History of Olde Northfield Township

By

MRS. BESSIE GOOSMAN

HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF OLD NORTHFIELD

Northfield, Ohio

Library of Congress Catalog Card No. 73-7S111

To the sturdy men and women who gave up their established New England homes,faced the vicissitudes and langers of the lonely wideness, who packed their necessary utensi1s and huddled their precious families into the ox-drawn Conestoga wagons, we dedicated this book. They wedged their way along rivers, through mountains and along Indian trails, looking for a new homesite that might satisfy their desired ambitions. With steadfast faith and undaunted courage, wisdom and infinite patience, they reached a spot in "Olde Northfield" and built the first log cabins in our community. Each succeeding generation is deeply in debt to these people, our township founders.

To all of them, we dedicate this book. May we never forget the fortitude of our heroic founders.

MRS. BESSIE M. GOOSMAN

Although Mrs. Bessie Goosman is responsible for the bulk of the research and the writing of the History of Olde Northfield, recognition should be given to other members of the community who also contributed articles. These are as follows:

Winifred McConnell & Mrs. Carl Oldrin

The Northfield-Macedonia Cemetery Association

Albert Gilliland

History of Western Reserve goes back to the Connecticut Land Colony

Beatrice Shaw

Cheese Making in Olde Northfield Township

How Macedonia got its Name

The Park

The Macedonia Post Office

Nelson Case

History of the Northfield-Macedonia Telephone System

Hester Robbins

History of the Lincoln Grange

Marie Murphey

A Pioneer Family and an Historic Inn

Allen Sherrill

Trails, Roads and Watering Troughs

Arthur Collin

Macedonia Volunteer Fire Department

Beatrice Johnson

Macedonia Volunteer Fireman's Auxiliary

Marie Agee

The Northfield Post Office

Thomas F. Faulhaber

Our Sequi-Centennial

One individual outside our community has been of especial help to us in preparing our manuscript for printing, advising and guiding us in pretype-setting work. Dick Squire, of Bedford has given us much encouragement in this direction.

This book is a "first." The first attempt to write a history of the area originally known as Olde Northfield Township which comprises Northfield Village, Northfield Center, Macedonia and Sagamore Hills.

The lady who wrote this book, Mrs. Bessie M. Goosman, was born in 1881. Her family moved to this area when she was ten years old and she spent the remainder of her life in Macedonia. She was one of three graduates in her class at Macedonia High School. Her further education, obtained at Kent State University, prepared her for her work as a teacher, in which capacity she served for many years in local schools of "Olde Northfield."

Writing a first history is a difficult task. It is not just jotting down what you think you know; it involves verifying and checking what you know and learning about what you do not know.

Mrs. Goosman therefore undertook a courageous and difficult task, and at a time when her health was failing, gave to her community a basic beginning of an historical record. Some time before her death in 1961, Mrs. Goosman delivered her copy of the history to a committee of the Historical Society of Olde Northfield and told this committee "I have done all I can. It is yours to do with as you please." Knowing her wishes, the Historical Society has taken up where she left off, adding little in the way of actual writing except to localize present existing places and to bring up to date some unfinished phases of this history.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF OLDE NORTHFIELD 1

HISTORY OF THE WESTERN RESERVE 3

NORTHFIELD CENTER 4

LITTLE YORK 12

NORTHFIELD TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS '3

ROADS, TRAILS AND WATERING TROUGHS 27

NORTHFIELD TOWNSHIP POST OFFICE 31

CHEESE-MAKING AND INDUSTRY 36

OLDER STORES AND THEIR OWNERS 38

EARLY AGRICULTURE 40

CIVIC AFFAIRS OF OLDE NORTHFIELD 44

NORTHFIELD CHURCHES 59

AMZI CHAPIN-PIONEER SETTLER 71

PINE HILL AND POSSUM HOLLOW 72

A PIONEER FAMILY AND A HISTORIC INN 74

THE MCKISSON MURDER 77

THE CHARLESWORTH MYSTERY 78

NORTHFIELD CORNET BAND 79

LECTURE ASSOCIATION 82

SLEIGH RIDE OF 1856 82

SUMMIT HUNT 83

NORDONIA CLUB 84

NORTHFIELD TOWNSHIP FIRE DEPTS. 85

CITY ICE FARM 87

THE DOG TRACK 89

HISTORY OF NORTHFIELD-MACEDONIA CEMETERY 90

THE LINCOLN GRANGE 100

THE WALLACE FAMILY 102

BRANDYWINE INDUSTRIES 105

BRANDYWINE SCHOOLS 109

BRANDYWINE CEMETERY 115

EARLY DAYS OF MACEDONIA 115

HOW MACEDONIA GOT ITS NAME 120

MACEDONIA BECOMES A VILLAGE 122

THE HALL COMPANY 123

MACEDONIA POST OFFICE 127

THE CRANMER-MUNN FAMILY 131

MACEDONIA SCHOOLS 132

MACEDONIA CHURCHES 137

MACEDONIA STORES 141

EVERETT ASHERY 146

INTERURBAN AND TELEPHONE SYSTEMS 147

NELSON BROWN 152

THE LITTLE WHITE CHURCH 155

MACEDONIA FIRE DEPARTMENT 158

MACEDONIA-NORTHFIELD BANK 159

MACEDONIA TOWN PARK 161

THE SESQUI-CENTENNIAL-1957 162

IN CONCLUSION ..... . 168

The Historical Society of Olde Northfield was organized in 1955. The name was "Olde Northfield Township" which is now divided into four subdivisions; namely, Northfield Village, Sagamore Hills, Northfield Center and Macedonian.

This society is one of four educational institutions. Its accomplishments are many. It has brought cultural lectures on architecture, history and stories of the Canal days. Its members have written on various phases of history and have collected and preserved artifacts of the past.

From time to time, tours to nearby areas of interest have been made available to which have served as programs of interest to our schools and local organizations. In recent years, thanks to our school board, who has loaned the building to us, a museum of local history and many donations of articles have been achieved. This library contains many out of print historical books of Summit County. School children, as well as adult researchers utilize this library.

A bi-monthly bulletin, with announcements, news and book reviews, is published regularly. Requests for information from many parts of the country are answered yearly.

Genealogical information is being collected for future use. This Society is a member of:

The American Association of Museums

Ohio Association of Historical Societies

Ohio Historical Society.

Everyone who is interested in furthering his education or preserving the best of the past for the future is welcome here.

Monthly programs add interest and have been a feature for fifteen years. Members of the Historical Society of Olde Northfield are those who would leave something for the future, other than tombstones. Thi₅ society is building and preserving for the future.

Its meetings at the Public Library building are held the first Monday of each month at 8:00 P.M. The Museum (next to the Elementary School at Rt. 82 and Old 8 is open every Thursday evening from 7 :00 to 9 :00 P.M.

There is no admission and the public is invited to both. Special arrangements for groups can be made.

This book is made possible by the work and funds furnished primarily by the Historical Society of Olde Northfield.

HISTORY OF WESTERN RESERVE GOES BACK TO EARLY CONNECTICUT COLONY

The following are some seldom publicized facts concerning the history of the Connecticut Western Reserve, in which Northfield Township was listed as Town 5, Range II.

King Charles II of England in1655 had deeded an immense grant of land in America to the Connecticut Colony, which had been settled by the Puritans some 32 years previously. A large portion of this grant lay in what was later to become the State of Ohio.

In 1786, just two short years of achieving statehood for herself, Connecticut relinquished to the United States almost all of the land grant which lay outside the 75 x 90 mile Connecticut boundary. For reasons not entirely clear today, one portion of this grant land was reserved by Connecticut and designated The Connecticut Western Reserve. This land was subsequently sold to The Connecticut Land Company at a sale price of $1,200,OOO.

In 1797 an expedition headed by Seth Pease surveyed the Reserve, laying it out in townships five miles square and numbered from south to north, with the Pennsylvania boundary being the starting point.

It was obvious after the survey that some of these town-ship lands were either inferior or superior to most of the other townships in the Connecticut Western Reserve. Therefore, it was decided to designate these over-or-under-average townships "Equalizing Townships." Parts of the superior townships were lopped off and given to inferior townships to bring them up to "standard." Northfield was an Equalizing Township. It originally included the area which later became Macedonia, Northfield Village, Sagamore Hills and Northfield Center.

The method of selling off these Reserve lands was unusual by today's standards - and often resulted in a Connecticut resident becoming owner of two tracts of land separated by

the entire length of the Reserve. The lands of the Reserve were divided into shares, with each township number being placed in a box. Some of the townships-those which were "Equalizing"-were held out. Stockholders of the land company then drew lots, and the townships which needed equalizing were then brought up to average with the equalizer townships.

There were 400 shares, valued at $3,ooo each. Residents of Connecticut could buy as little as a fraction of a share, or more than a share if they could raise the money. It was not unusual for several citizens to form their own small land company with pooled resources and buy a number of shares, deciding among themselves the order of choice for the sections of land they bought.

The record of all these land purchases was maintained in a large book called "The Book of Drafts." It 'vas the foundation for all land titles in the Connecticut Western Reserve.

When the settler determined the location of his property, he set to work to build a cabin wherever he saw fit, regardless of any conformity, because all was a dense forest. Cabins were well under way at other points before any settlement began at the Center.

In 1825 the first log house appeared. It was a school house built on the spot which later became the Center of Northfield. A watering trough was built and a pump was installed to furnish water, our first "public utility."

Perrin's History of Summit County notes that the first dwelling at the Center was a round-log house built by Hezekiah H. Palmer in 1832. The house was about thirty-feet square, and was divided by partitions into bedroom and sitting rooms.

In 1833, George Lillie built the second which was soon followed by a third one built by Lucien Bliss.

In 1833 or 1834 Milton Arthur built a store-room and equipped it with $500 worth of goods. The goods were of general assortment, which he purchased in Cleveland. This was a great accommodation to the settlers, although not much of a money-making venture. There were few customers and little money.

Another building, housing a small supply of goods, was built by B. F. Cannon. In a short time he sold his store to Hosea and Lucien Bliss, who managed a larger stock of goods.

Shortly after this, Frank Allen tried his hand in building a store, and sold a general assortment of goods.

Many country stores were attempted, but very few were profitable. Some merchants kept their stores on a basis of aid to the settlers, and received scarcely enough to pay expenses.

Later, a few other merchants tried their luck. Some of these were: Mr. Putnam, Woodman and Howe, James Mc-

Elroy, Nelson Decker, M. O'Neil, S. K. Alexander, Lynn and Logue, and J. G. Alexander in 1881. All these storekeepers kept practical things to sell, and dealt also in country produce. If too much country produce accumulated, it was shipped to Cleveland and even to Pittsburgh. As the need of other types of merchandise developed, someone attempted to produce it, and so other industries began.

Bliss and Taubman opened a clothing store and sold ready-made garments. Taubman was a tailor and made clothing of any description, upon order, and under short notice.

In 1841, 0. A. Bishop built a tavern which he opened to the public for entertainment. This building, located on the left side of Brandywine Road, did a good business until the Cleveland and Pittsburgh Railroad was built through the township. It was then used as a grocery store and housed the Post Office. It later fell into the hands of George Bishop (a son). At times he became a little careless about ordering

goods when he was sold out of them. Upon one occasion, Claribelle Shoemaker, teacher, wished to buy some materials for school decorations. It so happened that Mr. Bishop was out of everything she wanted. The teacher was so disappointed that she proceeded to "bawl him out" quite properly for his negligence. Bishop became quite perturbed, and said rather snappily, "Madame, I wish I had that tongue of yours." "Why?" she inquired. "It would make my fortune," he retorted. "Oh, no it wouldn't," the teacher retaliated, "You wouldn't have the brains enough to run it."

Seems whenever a need arises, someone comes forward to meet it. How much a carpenter was needed! And here in 1833 appeared Ambrose Bliss, a very fine carpenter. He was the first carpenter in this township.

By 1834 we needed a post office. At this point the post office at Brandywine was moved to the Center. George Lillie, having obtained a commission, became the Center's first Postmaster.

About 1840 the Center laid out a park. A half-acre was given by each of four men who owned the land at the Center. These civic minded men were George Lillie, Hezekiah Palmer, Lucien Bliss, and Colonel Milton Arthur. This was the first step.

Since no formal planning of land had been done, it wasn't too easy to determine boundaries. Up to now settlers had built their cabins Just anywhere that was convenient.

About 1836 Hosea Bliss, a brother of Ambrose, came to be the first resident physician. He practiced well into the 1870's. Doctor Hazelton followed Dr. Bliss and had a good practice.

A number of citizens met to discuss building a log house. As they talked they felt that it was time that the community

had a name. Various names were suggested. Henry Wood presented the name of "York" and Jeremiah Cranmer suggested "Northfield." When a vote was taken by the assembled settlers, "Northfield" was selected.

A meeting of all the qualified electors was called at the cabin of George Lillie, on the 24th day of May, 1819. The following officers were duly elected to preside:

John Britt, Moderator John Duncan, Judge Jeremiah Cranmer, Judge Orin Wilcox, Clerk

After the township officers had been sworn, the following were elected:

TRUSTEES

Henry Wood Jeremiah Cranmer

George Wallace John Duncan

OVERSEER OF THE POOR

William Cranny William Mather

FENCE VIEWERS

Robert Wallace Maurice Cranmer

TREASURER

Watrous Mather

SUPERVISORS OF HIGHWAYS

John Duncan Daniel Hunt

Abel Havens Abner Hunt

Edward Coyne

CONSTABLE

Abraham Cranmer

JUDGES OF ELECTIONS

Maurice Cranmer

George Wallace

John Duncan

CLERKS

Henry Wood

John Britt

From the Poll Book of Northfield, Portage County, Ohio, October12, 1819, were taken the number and names of electors on this day:

1Abraham Cranmer

2. Abel Havens

3. Jeremah Cranmer

4. John Duncan

5 . Shubal Austin

6. 6 . George Wallace

7. 7 . John Britt

8. 8. Henry Wood

9. 9. Robert Wallace

10. 10. Edward Coyne

Others who voted for or against:

Almon Ruggles

Samuel King

Rial McArthur

William Whitmore

Stephen Whitmore

In 1819 there seems to have been a few more than fifteen.

Another election was held in April, 1820 with twenty-six votes cast.

In June, 1819, Abraham Cranmer, constable, received a legal command from the state of Ohio to "warn" Huldah Seeley out of Northfield, and the trustees ordered her taken to Independence or Newburg. Jokingly, Northfield people told how Abraham put her on his horse and took her to Newburg and left her there, feeling the law there would be better able to take care of her.

In 1826 there were thirty-nine householders in Northfield, and in 1827 there were forty-seven. They were:

George Phipps William Cranny

Abner Hunt H. Bump

Electa Dewy Dorsey W. Viers

Casper Noel Sally Prichard

David Bowersmith Henry Croninger

William Barkhamer Thomas Hills

Widow Leslie Shubal Austin

David Croninger John Wilson

Paul H. Beard Daniel Stanley

Paul Hill Thomas Appleton

Jonathan Pike Elizabeth Richardson

Jeremiah Cranmer John Jones

William Clifford Maurice Cranmer

A. B. Cranmer Allen Burroughs

Levi Leach Erastus Burdick

D. C. Bacon George Wallace

Henry Hopkins Robert Wallace

Joshua Post David Dilley

Mr. Townsend Nathaniel Holmes

A. D. Havens Mary Post

Abraham Cranmer Robert Guy

Chester Northrup William Guy

John Duncan George McClelland

Thomas McKee

The very first settlers in Northfield Township were the Isaac Bacon family. Mr. Bacon purchased i6o acres in 1806, then in 1807 he came with his family in a traditional covered wagon.

Mr. Bacon was a native of Massachusetts and must have passed through the northern gateway of the Appalachian mountains, then followed the Indian trails along the Great Lakes to Cleveland, and along the Cuyahoga River Valley to Northfield.

Upon arrival, the settler followed trails on his land until he came to a good spring of water, his first necessity. There he built his cabin. There was no other settler within six or eight miles, so Mr. Bacon had to build his cabin with no aid but his faithful oxen. Of course, the cabin was made of logs he cut. As the logs moved up the sides of the building, they became too heavy to manage. He arranged skids on the sides of the house, tied ropes on the logs, hitched ropes to the oxen, and the animals, from the opposite sides, pulled the logs to position It took him five days to complete his home. His family lived in the covered wagon during this time. The Bacons lived alone, here in the wooded forest, for three years.

Along the many small streams were numerous encampments which contained anywhere from one to several hundred Indians. Three of these encampments were on Mr. Bacon's land for several years, when the Indians finally were removed to other parts of the country.

Fierce animals roamed the woods-panthers, bears, wildcats, and hundreds of deer. These animals would find their way right up to the cabin door, lured by the smell of meat being cooked. They carried off the settler's pigs and sheep to satisfy their hunger.

It took time to chop down the trees, clear the stumps, and burn the refuse and so, before crops could be raised, their animals, through necessity, were turned loose in the woods to forage for themselves. The food they found was scarce and not enough to satisfy hunger. Often the animals died of starvation. A pig seemed to be a delicate morsel for a bear. When Bruin attacked a pig, he leaped upon its back, seized and held it by the neck with his strong, sharp teeth, while powerful claws ripped the meat from its sides. The unmerciful squealing usually brought the settler and his gun.

There were other enemies, too, besides wild animals. The blood-thirsty flies and gnats took their toll. They continually preyed upon the faithful oxen and sometimes caused their death.

The early settler brought with him such food as he could carry, and such that would not spoil. To his advantage, the

wild animals served him well for fresh meat. If the settler was good on the "shot" he could have plenty of venison, bear meat, and turkey. It is said that often wild turkeys were very fat and plump, and when shot from the trees to the ground, their bodies would split open because of their plumpness. There were, also, many kinds of nuts, berries, and other kinds of wild fruits to be had. Small garden spots were cultivated around stumps of trees, close to the cabin and fenced in for protection.

The settlement of Little York began with the coming of Henry Post who built a sawmill in 1825. The mill was operated by water power-partly by natural facilities and partly by use of a dam on Brandywine Creek.

There was a heavy demand for whitewood which was used in making canal boats and which was plentiful in this vicinity. Whitewood was Tulip, Linden, Cottonwood or any number of poplar trees or any tree with white or light-colored wood. Mr. Post cut the wood even though he did not own the land. He ran the mill for about eight months of the year for six years and had a very profitable business.

George Leach purchased the mill and built a larger dam at the same place. He ran the mill for many years and at times operated with two saws. He shipped large quantities of oak, maple, and whitewood lumber to Cleveland by way of the Ohio Canal.

Moses Ranney was a local blacksmith. Harbin Nichols and Conrad Schoch were shoemakers. There were other tradesmen and mechanics in this growing community. A tannery was operated just west of Frank Oviatt's home on what is now known as the Akron-Cleveland Road, approximately where 1-271 crosses.

In 1856 these families lived in Little York:

Levi Burroughs William Mitchell

S.D. Criss M. Ranney

A. I. Cross N. F. Robinson

J. D. Cross Conrad Schoch

Ni. Ellsworth Mrs. Templeton

Luman Leach L. Watson

By 1827, twenty years after the first family settled in Northfield Township, there were 47 householders in the township. Most of these new settlers came from regions of culture; and education was uppermost in their minds. There were no laws governing schools or school taxes, so individual neighborhoods built and furnished their own schools.

In Brandywine, a log school was built in 1817. In 1830 this was replaced by a frame school. In 1854 a brick building was erected and used until 1908, later being sold to Leigh Huddleston. It was known as District No.2.

In 1826 a stone school house was built on Route 82 at the corner of Carter Road. It was used, according to known information, until 1881, when a frame school was built. In 1918 the schools were centralized and the frame school house was sold. It became the home of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Ayers. The stone school house was rebuilt as a wing on the George T. Bishop estate. These schools were known as District No.3.

In 1825 a log school was built at Northfield on the square and used until 1835. A frame building replaced it a short distance down Old Route 8 toward Akron and was called District No. I.

The school at Snatchpenny was District No.4. A log house was built there in 1819. This was located approximately at what is now 11004 Valley View Road. The school was relocated and replaced by a frame building in 1854 at what is now 11571 Dunham Road. The frame school was closed in 1918 and sold to be converted into a residence.

The first log school was built in Macedonia in 1833 and replaced by a frame building about 1854. This was finally sold to the Macedonia Hall Company in i88o. This was District No. 5.

Little York was District No.6. It is shown in the Summit County Map of 1856, and was probably built in 1854. This was a frame building and used until 1908, at which time it was sold to Lee Forbes for $290, and made into a residence.

North school at Route 8 and Ledge Road was built about 1854. According to school records the last term was taught in 1903. After standing idle for several years it was sold at public auction in r916 for $400 to Ray Osborne. This was District No.7.

The Ledge school, or District No. 8, was built in 1853 on land set aside by Jason Spafford. The school was at the corner of Ledge and Shepard roads. After standing empty for 25 years it was put up for sale and sold to Frank Wise. Later it was sold to Charlie Tryon for a team of mules. Mr. Tryon sold the building to J. J. Charlesworth.

In Perrin's History, page 576, the following is quoted from the records: "We, the directors, Maurice Cranmer and Levi Leach, do agree to have two schools in District No. I to the best advantage of the inhabitants, and the public money to be divided to the number of scholars each school affords as one school, April 5, 1828." This division was formally made on May 3rd, 1828.

Referring to map of Northfield Township, it appears that this early West school was, perhaps, built on property owned by Ambrose Bliss, which he later sold to Clark Bishop, the father of the late George T. Bishop. This school was the only one of its kind in Northfield Township. It was rather a small schoolhouse and, according to William Holzhauer, it could accommodate eight to 12 children. The building was made of stone,

hewn by hand, and laid up with great care. Its windows were equipped with shutters. It stood in the way when the L. E. & P. (New York Central) railroad was built, and was destined to be torn down. In 1901 George T. Bishop returned to Northfield from Cleveland. He purchased the Thomas Baum property and made it his lovely home. When he learned the "Little Stone Jug," as it was called, was to be razed, he purchased it and hired the stones disassembled and moved to his new home. Here he had it assembled again as it originally was, as a wing to part of his house. A new chimney was built on one and a bell was mounted on the other end. Mr. Bishop must have bought the seats, too, since a friend who was shown through the room, remarked to Mr. Bishop, "George, if you would have someone come in and refinish these desks and seats they would be beautiful." In reply, Mr. Bishop, showing his tenderness, said, "That's true, but the real beauty to me is all those marks and scratches which our very early children put there."

On an early township map, dated 1874, the Stone school is shown and the later one is not marked at all. In the writer's possession are the teacher's certificates from Summit County granted to Oscar Patterson for 1878, 1880 and 1881. Several people who lived in this neighborhood tell me their parents went to school to Oscar Patterson, who taught at the Stone school. George Morison, said his mother (who was Janet Gallie) went to this school when Oscar Patterson was the teacher. The names of some of the other pupils who attended at the same time were: Albert Harriman, Johnny McCullough, Jeanette Patterson, Janet Gallie and Jack Kettlewell.

In September, 1888, the writer entered the West School for that year and, as I remember, it was a new frame building. This school was built on land owned by Edward Carter. After the schools were centralized in 1918, the school was put up for sale. Mr. Carter bought the frame school house and moved it to his land on Chaffee road in 1925. He lived in the house for a year and then rented it.

In 1930, Albert and Bessie Ayers purchased the property and at their death, Samuel Ayers, their son, came into pos-

ession of it. Samuel and Hazel Copeland were married in 1936 and lived in this attractive home which they have developed from this school house. Samuel and Hazel Ayers have aided greatly in the material for this story

The teacher for 1910-191 i term was Laura Richey Bartlett

-7 pupils; 1911-1912 term was Jenny Truby-12 pupils. The Board of Education at this time was George Williams, W. W. Derley, Alexander Morison, 0. Tom Wells and Andrew H. Graham. The Superintendent of schools was H. C. Hostetter. Other teachers for the terms between 1912 and 1918 were:

Lottie Fryberger Covens, Daisy L. Niece, Eva M. Cuyler and Eliza Liadley. George Darling and Andrew K. Richey made the desks for the teachers for the ten or eleven schools of the Township. These desks were made from a walnut tree felled on the Richey farm in 1870. The upper straight cuts were sawed into boards at the sawmill on the Alexander farm. The legs of the desks were turned at the Brandywine Workshop and Tannery supplied the leather for seats at Little York. This mill was washed away by high water of the Brandywine Creek in 1872 and was never rebuilt.

In 1810, Jeremiah Cranmer, Mr. Bacon's brother-in-law, came to Northfield and built a cabin one-half mile from Isaac Bacon. Jeremiah Cranmer was the second settler. His cabin was built on Lot 72 at what is now called 11463 Valley View Road. In I 813 Henry Wood came to the township. He fell in love with Jeremiah's daughter and married her in her father s house. This was the first wedding in Northfield. In 1818 a log school was built about a quarter of a mile west of the Northfield-Macedonia Cemetery, now 11004 Valley View Road. Henry Wood was the first teacher. A frame school came later-now 11571 Dunham Road. The land was bought from William Clifford and his wife, Eunice Cranmer Clifford. The school was recorded October 10, [854. This school closed in 1918. It was sold to Louis Blaha at the entrance of "Willow Lake." This lake was formerly known as Van Horn's Pond,

then Saxe's Pond after the owners. Louis Blaha remodeled the building for a dwelling and lived there until his death. It was then purchased by Kathryn Stueve.

In the early times, many Methodists of this area went to Willow Lake to be immersed. On one occasion of this kind, a young minister wholly unfamiliar with this method of baptism performed the task. He first led out a young man into quite deep water. As he immersed him, he held his body under water while he performed the ceremony. By that time the victim was struggling seriously for air. Releasing him, the minister proceeded with a much younger boy, holding him under water too. He also began to struggle. But in no time this boy's Sunday School teacher, having endured the ordeal long enough, plunged into the water, Sunday apparel and all, and grabbed the boy from the water as she shouted to the minister, "You fool, didn't you ever immerse any one before?" Whereupon she proceeded to acquaint him with the proper procedure. The younger boy later became the writer's husband, George E. Goosman. The older man was Frank M. Goosman, George's uncle. The woman with unqualified nerve was Emily S. Smith, who never stood in the way of duty.

Mrs. Joseph Mottl recalled with much pleasure her school days at "Snatch Penny" as it was called. She said, "I'll never forget the sugaring-off parties, the oyster stew suppers and the Christmas programs which were attended by the whole community." She recalled that in the winter when the pond was frozen over the pupils made a beeline as soon as school was out at noon to the frozen pond. She said there were times when the school was closed for a year or two when there were too few pupils to keep it open.

In 1898 and the years that followed, some of the teachers were: George W. Nichols, Jessie Way, Eliza Reed, Gertrude Burton and Grace L. Nichols. In the years after 1900 there were several years when there were not enough pupils to open the school. During these years, those children of school age went to other schools, such as Egypt school on Dunham Road, or in Bedford, Cuyahoga County.

