Storm Rosa was born in 1791 in a typical 'Sleepy Hollow' Catskill village of the era known as Coxsackie, N.Y. Not much is known about his N.Y. early years although by his 22nd year he was preparing for his future career under Dr. Doubleday and Dr. Greene. Upon graduating in 1816, he hung up his shingle in Centerville ( Madison, Ohio).
Rosa and his wife, Sophia settled in a home on Washington Street. In time, he prospered and hired noted architect Jonathan Goldsmith to build him a home. Dr. Storm branched out into community affairs and by 1829 became President of the Painesville Academy. He led the academy until 1851 when it was taken over by the first public school system of the day.
Dr. Rosa next turned his attentions to the newly formed Medical College in Chagrin (Willoughby,Ohio). He served as an adjunct professor in its first year-1834. His interests next led him to a stint with the Geauga Agricultural Society, a term as Associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, a year as editor of The Painesville Telegraph and lastly campaign leader for William Henry Harrison and Whig Party causes.
His greatest moment came in 1843 when his ever inquiring mind brought him into contact with homeopathic schools of thought. He embraced this concept and became an early crusader preaching the benefits of cleanliness, diet, and preventative medicine. Published extracts, articles, and a leading position on the newly formed Homeopathic Society followed in quick succession. By 1849, Dr. Rosa chaired a national convention held in Cleveland as well securing a chair at the Eclectic Medical Institute in Cincinnati. A firm belief in the 'water cure' led the Doctor to build a stone bath house on Little Mountain Road in 1855. This resort and its water and gymnasium based therapies lasted a few years. Despite some family sorrows, Rosa championed homeopathy into the Civil War years. He helped the Northern cause until the time of his passing in 1864.
source: Historical Society Quarterly - February, 1964
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Monday, June 10, 2013
Hashtag; Mentor -- Saving History for Future Generations ??
Mentor's place in Lake County history is unique. Settled in 1797, its 28 square miles makes it our county's largest city. Its school system is the largest and has garnered many outstanding accolades over the years. It is also leads the county with the most commercial and industrial sites . Yet for all its present 'first' rankings, Mentor does not truly rank very high in preserving its local history. Many other county cities and entities have their own historical societies and public collections. Some like Willoughby, Perry, Madison and Fairport have entire buildings dedicated to this purpose. Even Willoughby Hills, Wickliffe, and Eastlake have rooms in local governmental buildings reserved for its history.
Laurence H. Norton founded the Lake County Historical Society in 1938. He and a group of like-minded citizens sought to combine a chapter of the Western Reserve Historical Society with caring for the Garfield presidential homestead. By 1953, the LCHS incorporated on its own and remained at Garfield's home as stewards thru 1983, when the NPS took control. In that time, historical papers, archives, and Mentor artifacts came into their possession. However, no permanent or distinct Mentor Historical Society came into being.
2013 celebrates Mentor's 50th Anniversary. Lectures at Wildwood and various public programs will highlight the year. Landmarks, personalities, and trivia will mark numerous panel discussion and article topics. Below you will find five books that celebrate Mentor - Then and Now. Each may be found in the local library or at designated outlets for retail purchase. Since no permanent site may satisfy a visitor's curiosity, at least an informative read is possible.
"Roses to Retail" (2011) - Barbara Davis, a retired Mentor educator and life-long resident traces the history of her family, their local business, and the development of Mentor from a nursery laden village to large commercial city in the 1960's. Autobiographical and historical, the book merges two looks at Mentor and is well worth reading.
" Mentor: The First 200 Years" (1997) - Historical photos and text recall Mentor's early beginnings and gradual rise in the Lake County chapters of history.
"Mentor - a retrospect" (1988) - I enjoyed looking thru this book as its photos and captions captured various stages of Mentor's development. Some photos of local businesses and merchants are still permeate local discussions today.
