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.
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.
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 dig into history and enjoy a couple surprises
Homemade ornament giveaway
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Jo Ann and Sandy
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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)
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)
Friends of RHP in 2025
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May 18 Mill docents reinstated
Being a docent is mostly about being friendly to the public. Most people have seen pictures of mills, but have no idea what they are about. Most are be happy with a brief explanation. This training session will give you the background (and a cheat sheet!) for more. No commitment needed, just to come to the class. This is an all outdoor session, covering mill history & legend, Kirby's story, tips for dealing with the public, and an optional brief tour of the Kirby estate. Dress for the weather and bring a camp chair. P.S. Students can earn required service hours through the mill docent program! |
Happy 10th Anniversary to Richfield Heritage Preserve!
Thank you to the Friends for what YOUR donation
of time and treasure helped accomplish!
Thank you to the Friends for what YOUR donation
of time and treasure helped accomplish!
May 10. Migrartory Bird Hike led by Fred Dinkelbach
May 7th Friends' TLC crew reinstated
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April 24 annual meeting at Richfield United Church of Christ
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March Friends' Invasives Crew reinstated under RJRD staff groundskeeper, Chris Moore
Investigation of existing waterlines from the GS camp times. These may be a possible option for Oviatt House
Discussions with the RJRD Governace Committee. Friends were requested to write reports on KIrby's Mill, Garfield Hall, Docent program, and Amity
Garfield Hall. restoration finished in July.
RHP Updated Master Plan
January 27, 2025 RJRD meeting, Park Director John Peispsny, distributed the following 3-page projected project list for the RJRD's consideration
In December 2024, the governing board of Richfield Heritage Preserve voted to end the Memorandum of Understanding with the Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve. By January, our organization was removed as an affiliate from the Park's website, and the 2025 programs and events proposed by the Friends this past November were rejected by the Park Director (unlike those sponsored by the Ohio Horseman's Council and Oviatt House Inc.) The following is Friends' president Corey Ringle's response to the over 50 residents and Friends' supporters who came to the governing board's January 27 meeting. (Richfield Times write up here)
A message from the Friends' President, Corey Ringle
Thank you to everyone who gave up their Monday evening to attend last Monday's RJRD Board meeting. As many of you know -- in December 2024 -- the RJRD board decided not to renew the Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve's agreement. There was a conversation amongst some RJRD Trustees that the Friends of RHP could still work on projects such as Kirby's Mill and Garfield Hall as well as the historic home stabilization without the agreement.
But actions speak louder than words. Since that December meeting, the Friends 2025 programming was not approved, including popular events like Winter Wonders and Mill Docent Sundays. The locks were changed at the Mill and the park director sent an email that the RJRD may stop work at the Mill (mothball the structure) and use Mill donations on other park projects. The Friends of RHP are no longer listed as park partners, despite all the work at Amity House, Garfield Hall, and Kirby's Mill. As a resident and taxpayer, I'm disappointed!
We know the community loves these structures. We know the Friends of RHP can help with the restoration. So why stop progress, especially the improvements at no cost to the residents? Thank you to everyone who came out to stand up for this park and the dedicated volunteers and donors who want to see these projects completed.
Next meeting of the Richfield Joint Recreation District board is scheduled for Monday, February 24, 6:30 at p.m., Richfield Village Hall (4410 West Streetsboro Road, Richfield, with a Zoom meeting option available for attendees.) Your involvement makes a difference!
Friends have faced challenges through the years -- 2025 will be no different
If the Friends of RHP had a motto, it would be "making the impossible possible." Since our founding, we have adapted, persevered and found a way to work with our partners to preserve the natural and historic heritage of this community treasure. The last two months presented a new challenge to the Friends, but we are not giving up on our efforts to continue working with RJRD to reach an agreement to continue restoration of the historic structures and sponsor events in the park. The Friends' board members are up to the challenge.-- we know our members have our back! Stay tuned and look for our Annual Meeting details in the next MillWrite!
We have posted our detailed MONTHLY REPORTS to the RJRD from 2024 and we will continue to update this page. Check out our ANNUAL REPORTS TO THE COMMUNITY -- 2024 will soon be added to the list which starts with 2015.
Thank you to everyone who gave up their Monday evening to attend last Monday's RJRD Board meeting. As many of you know -- in December 2024 -- the RJRD board decided not to renew the Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve's agreement. There was a conversation amongst some RJRD Trustees that the Friends of RHP could still work on projects such as Kirby's Mill and Garfield Hall as well as the historic home stabilization without the agreement.
But actions speak louder than words. Since that December meeting, the Friends 2025 programming was not approved, including popular events like Winter Wonders and Mill Docent Sundays. The locks were changed at the Mill and the park director sent an email that the RJRD may stop work at the Mill (mothball the structure) and use Mill donations on other park projects. The Friends of RHP are no longer listed as park partners, despite all the work at Amity House, Garfield Hall, and Kirby's Mill. As a resident and taxpayer, I'm disappointed!
We know the community loves these structures. We know the Friends of RHP can help with the restoration. So why stop progress, especially the improvements at no cost to the residents? Thank you to everyone who came out to stand up for this park and the dedicated volunteers and donors who want to see these projects completed.
Next meeting of the Richfield Joint Recreation District board is scheduled for Monday, February 24, 6:30 at p.m., Richfield Village Hall (4410 West Streetsboro Road, Richfield, with a Zoom meeting option available for attendees.) Your involvement makes a difference!
Friends have faced challenges through the years -- 2025 will be no different
If the Friends of RHP had a motto, it would be "making the impossible possible." Since our founding, we have adapted, persevered and found a way to work with our partners to preserve the natural and historic heritage of this community treasure. The last two months presented a new challenge to the Friends, but we are not giving up on our efforts to continue working with RJRD to reach an agreement to continue restoration of the historic structures and sponsor events in the park. The Friends' board members are up to the challenge.-- we know our members have our back! Stay tuned and look for our Annual Meeting details in the next MillWrite!
We have posted our detailed MONTHLY REPORTS to the RJRD from 2024 and we will continue to update this page. Check out our ANNUAL REPORTS TO THE COMMUNITY -- 2024 will soon be added to the list which starts with 2015.