effects and
businesses that it brings. Then, in the 1960s
the Haymaker Parkway and the Redmond
Greer Memorial Bridge were built, in large
part, to solve the problem of stopped trains
blocking the city's three street crossings, with
the ever-present threat of potentially disastrous
results for emergency vehicles and public safety.
Next, the railroads' yards, depots and the car
shops all drew people to Kent by offering
employment and opportunity to thousands of
men over the years. A great variety of jobs
existed here, ranging from unskilled to highly
skilled, from laborers, carpenters, painters,
joiners and steam-fitters to brakemen,
trainmen, conductors, firemen and engineers,
See RAILROAD, page 4
Inside ...
Holiday open house a hit 2
Davey school program 3
Kent schools on exhibit 3
KHS board: 2013 is ... ,.,
Year of the Railroad t: I I
fi
The Board of
Trustees of the
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
exhibits, educational programs and
activities. The society offers educational
programs to schools, businesses
and civic organizations.
Board of Trustees
Sandra Halem, President
Scott Flynn, Vice President
Jack Amrhein, Vice President
Matt Metcalf, Treasurer
Audrey Cielinski Kessler, Secretary
Jean Booth
Howard Boyle
Rebecca Dunlap
Kasha Legeza-Burton
Jim Myers
Carol Stroble
Sta.ff
Thomas Hatch, Director
Lorie Bednar, Administrator
Museum Hours
237 E. Main St.,
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fridays and Saturdays
and by appointment.
Contact
Kent Historical Society
237 E. Main St.
Kent, Ohio 44240
(330) 678-2712
Email
[email protected]
Website
www.kentohiohistory.org
Facebook
www.facebook.com/
KentHistoricalSociety
KHS open house a holiday hit
Children and adults enjoy activities, Victorian decorations
A modern-day version of
feather trees, above,
popular during the
Victorian era, were
on display at KHS. Jack,
4, and Molly, 2, right,
children of KHS board
trustee Scott Flynn and
wife Anna, made holiday
memories at KHS.
There were plenty of
holiday-related craft
projects for young visitors
to work on during
the KHS Holiday Open
House. Kent residents,
Molly, 9, and Jack
Tillett, 6, left, decorated
gingerbread cookies.
Their brother, Sam, 10,
also joined the fun.
Velma Strimple and
KHS board president
Sandra Halem, below,
admired the beautiful
tree Strimple donated to
KHS in memory of her
husband,Reed,who
was a KHS founder and
board member from
1971-2006.
Correction:
The photo at left
shows a city
landmark, The Kent
Block, which was
built in 1837. The
structure, built by
Zenas Kent, was
destroyed by a fire
in 1972. An
incorrect photo
appeared in the Fall
2012 edition of The
Kent Historian.
Winter 2013
Kent schools featured in new exhibit at KHS
Guest curator Jon Ridinger shows
history, highlights of district
An "All About Kern" program held in the fall
has led co an in-depth exhibit highlighting che
Kern schools' history.
The new exhibit at che Kern Historical
Society is the culmination of an idea Kern
resident Jon Ridinger first had co mark the
90th birthday of the Davey Elementary School
building.
Ridinger, who always has had an interest in
Kent history and in the history of the schools
in particular, jumped at the chance to organize
rhe program held in September 2012 at Davey.
"I had already begun to do research of my
own into the building's past, so now I had even
more reasons to dig a little deeper," he said.
"The program ended up being a wonderful
evening of sharing both written and oral
histories of the building through its eras as a
high school, junior high, middle school, and
elemernary school."
And as he researched the building's history,
Ridinger discovered considerably more about
che district's other buildings through newspaper
articles and yearbooks.
Ridinger said he noticed at che Davey
program char some attendees hadn't been in
Kent for awhile and rhus were not familiar with
the locations of many current schools in
addition to wondering where some of the older
schools had gone. Conversely, many were
curious where these older buildings, which
have since been demolished, were located, he
said.
To help people make sense of where
everything was, Ridinger said a Kent map was
included that highlights the locations of the
current schools and photos of each. In
addition, several photos of previous school
buildings are included. Along with chem,
documents and class photos are on display
from the various schools.