" Here is Lake County" (1964) - Jack Daniels and a group of citizens compiled this history book detailing Mentor and all of Lake County in every phase of its development. While not specifically Mentor-centric, it is the definitive source of county information and worthy of a spot on your bookshelf.
"History of Mentor Headlands and Vicinity" - (1957) This history book is a rare find and source of pertinent county information. Headlands is often overlooked in many community stories but its importance and key role in many chapters of local history are detailed within its dust jacket.
Many of these books are on the 'stacks' at the Mentor Public Library, Morley Public Library, LCHS, and Fairport Harbor Historical Society. Some may be purchased online or at Mentor City Hall.
Laurence H. Norton founded the Lake County Historical Society in 1938. He and a group of like-minded citizens sought to combine a chapter of the Western Reserve Historical Society with caring for the Garfield presidential homestead. By 1953, the LCHS incorporated on its own and remained at Garfield's home as stewards thru 1983, when the NPS took control. In that time, historical papers, archives, and Mentor artifacts came into their possession. However, no permanent or distinct Mentor Historical Society came into being.
2013 celebrates Mentor's 50th Anniversary. Lectures at Wildwood and various public programs will highlight the year. Landmarks, personalities, and trivia will mark numerous panel discussion and article topics. Below you will find five books that celebrate Mentor - Then and Now. Each may be found in the local library or at designated outlets for retail purchase. Since no permanent site may satisfy a visitor's curiosity, at least an informative read is possible.
"Roses to Retail" (2011) - Barbara Davis, a retired Mentor educator and life-long resident traces the history of her family, their local business, and the development of Mentor from a nursery laden village to large commercial city in the 1960's. Autobiographical and historical, the book merges two looks at Mentor and is well worth reading.
" Mentor: The First 200 Years" (1997) - Historical photos and text recall Mentor's early beginnings and gradual rise in the Lake County chapters of history.
"Mentor - a retrospect" (1988) - I enjoyed looking thru this book as its photos and captions captured various stages of Mentor's development. Some photos of local businesses and merchants are still permeate local discussions today.
" Here is Lake County" (1964) - Jack Daniels and a group of citizens compiled this history book detailing Mentor and all of Lake County in every phase of its development. While not specifically Mentor-centric, it is the definitive source of county information and worthy of a spot on your bookshelf.
"History of Mentor Headlands and Vicinity" - (1957) This history book is a rare find and source of pertinent county information. Headlands is often overlooked in many community stories but its importance and key role in many chapters of local history are detailed within its dust jacket.
Many of these books are on the 'stacks' at the Mentor Public Library, Morley Public Library, LCHS, and Fairport Harbor Historical Society. Some may be purchased online or at Mentor City Hall.
Monday, June 3, 2013
'Rock Around The Clock' ----- Lake County in the '60's
Many of my relatives 'of a certain age' revel in memories of the days of old. This is especially true at family gatherings or when photos of our past appear on storyboards as we pay respect to those who recently passed in our lives. My aunt and uncle, married in 1942 fondly recall the Dance Halls at Mentor-on-the-Lake and Painesville Township Park from their early years. As for me, my cousins childhood memories recall the Rocking Lake County of the '60's. It was the hey-day of hip-hugger bell bottoms and tie-dyed shirts. Nehru jackets, black leather jackets and long hair were not limited to Austin Powers either. " A little dab will do ya" helped too.
Lake County had its dance clubs back then. With a cover charge of merely a buck, it was the gathering place of hundreds of teenagers and not just on a Friday or Saturday night. Greasers or 'racks' favored R&B and Motown. Mods followed the British Invasion. Here are some of the clubs that catered to the rock invasion some fifty years ago. Do you remember?
Hires Lounge in Wickliffe was a 'greaser club," while Eastlake's Recreation Center - the Nike Site catered to the mod crowd. Mentor had the Torchlight Club. From 1962-68 Joey and the Continentals and the Twilighters played to waiting lines at Shibley's on Sundays. Shibley's was the Sahara Lounge in Willoughby Hills and remained relevant into the '80's.