Some of the pupils of Snatch Penny school during the last

eight years were: George and Ralph Richey, Mildred, Clyde and Dorothy Nesbit, Hazel, Edna, Edith and George Warp, Willis and Aida Richey, Alma and Elmer Banke, Gordon and Bernice Downie, Lucretia, Garnet and Berbert Boswell, Al-bert Peck, Joseph Motd, Dorothy Quade, Florence Eldridge and Curtis Polcen.

Teachers recalled were Alta Peck Hagget, Ella McConnell Washko, Augusta Green, Jennie Truby, Albert Breen, Philura Noble, Gertrude Reese and Willis Stevenson.

Why named Snatch Penny? It is said a "pack peddler" once spent a period trying to sell goods in this neighborhood but to no avail. As he left the community he remarked, "The people here would snatch the pennies of a dead man's eyes." Hence its name Snatch Penny.

Little York School was built a little south of the bridge near where Indian Creek flows into the Brandywine River at Little York. It is on the left side of old Route 8 going south, on the curve of the road, at 8367 Akron-Cleveland Road.

At that time there were a number of families living there, and the school must have been quite well attended.

The school was closed in 1908 and sold to Lee and Lena Forbes for a residence. Forbes bought the school house at public auction for $290. Lee Forbes passed away October 25, 1929, and Mrs. Forbes sold the house to Mr. and Mrs. Ted Dickard in 1942. In '95' the Dickards sold to Frank Frate, who still owns it.

Teachers recalled:

Bessie Boam Hattie Martin

Beatrice Burns Miss Sweet

Mary Cochran Martha Theiss

Newton Ford (about 1873) Edna Williams

Blanche Job

The North School was located at the corner of Route 8 and Ledge Road and is shown on the 1856 Summit County map. It probably was built around 1854 when other district schools were built.

This school was well situated to serve children of several large farms in this community. It favored children from Ledge Road east, and north and south on Route 8; and some from Macedonia, even a few from Walton Road in the Bedford District. Some of these families were: Powells, Lemmons, Means, Grahams, Duncans, Horrs, Martins, Kuhns, and Gliddens.

In 1916 North School was sold at public auction for $400 to Ray Osborne. Other owners were: E. R. Jestrab, then Louis Mayor who lived there for ten years. Mehezonek was the last to possess it. It was moved back from Route 8 to Ledge Road, just a short distance. It was razed for the erection of the Pick and Pay Supermarket.

Pupils attending during the last year school was held in this building were:

Catherine E. Adams

Willie W. Addams

Effie Elliot

Alice K. Glidden

E. Vance Glidden

Vincent K. Glidden

Frank Graham

Willis Hiphill

Edith B. McKisson

John A. Means

Lillie M. Means

Ethel Stevens

Fred C. Stevens

Manning C. Stevens

Ida Van Camp

(Found in teacher's record book.)

The Ledge School has passed the century mark in years of service. It is now one hundred and three years old according to the abstract of title, now held by the owner. (1958)

The Jason Spafford family came to live on a farm, lot 3,

Shepard Road, where a daughter, Amarilla Spafford, was born in 1853. In 1853, Mr. Spafford set aside land for the school, which was built that year. It was a frame school situated at the east end of Ledge Road near Shepard Road.

In 1873 Joseph Carter married Amarilla Spafford and in 1879 came to the Spafford farm to live. Jason Spafford died in 1876. Eventually Joseph and Amarilla became the owners of Carter Farm.

Charlie Tryon, who was born on his father and Jessie's adjoining farm, received his entire education at this school. He later was school director and gave me a school register dating from 1885-1894, listing teachers, pupils, and books. I think our people would be interested to know them.

The school stood idle for around twenty years, then the state put it up for sale. Frank Wise bought it, then after a time Charlie Tryon offered him a team of mules for the building, and Wise accepted his offer. Then Tryon added five acres to the school grounds and advertised it on Saturday in the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Very early Sunday morning Floyd F. Charlesworth came to Tryon and bargained for it for $1,000.

Mr. Charlesworth moved the house back about fifteen feet. He said they picked it up and set it on the new foundation without disturbing the structure of the house in the least. He then extended one side of the house, and now there is a living room, kitchen, bath, and three bedrooms.

1875

Teacher: Jennie Martin. Pupils: Laura Darrow, Pearlie Tryon, Albert Jenkins, Eddie Jenkins (Fred?), Frank Jenkins, Gene Darrow, Robert Adams.

1886

Teacher: Della Senter. Pupils: The above names and Mamie Murray, Mary Berry, Fred Tryon, Clarence Darrow (same as Gene), Robert Perry.

1886

Teacher: Lina Wells. Pupils: 7 and 5 new ones, Nora Bull, Ouida Herbert, Artie Bull, Otto Bull, Pearl Beeman.

1887

Teacher: Belle McConaughy. Pupils: 5 and 3 new ones, Hattie Kelty, Anna Kelty, Chester Kelty.

1887

Teacher: Belle McConaughy. Pupils: 8-no new ones.

1888

Teacher: Belle McConaughy. Pupils: 9-I new one , Ray Beaney.

1889

Teacher: Belle Forbes. Pupils: 7 and 6 new ones, Lena Carter, Grace Herbert, Thad Carter, Guy Jenkins, Robbie Smith, Lillie Herbert.

McGuffey Reader, Pederson's History, Barne's History, White's Arithmetic, Ray's Arithmetic, Steele's Physiology, Eclectic Geography, Houston's Geoqraphy, Harvey's Grammar, Towne Speller and Henderson Speller.

Louefla Tupper-Blackman and Albert Jenkins taught 1891 and 1892, the last year of school.

(Ledge School record and Mr. Charlesworth.) Old Brick High School, Elementary Bldg., Leonard School, Nordonia High School, Ledge View, Rushwood.

Teacher: Della Senter. Pupils: The above named and Mamie Murray, Mary Berry, Fred Tryon, Clarence Darrow (same as Gene), Robert Perry.

The first school in the Bacon district, prior to 1817 , was the Rowley House, a small log cabin situated near 11004

Valley View Road (Rinear farm-"Spring Pond"). It was built and paid for by the parents of the children who attended. was large enough to accommodate twelve pupils.

The first log school in Northfield was built in 1825 and located on the "square." The first frame school in Northfield built in 1835 was located approximately at 9279 Olde Route 8 and was later replaced by the "twin" Red Brick School built in 1871. Macedonia had the other "twin" school which was located near the present elementary school at 9735 Valley View Road.

Each of the square "brick twins" had a belfry for the school bell. The interior of each consisted of a large room downstairs and an identical one upstairs. A long hall in the front of each room held the children's wraps, dinner pails, and the water bucket which was shared by all.

A steep stairway connected the two floors. It had a broad smooth bannister which the children secretly used for sliding, despite orders forbidding such pleasures.

There was no grade separation in these old schools. Instead of advancing to an upper grade, the pupils went from one MeGuffey Reader to another. After the fourth book, pupils were moved upstairs. The first floor was usually taught by a lady teacher, "the Schoolmarm," and the upper floor by a man, the "Superintendent" or 'Professor."

In the Northfield school, in later years, the upper floor was partitioned to provide a High School class room. In time, the lower floor was also divided, and still later, an annex was added. Northfield had its first High School.

The graduating class of 1895 of Northfield consisted of the following members: Merle Shirey, Myrtle Nesbit, Jessie B. Hall, Lailah B. Davis, Frank B. Jenkins, Mario Richie, Stella Munn, Flossy Ellet, Ambrose Nesbit, Cicely Humphrey and Lulu A. Jones.

Macedonia's first Commencement was in 1900. Macedonia's "twin" building was used for basketball practice and for games after 1914 and was torn down a year or so later for a new building.

In 1845 Orrin A. Bishop, the owner of the Half Way House, died. It had been the custom to hold all town meetings in that building. After Bishop's death, it was no longer available, and the town fathers decided to build a Town Hall. The southeast portion of the village "Square" was chosen, and a half acre of land which had originally been donated by Colonel Milton Arthur, was the selected site. A red brick building was erected in 1848. How long it served as a town hall is not on record. [n its early days it was used as a "select" school taught by Robert Smith. Again in 1910, Just after the new Town Hall was built on the Lilli section of the square, the old town hall was used for a school to accommodate the overflow of pupils from Northfield Schools. It was so used for seven years. In 1910-I I Ella McConnell Washko taught the fourth, fifth and sixth grades and the following year the teacher was Cleo Leach Kingzett.

For the next few years the old town hall was used for band rehearsals and for basketball practice and games until about 1918. The building was then sold and converted into a garage, owned and operated by F. Percy Townsend and Louis Ozmun. In 1921 Allen W. Rice bought out Ozmun's interest and became a partner with his uncle "Perc" Townsend. Seven years later Allen Rice's brother Harry succeeded Townsend in the partnership. In 1937 Allen Rice acquired complete ownership of the garage. He later leased the entire property to Shell Oil Company. After that the building was rented to various people for a garage, auto agency, battery storage, etc. In 1970 it was torn down for a new gas station (Shell Oil at cor. Rt. 82 and Olde 8).

The frame school building that was replaced by the Red Brick "twin" school was moved to the west side of the road and to the north. It became a blacksmith and wagon shop of Christian Seidel about 1879, and was eventually torn down for a new store built by Elmer E. Folk about 1925.

In 1912-13 the School Board could foresee that a new school building would be needed within a few years. A contract was let to a company from Ashtabula to erect a new building on ground purchased from the Dalrymple family of the Palmer section of the square. It was impossible to obtain materials and labor at this time.

In the fall of 1916 the Red Brick "twin" was ravaged by fire due to a faulty furnace. It was then agreed to rush through the construction of the new building.

In the interim, the High School, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth grades were taught in the basement of the Town Hall. Northfield Township Trustees when the Town Hall was built were, Charles Gibson, J. F. J. Richey, and Levi Burroughs. The building was dedicated December 7, 1909. Charles Calkins was principal and Verda White Richey was a high school teacher. Eva Plank Cuyler taught the seventh and eighth, and Daisy Niece the fifth and sixth grades. The lower grades continued in the white frame building.

The new school, at 9370 Old Route 8, was dedicated November 23, 1917, and housed all grades and the High

School classes. There was much criticism because there were two classrooms on the upper floor that were unused the first year. George W. Peoples was the principal. The schools were centralized in the fall of 1918 and part of the unused space was needed. By the fall of 1925 a double portable building was necessary and was located just west of the drive that went around the school. It was later moved to the north side of the school lot and used as a garage for busses.

The frame school was also moved to a new site on the north side of the school lot and was used as a gymnasium.

The Palmer House, after being moved to the north side of its lot, became the home of the principals of the school. (It is now the Historical Museum building).

The Board of Education at the time of construction of this two story brick building was composed of: John Smith, Pres.; George Williams, clerk; A. Fenn Richey, Ambrose Nesbit, C. W. Cooper and Clark W. Mathias. Glen T. Howe was the principal the second year and stayed until the fall of 1922 when Lloyd Webb took charge for several years (about 1927). The next principal was John P. McDowell who stayed with the system until after the merger of Northfield and Macedonia schools in the fall of 1948. Lee M. Patton and William J. Boliantz succeeded him at a still later date.

An additional six classrooms were constructed in 1959, and in 1963 twelve more rooms were added. it is now known as the Northfield Elementary School and the central offices for the school system are also located in this building.

Ten acres of land were purchased from William Lockhart at 73 Leonard Ave in 1926-27 for a new high school and upper grades. It was a larger two story brick and was dedicated January 4, 1929. The Board of Education at this time consisted of: Charles M. Fenton, Pres.; George E. Etz, clerk; Harriett Zimmerman, Allen W. Rice, Ralph Anderson and George Kusta.

In 1928 the Northfield High School was granted a first grade charter and it contained a combined auditorium-gymnasium, home economics, and industrial arts rooms. in 1955 an addition was built including new science rooms, new and

expanded shops and drawing rooms, dressing and shower rooms for boys, and library and reading rooms. This building served as the Senior High School for Northfield From 1928 and for the consolidated Northfield and Macedonia Senior High from the fall of 1948 until the fall of 1962. It is now "Nordonia Junior High." In 1968-69 new windows were put in the front of the building which made the building look much more modern. An addition of a new cafeteria and auditorium on the east end and several new class rooms on the west end provided much needed space.

In September 1962 the Senior High moved into a new building at 8006 S. Bedford Road in Macedonia. Eight additional classrooms and the Auditorium were completed early in 1963. This year the school name was changed to Nordonia Hills High School. It was voted in 1970 to make funds available for many more changes and additions in class rooms to properly care for the fast growing enrollment.

In the spring of 1957, the consolidated Northfield-Macedonia High School was accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Universities. This is the highest ranking any high school in the United States can achieve. The high school has long had a chapter of the National Honor Society and has also had an active Science Club, Dramatic and Stage Clubs. Both vocal and instrumental music are stressed and the "Lancer Band" has been awarded many prizes from local standings to the highest in the State of Ohio for their class. The community also recognizes the good work being done in athletics-football, basketball, track, and base-ball are all well coached. Nordonia Hill 5 teams are usually among the leaders of their division of the county schools.

The Lee Eaton Primary building was erected at 115 Ledge Road on part of twelve acres of ground given to the North-field-Macedonia School System by Cyrus S. Eaton. It was dedicated February 23, 1955 and named in honor of Lee Eaton, a daughter of Cyrus S. and Margaret House Eaton, who passed away February 12,1949. This building is a worthy tribute to the memory of this young lady, who through great fortitude and a cheerful disposition, gained the affection and

esteem of many people of the community.

The Ledgeview Elementary School on Sheperd Road has 30 class rooms, a multi-purpose room, offices and lounge. It was completed in 1963.

Rushwood Elementary School on Rushwood Lane is partially completed and occupied (September '97') but construction is not complete.

Forty-eight acres of land for future schools was given by Wargo Builders and their associates in 1970. This is located in three parcels north and south of Greenwood on Route 82.

Location of trails was selected on high lands, clear of snow and leaves. Cuyahoga War Trail went north from a point in Northampton with Mahoning Trail to Dunham and Tinker's Creek.

In 1813 a military mail route was established from Washington, D.C. via Pittsburgh to Cleveland over the Mahoning Trail. Portage County was established the 10th of October, 1807.

A stage line, called the Telegraph Line, ran from Cleveland to Cincinnati in 1830 taking four days to make the trip. In 1836 it took a whole night to go from Hudson to Bedford, causing the passengers to get out of the stage and walk several times when the mud was deep.

The Mahoning Trail came through Boston and Kendall Ledges, Brandywine Falls, and the junction of the present Boyden road to Dunham Road and on to Tinker's Creek. It passed a canal boat loading station at the foot of Red Lock Hill, where lumber was obtained from sawmills at Little York, on past the old wagon road and dwelling house on Holzhauer Road extension.

The earliest roads led along Indian Trails or along banks of streams. New roads were a venture. Many paths widened as oxen and horses came to be used. These paths led to cabins,

places of service, trading centers arid later to industries. As industries developed, better trails were required, and as wagons came into use, roads were necessary.

New settlers came fast, and when enough people built along a trail, they could petition for a road. Here and there, as materials could be had, men set up saw mills, and after logs were sawed, roads were needed to make deliveries.

The Summit County History of 1874 speaks of children walking from Bath to Brandywine Falls to get their shoes mended, probably up the Cuyahoga Trail to Northampton, then north on a branch of the Mahoning Trail. Returning after dark they brandished a hickory bark torch to keep the wolves and bears away. Going north from Brandywine Falls, the trail became a wagon road to Cleveland. A stone causeway in a pasture field, about eight hundred feet northwest of the corner of the present Brandywine Road and Highland-Twins-

burg Road, marks the location, as well as an old hedge further north, and then hedge bushes just north of Meadow View Road.

From the corner of Boyden Road and Aurora Road it turned west to Carter Road or nearly so, and passed the old tavern. The present North Boyden Road was not open to vehicles before 1840, although there may have been a foot path or pack horse trail. From the tavern, it went north through the farmyard of the old stone Nesbit house and forked. One branch came out at the present four corners of Dunham and Sagamore Roads, the other angled back towards the river, just north of Hawthornden State Hospital in Cuyahoga County.

The east and west branch of the Chagrin Road, now called Aurora Road, joined the road from Brandywine at Boyden Road.

Holzhauer Road at one time was a wagon road, extending from a canal loading basin at the foot of Red Lock Hill to Nesbit Road about where North Gannett joins it. It was on the north extension where the cabin stood in which the McKisson murder took place.

The watering trough in the early days of our township was certainly a blessing to both man and beast. Some (roughs were hewn from stone and some were hollowed out of logs. They were usually at corners or near large dairies. NI any times they were placed along the roadside of a steep hill.

The water was supplied by dug wells and a pump, from farm springs and from hillsides where it was piped to the trough. The water in these troughs was nearly ice cold and the only source of water for many people. Many springs are still in use over the area.

One of the most used troughs was at "The Corners" in Macedonia. [t was a big trough and many people drove their horses there for water. Several families obtained their water supply from the feed pipe that brought it from an artesian well in the cellar of William Dixon's home.

At the corner of Shepard Road and Route 82, a very large stone trough was fed through a pipe from the farm of Henry

Reed in Macedonia. People came from miles around to fill a can with this water. Because of litterbugs this trough was removed in the 1940's.

In 1902, trustees made a motion to purchase a stone watering trough to be placed at the side of the road at R. F. Maxam's at a cost of $6. R. F. Maxam was a Macedonia farmer.

At a trustee meeting it was resolved to employ W. J. Powell to purchase iron pipe to carry water from a farm spring to a watering trough located on the roadside on Valley View Road, just west of the cemetery. It was also resolved to protect the watering trough on Pine Hill by placing planks around the edge of the stone.

Very early in the history of Northfield Township a large trough was set up at the center of Northfield (now Northfield Center). This trough of stone was fed by a pump. Both the trough and the pump were wrecked by a bus in the summer of 1971. Township trustees have since restored it.

Three post offices were officially established in the original Northfield Township, which was settled in 1807. The first post office was granted at Brandywine Mills on December 20, 1825. It was in operation for thirty years. George Wallace served as postmaster until April 14, 1849. He was succeeded by his brother James Wallace who served until February 21, 1855 when the office was discontinued. The second post office was established at Northfield March 23, 1837. The third post office was the Macedonia Depot established on June 21, 1852. The name was changed to Macedonia in 1908. It was discontinued as a post office on August 27, 1965 when it became a branch of the main post office at Northfield.

Names of the Northfield postmasters and dates of their appointments are: George Lillie, March 23, 1837; Jeremia H. Woodman, July 15, 1849; George Lillie, December 21, 1853; William L. Palmer, August 5, 1856; Robert Alexander, April 18, 1863; Hosea Bliss, April 11, 1866; Albert L. Bliss, June 26, 1874; George L. Bishop, September 16, 1897; Perry E. Leach, August 5, 1905; Elmer E. Folk, February 15, 1921 ; Clark W. Mathias, October 2, 1934; Marie Novotny Agee, July 25, '939; Fred H. Bonker, October '4, 1961; James P. Hanacek, January 17, 1964.

Northfield Township's early history indicates that in many cases, the names of postmaster and storekeepers were identical, the post office and the store were in the same building, both operated by the owner of the store.

George Lillie owned what old timers will recall as the John McConnell place. That post office site is now the Charles Fenton home at 9538 Brandywine Road next to the Northfield Center Town Hall.

The Bliss brothers kept the post office in their home. Their house was built as a tavern and stage coach stop known as "The Half Way House." The historic structure, situated on the southwest center of the village green, was torn down to make way for the Humble service station.

George L. Bishop became the owner of the L. D. Lyons & Company cheese factory and store (across from Northfield Center Town Hall) and at this time the post office was relocated in this store. In 1905 Perry Leach purchased the L. Bishop store and the post office again changed hands but was kept in the same store.

Mr. Leach sold this store to Elmer E. Folk who became postmaster in 1921 and continued in the original building. After a few years went by, Mr. Folk tore down the old cheese factory and remodeled the store into the present stucco building which is on Brandywine Road at the Center.

In 1925 Mr. Folk erected a larger, new stucco building extending from Brandywine Road to Old Route 8. The main floor housed the post office and a fine general store. Mr. Folk was the last of the "Fourth Class Storekeeper-Postmasters." In September of 1934, the Post Office Department authorized a change of housing quarters. Accordingly a new place was secured about fifteen hundred feet north on Olde Route 8 in the new business block which had been recently built by Dwight and Ray Dawson. There were 434 square feet of space and rental was fifteen dollars per month. The property is now owned by L. A. Griffiths and his daughter, Jean Ames. The old quarters are now Dr. Virginia Huffman's office.

The post office advanced to third class in July of 1936. The postmaster of a third class office in 1939 received a salary of fifteen hundred dollars a year. Out of his salary he was required to furnish all the equipment, such as mail boxes, desks, files, cafe, etc., necessary for the operation of the office. A clerk earned about thirty cents per hour. Mail messengers contracted their vehicle and personal services for thirty seven dollars per month to shuttle and handle all mail from the Pennsylvania Railroad to the post offices at Northfield and Macedonia. During the twenty year period from 1935 to 1955, he office receipts increased 2,000 percent.

The next post office quarters were occupied on September 15, 1955 in a new leased building on Leonard Avenue which was owned and built to government specifications by Mr.

and Mrs. Wallace Hannaford. The leased quarters comprised approximately twelve hundred square feet. Operations in the outgrown quarters terminated November 19, 1966.

Mail transported into Northfield was by horseback, train, street car, and truck. Billy Wallace brought mail from Bedford on horseback three times weekly until the Pennsylvania Railroad was built through Macedonia in 1851. Mail from the train was delivered to the post offices at Northfield, Macedonia, and Twinsburg. When the Northern Ohio Traction and Light Company operated the A. B. C. Street Car line through Northfield, mail was received twice daily, mornings between seven and eight o'clock, and late afternoon between five and six o'clock. After the street car line was discontinued, the Pennsylvania Railroad again served the communities until 1950 when the Star Route Service was established.

For many years George Goosman and later Glenn Meddles held mail messenger contracts, transporting mail from the Pennsylvania Railroad station. In 1956 the Cleveland-Pittsburg trains number 353 and 354 were discontinued. Northfield began its delivery service in 1900, or four years after the rural delivery was established in the United States. Nelson Truby served as rural carrier until 1911 when this service was taken over by Earl R. Peck. Mr. Peck served until his death on June 29, 1935 For a short time his son, C. Albert Peck, served as a substitute. The Department then combined the delivery service with Macedonia's rural route.

Mrs. M. Lillis Peck, Earl Peck's widow, has related some-thing of the human element of a rural mail carrier. She said, "For some time Mr. Peck delivered mail on horse-back. He often rode one horse for part of the trip, then changed to another. If he rode the same horse all one day, he rode a different horse the next day. Later he used a two wheeled carriage. Mr. Peck purchased a team of very young mules from Alva Copeland and broke them in himself. They were very tough and we kept them as long as they lived." C. Albert Peck added that his father bought his first automobile in 1916 but could use it only two or three months of the year because of such bad roads.

Following the death of Earl Peck, Northfield rural carrier, the Northfield rural route was transferred to Macedonia in 1935. This service continued until July 18, 1954, when the rural route was transferred to the Northfield Post Office. In time the C. & P. Railroad ceased to carry the Macedonia mail. Since then mail trucks carry the mail to Cleveland, where it is transferred to other places.

The Macedonia Post Office has had three classifications since 1852. Until 1927 it remained in 4th class. At that time it advanced to 2nd class, where it remains today. These are the main facts about the Macedonia Post Office.

There are many human interest stories connected with the Macedonia Post Office. In the horse and buggy era, the farmers, after leading their morning milk onto the "milk train," congregated at the store containing the post office and discussed politics and crops, while waiting for their mail.

During the great depression, long lines of automobiles stood in front of the post office while men waited for their W.P.A. checks on Saturday nights.

The post office was the center of interest in wartime. People came here to buy bonds and war savings stamps. Women gathered here after every mail, hoping for a letter from a loved soldier. Overseas packages were sent to far away places. Too many times the Hudson postmaster would stop here to find out where to deliver a death telegram from Washington.

Nettie Brooks, who was clerk in the Macedonia Post Office, while her brother, Andrew Brooks, was postmaster, told this story. People were complaining that their post cards were read by the post office workers. Someone wrote to Washington asking if this was lawful. Nettie said the answer came back, "If you have something to say that you don't want known to everybody, don't put it on a postcard."

On July 19, 1954 the Post Office Department adopted an inspector's recommendation to move the rural delivery route back to Northfield from Macedonia and to divide it into two separate routes, R.R. #1 to be 31.28 miles long and R.R. #2 was to be 36.25 miles in length.

The area was growing rapidly. Farms were being sold

to developers which resulted in rapid population increase. Summit County Engineering Department had completed its house numbering system. Rural delivery was no longer adequate in this area and was subsequently discontinued when city mounted delivery service was inaugurated in 1958. Three mounted routes grew to seven by April, 1963 and to eleven in 1965. When Macedonia became a branch, four mounted routes were transferred. The carriers serving them are Robert Gilder, Robert Olmsted, Arthur MacMenigal, Walter Mendat, and Wiljo Hanel.

Carriers serving from the main office are Ben Eppele, Howard Duke, Christian Nielsen, Frank Novotny, Vernon B. Nine, Kenneth Tropf, Harold Zakrajsek, Louis Fisher, Richard Pobiega, and Robert White.

All mail is delivered from eleven government owned vehicles. A collection and special delivery service was established.

The first International money orders were issued in 1939 at Northfield.

On July1, 1948 the Northfield post office was advanced to second class.

Contract Station Number one was awarded to the Gray Drug Store at the Northfield Plaza in 1961.

By 1960 the office's receipts topped $40,000 and the office was advanced to first class in July 1962.

The position of assistant postmaster was authorized in 1960. Mr. Vernon B. Nino served as assistant postmaster from November 12, 1960 to July 20, 1963. Mr. Hanacek transferred on November 23, 1963 from the Cleveland Post Office to serve in that capacity until he was appointed acting postmaster on January 17, 1964. Thomas Burroughs transferred from the Hudson Post Office in 1964 to become Postmaster Hanacek's assistant.

The new Post Office on Route 82 was erected in 1966.

Cheese-making, an art long gone from Olde Northfield Township, was once one of its chief industries. In the days of the Northfield settler, the cheese was made by the housewife in her farm kitchen. The milk was heated on the stove to just below the boiling point. The curds were then separated from the whey and worked by hand. They were then salted and placed in containers where the ripening process took place.

By 1840 when Summit County was formed, small cheese factories appeared on all the country roads. The Northfield section was part of what was called "Yankee Cheesedom."