Above the display is the original sign for
Roosevelt High School chat once hung over the
front doors of today's Davey Elementary
School from 1933-1959. le was rediscovered in
2010 by local antiques dealer Don Barreu at an
antique store in Medina, Ohio, and purchased
Jack Amrhein, left, and
Roger Sidoti admire the
newly restored sign that
was posted in 1933
outside Kent's original
Theodore Roosevelt
High School (now Davey
Elementary). Amrhein,
who teaches at
Roosevelt High School
and is a KHS board
trustee, serves as a
Kent city councilman
with Sidoti. Sidoti purchased
the sign from
local antiques dealer
Don Barrett. The sign is
on permanent loan to
KHS.
by former RHS principal Roger Sidoti. le is on
permanern loan to the Kem Historical Society
and has been restored co its original
appearance.
On a smaller separate display, an area is
devoted co Roosevelt High School , with several
photos and artifacts from the school's history,
including dedication programs, oucflcs, and
yearbooks.
KHS Director Tom Harch said Ridinger was
the perfect choice for the job.
"He brought rhe same passion for history
and excellence (to creating the exhibit) chat was
evidem in his work for che 'All About Kem'
program," Hatch said.
Past, present students celebrate 90 years of building history at Davey
Winter 2013
An "All About Kent" program held in September
at Davey school marked the 90th anniversary of
the building, which opened as Roosevelt High
School in 1922. Attending, above, are three generations,
from left, Abby Dean, who attended
Davey elementary; her mother, Sally Hurd Dean,
who attended Davey Jr. High; and Sally's father,
Jack Hurd, a music teacher and assistant principal
at the school from 1962-78. At right are Jim
and Sally Myers. Jim, wearing his school sweater,
is a KHS trustee and 1949 Roosevelt graduate.
Joan and Robert
Wingard, above,
Kent residents who
graduated from
Roosevelt in 1947,
had a chance to
talk with Theo
Bednar, 5, a kindergarten
student at
Davey Elementary,
which was used as
the high school
until 1959.
3
Kent Historical Society
237 E. Main Street
Kent, OH 44240
RAILROAD, from page 1
to depot agents, telegraphers, freight handlers,
to say nothing of the managers required to
oversee and coordinate it all. The railroads in
Kem were diverse in their employment from
the beginning. The Americans, Irish and
Germans who built the railroads gradually
absorbed the newcomers over the years, such as
the Italians, Poles and African Americans, all of
whose names and children then became part of
the town's institutions and schools.
In addition, the railroads took us where we
wanted to go, whether to Akron, Cleveland,
Warren, Pittsburgh or some ocher large city
nearby, or to farther away places such as New
York, Chicago, Washington and Baltimore.
Many Kent residents fondly recall caking the
train co do Christmas shopping, to attend a
sporting event, to go on vacation or even to
commute to work. Others recall the heartrending
scenes of soldiers saying goodbye to
their loved ones at the depot during war time.
Importantly, the railroads in Kent served city
businesses reliably and economically. The
iconic grain mills downtown were located
along the railroad tracks for shipping
convenience, as well as, for example, Mason
Tire and Rubber and also the Twin Coach
Company. At least two Kent business were
founded by railroad workers. All of these
4
businesses and others employed further legions
of workers . You could even order an entire
house from the Sears, Roebuck catalog, have it
shipped by railroad to Kent and then have it
delivered and assembled on your lot. The
railroads made the efficiencies of the modern
industrial age economically available to a much
wider population.
Railroad money played an indirect, yet
important, role in the decision of the state of
Ohio in 1910 to locate its new college in Kent.
The Erie Railroad was a main source of the
Kent family's wealth. le was William S. Kent's
generous gift of land on the ease side of Kent
that tipped the scales in the town's favor. To us
today, a Kent without Kent Scace University is
simply unthinkable!
Lastly, although CSX Transportation, the
Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway and the Akron
Barberton Cluster Railway continue to operate
trains in Kem, even the abandoned parts of the
Erie Railroad live on in a most useful way as
first-class recreational hike and bike trails,
which themselves continue to bring more
people to Kent.