Hires, The Stables (Painesville) and the Hullabaloos (Mentor and Chesterland) were popular stops back then. Culp's Surfside Inn (Eastlake) became Mr. Pete's. Luccioni's ( Willoughby Hills), and the Orbit aka Utopia in Willoughby lasted into the '70's. The Eastgate Coliseum held matinee Sunday dances and featured upcoming television / music personalities John Rinaldi and Leslie Gore.
As one remembers the local clubs where we danced the nights away, you have to include three others that my cousins frequented. They were the Shangra-la, The Lantern, and Cappelli's. I moved to Mentor in late 1971. Clearly, the clubs and bands that played in them have not been forgotten. As Bob Seger wrote 'Rock 'N Roll Never Forgets.'
Some information taken from author Deanna Adams Rock' n 'Roll book.
Lake County had its dance clubs back then. With a cover charge of merely a buck, it was the gathering place of hundreds of teenagers and not just on a Friday or Saturday night. Greasers or 'racks' favored R&B and Motown. Mods followed the British Invasion. Here are some of the clubs that catered to the rock invasion some fifty years ago. Do you remember?
Hires Lounge in Wickliffe was a 'greaser club," while Eastlake's Recreation Center - the Nike Site catered to the mod crowd. Mentor had the Torchlight Club. From 1962-68 Joey and the Continentals and the Twilighters played to waiting lines at Shibley's on Sundays. Shibley's was the Sahara Lounge in Willoughby Hills and remained relevant into the '80's.
Hires, The Stables (Painesville) and the Hullabaloos (Mentor and Chesterland) were popular stops back then. Culp's Surfside Inn (Eastlake) became Mr. Pete's. Luccioni's ( Willoughby Hills), and the Orbit aka Utopia in Willoughby lasted into the '70's. The Eastgate Coliseum held matinee Sunday dances and featured upcoming television / music personalities John Rinaldi and Leslie Gore.
As one remembers the local clubs where we danced the nights away, you have to include three others that my cousins frequented. They were the Shangra-la, The Lantern, and Cappelli's. I moved to Mentor in late 1971. Clearly, the clubs and bands that played in them have not been forgotten. As Bob Seger wrote 'Rock 'N Roll Never Forgets.'
Some information taken from author Deanna Adams Rock' n 'Roll book.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
The Schooner Madeline - 1845
There was a time in history in the 1800's when Madison and Fairport were the two leading ports on Lake Erie. During this period of history, nearly four decades in duration, shipbuilding was a major industry. With the completion of the Erie Canal (1825) and both villages prime locations on Lake Erie for refueling and commerce, it is easy to surmise why both were key sites in Lake County's early industrial development.
Madison shipbuidling began in 1828 and flourished thru 1863. Dock Road was the leading by-way for this era of history. The Schooners Bailey (1830), Flying Dutchman (1845), Helen (1835), Tug George Mitchell (1844), Post Boy (1847), and Speed (1848) were some of the first vessels built.
In Grandon / Fairport, the shipbuilding trade arrived around the year 1826 with the launch of the schooner "United States" and lasted thru the end of the century. All - in -all over 50 vessels were built in Fairport and vicinity. Here is the story of one of the schooners - The Madeline
The Madeline was built in in Fairport,Ohio in the winter of 1844-1845 for owners at Mackinac Island. Her length overall was 92', length on deck 55', beam 16' and draft 7'. The height of her masts were 68' and 71'. The Madeline's gross tonnage was 50. Woods native to Northern Michigan were used. The white oak was the preferred material while native pine comprised the decking. Mackinac was her home for nearly 17 seasons. Owners included Henry Selby, William Scott, William C. Hubert, George Kirtland, Thomas Chambers, and the Fitzgerald brothers. Her early years saw her serving mostly the commercial fishing industry carrying barreled fish to the Lower Lakes. The summer of 1947 saw the Madeline chartered as a replacement lightship for the schooner Ocean. After a brief mishap, the Madeline ventured into a new career path. The year 1851-52 saw the schooner journey to Grand Traverse Bay and become an educational tool. William, Michael and John Fitzgerald-grandson of Edmund Fitzgerald, William Bryce, and Edward Chambers had storied careers and their students served many years as Great Lakes captains. Chambers even became a lightkeeper at Whitefish Point. In 1856, Madeline was reported to have carried Mackinac Islanders to Beaver Island when the Mormons were forced out after the assassination of King Strang. The Madeline ended her active career in the Milwaukee vicinity sometime after 1862 while owned and captained by Peter Colberg and Charles Nelson. Eventually abandoned in the mud of the Milwaukee rivers, her legacy survives today in a rebuilt vessel that travels the Lakes each season. The Madeline last visited Fairport in the mid-2000's and will be part of the War of 1812 anniversary celebration reenactment on September 8, 2013 near Put-In-Bay.
