41,460 research outputs found
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
u)L , uf_---·~-J;
~OlbM J/wtteft,/
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
-• t ~ ~ . . 7"?·~ . ~
,;~,.,.
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
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 ,
-~
_1
,,.-....
r---
--- 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 Coloring Book
No full text1st edition. Featuring the Train Station, Masonic Temple, Lilac Gardens, Standing Rock, Kleins Market, Davey School, Franklin Mill, Kent State University, Grain Elevators, City Square, Main Street Bridge, Kent Free Librar
Old Kent Shots Postcards
No full textEarly 1900s collection of postcardsKent,Ohio 121 Brady, St.
RADIO ____ . UR. ____ Sig. ~ Hr.
WKO
_________ P.M.
AUD. ____ . CHAR. ____ . TONE ____ . QRM. ____ . QSS._ .
TMANSMJTTER:• HR. WATT C.W. 5 watt tube. VOLTS R.A.C.
_Circuit RECEIVER
_MOD.
ANTENNA
REMARKS:
Pee. drop me a crd. o.m.
Best of 73-'s.
-
Donald Greene ~. ()pr·
-- -- •
Cc:vt-YL-~ [o"" L, ,.JC. 0 'f s J'?a~~
>J w~ STh 1c;oo • I
Dormitory Building, State Normal,
Kent, Ohio.
I ~·
·~
Akron City Water Works Dam.
1111• 51-'ACt tORADDR(S!', ONLY ') •. • t7.[
O ,?A C,, i,
0
I
I '
~ ....... ,..,.
Birds-Eye view showing Brady's leap, Kent, 0.
rx) cross shows where Captain Brady made his ta,nous leap
I ffa /itta.,-~-~,; _,t
~/4~
i i,~o~; . L__
0 :r
0
0
0 u
CAMPUS SUPPLY INC.
112 South Lincoln Strool
Kent, Ohio
School • Art • Engineering Supplies
Books - Srarionery - Greeting Cards
Captain Brady Re,taurant
2000 BOOKS
Will Go On
SALE
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Lth
lJ1/ e Look Forward to Seeing You
Campus Supply Inc.
L 12 S. Lincoln St., Kent, Ohio
>,
0.
C.
:,
<I)
C-27941
ADDRESS
•
Looking up the Cuyahoga River, Kenl. 0
0
e
"'
:::
0 z
POST CARD
Place
Stamp Here
Dome1tic
One cent
Foreign
Two cents
Scene on Cuyahoga River al Ord Mill, Kent Ohio
lt:::jc>o
hew "Tfcl9-~K
P,..,?~
Earlville Station - 1910
Earlville, Ohio
POST
Portage County Historical Society
6549 orth Chestnut Street
Ravenna, Ohio 44266
Series# 3 - 1983
CARb
This Space for Address
Engleman Hall, Kent State University
THIS SPACE FOR WRITING MESSAGES
POST CARD
PLACE
ONE CENT
STAMP
HERE
J.6. ~J~ ~~
W.'m~__-P
~ dfL-;J
~ 114.2
0
to
M
~
Jc. e. v , - , ~ c {( I-& I~
" IP -Nu. ,9
a~~?IL...,
,,,ti 4
.--< 7u.. )'-<, .. u
...-...
?--~ 3"-u
4<,.t, ~,
,,_ t -~ ~,..,..,
~.-&~
~
' It
'-<.,(
b~
~ '-,-,,t
l v«a
Cu
A.Lt-ft,4.
tJ,, 6,. 'i ,vrl
,..--,t,
<,
~-;t··
0 .z
w
..~ ..
~ w
0
~ ..
ii
:,
0 u
w
.%. j
N
ci
rP, 6. ,6 ~
z-~;~
, ,;\c. •
eel::. ~ .. j •
. ,•t,WI,"', •• I ,,t, ;• •. f,
1it >,l,j· .. '
'~,. ,., 'l• , ..
--)
-l
'1
71 ~ --~ ~ 0 /, ..,, /,__~
./ .-:_ -<--<_O
I ..... ..._ / •"""'--
:.w. ....
KENT STATE UNIVERSITY BAND
m ~:••~
W""' I I I llllll lilri ~--, ffl ,: .. ::4
HIU
THIS SPACE FOR WRITING MESSAGES
POST CARD
PLACE
ONE CENT
STAMP
HERE
(/)
/ lA..:.I
l - e,,,
{
t LErrs STAND BY THEM BOTH
POSTCARD ' ◊----,,
I
,
H. ·c. LONGCOY
"Good Things lo Eat"
"" Kent, Ohio ""
~~.
~ w~~
W. }rt~ ,,J!/_ I
μ,()~·
~ ;1 for a set of
eight. Or, mail1.50toP.O. box 527, Raven-na.
Series one is available at the same
price.
Old Cuyahoga Hous1 Kent, Ohio.
. ' ' ' ' . . . • . . . I . . :
I . .
! :
i
!
THIS SIDE fOR A,
:,
,. ::,
:: I • ,: ::
LL------------~
• •
' .. ;t -·
Prentice Memorial Gateway at Kent State University, Kent. Ohio -
showing Rockwell Library on the left 67019
THIS SPACE FOR WRITING Ml!:SSAG!i:S PLAC£
ONE CENT
TAMP
HERE
IUO[ 1111 U S A
Old Cu1•ahoiza House where President Garfield used lo lake
his dinn1;r$ where driving mules on lhe canal
POST CARD
Place
f-:tamr P.ere
Domcs•ic
One ,-ent
1/ordgn
TNO ~OlS
Standing Rock, Kent, Ohio.
• ~r. -,,
.~
-" ..
~ ... u..,
~' L~
• ,t &.A4J. l..d ..
• L,L, a_~ .;.d.. .i ,
~ ..kl; ~ - ~. ' &A,'CI..# -4-- •
~,,_ _ ,./7 ~ ~....J-{ ~ ~4!•
er-.~ •_j.; o:i-1 ~~ •
' u, ~· ~ ~ 7-k'-4.- t f.c
• -~-i~ ._ t , .. .a
~· i.J.!. l~ ",v."t• ~ 4--' ~ ., •I •
4~~~- •• • • .. .,-...-....: ... ~- (A t'-il
4 p
•
Kent, 0. Standing Rock, C~N oga R1Qer
I .E
i
::i:
0
C .
" J
0
POST CARD.