I often see pedestrians and motorists stop
just to watch a train rush through Kent,
enjoying its special power to compel attention
with its noisy horn, hurrying thousands of tons
Nonprofit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Kent, OH
Permit #150
Or Current Resident
of freight onward to its destination. Little kids
especially thrill co the sight of Kent's trains,
including on that magical evening each year
when Sama Claus arrives in Kent, as he ought
to, by train! After all, the railroads of Kern have
been bringing their gifts co our town for some
150 years. I hope it goes on forever.
YEAR, from page 1
moment when they hear that whistle - maybe
even snap a photo co display on our Facebook
page, crayon a picture, write an essay and pay
tribute to the thousands of Kent residents who
discovered, worked and lived here because of
the railroad. We also will be asking for help in
our continuing preservation of the Erie Depot,
owned by the Historical Society and in need of
some important work since it re-opened in
1981 as part of the first wave of renovation,
which is now blossoming throughout Kern's
downtown. As one of Kent's most celebrated
buildings, our mission continues to keep the
depot a shining example of history, architecture
and commerce.
Join us. Send us your photos and your memories
and make this special year one that excites
and unites our community.
Sandy Halem, KHS board president
Winter 201
The Kent Historian, Kent Historical Society Newsletter, Number 74, Winter 2011-12
No full textTHE KENT HISTORIAN
The Newsletter of the Kent Historical Society Winter 2011-12
Number74
'All About Kent' features
rediscovered author
Rogue vagabond, author who spent
time in Kent topic of Nov. 1 event
By Paul Bauer
Author and Kent book dealer
A short, slightly stooped middle-aged man
stubbed out a cigarette and walked through the
door of my bookshop in Kent, Ohio. In the six
years I'd known Mort Krahling this scene had
repeated itself hundreds of times. Mort (real
name Ron, Mort being a nickname acquired in
tribute to comic Mort Sahl) was such a frequent
visitor that I often handed him the keys
to the shop when I was away. Mort had survived
the turbulent 1960s and his own personal
aftermath in the 1970s to become one of the
fine poets associated with Shelley's Book Bar at
the corner of Franklin and Summit. He was
also a first-rate bread baker and tended bar at
the Town Tavern. And he was an inveterate
note-taker, stopping every few feet in his wanderings
around town to jot down whatever
struck him as interesting. Mort could be curmudgeonly
and irascible - I regarded that as
part of his charm - but was at his core a bookish
and gentle soul.
On this particular summer afternoon in
1992, Mort, as usual, mentioned whatever
book he had just finished. His typical review
was, "It had its moments." Mort was an omnivorous
reader but consumed paperback mysteries
like salted peanuts. He also asked about one
book in particular. Mort requested a copy of
1he Bruiser by Jim Tully, who was regarded by
many as the father of hard-boiled fiction.
I was slightly pained to say that I'd never
heard of the book since I was a great fan of the
genre. My humiliation was complete when
Mort added that Tully had lived in Kent for six
years.
When Mort said Tully was a hard-boiled
writer, I'd assumed he wrote mysteries. Yet
Tully didn't appear in any of the usual mystery
references. He did, I discovered, appear in my
favorite reference book, William Coyle's Ohio
Authors and 1heir Books. The entry for "Tully,
Jim" was written by Paul Chapman, an English
professor at Mount Union College in Alliance.
Tully's biography, according to Chapman,
was fascinating. Born in 1886 (Chapman gave
an incorrect date) in St. Marys, Ohio, Tully
had little formal education beyond a stint in an
orphanage.
Jim Tully, above, is the topic of
KHS' "All About Kent'' program
that will be held Tuesday, Nov. 1,
at Christ Episcopal Church, 118
S. Mantua St. in Kent. Tully lived
in Kent before making his way to
Hollywood, where, for a time, he
worked for Charlie Chaplin, seen
at right with Tully.
While still a child, he hopped a train and
spent the next years crisscrossing the country.
As Chapman gently put it, he "had wide, firsthand
experience with various unattractive aspects
of American life ... " Tully traveled with
drifters, slept in hobo jungles, worked as a circus
roustabout, a tree surgeon, professional
boxer and newspaper reporter. Tully's life was
the stuff of pulp nonfiction.
And, we later learned, he wooed and lost
Nellie Dingley, Kent's first librarian. During his
road years he haunted public libraries and between
trains was kept company by Conrad,
Twain, Dostoyevsky, and others. He found his
way to Hollywood, where he committed himself
to writing, saw his first book published
and, for a time, worked for Charlie Chaplin.