Madison shipbuidling began in 1828 and flourished thru 1863. Dock Road was the leading by-way for this era of history. The Schooners Bailey (1830), Flying Dutchman (1845), Helen (1835), Tug George Mitchell (1844), Post Boy (1847), and Speed (1848) were some of the first vessels built.
In Grandon / Fairport, the shipbuilding trade arrived around the year 1826 with the launch of the schooner "United States" and lasted thru the end of the century. All - in -all over 50 vessels were built in Fairport and vicinity. Here is the story of one of the schooners - The Madeline
The Madeline was built in in Fairport,Ohio in the winter of 1844-1845 for owners at Mackinac Island. Her length overall was 92', length on deck 55', beam 16' and draft 7'. The height of her masts were 68' and 71'. The Madeline's gross tonnage was 50. Woods native to Northern Michigan were used. The white oak was the preferred material while native pine comprised the decking. Mackinac was her home for nearly 17 seasons. Owners included Henry Selby, William Scott, William C. Hubert, George Kirtland, Thomas Chambers, and the Fitzgerald brothers. Her early years saw her serving mostly the commercial fishing industry carrying barreled fish to the Lower Lakes. The summer of 1947 saw the Madeline chartered as a replacement lightship for the schooner Ocean. After a brief mishap, the Madeline ventured into a new career path. The year 1851-52 saw the schooner journey to Grand Traverse Bay and become an educational tool. William, Michael and John Fitzgerald-grandson of Edmund Fitzgerald, William Bryce, and Edward Chambers had storied careers and their students served many years as Great Lakes captains. Chambers even became a lightkeeper at Whitefish Point. In 1856, Madeline was reported to have carried Mackinac Islanders to Beaver Island when the Mormons were forced out after the assassination of King Strang. The Madeline ended her active career in the Milwaukee vicinity sometime after 1862 while owned and captained by Peter Colberg and Charles Nelson. Eventually abandoned in the mud of the Milwaukee rivers, her legacy survives today in a rebuilt vessel that travels the Lakes each season. The Madeline last visited Fairport in the mid-2000's and will be part of the War of 1812 anniversary celebration reenactment on September 8, 2013 near Put-In-Bay.
Monday, May 20, 2013
FHHS Program on Thursday, May 23 -- 1850: Death on Lake Erie The Saga of the G.P. Griffith
Considered one of Lake Erie's worst disasters, the saga of the sidewheeler Griffith is that of up to an estimated 320 lives lost. When the steamship G.P. Griffith burned off the shore of Willoughby on June 17,1850, efforts to ground the vessel came up 600' short. Most of the immigrant bodies washed up in Willowick and were never identified. Every child perished, and every women save one. Come listen to the tragic tale as author Jim Hopkins retells the story and the resulting tale of the knoll mass gravesite that fell victim to Erie's shoreline.
The presentation and book talk will be held in the downstairs community room of the Fairport Harbor Public Library on Thursday, May 23, 2013 from 7-8pm. The library is located on Vine Street and is connected to Harding High School. This program is the second of three educational lectures sponsored by the Fairport Harbor Historical Society. Additional assistance for this program is also provided through the generosity of the Fairport Harbor Friends of the Library.
