2019 FoCH Projects and Events
Gund Hall Christmas open house - December Sundays
Guests so enjoyed the beautiful Christmas decorations of Winter Wonders in 2018, that for 2019 RJRD granted FoCH permission to host open houses on Sunday afternoons throughout December. Last minute gifts, a cozy fire, and free cocoa.
Guests so enjoyed the beautiful Christmas decorations of Winter Wonders in 2018, that for 2019 RJRD granted FoCH permission to host open houses on Sunday afternoons throughout December. Last minute gifts, a cozy fire, and free cocoa.
A warm welcome. Photo by Clive Fetzer
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FoCH gifts benefit restoration of Kirby's Mill. Photo by Sandy Norris
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A festive corner. Photo by Chris Naizer
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Our Facebook post: Tree-mendous! Thanks to the Rankin Ranch for your generosity! Cozy Up to Winter Wonders was pine-tastic!! Come see for yourself! This beauty is still gracing Gund Hall with all it's glowing glory and charm. Wouldn't your tree look super with a little #Spark? Kirby Mill cookie cutter ornaments and Garlen's "Wonderment" ornament are for sale at Sunday GUNDays! 1-5PM in December. (Wonderment is in the bottom right corner of this photo)
Majestic tree in the center of the Hall. Photo by Chris Naizer
November- Membership meeting- Fireside Chat with park history pocket "cheat sheet"
October 20 - FoCH merchandise goes online!
Sunday, October 13 2-4
On the Wings of Conservation Hike
Ohio is known for its migrating birds. Bring your binoculars and learn more about our feathered friends as we hike with Tom Romito of the Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society. You will also learn about conservation efforts being made in the park to remove invasive species and replace them with native plants. This will be a moderate hike, a little over a mile in length. Join us for light refreshments and conversation following the hike.
On the Wings of Conservation Hike
Ohio is known for its migrating birds. Bring your binoculars and learn more about our feathered friends as we hike with Tom Romito of the Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society. You will also learn about conservation efforts being made in the park to remove invasive species and replace them with native plants. This will be a moderate hike, a little over a mile in length. Join us for light refreshments and conversation following the hike.
ANCA consult- Sept 26 - 28 sponsored jointly by RJRD & FoCH
A happy family stops for refreshments in the hall, while Judy looks on from the FoCH shop in the background. At left, the Welcome Table crew gets a breather. At right , the indefatigable Calista shares her enthusiasm for the park.
Donor levels established for Mill restoration fundraising
Dr. Phil Wanyerka , professor of Archaeology at CSU, will guide us through areas of the park where indigenous people may have lived. The more recent history of Kirby's Mill and the self-clarifying lake will also be discussed. Cookies & lemonade will be served.
Seventy-some people attended this hike led by Dr Phil Wanyerka of Cleveland State University. We learned an ancient way of making fire and got to practice with an atlatl!
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July 16 FoCH member meeting- volunteerpalooza
Beth Sanderson, Sandy Scherrer Norris, Pat Norris, Peggy Couch, Betty Vandermeer, Barbara Starr, Clive Fetzer, Chris Naizer, Elizabeth Csontos, Jenny Austin, Molly Eastwood, April Hawkins, Corey Ringle, Karen Smik, Frank Bajorek, Callista Bajorek, Nancy Kanik and Sandy Apidone at Richfield Heritage Preserve.
Ten years ago, a group of folks that loved Richfield Heritage Preserve, then Crowell Hilaka, came together to form an organization that would research the history, care for the land, and promote the park.
Our goals have evolved over the years, but one thing has not changed: our love for the park! Join us as we celebrate our last 10 years and learn how we can continue to care for our favorite place, Richfield Heritage Preserve!
Last night at our monthly meeting we enjoyed some cake and learned about the multiple ways one can support and care for the park. Learn more about how you can volunteer by visiting: http://www.friendsofcrowellhilaka.org/volunteer.html
Our goals have evolved over the years, but one thing has not changed: our love for the park! Join us as we celebrate our last 10 years and learn how we can continue to care for our favorite place, Richfield Heritage Preserve!
