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What Richfield Heritage Preserve Could Be
In April, the Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve presented a plan at their annual membership meeting to preserve structures at RHP which would have economic, historic and recreational benefits to the community. The following is a long-range plan for projects which the Friends hope the Richfield Joint Recreation Board will approve. If approved, the Friends will pursue fundraising and volunteer efforts over the coming years to make these projects a reality - with the help of our members and supporters. Thank you for your continued support!
Friends awarded $20,000 to continue stabilization of historic Neal properties at RHP
The Dorn Family Foundation awarded the Friends a $20,000 grant in November to continue restoration of the Neal properties at Richfield Heritage Preserve.
In response to the Friends’ August grant submission - which included a summary of the Friends’ accomplishments with the Neal historic buildings - Robert Dorn replied, “My only words are, ‘this is extraordinary!’ This is a well-thought-out report and outlines all the hard work that you and your team have put in. Well done.” The Richfield Joint Recreation District put on hold a decision to move forward with a detailed design remodel of North House by Richfield construction firm HTZ Design+Build. The Friends have offered to move forward with several projects on the 1928 building that would stabilize and protect its historic architecture: structural evaluation as well as repair of an original stone patio overlooking the lake and repair of the interior damage from water and wildlife. All tasks are necessary to prepare the home for any remodel for use determined by the RJRD. North House is a stronghold worthy of a medieval manor. Oriented to face the water, the porch is a lakeside observation platform. Inside, the vaulted living room ceiling resembles an inverted ship’s hull, and a seascape painting is embedded in the plaster over the mantle. Wormy chestnut -- from trees on the property killed by blight -- was used in its structure. Its brick facing was said to be repurposed from some of the old original buildings that were located around Cleveland’s Public Square. Friends dig into history and enjoy a couple surprises
November’s Friends’ meeting at The Lodge, featuring an evening with archaeologist Dr. Phil Wanyerka, began with two unexpected but timely announcements. Friends’ president Corey Ringle began by announcing a $20,000 grant award from the Dorn Family Foundation to restore the former Neal properties at RHP. Details are in Friends awarded $20,000 to continue stabilization of historic Neal properties at RHP. Then, before introducing the night’s speaker, Friends’ program chair Joanie Gottschling donated $5,000 to the Friends and challenged attendees to raise even more for the Friends' projects - such as mending the perimeter fence. The Friends’ plans to clear brush and repair the fence were approved by the Richfield Joint Recreation District. If intact, the fence discourages deer browse and vandalism on the property. Dr. Wanyerka, Director of Anthropology at Cleveland State University, presented the discoveries of archaeological summer field study investigations around the property over three years. With audience permission, he also explained his exploration of the Cleveland Metroparks Fort Hill prehistoric site in North Olmsted – two presentations in one! He indicated he would like to bring students back to RHP for further investigations. The Friends’ prize for joining or renewing membership for 2026 went to Jo Ann Kubicki. Her monogramed blanket, two mugs and the book Crowell-Hilaka and the Richfield Heritage Preserve were presented to her by Friends’ merchandise coordinator Sandy Norris. We are still looking for new members and renewals – visit our MEMBERSHIP page. (Photos by Chris Naizer) 
Deer exclosure fence in Western PA. The area to the right of the fence has been severally over -grazed. The left side has been enclosed and allowed to re-grow.
FENCE MENDERS PROPOSAL TO THE RJRD - Approved!
Happy 10th Anniversary to Richfield Heritage Preserve!
Thank you to the Friends for what YOUR donation of time and treasure helped accomplish! |
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