An Ohio Historical Marker 9-43 has been placed near the grounds of the disaster site on East 305th Street in Willowick. The story of the Griffith disaster and other Lake Erie boating disasters may be found at the Fairport Harbor Lighthouse and Marine Museum which opens to the public for its 68th season this coming weekend. Visit www.fairportlighthouse.com or call 440-354-4825 during open hours to speak to a society volunteer.
The presentation and book talk will be held in the downstairs community room of the Fairport Harbor Public Library on Thursday, May 23, 2013 from 7-8pm. The library is located on Vine Street and is connected to Harding High School. This program is the second of three educational lectures sponsored by the Fairport Harbor Historical Society. Additional assistance for this program is also provided through the generosity of the Fairport Harbor Friends of the Library.
An Ohio Historical Marker 9-43 has been placed near the grounds of the disaster site on East 305th Street in Willowick. The story of the Griffith disaster and other Lake Erie boating disasters may be found at the Fairport Harbor Lighthouse and Marine Museum which opens to the public for its 68th season this coming weekend. Visit www.fairportlighthouse.com or call 440-354-4825 during open hours to speak to a society volunteer.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Lake County's Great Horticultural Industry - A Brief Retrospect
According to a July 30, 2012 News-Herald article, 'Lake County's Great Horticultural Industry' is the working title of a book in progress by Jim Zampini and Albert Rhone. A recent lecture presented in conjunction with Mentor's Fiftieth Anniversary Celebration featured Nurseries as the main topic. As a youth, I remember several former nurseries dotted the landscape on my way to school or sports activities. Here is an incomplete listing of nurseries then and now with some key dates in Lake County history. Do you recall Stropkey (1938), Martin's (1934), Klyn (1921), Gilson (1947), Secor, Wyatt (1925,1940), Havel's (1936), Wayside (1917), Kern (1941), Bosley (1928), Horton's, Kallay (1932), Youdath, West, Bowhall, Cole, C. Merkel & Sons (inc. 1917), and others. To Castello's, Fracci (1921), Demeter, Ballantine, Borlin and other florists I save you for another date.
Location is the key to any industry's success and it seems Lake County's southern shoreline, soil and climate guaranteed the right mix of ingredients for sustained horticultural industry growth from the outset. Madison and Perry became the hotbed of the industry's origins and Fairport-Nursery Road and Route 84 became the start of the nursery corridor of the U.S. In time, Painesville, Mentor, and Willoughby joined in the horticultural industry expansion.
Jesse Storrs arrived in Lake County in 1854 and is generally considered the first to venture into the industry. With his purchase of 80 acres on Bacon and Fairport-Nursery Road, he grew trees, shrubs, vines, flowers, evergreens, and roses. In a short time his efforts and hybridized plants made Storrs the leading U.S. Nursery Giant. J.J. Harrison of Painesville sought to start his own nursery enterprise but partnered with Storrs instead and another chapter in Lake County history began. Harrison's expertise in tree grafting and reproduction led to new stock and assured Storrs, Harrison and Company as leaders in horticultural sciences. By 1927, their company occupied 1500 acres and was the country's largest departmental nursery.
Storrs was also the training ground for the future nurserymen who would eventually dot the county landscape. In fact by the late 1930's and into the next decades Lake County became known as the nursery capital of the world, shipping products all over. Famous names to emerge from the Storrs employment ranks included Cole, Dugan, Bosley, Wayside, Klyn, Youdath and others.