Last night at our monthly meeting we enjoyed some cake and learned about the multiple ways one can support and care for the park. Learn more about how you can volunteer by visiting: http://www.friendsofcrowellhilaka.org/volunteer.html
June 24. Checklist of the Historic Structure Stabilization Task Force is approved by RJRD
Join FoCH Historian Lynn Richardson to explore the south half of the Preserve and learn its lesser-known tales.
Time : Approximately 2 hours.
Distance and Difficulty : 2 miles over steeply hilly terrain. Some wet spots.
Pace: a leisurely stroll through Forests and Meadow, with frequent story-telling stops.
Hear how this new public park, once a beloved camp, reflects American history in miniature - but with legends spanning thousands of years and elements of the Great Unknown.
From Facebook June 16: Girl Scouts told ghost stories. Most have vanished away like campfire smoke, but a few have persisted. Are there Guardian Spirits in the forests of Richfield Heritage Preserve?
Facebook June 10: Walk back in time .....Witness some of the transformations that have taken place over the last 100 years: the building of Lake Jinelle in 1919 by James Kirby, the Girl Scouts enjoying the waterfront during the 1940's through 60's to the ground breaking repair of the lower lake dam in 2019. Come explore Ohio's Hidden Treasure™ with us and discover the lessor known history of the park.
Facebook June 3 The Oviatt House at the south end of RHP was the heart of Mason & Fanny Oviatt's farm where they raised 11 children. The Oviatt story is a microcosm of America's early history encompassing the Revolutionary War, the Underground Railroad, the Gold Rush and a startling bond with the Cherokee Nation. Come explore Ohio's Hidden Treasure™ and discover this lessor known history of the park.
Join us Sunday June 23rd for the second of 4 themed hikes at Richfield Heritage Preserve(RHP) hosted by Friends of Crowell Hilaka (FoCH). Meet at 2pm at the Summer Barn, 2445 Oviatt Rd. Richfield
*Note this hike does not meet at Gund Hall
Time : Approximately 2 hours.
Distance and Difficulty : 2 miles over steeply hilly terrain. Some wet spots.
Pace: a leisurely stroll through Forests and Meadow, with frequent story-telling stops.
Hear how this new public park, once a beloved camp, reflects American history in miniature - but with legends spanning thousands of years and elements of the Great Unknown.
From Facebook June 16: Girl Scouts told ghost stories. Most have vanished away like campfire smoke, but a few have persisted. Are there Guardian Spirits in the forests of Richfield Heritage Preserve?
Facebook June 10: Walk back in time .....Witness some of the transformations that have taken place over the last 100 years: the building of Lake Jinelle in 1919 by James Kirby, the Girl Scouts enjoying the waterfront during the 1940's through 60's to the ground breaking repair of the lower lake dam in 2019. Come explore Ohio's Hidden Treasure™ with us and discover the lessor known history of the park.
Facebook June 3 The Oviatt House at the south end of RHP was the heart of Mason & Fanny Oviatt's farm where they raised 11 children. The Oviatt story is a microcosm of America's early history encompassing the Revolutionary War, the Underground Railroad, the Gold Rush and a startling bond with the Cherokee Nation. Come explore Ohio's Hidden Treasure™ and discover this lessor known history of the park.
Join us Sunday June 23rd for the second of 4 themed hikes at Richfield Heritage Preserve(RHP) hosted by Friends of Crowell Hilaka (FoCH). Meet at 2pm at the Summer Barn, 2445 Oviatt Rd. Richfield
*Note this hike does not meet at Gund Hall
Hike leader, FoCH historian Lynn Richardson
our starting point: the summer barn
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cheerful flower arrangement greet visitors
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Trail mix bar
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Assistance with Pollinator Palooza
an event hosted by the Summit County Beekeepers' Association
at Gund Hall Saturday, June 22
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May 20 - membership meeting
Agenda for Tuesday's meeting
As always, we try to get through the agenda in an hour, so busy bees can fly out and the social butterflies can hang around and visit!
- Learn about the string of hundred-year anniversaries coming up at Richfield Heritage Preserve.
- Vote for your favorite pocket ”cheat sheet” and give us ideas of what you would like to see on it so that FoCH members can help guide visitors.