That book, Emmett Lawler, like most of those
that followed, was autobiographical in nature
and drew on Tully's road years.
How, I wondered, could I have never heard
of this guy? Surely, my well-read friend Mark
Dawidziak, then at the Akron Beacon Journal,
would be able to tell me more about Tully.
When Mark dropped by the shop, I mentioned
Tully. Nothing. I pulled Coyle off the shelf,
opened it to Tully's entry and jabbed my finger
on the page. Mark was intrigued. He later
found a copy of Shanry Irish at The Bookseller
in Akron and, after reading a few pages of
Tully's autobiographical novel of his childhood
in western Ohio, he too was hooked.
We started rounding up Tully's books. This
was not as straightforward as it seemed. There
was no bibliography and no Internet. We compiled
a working list of his books from Tully's
dust-jacket flaps and began collecting magazine
articles by or about Tully, as well as books
about Hollywood, boxing, vagabondage and
histories of St. Marys and Kent. And I started
pulling newspaper microfilm at the Kent State
University Library, scanning reel after reel, year
after year, looking for Tully's name to pop up in
See Tully, page A4
2
Pufferbelly Restaurant
marks 30 years this Dec. 16
By Sandy Halem
KHS President
Everyone has always credited Sam Apicello
with the idea of beginning the Kem Historical
Society in 1971. Sam gathered the other
founding trustees, Bill Birkner, John Carson,
Titus Jackman, Leland Keller, Jim Myers, Reed
Strimple and Loris Troyer, to help create the organization
that would preserve Kent's history.
While Sam served as its first president, the task
of creating a museum and all of the exhibits fell
to Bill Birkner, who would devote thousands of
hours of his time. Our first Board of Trustees
reflected a variety of skills that would serve as
the template for future board members. This
was going to be a "working" board that had to
craft a mission worthy of our community.
Though the board drew up a list of important
buildings worthy of preservation around
Kent, the fate of the Erie Depot became the
focus of all its energy. The Depot exists because
of that mixture of public/private partnerships
which seems such a familiar phrase today.
With the opening of the Pufferbelly restaurant
on Dec. 16, 1981, the Kem Historical Society
had an anchor. By 1984 both the Kem
Historical Society and the Kent Chamber of
Commerce would occupy the second floor. The
Pufferbelly Restaurant, now under the ownership
of long-time manager Kevin Long, continues
to be a destination point.
www.pufferbellyltd.com/
The second floor is now rented to Jason
Noble who specializes in studio photography.
His web site is / /www.nobleimages.net/
This past year the society acquired a new
home at 237 E. Main St. I urge you to spend
an hour with us before the end of the year and
perhaps shop for something special for your
holiday gifts. The warmth of our home, its
beautiful rooms, displays and artifacts delight
everyone who has visited.
I smile every day I come to volunteer.
Remember our hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fridays and Saturdays, or by special appointment
for research or tours.
Tell us your memories of Kent landmark
On Aug. 28, 1972, a Kem landmark burned
to the ground.
But many people have pleasant memories of
shopping at Kent's commercial block, located
at Main and Water streets, erected in 1836-37
by Zenas Kem.
Roger Di Paolo, editor of the RecordCourier,
is writing an article to mark the 40th
anniversary of the event next year and would
like to hear some of your memories.
Where did you shop? Do you have photographs
of the fire?
Help us paint a picture of that block's most
recent history and its tragic end.
Please email your written memories or photographs
to [email protected]. You
may also mail them or bring them in person
during our regular hours.
Winter 2011
John, Jean Jacobs honored with first Birkner award
This September, the Board of Trustees voted
to create the "William A. Birkner Distinguished
Service Award."
No two people could fill this extraordinary
call to service more than Jean and John Jacobs,
named our first recipients. Jean and John Jacobs
first volunteered on Jan. 24, 2008. Hundreds
of hours later, the two of them have
shown the same love, devotion and respect to
our society and museum that they show for one
another. John and Jean are a team. They have a
long and distinguished history within our community
which unites two outstanding families:
the Longcoys and the Jacobs. They don't just
volunteer to do what they want - they volunteer
to do what needs to be done.