M.H. Horvath came to America and settled in Mentor. His landscaping enterprise led to experimenting with roses and in time great commercial success. J.J. Kern and Melvin Wyatt also founded nurseries in Mentor and developed specialized rose products. Phillip Hagenburger arrived in the Mentor area in the late 1800's and in time established a greenhouse enterprise on Hart Street. Harry Coulby built his Wickliffe Villa in 1895 and hired Italian immigrants to work his property. Nick Vitantonio and Mike Marinello established vineyards on Euclid Avenue. Wayside Gardens occupied the Daniel Sawyer house property on Mentor Avenue. Felix Zampini and Sons began in Painesville on a 1/4 acre lot. By 1962, Zampini Nursery had relocated to Perry and was a county leader in the industry. Son Jim's impact and far-reaching influence was acknowledged in a July 30, 2012 article by the local paper.
As you travel the roads of Lake County, if you look closely you will see remnants of the nursery captital of the world. Many nurseries still exist, i.e., Martin's, Secors, Wyatt's, C. Merkel while some gave way to a bowling alley and drugstore - Horton's but all-in-all Lake County's status in the discipline of horticulture is unrivaled.
Some information gleaned from Marilyn Bergen article and 'Roses to Retail' by B. Davis
Location is the key to any industry's success and it seems Lake County's southern shoreline, soil and climate guaranteed the right mix of ingredients for sustained horticultural industry growth from the outset. Madison and Perry became the hotbed of the industry's origins and Fairport-Nursery Road and Route 84 became the start of the nursery corridor of the U.S. In time, Painesville, Mentor, and Willoughby joined in the horticultural industry expansion.
Jesse Storrs arrived in Lake County in 1854 and is generally considered the first to venture into the industry. With his purchase of 80 acres on Bacon and Fairport-Nursery Road, he grew trees, shrubs, vines, flowers, evergreens, and roses. In a short time his efforts and hybridized plants made Storrs the leading U.S. Nursery Giant. J.J. Harrison of Painesville sought to start his own nursery enterprise but partnered with Storrs instead and another chapter in Lake County history began. Harrison's expertise in tree grafting and reproduction led to new stock and assured Storrs, Harrison and Company as leaders in horticultural sciences. By 1927, their company occupied 1500 acres and was the country's largest departmental nursery.
Storrs was also the training ground for the future nurserymen who would eventually dot the county landscape. In fact by the late 1930's and into the next decades Lake County became known as the nursery capital of the world, shipping products all over. Famous names to emerge from the Storrs employment ranks included Cole, Dugan, Bosley, Wayside, Klyn, Youdath and others.
M.H. Horvath came to America and settled in Mentor. His landscaping enterprise led to experimenting with roses and in time great commercial success. J.J. Kern and Melvin Wyatt also founded nurseries in Mentor and developed specialized rose products. Phillip Hagenburger arrived in the Mentor area in the late 1800's and in time established a greenhouse enterprise on Hart Street. Harry Coulby built his Wickliffe Villa in 1895 and hired Italian immigrants to work his property. Nick Vitantonio and Mike Marinello established vineyards on Euclid Avenue. Wayside Gardens occupied the Daniel Sawyer house property on Mentor Avenue. Felix Zampini and Sons began in Painesville on a 1/4 acre lot. By 1962, Zampini Nursery had relocated to Perry and was a county leader in the industry. Son Jim's impact and far-reaching influence was acknowledged in a July 30, 2012 article by the local paper.
As you travel the roads of Lake County, if you look closely you will see remnants of the nursery captital of the world. Many nurseries still exist, i.e., Martin's, Secors, Wyatt's, C. Merkel while some gave way to a bowling alley and drugstore - Horton's but all-in-all Lake County's status in the discipline of horticulture is unrivaled.
Some information gleaned from Marilyn Bergen article and 'Roses to Retail' by B. Davis
Monday, May 6, 2013
"Madison Truly is Living History"
Test your Madison IQ-
Q 1. First settled in 1802, what other names preceded the name Madison, which was officially adopted in 1867.
Q 2. From 1825-1851, this product found near Dock Road was the primary commercial business enterprise. Timber soon followed as another major industry. Name this early industrial product.
Q 3. From 1828-1863, this industry made Madison a significant Great Lakes port. In fact, Madison was the largest port of the era, followed by Fairport Harbor and then Cleveland.