- Discussion and vote: should all Members be automatically listed as donors in future annual reports? Pros and cons to Members= Donors
- Park Updates
- Open Forum
As always, we try to get through the agenda in an hour, so busy bees can fly out and the social butterflies can hang around and visit!
April 27th - stalking the wild garlic mustard in and around the Ithilean Jungle, east of Angel Swamp
Hunters of the garlic mustard - Polite pose. photo by Beth Sanderson
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Hunters of the garlic mustard - letting loose. Photo by Meg Slifcak
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Facebook April 23. GARFIELD HALL, the famous dance hall that inventor James Kirby built on springs in 1923 will be one of many places to be discovered on our guided hike this Sunday, April 28th at Richfield Heritage Preserve.
Meet at 2pm at Gund Hall 4374 Broadview Rd. Richfield
Photos: 1937 dedication ceremony and inside Garfield Hall-2009 photo by Ann Marie Niziolek
Hosted by Friends of Crowell Hilaka
Facebook April 19. An oxbow is the name for an extreme curve in a waterway. Discover our's at Richfield Heritage Preserve during our guided hike along the Buckeye Trail.
Facebook April 14. Enjoy wildlife & ride the trails on horseback(closed now until June) at Richfield Heritage Preserve
Join us Sunday April 28th for a guided hike along part of the Buckeye Trail and learn more about all the recreational activities at the park.
Facebook April 11. Glimpse Cook's Cabin which served as the seasonal residence of the Girl Scout camp cook (1937-1967), during our hike at Richfield Heritage Preserve.
Facebook April 2. Join us Sunday April 28th for the first of 4 themed hikes at Richfield Heritage Preserve hosted by the Friends of Crowell Hilaka. Meet at 2pm Gund Hall 4374 Broadview Rd. Richfield, OhioCome explore Ohio’s Hidden Treasure with us and discover the many outdoor activities that RHP has to offer.
Before the hike, enjoy a talk by Randall Roberts from the Buckeye Trail Association. And then hike with us on part of our section (2.3 miles) of the 1,444 total miles of the Buckeye Trail.
Hiking: At RHP, you can explore 336 acres of scenic trails winding along streams, by waterfalls, through dense woods, over open fields, traversing rolling hills and passing by historic homes and Kirby’s Mill (listed on the National Historic Register). Scattered throughout the park are numerous open - air shelters which can be reserved for picnics.
Meet at 2pm at Gund Hall 4374 Broadview Rd. Richfield
Photos: 1937 dedication ceremony and inside Garfield Hall-2009 photo by Ann Marie Niziolek
Hosted by Friends of Crowell Hilaka
Facebook April 19. An oxbow is the name for an extreme curve in a waterway. Discover our's at Richfield Heritage Preserve during our guided hike along the Buckeye Trail.
Facebook April 14. Enjoy wildlife & ride the trails on horseback(closed now until June) at Richfield Heritage Preserve
Join us Sunday April 28th for a guided hike along part of the Buckeye Trail and learn more about all the recreational activities at the park.
Facebook April 11. Glimpse Cook's Cabin which served as the seasonal residence of the Girl Scout camp cook (1937-1967), during our hike at Richfield Heritage Preserve.
Facebook April 2. Join us Sunday April 28th for the first of 4 themed hikes at Richfield Heritage Preserve hosted by the Friends of Crowell Hilaka. Meet at 2pm Gund Hall 4374 Broadview Rd. Richfield, OhioCome explore Ohio’s Hidden Treasure with us and discover the many outdoor activities that RHP has to offer.
Before the hike, enjoy a talk by Randall Roberts from the Buckeye Trail Association. And then hike with us on part of our section (2.3 miles) of the 1,444 total miles of the Buckeye Trail.
Hiking: At RHP, you can explore 336 acres of scenic trails winding along streams, by waterfalls, through dense woods, over open fields, traversing rolling hills and passing by historic homes and Kirby’s Mill (listed on the National Historic Register). Scattered throughout the park are numerous open - air shelters which can be reserved for picnics.