Please join with our board of trustees, staff
and friends, including special guest Carol
Birkner, as we honor our dear friends the Jacobs
at the special award ceremony and reception
following the ''All About Kent" program
on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2011, at Christ Episcopal
Church in Kent. The program begins at 7 pm
and features guest speakers Paul Bauer and
Mark Dawidziak.
John Jacobs was born in Kent and graduated
from Kent State High School in 1945. He
graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathy
and was a physician in Kent for 39
years. He retired from family practice in 1993.
After becoming interested in learning about
Jean's genealogy, their involvement at KHS
"just seemed kind of natural," Dr. Jacobs said.
"There are good people and interesting
things to do and we are always learning," Dr.
Jacobs said.
Jean (Longcoy) Jacobs was born in Kent.
Joshua Woodard, Jean's maternal grandfather,
came to Kent in 1811. Her paternal grandfa-
Oral History ... Bill Birkner
Nov. 14, 1990 (transcribed and edited)
Prepared for the Kent Historical Society Oral
History Project by Dave Ressler and John
Capretta, students of Dr. William Wilen's Secondary
Social Studies Methods Class in the College
of Education.
Interviewer: When the trains were running
through here (Kent) quite frequently, (what
were some of the) problems of the traffic before
some of the bridges were built?
Birkner: Sometimes it was almost impossible
to get through town, because - this was especially
during World War II. Of course, I can
remember that quite vividly. There were trains
Winter 2011
John and Jean Jacobs, above, are the first recipients of the 'William A. Birkner Distinguished
Service Award." The Jacobs will be honored at a ceremony and reception following
the Nov. 1 "All About Kent" program at Christ Episcopal Church.
ther, David Longcoy, settled in Kent in 1834.
Jean attended Kent State High School, where
she studied business. She worked at the familyowned
Longcoy Grocery, which began serving
the community in the mid- l 800s. The Jacobs
married in 1950 and have two children, Steve
and Jan.
"I love the city of Kent," Jean said. "I love
learning about it and helping others discover
Kent's history."
Birkner was a founding member, past KHS
president (1981-1995) and director ofKHS'
Rowe Museum. Born in Kent, he served in the
Navy during W.W.11 and graduated from Kent
State University upon his return. He worked
for several companies, including Davey Tree,
on this track all the
time, and you had
three places where
you could cross -
one was Crain Avenue
and one was
Main Street and one
was Stow Street. And
you might have trains
... actually, one train
would come down
the track this way, Birkner
and just about the
time that he was off of the three crossings, one
would come from the other direction. And
sometimes you would sit there - I know I
have sat there for more than an hour, waiting
and retired in 1989 from Field Local Schools,
where he taught industrial arts for 18 years.
Birkner worked at building a historical society,
collecting its earliest artifacts and helping
raise awareness about the importance of preserving
the history of the Kent community.
Loris Troyer, another founding member of
KHS, described Birkner's role there in a
newsletter article in July 1989:
"Bill Birkner was a virtual one-man director
of the renovation effort. He spent many hours
of on-hands labor, an effort the community
recognized in 1982 when he was awarded the
Kent Area Chamber of Commerce Public Service
Medal. The Depot's central tower is named
in his honor."
for a train. And then the other part that really
got us was where the roundhouse was. They
had all these tracks where they'd pull the cars
off to unload them. It was like a terminal.
And they'd be switching, and sometimes regular
trains weren't going in and out - while
the switches were on the tracks, and they were
switching stuff around.
And sometimes they'd close Crain Avenue
for 20 or 30 minutes before you could get
across. And this is the reason that they finally
built the bridge over the tracks.
(Ihe new Fairchild Avenue Bridge over the
Cuyahoga River, which will replace the Crain
Avenue Bridge, is scheduled to open to traffic this
November.)
3
Tully, from page 1
the local papers. Mark and I compared notes
on Sept. 24, 1992, and, we grandly announced
to our wives that we would write the first-ever
biography of Jim Tully. They were encouraging.
Publishers, we would discover, were not.