••••••••••••••••••••••Pl•ct thtSttmp Here:
One Cent for (
Unll•d Stilts, an-d :
Island Posseulon,, :
Cuba, Canada and [
Medco. :
Two Cents
For Forel9n,
This space may be used for Cortespondence This space Is for Address only
... C!
"1(141 (,11 • le r
11•lst11Hr,fltt
f-t- - • 'Ot ' '•
1'1 - , . o.•t" ••• , •• ,ei
~ ............. ~ f ••
,L/
~ I
4
~
~ ;-
I
4-
r
r ;;
1- ;:
~
/
r
/
. :J...'i
- - -
-- -------- -4! wwww
u;a ~-
'
~
..... ,.....
·••tMM••· 1 • •
! • ~.
t'· \ " 1Jf3 ,;f '
) : •' [\ ,-.:\\•~~ I
~ I I ' • f I . ~ • - - --~-'-~__:_~-~
Sμ-cet, Kent, Ohio
~osf
!1·-- - - ---- - ·~i
II 11 . II 11
h 1l
I'
,, ,,
•1 :,
~♦
•1 •' :, ,1 lar6 •• ,1
e . • I • '• ,,
,..l
,, ,,
p :• •: i,..l.."v .... -------_,._"'f.-.,.'"'--.t:, • ' THIS SIDE FOR ADDRESS
• • ... . t•
The Author: Kent Davis
No full textKent Davis is a Montana based author of “A Riddle in Ruby” and the soon to be released sequel, “The Changer’s Key”
The Kent Historian, Kent Historical Society Newsletter, Number 109, Fall2023
No full textNewsletter highlighting recent events and collections of Kent Historical SocietyTHE KENT HISTORIAN
The Newsletter ofthe Kent Historical Society Fall, 2023
Number 109
Modern Vision exhibit adds recent Kent history
Researchers, local business, KHS, together celebrate mutual effortfor displays
By Bengt George
KHS Staff Writer
When walking through the front doors of our museum, visitors are often taken with the warm, rustic materials that greet them. The ornate wood and brass trim of the house, the vintage glass and ceramic of our pharmacy exhibit, distressed leather above a stone fireplace in our Early Kent room. It all creates the sort of sensory experience one would expect from a history
museum.
Within these walls, visitors may be surprised to come across space age polymer-dispensing displays in durable plastic. This is exactly the case with our latest (in both senses of the word) exhibit.
Modern Vision: Liquid Crystal Technology
in Kent is the culmination of months
ofwork with both Kent State University's
Liquid Crystal Institute (LCI) and local
company Kent Displays. We are delighted
to continue our preservation of local industrial
history through to the 21st century, tracing our relationship to technological innovation and our continued relevance on the world stage. As President Emeritus Sandra Halem says about the new exhibit, "The reason that Kent is thriving where many small towns are
not, is because we keep
reinventing ourselves."
Liquid crystal displays, most commonly seen in the screens of cell phones and televisions, have a long history with the city of Kent.
In 1965, Kent State
professor Glenn H.
Brown established
LCI as a cutting-edge
research center into
various applications of
liquid crystals.
His colleague and Dr J. William Doane shares his story of of making industrial history in Kent with Liquid Crystal Technology, as Sandy Halem listens.
Director of the LCI,
J. William Doane, products to this day. Their line of reusable would in 1993 co-found Kent Displays, writing tablets, the Boogie Board, are used which continues to create new commercial See Modern, page 4
Tap Talks emerge from natural elements, local history
Unique location brings community through story
By Tom Hatch
KHS Board Member
Before we get to the story ofTap Talks and how this speakers' series has enriched our community, the story of North Water Brewing, the venue at which Tap Talks occurs every third Tuesday at 7 pm, is worthy of some ink. Many things came together to make NWB an important Kent landmark.
First, there's the North: Located at the northern end ofWater Street, past the Mill, the Art Gallery, Scribble's, Lucci's,
Bent Tree Coffee, and the Fairchild Bridge; Don Schjeldahl, chief visionary, calls it the perfect spot. He should know.
Don returned to full-time life in Kent after a career as a site selection specialist and industrial economist. Along the way, Don worked for two years finding perfect spots for Sierra Nevada Brewing.
According to Don, "This location checked all the boxes: an old under-utilized
industrial structure begging for rebirth,
on the hike and bike trail, a stone's throw
from the Cuyahoga River, in a neighbor-
See Talks, page 2 :
KENT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
" ..•
;t ffi:s~orla,i
.'eKent His.tori . ·
· -~izatI~n ~
1
tr;~:Ken{ :t
.. ce·teht;er; :.•
-e"-c~lle~-= /·
'.·te{p;r_~t.at~~ ug!i-exhibits,
. . · · ·"' n ;~l'l
':anc{acfivities:I£J ~~μ~a~ii~al ,E:i:o·-:.,;' .~.
_ · r ;. '.es and civic·:
' t;;: ~--;_ .
' ~
r~!i
~ ..·r;~~ia e~/v1c~l~r~sf -··. ~alJ,~.r,;easu:·
;.~1<:~s~l~r · ~cret . . .
< ~•-'/w'. : • : ~~:~~,.
~;;":!';'
·cf
bl·
:l:l -::~ · •
~.~ :H~~c
.~ _, .. _.,..
··eMcKen
:}iin ~f~r~
· :;Difector ·
:{.~ '_.,t,;:fr:~;~ Julie Ken,w9·rthy_ ·;,_. -~htfi~ Kent H{;~oricil Society
• •a
i3t<~:: .Mdin S~:., K;~t, Ohio 44240 , ·Phhne: \330.;.678::.2;712
. ~ . . ;
·:.. EJJ!.~1:[email protected]
.-~\ v~~~it;i~.kentohiohistory.org
·. F«~eb'o~k: ~.facehook.com/ Ke;nt~f~toric~lSoc~:ety · ·.M~e~_J.ID:J::s:.Fridays and · .
.Saturoay~,\10 .i·m. rat 2·p.ru.. Also by
.app?i~tm~rit. ·1
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,
.s .
>
;:. • ~••••
> •• • •
Modern, from page 1
in schools, offices, hospitals, and homes all over the world.
On June 29, we had the opportunity to bring together the KHS family, Kent State researchers and Kent Displays staff in celebration of the exhibit's opening.
in the community who serve as sources of
"living history," contributing to our mission-
ofpreservation on a constant basis. The exhibit can be seen alongside all our other displays during public hours on Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors can expect to see a variety of
LCI photographs
and documents,
including Doane's
official patents on
its technological
developments.
