Kirby Day
James B. Kirby was born on September 28, 1884. FoCH takes the nearest weekend to celebrate Kirby's legacy - the creative link between engineering and and environment which became his home, a camp, and now Richfield Heritage Preserve.
Kirby Day 2018
Art is part of STEAM. Visitors created images through the use of giant spirograph gears.
This clever group seems to have re-located Kirby's Mill to the Great Meadow on the shore of Lake Linnea. Or so they would have us believe! The real story is that whn FoCH was planning hte program, it was still a possibility that construction of the dam might be in progress- rathere than send visitors down to see the milll, we brought a giant picture of the mill up to the visitors! ....... Photo by Clive Fetzer
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This unlikely pair oversaw the Marbles game along a forest trail. Kirby was an expert Marbles player....................photo by Beth Sanderson
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Ann Iglais, activity coordinator for the event.
Hidden Objects along the trail evoke time travel ..............photo by Beth Sanderson
electron toss
"Professor" Barb Starr prepping to launch miniature steam-powered boats while Marilyn Alkire looks on. Photo by Clive Fetzer
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KIRBY BIRTHDAY
Saturday, September 23rd 2017
2-5 pm
Gund Hall and yard
FREE Birthday party fun
featuring:
The inflatable obstacle course*
giant foot darts*
bouncing inflatable ponies*
hats & prizes
painted rock hunt
history hike
craft by Timbernook
the amazing music machine
cupcakes decorating station
Join FoCH and receive 3 months free membership!
"Old School" Campfire Sing Along
at Waterfront Shelter at 1 pm
Everyone Welcome!
* Participation in inflatable activities requires signed waiver. Cupcakes and beverages free while supplies last
Calvin Marshall experiments with Corey's Amazing Music Machine
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Tegan, Josie, Lillian, & Isabelle pause briefly between experiments in spatial gravity-defiance.
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2015: The first annual celebration of Kirby's Birthday
Celebrating Science and Nature in Richfield, Ohio
The Friends of Crowell/Hilaka (FoCH) hosts MR. KIRBY’S BIRTHDAY PARTY on Sunday, September 27 from 1-5PM at Crowell Hilaka, 4374 Broadview Road in Richfield, Ohio. This outdoor fun day, free to the public, honors a former owner of the Crowell Hilaka property, inventor Jim Kirby. The day includes hiking and science activities at one of Northeast Ohio’s newest and prettiest parks.
Family-friendly activities include the Bicycle of Power, Electron Toss, Crazy Construction and Letterboxing. There are also guided history hikes through the Kirby Estate at 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm. Guests should dress for the weather and bring a water bottle. There are free cupcakes and lemonade while supply lasts.
While known for Kirby vacuum cleaners, Jim Kirby (1884-1971) also invented improvements to electric dishwashers, irons and the first practical spin cycle for washing machines. He eventually amassed over 150 patents, most involving laundry or vacuum cleaners. Jim left numerous engineering wonders at his home (now Crowell Hilaka) including his workshop and hydroelectric mill, patented self-clarifying lake, and bridges. Kirby bought the former Oviatt farm in 1919 and sold the property to the local Girl Scout council in 1937.
The 336-acre Crowell Hilaka is now owned and managed by Richfield Joint Recreation District as a community park. It is currently open from dawn to dusk on Saturdays and Sundays for hikes and picnicking. For more information on the Richfield Joint Recreation District, visit www.rjrd.org
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