Both of our big breaks occurred on the Kent
State campus. The first came courtesy of
Michael Cole, a KSU librarian. Michael had
noticed my heavy use of the microfilm readers
and asked what it was I was looking for. He
noted Tully's name and promised to do some
looking. A few weeks later, Michael surprised
me with the news that he had located Tully's
personal papers. Over 100 boxes were deposited
at UCLA 's Special Collections Library.
In just a few months we'd gone from having little
more than the entry in Ohio Authors to having
more than enough material for a detailed
biography.
With the help of my wife, Francine, and
Mort, who watched the shop, I flew to Los Angeles
in July 1993 and met Mark, who was already
there on newspaper business. Mark's wife,
Sara, also joined us.
The boxes of Tully's papers were even better
than we'd imagined. There were Tully's manuscripts,
published books and articles, tax returns,
newspaper clippings, divorce papers and
all the other raw material necessary for a biography.
And, best of all, nothing had been
touched since it was donated by Tully's widow
in the 1950s. I will always look back on those
UCLkdays with much happiness. Opening
every box was Christmas morning.
The trail in St. Marys and Kent had largely
gone cold. Francis Kline recalled his father talking
about Tully's visits to the family grocery in
Kent, but that was it. So we were thrilled to
learn that Tully's daughter, Trilby, was living
just outside Los Angeles. If we were to be limited
to just on<; interview, this was the one to
get. Before flying out, we'd heard from Trilby's
son, Robin, that his mother had suffered a
stroke. With lowered expectations we decided
to proceed with the interview and on a sunny
California afternoon, Sara and I were greeted at
the door by Robin and his wife. It was far
worse than we'd imagined. Trilby was confused
and speechless. All those memories. Gone.
We'd missed her by just a few weeks.
Back at UCLA, Mark, Sara and I sat at long,
wooden tables in the Special Collections room
and made our way through the boxes. Our
time in LA was limited and we worked quickly,
taking notes (pencil only) on yellow legal pads
or setting some papers aside to be photocopied
by the library staff. We worked from opening
to dose with only a short break for lunch. It
was both intense and exhilarating, but there
was just too much to look at and too little
time. Mark and I returned the following summer
and Mark returned a third time to examine
the last boxes. One afternoon stands out.
We pulled a newspaper out of one of the boxes
with a headline that was so shocking, we had to
4
Tully wooed and lost Nellie Dingley,
above, Kent's first librarian, who later
served as a nurse and died in France
during W.W.I.
reread it several times. The incident we read
about that afternoon at UCLA would provide
the perfect ending for our book: shocking, dark
and twisted.
We returned to Ohio and unpacked stacks of
yellow legal pads and photocopies. We had
gone from too little information to far more
than either of us could remember - and none
of it was organized in any useful way. Without
logging it all into a database, it was worthless.
Three years and 4,000 entries later, the database
was complete. We wrote an introduction and
began looking for a publisher.
A few more years slipped by before we struck
an informal agreement with a small press. It
wasn't a good fit and we eventually parted company.
Thinking that an agent might have better
luck we signed a contract with a New York
agency. The response was the same everywhere.
The acquisitions editors loved the idea, but the
marketing people worried about promoting the
biography of a subject so unknown.
Even with two of us, the writing was daunting.
We were aware that this would be not just
the first biography ofTully, but possibly also
the last. We had to get it right. The book
needed to be rich in detail but could not become
a data dump. We outlined the chapters
and divided them between us according to interest.
Mark, for example, tended to get the
chapters on Hollywood, Chaplin and Broadway,
while I worked on Tully's St. Marys and
Kent days, including his boxing career. It was
also important that the writing be seamless and
have one voice so we edited each other's chapters.
Disagreements were inevitable but rare
and, in every instance, minor and quickly resolved.
I had many occasions to congratulate
myself on my choice of partner.
When our contract with our agent expired,
we filed away the first few chapters we'd written
and turned to other projects. Tully's life had
seemed like a terrific idea for a book, but I was
forced to concede that the project was beginning
to look like a lost cause.
Our second big break came at a reception
hosted by Kent State University Press. Mark
and I had both known Will Underwood, the
Press's new director, for a few years and when
we bumped into Will, Tully's name came up.
Not only was the Press interested in the biography,
but they had a strong desire to reissue a
few ofTully's books. This coincided with our
real goal: reestablishing Tully as an important
American writer. We spent years looking for a
publisher only to wind up, literally, across the
street from my bookshop. With Will's enthusiasm
and the commitment of a publisher, work
resumed.