Below this, a large glass case shows the history of Kent Displays' products, from government projects to commercial prototypes to the affordable and accessible products they sell
today.
:..;..:___ _J
Exhibit contributors, families enjoy displays, mood rings and Boogie Boards. We've also aimed
Dr. Doane himself addressed attendees and shared his first-hand experiences through the events documented in Modern Vision. It's our great fortune to have people to make this our most interactive exhibit to date. There are Boogie Board products to test, mood rings (which contain liquid crystals) to take, and multiple videos
Modern Vision interactive exhibit includes videos, LCI photographs, Doane's official patents, video, Kent Displays' products and more to try.
explaining the science of liquid crystals to watch.
We'd like to thank all of our volunteers, our contacts at LCI and especially Kent Displays for their invaluable help in making this exhibit a reality.
Fall 2023
The Kent Historian, Newsletter of the Kent Historical Society, Volume 63, Fall 2008
No full textTHE KENT HISTORIAN
Newsletter of the Kent Historical Society
Fall 2008
Number 63
HISTORY FEATURE
Stately Stow Street House Prominent Landmark for 152 Years
A stately house on Stow Street in
Kent has figured prominently in
the developing history of the community
for at least 152 years. The home,
owned for the past 35 years by L.A.
Bachman, is one of the few surviving
landmarks of what once was known
as Kent's "lower village." Each day
thousands of motorists on Haymaker
Parkway, plus many more on Stow
Street, pass this old homestead. Probably
most of them are unmindful of
the prominent role this house has
played in Kent's history.
The exact year in which this
house was erected with bricks made,
o doubt, at the site, is ha zy. The la te
--.,/
The house is only a s tone's throw
from the site of the town' s first gri s t
mill, a crude affair built by the founding
Haymaker family in 1806 That
mill, plus other buildings which followed-
John Brown's tannery built in
1835 for Zenas Kent just west of the
Stow Street bridge and many other
historic businesses and homes-was
the central concern in the lower village'
s early beginnings.
As with other historic Portage
County sites, deeds to the property
date back to the Connecticut Land
Company. It is known that in 1817
George B. DePeyster and William H .
Price purchased 500 acres in that a rea,
The house at 326 Stow Street has been a prominent
landmark in Kent for more than 150 years.
including the Bachman house
site, from Jacob Reed. At that
time, the two entrepreneurs
improved the old Haymaker
mill and built a sawmill and
forge where they made
scythes, pitchforks, and axes.
Then in 1832, Zenas Kent and
David Ladd bought all of the
Price and DePeyster holding s
along the river for 65,000. That was in anticip ation
of Franklin Mills ' s ill-
Dudley Weaver, one of Portage
County' s most knowledgeable historians,
placed its construction year in
1834 in writings some years ago. He
said the house was built in that year
by Chauncey Beach, chief miller for
the Kent flouring mill that was built
by Zenas Kent in the 1830s along the
1.1yahoga River just north of the Riv-
Stow Street intersection. However,
Bachman says he was told m a ny
years ago that his house probably was
built about 1825.
fated silk business and the
coming in 1840 of the Pennsylvania
and Ohio Canal.
Probably Price's untimely death
influenced the sale of the land to Kent
and Ladd. In 1831 Price went to New
Lisbon, Ohio, to return a huge millstone
by horse and wagon. On the
way back, the millstone shifted and
fell on him. He died of his injurie s .
De Peyster was Kent's first postmaster,
receiving the appointment
from President James Monroe in 1820.
He operated the post office in his
Stow Street home, keeping the mail in
a cigar box. He also operated a store
in the basement of his home, and he
built the Lincoln Tavern, a stagecoach
hostlery which stood on the northwest
corner of Stow and South Mantua
Streets.
Apparently, Joseph and Elizabeth
Dyson were the next owners of the
old Stow Street property. Deeds in
Bachman' s possession indicate that
they sold to John H. and Henry A. Davis
of Palmyra in 1903. Frank H. Johnson,
who sold to Robert and Hannah
Dyson, also was an early owner, as
were J. H. and Rose Evans. Deeds indicate
that the property' s title passed
to Harry A. Davis a nd then to his sister,
Cora Bascom, in 1834, and eventually
to Philip and Reynolds Bascom.
For more than 30 years, the Davis
brothers, who were Palmyra sawmill
operators, maintained an antique
business in the old Stow Street house.
Bachman' s association with the
house goes hack to 1933. He lived
there, helping to care for Mrs. Bascom
in her declining years, and in 1951 he
and his wife, Irene, bought the property
from the Davis brothers .
Sec STOW, p. 6.
Inside ...
From the President's Desk ... . ... .... 2
KHS Programs . . .... . .. . . . . .. . . .. . 3
Family Information Sought .. .... .. . .. 3
World War I Artifacts Needed . . . .. . . 3
KHS Volunteer Spotlight ... . . ... . . . . 3
Thomas the Tank Train Donated . .... . 4
In Memoriam: Larry Hugenberg . . .... 4
From the President's Desk
Franklin Mills Artifact
T his newsletter features an article directly
from the book Portage Pathways
by Loris Troyer. Loris was a founding
member of the Kent Historical Society
as well as editor emeritus of the Ravenna-
Kent Record Courier. His popular
column of the sam e name formed the
basis of this wonderful book, which was
published by Kent State University Press
in 1998. We are happy to feature it in our
gift s hop, and we have a few already autographed
by Loris on sale now.
We decided to concentrate on the history
of the house on Summit Street that
serves as the centerpiece of the article because
it was once home to George DePeyster.
George was an important figure
in the early history of our community and
the history of our community, we
have never actually had any artifact in
the Museum that said "Franklin
Mills."
All of that recently changed when
we purchased a l etter (reproduced below)
that was postmarked Franklin Mills
and was signed by Geo B. DePeyster,
P.M. This letter, which is being archivally
restored and framed will soon be on display.