In 1851, the Pennsylvania Railroad was built through Macedonia. The cheese business increased enormously, as the farmers now had a good outlet for their product. It is said that in one season alone 60,000 pounds of cheese were shipped from the Macedonia Depot.

Small cheese factories gradually combined to form larger ones. Some of these were the Lyons, the Patron, the Spring Grove, the Richey, and the Straight factories. An 1874 Atlas of Summit County shows the Lyons Cheese Factory in the center of Northfield. Smoke pours out of the chimney of the small building at the left, indicating that here the milk was heated. At the right, a larger building next to it has the sign "Lyons Cheese Factory" printed on the front door. Fanciful pictures of farmers with their horse-drawn wagons, taking their milk to the factory, are shown in front of the buildings.

The Straight Factory in Macedonia, known as the Town-line Factory, stood at the northeast corner of Shepard Road and Route 82. It was one of thirteen Straight factories in this area with headquarters in Hudson. It was last operated by John Leuenberger, a native of Switzerland, who came to the United States in 1872. He had learned the art of making cheese in Switzerland and was probably one of the best qualified men in the business in Ohio.

From his daughter, Rose Leuenberger Riehl, come this description of the way he made his cheese:

Around 1895 , the Straight Company broke up, and the Townline Factory was purchased by A. T. Brooks who owned and operated a grocery and dry goods store in Macedonia.

The cheese factory was moved to a new location near the railroad station on Little York Road. Brooks incorporated the Brooks Creamery Company in 1896. Members of the corporation were A. T. Brooks, L. R. Foster, B. A. Robinette, P. E. Leach, Walter Beaney, H. J. Reed, H. H. Wallace, 0. E. Griswold, C. B. Tryon, and J. B. Carter. These men were, for the most part, farmers with large dairy herds in Macedonia and Northfield.

John Leuenberger was asked to work at the Brooks Creamery Company. The Company did a big business shipping butter and cheese to Cleveland for distribution until 1900 when the factory burned down.

Rose Riehi recalls the excitement in town the night the cheese factory burned.

The cheese factory was never rebuilt. A small annex took care of the milk which the farmers continued to bring to Brooks for a time for distribution in Cleveland.

Although cheese making came to an end in Northfield and Macedonia around the beginning of the present century, it continued to be a major industry in other parts of Ohio. The state produces over 45,000,000 pounds of cheese each year. It is especially noted for its Swiss cheese produced south of this area.

Cheese factory and grocery-J. D. Lyons.

Farm machinery-J. G. Alexander.

General store and post office-George L. Bishop. This store was bought by Perry E. Leach in 1905, and then by Elmer F. Folk about 1921. Soon after, all old buildings were taken down and new ones erected.

Blacksmith shop-Christian Seidel. Torn down at time new buildings were erected by Folk.

Tailors-Bliss and Taubman and Max Klein.

Tavern called Halfway House-Orrin A. Bishop. This was later renamed Washington Inn. Still later, it was owned by various individuals and used for business establishments. Finally, it was made into apartments. It was demolished in 1961 to make way for a gas station.

Wholesale growers of potted plants and cut flowers-Kurt Laubinger and sons. The company was founded in 1918 as Heepe Wholesale Company. The firm which was reorganized in 1946 is located on Ledge Road.

The 82 and 8 Tavern in the early teens was a grocery store run by Marvin Berry. The upstairs was used as a dwelling by many different families. The store room was a shoe repair shop and later became a grocery store run by Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Lane who finally moved to Twinsburg. Harold "Shorty" Taylor from Brecksville bought it about 1935 and made it into a tavern. Later he sold it to Louis Yerse who operated it

as a tavern for many years. At this writing, he still owns the property but has sold the business.

What is now the Center Building at 46 West Aurora Road was built in 1905 by B. F. DeHaven for a grocery store and dwelling. Through the years it was owned and operated by various people for various uses. In 1959, Louis W. Assmus acquired it and remodeled it strictly for business purposes. It houses a beauty shop and offices for doctors, dentists, and attorneys.

The Eleanor Block was built in 1927 at Olde Route 8 and Leonard Avenue. When first opened, it housed the Acme Grocery Store, the Hansen Hardware Store (moved from Macedonia), Stan Plevney Meat Market and George Kusta Drug Store. Dr. R. M. MeCulloch had his office and apartment upstairs. Some time later another building was added.This building was built by Max Klein and was occupied by

Mr. Klein's Tailor Shop and Department Store. Mr. Llewellyn Griffith built the next section of the business block. It was occupied by the Post Office, with Marie Agee as postmistress for many years. Also in this block the A & P Grocery and the Variety Store were housed, Mr. Griffith being the proprietor of the Variety Store and Frank Jenkins operating the A & P. After Mr. Jenkins left the store Marguerite Forbes worked there for many years.

The last block to be built at the Center of Northfield was the Regauer Block just north of the other stores but not attached to them. It housed a Beauty Shop operated by Rose Regauer and also a Barber Shop operated by Mr. Regauer. At present the Barber Shop is there but the Beauty Shop is now occupied by an Insurance Office operated by Mr. Glenn Beers.

Most early residents of "Olde Northfield" made their living by general farming. Threshing machines were used for threshing wheat, oats and rye. It was some time later when bailers came into use. They bailed the hay and straw to make the handling and storage of hay and straw easier. Then came the ensilage cutters to shred the corn and fodder for the silos.

One early threshing outfit was owned and operated by J. F. Richey who owned the steam engine and Charles Mehling owned the thresher. This partnership lasted until about 1908.

Before 1905 Perry F. Leach also owned an outfit and did threshing for several years during which time he hved on the farm in Little York. Jim Leslie of Bedford threshed grain in this area in 1915. His steam engine had an upright boiler, but no steering mechanism and had to be drawn by horses. He had a big black and white team which he hitched to the separator, put the engine in the middle and the water wagon on behind. He would stand on the separator and drive the team, it was said, "as proud as a peacock in all its glory." While on a threshing job, the boiler exploded, killing Jim Leslie and injuring one of his men.

Lyman Post of Hudson had an outfit trimmed with brass bands which had to be polished every day and was used and displayed with pride in this area. George and John Groh of Bedford worked in the Snatchpenny area near Tinkers Creek and Dunham road with their threshing rig. From 1909 to 1913, Will Sisler of Macedonia threshed in the area of Macedonia, Northfield and Peninsula. Bill Bliss and the Gleason brothers also had outfits. After working for Cy and Louis Gleason for some time, George Eisenman acquired a threshing rig of his own.

In the early days the thresher was fed by hand, one man to cut the bands of binder twine and another to feed the machine. If not fed evenly the machine would choke up and stall. A

"self-feeder" was invented that required two less men and eliminated a very dirty job. Hand feeding required men to feed evenly, slowly, and with the grain heads all one way.

If the threshing was done in the field, grain was put into bags made of closely woven, heavy cotton. The machine measured out the grain by the bushel and was set for the correct number of pounds to equal a bushel, which varied with different grains; 60 pounds per bushel for wheat, thirty-two pounds per bushel for oats and 56 pounds per bushel for rye. The farmer paid "per bushel" to have his grain threshed, prices varying with the type of grain.

The wagon loads of sacks of grain were hauled to the "granary." Sometimes sacked grain was set aside to be taken directly to the mill. These bags were tied shut with binder twine. The sacks to be emptied into the granary were not usually tied. If the threshing was done in the barn, the sacks were used but if the granary was close by sometimes an open bushel container was used.

There was a "knack" in knowing how to "stack" straw as it came from the blower so that the stack would have a good and secure shape to withstand the weather. Cooperation was required between the man at the blower and the man on the stack who received the straw and placed it so as to be windproof and rain proof.

Sometimes the farmer "shocked" the wheat in his field and awaited his turn for the thresher or until the oats or rye could be threshed at one time. By the time the oats were threshed it would be time to cut corn for silage. Everyone tried to finish before the corn was too ripe or the fields too muddy from the fall rains. Wheat thrashing started the first week in August, was followed by oats, and then rye if ready. Rye was disliked by most threshers because it was "unpleasant to handle."

Bailing hay was done as time permitted. Two or three wires were bound around each bale. One man fed the wires from one side and another tied them from the other side of the baler. Each bale was weighed and tagged with a cardboard tag about I" x 2". The tag was marked with the weight

and put under the middle wire. Weights were recorded and added up so that the farmer paid his baling bill by the ton. Most bales weighed between 100 and 150 pounds for ease in handling. A skilled baler knew not to twist the straw and just when to "trip" the locks and get the right sized bale.

On a threshing outfit, three men were required, one to run the fire to keep up the steam for power, one to care for the oiling and the cleaning and care of the belts, and a third to supply water and to care for the horses. Until automobiles became common, the threshing crew stayed over night where the threshing was to be done. They often went home only on Saturday nights and many times slept in the barn because there was not enough room in the farmhouse.

Threshers horses were a remarkable breed. They had to be quite unafraid of the steam engine, the whistle and the noise of the machine and also strange people and places. In the early days wood was used to fire the engine but later coal was used entirely as it kept a hot fire longer and did not require so much tending as wood. Each farmer bought enough coal for his job and enough to get the rig to the next job.

A Huher tractor was used in this area in 1938, belonging to J. G. Wright. It eliminated the use of horses, the water wagon and the purchase of coal. Men did not need to get to work so early to "stoke up" and get ready.

Between 1925 and 1930 few farms were still operated in Olde Northfield. Land was slowly being converted to manufacturing, homes and towns. The age of the threshing machine and the silo filler was coming to an end. Even conversation changed. Discussions of more than thirty bushels of wheat per acre or more than fifty-five bushels of oats per acre was a thing of the past.

In Mr. Perrin's History of Summit County, he tells us that in 1819 the eligible voters of "Old Northfield Township" met

at the cabin of George Cranny and elected officers to care for the area.

Each subdivision elected trustees to serve their respective interests in their own units as well as the interests of the overall area.

For many years the area worked agreeably. The areas were Northfield, Brandywine, and Macedonia; but in the 1900's many developments created a desire with the areas to become villages.

After Macedonia separated from the original Northfield Township in 1906 the remaining part stayed a Township until 1912 when it became a village. In 1932 another section wished to be severed. It consisted of, mostly, the western part of the village and was the main farming part. This was to be known as Sagamore Hills Township. It became a village in 1943 but surrendered its charter in 1947 and is once again a township.

In 1935 there was another division made when the southern part of the remaining Northfield Village was severed from the northern section. The northern section retained its right to remain a village and is known as Northfield Village. While the southern section returned to Township rule and is known as Northfield Center Township.

The school system covers all of the City of Macedonia, Village of Northfield, Sagamore Hills Township, Northfield Center Township and a section of Boston Heights Village and is known as Nordonia Hills School System.

Northfield was just replacing rail fences with posts and wires. Farms were large and prosperous, managed and owned by the second generation-the children of the pioneers. Silos were beginning to be built for ensilage.

The Bliss Swamp was pretty wet as were the ditches between Northfield and Macedonia and Little York.\

Brandywine Mill was grinding graham flour, cornmeal, and white flour as well as horse feed.

The rails and ties for the A.B.C. Electric Line were hauled from Silver Lake Junction by a small steam locomotive with a saddle tank, and how the sparks would shoot up when she made a run for a hill with two flat cars loaded with rails.

There were watering troughs at Northfield and halfway up Pine Hill, at the Rob Means farm on Valley View Road, and at the northwest corner of Shepard Road and Route 82.

The only time dirt roads were good was in the summer. At other times, they were badly rutted. The boys who rode horseback to school always had mud on their clothes.

The farmers hauled hay to the hay market. They hauled potatoes to Fleet Street in Cleveland where everything was sold off the wagons to Polish and Bohemian families.

Buildings were moved over the snow on skids or on rollers by horses as many as ten teams on one hookup.

George Mac had a harness shop at Macedonia and sold pork chops on the side. His shop was a wonderful place for a small boy-collars, hames, and traces hanging everywhere. Old muskets, cavalry sabers, cavalry revolvers, caps and balls from the Civil War, and souvenirs of Mac's service as a Rough Rider in 1898 were also displayed.

Windmills were commonly used on farms, and many barns had a cistern under the ramp that went up to the main floor.

Hydraulic rams were sometimes placed where enough flow existed to work them.

Ice was cut in winter and stored in sawdust.

Cider barrels were filled in the fall; and, if the cider became "hard," no one complained.

The wood lots were cleaned of small logs, pieces of stumps, etc., and all piled near the house or barn to be "buzzed" up for firewood and furnace chunks by some neighbor with a traction steam engine and portable saw.

Many men living today can remember getting up plenty of sweat on the crank of a hand-turned corn sheller or fodder cutter.

Remember the high milk stand at every crossroad? The

shining black funeral car? The lively doings on the midnight run on Saturday nights? And the crackling blue flames thrown off by the trolley? Remember the "Depot Orators" full of spirits of frumenty?

Camp meetings, revivals, and picnics were held at Boston Ledges.

At Van Horn's Pond (now Willow Lake on Willow Lane-first road off Dunham) boats were kept for hire, and people crossed a wire suspension bridge, patterned after the Brooklyn Bridge, to the largest island where there were tables for family use. There were also tables along the boat landing.

The three Bliss brothers held the Northfield Post Office for several years; and one of them, Albert, had a telegraph set connected to the Macedonia Railroad Station where Nelson Brown was agent. Mr. Bliss paid for the line personally.

At this time, the G.A.R. was at its greatest strength, for the men just passing beyond middle age had nearly all served as Union soldiers in the Civil War.

Henry Bower had a sawmill at the foot of Pine Hill located between the river and the canal, just south of the diversion dam. Hugh Burns lived halfway down the hill on the west side of the road, and Dan at the foot of the hill on the right. Jack Burns lived between the canal and the river. Jack was a lock tender at 17-mile lock.

In the old coach over the mountain.

Poem by ALICE MORSE EARLE

There were no mountains to climb as the stage coach made its way through Northfield Township, but the "jolt and roar" were there just the same. The body of the coach had no springs, and it had plain board seats. When the traveler climbed aboard, he reached for a leather strap fastened to the side of the coach. The stage swayed and jostled mile after mile in the dust or mud; there was always one or the other. The traveler was sure to be called upon to go on foot part of the time and was often expected to carry a rail from mud hole to mud hole to pry out the coach in which he was sup-posed to be riding. There was a constant need for balancing the stage coach by all the male passengers leaning to one side to prevent it from overturning in the deep ruts in the road. The driver would call out "Now, gentlemen, to the right," upon which all the male passengers stretched their bodies halfway out of the coach to balance that side. And then, "Now, gentlemen, to the left," and so on.

The name stage coach" was applied to a coach that ran from station to station over a number of stages of the road, usually with fresh horses for each stage. It carried mail as well as passengers, and its arrival was eagerly awaited at the halfway houses along the route. Sometimes the passengers were charged for their ride according to their size and weight, rather than by the miles to be traveled.

All the stage lines were named. Some of these names were "The Pioneer," "The Good Intent," and "The June Bug."

That this advertisement was rather an overstatement of the delights of travel by the Pioneer Fast Stage Line, you

may judge from the following account by Alexander Campbell of his journey by mail coach from Hudson to Cleveland in May, 1836.

We spent the whole night on the road from Hudson to Bedford, a distance of only 12 miles. Thus carrying the mail at the rapidity of I mile in three-quarters of an hour. We had only to walk some four or five miles through mud and swamps and to abandon the coach some six or seven times to prevent up-setting and the breaking of our bones during the night watch. We mercifully and sometimes barely escaped the disaster of being upset, and with no other detriment than fatigue and mud and water, completed our journey of 27 miles from Hudson to Cleveland in something less than a day.

This ride from Hudson to Bedford may have been through Twinsburg, rather than through Macedonia. Perrin's 1881 History of Summit County' states that in 1825 a well-traveled stage route passed through Northfield Township and brought such prosperity that two Twinsburg citizens bought the stage property and had the stage changed to pass through Twins-burg Center. This transfer was made in 1838.

A new State Constitution was adopted in Ohio in 1851. Several Northfield area men were chosen as Summit County officials. In October, 1860, John A. Means of Northfield was elected clerk for three years. In 1861 John entered the army, and his son, Nathan A., served the rest of the term. Captain Means was elected again in 1864 and served one year.

Thomas Wilson of Northfield was elected sheriff in April, 1840, and served four years in all.

Augustus Curtis of Northfield was elected sheriff in October, 1866, 1868, 1872, and 1874.

George Y. Wallace of Brandywine was appointed by county

commissioners to serve part of a term as treasurer of Summit County.

The Ladies' Soldier Aid Society was formed in Akron, early in i86i, and lasted until the end of the war. Both Martha and Mary Carpenter of Brandywine served as nurses during the war. They were sisters, and daughters of Aaron Carpenter and Tirzah Drake.

On June 28, 1893 the township trustees adopted the orders and regulations for a township board of health. Lorin Bliss was made the president.

A New Name for Isaac Bacon Neighborhood-We hear that a peddler, passing through the Isaac Bacon district, was unable to sell a single item. He remarked that the people was so stingy they would snatch a penny from a dead man's eye. It is reported that some people have begun to call the neighborhood "Snatchpenny".

Total abstainers will be sad to know that the source of the name of their thriving village, Brandywine, is New England rum, which was called brandy-wine, by the Dutch of New York (Early i8oo's).

Fine Furniture for Sale - . Amzi Chapin announces that he is prepared to make fine furniture to order in walnut, cherry, or maple. If you wish to see a sample of his work you may call at his house, where he has recently finished a square candle stand, a cherry Governor Winthrop desk, with key insets of ivory and a hidden drawer for valuable papers, and a schoolmaster's desk in cherry wood. Mr. Chapin also makes coffins, to order. He will accept in payment for his work any farm product, such as pickled pork, or beef, bacon, butter or potatoes. He will accept whiskey at the current rate of 18 cents per quart. Customers may also pay for their furniture

in labor, such as hoeing corn, mowing meadows or spinning. (Early 1800's)

Fence Viewers-Robert Wallace, Jeremiah Cranmer, and William Cranny complain that many farmers are not keeping their fences in proper repair. Good fences are very essential in these perilous days. Mr. Henry Wood reports that he heard a loud squealing one night recently, and hurried out to find a large bear carrying off one of his pigs. The squealing at a distance in the dark forest soon disclosed its fate. Wooleynigs are also reported to be in this neighborhood. They have the appearance of a huge' wild-cat, look savage, and are as savage as they look. (Early 1800's)

A Long Horse and Buggy Ride-Elihu Griswold will soon return to his 164 acres on Lot 7 in Macedonia. Last year he cleared 10 acres of land, and in the fall he planted it to wheat. He has built a nice log cabin on his place. Recently he borrowed a horse and buggy from Col. Arthur in Northfield Center, and drove to his former home in New York to marry Betsy Potter. They will be back in time for him to harvest his wheat crop. (This would have been a news item in 1832.)

High Cost of Road Building-The cost sustained in laying a road in the northeast part of Northfield was $22. Of this Horace Holbrook paid at different times $3, $1.85 and $1.85. Mr. Holbrook owns a 165 acre farm on both sides of the road. Other contributors were H. Philes $1.50 G. Lillie $0.50 and A. Cooley $4.00. John West laid the road. (Horace Holbrook's Expense Book 1839-1840.)

1839 PRICES FOR FARM PRODUCTS

Total 2 bu. wheat $1.50 6 fowls $.75

2 bu. corn $1.00 1 fat sheep $2.00

8 bu. potatoes $2.00 1 sheep's pelt $.50

9 lbs. pork $.55 ½ ton hay $3.00

25 lbs. veal $62 ½ 4 bu. ashes $.32

A New Year's Eve Ball sponsored by Philander Cranney, Horace Palmer, W. R. Cranney and Albert Wilkins was held

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at Half Way House in Northfield on December 31st. Guests came by bob sled and seigh from as far away as Bedford. Musicians fiddled and pretty girls and their beaux danced the hours away while their elders sipped whiskey toddies or rum and molasses, and gossiped or discussed politics and the success of the hunters and trappers. The Ball lasted well into New Year's Day. (1842)

North field Cornet Band, formed in 1864, has been reorganized and named the Bliss Band in honor of its leader, George Bliss. The members have purchased new brass instruments and bright green uniforms, and are now ready to play for any occasion. (1877)

Decoration Day at this place passed oft very pleasantly, with one or two exceptions. The procession formed on the public square, at 12.5 o'clock p.m., then proceeded to the cemetery, where the graves of the fallen heroes were decorated by soldiers who served in the late war. The Historical Address was delivered by Mr.. Amzi Wilson of Northfield. The oration of W. L. Marvin of Akron was very appropriate for the occasion.

The President of the Day was Mr. A. W. Bliss of this place. The Marshal was Mr. Will Howe. Miss Luella Bishop acted as Goddess of Liberty for the Little York School. The Northfield Cornet Band rendered some choice selections of music during the day. The exercises of the day closed with a prayer by Rev. I. W. Logue.

(From Household Visitor, June, 1879)

Which Was Wrong?-Upon last Decoration Day, when everything should have passed quietly and harmoniously, a little trouble arose between Snatchpenny School and the Committee on Arrangements.

The Committee agreed that the school furnishing the nicest turnout for the occasion should be entitled to a flag and take the lead in the procession; but the Committee, finding that the arrangement was going to cause hard feelings, changed the

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order of procession, having the schools arranged according to the School District, which would bring Snatchpenny School last, instead of first, in the procession. The result was, Snatchpenny withdrew from the procession and went home. (From Household Visitor, June, 1879.)

"Plenty of dust on Decoration Day."

"We won't take anybody's dust, so pull Out for Snatch-penny.

"The oldest resident of the town, Mr. Harry Wood, was present on Decoration Day."

"The valuation of the personal property of Northfield is $129,750."

"The best turnout on Decoration Day was from Snatch-penny (it turned out and went home) and is, therefore, entitled to the flag as it took the lead in the procession-about half a mile." (From Household Visitor, 1879)

New Recipe Book-"Brown's Excelsior Recipe Book" is just off the press, and will be sent anywhere for 30 cents. It contains over 500 excellent recipes, and other valuable information, such as Contents of Cisterns, how to measure grain, fencing, papering, and how to find the number of perches in a wall. (1878)

Simon Shaw Announces that he will include a fine piece of dinnerware in each sack of his flour. Sour apple jelly will be for sale at his cider mill this fall. ("The Gay Nineties")

Cheese Factory Burns-The Brooks Cheese Factory was totally destroyed by fire one night last week. The engineer on a passing freight train blew his whistle to arouse the sleeping townspeople, but it was too late to save the factory. The cheese was taken to John Leuenberger's house nearby. (1900)

Mysterious Disappearance-Mrs. Will Holbrook reports that her cousin Lena has never had any news about her husband. He was supposed to join her at Mrs. Holbrook's home, where Lena was visiting. When he failed to appear, Lena returned to her home in Cleveland. She found her husband's

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working clothes on a chair, but no trace of him. He had evidently dressed in his best clothes and started along the tow path of the canal to join her. It is feared that he was the victim of two outlaws who have been lurking along the canal, robbing and killing their victims. They then cut open the bodies so that they will sink, and throw them into the canal. (In the 1880's)

Closed Crossing a Cause for Wrath-The citizens of Macedonia are wrathy over the announcement that the Pennsylvania Railroad will close the public road leading from Bedford to Little York, where it crosses the railroad tracks. Last night they tore down the fence the railroad officials had built to prevent horse and buggy traffic over the tracks. ("The Gay Nineties")

New Store Owner-Perry Leach has bought the store formerly owned by George L. Bishop. He and his family, and their Jersey cow, have moved from his Little York farm to the Center. The family will live in rooms connected with the store. The cow will he quartered in Johnny McConnell's barn. This will be a handy arrangement for Mrs. Leach, whose job it is to milk the cow. (Early 1900's)

Narrow Escape from Death-At a recent baptism at Van Horn's Pond, George and Frank Goosman almost drowned when the student minister, Mr. Orrin, held the boys' heads under water during all the baptism ceremony. Miss Emily Smith came to the rescue and showed the young minister how to baptize. ("The Gay Nineties")

High School Pupils Enjoy a Bob Sled Ride-High School boys and girls of Macedonia enjoyed a bob sled ride last Friday p.m. They stopped at Northfield High to pay a call.

Northfield High visited Macedonia High a few weeks ago.

(1900)

A-B-C Street Car Line Now in Business-The Akron, Bedford and Cleveland Street Car Line, running through North-field, welcomes all customers. A fine new station has been built in the center of Northfield. Let us all help keep it in good condition. (1895)

After the building of the Ohio Canal (originally called the Lake Erie and Ohio Canal, traveling became more enjoyable than it had been by stagecoach. In 1827, the Western Reserve portion was ready for business and the whole distance from Cleveland to Portsmouth was completed in the summer of 1833.

An early transportation advertisement read as follows:

Daily line of Ohio Canal Packets. Between Cleveland and Portsmouth distance of 309 miles. Thru in 80 hours. A packet on this line leaves Cleveland every day at 4 clock and Portsmouth every day at 9 o'clock a.m.

These packets carried mail and some freight as well as passengers. They were about 80 feet long and 14 feet wide. They were usually drawn by two horses, one of which carried the driver. There were two other drivers on board as well as a captain, two steersmen, and a cook.

They had space for freight at one end and a dining room at the other; also, cabins containing berths for sleeping during the four nights of travel between Cleveland and Portsmouth. There was an upper deck where passengers could sit and enjoy the country scenery.

Probably the most remarkable canal trip was made in 1827 when the Western Reserve portion of the canal was completed. This event was celebrated on July 4, 1827. Harlan Hatcher describes the trip as follows:

At Boston, Ohio, this boat was joined by the Allen Trimbell, likewise crowded with excited passengers.

In Cleveland, at 8 o'clock, July 4th, a capacity load of passengers crowded aboard the Pioneer. It was lying in the basin of the flats at the foot of Superior Street, decked with flags, and carrying a cannon to fire salutes. This gay party now moved up the canal to meet the official party coming down.

Six miles up the canal, the Pioneer met the governor 5 party coming down. They exchanged cannon salutes and amid prolonged cheers proceeded down the valley to Cleveland.

They got off their boats and went up the bluff and across Superior Street to an arbor on the new Public Square. Here the Declaration of Independence was read, a prayer was offered, and an oration was delivered. Then the

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One wonders how many people from Northfield Township gathered on the banks of the Canal to witness the "State of Ohio" boat from Akron and the "Allen Trimble" boat from Boston as they passed through this township on their way to Cleveland. It would indeed have been a day to remember.

It is amusing to read some of the arguments against the early railroads: "the farmers would be ruined; horses would have to be killed, because wholly useless; therefore, there would be no market for oats or hay; hens would not lay on account of the noise; there would be constant fires from sparks of the engine, etc."

The days of the stagecoach began to seem more attractive as they receded into the past. Holmes writes thus of the former delights of stagecoach travel, forgetting the many discomforts.