April 17 Invasive Species Management Task Force gets positive identification from Dawes Arboretum of Amur Cork Tree in park. These trees were first noticed as unusual by Beth Sanderson in 2016 who continued to seek identification. Even professionals were unable to identify it until Jennifer Winus of OIPC collected a sample to send to the Arboretum.
April 16 & 17 New Roof for Kirby's Mill
Before
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After
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The new roof and and storm windows were generously funded by Jon & Kitty Antalvari
April 13. Historic House Stabilization Task Force - North House Assessment
April 6. Installing protective storm windows at Kirby's Mill
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March 19 FoCH annual meeting
March 12 Corey presents "Richfield Heritage Preserve- Ohio's Hidden Treasure" to the Fairview Garden Club
March 10
Historic House Assessment - measuring & recording
The Historic Home Stabilization Task Force will be visiting Amity, North, and Kirby over the next three months. We need your help measuring and documenting all the existing conditions at these homes before their visit.
Volunteers are meeting Sunday, March 10th from 2pm - 5pm to be trained on how to professionally field measure. After training, we will measure Amity House and discuss a schedule that works for the whole team for the other two homes.
We will provide clipboards, existing drawings, graph paper, pencils, tape measures, molding copycats, face masks if needed, drinks and light snacks (to be enjoyed outside on the porch).
If interested, please contact Corey: 216.299.1051 or corey.ringle@gmail.com. It's important to RSVP so we have enough tools, etc. Thank you!
Historic House Assessment - measuring & recording
The Historic Home Stabilization Task Force will be visiting Amity, North, and Kirby over the next three months. We need your help measuring and documenting all the existing conditions at these homes before their visit.
Volunteers are meeting Sunday, March 10th from 2pm - 5pm to be trained on how to professionally field measure. After training, we will measure Amity House and discuss a schedule that works for the whole team for the other two homes.
We will provide clipboards, existing drawings, graph paper, pencils, tape measures, molding copycats, face masks if needed, drinks and light snacks (to be enjoyed outside on the porch).
If interested, please contact Corey: 216.299.1051 or corey.ringle@gmail.com. It's important to RSVP so we have enough tools, etc. Thank you!
Exploration in the depth of the basement. Pat, Nancy, & Elizabeth.
Joanie G. and Judy M.
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Pat
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Corey, Clive, & Judy B.
A study in verticality.
February 27 "Super Sandy" does it all. Photos by Clive
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Feb 27 Statehood Day. An early morning trip to Columbus, learning about history organizations and programs, touring the State House, networking, meeting legislators, buying souvenirs for grandkids, Keynote address by Chief Glenna Wallace, Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, and the grant award!
This project is made possible in part by the Ohio History Fund, a grant program of the Ohio History Connection. The Ohio History Fund is made possible by voluntary donations of state income tax refunds, sales of Ohio History “mastodon” license plates, and other donations. www.ohiohistory.org/historyfund
Statehood Day: video of morning program
Statehood Day: video of afternoon program ( FoCH delegation at 1hr, 4 minutes)
This project is made possible in part by the Ohio History Fund, a grant program of the Ohio History Connection. The Ohio History Fund is made possible by voluntary donations of state income tax refunds, sales of Ohio History “mastodon” license plates, and other donations. www.ohiohistory.org/historyfund
Statehood Day: video of morning program
Statehood Day: video of afternoon program ( FoCH delegation at 1hr, 4 minutes)
Networking & meeting with legislators.
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On Tour!
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The Ohio History Fund supports local history organizations all over the state and is funded entirely through Ohio taxpayers’ voluntary contributions through state tax refund check offs and sale of mastodon license plates. You can learn more about the program at ohiohistory.org/historyfund.
More on the Ohio History Fund 2019 grant recipients.
" Everyone Crosses the Same Bridge" a February photo by Clive Fetzer
Everyone Crosses the Same Bridge
Feb 23. The first polycarbonate storm windows were installed on Kirby's Mill
Team Eunice:
Back Row: Rob, Beth, Donna, & Pat. Front Row : Power Point technician Corey, Organizer, Lynn, Reader Chris
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All in the Family! The Mertons were an old Richfield family- descendants Pat Healey, Patti Ives, Paul Swan pose with a portrait of Eunice Merton
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Q. What did Eunice have to do with Richfield Heritage Preserve?