Its contents revolve around a piece
of land to be sold at what appears to be a
sheriff's sale. The letter is marked Franklin
Mills, March 8, 1831. It will become
our oldest artifact directly related to our
community's history. I can' t wait to see
the faces of the students next spring
when they visit the museum. Then we
served as the first postmaster
of Franklin Mills. To quote
from a section of Portage Pathways:
"Those acquainted with
Kent history are aware that
what is now Kent was known
as Franklin Mills almost from
the time of its settlement in
1805 until 1867 when residents
renamed the village
Kent as a tribute to the Kent
family. The name change was
executed in a ppreciation to the
family, particularly Marvin
This letter, postmarked Franklin Mills , was signed by Gov. B
Kent, for the community pros- DePeyster, P.M . The letter is dated March 8, 1831 , making
perity that resulted form the it the oldest artifact related to the community's history.
success in bringing the Atlan-tic
and Great Western Railroad and its
railroad s hops into the town.
"And for several years the upper village
(that area north of Cuyahoga Street)
was called Carthage. In 1825, that area
was platted and it was officially entered in
Portage County records as Carthage. The
name had only a brief existence, residents
apparently preferring the name Franklin
Mills for the entire community. Even
during the Carthage years, people in the
lower village in the Stow Street area still
dung to the Franklin Mills name. But in
one instance the name stuck; Carthage
Avenue still exists." (Note: I live o n Carthage
Avenue.)
Every yeai~ our s tude nt tours with
Kent third graders increasingly become
a more important part of our mission as
a his torical society. While we relate
2
can tell them that our town was once
called Franklin Mills and show them
the rare and valuable letter directly related
to local history. The letter will be
framed in such a way that its contents
will be visible and sealed. Most of the
artifacts in our collection have been
generously donated by interested families
who want to share a piece of their
local history with with the community.
This letter was purchased through a
donation from the Spindler family. We
thank them for their generosity.
If you would like to assist us as we
collect and archive our pieces of history,
please note that your donation to the
Kent Historical Society is welcome and
appreciated.
-S~evff.ale,m;
Kent Historical Society
THE KENT HISTORIAN is a quarterly
publication of the Kent Historical Society,
a nonprofit organization that strives to be
the primary Kent history resource and
reference center, leading the community
in the collection , preservation and interpretation
of Kent's heritage through exhibitions,
educational programs and activities.
The society brings educational
programs to schools , businesses and
civic organizations and collaborates with
the Main Street Kent and other historic
preservation projects in the community.
Board of Trustees
Sandra Halem, President
Dawn Carpenter, Vice President
Jack Amrhein, Treasurer
John Benedik
Howard Boyle
Scott Flynn
Audrey Cielinski Kessler
Pat Morton
Jim Myers
Carol Stroble
John Wunderle
Staff
Mary Ann Green , Administrator
Newsletter Staff
Audrey Cielinski Kessler, Editor
Museum Hours
Thursday: 11 a .m.-3 p.m.
Friday: 11 a .m.-3 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a .m.-2 p.m.
Groups and special tours
by appointment
Direct inquiries to
Kent Historical Society
P.O. Box 663
Kent , OH 44240
330/678-2712
[email protected]
www.kentohiohistory.org
Fall 2008
Tiffany Lamps, Politics, Campaign Buttons
Topics of Upcoming KHS Programs
~ As part of its series of forums on historical subjects about Kent and Portage
County, the Kent Historical Society will be hosting a talk by Linda D. Alexander
of Stow about her fourth cousin, Clara Wolcott Driscoll. Driscol was the
chief designer of the famous Tiffany lamps from 1888 to 1907. Alexander will
speak at 7 p.m. on September 17 at the Kent Free Library. The Wolcott family
founded Brimfield and Tallmadge and were prominent in Kent politics in the
late 1800s.
Alexander has spoken throughout the area at other historical societies. Alexander
will bring enthusiasm along with lamp replicas, pictures and genealogical
information. Light refreshments will be served. A short tour of the historic
Kent Free Library will be available.
On October 9, Alice McVetty-Vars will speak about politics and presidential
campaign buttons from a historical perspective at Kent Ridge at Golden Pond,
5241 Sunnybrook Road. The program begins at 7:30 p.m. McVetty-Vars is a nationally
recognized educator in public schools, a consultant to museums in the
eastern United States and Canada, and a curriculum and process writer for
schools and churches.
McVetty-Vars, a Kent resident since 1975 (formerly from Lexington, Kentucky,
Buffalo, New York, and Findlay, Ohio, where she grew up), will u se her
mounted collection of campaign badges from 1880 through 1996 as a backdrop
for asking the following questions: Why do we wear presidential badges? Why
do we collect presidential badges? Why and how can museums effectively enable
these badges to speak to us with historical significance? She will speak
about her family's memories of badge collecting, show examples of resource
naterials about presidential campaigns and give practical process-diagrams for
~ useum or personal use.
For more information about either event, call Mary Ann Green at
330 / 678-2712 or John Benedik at 330 / 677-0929.
Letter Writer Seeks Family Information
I n an e-mail to the Kent Histoical
Society, Marsha Braun writes:
"I am hoping you can help me. I
am looking for information on my
family. I had a great aunt who lived in
Kent. Her husband ran a restaurant in
Kent, and his name was Joe (Joseph)
Roberts. Her name was Lillie May ( or
May). I remember going to Kent but
do not remember the year. I think the
restaurant would have been operating
between the late '30s and early '50s.
Do you have any information of such
a place and, if so, would there be a
picture? Sincere thanks, Marsha Phallen
Braun, Vero Beach, Florida."
If you can help, contact the Kent
Historical Society.
Artifacts Needed for World War I Exhibit under Construction
Construction of the Kent Historical Society's World War I exhibit is
nearing completion, but additional artifacts and memorabilia are
needed . If you have any artifacts, photographs, family letters or
any other items from World War I in Kent during 1918, inclduing
the flu epidemic that year, please contact the Kent Historical Society
today . The artifacts are needed to help Derrick Ranostaj complete
his exhibit, which is set to open in November on the 90th anniversary
of the end of World War I on Armistice Day in 1918.
Fall 2008
Museum Gift Shop
Featured Item:
Vintage Aprons
H and-sewn vintage aprons are the
featured item from the Kent Historical
Society gift shop. Volunteer
April Bleakney wears one here, at left.
Historical Society volunteers make
each one with fine craft-smanship.
The aprons
come in a variety of
shapes and sizes,
from kids to grandmas.
If you would
like to share your
talents, call Mary
Ann at the society
office and become
part of our "sewin'
circle." We are think-ing
of having an evening
devoted to making
some vintage skirts
and shirts to wear during
the Kent Heritage
Festival and for other
important occasions.