Q 4. What railroad came to Madison in 1852 as a result of its commercial successes?
Q. 5 A cabinet from Fred Ellis' business which closed in 1963 is now a focal point of a historical society collection. Name Mr. Ellis' business which began in 1923.
Q. 6 Who is the only living founder of the Madison Historical Society?
The Madison Historical Society turns 35 this month and will celebrate its accomplishments on May 10th with its annual dinner. Time still exists to reserve a spot at this significant event in Lake County history. As mentioned earlier, what eventually became known as Madison - after President James Madison - had it earliest settlers arrive in 1802. Some 175 years passed by before a historical group was founded. It was at an estate sale on Middle Ridge Road that a chance meeting of Louanna Billington, Donna Keyes, and Alice Waterman resulted in an epiphany. Their idea was to preserve, display and make accessible the public historical information of their hometown. The first items saved came from that estate sale. Within a few years, their dream became a reality. The Madison Historical Society was founded in 1978. The first board members were President Billington, secretary Geraldine Rhodes, Vice President Keyes, treasurer Louise Sedgeley and Lois Stanton. Other board members included Catherine B. Rose , James Waterman, Rosemary Wayman, and Richard Hart.
Since 2010, the historical society has been located at 136 W. Main Street. Madison artifacts, photos, documents, and displays comprise their vast collection. Nearly 250 members have joined the organization in their support of its mission. Visitors are welcome during open hours. If time or distance prevents you from a visit, then you can purchase a copy of current board member Denise Machaud's book "Madison' Images of America - by Arcadia Publishers.
Sources - Simon Husted - May article -The News-Herald, www.madisonvillage.org, and The Madison Historical Society
Answers to the IQ quiz may be found in Machaud's book or online.
Q 1. First settled in 1802, what other names preceded the name Madison, which was officially adopted in 1867.
Q 2. From 1825-1851, this product found near Dock Road was the primary commercial business enterprise. Timber soon followed as another major industry. Name this early industrial product.
Q 3. From 1828-1863, this industry made Madison a significant Great Lakes port. In fact, Madison was the largest port of the era, followed by Fairport Harbor and then Cleveland.
Q 4. What railroad came to Madison in 1852 as a result of its commercial successes?
Q. 5 A cabinet from Fred Ellis' business which closed in 1963 is now a focal point of a historical society collection. Name Mr. Ellis' business which began in 1923.
Q. 6 Who is the only living founder of the Madison Historical Society?
The Madison Historical Society turns 35 this month and will celebrate its accomplishments on May 10th with its annual dinner. Time still exists to reserve a spot at this significant event in Lake County history. As mentioned earlier, what eventually became known as Madison - after President James Madison - had it earliest settlers arrive in 1802. Some 175 years passed by before a historical group was founded. It was at an estate sale on Middle Ridge Road that a chance meeting of Louanna Billington, Donna Keyes, and Alice Waterman resulted in an epiphany. Their idea was to preserve, display and make accessible the public historical information of their hometown. The first items saved came from that estate sale. Within a few years, their dream became a reality. The Madison Historical Society was founded in 1978. The first board members were President Billington, secretary Geraldine Rhodes, Vice President Keyes, treasurer Louise Sedgeley and Lois Stanton. Other board members included Catherine B. Rose , James Waterman, Rosemary Wayman, and Richard Hart.
Since 2010, the historical society has been located at 136 W. Main Street. Madison artifacts, photos, documents, and displays comprise their vast collection. Nearly 250 members have joined the organization in their support of its mission. Visitors are welcome during open hours. If time or distance prevents you from a visit, then you can purchase a copy of current board member Denise Machaud's book "Madison' Images of America - by Arcadia Publishers.
Sources - Simon Husted - May article -The News-Herald, www.madisonvillage.org, and The Madison Historical Society
Answers to the IQ quiz may be found in Machaud's book or online.
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