Now we have a dirty railway car, heated almost to tinder by the sun; with close foul air, filled, if we try to have fresh air, with black smoke and cinders; clattering and noisy ever, with shrieking whistles and bells, it has but one redeeming quality-its speed; for thereby is our journey shortened.

There were many accidents on the early railroads. So many cattle were killed that the cow catcher became a necessary part of the engine. The engine itself looked like an old-fashioned sawmill on wheels. The tall, ornate smokestack poured out black smoke. The engineer stood on an open platform as the train sped along at the rate of 15 or 20 miles an hour. The passengers sat on hard seats, in coaches that looked like elongated stagecoaches.

In 1851, the Cleveland to Pittsburgh Railroad was completed between Cleveland and Hudson. In celebration of the event, a delegation from Cleveland was taken on an excursion over this portion of the railroad to visit the village of Hudson. The track was rough and the travel was slow. The train on the return trip jumped the rails and was delayed until late at night. Hudson had not been able to feed all its guests, and they arrived in Cleveland late at night, weary, famished, and less sure of the benefits of travel by railroad.

If you could step into the past, which of these rides would you choose; the horseback ride from Northfield to Newburg; the ride by stagecoach between Hudson and Bedford; the ride on the Ohio Canal celebrating its completion from Akron to Cleveland; or the excursion train ride between Cleveland and Hudson in honor of the opening of the C. & P. Railroad through this section of the country?

The Pioneer Stage Line going from Cleveland to Pittsburgh is of special interest to Northfield Township as it passed through this township on its way from Cleveland to Wellsville. It traveled along Valley View Road. It advertised in this flowery language:

That this advertisement was rather an overstatement of the delights of travel by the Pioneer Fast Stage Line, you may judge from the following account by Alexander Campbell of his journey by mail coach from Hudson to Cleveland in May, 1836.

We spent the whole night on the road from Hudson to Bedford, a distance of only 12 miles. Thus carrying the mail at the rapidity of 1 mile in three-quarters of an hour. We had only to walk some four or five miles through mud and swamps and to abandon the coach some six or seven times to prevent upsetting and the breaking of our bones during the night watch. We mercifully and sometimes barely escaped the disaster o being upset, and with no other detriment than fatigue and mud and water, completed our journey of 27 miles from Hudson to Cleveland in something less than a day.

This ride from Hudson to Bedford may have been through Twinsburg, rather than through Macedonia. Perrin's 1881 History of Summit County states that in 1825 a well-traveled stage route passed through Northfield Township and brought such prosperity that two Twinsburg citizens bought the stage property and had the stage changed to pass through Twinsburg Center. This transfer was made in 1838.

The history of Northfield is closely intertwined with the history of its churches. The story of the growth, changes and

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struggles of these churches during the 150 years is the story of the religious life of the community as well as that of the Northfield Presbyterian Church (United).During the early years, families of similar religious beliefs met in homes and log school houses. The Methodists were served by circuit riders; the Presbyterian-Congregational groups by ministers and students from Hudson; the Associate Presbyterians by ministers from the Pittsburgh area. In the early 1830's these groups began to organize and find permanent places of worship, since the population was increasing after the opening of the Ohio Canal in 1828. The Associate Presbyterian Church united nationally in1858 with the Associate Reformed Church and the Northfield church adopted the new denominational name, United Presbyterian. In 1834 a lot was purchased by the church from Hezekiah Palmer: for more than 125 years it was the site of a house of worship. The first building was used from 1837 to 1871, when a larger place of worship was needed. The building was sold and moved between Brandywine Road and old State Road and used as a cheese factory and warehouse. The second building burned one Sabbath morning in March of 1889. The third building, which was dedicated in the fall of 1890, was demolished for the erection of the Library in 1964.In the 1846 tax records the old building was appraised at $450; the Presbyterian at $800; and the Methodist at $400.

Ten ministers have served the United Presbyterian Church:

Joseph Banks, James W. Logue, who served 40 years, William Lawther, John Schrader, Alexander Smeallie, George Roseburg, L. L. Gray, J. J. Ross, H. G. Snodgrass and W. R. Robb.(to the time of the merger in 1956)

The family names among the early members were: Matthews, Nesbit, Lemmon, Coon (SamL), Leslie, Darling, Pope, Van Horn, Morrison, Alexander, Phillips, Richey, McConnell and others.

Rev. James W. Logue was a strong abolitionist. Under his leadership the Church came to be known as an abolitionist church.

A Bible School had its beginning about 1850, also a mis-

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sionary group known as the Female Mite Society was the forerunner of a later group called the Women's Missionary Society. The Women's Guild and various organized classes of the Bible School helped with furthering the work of the Kingdom. The church was responsible for starting Boy Scout Troop No.261 in Northfield, also the Camp Fire Girls movement originated through the efforts of the church.

According to Perrin's History of Summit County (1881), the Methodist Episcopal Church was organized on July 21, 1833, with the Cranmer and Bacon families as the nucleus of its membership. Their land was bought in 1 847 from the farm of Daniel S. Stanley on Brandywine Road. Its membership drew from Northfield, Macedonia and the surrounding territory.

The Presbyterian-Congregationalist group had met at intervals in the school house at Brandywine Falls. On November 9, 1833, they met in the "West Center School House," a log house (opposite the present new church site) on the northeast corner of the intersection of Route 82 and North Boyden Road. Land for a cemetery was deeded by Dorsey Viers adjoining this in 1834 and this was not sold until 1872.

Rev. Caleb Pitkin was sent by the Portage Presbytery to moderate this first meeting. The original compact is still in existence. When in 1837 the Congregationalists withdrew from "The Union Plan of 1801," the Presbyterian Church became a member of the Wooster Presbytery (Old School), and is now the third oldest church in the Cleveland Presbytery of sixty-nine churches.

AGE OF BUILDING

The obituary of Hannah Chapin, wife of Amzi Chapin Senior, trustee and an original elder, says the church building

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was erected in 1834. Another source of information in Perrin's (1881) History says: "A church was built by this denomination (Presbyterian) in 1834, which was used until about thirty years ago when the present one was built." That would be 1851.

Among the names of early elders and members were: AmziChapin, Senior and Junior; Gabriel Curtis, John Wilson, Robert McConnaughy, H. H. Palmer, Dwight Boyden, George Richey, Benjamin DeHaven, Malcolm Darrow; later, Dana

Sherrill, Harper Duncan, Samuel Brandt, Hiram Boyden, Samuel Gallie, Ossian Holbrook, Charles Peck, A. Stuart Means, Charles Viers, William H. H. Kuhn, Alexander Mackey, John C. Wallace, James McElry and others.

All the early records that are available are contained in "A Historical Sketch of the Presbyterian Congregation at North-

field, Ohio, in the Cleveland Presbytery: delivered as a discourse, by the direction of the General Assembly in 1 876 (the Centennial at Philadelphia), by Rev. William Hamilton, D.D., pastor at Northfield." A photostatic copy of these records from1834 to 1874 is on file with the Session.

In 1907, Mrs. Hannah Chapin Wilson, widow of John Wilson, willed her residence at 9511 Brandywine Road to the Presbyterian Church as a parsonage. Rev. John Hobert was the only minister to occupy it as a manse (1910-1911). Later it was rented and the money was used to keep it in repairs.

The membership was dwindling due to deaths and removals from the neighborhood, so on March 22, 1911, Dr. Charles

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Zorbaugh, of the Extension Committee of the Cleveland Presbytery, declared the pulpit vacant and considered the doors of the church closed. After a year of visiting around, a "faithful few" decided to carry on by hiring David R. Reese, the young assistant pastor of the Central Presbyterian Church of Akron to come by streetcar on Sunday afternoons for preaching services (1912-1913). Otherwise there would have been no Presbyterian congregation in Northfield today.

INTERIM

After the collapse of Dr. Zorbaugh's plan to have tile Presbyterian congregation absorbed by other neighboring churches, he and Dr. Luce, the District Superintendent of the Methodist Episcopal Church, proposed a union whereby the Northfield Methodists would join, as a unit, the Presbyterian Church. The Methodists failed to agree with this plan. Rev. John M. Keck, who was serving the M. E. congregations in both Macedonia and Northfield, proposed trial meetings with the idea of a Federation of the two bodies.

The Methodist Church had been contemporary with both of the other churches since their founding in 1831. The first trustees who bought the plot of ground for their church in 1847 from Daniel S. Stanley were: Abner Hunt, David C. Bacon, Lucien Bliss, Benijah Geer, Thomas Baum, Charles N. Johnson, Resolved Palmer, Benjamin Waite.

The church carried on with intermittent preaching services, Sunday School and Epworth League until the Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1891 in Macedonia by the members who lived in Macedonia. Then the same minister served both churches. The last of these was Rev. J. M. Keck (1909-1924). Later, there were periods when the Federated Church hired the minister whom Conference sent to Macedonia.

The family names which appear: Bliss, Munn, Burroughs, Seidel, Fell, Stanley, Truby, Williams, Kettlewell, Langford,

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Hunt, Rinear, Powell, Gilbert, Goosman, Murphy, Efau, Martin, Duncan, Brush, Van Tassell, Seymour, Wells, Holzhauer and others.

Thus the two small, rural churches carried on their separate work for about eighty years, through pioneer days, Civil War, the industrial revolution, population shifts, economic changes and fluctuations, until by 1914, the maintenance of small churches became recognized as a problem.

After a year of consideration and trial, Rev. Keck finally consummated the federation of the Northfield Presbyterian and Methodist Churches into the Northfield Federated Church on June is, 1915. The Articles of Federation were approved by the Cleveland Presbytery and the Ohio Methodist Conference by September. The Presbyterian building was used as the place of worship. Under the 1927 revised Articles 0£ Federation, the church operated until 1953, almost forty years-serving two generations.

Relationship had been maintained with the Cleveland Presbytery. The Methodist Conference had released all claims to the Methodist congregation when they closed the church and allowed the Trustees to sell their edifice in 1920. At the time of the sale to Frank B. and Viola (Meutzel) Swartz for $1500, the following were the trustees: Florian Seidel 0. T. Wells, William Holzhauer, George Bliss, John Goosman. The building was torn down and a residence was erected at 9503 Brandywine Road. The interest on the funds from this sale was used in the general maintenance fund of the Federated Church.

When the Presbyterian parsonage was sold to Dennis Hoyne in 1938 for about the same amount as the Methodists had, the two funds were pooled to finance the raising of the Presbyterian Church building and the installation of a complete basement during the pastorate of Rev. Alfred M. Burkhardt. Dedication exercises were September 9, 1940.

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After Rev. J. M. Keck' 5 retirement in 1924, several pastors of both denominations served varying lengths of time. The new Articles of Federation were drafted when Joseph Denham was pastor (1927-1930). The blueprint for a new basement was obtained by Rev. L. H. Richardson (1927-1930). Then came the Great Depression. Alfred M. Burkhardt was student-minister from 1932-1938; then regular pastor of Macedonia Methodist Church and the continuing pastor of the Federated Church until 1941. Under his guidance the above blueprints and the combined funds of the two denominations were used to build the basement. Then Alfred A. Wright served as Stated Supply from 1942-1948. Others served shorter times until John Morrow came in March of 1952. Under his care the Federated Church became the Northfield Park Presbyterian Church on May 17,1953.

While the chancel was being redecorated and re-modeled in 1954-1955, the United Presbyterian congregation, who had no minister, invited the Park Presbyterian congregation to hold church services in its building. Careful consideration was soon given to the possibility of an immediate merger in view of the imminent national one.

Finally, on June 10, 1956, after more than a century of existence just one block from each other, the United Presbyterian and the Park Presbyterian congregations voted to merge and become the Northfield Presbyterian Church (United). John Morrow resigned November 11, 1956. Rev. Lawrence Glassco, who had been associate Minister at the Church of the Covenant in Cleveland, was installed on November 11, 1956. For a time both church edifices were used. The United Presbyterian building served as a Christian Education building until it was replaced in 1960 by a new edifice at the southeast corner of S. Boyden Road and Route 82. The old Park Church building was moved to this location in 1963.

Since the merger the following ministers have served the Church: Lawrence Glassco, Thomas Carlyle Witter, and Walter J. Ungerer.

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The Church of the Nazarene of Macedonia was organized on January 17, 1960 with twelve charter members. Rev. J. L. McClung was the organizing Pastor.

The Church has an active Missionary Society (N.F.M.S.) and an active young peoples group.

The church building was erected at 9670 Valley View Road in 1965.

Ministers who have served the congregation include Rev. J. L. McClung (founder), Rev. Lonnie Baetz, and Rev. Ellsworth McCracken. The last named began his pastorate in August of 1971.

The first meeting to discuss the organizing of a Lutheran Church in the North Summit area was held on October 29, 1956, under the direction of Rev. Cyril M. Wismar, Pastor of the Lutheran Church of the Covenant, Maple Heights, Ohio.

A Steering Committee of ten persons with William L. Bragdon as Chairman, met on November 14, 1956 and voted to affiliate with the English District of the Missouri Synod. Permission was obtained to hold church services in the Northfield-Macedonia Junior High School in Macedonia.

Inasmuch as the first service was held on Epiphany Sunday, January 6, 1957, the name Epiphany Lutheran Church was adopted.

Vesper services were held until April 7, 1957 when arrangements were made to hold regular morning services with local pastors serving.

A seven-acre parcel of land on the northwest corner of new Route 8 and Valley View Road was purchased by the English District in June of 1957 and consecrated on October 6 of that year.

From October 6, 1957 through January 15, 1958 Dr. A. Wismar of Valparaiso University filled the pulpit. Services

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continued thereafter with supply pastors and vicars until October 5, 1958 when the first resident pastor, Rev. Daniel R. Ludwig, was installed.

Groundbreaking ceremonies for the church building were held on October 4, 1959, and on June 26, 1960 the cornerstone was laid. The dedication of the church was held on November 20, 1960. Pastor Ludwig retired in 1969. Rev. Wallace C. Oswold was installed on November 23, 1969 and preached his first sermon on Thanksgiving Day.

The Northfield Baptist Church was formed on April 6,1954 by a merger of two independent Baptist Churches.

The first of these, the Village Baptist Church began shortly after World War II under the leadership of Calvin Ferrell who conducted weekly prayer meetings in the homes of relatives and friends. Eventually a church building was started on Eighth Avenue.

After Calvin Ferrell was ordained, the Church was formally organized and constituted as an independent Baptist church on April 29, 1951 with thirty-two charter members. Pastor Ferrell served until 1953. Rev. Lynn Rogers was called as Pastor on September I, 1953.

Meanwhile, late in 1949 the Northfield Center Baptist Church was organized through the efforts of Rev. Harry Hemminger and Mr. C. W. Walters, who were not at the time aware of the paraflel efforts of Calvin Ferrell. This group also held cottage prayer meetings as well as Sunday services, and in 1951 formally organized their own church.

When it became apparent that the Center Church would need a building, and no suitable property was available, negotiations were undertaken for a merger of the two churches.

On July 1, 1954 all services were formally united with Rev. Lynn Rogers as Pastor and Rev. Harry Hemminger as Pastor Emeritus. The new congregation voted to be in fellowship with the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches.

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During the next two years attendance doubled and it became necessary to hold services as of January 1956 at the Lee Eaton Primary School.

On January 16, 1957 the congregation voted to purchase a three-acre site at the northwest corner of Boyden Road and Route 82 owned by Mr. Paul Reusch. Since this site was outside the village, it became necessary to change the name of the Church. On October 1957, the congregation voted to change the name from Village Baptist Church to Northfield Baptist Church.

A groundbreaking service was conducted on Sunday, October 13, 1957. A $50,000 bond issue helped finance the new building.

A second Sunday School unit was erected in 1963. An additional unit for youth use was added in 1971.

In 1923 the Northfield United Presbyterian Church under the leadership of Pastor John J. Ross began mission work in Northfield Village. Worship services were held in a barn until with the aid of the American Board of Missions and local voluntary labor, a building was provided.

For many years preaching services were maintained by ministers of the Northfield United Presbyterian Church In 1955 the Presbytery placed the Mission under the care of the Goodyear Heights United Presbyterian Church of Akron. By its generous aid many improvements were made in the church building.

From 1956 to 1960 Thomas Wilson, a member of the Akron Church, served the Mission as lay preacher. In the years that followed the Mission was supplied by Seminary students from Pittsburgh and by ministers or lay persons from the Akron-Cleveland area. Through all the years a Sunday School was maintained.

In 1965 the congregation became an independent church. Rev. Herbert Stoneking has been Pastor since 1966.

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Archbishop Hoban purchased property in Northfield Center in 1952. On June 11, 1956, the new parish of St. Barnabas was canonically erected. Father Bernard DeCrane was appointed the first pastor.

After a thorough study of the area, it was decided to erect a temporary church with a seating capacity of 600. This was to be built so that it could be converted into six classrooms when the large permanent church was needed.

An eight-classroom school was to be ready by September 1957. To provide for expansion it was decided to erect the one-story building with stair wells and a foundation capable of adding another story. An additional story was added later.

The 19 acres of church property are a part of the 158 acres secured in 1824 as a King James grant by Daniel Stanley. Historical records show that the first thing erected on this property was a log cabin which contained a chimney made of stone found on the land. The first religious services held in this area were held in this log cabin by a circuit preacher.

The Northfield-Macedonia School Board permitted use of the Northfield High School Auditorium (now the Junior High on Leonard Road) for services, until the basement church was ready.

St. Barnabas Parish has a membership of over 1400 families, despite the fact that three other parishes have been formed from the original geographical territory. The Parish Council, formed in 1970, has commissions which cover every aspect of parish and community life.

The grade school has grown to an enrollment of 700 with seven religious and fifteen lay teachers on the faculty. An equal number of students attending public school receive religious education once a week through the services of a volunteer staff of over fifty parishioners. The three priests at St. Barnabas are: Rev. Bernard P. DeCrane, the pastor; and associates Rev. Gerald J. Keller and Rev. John W. Hannon.

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Saint Timothy's Church was started in the fall of 1965 as a parochial mission of Christ Church, Hudson, 0. The first service was held on November 1 at the Northfield Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Edward Perkinson, assistant of Christ Church, served as Vicar of the Mission.

In 1966 the Diocese of Ohio purchased a new house at i68 Hiram College Drive which served as a residence for the Vicar and a temporary home for the Mission. Services were held there starting November 13, 1966.

On March 3, 1968 a regular schedule of Sunday services was started at the Northfield Center Town Hall. Soon after, the name "Saint Timothy's" was adopted. Legend says that Saint Timothy first carried the gospel of Christ to ancient Macedonia.

On November 1, 1968 the affiliation with Hudson ended and the congregation became an independent "recognized mission" of the Diocese of Ohio.

On January 1, 1969 the Rev. Leon Richey, assistant at Christ Church, Shaker Heights, became Vicar of Saint Timothy's Church and later that year moved to the vicarage.

Property on North Melody Lane, which was purchased by the Diocese in 1963, will eventually be the site of a church building. In 1970 part of the land was cleared as the first step toward the development of a neighborhood playground.

In 1831, Amzi Chapin, Sr., came to Northfield from West Moreland County, Pennsylvania, settling somewhere in the neighborhood of the Hawthornden Farm. Of Welsh descent, he was a most remarkable man. Religious and conscientious, a fine cabinet maker and a talented musician, he taught singing in schools organized in a number of states in the late 1790's and early i8oo's. He specialized in church music. A prized book of anthems, painstakingly copied by Mr. Chapin with a quill pen, the notes perfectly formed and the verses beauti-

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fully written, is among the Sherrill collection. It is thought to have been copied in the 1790's.

Mr. Chapin's diary, covering the period of 1790 to 1835, contains an account of his travels from Hartford, Connecticut as far south as North Carolina and over into Kentucky during his teaching career. Most of the time he rode horseback, although one trip to Kentucky was made by river.

The first mention of his work as a cabinet maker, according to his diary, appears in the year 1796, while he was in Kentucky. From that period on, he made innumerable pieces of furniture-from massive secretary desks to candle stands. He also writes of making "bass violins that he sold for $20." On his travels he carried with him his own violin and a number of singing books.

The first winter after his arrival in Northfield, he formed temperance society, which grew to an active membership of 200. In the autumn of 1832, he wrote proposals to form a Congregational Church and the church was organized the next year. His diary contains the note "September 8, 1834, lent the Committee appointed for building our meeting house.

Allen A. Sherrill, a life-time resident of Northfield was a descendant of Amzi Chapin, Sr. His home on Brandywine Road, originally built by his grandfather, Amzi Chapin, was a veritable storehouse of Americana.

Leading directly west from Northfield Center is Pine Hill. It leads to the canal. This fact was the inducement for some families to build along the roadsides of this very steep hill.

Land on the left side descending the hill was cleaned and leveled off for building several homes. The people who chose to live there were concerned with work carried on in the valley at Lock Seventeen on the Ohio Canal. There must be lock managers, and Hank Boyles was the chief lock tender, while Charlie Lewis was his assistant.

The Valley Railroad ran through the valley from Cleveland

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on Brecksville right-of-way, and stopped at Brecksville station. This required station men to operate, David Coburn was the section boss.

Right near the Valley Depot, later called the B. & C. depot, Henry Miller kept a general store, and on the second floor he served with a hotel.

A man by the name of Seltz stored dynamite and powder in the hills close by, in buildings for that purpose. The community was fearful of explosives. It was taken to its destination on canal boats.

A family of Browns lived near the station, whose mother kept the Brecksville Post Office. All these families received their mail at this point.

All communities must have enjoyment. Dancing was a favorite recreation for young and old. Charlie Lewis, I've been told by many, was the greatest violinist around, and he, his son, and his daughter made music for the dances.

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This article written in 1958 concerns a famous building which is no longer standing. The location was on the south side of Route 82 just west of Brandywine Road.

With the recent purchase of an old Northfield Center land-mark, "Half Way House," by George Taylor Bishop, a build1ng erected 103 years ago by Orrin Azro Bishop has passed into the hands of his grandson. Sentiment played a large part in the acquisition of this property, just as it did in 1936 when Mr. Bishop bought the McConnell Farm, cornering on the Village Common nearby the former home of his grandmother's brother, George Lillie.

For a more than a century Bishops have held continuous residence in what was originally Northfield Township. Deeply interested in the welfare of this community, George Taylor Bishop "likes this spot better than any other place in the world" and Mrs. Bishop shares with him the liking for Northfield and its vicinity, and old family landmarks in which he is so much interested. They have established their home in the old Lillie farmhouse, enlarged and modernized, near which George Lillie built his first home, a log cabin, in 1833.

Back in 1835 Orrin Azro Bishop, grandfather of the present owner of Washington Inn, came to the conclusion that it would be profitable to build an inn at Northfield, midway between Cleveland and Akron, believing it would become very popular with the travelers who, by ox team or on horseback, had to make the two-day trip from one city to the other. He had arrived in Northfield in the spring of 1833 from Richmond, Vermont, with his brother-in-law, George Lillie, after an extremely hazardous journey thru the wilderness. He erected a log cabin a short distance south of what is now Route 82 on the west side of Boyden Road, his brother-in-law settling on Brandywine Road close to the Village Common. In August their wives arrived, having made the journey from Burlington to Buffalo mainly by canal boat, on to

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Cleveland by lake schooner, and from Cleveland to Boston in the Cuyahoga Valley by canal boat. On September I 2, Clark Benjamin Bishop, George Taylor Bishop's father was born.

Perhaps the hotel business seemed glamorous to Orrin Bishop. His father, Benjamin Bishop, owned hotels in Burlington and Montpelier, Vermont, and the stage line connecting the two towns. The young man's grandfather, too, had been in the hotel business. When that valiant friend of the young struggling United States, LaFayette, visited America in 1825, Benjamin Bishop provided a coach and 6 cream white horses, with outriders, and drove the famous Frenchman from Montpelier to Burlington.

Young Bishop erected the inn at Northfield and for a period 10 years it was the "center of social activity, its parties graced by the presence of all the pretty girls and their beaux from Northfield and its villages, while the elders sipped whiskey toddies and rum and molasses and discussed the politics of the time and the success of the hunters and trappers."

But the Ohio Canal was in operation and packet boats were soon plying back and forth between Cleveland and Akron. Trips by canal became so popular that there was a marked decrease of patronage at Half Way House. On the death of Orrin Bishop, October 20, 1845, resulting from the premature discharge of a cannon on a "certain Training Day," the inn was closed, never to be opened as a public place. The property later passed into the hands of Dr. Hosea Bliss, whose wife was Huldah Lillie, a sister of Orrin Bishop's wife, Celina Lillie. The sisters were direct descendants of John and Priscilla Alden of the Puritan Colony at Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Dr. Bliss was one of the early graduates of Yale University to come into the forest of the great Western Reserve, and for many years he was the leading pioneer physician and surgeon of the region around Northfield. The good doctor and his wife had three sons, all of whom remained bachelors, living in the inn until one after the other passed away. Benjamin Frankin Bliss, the last survivor, died in 1916. He, more than the other past residents, was responsible for the beautiful trees

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which now stand so majestically on the Common. Most of them were planted by his own hands.

The old inn lived through the period made famous by what is probably the most "organized" sleigh ride known to history-the great event in which Medina, Summit, and Cuyahoga Counties participated. The contest was held on Saturday, March 15, 1856, and only 4 and 6 horse teams counted. As the great cross-country ride progressed the personnel increased accordingly until at the final counting Medina had 140 teams, Cuyahoga 151, and Summit 171. Northfield was one of the points visited and Mr. Bishop likes to think that the old inn may have been one of the places at which members may have stopped for refreshments, altho there is no record that this was the case. At any rate, the huge cavalcade passed by the building. While Summit won the banner for having the greatest array of teams, her triumph was of short duration for Medina invaded the city of Akron three days later with 182 four and six horse teams and proudly bore the coveted banner home.

Mr. Bishop completed the restoration of the Old Inn, which rapidly was falling into disrepair. It became the home of the former White Printing Company and the Northfield News. To perpetuate in some small measure the name of the historical old place the owners of White Printing Company have changed the name of the concern to the Washington Inn Printing and Publishing Company.

In the restoration of the Inn, Mr. Bishop has also made it possible that Mr. and Mrs. Higgins and their two daughters, the present owners of the printing company of the North-field News to have a most attractive residence in the old colonial building. Most of the main floor of the Inn is given over to the printing establishment. However, a kitchen and dining room are also located on the main floor, with the rest of the living quarters on the second floor. The house has been decorated by Mr. Bishop in keeping with the period with which it was first identified. Much of the original woodwork and doors still remain.

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The random width floors, the original old mantel, a stair rail delightful in its very simplicity, give an old time atmosphere to the house, which is almost impossible to reproduce with modern materials, no matter how faithful the copies.

A tragic affair occurred in Northfield on the 24th of July, 1837. On the night of that date some person, or persons, entered the home of Robert McKisson, a respected citizen of the township, and with an ax struck Mrs. McKisson as she lay on the bed, splitting or rather hewing the right of her head nearly away, and leaving the brain exposed or scattered on the bedding.

