Tank Testing Grounds
The tank testing grounds were on federal land immediately adjacent to camp Julia Crowell, in the secluded highlands just west of Oviatt Road. The rumbling of tanks was (reportedly) continuous. The sound faded into the background during the day, but kept some campers awake at night. Tank watching was a quasi-unauthorized activity at all times of the day or night.
The tanks in question were built by GM at the Cleveland Tank Plant. They would be driven down Broadview Rd to Newton Rd, to the testing site. Operations at the Cleveland Tank Plant were suspended in 1972. That facility is now the I-X Center.
The Girl Scouts were considered for as possible purchasers of the testing grounds in 1970 ( see letter below) But nothing came of it.
The former testing grounds were chosen as the site of a federal prison in 1975. Organized protests by many Richfield and Hinckley citizens failed to dissuade the federal government from their plans. But then the Lake Erie Girl Scout Council pulled some strings, pointing out that a minimum security prison next to a girl's camp might possibility create some issues.
The prison was located elsewhere.
The prison was located elsewhere.
More information:
preservedtanks.com/Locations.aspx?LocationCategoryId=85790
cdlgenealogyspot.blogspot.com/2018/02/medinas-tank-testing-ground.html?m=1