KHS Volunteers
in the Spotlight
V olunteers in the spotlight for the
summer are Anita Foote (top)
and Marilyn Cox (bottom) .
" I enjoy coming
here to share
Kent's history with
the kids. I love going
through the
[family archive]
boxes and discovering
new facts or
reading about
people from the
community."
"I like knowing
I'm helping keep
the history of
Kent so others
will enjoy it in the
years to come.
There is a lot of
good history from
the Cuyahoga
and Native Americans
to the canal
and railroads ."
3
STOW
Continued from p. 1
Originally an Akron resident, Bachman worked for
General Tire, Davey Tree, arborist Sam Parmenter, the
Twin Coach Company, and Fageol Products, before retiring
from Kent State University.
Bachman's wife died in 1968. Today [1998] he occupies
an apartment on the west side of the house and his
daughter, Margaret Humbert, and her three children reside
in the east side. All together, the house has ten rooms.
For Bachman, the house is a treasure trove of memories.
His affection for the house and its one-acre, well-wooded
lot runs deep. And for Kent, the property stands as a stately
reminder of its early days. [The current owner of the
house, the Weigels, purchased the house in 1992.]
Source: This article is a verbatim excerpt f rom Portage Pathways by
Loris Troy er (Kent State University Press, 1998 ). Th e book is available
at the Historical Society 's g ift shop. Th e co st is $20.
5n .!ltenuPdam.· Pauv ~
!Jlie JWtt :JfuwJtiad Socidif 9Jowul
. : extend6 U6 deep~t l}tpnpat/ik✓., to. S .fwvuf' /} ~, 91Wt&vta, and fzi., family,.
"' : :Re Wa,I} a JWtt St.at.e Unilwt:,ity, p~/}(
JJt, m tlie s cfuw£ o-1 ~ s~ and fuul
,ft,ined tlie 6.o.wtd ~t l} umnwt.
'%;;:''" i
J .
'
Kent Historical Society
P.O. Box 663
Kent, OH 44240
Thomas the Tank Train
Donated to Historical Society
T hanks to Connor Gynn, the Kent Historical Society
has a new addition to its Children's Activity Room.
Thomas the Tank train made a permanent stop there recently
when Connor ' s parents, Bob and Carrie Gynn, donated
the train set. Connor helped to assemble the train at
its new home.
This gift comes complete with table, train and track
as well as lots of things that kids can play with when they
A smiling Connor Gynn stands
beside the Thomas the Tank
train set, which he helped assemble.
The set was donated
by his parents, Bob and Carrie
Gynn.
visit the museum. Families
can view the HO-scale model
of Kent in the Wunderle Train
Room and move next door for
activities that include reading
books about trains and canals,
coloring, completing projects
in activity books and, now a
train set.
Thanks to the G ynn' s for
their generosity and to for
Connor for his help in supervising
its move to the Kent
Historical Society. Now children
of all ages can have fun
with trains, a mode of transportation
that helped the area
grow.
Nonprofit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Kent, OH
Permit #150
Kent Historical Society-Where History Comes Alive!
4 Fall 200
The Kent Historian, Newsletter of the Kent Historical Society, Volume 64, Winter 2008
No full textTHE KENT HISTORIAN
Newsletter of the Kent Historical Society
HISTORY FEATURE
Winter 2008
Number 64
Kent Grows, Changes During the' Great War' of Early 1900s
In 1916, the village of Kent was already
growing. As noted in Karl H.
Grismer' s The History of Kent, he
writes: "The entrance of the United
States into the World War found Kent
well started on the most prosperous
period of its history. The growth was
due almost entirely to three thingsthe
Kent State Normal School, by
then, well established; the Erie shops,
which were employing more men
than ever before,
and the
Mason Tire
and Rubber
Compa-ny
... which
spnng into
existence almost
overnight
and flourished
Kent grew, and
grew rapidly."
On
April 6, 1917,
the United
States declared
war on Germany, and Kent, like the
rest of the country, was swept up in
the war. "Within two weeks after war
was declared, 23 Kent men enlisted in
the 10th Regiment of the Ohio National
Guard. There were: Frank W.
Elgin, Kennerdell E. George, KM.
Hass, John H. Jones, J.W. Lackey, Max
M. Miller, George H. Moon, George
W. Myers, B.J. Sawyer, W. A. Simpson,
I.W. Shanafelt, G.E. Shanley, W.F.
Myers, H.C. Strayer, F.W. Ferry, C.J.
Weideman, H.P. Boak,C. A. O'Connor,
C. C. Cannon, Claude Davis, Ralph
'.. Hawk, H.E. Swarthout, and H.D.
~ ilt. A camp was established at
Brady Lake where many of the men
trained until they left for Camp Sheri-dan,
at Montgomery, Ala., on Sunday
morning, September 16, 1917."
Many war-bond drives were organized
from 1917 until the end of
the war in 1918. Every war loan was
quickly "oversubscribed and every
call made by the Red Cross was answered
generously. Kent meticulously
observed the 'heatless days,' the
'meatless days,' and the 'breadless
days,' and when sugar and coal were
rationed, no one grumbled. The only
concern was: 'Bring the boys back
safely-and quickly.'"
Many young men from Kent were
either drafted into the Army or volunteered
to serve. These young men
were given the nickname "our boys"
by the local newspapers, which included
The Kent Tribune, the Portage
County Democrat, and the Ravenna Republican.
The latter often published
some of the letters the soldiers wrote
to their families back home.
"On June 5, 1917, 726 Kent men
were registered for the draft. The first
contingent left for Camp Sherman, at
Chillicothe, [Ohio], on Thursday, Sept.
20. Thereafter, hardly a month passed
until the end of the war without more
men leaving to enter the service.
"The tragedy of the war was first
brought home to the Kent people
when it was reported that Clinton Allen,
a graduate of the Kent high
school, was injured in France on June
4, 1918. From then on, the casualty
lists were read with the greatest
dread-no family knew when it
would learn that it had lost a son, a
brother, or friend." Word of a local
soldier's death would often be frontpage
news, and letters from soldiers
became regular features.
The Kent Historical Society's new
exhibit on the "Great War" features
the personal effects of local Kent soldiers
Roscoe Hahn, James Apple and
Luther Parmelee. In 1917, Ravenna
would establish a training facility for
the American Red Cross. Many young
women would train to become
nurses. Some, like Kent librarian Nellie
Dingley, volunteered to serve as a
nurse in France.