Lucinda Croninger, Mrs. NicKisson's daughter by a former marriage, lying on an adjoining bed, hearing the confusion, raised up and screamed but was instantly knocked down, senseless, with an ax. An alarm was given by some member of the family and the murderer made off. The neighbors collected, and obtained from Mrs. McKisson, who died a few hours later, the statement that the murder had been committed by her father-in-law, Samuel McKisson. This was the dying declaration of the woman, and the testimony of the daughter at the trial.

Samuel McKisson was arrested that night in his own house. Suspicion was at once attached to David McKisson, a brother-in-law of the murdered woman. He had been paying addresses to the daughter, but had been refused admission to the house by the mother. He had been lurking around for several days, during which time he had obtained several interviews with Miss Croninger, in one of which they had exchanged rings. A few minutes after the murder, a person was heard running past a house toward the canal from the direction of the McKisson cabin. The next morning, at daylight, he was seen on the canal, about three miles from the place, getting a passage to Cleveland.

A few days later he was arrested on the Government

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works, at the mouth of Maumee Bay, with blood still on his shirt sleeves. The father and son were indicted for murder by the Grand Jury in September, 1837, and soon afterward tried. The father was acquitted, but the son was convicted of murder in the first degree, and on the 9th of February, 1838, was executed at Ravenna.

An Englishman named Rupert Charlesworth, who was boarding with Dorsey Viers in 1826, suddenly and mysteriously disappeared. He was traced to the cabin of Viers on the night of July 23rd, but the following morning, when a constable went there to arrest him, he was gone and no trace could be found. On the arrival of the constable, Mrs. Viers was mopping the floor. Questions were asked but Mr. Viers told contradicting stories as to the disappearance of the man, alleging in one instance that he jumped out of the window and ran off, and in another, that he left when Viers was asleep. He alleged he knew nothing of his whereabouts.

A few days later someone announced having heard the report of a rifle at Viers cabin the night of the man's disappearance, and having seen blood on a pair of bars which led from the cabin to the woods.

Years rolled on; excitement grew stronger. Finally on January 8, 1831 complaint was entered before George Y. Wallace, Justice of the Peace, that Viers had murdered Charles-worth. Viers was arrested and an eight day trial followed. Not only were the above circumstances proved but a hired girl, who was working for Viers at the time of the disappear ance, swore that a bed blanket, used by Charlesworth, was missing from the cabin on the day of his departure, and that it was found under a haystack with large black spots on it resembling dried blood. It was proved that Charlesworth had a large amount of money and that Viers was, prior to his disappearance, comparatively poor, but was soon afterward flushed with money. To add to the chain of circumstantial evidence, a human skeleton had been found concealed under a log in the woods, beyond the bars already mentioned.

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About this time, two men from Sandusky unexpectedly appeared and swore they had seen Charlesworth alive and well after the time of the supposed murder, though he was using an assumed name.

On this testimony Viers was acquitted but this did not change public sentiment as to his guilt. It was generally believed that the witnesses had been induced to perjure themselves. Viers, however, did not let the matter rest and he started a search for the missing man in all parts of the Union. After a number of years he went into a tavern in Detroit. In the presence of a number of men he asked if anyone knew a man named Charlesworth. No one did, but as he was about to leave, a man came up to him and inquired if his name was Viers from Northfield. When told he was that man, the stranger said "I am Rupert Charlesworth, but here I have an assumed name." Charlesworth was informed of all the facts since his disappearance and he volunteered to go back to Northfield and have the matter cleared.

A meeting of the township was called and after a thorough investigation and with but one dissenting vote, it was alleged that the man was Rupert Charlesworth. He had passed a counterfeit ten dollar bill to Deacon Hudson, and fearing arrest had fled to Viers' cabin. Soon thereafter he went to England for two years and then returned to the United States under an assumed name, going to Michigan where his real name, residence, and history were unknown. The name of the Viers family was cleared of infamy and shame. (From Perrin's History of Summit County 1881-not verbatim)

The above was copied from Perrin's History of 1881. Younger men joined the band as replacements but George remained the leader and the band was known as the Bliss Band.The newer members were Lawrence Bliss, son of George, William Hague, Lu Dalrymple, Henry Harrington, Harvey Burroughs, Fred Jenkins, Albert Holbrook, Villy Vincent, Otto Bull, Nelson Brown, John McConnell and Clifford L. Oviatt.

The Bliss Band, in their bright green uniforms played for many occasions in Northfield and neighboring communities.

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They played on three consecutive days in Brecksville Home-coming Celebration. Their evening concert enticed many people to gather on the village green to listen and enjoy tIre music.

On September 14, 1907 they played for the Northfield Township's 100th Anniversary observance.

On Saturday evening, September 6th, 1913 they gave a free open air concert at Macedonia-the last occasion of which we have a record of their history. The exact date when they ceased to exist as a unit is unknown, but with their passing went an era never to be recaptured.

There are no records to tell when the bandstand was built. The first location was on the northeast corner of Northfield Center Square. Later it was moved to the southwest corner, across the park to stand nearer to the Town Hall. It was finally ruled unsafe and the township trustees ordered its removal.

This was organized in Northfield in the winter of 1878, by six members; M. A. Van Horn, Dr. R. S. Hubbard, Lorin Bliss, C. M. Seidel, J. C. Alexander, Joe Harter, and B. A. Robinette. First officers were: \Tr. VanHorn, president; Mr. Alexander, secretary; Dr. Hubbard, corresponding secretary; Mr. Seidel, treasurer. This group hired their own lecturers, and finance them. Jt proved a success and was soon selfsustaining.

In the early 1900's the Methodist Church of Macedonia sponsored a Lecture Course which was a desirable, uplifting event. Persons bought a season ticket, and anxiously looked forward to each coming event. Outstanding events were the coming shows of the two blind Hoftman Brothers. When they came, some member who lived near the church and had a piano, mustered help and maneuvered it to the church, because these noted blind men really put on a wonderful entertainment.

We had an unusually long and good season of snow in the winter of 1856. Sleigh rides were the fun of the hour. There were many local sleigh parties and neighborly rivalry was stimulated, which led to a series of contests among neighboring townships.

A flag was rudely decorated in color which soon became a prize possession.

Solon had the flag first, then Twinsburg won it. The victory required sixteen four-horse teams of Twinsburg.

The flag was successfully won by Bedford, Brecksville, Royalton, Boston, Independence, Hudson, and finally Richfield with 23 four-horse teams.

At last a final tri-county contest was held on March 15, 1856 and Summit County won with 162 four- and six-horse teams.

A few days later, Medina County sent 182 sleighs of similarly equipped teams to Akron. They took the flag with them back to Medina, through a sea of mud.

Summit Hunt was founded in June, 1926, by Mr. Cyrus Eaton. Mr. Eaton procured from England and presented to the Club one of the best packs of hounds ever gathered in the United States, according to his report. In addition, hounds of Welsh descent were occasionally drafted from outstanding American packs at Chagrin Valley and Rolling Rock, at an average of 44 couples.

The Hunt sponsored each year a "Farmer's Day" at which a fine dinner was served and various games with appropriate prizes were enjoyed.

Mr. Eaton was the Hunt's Master of Foxhounds until, due to his many business activities, he was obliged to relinquish his position. In February, 1938, Col. William Frew Long was elected M.F.H. and continued as Master until February, 1950, when he was joined by Mr. Cyrus S. Eaton, Jr., as Joint Master.

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The Hunt Club's membership was composed almost entirely of owners of farms in Northfield Township.

During the years of 1926-1942, the loss of so many officers and members to the armed forces ended the Club's activities. The fleeing fox and pack of English hounds, followed by the scarlet-coated Master, Officers and Huntsmen, and the black costumed, silk-hatted Field, was a common and attractive sight about six months of each year.

Mr. Andrew Martin was one of the outstanding Huntsmen of the country. He was the last Huntsman of the Hunt, serving from 1936 to 1943.

In addition to these organizations, there have been scores of other clubs and organizations which have enriched the life of this community. Many continue to the present time. These include civic and veterans organizations, social clubs, hobby groups, parent-teacher organizations, school booster groups, Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troops, Cub Packs, lodges, skill clubs, betterment organizations, political groups, garden clubs, etc.

This corporation was formed as non-profit, having social and educational purposes.

The first meeting of the Nordonia Club was held at the home of Mrs. Edith S. Carothers on October 3, 1926, who had come as a new resident to the community. A second meeting was held at the home of Mrs. William Lockhart and officers were elected. Mrs. Carothers was the first president. In the beginning, the purpose was sociability and the group met at members' homes.

In 1931 Mr. William Lockhart offered to give the lot opposite the Northfield-Macedonia High School (now the Junior High) on Leonard Avenue to the Club; provided, that within five years the Nordonia Club would erect a building-one room of which would always be maintained as a library. In order to accept this gift, the Nordonia Club was incorporated

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on April 19, 1932 as a "corporation not for profit" having social and educational purposes. Nothing was done about a building within the five year limit.

The seed of the library had been planted. In 1934 the people of the community were asked to donate books to help start the project. Libraries were established in both the High School on Leonard and the Junior High School in Macedonia on Route 631. The work of the libraries had been carried through the years by a relatively few faithful members; however, the entire Club had the responsibility of raising the necessary funds.

Mrs. Ray Farr assisted in the early years at the Northfield High School library and in 1937-1938, the year of her Nordonia Club presidency, Mrs Charles M. Fenton assumed charge of that library and served in that capacity until February, 1955. It was on February 3 that the Nordonia Club gave the jurisdiction of the library to the High School, with approximately 3,000 volumes.

The Nordonia Club continued its library at the Junior High School in Macedonia until February, 1960. Approximately 2,000 books were distributed where they were most needed.

As a new project in November1954, the members of the Nordonia Club voted to give $200.00 for the Nordoma Club Scholarship, to be awarded to a1955 Northfield-Macedonia High School graduate, chosen by the Superintendent. High School Principal and Faculty. The scholarship has become an annual award and funds for this purpose are raised annually by the Club members in various ways.

Education and service to the community are the continued aims of the Nordonia Club.

The Northfield Center Fire Department was organized in 1928, and known as the Northfield Village Fire Department. William J. Burns was mayor at that time and working with

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six councilmen, purchased a truck and built the station attached to the Town Hall. Henry Smith was the department's first chief. At that time the department served the people of Saga-more Hills, Northfield Center and Northfield Village.

The original equipment consisted of one Reo-Boyer 500 GPM pumper which carried 30-gallon soda and acid tanks, 1000 feet of 2/2" hose, 200 feet of 3/4" booster hose, along with miscellaneous fire tools and extinguishers.

In 1935, the department was reorganized, and at the present time is known as the Northfield Center Township Fire Department. Five years after the reorganization a used International truck was added. This truck was slow and carried no fire pump. The department operated with the two pieces until 1948, when the Township Trustees purchased a new Dodge HD chassis and front mount fire pump. The volunteer men on the department built this into a practical fire fighting unit. The money needed to equip this truck was raised by the members of the fire department who operated community carnivals.

With the three trucks, the need for larger quarters arose, so in 1952, a levy and bond issue was submitted to the voters. These issues were passed. In April, 1955, ground was broken to start building the station, and in January, 1956, the equipment was moved into the new quarters. The department then operated four pieces of equipment consisting of Reo Pumper, Dodge Tanker, equipped with front mount pump, Willys four-wheel drive pick-up truck for field fires and a Plymouth Emergency car radio-equipped. The township trustees later purchased a 1600 Gallon Tanker to supply water at the scene of the fire, and two pumpers, one a Pirsch, the other a Ford.

These are the Chiefs to date: William Weinman, Harry Eddy, Stanley Plevny, B. Smith, Charles Grimminger, and Edward Chamlis.

The station is on Route 82 just west of Olde Route Eight.

Ths auxiliary was organized by Marie Weinman in 1946 at her home, at which time she was elected to be the first president of the organization.

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Charter members were: Marie Weinman, Lulu McConnell, Gertrude Johnson, Eva Rivers, Edith McCray, Caroline Glosh, Rose Craft, Isabel Feller, Dorothy Glanzer, Doris Sielaft. Among those who joined later were: Evelyn Derzinski, Esther Early, Irene Seidel, Ethel Grimminger, E. Beegan, Harriet Baldwin, and Eleanor Chamblis.

This fire department was organized in 1932 with the help of the Mayor, Max Klein and William Gallagher, Senior, who became the Chief. There were fifteen men in this department.

At first the station was in a garage at the rear of Kamolovic's store. The chiefs who served and tried ever to improve it were: William Gallagher, Howard Brown, Fred Sylvanus, Donald Huntington, William Boswell, Bill Ozmun, Mike. Slovensky, Olan South, Homer Hanks, Leonard Wisniewski, and Carl Newman.

In 1951 the department was reorganized with William Gallagher leader. The department was then increased to twenty one. In '953, the village was saddened by the death of William Gallagher. During this same year, the present modern fire department was completed, and in 1954, was dedicated in William Gallagher's name.

The "Ice Farm" was located at the site of the present Northfield Shopping Plaza and apartments. It was owned and operated by the City Ice and Fuel Company of Cleveland.

The grain, hay, and straw required to care for the fleet of horses used on the ice and fuel wagons were raised and stored on this large farm.

The horses were rotated. Some would be on pasture in the summer time for a rest from traveling the hard pavements

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on their various routes. Other horses would be taken into the city for their turn on the wagons.

For many years the farm was managed by a Mr. Belmore who had six helpers. They raised many tons of hay and grain.

The threshers and balers had a steady job when they went to the lce Farm.

With the advancement of motorized trucks, the horses and their drivers and helpers were gradually put out of work.

For some years the farm lay idle, but in 1960 the property was purchased by a promoter who developed the present Shopping Plaza.

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In 1931 a dog race track was built in the northern part of Northfield Village, half in Cuyahoga County and half in Summit County. It was known as the County Line Kennel Club Dog Track.

At that time dog racing was illegal in the State of Ohio. The officials of both counties were present soon after the track opened to observe the proceedings. They witnessed the parties in charge paying oft those holding winning tickets.

The members of the Northfield Village Council also had been present to watch procedures. They were called to Akron to appear before the Grand Jury on possible bribery charges, because of the illegal betting at the track.

The Council members explained to the Jury that they had been approached by the track officials. They had told these officials that they did not object to their racing provided they paid the Village twenty-five cents for each person paying an entrance fee.

The Village had received no money though attendance each night was quite large. Upon finding nothing illegal, the Grand Jury released the Council members. Soon afterwards the officials closed the track for dog racing.

In the years that followed, the track was used for horse shows, rodeos, and midget car racing. It stood idle during the war years. Stock car racing began about 1948 and continued through 1955. At this time it was known as Sportsmans Park.

In 1957 the old structure was torn down and a grandstand moved from the east coast was reassembled to make the present stand. More land was purchased for parking facilities and the park was renamed Northfield Park.

Harness racing began in 1959. For the first few years the Park was open only for the Northfield "Meet."

When the Bambridge grandstand burned, that race meet known as Grandview was transferred to Northfield. When the Painesville track closed, its meet was also transferred to Northfield Park. Now Northfield Park is open with harness racing from early April to late October of each year.

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There seems to be some disagreement as to when the first burial in the present Northfield-Macedonia Cemetery took place and who it was. There are no records available. We find that the marker with the oldest date to be that of Abram Cranmer (9-8-1812). This was 35 years before the land was deeded for cemetery use. The record of transfer of deeds, Summit County, volume 13, page 75, year 1847, shows that 1.5 acres were acquired for cemetery purpose on August 28, 1847, from William and June Lemmon. The Township Trustees at the time were David Bacon, Charles H. Johnson, and Elyah Stores. George Lille was J.P. The 1.5 acres were located in Northfield Township, Number 5, in the eleventh range of Township in the Connecticut Western Reserve, in the

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State of Ohio, which is also in the County of Summit and is known as being a part of Lot Number 44. This spot or place was selected because it was high and dry. It was given the name of Chestnut Hill Cemetery. It was known by this name until some time between July, 1918 and April, 1919, when the name was changed to its present name of Northfield-Macedonia Cemetery.

In 1847, there were many other burial places in the Township. There was a cemetery at Brandywine, and according to local residents, the bodies were moved from there to North-field-Macedonia Cemetery in the latter part of the 1890's or early part of 1900. There were cemeteries at Little York as well as private plots on different farms. There were burial grounds on the Methodist Church land and also on the land now owned by the Presbyterian Church at Boyden Road and Route 82. This was abandoned and the bodies were moved to the Northfield-Macedonia Cemetery because of the swampy condition of the land.

On April 24, 1862, another piece of land (.38 acre) was added to the cemetery from William M. and Ellen J. Lemmon. The Township Trustees at that time were: David C. Bacon, Parmenio Walcott, William Nesbit, and Sumner Nash, with Henry Palmer, J.P. (Note: John Freeman made his mark before Henry H. Palmer and Betsy Lyons.)

William Lemmon in the year 1881 sold to the Northfield Trustees-(M. Ranney, A. K. Richey, and G. L. Bishop)-.067 acre. The J.P. was William L. Palmer. In the same year, Betsy and James Lyons sold to the same trustees .048 acre of and Harriet N., Charles L., Warner K., and Florence Wallace in 1882 sold to the Northfield Township Trustees .191 acre or 3056/100 square rods in lot 54 which is next to lot 44.

The first record we have of a Sexton to care for the Cemetery was in 1842 when H. T. Gilbert was hired by the Northfield Township Trustees for the sum of $25 a year to care for the hearse, harness, vault, and for tolling the church bell. Let us pause here to state that the vault referred to here was located in the bank along the north part of the original

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Cemetery, and all that is left of it is the outline of the foundation. No records can be found to show when this vault was built or when it was taken down.

In the year 1892, the Township Trustees ordered that the question of procuring more land for the Cemetery be submitted to a vote of the electors of the Township at the annual election to be held on the 3rd day of April, 1893. The results of this election were 533 voting yes, 14 voting No. Total number of electors were 154. On April 7, 1893, a levy of $1,500 for Cemetery purpose was levied. Three acres of land was purchased from Andrew Graham in 1894, and $549.58 was spent to grade the addition.

On May 9, I 896, it was resolved by the Township Trustees that a well be drilled and a pump be purchased for it. This resolution was carried out. At this time, L. Holzhauer was appointed to hire men to clear the weeds from the Cemetery.

In 1896, a deed book was purchased and from this book is found the first records of cemetery lots.

In 1897, Elmer Truby was hired to toll the bell for each death for the sum of 50 cents. H. T. Gilbert was engaged to care for the hearse, vault, and to see to the selling of lots. Lie was appointed Sexton for the Cemetery. He was to dig all graves at $3 per grave, make his own collections, clear all dirt and rubbish, and remove same for the sum of $25 per year, plus the $3 per grave. A tool house, 10 x 12, was built during this same year. This building was taken down in 1962. A new concrete service building was erected in its place and room was provided for the present parking lot.

Bids were received and a contract was awarded to W. B. Thompson of Macedonia in 1898 to build a receiving vault according to plans and specifications drawn by architects, Lehman and Schmitt. This contract was in the amount of $1400 (the lowest bid). A committee was appointed consisting of H. H. Sage, A. J. Spafford, and M. W. Stanley to oversee the construction of this building. This building was built of Northfield stone and is still standing. It was remodeled into an office and meeting room for the Cemetery Trustees in 1959.

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In 1898, it was decided to clear the rubbish and have a board fence built "beginning at the end of the board and wire on the east side of the Cemetery, thence running North to corner stone, thence west to stone, thence southwest to stone at north line of the old Cemetery grounds."

The Township Trustees appropriated $50 to the Ladies' Cemetery Association to be used to purchase a windmill and equipment for a well.

On August 27, 1906, bids were accepted and a contract awarded to H. A. Dempsey for drilling a well at the Cemetery at a price of $1.25 per foot and furnishing 5 5/8" pipe. The well was drilled to a depth of 120 feet and finished September 24, 1906. Water was laid throughout the Cemetery in 1907.

The hearse house was moved in 1908 from its site in the village to the Cemetery. The hearse was disposed of in 1924 by order of the Township Trustees.

The first record of a Cemetery Board of Trustees elected by the officials of the townships and villages is in the minutes of a meeting called to order on January IS, 1908, with Charles W. Fell, president; L. M. Dalrymple, secretary; and H. E. Chamberlain, treasurer.

In 1910, land was again purchased to add to the Cemetery. At this time '.37 acre was bought from James Lyon.

In 1918, 8.156 acre was acquired from Martha Graham bringing the Cemetery to its present size of 14 3/4 acre.

The road was put in from the Northeast corner of the Cemetery to connect with the drive back of the present office in 1914.

Mr. and Mrs. George T. Bishop presented to the Cemetery Trustees in 1919 a plan for improving the Cemetery. This plan was accepted by the Trustees who raised a fund of money and labor in the amount of $3,000, which was matched by Mr. and Mrs. Bishop. The improvements were made. The Bishops also paid for half of the iron fence which now encloses the Cemetery on two sides. The large iron gate with the stone posts at the corner of Route 631 and County Highway 16,

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and which is the front gate, was given by Mrs. Bishop. It is a replica of one of the gates at Arlington National Cemetery.

Barberry hedges were planted in trenches on both sides of the drive from Route 63 1 to the office, but were removed in 1928. In 1928, the Ladies' Cemetery Association erected a tablet in memory of the soldiers of the War of 1812, which can he seen today just east of the office at a point of a triangular memorial bed between the two driveways.

The grade on Route 631 was changed in 1947, doing away with the west drive and moving the fence and front gate to their present locations.

A resolution in 1953 was passed by the Cemetery Board that all future burials in the Northfield-Macedonia Cemetery had to be made in a Concrete box or vault.

A tornado hit the Cemetery in 1956 and uprooted several large trees and toppled several tall monuments. It took several weeks to clear away the debris and right the monuments. Some of the scars show to this day.

Electric service was run into the Cemetery under ground along the drive from Route 631 to the office. This replaced older lines and service. This was done in 1959 and, at the same time, the vault was remodeled into a modern office and meeting room for the trustees.

On September 3, 1960, a contract was entered into with Weldo Product Company to repair 840 feet or 105 sections of the iron fence along County Highway 16. This fence was taken down and all new rails, top and bottom, were put in before being put back in place.

Robert Karle Construction Company was given the contract on July 29, 1961, to build a service building of concrete block for the sum of $4200.

The oldest rules and regulations for Chestnut Hill Cemetery were printed by M. R. Brown of Macedonia and adopted by the Northfield Township Trustees on June 5, 1897. Some of the highlights of this booklet were as follows

"The price of lots shall be $10 for a double lot, and $5 for a single lot to residents of the Township, and double that price to non-residents. All graves shall not be less than five

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feet deep. The Trustees desiring to discourage "Sunday funerals," as much as possible, will not permit the removal of bodies from the receiving vault for internment on Sunday, unless for good and sufficient reasons. No rapid driving will be allowed and vehicles must be kept strictly within limits of the driveway. Drivers of carriages at funerals will be required to remain quietly with their teams during the ceremonies. No

horse may be left in the Cemetery unhitched or without an attendant."

In the fall of 1894 a meeting of the citizens was called to discuss the matter of forming an association for improving the cemetery. At this meeting, the initial action was taken toward an organization.

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Mrs. George Bliss was elected president and Mary Darling selected as secretary. On October 18, 1894, another meeting was called in the Northfield Town Hall, to complete the organization, and to plan for ways and means of support. At this meeting sixteen women were present and paid a fee of twenty-five cents each. It was decided, also, to enroll men as honorary members for a fee of fifty cents each.

These women raised money by having festivals, bazaars, suppers, ice-cream socials, etc. These efforts were well supported by the public and yielded some profit which tended to create and foster a community spirit.

The meetings in those days were held in an upstairs room of the "Half Way House."

The object of this association has always been to beautify and furnish means, when possible, for improvement. This association has planted many trees, much shrubbery, and many flowers.

The historical chestnut trees around the old part of the cemetery were attacked by a disease which, a few years ago, killed the chestnut trees all over Ohio. It used to be no uncommon thing to see children and adults alike pounding open the prickly burrs and removing the lustrous brown chestnuts enclosed therein. Happy were visitors as they started homeward with salt bags bulging with chestnuts.

Through the years many achievements have been accomplished. A deep well has been sunk, a water system installed, new walks and drives have been completed, and a beautiful iron fence placed around the cemetery to enclose it from the public. A period of sixty-five years has covered these efforts of untiring work.

On Decoration Day the public finds the lawn mowed, all trash removed, graves bright with flowers, and a prepared program in readiness for due respect to our beloved heroes.

In recent years the Association has dedicated a flag pole and flag for the Cemetery, and in 1971 provided a monument in memory of the early settlers whose remains were moved when the Brandywine Cemetery was abolished to

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make way for Interstate Route 271 (see account of Brandy-wine Cemetery).

The Society celebrated its 7₅th Anniversary in 1969. Officers in 1971 were: President, Mrs. Clara Bolger; Vice President, Mrs. Edith McCray; Secretary, Mrs. Nellie Usher; Treasurer, Mrs. Lois Hudgeon.

Col. Milton Arthur

George Boyd

Plato Brewster

Abraham Cranmer

Stephen Frazee

Johanthan Hesser

Henry Phile

Charles Munn

Thomas Richey

Hiram Munn

Homer Vail

Milton Munn

Henry Wood

George Phile

Jacob Alexander

Jacob Armstrong

William Armstrong

Amos Burr

George L. Bishop

O. A. Bishop

Orin H. Bishop

A. L. Bliss

F. F. Bliss

George W Bliss

H. H Bliss

H. P. Bliss

L. L. Bliss

David Boam

Daniel Boyle

John Brocks

George Brewer

Levi Borroughs

Benager Carpenter

G. W. Can

Dwight Case

Charles Chamberlain

H A. Chambelain

James Clark

Frank Clermont

Jerry Cranmer

Lafe Cranson

Lester Crittenden

George Cross

Marcus Cross

Augustus Custiss

E. E. Davis

William A Deisman

George Dosenbury

John Dosenbury

Nathan Doty

Samuel C. Drennen

Thomas Drennen

Col. A. H. Fitch

John Giles

N. Genereux

Daniel W. Graham

Alton J Griswold

James Hanna

Philander Hewitt

Lewis Holzhauer

Sylvester Honey

Ferris Hull

Edmunds Jenkins

H. H. Johnson

John H. Johnson

Theodore Johnson

Thomas A. Johnson

Lewis Kraemer

Henry Large

James Large

Martin Lillie

Hilton Lillie

Marshall Lytle

R. Lytle

Bernaid Martin

Danford Maxam

James McElroy

S. D McElroy

James McKenzine

Capt J A. Means

J. H Miller

H. S. Miller

Joseph Miller

Hilton Miller

Francis Murphy

Urvan Murphy

Gordon Nesbit

James Neshit

McCourtney Nichols

Tho. B. Nichols

Albert M. Palmer

Lewis Palmer

Sam Perry

E.G. Ranney

Cyrus Reynolds

Thomas Richey

Frank R. Somers

Horace Turner

Jacob Rushers

Lusien Stanley

Charles Way

John Sauders

Wilbur Stanley

Daniel Webster

Conrad Schoch

Abram Tiuhy

John White

Cyrus Singletary

Lucius Tryan

Richard Williams

Charles Skinner

Snith Tryan

Charilous Vail

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Lorin Bliss Feederick F. Glover Walter Messengale

George F. Cross George Mack Edward J. Mills

Abraham Dewards Bernard Martin Charles Seiberling

Elmer E. Folk

Howard Beer

James Ernest Boulton

B K. Burlin

Frank Burzych

Floyd Carr

Lovell Chevijer

Richard Churchill

Maurice L. Clark

John H. Dolejs

A. Edwards

Mark Flemming, Sr.