A. All the stories we have about the first permanent settlers at what is now the park, Mason & Fanny Oviatt; were told to Eunice by their granddaugherJennie Oviatt. Eunice published the stories in her column " Between Nursery Rows". Further research revealed Eunice's amazing scope. When the Richfield Library requested a history presentation for 2019, Lynn took the opportunity to share Eunice's story. Seven readers quoted from Eunice's writings against a backdrop of nature images from RHP.
A final grace note: the three Japanese maples planted in the camp by a delegation from Japan were purchased at Eunice's Merriam Hills Nursery.
A. All the stories we have about the first permanent settlers at what is now the park, Mason & Fanny Oviatt; were told to Eunice by their granddaugherJennie Oviatt. Eunice published the stories in her column " Between Nursery Rows". Further research revealed Eunice's amazing scope. When the Richfield Library requested a history presentation for 2019, Lynn took the opportunity to share Eunice's story. Seven readers quoted from Eunice's writings against a backdrop of nature images from RHP.
A final grace note: the three Japanese maples planted in the camp by a delegation from Japan were purchased at Eunice's Merriam Hills Nursery.
FoCH President Corey Ringle
is winner of the 2019 Mark Ferguson award!
Architects Corey Ringle and Mark Ferguson in New York City. Corey's experience at Camp Crowell Hilaka influenced her career choice. Later, her involvemtn with historic preservation at Richfield Heritage Preserve made her a stand out candidate.
My Experience at the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art’s Winter Intensive in New York City
Earlier this month [ January 2019], I had the pleasure of attending the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art’s Winter Intensive in New York City. Who wouldn’t be excited to have a few days away from the office to be immersed in design, learn more about the classical orders, and tour the beautiful city? It was amazing!
When I went to school, I remember learning the classical orders, but do not remember diving into the reasons for the various forms. At the intensive, we learned by drawing the orders, but also learned how the ancient temples were constructed and how the local materials effected the proportions and scale of each order. It really gave me a whole new understanding.
I enjoyed the measured sketching and tour of the Morgan Library. It was a great break between the fast paced drawing classes. But my favorites were the ink wash and proportion class. Learning how shapes found in nature influenced design was fascinating! It really rounded out the experience and helped me better understand the inspiration to so many historical designs.
But my hands-down, favorite experience was meeting all my instructors and fellow students. Everyone came for different reasons: to enhance their education as a student, to improve their design skills as a professional, to learn more about history and how the classical proportions influence a variety of art in our lives.
During the week, I had the honor of meeting Mr. Ferguson. I shared with him that I fell in love with historical architecture when I was a young camper at my local Girl Scout camp Crowell Hilaka, which was once home to inventor Jim Kirby. His home, hydroelectric water wheel, and dance hall built on springs were all there to explore when I was a kid. After college, I wanted to return and volunteer with young people to inspire the next generation of inventors, engineers, and architects. Unfortunately, the Girl Scouts were in the process of selling the camp. Working together with the friends group, we encouraged the community to purchase the historical estate and turn it into a public park for all to enjoy. The community being comprised of 30% park land, was not interested in purchasing more land, but, with education, were interested in preserving the historic structures that told the story of creativity and ingenuity of the architecture. I enjoyed our conversation about the importance of architects beingcivically involved and influencing the communities around us. I think classes like this help us better educate the public on the importance of historical and classical design, and my attendance was made possible thanks to the Mark Ferguson scholarship!
I look forward to sharing what I have learned at the intensive, not just with my clients, but with my community. Together, we can make the world better, one design at a time.
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to attend the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art’s Winter Intensive in New York City. Thank you to everyone who supported my professional development: the Mark Ferguson scholarship, the John Brown Sr. scholarship, and the support of my office, William H. Childs, Jr. and Associates.
Sincerely, Corey Ringle.
https://www.classicist.org/articles/my-experience-at-the-institute-of-classical-architecture-and-arts-winter-intensive-in-new-york-city/
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