Kent, like the rest of the world,
also suffered the effects of the worldwide
influenza epidemic, or Spanish
flu. In October 1918, a small influenza
outbreak caused the Kent schools to
be closed for a month.
As the war wound down, news of
its impending armistice continued at
home and to the troops overseas.
"Then came the false armistice, on
Nov. 8, 1918. Kent, like the rest of the
nation, celebrated with the wildest
abandon. Every whistle in town was
blown--bells were rung-work was
forgotten. Until late at night the downtown
section was thronged with celebrants.
Everyone was determined to
have a good time-and everyone did.
Verification of reports that the
Nov. 8th armistice was only a newspaperman's
blunder came like a sickening
blow. The town, which had ris-
See WAR, p. 4.
Inside ...
Christensen Foundation Grant .... .. . . 2
Loris Troyer Honored .. ... . . . . ..... 2
Gift Shop Featured Item .. ..... ...... 3
Kent Historian First Anniversary .. ..... 3
94 Club ....... .. .... .. ........ . .. 3
New KHS Building Sign .. . . . . . ...... 4
All About Kent Speaker Series ..... . .. 4
KHS Receives Christensen Foundation
Grantfor'School Days' Project
T he Henry V. and Frances W.
Christensen Foundation has
awarded the Kent Historical Society
a 2,280 grant to help fund a project
titled "School Days: Kent, Ohio," an
audiovideo/Web site and oral history
project about life in the Kent schools.
The project will include video
oral histories with Kent's senior citizens
on what their life was like when
they were in school, including their
experiences during important events
in the community. This valuable resource
is part of the Historical Society's
commitment to helping students
understand their heritage as well as
bridging the generations from children
to seniors.
The Historical Society has made
education a priority. Each spring the
third-grade students in Kent schools
study local Kent history, which includes
a tour of the Historical Society
museum and a chance to see the DVD
"Kent: The Early Years." The grant will
help purchase a new video and digital
camera as well as enhancing the Historical
Society's Web site featuring excerpts
from the museum's collection.
If you would like to help with this
project by contributing an oral history,
call the Historical Society office for an
appointment. Of particular interest are
Union/ Central, Longcoy, Holden,
Franklin, Walls, Davey, Roosevelt, St.
Patrick's, South, University and DePeyster
schools. If you have any personal
photographs, documents or newspaper
articles you would like to add to
the project, these items can be scanned
and the originals returned to you.
The Historical Society is very
grateful to the Christensen Foundation
for its past assistance in funding
the museum's second-floor Children's
Learning Center as well as helping to
upgrade the building's fire and security
systems.
Friends Gather to Honor Loris Troyer
0 n a cold winter day in early
December, nearly 40
friends braved the snow for the
official dedication of the Loris C.
Troyer Library & Archives at the
Kent Historical Society museum.
Troyer and his wife, Laura,
greeted guests in the Visitors
Room.
Board President Sandy Halem
earlier had presented Troyer
with the proclamation naming
the Archives & Library in his
honor at his home on his 94th
birthday, October 11, 2008.
Troyer was one of the Kent Historical Society President Sandy Halem pre-founding
board members of the sents the library-and-archives dedication proclamation
Historical Society and has ac- to Loris Troyer.
tively promoted the preservation of local history throughout his life. As editor
emeritus of the Record-Courier, Troyer began writing his weekly "Portage Pathways"
columns, which later became the basis of the book Portage Pathways, published
by the Kent State University Press in 1998. This wonderful compilation of
more than 140 of his most memorable essays and illustrated with historical
photographs is available at the Historical Society's Museum Gift Shop. To help
support the library and archives with a donation, see the related article on page 3.
2
Kent Historical Society
THE KENT HISTORIAN is a quarterly
publication of the Kent Historical Society,
a nonprofit organization that strives to be
the primary Kent history resource and
reference center, leading the community
in the collection, preservation and interpretation
of Kent's heritage through exhibitions,
educational programs and activities.
The society brings educational
programs to schools, businesses and
civic organizations and collaborates with
the Main Street Kent and other historic
preservation projects in the community.
Board of Trustees
Sandra Halem, President
Jack Amrhein, Treasurer
John Benedik
Howard Boyle
Scott Flynn
Audrey Cielinski Kessler
Matt Metcalf
Pat Morton
Jim Myers
Carol Stroble
John Wunderle
Staff
Mary Ann Green, Administrator
Newsletter Staff
Audrey Cielinski Kessler, Edita,
Museum Hours
Thursday: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Groups and special tours
by appointment
Direct inquiries to
Kent H lstorical Society
P.O. Box 663
Kent, OH 44240
330/678-2712
[email protected]
www.kentohiohistory.org
Winter 2009
Museum Gift Shop Featured Item:
Kent and the Great War, The Letters
ofLeoBietz
A few years ago, Dr. James Best, emeritus
professor of political science at Kent State
University, donated a collection of letters from
Leo Bietz. Bietz drove an ambulance in France in
what was known as the "great war." Bietz wrote
to his family in Kent, who had taken over his
role in running the Imperial Dry Oeaning Co.
without him. Bietz returned to Kent and became
Kent's postmaster (in the old post office located
next to the Kent Historical Society' s office on
South Water Street) as well as an active community
leader.
The letters in this book were transcribed
by Derrick Ranostaj, one of the Historical Soci-
, ety' s Kent State University's interns. Ranostaj' s
interest in World War I prompted the HistoriL,;,.,..-===
= === ==::;__;.._.., cal Society to help him create the society's
exhibit, Kent and the Great War, as well as this book. Volunteer Henry Halem
created the book design and helped guide this wonderful little piece of history to
publication. As you will note, it is the first book published under the Kent Historical
Society Press.
Stephen H. Paschen, university archivist at Kent State, described the book:
"The World War I letters of Leo Bietz provide not only a rare glimpse of an Amer-
--.__.Acan soldier's experiences in wartime but also a snapshot of life in and around
Kent, Ohio, during 1918 and 1919. A fascinating collection of letters Leo wrote to
family and friends back home is accompanied by letters he received providing
the precious news of goings-on in Kent. His letters convey some of the profound
awe he experienced as the dramatic global conflict drew to a climax. But the true
significance of this collection is personal history. The First World War is viewed
through the eyes of one individual and those who knew him. These letters, a
collection preserved by the Kent Historical Society, reveal much of what Kent and
its people experienced during a war that changed the face of the world."