Warren Forbes

Albert C. Fosnight

Roderick Gillis

Martin Green

Harry E Grimm

Chailes C. Jones

ChaileS J. Keherdle

Walter Ross

Albert William Schmidt

Frank Schwartz

Charles W. Seiberling, Jr.

Louis A. Sherry

William J. Skelly, Sr.

Russell Skym

Eugene Geyer Smith

George W. Smith

Henry G. Smith, Sr.

Arthur E. Usher

Vasilica Vaida

Edward Frank Vandas

William Weinman

Albert Scott Wilkinson

Arthur Keeplin

Gust Lang

Edgar Debs Leach

John Carl Mandusky

Walter D. McCray

Carl Stone McKellog

Floyd v McRitchie

Ernest Morris

Harry Mutchler

Harry Myers

Edward August Paster

Eugene Colfax Peck

William Pinkney

Freeman C. Phillips

Carl Turner Reed

Andrew L. Richey

Clarence L Richey

Fred M. Ritter

Shelby Agee

William Ross Ankney

George Barneteon

Albert M. Boales

Stephen Cigan, Jr.

Frank Crane

Flarold Cropper

Leonard Eastland

Charles C. Furney

Paul A. Galowicz

Louis B. Grahl

Benjamin W. Green

Edward C. Harnish

William Huddleston

Clifford E. Hunteman

Randal Leroy Hushour

Carl A. Jerke

Louis M. Keleman

Roy E King

Robert K. Klassen

Nicholas L. Lastoiia

Robert C. Leslie

Daniel C. Marshall

William J. McGrath

Russell C. Miller

Edna M. Morrow

Edward Morrow

Robert Louis Need

William F. Ozmun

Glen A. Paster

Ivan C. Percing

Abner Pethel, Jr.

Carl John Podrasky

Edward J. Richer

Howard M. Rivers

Michael Romanik

Floyd Albert Sauders

Charles J Schoepf

Rupert A. Spindler

Paul Steele

Lee Albert Thaxton

William Harmon Waters

John Wellington Arnold Wuhr

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Robert James Booker

Robert L. Dusek

Robert John Harling

Terrance R. Billings

Ronald C. Dolak

Kenneth Frank Tafel

One day in October 1955 Ethelene Nauman, Beatrice Shaw, and Bessie Goosman went down Canal Road, up a steep road through a field, through a cornfield, past an old orchard bearing apples, and off to the right to this very old cemetery. Isaac Bacon, first settler in Northfield, and other early settlers were probably buried here.

They listed all the names from tombstones that could be read and that were upright. As is often the case the field was overgrown with grasses, wild vines and weeds. Some of these names are:

Ehzabeth Hynton-John Hynton. Died November 10, 1896.

B. Byan (or Ryan)-i866. Martin. Cathenne-i868. Gillette-Daughter-D. L. and L. R. Died 1881.

L. S. Campbell-Died Nov. 22, 1895-age 79 years. Wife, Mary Ann, died 1886-age 69 years.

James Steel-Died either 1838 or 1888 (obscure).

Jane Hollister-wife of Eph. Hollister-October 1812.

Rach el-Wife of Ezra FU!ler-35 years old.

ilsaph Mann-Died 1811 or 1822-35 years.

Adah Mann-Died 1837.

Ruth Mann-1822-27 years.

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J. and M.-Died 1810.

Sarah Ann, wife of John S. Piersons-Died 1828-27 years.

Ann-wife of Oseph Miyhton.-Died 1817-27 years.

Calvin Gillete-1842-1917.

Lena Gillette-1 844-1919.

Jared Fuller-Died 1833-55 years.

Sally Tuman-Wife of Peter Tuman. Died 1828-66 years.

Capt. James Thallin₉-Died 1822-38 years.

Asa Vansickle-Died I 849

Zephaniak Hathaway.

Betsy-Wife of Clark Morton. Died 1885-29 years.

Russell Morton-1824-2 years old.

Georye Comslock-1825 or 1925.

In the spring of 1920 the Northfield and Macedonia Grange was organized with a membership of 44. The members were mostly farmers and their wives.

The first regular meeting was held on May 5, in the town hall at Northfield. The following officers were elected:

Master-Henry Holbrook

Overseer-Albert Jenkins

Lecturer-Mrs. George Pease

Steward-Walter Chamberlin Assistant Steward-Lawrence Bliss

Chaplain-C. S. Markwart

Treasurer-A. A. McConnell

Secretary-Mrs. Charles Fenton

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Gatekeeper-Floyd Tyson

Ceres-Mary Eastland

Pomona-Mrs. A. Bartlett

Flora-Mrs. Guy Jenkins

Lady Assistant Steward-Mrs. Ida Beaney

Purehasiny A₉ent-Chris Bogaske

Pianist-Mrs. Floyd Tyson

Executive Committee-Mrs. Botherfield, I year; John Melcher, 2 years; Chris Bogaske, 3 years

Committee on Candidates-C. E. Jones, Cora Chamberun, Lawrence Bliss

The officers were installed May 26, 1920. A degree team from Bedford conferred the first and second degrees on a class of five candidates July 21st, and third and fourth degrees on August 4 th.

During September and October the meetings were held in the old town hall in Macedonia, then to have a warmer place, the meetings were held in Northfield town hall.

At this time a degree team was formed with Chris Bogaske as captain. The team traveled to each grange in the county and to several other granges in adjoining counties. They did a nice job.

After the Cleveland-Akron road was paved, the Grange took part in its celebration. Miss Helen Murphy, daughter of P. A. Murphy, cut the ribbon that opened the road to traffic.

The Grange is primarily a farmer's organization, so a business agent was appointed, whose duty it was to bargain for such items as feed, seed, fertilizer, binder twine, and coal for its members.

In 1922 the Grange decided to change its name from North-field-Macedonia Grange to that of Lincoln Grange. The first meeting under the new name was held on January 2, with P. A. Murphy as master.

About this time an orchestra was formed, which added much to the success of the meetings.

The Grange next entered exhibits at the County Fair. The first time they placed ₅th and won a prize of $25. In 1923

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they placed 1st and won a prize of $80. For several years they sponsored a basketball team and a soft ball team. For a number of years they backed the Boy Scouts.

The 100th Anniversary was celebrated in 1970. The Master of the Grange in 1971 was Betty Peters.

John Wallace came to Londonderry, New Hamshire from Scotland in 1716 .

James I was the fourteenth child of John, born at Ackwity, New Hampshire in 1775. James married Margaret Archibald, and by her raised ten children: George I, Robert, Jane, John, Ann, Margaret, Nancy, Jonathan, James II and William.

George, eldest son of James, was born in 1776. George and his brother Robert seemed to be endowed with a spirit of

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adventure. Perhaps living in a free world, they desired to escape the rigid discipline of the early Colonial days. At any rate they made a break. They equipped themselves with a bag of provisions and an axe apiece, and started on their 6oo mile trip on foot to Youngstown.

In 1798 they reached their destination, and landed a job. They hired out to a man named Samuel Menough to cut wood at 12¾ cents per cord. They must have found time to cut two Cupid's arrows to pierce the hearts of Samuel's two daughters. George married Harriet Menough and James married her sister.

In 1803 James II was born to George and Harriet. Three other children, George II, Perkins, and Emeline increased their family.

In 1806 George moved to Geauga, then to Cleveland. He purchased twelve acres of land on Superior, where the Rockefeller Building now stands, and built a log cabin hotel. In 1814, wishing to escape the malaria atmosphere of Cleveland, he moved to Brandywine to develop the water power of Brandywine Falls. He immediately built a sawmill and a distillery in 1816. John Menough, a relative, cared for the grist-mill and Allen Burns managed the distillery. As told by Perrins, "The distillery used some 12 bushels of grain daily, which turned out thirty or forty gallons of 'Excellent Whiskey.'

Doyle, in his "Biography of Summit County," states that an entry in Wallace's day book records ten gallons of whiskey towards the minister's support. "This good liquor was known as 'Brandywine Currency.' " The distillery was abandoned about 1830.

Robert Wallace came here with his family in 1815. He built a log cabin and also owned an interest in the sawmill and was the sawyer. This mill ran until about i830.

Mr. Wallace built a woolen factory near the mills in 1821. At the end of two years, the whole process of carding, spinning, weaving, and dressing was conducted on a large scale, which required the work of twelve to twenty men. At one time all these mills were on operation at once.

In an apartment on the second floor of the grist-mill, George

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Wallace placed $1,000 worth of goods, and put his young son, James, in charge of it.

All these pursuits of Brandywine were the means of bringing several families to the little community. It became such a thriving place that it is said to have rivaled Cleveland at that time in industry, education and religion.

In 1822, Mr. Wallace succeeded in getting a post office at Brandywine and he, himself, was commissioned Postmaster. This was the first post office in Northfield Township.

In 1825, James, at fifteen years of age, with his brother, George, took charge of the 1200 acre farm on which were raised 2,000 to 2,500 sheep, 70 to 75 head of cattle, and 10 to 15 horses. George's property fell to son, James. Later, with his father, he built many miles of the Ohio Canal.

In 1843 a very unusual flood occurred, and swept away the factory, scattering the wreckage for miles along the banks of the river. It badly injured the grist-mill which was repaired and used again. The factory was never rebuilt.

In 1844 Wallace and Wallace opened a store of $2,000 worth of goods which they carried for ten or twelve years. The store house is now used as part of the old Wallace dwelling.

George Wallace, the father, was active until his death in 1846, at the age of 73 years. George left four children, James Waugh, George Young, Emeline, and Perkins.

In 1836, James married Adeline Hanchett. Their children were: George; Hiram Hanchett; Mary, wife of Lorin Bliss; Warner W., a retired farmer; Joseph; Leonard C., Macedonia retired farmer; and Margaret Stanhope, wife of H. R. P. Hamilton, architect.

The James Wallace family lived in Brandywine until 1870, then came to Macedonia, at Maple Mound, on Hudson Road. James Wallace died in i885 and Adeline Wallace in 1887.

Hiram Wallace, second son of James, married Marianna Mearns. He remained at the home in Brandywine until 1867.In 1879 Hiram bought the Proctor farm, lot 64, and in 1885 he added to his farm the Boyd property, lot 65. In 1891 he

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completed his beautiful home in Northfield on Boyden Road. (The Proctor home was built in 1821.)

Hiram Wallace's children were: Adeline Rebecca; Belle Mearns, who married Clark Dillow; Anna Waugh, married Rev. W. T. Hammond of Northeast, Maryland; Margaret; George H., who married Emma Rudgers of Brecksville; Schuyler J.; and Harvey Baldwin.

Clark Dillow's children were: James Hiram and Elizabeth. Anna Daugh's children were: Rebecca and George.

In 1814 George Wallace erected a sawmill on Brandy-wine Creek, which was named by John Menough, after the historical stream in the east where several Revolutionary battles were fought.

This mill was a frame mill and was located on the creek near an abrupt fall of about ten feet which gave enduring water power. Robert Wallace, George's brother, was the sawyer. With several changes of owners, the mill operated until i851.

On the opposite side of the waterfall a grist mill was built in i8i5. It was a three story frame building, and John Menough, who had a third interest in the mill, was the miller.

About 1816 a distillery was built back some distance from the other structures. Allen Burns, who was a practical distiller, was put in charge. The distillery used twelve bushels of grain per day and turned out thirty to forty gallons of excellent whiskey each day. This was used extensively as an article of exchange, serving the same purposes as bank notes. Even the Preachers of that day were often paid in whiskey. The mill was discontinued in 1830.

In 1830 George Wallace moved his family permanently to Brandywine. About this time Brandywine had grown to a village that rivaled Cleveland in size and industries.

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106 – pictures only

In 1820 to 1821 Wallace built a woolen mill for "carding" and cloth "dressing." In the next year and for many years thereafter the whole process of carding, spinning, weaving, and dressing was conducted on an extensive scale and was a very profitable business.

At one time the factory, the grist mill, the store, the saw mill, and the distillery were all in operation and required from twelve to twenty employees. The extent and importance of these industries in the back woods, can plainly be seen.

George Wallace succeeded in getting a Post Office established in Brandywine and was also appointed Postmaster.

James Wallace, son of George, ran the store when he was fifteen years old. He had come from Cleveland with the teamster who had brought the wares. As night was fast coming on when they reached the northern part of the township, he decided to hurry on ahead and reach home before the teamster. As he was walking and closely watching the obscure markings of the road, he was startled by a large deer bounding across the path a few yards ahead of him. Almost at the same time, he heard a loud crashing in the bushes and a large dark animal appeared. He was terrified when he saw the animal was a large bear, but he was determined not to run. The bear without much hesitation and paying no attention to the boy continued in pursuit of the deer. James was so frightened that when, after running a long distance, he came to a cabin, he asked some of the boys to go with him until he reached the village.

In 1825 George Wallace turned his portion of all his properties over to his son James, and in 1826 another son, Robert secured interests and the business firm was then known as the Wallace Brothers.

In 1843 a flood swept away the factory, scattering debris along the banks of the creek for many miles. The flood also badly damaged the grist mill but this was immediately repaired. The factory was never rebuilt.

Twelve families lived in Brandywine at the height of its success. The firm of Wallace and Wallace opened a store in

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1844 and carried about $2,000 worth of goods for about twelve years.

George Wallace died in 1846. His son lived in Brandywine until 1870 and then moved to Macedonia.

The Way family came from England in 1859 and were millers at Brandywine until this flour and grist mill was abandoned about 1900.

The Way farm was bought by Willis B. Hale in 1907 and secured by his son Willis W. Hale in 1920. He moved the equipment of the Hale Electrical Company from Cleveland to his estate at Brandywine Falls the same year. Before he could take out insurance, lightning struck and destroyed the building and its contents.

Later a new factory was built at the edge of the falls, for the manufacture of hotel and restaurant supplies. In August 1937 lightning once more struck and destroyed the new build-

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ing and its contents. At this time there were nine employees. Mr. Hale again built a "temporary" factory at the rear of his home.

This "temporary factory" has become the welding shop now owned by Ben Richards who also acquired the house formerly owned by the Wallace family.

A log schoolhouse was built at Brandywine Mills, as it was early called, as early as 1817.

A gentleman by the name of Mr. Stiles was employed to teach the few children there. Mr. Stiles was paid $1.00 per pupil for each term. The log school continued until 1830. Several children from the adjoining Boston area came to Brandywine Mills school, too, because anyone could come so

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long as they paid the required fee. Even children who lived near Northfield went to Brandywine. Perrin says, "For many years Brandywine was the center of education, religion, and morality."

Boston and Northfield District No.2 organized under the name of Union School District No.2 on the I ith of December, 1827.

In 1830 a new frame school was built upon the hill, west of the road and opposite the log school. Children seemed to love the old log school because it was well attended from 1820 to 1830.

Brandywine frame school was a typical pioneer building. It was purchased by William Sommer, Sr., who used it as a studio. The building had seven windows. There were two in front, two on each side, and one in the middle of the back. On each side of the window in the rear was a door, one used by girls and one used by boys at exit periods. There was a high wainscoting of whitewood boards, at least two feet wide around the room inside. This building was razed in 1969 at the time of the building of highway 1-271.

Teachers were hired for terms of three months duration, usually a spring term, a fall term, and a winter term. Usually, women teachers were hired for spring and fall, but men for the winter term. Boys were required to work at home for most of the year, and since there was no work to be done in the winter, they were free to go to school. Often, with such short terms, the boys came until they were twenty years old or older. It took a man to cope with them sometimes.

In 1839 a female teacher received $4.00 per month, and in 1874 females received $32 per month. The men, of course, were paid more.

In 1839 the male teacher taught 27 males and 12 females, while the female teacher taught 17 males and 12 females. These figures are averages. The average attendance in 1850 was 32. In 1852 the male average was 32 and the female average was 43.

At the beginning of the school year, an estimate of wood needed for the school fires was made and portioned to the

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families sending children to school. Each family furnished according to the number of pupils he sent. Anyone who failed this duty paid in cash for his share.

Teachers appeared at the directors' meeting and presented their certificates for teaching. The directors required good teaching and discipline, and to have it representatives of the board visited the school and passed judgment. On two of these occasions the teacher was "ousted" as inefficient.

An example of teacher's pay may be shown as in the case of John A. Means, hired to teach from September, 1838 and paid in March, 1839. His pay was $40, 19 cents, and 8 mills from the general tax fund (fee). The amount of one dollar, eighty cents, and two mills to be collected of the district for his services, in tuition and twelve dollars to be collected from individuals in the district, according to pupils sent to school, and paid to John A. Means for boarding himself.

At a directors' meeting of Union School District No. 2 Northfield, Ohio, on February 3, 1843, the following resolution was made by Benjamin Lemoin and presented to the meeting for consideration: "Resolved, (1) That the directors of this district state the precise object of the tax proposed to be levied, and their plans of improvements intended." This resolution carried 16 to 18.

George Wallace then stated that the object of the tax was to repair and enlarge the school house in said district, and the plan of improvement proposed, as far as mentioned by the directors was to take down the chimney, the writing desks (then in sides of wall) and the seats then in school house, to enlarge the house on the south end, and to finish off the house inside with small slips and aisles. Then it was "Resolved that the directors produce the title of this property and show by what terms we hold the same." The vote was 12 for and 12 against, and so was lost.

At once George Wallace introduced the following resolution for further consideration of the directors: "Resolved that the directors report to next meeting what repairs are necessary to this school house and also the probable cost." This resolution was carried by a unanimous vote.

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The directors proceeded then to state that it was necessary to repair the house to keep it warmer and more comfortable in cold weather. Since there was not enough room, they proposed to change the inside arrangements by removing the seats and writing desks from the walls, to enable the scholars to pass to and from their seats, "without interrupting or discommoding other scholars."

An estimate of $50 was given as the probable cost of change. Then James Wallace introduced another resolution:

"Resolved that the sum of $50 be applied for the purpose of repairing the school house, so the same may be made more comfortable and convenient for a district school house." Carried with 21 for and 3 against.

Now the old fireplace chimney was torn down, and seats arranged in rows and aisles. In 1821 a stove with pipe had been put in, and glass had been fitted into the windows.

THE UPPER BRANDYWINE SCHOOL

Reference has already been made to a new Brandywine School House, which had been accepted by the board of directors.

No particular reasons are given for the need of a new school building, but one might go back in memory to the year of 1843 when the great flood came and Brandywine Creek went on a rampage and tore down the sawmill, swept away the woolen mill, and damaged badly the grist-mill. The sawmill was ruined and parts were bought and carried to Macedonia for its first sawmill. The grist-mill was repaired and used for a few years.

The men of the twelve or fifteen families living at Brandy-wine Mills were deprived now of employment, and went elsewhere for work, taking their families along. Then, too, better schools were being built by this time, and the population had centered nearer to Northfield.

The following minutes of the old Brandywine School are here copied for anyone interested:

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Brandywine, May 8, 1854.

B. LEMOIN. Dist. Clerk

The following minutes one week later are here recorded:

Brandywine, May 17, 1854

B. LEMOIN, District Clerk

(Story taken from Brandywine School minutes.)

A little fortune came my way when a friend gave me a school record of the board of education at Brandywine from 1838 to 1874.

Mr. Stiles, who was the first teacher at Brandywine in 1817, may have continued there for several years. The first teacher mentioned after Mr. Stiles came to the old frame school, perhaps.

Since the teachers of these early years of Northfield are

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recorded by the school directors here, it seems interesting that they should be mentioned with their names, years, and salaries:

1838-1839: John A. Means, $18 per mo., and boarded around; 1840: Oliver P. Barney; 1841: Harriet Reynolds, John Wallace; 1842: Henrietta McBride, Ejilah C. Farley; 1843: Wales F. Storrs; 1848: Mary Frazer; 1849-1850:

picture

Hiram W. Lebdell; 1850: Miss C. North, John Cole, Margaret I. Wallace; I 851 : M. B. Marble, E. Bartlett, Miles J. Morgan.

These teachers began in the new building, on road above the Falls: 1854: Jeannette Darling, James Clark; 1855: Martha Lillie; 1856: Elizabeth Alexander; 1857: Andrew Hall, Mary Frazer, R. C. Smith; 1858: Sophie Ranney; 186o: Maria Richardson, Cassy McKisson; i86i : Bryce S. Hunter; 1862: Sarah F. Nichols, Ellen Richardson; 1864: Catherine Duncan, Ellen Richardson; 1865: Mary Mailwail;

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1869: Harriet Holcomb, Albert Buel; 1870: Cassy Bishop, Flora Proctor; 1871-1873: Cornelia Tupper; 1872: Nancy Holmes, Linda Barnhart; 1874: Rilla Armstrong.

From 1874 through 1878 directors met each month regularly with no seeming matters of business, except to elect officers. No teachers were hired. It could have been a period when there were too few children to have school.

Mrs. Clark McConnell and Mrs. Carl Oldrin visited the old cemetery at the Brandywine school house. They found several tombstones there, but most inscriptions were past recognition. There was one rather large tombstone with the inscription, Wife of Rev. Frances Misseldine, aged 46 years, died Oct. 14, 1835."

Another one had the name of "James Thompson, aged 26, died in 1851."

A very small stone had the initials of "I.N.M.L." Inscriptions on the other stones were not visible.

In 1819 the eastern part of Northfield Township was a dense forest, filled with bears and wolves and many small wild animals. A man named Henry Woods made his way through the forest and came to a creek which he named Indian Run. It was a large stream of water in those days and many Indians camped along its banks. Henry Wood went back to Northfield and told the people about the stream which he had found.

Many years later Indians of the Kickapoo tribe came to Indian Run in the summertime, pitched tents to live in and a big Show tent where they gave performances at night and sold their Indian medicines. They called the medicines "Kickapoo

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Ointment and Kickapoo Salve" which they claimed would cure almost any ailment.

There was a favorite spot on Indian Run called the "Willows" where the children of the neighborhood liked to go swimming and fishing. A big tree reached out over the creek with room for several children to stand or sit on its trunk and fish in the deep part of the creek. The shallow waters beyond the big willow made a safe place for swimming.

A few years after Henry Wood discovered Indian Run a man named Abraham Cranmer came from Northfield and bought 90 acres of land near Indian Run. He cut down enough trees to make a clearing and build a log house. This was the first house built at the "Corners." It was built on Jenkins road and you can still see the foundation of the log house directly behind the house that stands there now.

Other settlers soon followed Abraham Cranmer. They too, built log houses, a church and a school. Mr. Cranmer's daughter Esther was the first teacher in the log schoolhouse. She taught geography, reading, writing, spelling and arithmetic for a salary of 10 shillings a week. The log schoolhouse was built on the land where the present school now stands on Valley View Road.

The first frame church was built where the Macedonia Town Hall now stands on Route 82. The old church serves presently as a garage in the back of the Town Hall.

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In the little growing settlement there was an Inn, where travelers on the Stage Line could spend the night. A black-smith shop, a small store and meat market. The little settlement was known as "The Corners" because the roads came together at this point.

A little over one hundred years ago, in 1851, a railroad was built through Macedonia and suddenly the town began to grow. A railroad station was built and both morning and evening trains stopped there daily. Part of the old station remains next to the railroad tracks today but it is much smaller than the first one. Two stores were built near the railroad station and the town got its first Post Office in 1852.

The people now rode the train to Cleveland and other towns instead of riding the Stagecoach over the rough country roads. They came from Northfield and Twinsburg to ride on the train. A big hotel stood across the tracks from the Railroad Station.

Many new businesses came to Macedonia with the coming of the railroad. Produce, lumber and dairy products could now be shipped to market because of the railroad. A sawmill was located north and west of the railroad station, near the present Watson Lumber yard. A cider mill joined the sawmill and became a very busy place in the fall when the farmers brought in their apples to be made into cider. The farmers needed barrels for the cider and for shipping flour, potatoes and apples to market so a cooper shop was built in the vicinity of the flour mill. Here they made the barrels for their produce. The town also had a cobbler shop for mending and making shoes, a harness shop and several blacksmith shops.

There were many farmers in the Macedonia area in the early days and they kept horses and cows which required both a horse barn and a cow barn. Before the railroad came the farmers had no way of getting their milk to the Cleveland market so most of the milk was churned into butter or made into cheese. The churning was done by the housewife in her kitchen and cheese factories sprung up in several places in the township.

The biggest cheese factory in Macedonia was at the corner

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of Shepard Road and Route 82. The farmers brought their milk to the factory in big cans, on a "milk wagon" drawn by one or two horses. In the cheese factory the milk was emptied into big vats where the curds were separated from the whey. The curds were pressed into large round wooden forms lined with cheese cloth. After due process the form was removed and the large round form was placed on a shelf to ripen. Children often went to the cheese factory and were treated to some of the curds which they thought were delicious. The cheese making business dwindled after the coming of the railroad. It relieved the farm ladies of the job of making butter as the where milk was sold direct to Cleveland pasteurizers and bottlers. The last cheese factory in Macedonia was on South Bedford Road near the railroad station. it caught fire one night while the townspeople were sleeping and a passing train whistled all the way through the town in order to awaken the people. There was no fire department in those days. Before help came the cheese factory burned to the ground. k was never rebuilt.

Almost all the farmers had large groves of maple trees which were tapped early in February and buckets were hung on the trees to catch the sap. Then the work of gathering the sap from the buckets began and it was gathered every day into large drums fastened to what the farmers called a stone boat. This was a flat sled-like conveyance used to carry heavy things, without wheels and pulled by horses or oxen, whichever the farmer had. These sleds travelled in mud as well as on snow and carried the drum of sap to the "sugar house." Here it was boiled down into syrup over a wood fire in very large flat and shallow pans. The reason they were made like this was to have the sap on a large heating surface so the steam would escape faster and let the syrup get thick in a shorter time.

These "sugar houses" were built in the woods usually at the edge or the center of the maple grove. This arrangement made it possible to use wood that was near at hand for the fire and it was convenient to gather the sap nearby. When the syrup was thick enough, weighing approximately eleven pounds to the gallon it was syphoned from the boiling pans and put into

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one gallon tin cans which sold for seventy-five cents or ore dollar per gallon. Most of the syrup we get today is made in Chardon or Burton, Ohio and sells for six or eight dollars a gallon.

