Kirby Day 2022
is at Kirby's Mill!
Parking just up the hill at the Summer barn
4225 Oviatt Rd/ Richfield 44286
FREE ADMISSION
- Hunt for hidden marbles
- Construct an outsized marble run
- Learn the game of marbles from Michael Cohill of the American Toy Marble Museum
- Tour Kirby House and Garfield Hall
- "Slipped Through The Cracks" : an exhibit of camp artifacts at Hilltop House
- Make and Take crafts
- Games and science exploration
- Interactive history at "Wash Day Blues"
- Kirby’s Mill souvenirs
- Grilled hot dog lunches and root beer floats available for suggested donations
Our Sponsors
Inventor Level ( $250 & Up)
Heather and Dennis Liccardi
Ann Marie Niziolek
Karen Smik
Engineer Level $100-$249)
Alex & Kate Hagreen
Michael Tefs
Donations in kind from
Terry Duncan
Brain Freeze -- Tim & Tabitha Luther
Clive Fetzer
Nancy Kanik
Amy Murphy
Sandy Norris
Chuck Rankin
Fran Ratka
Rob & Lynn Richardson
Sarah Schroeter
Karen Smik
Inventor Level ( $250 & Up)
Heather and Dennis Liccardi
Ann Marie Niziolek
Karen Smik
Engineer Level $100-$249)
Alex & Kate Hagreen
Michael Tefs
Donations in kind from
Terry Duncan
Brain Freeze -- Tim & Tabitha Luther
Clive Fetzer
Nancy Kanik
Amy Murphy
Sandy Norris
Chuck Rankin
Fran Ratka
Rob & Lynn Richardson
Sarah Schroeter
Karen Smik
Days gone by. The Kirby Day archives..........................
Kirby Day 2021 : "Kirby's Marble-ous Mill" returned with a No-touch marble hunt
Kirby Day 2020 went virtual! A facebook post every day during the month of September. Starting with this one: https://www.facebook.com/crowellhilaka/photos/pcb.3406207912791265/3406192666126123/
Kirby Day 2019 introduced "Kirby's Marble-ous Mill"
Kirby Day 2018
Kirby Day 2017 . Saturday September 23 2-5 pm. Gund Hall and yard
Celebrating Jim Kirby's Birthday
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
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