Kent and the Great War, The Letters of Leo Bietz, (Kent Historical Society Press, 143
pages, 15, ISBN 9781607251743); transcribed by Derrick Ranostaj.
The Kent Historian Celebrates Its First Year
F our seasons have passed since the
Kent Historical Society launched
its new quarterly newsletter, The Kent
Historian. Thanks for all of your positive
responses. We especially appreciate
our board member, Audrey Cielinski
Kessler, who volunteers as our
editor and layout specialist.
This Winter 2009 issue features a
special insert by Dr. John Jacobs. Ja:
obs is not only well known in the
---.._../community for his long history of service
as a caring physician, but he also
is a consummate professional who
Winter 2009
has helped the Historical Society archive
thousands of photographs. He
and his wife Jean have helped with
identifying the many "anonymous"
photographs in the Historical Society's
archives.
If you have some local history
you would like to research or a personal
or family story to share, please let
us know. For any photos you want to
donate, please identify the people in
the picture and the location and date
the picture was taken. The photos will
be scanned and the orginals returned.
'94 Club' to Fund
Loris C. Troyer
Library & Archives
H ave you joined the "94 Oub"
yet? You can help create a lasting
legacy for the Kent Historical Society
archives. The Historical Society started
the "94 Oub" to honor Loris C. Troyer
on his 94th birthday and to maintain
the organization's growing library and
archives.
The names of those contributing
$94 for a listing will be added to a
plaque in the library, and a DVD of
the dedication will be sent to all donors.
If you would like to contribute,
send your tax-deductible contribution
to the Historical Society or call Mary
Ann Green for credit-card orders.
Contributors will be listed in the
spring newsletter.
KHS Volunteers
in the Spotlight
V olunteers in the spotlight for the
winter are Christy Schjeldahl
(top) and Betty Sweet (bottom).
"I look forward
to my
time each
month at the
KHS. As a
transplant to
Ohio from
Minnesota
and Michigan
, I find it
a great way to become acquainted and appreciative
of Kent's history. I enjoy working with
Mary Ann [KHS administrator], who is so positive
and encouraging. I thank Betty Sweet,
who encouraged me to volunteer."
"After my
husband
Richard's
death in
2005, I discovered
the
Kent Historical
Society.
The people I
met were
very upbeat and caring. Mary Ann had a
friendly way of keeping me busy. I have been
living in Kent since 1957, so I do feel at
home here. Every time I volunteer, I learn
more about Kent's great heritage.
3
WAR
Continued from p. 1
en to the pinnacles of ecstasy, sank into the depths of
gloom. But not for long. The real armistice came on November
11, and this time the people waited until the afternoon
to celebrate. Mayor (Martin) Davey, Dr. J. H. Hull
and Dr. M.J. Slutz addressed a crowd which gathered at
the public square. A parade formed, which was headed by
E.O. Carlin's hearse, in which there was an effigy of the
Kaiser. The band played, the fire trucks fell into line, and
so did scores of automobiles and hundreds of celebrants
who walked. Later, part of the procession went on to Ravenna
to show that town how Kent greeted the fall of
Prussian militarism."
The Historical Society hop·es its exhibit will give the
viewer a sense of how that World War I affected Kent and
the men and women who served the country and the Kent
community.
Source: This article is a verbatim excerpt from The History of Kent by
Karl H. Grismer, Chapter XI (pages 109-110), copyright 1932.
Welcome 2009! The Kent Historical Society
has a new sign in front of the Society
office at 234 S. Water Street to welcome
visitors and give the hours the office
is open to the public . Remember
that tours for grou. s can always he
scheduled by appointment.
Kent Historical Society
P.O. Box 663
Kent, OH 44240
KHS Announces 2009 'All
About Kent' Speaker Series
'--"' T he first speaker in the Kent Historical Society's 2009
All About Kent Speaker Series is Portage County historian
Wayne Enders. His presentation will begin at 7 p.m.
on February 9 at the historic Marvin Kent residence, now
home of the Masonic Center ( corner of Mantua and West
Main streets). Enders will present highlights of people
and events in Kent and Portage County between 1850 and
1900. When he spoke as part of the series last year, Enders
talked about people and events prior to 1850.
Enders, a lifelong resident of Ravenna Township, is
the author of Connecticut Western Reserve, State of Ohio,
County of Portage Timeline 1669-2007. Copies of the book
will be available and will be signed by the author.
Guests will be met at the front door by Marvin and
Maria Kent (portrayed by Bruce and Nancy Hansford). On
behalf of the Rockton Lodge 316, they will provide a tour
of their former home along with members of the Portage
County Historical Society, also in period costumes. Jeffrey
Jones will play period music on a dulcimer. Pictures of a
sleigh once owned by the Kent family and reconstructed
by the Portage County Historical Society will be on display
along with archival photos from the period assembled
from the KHS archives by John and Jean Jacobs.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be
served. For more informatio:1, caB the KI-IS office.
Nonprofit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Kent, OH
Permit #150
Kent Historical Society-Where History Comes Alive!
4 Winter 200
The Kentennial, Newsletter of the Kent Historical Society, Volume 36, September 1999
No full text.waterpower: The
A Note from Genesis of Kent the Qirector
Over half of the lim- Often in studying his- As the importance of
ited edition of Kent, tory, we s.ee a com bi- the river's force be-
Ohio: the Dynamic nation-of f~,ctors that came clear, other en-
Decades has already produ~e an effect. For terprising spirits begc
been sold. We're example, without the using the force of the
proud of the book presence of water- · Cuyahoga's flow to
and feel that it is an power along the produce the energy t
. important r~c<?rd of · course of the Cuya- run sawmills and gris
our community's his- hoga River, Kent as miils. it was no arbi-tory
in the 20th cen- we know it today would trary decision to call
tury. never have material- our early community
ized. "Franklin Mills."
Currently, we are
working on two more One of the first actions The great flood whic
book projects. The the Haymaker family swept through town i
first is a children's took when they arrived 1832 destroyed the
history of Kent here early in the 19th original dam and de-scheduled
for publi- century to found the mostrated to the con
~ation at year's end. town was to dam the munity the importanc
river and harness its of flood control for iti
The other is a re- power, building the major power source.
issue of Grism~r's first dam in 1806. It The present dam wa
venerable history of was seven feet high, built concurrent with
Kent in a soft-back built out of stones, the construction of ti
format with a much- earth, and logs just Pennsylvania and
needed new com- above our dam today. Ohio Canal.
plete index, slated to Soon after, the first
be issued in 2001 . gristmill, a primitive Even after waterpoY
"corn cracker" was in was supplanted by
place. other forms of enerf
Continued on P .2
Waterpower (from P .1)
the dam and waterfall in the heart of the
community became symbols of the force
which helped to establish the settlement
on the river's banks that we now call
"Kent."