It was a treat to visit the "sugar house" when the sap was boiling to watch the procedure and to sample the product. The farmers' wives often boiled the syrup some more on their stoves to make maple cream. They would pour the hot syrup into saucers and cool it some then each guest would stir a dish of this sweet syrup into delicious maple candy. These were called "sugaring off" parties.

In the early days there were two brothers, named Robinette, who owned the land on both sides of Route 631, reaching from the curve in the road near Watson's lumber yard to Route 8. One brother sold his farm to Mr. George Bishop who made it into a beautiful home and grounds as it is today and presently owned by Mr. Paugh.

Mr. E. C. Peck bought the adjoining farm from the other Robinette brother. He named his tract of land "Avalon Farm." The housing development since coming into being is known as "Avalon Hills." Mr. Peck liked the town of Macedonia so well that he gave the land to the town for a park after taking down the old buildings and having a new bandstand erected. For many years band concerts were enjoyed by the townspeople on Saturday nights through out the summertime.

If you should examine the tombstones in the old part of the Northfield-Macedonia Cemetery you would find the names of many pioneers of Northfield Township. Among these is the name of Henry Wood. He was the next settler to appear after Isaac Bacon, Abraham Cranmer and Jeremiah Cranmer. He lived to be over 90 years old, and was able to give much information of the very early days of the township, when Perrin was compiling his History of Summit County in 1881.

When Henry Wood was a young man he made his way

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through the partially cleared wilderness to the eastern part of the township. Here he saw many Indians encamped along the banks of a stream, so he called the stream Indian Creek, a name that it retains today.

It was near this stream that a little settlement called "The Corners," began to form a few years later. Abraham Cranmer, with his family, came from Northfield, bought 90 acres of land and built the first log house in the settlement in 1824.

Edwin Hutchinson built the second house in 1831. Soon afterwards George Shattuck and Erastus Beldin also built and several others followed so that they felt they had a village.

There were also the small beginnings of business in the little settlement: a house that served as an inn for travelers on the stage coach route from Pittsburgh to Cleveland; a meat market and store. Moses Ranney built a blacksmith shop across from the meat market. All of these were on today's Valley View Road.

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A log school house was built nearby on today's school grounds on Valley View Road. Abraham Cranmer's daughter, Esther Cranmer, was the first school teacher in the settlement. She went to be examined for her certificate by two lawyers in Hudson. The subjects in which she was examined were Geography, Reading, Writing, Spelling, and Arithmetic. She taught 4 months of summer school and received 10 shillings a week. This was about the year 1833.

The Corners had no church building for a time but the people went to church in Northfield. Religious services were held at times in the log school house and often in the homes of the settlers.

Perrin says that a church was erected in 1835, used for the in most part by Free Will Baptists. He does not mention its location. So many young men from Western Reserve College in Hudson were called to come up and preach to this little settlement that they began to tell each other that they had received a call to "Come over into Macedonia and help us." Thus it came about that The Corners was renamed Macedonia.

The Board of Northfield Township Trustees met in a special meeting on September II, 1905, to receive a petition that was presented from Macedonia by 0. E. Griswold and Henry Jones as representatives of the petitioners asking for a Special Election for the purpose of creating a Hamlet to be known as Macedonia Hamlet. This Hamlet was to consist of certain properties on the east side of Northfield Township and the west side of Twinsburg Township. This petition was granted by the Trustees and a Special Election for that purpose was to be held in Macedonia Hall on the 26th day of September, 1905.

On September 20 Henry Jones, as representative of the petitioners of Macedonia in company with J. L. Ranney and George A. McConnell, called at the office of the Township Clerk to state that they had learned that the proceedings up

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to this date of incorporating Macedonia into a Hamlet were illegal, whereupon they instructed the Clerk to take down the notices now posted calling for Special Election and put notices in their place stating that the said election was called off by them..

A second petition from Macedonia was presented on September 22, 1905, at a Special meeting of Northfield Township Trustees again asking for a Special Election, for the purpose of incorporating a Village to be known as Macedonia Village. This petition was presented by 0. E. Griswold and Henry Jones of Macedonia and reads in part:

Then it goes on to describe the boundaries of the territory to make up the Village, after which it goes on to say:

The following names were attached to the above petition:

E. H. Brooks Henry Brewer Chester A. Kelty

Netta Brooks Z. F. Chamberlin Sarah Powell

J. A. Herbert W. H. Shaw F.M. Wise

O. E. Griswold C. B. Tryon L. Holbrook

J. W. Collins H. I. Reed Huston Coebran

E. S. Davis Henry 0. Kelty J. W. Collins

0. T Holbrook A. Almroth L. R. Foster

F. S. Muno William A. Holbrook A. S. Neale

P. B. Seacoy C. H. Reach Henry Jones

F. B. Jenkins F. E. Coe W. P. Thompson

Mrs. H. F Kelty H. R. Gardner W. Beaney

W. J. Powell A. R. Muon C F. Jones

A. T. Comstock H. A. Hawley A. F Jenkins

P.M Dresser A. C. Munn Miranda Ranney

A. T. Brooks J. S. Galagher George Stover

J H. Means H. A. Coebran Fred Almroth

L. C. Wallace P. Dowling J. B. Sexiter

F. A. Jenkins A. R. Willey H. F. Chamberlin

N. R. Brown H R. Duncan

The above petition was granted by the Board of Trustees of Northfield Township and a Special Election ordered, for the purpose prayed for in said petition, to be held in Macedonia Hall on Saturday, October 7, 1905.

The Trustees met at the Hall in Macedonia on October 7, 1905 (G. A. McConnell, J. F. J. Richey, and J. L. Ranney), and opened the Polls at 5 :30 A.M. Standard time and closed at 5:30 P.M. Standard time.

A total vote was cast of seventy votes, of which number one was a blank, the results were sixty-four in favor of incorporation, five against.

A resolution by the Board of Trustees of Northfield Township was signed declaring that Macedonia Village was an incorporated Village born on October 7, 1905. In the 1970 census it became a city.

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On September 4, 1882, the first meeting of the Hall Company was called to order by L. R. Foster, provisional president.

M. H. Dowling was elected secretary on motion of George Forbes. The Constitution was adopted as a whole.

Next in order was election of officers to serve for a year. They were as follows:

President-Leroy R. Foster

Vice President-Perry W. Dresser

Secretary-A. C. Munn

Treasurer-J. L. Ranney

Marshall-P. B. Seacoy

Directors-J. B. Centers, M. P. Bacon, George Forbes

It was moved and carried that the secretary and treasurer each procure books for conducting business, at the expense of the Company.

Then a motion was made and carried that the Company purchase the old frame school house from George Forbes at a cost of $50.00. (This frame building was the house that replaced the log house, and preceded the brick building of 1879-not sure of date.)

Moved and seconded that P. B. Seacoy collect the unpaid money for stock in the company.

Moved and seconded to adjourn until Saturday, September 9th, 1882.

L. R. FOSTER, Pres.

M. H. DOWLING, Sec.

Second meeting held September 4th, adjourned for September II, 1882.

At the meeting on September 11, 1882, expenditures for work on the building were listed as follows:

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Sept.11, James Forbes -work $ 3.75

Sept. 11, M. 0. Connell -work - $3.00

Sept.16, Levi Beeman -work - $8.25

Sept.16, Shields & Chamberlin -lumber - $1.05

October 17, Vanschaick -lumber - $15.05

Oct.26, M. P. Bacon -freight - $.39

Nov.11. Vansehaick -work - $15,00

Nov.14, R. Woodly -sand - $4.00

Nov 15, A Vanschaick - work - $15.00

Jan. 5, A. Vansehaick -work - $12.00

Sept.10, F. M. Ranney - $4.52

Sept.10, Munn Bros. - $6.75

Sept 10, Shields & Chamberlin - $15.42

Oct.10, R A. Post -for land - $26.50

Nov.10, F. M. Ranney -plastering - $25.00

The final minutes dated March 18, 1907, includes the following resolution:

Whereas, considering the condition of the property of the Macedonia Hall Company, it is hereby resolved that said property including real and personal effects belonging thereto, be sold to the Village of Macedonia in perpetuity for the sum of $1.00, provided said village of Macedonia through its proper activities proceed to repair said hall and keep it in such condition that it may be usable for all public meetings.

ARTICLE I

This society shall be known as the Macedonia Hall Co.

ARTICLE II

Any person may become a member of the Hall Company by signing the constitution and paying (the) sum of $1.00, which shall be considered as stock in the company.

ARTICLE III

The stock of the company shall consist of 400 shares of stock at $1.00 per share, and no one holding more than 50 shares.

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It is evident that a dramatic club previously existed which perhaps had used the school house before this purchase, who, it appears, had added a stage and dressing rooms.

According to the minutes of September 4, 1884, the Dramatic Club was given eight shares of stock, each, or $88 (11 members) to cover expenses of building.

This Hall was used by any group of the community by paying at the rate of $3.00 per night. It performed the duties of a regular town hall. Medicine shows, plays, church fairs, election privileges, dances, school functions, etc., were held there for many years.

On March 8, 1907, a meeting of the Macedonia Hall Company was held in the store of the Macedonia Implement Company at 9 :00 A.M. The members present were: L. R. Foster, P. W. Dresser, J. B. Senter, and J. L. Ranney. The treasurer reported $4.68 to be the balance on hand. It was then voted to use the $4.68 plus $ (.00 received from the village to put up a lamp in front of the Hall.

As has been previously stated, a post office was established in Macedonia in 1852, one year after the C. & P. Railroad was built through the town. For a long time it was known as the Macedonia Depot Post Office. In 1908 the word "Depot" was dropped and it became the Macedonia Post Office.

These are the Postmasters of Macedonia, with the dates when they received their commissions:

LeGrand Odell June 21, 1852

Michael O'NeiI Dec 21, 1853

Moses N. Roach Aug 3, 1854

Michael O'Neil Oct. 3, 1857

Andrew J. Hoster Apr. 10, 1861

Henry D. Clark Dec. 6, 1861

Marvin Ford .... Apr 28, 1864

Lewis Lemoin Jan 20, 1868

Abraham Munn Dec. 10, 1872

Oscar Patterson . Aug.10, 1887

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Amos R. Munn Apr. 6, 1889

Jake L. Ranney Aug. 21, 1893

Andrew T. Brooks Aug. 21, 1897

Elmyra L Griswold Aug. 11, 1926

Joann J Ilampton Oct. 28, 1943

Perrin's 1881 History of Summit County says, "The merchants of Macedonia have surely experienced a checkered career. They sprang up from all quarters, like mushrooms from a hot bed." It would seem that the early postmasters sprang from the same hot bed. Several of them served only a year or less. None of them, up to the time of Abraham Munn, served over four years. He held office for fifteen years. Andrew Brooks has the longest record of service, twenty-nine years. Elmyra Griswold, who followed him, served sixteen years. Joann Johnston Hampton, the present postmaster, has served twenty-one years to date.

In the early days of Macedonia, the names of storekeepers and postmasters were usually identical, the storekeeper having the post office in a corner of his store. Many older citizens will recall Munn's Store and Post Office, Ranney's Store and Post Office and Brooks' Store and Post Office. When Elmyra Griswold became postmaster, she built a small concrete building on her own land to be used exclusively as a post office. The Macedonia Post Office remained here until May 31, 1946 when it was moved to a side room in The Macedonia Block. On January 30, 1958 it was moved to its present location in the Lowry Block on the east side of the town.

Rural Free Delivery was established in Macedonia on July I, 1903. These have been the rural carriers: Roy Dell, Hiram Truby, Nelson Truby, Montville Davis, Lewis Bowling, Wilham Carpenter, Guy Jenkins, Morse Jenkins, Ralph Grimminger.

At the death of Earl Peck, Northfield Rural Mailcarrier, the Northfield Rural Mail Service was transferred to Macedonia in 1935. This service continued until July 18, 1954, when Northfield was given the Rural Mail Service of both towns. Domestic Parcel Post was established in Macedonia, as in

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the rest of the United States, on January 1, 1913. Foreign Parcel Post Service was added later.

The Macedonia Post Office has had three different classifications since its beginning in 1852. Until 1927 it remained in 4th Class. At that time it advanced to 3rd Class. On July 1, 1953 it became a 2nd Class post office.

These are the main facts in the history of the Macedonia Post Office.

There are also human interest stories that are a part of its history. Here are some of them:

In the horse and buggy days the farmers for miles around gathered at the combined store and post office after they had loaded their milk cans on to the "milk train," and while they waited for the mail to be sorted they talked politics, weather and crops and exchanged gossip.

Often during the Great Depression a long line of auto-

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mobiles formed on the road in front of Elmyra Griswold's Post Office on Saturday nights, while the owners of the automobiles waited inside to get their weekly W.P.A. checks.

The Post Office was a center of interest during World Wars I and II. People came here to buy War Bonds. Children brought their pennies to exchange them for War Stamps, which in turn were exchanged for Bonds. Women gathered at the Post Office each time mail came in, hoping for a letter from a sweetheart, husband, or son in the U.S. service. Overseas packages were sent to places with strange sounding names. Too many times the Hudson Station Agent appeared at the Post Office to find out where to deliver a death telegram from Washington, D.C.

The Macedonia Post Office has the dubious distinction of being a favorite target for post office robberies. A. T. Brooks' post office was robbed several times. Twice robbers succeeded in getting into Elmyra Griswold's post office. Both times they tried to dynamite the safe. The first time they were scared away before they could finish their job. The second time they were altogether too successful. The safe door was blown open and the stamps and money were taken. Pieces of the brown soap which was used for the operation stuck to the post office furniture for a long time.

After the post office was moved to the Macedonia Block, three attempted robberies were made. The safe was removed from the office in all three cases. The first time it was carried down the back stairway and abandoned, unopened. The next two times it was carried away and abandoned on new Route 8, which was not finished at that time. In the last attempt the robbers succeeded in opening the safe and removing the Christmas supply of stamps, as well as considerable cash.

A final story is told by Miss Netta Brooks who worked in her brother's post office for years. People were complaining that their post cards were being read behind the counter. Someone wrote a letter of protest to Washington. Miss Netta reported that word came back from Washington, "If you have something you don't want known, don't put it on a post card."

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Biram Munn was born at Trenton, New Jersey in January, 18oo, and died in 188o at Macedonia. During the War of 1812 he served as a drummer boy. He learned the trade of cabinet maker, and after a few years came to Northfield, Ohio, and carried on his trade as long as he lived.

The story of Hiram Munn and Abraham Cranmer suggested a good beginning for Macedonia's development.

Hiram Munn married the young daughter of Abraham Cranmer. They built the first log house in Macedonia in 1824, according to Perrin, and replaced it in 1854 with a new frame house. This is the house now on Jenkins Road, across from the lumber mill.

In 1833 Esther Cranmer taught Macedonia's first term of school. This school was a log school built on Valley View Road where our present schools are located.

Hiram and Esther had eleven children, eight of whom reached maturity. They were: Irene-who married J. J. Brittam, and resided in Streetboro Township;

Francis Adelia-married J. W. Caldwell, and resided in Macedonia;

John Wesley-who married Mary and lived in Macedonia; Zerada-who married Harry Brumley, and lived in Cleveland;

Ferdinand Sylvester-who married Alice Seacoy and always lived in Macedonia;

Lily Munn-who married Fred Ranney and lived in Akron.

The parents of this family were worthy people. They were active members of the Methodist Church, while the father was a local preacher, and they were active in helping to erect the Northfield Methodist Church.

Abram Munn was post office clerk for several years, and learned the shoemaker's trade as well. Later, Amos learned the same trade and they continued for ten years as the firm of Munn Brothers. Amos and Abram were twins. Later, the Munn Brothers went into the mercantile business here in Macedonia, and continued thus until 1885.

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Abram married Mary S. McLaughlin first, and Mrs. Eisa A. Wadhams, second.

Amos Munn married first Sarah Ann DeHaven and second, Joanna Havens of Bedford. Abram and Amos both resided in Macedonia.

At the death of Abraham Cranmer, shown in Will book I, page 59, the following is noted:

Among other bequests to my son, Jeremiah Cranmer, all the land which I now own lying between the old State road and the Center road, so called in lot 25 in North-field and other lands. Lastly appoint my two sons-in-law, Hiram Munn and Walter F. Storrs, to be executors..

As this Cranmer estate was settled, Jeremiah sold off parcels to people wanting homes, and then families developed practically a new street. A few of these families were: Henry Brower, J. L. Ranney, S. Byrum, and Ferdinand Munn, as well as several more recent families.

All these people carried on business in the town. One became a mail carrier, one a lawyer, and another a groceryman.

The story of Amos and Abram Munn is told elsewhere.

This biography is meant to establish the importance of these two families in the early development of Macedonia.

Stella Munn, daughter of Amos Munn, was a local school teacher in Macedonia, while Rada, her sister, married H. L. Armstrong, who taught our high school here for four years.

The first school in Macedonia was taught in 1833, in a log house on Valley View Road (where the present Macedonia school now stands across from the old Ranney house). Esther Cranmer, daughter of Abraham Cranmer, who was Macedonia's first settler, taught the first term here.

Roger Ranney gave the writer the school record book from 186o to 1874. Judging from the records most of these schools

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were built about 1854. Macedonia's one-room frame building was erected in 1854. The last account of these records is given on 1874.

To take the place of the old frame school our first brick building was erected in 1879. This school was on Valley View Road across from the Old Ranney house. The second brick building was situated a little to the south of the old brick school near the corner of Park Avenue. This building was completed in 1915.

The last High School at Macedonia was built in 1927, and occupied in 1928. The first brick school building that was built in 1879 was torn down to make room for the new High School.

The old well furnishing water for the early schools was done away with when the new high school was built. The well served the schools for many years, having been dug in 1854.

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The first graduating classes from Macedonia were small, starting in 1900.

1900-Gertrude Hawley, Grace Herbert, Pansy Likes and Guy Jenkins

1901-Evelyn Johnston, Henry Wolcott, Bessie Boam, the author

1902-Lillie Lambert, Mabel Dell

1903-Anna Robinette, Beatrice Brown, Arthur Wallace

1904 - Alfred Likens

In 1920, when property of Twinsburg was acquired by Macedonia Township it included the Dell School, located on Valley View Road next to the John Dell farm (on the west side of Valley View just south of the Pennsylvania Railroad underpass to the new Chrysler Plant).

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The writer succeeded Miss Mamie Whaley, who married Allie Barber of Hudson, as teacher and taught there two years. Other known teachers were Cora Fleshman-Chamberlin, Beatrice Burns, Stella Jenkins, Jessie Waite, Effie Holt and Warren Forbes.

It was sold in 1918 to Steve Lenart who moved it to his farm west of the Pennsylvania Railroad on the south side of Twinsburg Road. He added two wings to it and made a nice home.

When Macedonia's first brick school house was built (1879), the old frame school building was put up for sale. According to all school records it was sold through George Forbes who, perhaps, had power to make the sale. It was purchased by a group of twenty-four citizens of the community at a cost of $50.

At the first meeting of these particular citizens, September 4, 1882, a constitution was established for the government of this society. There were three articles of government:

It was resolved that the records of the Macedonia Hall Company be put in the hands of the Village clerk for future use, and that the $5.68 be turned over to the Village treasurer, J. B. Senter.

It was further resolved that said property, including real and personal effects, belonging thereto, be sold to the village for the sum of $1.00, providing said Village of Macedonia, through its proper authority, proceed to repair said hall and keep it in such condition that it may be used for public meetings. Further, 0. T. Holbrook is hereby authorized to transfer said property according to the foregoing resolution.

These resolutions were unanimously carried.

After other means of a town hall were provided, the old frame house was sold to an individual on Sheperd Road for a barn.

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At the January 27, 1926 meeting Vernon M. Riegel talked about the standard of our school. He ranked our school, at present, as scarcely eligible to be classed in the "C" class of high schools (first grade). We were cautioned to start at once to raise our standard.

First mention of a union high school was made at a meeting of February 24, 1926. A motion was made by Mr. Fred Jenkins, seconded by Mrs. George Goosman, that our P.T.A. go on record as being in favor of the union school. This was carried unanimously.

April 2, 1926, a special meeting was held at the Methodist Church to receive and give information concerning a possible Union High School. Mr. Morris, state supervisor of rural schools, was present to aid in desired information.

At the November, 1926 meeting Mr. A. S. Neale presented estimated figures of the cost of a new high school building-to be built on the home site.

a. A two-story fireproof building.

b. On ground floor a gymnasium-auditorium.

c. On second floor, 3 class rooms, a study hall.

d. Department for Rome Economics, manual training, and laboratory, etc.

e. Cost of $66,ooo for building proper, and $3,OOO for equipment.

f. Reported that Vernon Riegel declared this sum sufficient for the building.

The meeting adjourned with memories of a lively debate still in the air. This meeting was held at the Church.

This new building was erected in 1927 and was the High School for Macedonia until 1948 when Northfield and Macedonia became one school system. After several years of debate, the name of the school system became "Nordonia." The High School building was remodeled and joined to a new building to the south. At the present writing (1971) Macedonia children from the Kindergarten through the sixth grade attend here.

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On Thursday evening, April 17th, 1924 a group of parents met in the school and organized this society.

The meeting was planned and called by Mrs. Bessie Goosman, Miss Doris Hallowill, and Mrs. Lucille Kilgore, three grade teachers.

Mrs. Goosman called the meeting to order, with a Bible selection, and a prayer by Mrs. Robert Stevenson. Mr. V. M. Webb was appointed chairman, and Mrs. C. H. Phillips secretary pro-tem.

Mr. Earl Peck told the story of Northfield P.T.A.

The chairman appointed the following committee to draft a constitution: President of the board, principal of the high school, V. M. Webb, District Superintendent, Mrs. Anna Swisher and Mrs. Walter Chamberlin. The meeting was adjourned for three weeks.

The official slate was ready to be posted for one week. Third meeting-Mrs. Bessie Goosman presided. Officers were elected; September 18, 1924. President was Mr. C. W. Wendt; 1st vice president, Mr. Bumgarner; 2nd vice president, Mrs. Walter Chamberlin; secretary, Mrs. C. H. Phillips; treasurer, Mrs. Anna Swisher, at this meeting seventeen persons became members.

The little white church that stood beside the Indian Creek facing on what is now Route 82, has created an historical problem concerning its beginning. Early historians and memory of older residents, are the best source we have, because most old records are destroyed.

In Perrin's history of 1881, he writes that the first church in Macedonia was built in 1835, and that the majority of builders were Free-Will-Baptists. At any rate, we know that people of different faiths obtained permission to worship there, too.

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There were a number of Methodists here in Macedonia, and for some time had attended church in Northfield, and here in their log school house.

About this time, two or three sawmills were in operation in the community, and it's not impractical to see how the church could have been erected, and, too, if historians are sure that picture the old log school was replaced by a new frame structure around 1835, one can easily see why the Methodists solicited a place to worship.

Quoting from minutes written by Mr. Nelson R. Brown, then acting secretary of a committee met to discuss ways and means of obtaining a Methodist church of their own, the report reads as follows:

"For fifteen or twenty years the great M. E. Church has been sending its ministers to our people, here. These men

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have preached the gospel of Jesus Christ, visited the sick and buried our dead, and done all that could be expected of a Christian minister."

And further, "All this time the M. E. Church has been without a Sunday School here. They have occupied a church, built by the general public, thirty years ago, and deeded to the Free-Will-Baptist Church. The Free-Will-Baptist Society ceased to exist as a society twenty years ago. Since that time Methodist preachers have filled the pulpit here."

In the writer's possession is the "Articles of Incorporation of the Christian Union Sunday School, organized at Macedonia-Northfield, Summit County, the 27th day of February, 1891" by this church.

The following adults appeared before "A. L. Bliss, Justice of the Peace," on the 6th day of March 1891 "to affirm the new name of this church. It was taken to Akron and signed by the city clerk, N. P. Goodhue, clerk."-By F. J. Libis, Deputy Clerk.

The members presenting the document were "A. C. Munn, Mrs. L. C. Lanford, L. R. Foster, P. B. Seacey, Erwin Davis, and H. Jones.

The witnesses who set their hands were:

L. R. Foster Miss C. J. Generous

P. B. Seacey A. C. Munn

F. S. Jenkins Mrs. L. C. Lanford

H. Jones C. B. Tryon

W. Beaney E. Davis

Mrs. F. A. Colwell

"On the 10 th day of September, 1861, Marshall D. Everest executed a warranty deed to the Free-Will-Baptist of Macedonia, conveying to the Free-Will-Baptists the tract of land or lot of land, which is hereinafter described, being stated also, that said tract of land was to be used by the said trustees for religious and educational purposes, and have for many years failed to make any use whatsoever of said premises for religious and educational purposes, and deed conditions have

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been broken, whereas the said Marshall D. Everest died on the 24th day of October, 1901, and since (i) Martha A. Everest desires to sell the real property, here described, upon the terms and conditions which is hereinafter stated.

Now, it is agreed by and between said Martha A. Everest and said Village as follows:

Said Martha A. Everest will sell to the Village for the price of $200, free from all incumbrances, with sufficient title of record the following property:

(2) Situated in Township of Macedonia, part of lot 15, 5000 sq. ft.

(3) Deeded by Martha A. Everest, September 1914 A.D.

Signatures for

Martha A. Everest:

Ethel Glearingbole

W. H. Fletcher

Signatures for Village:

0. F. Griswold

C. E. Jones

Official seal of Al. H. Fletcher, Notary Public Benton Co., Minn.

Sauk Rapids, Minn.

Macedonia sign as:

J. L. Ranney, Mayor and

Frank B. Jenkins, Clerk

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish complex is located on a thirteen-acre site at 9080 Shepard Road in Macedonia. The ground-breaking for the first unit took place on August 4, 1968. This unit containing the church sanctuary and community hall was dedicated by Bishop Issenman of Cleveland on October 7, 1969. There is also a rectory. Additional units are planned for the future. Father Lloyd J. Boymer is the Pastor.

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The area this Church serves was formerly part of the area served by St. Barnabas Church.

(9880 Shepard Road)

The United Pentecostal Church held its first meeting on Sunday, April 16, 1961. For sometime it used the former United Presbyterian Church building at 9458 Olde Route 8 (where the Northfield Library is now located). Later a house at 9880 Shepard Road was used. This house is now (1971) used as the residence for the minister. The church building next door was first occupied in October 1969 and formally dedicated in May of 1970.

Rev. Karl Schnabel has been pastor from the beginning.

Business increased rapidly in Macedonia after the building of the Cleveland and Pittsburgh Railroad in 1851. John O'Dell, in that year, built a storeroom near where the C. & P. track is now. (This is now the Penn-Central Railroad.)