With the biography finally rolling to completion,
we began soliciting forewords for the
reprints.
We were very fortunate to get forewords
from filmmaker John Sayles (for Shanty Irish),
historian Gerald Early (for Ihe Bruiser), and
my old friend Harvey Pekar (for Circus Parade).
Harvey's fine piece was one of the last things he
wrote. And Mark succeeded in getting a superb
foreword from Ken Burns for the biography.
The reissues appeared over the last two
years and, after 19 years, Jim Tully's biography
was published in spring 2011.
Nellie Dingley once wondered aloud to Jim,
"It will be interesting to know what becomes of
you ... if you do not get killed in some saloon
or the ring." Now, at last, we know.
Books about, penned by Tully available at KHS
The book ''Jim Tully: American Writer, Irish
Rover, Hollywood Brawler," by Paul J. Bauer
and Mark Dawidziak, is on sale at the Kent
Historical Society.
The biography "compellingly describes the
hardscrabble life of an Irish American storyteller,
from his immigrant roots, rural upbringing,
and life as a hobo riding the rails to
the emergent dream factory of early and
Golden Age Hollywood and the fall of his
fortunes during the Great Depression," according
to the Kent State University Press
website. Also available are Beggars of Life, Circus
Parade, Ihe Bruiser, and Shanty Irish, written
by Jim Tully.
Books also are available through KSU Press
at (330) 672-7913 or at www.kentstateuniversitypress.
com
Birthday bash for bridge comes off without a hitch
More than 100 people witnessed our celebration
of the Stone Arch Bridge dedication.
The Kent Historical Society and Kent Parks
and Recreation co-sponsored "Bridging Kent's
History." A unveiling of the city's Bicentennial
Sculpture was followed by a gala celebrating the
134th anniversary of the opening of the Stone
Arch Bridge.
The sun came out to welcome the crowd that
gathered by the Gazebo as artist George Danhires
spoke about the creation of Kent's own
Bicentennial Sculpture. The sculpture, which is
a bronze relief, is mounted on a sandstone
taken from Plum Creek Park. It is located between
the Gazebo and the Pufferbelly Restaurant
on Franklin Avenue.
Taking their seats directly on the bridge,
spectators enjoyed a performance by the "Advanced
Choral Ensemble," or A.C.E.s. The
group, from Theodore Roosevelt High School,
was directed by Donna Crews. Following a welcome
from Kent Historical Society Director
Tom Hatch, architect David Sommers of
David Sommers & Associates spoke about the
features of the bridge. Although there once
were many similar bridges across the country,
few remain because they were not large enough
to accommodate traffic. Those responsible for
the bridge's construction, particularly Marvin
Kent, insisted that the bridge be built at 60-feet
wide instead of the original proposal of 40 feet.
The crowd was treated to a re-enactment of
the ceremony that marked the bridge's opening
in 1877. Donning costumes for their roles were
Jeff St. Clair as then-Mayor Charles Kent; Ron
Burbick as Edward Parsons; Jim Myers as
Simon Wolcott; John Jacobs as Edward Day;
David Hassler as T.B. Townsend; and Bruce
Dzeda as Marvin Kent. The original script was
written by Sandy Halem.
The crowd smiled as an authentic 1891
Kramer freight wagon - owned by the Bourgeois
family of Stow and Hudson - was pulled
across the bridge by two magnificent Belgian
horses named Jim and Cody, both about 9
years old. In the wagon were Harold and Harry
Ruggles, who are the grandsons of Oscar
Champney, the first person to drive a wagon
over the bridge in 1877. Helping Jack Shuman
with the horses were Roger Bourgeois, Ron and
Kathy Sadler, Pat Shuman and Jessie Hodge,
daughter of Pat and Jack Shuman.
The festivities continued at the Home Savings
Plaza, where cake prepared by Judy Lanfranchi
was served. Special thanks to Marilyn
Sessions and Home Savings for their assistance
in organizing this event. Tours in Heritage Park
also were led by Cathy Ricks of Kent Parks and
Recreation
Winter 2011
Clockwise from top: The team of Belgian
- …