After the great floods which devastated
Ohio in 1913, the
dam , which
thwarted a
greater disaster
downriver, was
damaged. Karl
Grismer, in his
History of Kent,
tells us that when
some citizens
suggested removing
the o,d dam, " ... most people did
not like the idea of destroying the old dam,
which had served the community so many
-years .. . "
In 1924, a drive was launched to repair
the dam. Even though its waterpower was
no longer needed, it and its waterfall were
such symbol~ of Kent's past that a
community-wide drive began to collect
funds for the restoration . Almost 6000 in
donations were collected through a grassroots
effort and allowed for the work to be
completed in 1925.
When the Kent Industrial District was
made part of the National Register of Historic
Places in the 1970's, the waterfall
and dam were placed at its heart as symbols
of our town's industrial heritage. The
creation of the district meant that both the
national Trust for Historic Preservation
and the Ohio Preservation Office recognize
the area bounded by River Street,
Main Street, Franklin Avenue, and Stow
Street as being one of the nation's historic
treasures.
From the windows of our historical society
offices on the second floor of the Great Atlantic
and Western Railroad depot, there
is a spectacular view of the Cuyahoga and
the falls. Blue heron come every morning
to fi~h near the base of the falls. Humans
fish there too, and iri
a constant parade,
hikers stroll along the
~ ... ~ walkways. The ~-- ;-~ arches of the historic
. sto·ne bridge form
.... ,_ ._ .. , ·,! perfect circles with
. :~ , ~ .. : ~:.· ·,. , · their reflection in the i/J. · · ·:" > · :·· · riyer below. If you sit
~· · :,: an_d watch for any
length of time, you
can grasp the flow of history in the power
the dam represents. In the roar of the water,
you can near the voices of historythe
Haymakers', -John · Brown -Zenas ·Kent . ' ,
Marvin Kent, Martin Davey-imagining
these historic figures watching the water
flow over the dam which has served its
community for over one hundred and sixty
years.
Ted Sapp Passes Away
Trustee Emeritus and long-time supporter
of the Kent Historical Society, Ted J.
Sapp, died June 30, 1999 at age 89. An
alumnus of Kent State University, Ted was
a life-long lover of Kent history. In addition
to his service on the historical society
board, he a_lso served on Kent City Council,
the Board of Trustees for Standing
Rock Cemetery, and the Portage County
Board of Elections. He was at one time a
Portage County Commissioner.
Kentennial June 1999 p. 2
Coming-
A history of Kent, Ohio written especially
for children
(but grown-ups will like it, too!)
Kent Historical Society
P.O. Box 663
Kent OH 44240
(330) 678-2712
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
KENT OH 44240
PERMIT #ISO
·@~;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;:;;;;;;;;;;:;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;:;;;;;;;;;;:;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;:;;;~=~0,1
At Last!
A history of Kent designed for younger readers:
THE STOilY OF KElfT, OHIO
J" AM:E8 :F. l!Al!l!AM:O
Award-winning author and Director of the Kent Historical Society
For release December of 1999
50 pages, soft-cover, illustrated, indexed, this new history of Kent was written with children in mind but is suitable reading
for all ages. Hr. Caccamo is the author of many books induding Hudson, Ohio and the Unde'lround Railroad and The
Jtory of Hudson, Ohio. From the days before the settlers came, through canal days and the arrival of John Brown, right
into modem times, The Jtory of Kent Ohio presents the history of an Ohio city in a dear and accessible manner.
Non-members: SI 0 .. 00 plus .63 sales tax: total SI 0.63 __ Number of copies x SI 0.63 S __ _
Members: .50 sales tax: total 8.50 __ Number of copies x 8.50 ___ _
Libraries and other non-profit organizations 8.00 __ Number of copies x ___ _
Shipping@ __ _
Total Order S ----
Name ----------------------------Address ---------------------------
Phone # ( ) _____ __check here if you will pick your copies up at our office above
the Pufferbelfy Ltd. at 152 Franklin Ave. and save the shipping charge.
Hake checks payable to the Kent Historical Society and mail to:
Kent Historical Society
P.O. Box 663
Kent OH 44240
. .,
Thanks! Oral History Project Continues
bur thanks go out to long-time member and Under the g'u"idance ·of K~nt Historical Soci-supporter
Marjorie Woodring, who recently ety Trustee Bill Wileri , our long-standing oral
donated four scouting uniforms (Cub Scouts, history project continu,es. Qnce again this
Boy Scouts, Bluebi~ds, and Campfire Girls) year we will be using students from Kent
frpm th~ 1950's and 1960's. We plan to fea- Roosevelt High Scho_or as interviewers. The
ture these uniforms ·in next year's exf1ibit on Society is pleasea ·to continue its support of
sport and leisure in Kent. · · this important documentation of our commu-
, - · •., · · nity's past. ·
□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
-
0 Hours: 0
□ ·. . □
□ The Office is open every □
·
0 Monday: Wednesday, 0
~ and Friday from 10-4 ~
□ The Museum is open ev- □
0 ery Wednesday and Fri- 0
~ day from noon to 4 ~
0 0 □ . □ 0 DD O □ DO O □ DD D
Membership in the Kent Historical Society
Name ---------------------------
Street Phone ----------------- --------
City __________ State _____ Zip _____ _
Student
Senior Citizen
Single
Family
5.00
15.00
Additional donation of 35.00
100.00
---------
Make Checks Payable to the Kent Historical Society and send them to
P.O. Box 663, Kent OH 44240
Your continued support through your membership dues and through contributions helps us
maintain the day-to-day operations of our historical society and enables us to undertake
projects such as Kentennial. Thanks to all for your generosity.
Kentennial June 1999 p.3
The Kent Historical Society
P.O. Box663
152 Franklin Avenue
Kent OH 44240
(330) 678-2712
Nonprofit Organization
U.S . Postage
PAID
Kent OH 44240
Permit #150
Kentennial p .
- …