There were a few mechanics and tradesmen but no stock of goods until 1852.

In 1852 O'Dell and Price and Company placed $4,000 worth of goods in this store. They sold and exchanged goods around the surrounding countryside. These goods included such produce as eggs, butter, and cheese.

In 1854 this firm was succeeded by O'Dell and Company, and the business was conducted more extensively. After two years O'Neil joined the firm and the business operated for eight months under the name of O'Dell & O'Neil. O'Dell sold his interest to O'Neil who operated the store until 1857, when he failed and sold out.

Archibald Nesbit took over in i858 and served until about i86i. The store was vacant during part of the Civil War

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period. Then for a few months in 1864 and 1854 Michael O'Neil operated the store.

In 1866, Sage and Hine opened the store with a small stock. In 1867 Hine sold his interest to Chamberlin, then in 1869 Sage sold his share to Chamberlin.

Soon after, Darling and Drennan took charge of the store, increasing the stock to $5,200 and handled the cheese from two factories.

Lewis Lemoin took over in 1875, but sold to J. C. Johnson who continued the business until 1879. In1879, F. M. Ranney took possession. (From Perrin's l881 History of Summit County.)

The last owner was A. T. Brooks who ran the store until 1922 at which time the building was torn down.

In 1854 O'Neil and Wilcox opened a store with $8oo worth of goods. Soon after O"Neil sold to Wilcox, who failed in a year or two.

About 1865 Marvin Ford sold groceries for a short time, then Lewis Lemoin bought Ford out, and after eight months went into partnership with Palmer. A little later Lemoin sold his share to Alton Griswold.

In 1870 Palmer sold to Griswold, and after four years Griswold sold his interest to L. Palmer. Palmer continued alone until 1878. In 1878 Amos Munn assumed ownership. Amos Munn's heirs later rented this building for several years, after which it was torn down.

The Shield block was built to accommodate residents and people in business. It was located on Route 82 west of the Pennsylvania Railroad on the north side. Judging from associating interests transpiring at that time, it was probably built between 1886 and 1887.

It was built by Al and Jim Shields, who owned the sawmill at that time and were doing a big business in lumber. The building was comprised of two suites of living quarters up-stairs, and three shops downstairs. There never was a lack of tenants.

George Mac kept a meat market on one side of his apartment and a harness shop on the other. He also had a case of

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guns and old relics that amused the boys, young and old, of this community.

William Jones was a fine cobbler, who found plenty of work to be done in his store. On the western end the Post Office was located with a stationery store. Oscar Patterson kept the store and Post Office during the period from 1887 to 1889.

He sold choice selection of family drugs, medicines, toilet articles, fancy notions, veterinary remedies, and a full line of coloring stuffs.

This building was built without a basement: everyone used stoves. To house the coal, a coal shed was built clear across the back of the building, and divided into five individual bins. The coal was carried up a long flight of stairs to the tenants on the second floor. The block was torn down in 1922.

This block was a source of enjoyment for both young and old. In 1895, my father's family moved into an upper suite.

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We were all very happy there, for there was excitement every day. A big wide platform went across the front, a haven for children's play.

One evening just at dusk there arose a sort of riot outside. All flew to the windows, and rounding the corner where Valley View Road meets Route 82, came a procession of town youngsters headed by one of our citizens riding on a mule.

Archie Boam was leading the mule so the performer could carry on the entertainment. "Doctor Beeman," as he called himself, made quite an imposing picture, dressed in a black suit, wearing a high top hat, and carrying a riding whip. As he rode along, the band of children shouting, he vented his criticism of the community to the public. He preached, shouted, praised and sometimes sang. Everyone came out to listen. Some were disgusted, others amused, yet they couldn't miss anything.

"Hi" Beeman was a fairly well-read man and his English

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was good. He often recited poems that fitted into his lectures, under the influence of spirits. He was greatly saddened in his younger days and lightened his sadness occasionally with a little "schnapps" which always fired a desire to organize a parade. He was a citizen of Macedonia and one of the town characters in the early days. The mystery still remains how, without occupation or means of support, he was able to indulge his expensive taste for "schnapps."

According to Henry Perrin, a hotel was built by David Armstead in 1840. It was built on a location which would now be the lot where the Humble Oil Station is, just east of the Pennsylvania Railroad tracks on the north side of Route 82. At first it was used for residences. There was a floor of three apartments upstairs, and a floor of two apartments below. Later, as people acquired their own homes, the upper apartments were used as places of business.

In the 1890's, when the railroad started to raise the tracks through Macedonia, they found it necessary to tear down this hotel-apartment building. Oh, for a Pied Piper of Hamlin But none was to be found, only rats, rats, rats. They ran in every direction, into basements of homes and into business places all over town. The writer was living with the family of J. L. Ranney. One morning, Mr. Ranney came home with a big wire cage full of rats, calling me to bring out the big wash tub. I nearly fainted when I saw that cage. The tub was soon full of water and the cage was immersed. This procedure went on for several days until Mr. Ranney's store was free from the rats.

The Riley Hotel was built in 1874 on the east side of the Pennsylvania Railroad tracks directly opposite the Railroad Station. It was a spacious affair, with a nice wide veranda across the front. In one end there was a fine ballroom for dances. People from adjoining towns had many good times there. This hotel was purchased by the Railroad and leased by Frank Wise when the railroad track was raised. Mr. Wise then had it moved to a new foundation which was at the corner of Route 82 and the roadway which passed south-west over

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the railroad track, known at that time as the Little York Road.

After the death of Mr. Wise, this place which he had made into a beautiful residence, passed from one type of business to another. One night it burned to the ground.

Robert Lowry purchased the property and transformed the large barn where country dances were once held into a fine business establishment where he made jellies, mush, etc. Mr. Lowry has torn down his block home and has built a series of stores. The Macedonia Post Office has moved into one section. Other sections were rented to the Flair Beauty Shop, Wilson's Pharmacy, and Lawson's Milk Company.

In 1843 the woolen mill of Brandywine was swept away by flood, and David Armstead and Carl Storrs bought part of the machinery and brought it to Macedonia. These men erected a fine sawmill at Macedonia which they owned and operated until 1852. Then Alexander Nesbit bought them out. Four years later, in 1856, a Mr. Griffiths became the owner.

It was owned and operated by Stone and Buswell during the Civil War. They did an enormous business. They sawed vast quantities of car and wagon lumber from oak, ash, maple and black walnut which was shipped to Cleveland. They made their fortunes and sold out when the war ended.

Since then Woodbury, Lemoin, Barnum and others have owned the mill. Shields and Chapin took over in 1872. This sawmill, together with a grist mill and a cider mill at the same site, was torn down to make way for the Fenton Lumber Company (now the Watson Lumber Company) 9849 Freeway Drive, near Route 82.

Zedick Everett built an ashery in 1844 and continued the manufacture of potash until 1858, turning out a ton a week the year around.

Potash is an ash-so called from being prepared for commercial purpose by evaporating the lixivium of wood ashes in an iron pot.

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Lixivium is a solution obtained by lixiviation, or leaching, of lye. Leaching is a process that extracts a soluble substance from some material by causing water to filter down through the material. In this way lye is leached from wood ashes.

Potash is an oxide derivated from brines, distillery wastes from alcohol manufacture, flue dusts oi blast furnaces, wood ashes and other substances used in fertilizer and soaps.

Various types of potassium are used in the making of soap, glass, medicine, explosives, matches, tooth pastes and gunpowder. Potassium is also used in photography, insecticides, and in the process of extracting gold from ore.

In 1894 a surveying party, headed by Mr. E. C. Eckroad and accompanied by Henry Steele, started out to lease a route between Akron and Cleveland for interurban cars. By September 25, 1895, the first cars were running. The A. B. C. Line was so named because it operated through Akron, Bedford, and Cleveland.

The A. B. C. Railroad Company merged with the Akron Traction and Electric Company to make the Northern Ohio Traction Company. The franchise was granted October 13, 1894, and the first trip was made from Akron to Cleveland on November 18, 1895.

Most of the cars were red, but the "Official Car" was a beautiful shade of green with gold lettering. There was also a black funeral car spoken of as the "Black Mariah."

"Old 1500" brought out spectators along the line with words of admiration for its beauty. This was the private car which carried the business executives of the trolley era and the inspection parties of "Mustached and Derbied Officials" over the system and to points as far west as Indianapolis.

Both passenger cars and baggage cars served the community. The baggage cars picked up cans of milk through the farming districts, and many times the cars were quite full.

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Milk stands along the route filled with milk cans brought in each morning by the farmers were a familiar sight.

This railroad tract was a single track located on the east side of Old Route 8 through Northfield.

The first influx of people other than those interested in agriculture began soon after the Northern Ohio Traction Company opened the street car line commonly called the A. B. C. Line.

The high speed of the Akron-Bedford-Cleveland cars made them popular for urban transportation. At first, it took the cars two hours and twenty minutes to run from Akron to the Public Square in Cleveland. In 1931, the same trip required one hour and twenty minutes.

In 1914-15, the Traction Company bought a new right of way and double tracked the line from 303 (Chittendens Corners) to the junction of Route 8 near Fell Lake Park.

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Up to this time, there was half hour service. After new tracks were laid, hourly service was instituted between Cleveland, Canton, and other southern towns. It was now known as the N. 0. T. & L. (Northern Ohio Traction & Light Company) and furnished electricity to towns along the right-of-way.

For 21 years, this line passed through Northfield on the Akron.Cleveland Road, then known as Route 8. In the fall of 1916, the cars detoured and ran through Macedonia where "New" Route 8 is located.

The car line furnished regular cheap transportation to Akron and Cleveland and especially to Bedford where chair factories were flourishing. Many people moved to Northfield and Macedonia because of the easy access to transportation and to work.

The last car ran through Northfield in July, 1916. Ernest

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and Mary Woods bought the Northfield Center Depot (by sealed bid) for $50.00 in 1917. It was used at the new line in Macedonia for a few years until replaced by a two-story brick building-a substation, waiting room, and dwelling at the site of Ohio Edison's substation on the corner of Route 82 and Route 8. Mr. Woods took the building down and took it to his home.

The station had a beautiful carved door and colored glass panes in the window, surrounding a center of clear glass. Some of the lumber was used to repair their porches and the rest was stored for future use, but was burned for firewood by tenants while the Woods were away from home.

The last years of the A. B. C. Line were principally carrying freight. Ultimately better roads, more cars and trucks made the line unprofitable.

The Ohio Edison took over ownership of the lines on February 10, 1928. In 1930, the power and traction holdings were divorced.

This line served for 37 years. The last three years it lost $14,000.00 per month in operating expenses and taxes. On April I, 1932, the Northern Ohio Interurban Company discontinued its services from Akron to Cleveland.

The line laid idle for a number of years and was eventually made into a new, divided highway-Route 8 which opened in 1955 for automobile traffic.

Prior to 1922, the area comprising the existing Northfield Exchange was served by the Ohio Bell Telephone Company through our exchange located in a frame house on Valley View Road. This house was torn down later for Interstate 271.

At that time, Mrs. Agnes Scott, who was the local agent, continued to serve in this capacity after the area was purchased for the Western Reserve Telephone Company.

Due to the rapid growth of the Northfield area, it was

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decided that the area could best be served by moving the telephone exchange to Northfield Center. This was accomplished in 1937, utilizing the same equipment as was in service at the former location in Macedonia. At this time, Mrs. Hazel Smith became the operator and local agent. The Telephone Exchange was located on the second floor of a brick building known as the Folk Block, approximately 300 feet south of the intersection of Routes 82 and Old 8.

In 1942, the existing facilities having become somewhat inadequate, the switchboard facilities were replaced with 2-position Stromberg Carlson equipment which utilized such features as automatic ringing and the so-called super-service cord circuit.

The continued growth of the area made it necessary that the Telephone Exchange occupy larger quarters. In 1947, a two-story brick building was erected and the existing switchboard equipment was moved to that location (51 E. Aurora Road). An additional position of equipment was added in 1948, making a total of three in service at that time.

In June, 1949, the Northfield Office became a full operating toll center with facilities which enabled operators to dial nation wide. At that time, three additional positions of equipment were added. In addition to handling toll service for Northfield, it became the toll center for Twinsburg and Hiram as well. In the succeeding years, additional equipment was added until we now have eleven positions of equipment in that building.

The accelerated growth of the area brought about by the recent industrial development has made it necessary to convert the local service to dial operation, abandon the exchange as a toll center and provide customer toll dialing at its inception to all places within the dialing areas and eventually to include full nation-wide customer toll dialing.

In the fall of 1967, by special arrangement for the benefit of residents of the Northfield area, telephones of the Northfield Exchange were linked with the Bell system of Cleveland. As a result, calls-both outgoing and incoming-could be dialed directly without long-distance procedures. Although

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names of Northfield subscribers were not included in the Cleveland Telephone Directory, the plan proved to be very beneficial. The enlarged service of course brought an increase in monthly telephone rates.

Nelson R. Brown took an active part in building the First Methodist Church in 1891. He was superintendent of the Sunday School for many years. He was a printer by trade, and he published a small newspaper for the church called "The Review." It carried a column of local news as well as church matters. For example, some of the June, 1895 "Review" articles were:

The dwelling belonging to Jas. Duffy was entirely consumed by fire last week.

P. B. Seacoy has added undertaking to his present business and while we wish him success, we do not care to patronize that department until we are compelled to.

Work on the A. B. C. Electric Railway through North-field is being pushed as rapidly as possible.

Hiram Truby is putting up a house in Northfield.

The first annual Commencement of the Public Schools was held at the Presbyterian Church May 2₄th. It was a fair success and gave signs of promising results. With the single exception of the continual audible mutterings of a few who had no conception of public manners, everything passed off quite pleasantly.

Nelson Brown also printed a list of Macedonia Township Officials in each issue. In 1895 these were: Trustees-John W. Way, Z. F. Chamberlin, Lorin Bliss; Clerk-A. L. Bliss;Treasurer-John N. McConnell; Assessor-Bryan Martin. Constables were: H. A. Hawley and Robert Clifford. Justices of the peace were: George Forbes and F. M. Waite.

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Some other Review articles were:

The whistle of the electric cars will be apt to awaken the people at Northfield out of their long slumber.

Boom the town-Let us make irrigation possible.

There are two pressing needs which should receive the prompt attention of not only the citizens of this place, but also many outside the village. The first of these is an additional school room. The crowded condition of our school is too well known to need further mention here. It is a lamentable fact that very often classes have to be passed over to the next day and at no time can sufficient attention be given to any class.

The second need is a new sidewalk leading to the school-house, the present one has rendered good service but let us not tempt it longer, lest it turn on us.

The Railroad company is making a great improvement at the main crossing in this place. It has always been a hard and dangerous crossing and the change will be appreciated.

Local merchants were always ready to have their "ads" in the "Review." Some of these wishing to sell their wares in 1895 were

Shaw & Harden, Mfgrs. & dealers in choice corn meal, feed, etc.

Jake L. Ranney, Dry Goods, Groceries, flour, feed, etc.

H. D. Marshall, Fresh and salt meats, fish, etc.

Andrew T. Brooks, General merchandise & Agricultural Implements

P. B. Seacoy, Hardware and Tinware

Wm. R. Dixon, General Blacksmithinq

George Mac, Harness and repairing

Amos R. Munn, Coal, tile, etc.

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Hillman R. Gardner, Barber shop

P. B. Seacoy, Funeral Director

Dr. R. D. A. Gunn, Physician

R. B. Parkman, Hotel

Brooks Creamery Co., Dairy products

Pennsylvania Lines, Cleveland & Pittsburgh R. R.-N. R. Brown, agent

N. R. Brown, Printing & Business cards

Some additional Macedonia business men (about [900) were John Odell- harnessmaker; Henry Jones, Jake Ranney and Fred Hill were blacksmiths.

About 1922 a new business block was constructed in Macedonia on Route 82 (East Aurora Road). It housed a hardware store, barber shop, the Post Office and the Macedonia-Northfield Bank.

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Nelson Brown also served as agent at the Cleveland-Pittsburgh railroad station for over 40 years. Residents saw his unlighted lantern as he went to work, and lighted lantern as he returned. He also served on the school board for many years. His word was "as good as law." He was pleasant and full of fun. He usually went about town humming a favorite hymn. He was not above playing tricks on his neighbors.

On one occasion, the church held a "spider-web" social at his home. During the untangling of his string to the web, he saw that a neighbor got a special string. Simon Shaw, the victim, had a large red barn where he kept some animals. He followed his string through the knotty way it went and finally outdoors into the dark. Simon Shaw, wouldn't be outdone by Nelson's prank, came back leading his young calf into the house, at the end of the string. Screams of laughter followed until the man carried the calf back to the barn.

In 1919 Macedonia Village petitioned the Mayor and Council to accept a bid of $2,100 to convert the old church into a town hall, which petition was accepted.

The high school boys and girls enjoyed many games of basketball for the next two or three years here, then another petition was presented to the Village for permission to hold a special election to build a fire station. This was granted and election held in 1923. This church was used as the fire station until the new one was built.

The new fire station was built in 1931 at a cost of $18,000.

Mrs. Arthur Collins tells how the equipment of the first fire department was a forty gallon soda-acid tank, mounted on high buggy wheels, and pulled by a car. Later, the tank was

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mounted on rubber tired wheels. The equipment was stored in Frank Jenkins' barn.

The Little White Church still stands, furnishing space for tools, materials and equipment.

The Methodist Church of Macedonia was first organized in 1866. The meeting place was a building still standing near

the present village hall. In 1891 the congregation decided to erect a church of its own.

On March 24, 1891, several Methodists and their friends assembled at the home of J. J. Barnes to consult together as to what would be the best course to pursue, under the existing circumstances, to make way for their own Methodist house of worship.

Present at this meeting were: Rev. W. LI. Rider, Presiding

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Elder; Rev. E. J. Smith, Pastor; 0. Patterson, E. Obendorf, Charles Bryant, L. L. Palmer, Joe Tourney, S. L. Shaw,Emogene S. Brown, Emily Smith, Mrs. Wm. Dixon, Mrs. H. E. Chamberlin, Mrs. H. Bower, Mrs. F. Obendorf, ItIrs. J. Payne, Mrs. LI. D. Marshall, and Mr. and Mrs. J. Barnes.

Mr. 0. Patterson made a resolution that we discontinue holding services in the church heretofore occupied by us, to take effect after next Sunday, March I, 1891. This resolution was seconded by Emily Smith, and unanimously carried.

Then J. J. Barnes moved that after the morning service of March 8th we organize a Methodist Episcopal Sunday School. Motion carried unanimously.

Necessary committees were appointed and all set to work.

Subscription blanks were drawn up, and put into circulation.

On March 8th the subscribed fund was $1135.00, and a Methodist Sunday School of 46 members was organized.

On March 20th it was decided to pay J. J. Dowling and son, M. H. Dowling, $135.00 for church lot of one-half acre.

At the April ₄th meeting special committees were assigned to build a fence around the lot, get stone for foundation, and prepare plans and specifications.

By April 3oth the building contract was let to George W. Tyson. The location was where the new four-lane highway 1-271 crossed Route 82.

By August, 1891, painting contracts were let, lights bargained for, organ secured, and the following work accomplished by the Ladies' Aid Society:

The church was dedicated on Sunday, September 6, 1891. Dr. DeLamyter was the speaker.

During these years the Church shared one minister with Methodist churches in Hudson, Twinsburg, and Northfield.

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On Easter Sunday morning, while the Sunday School was ready for the children's Easter service, Mrs. William Holbrook, Senior, slipped into the church and quietly told a few men that the church was on fire. As the minister, Rev. J. M.. Keck, was offering prayer, the organ continued to play. With little interruption, the church furnishings were quickly removed from the church and parsonage.

The Easter program was announced to be held at the "Congregational" church in the evening. After plans began for a new church, the congregation went home.

The church was burned on March 27, 1910. Work began in the summer, and in the spring of 1911 the new church was completed on the same site.

In 1960 a new church with commodious religious educational facilities was constructed on land presented to the Church by Philip L. Haymes, Sr. This is on Route 82, about one mile east of the Macedonia shopping center.

Consecration services for the new building were conducted by Bishop Hazen G. Werner in November, 1960. Rev. Maynard W. French was the Pastor. Rev. Stanley G. Cote was Pastor from 1965 to 1971. Rev. William D. Griffith was appointed in June, 1971.

The Macedonia Volunteer Fire Department was first organized in 1921 with Frank Jenkins as Fire Chief. Equipment consisted of a 40 gallon Soda-acid tank which was mounted on high buggy wheels and pulled by cars. This apparatus was stored in Frank Jenkins' barn. Several houses were saved by it including those of George Holbrook and Fred Jenkins.

In 1931 a Fire House and Town Hall was built and a Seagrave fire truck was purchased. The Fire Department was reorganized with Floyd McRitchie as Chief.

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In 1933 George Johnston was appointed Fire Chief and Lynn Jenkins, Assistant. In 1944 Johnston resigned and Arthur Collin became Chief with George Johnston as Assistant. James Martin later took Johnston's place. Arthur Collin was still Chief in 1971. He has had a total of fifty years with the Department.

The roster of the Department has usually been about 25.

In 1959 a new Fire House was built on Valley View Road. Later a Safety Building housing the Police Department was attached to it.

In 1971 the equipment of the Department consisted of a 1,000 gallon pumper, a 750 gallon pumper, an i8oo gallon tank truck with front end pump, one panel type equipment truck, and one four-wheel drive grass fire truck. An old 500 gallon pumper was still kept as a relic for use in parades.

This Auxiliary was organized in January of 1935 with thirteen members. Gladys Dell was the first president.

The Auxiliary has twenty-three members. Of the original group only one Mrs. Arthur Collin, was left at this writing.

The members meet once a month at the fire house for potluck supper with the firemen. The purpose of the organization is to help the firemen in any way possible. The members provide coffee and sandwiches at fires, and assist families that are burned out.

The Macedonia-Northfield Banking Company was incorporated in Macedonia on January17, 1923.

The first officers were: President, George T. Bishop; vice-presidents, W. H. Chamberlin and Isaac McConnell; secretary, Frank B. Jenkins; and cashier, C. R. Kilgore. The direc-

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tors were: H. A. Cochran; R. B. Hartwig; Frank B. Jenkins; C. R. Kilgore; Thomas F. Lasher; I. P Mackey; J. S. McConnell; F. C. Peck; C. W. Seiberling; F. P. Townsend; and C. W. Wendt.

In 1932, E. C. Peck succeeded George T. Bishop as president, and Charles Fenton served as vice-president. Lee H. Beers became cashier and secretary.

Growth of the institution made additional space necessary, and on December 23, 1948, the bank conducted business from its present location in Northfield.

In 1951, Lee H. Beers was elected president; Charles M. Fenton, vice-president; Edna Kec, cashier and secretary; and Arnold G. Bauer, assistant cashier.

On July I, 1956, this bank became a branch office of the First National Bank of Akron. The bank has complete commercial, saving, safe deposit, and trust departments. It is a member of the Federal Reserve System and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

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Macedonia's picturesque little park in the center of the town is closely related to the life and times of the late Col. F. C. Peck, who donated it to the township in 1928.

Col. Peck, gentleman farmer, business man and civic leader, in 1911 purchased a 160-acre farm from Burzella Robinette. It lay along both sides of what is now Route 631, north of Route 82. it adjoined other farmland, once the property of William Robinette, brother of Burzella.

The farm William owned is now known as "North Woods." Col. Peck named his farm "Avalon." He bought up the Genereaux property which extended east of his estate to the railroad, moved the public road, at his own expense, several hundred feet south to give his house a wide front lawn, and added a large porch with pillars and a balcony.

He built a house next to his own for the estate's caretaker,

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and later erected a colonial style home next door for his son, Lionel.

A certified weather observer, he had a small sized glass-enclosed structure behind his mansion, where he conducted his observations. This little structure still stands.

A building block was built in 1922 by a stock company headed by Col. Peck. When first used it had a delicatessen, hardware store, dry goods store, a post office, barber shop, ice-cream parlor, and the Macedonia-Northfield bank as its tenants.

This building was later occupied by the Joslyn Manufacturmg Company. It burned in 1960 and was not rebuilt. The Joslyn Manufacturing Company is now located on Valley View Road South of Macedonia.

Across Route 82 at this time were the Munn residence, a hardware store, and a grocery store.

In 1928 Col. Peck acquired the above-mentioned property, removed the buildings and gave the land to Macedonia Township for a park. His terms were that it would be town property only as long as it was maintained as a park. He donated a bandstand, also.

Col. Peck died in Hollywood, Florida, in 1951, and a year later his property was sold to the Parma Realty Company.

In October, 1955, the Historical Society of Olde Northfield selected a "Sesqui-Centennial Planning Committee" composed of fifteen persons. After more than a year of arguments, research, constant meetings, planning and work, a final committee evolved, many of the officials having changed two or three times.

The objective of this "Sesqui" was original and unlike most such affairs. Devoid of games of chance, parades of hired majorettes-merry-go-rounds, ferris wheels, Indian blankets, and cheap sales items, a home talent celebration was planned. This would include a "play" or entertainment, a parade, a tour

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of our four communities, exhibits of local arts, crafts and accomplishments, and of industrial products and processes. The "gimmicks" and "Honkey-tonk" features were definitely ruled out. Unlike most "Sesquies," this was not finished by a few industrial firms. A number of our private citizens each loaned $100 toward a treasury fund, taking the risk of loss in case of a deficit. A few of these people, later, after the "Sesqui" was over, donated their pledge to the Historical Society. Financially, the "Sesqui" was so successful that all debts were paid without recourse to the usual requests for donations to meet unpaid obligations.

The first procedure was one of investigation. The President of our Historical Society, Clarence Richey, and the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Thomas F. Faulbaber, traveled to towns and cities that had already held "Sesqui" celebrations. They interviewed workers, principals and sponsors with the purpose of finding out what not to do, as well as, what to do. As a result, such unhappy affairs as "popularity contests" and controversial subjects were avoided, features that rewarded one person at the cost of disappointing many others were eliminated. Plans were laid for a strictly home talent exhibit of arts, craft, science, and industry coupled with home talent entertainment.

Space was "sold" at a nominal fee, in the lower floor of the Old High School (Leonard Road building) and industrial and commercial exhibits filled this space. On the main floor above, societies, clubs and organizations were allotted spaces and they featured arts, crafts, and developments-everything from flower arrangements, to antique exhibits, and demonstrations of weaving.

The "play" took place in the auditorium. This was a pageant written, cast and directed by Mrs. Grazelak. The "parade" was organized by Mr. Grazelak and was probably the largest and best attended one ever held in our communities. It was a diverse and unusual parade of old and new,-as an example: Chuck Grimminger dressed as a "49er" prospector leading a jack-ass. Mr. Bill Jenner planned and "sold" the exhibit spaces (a sell out) and both floors were filled with displays.

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A triple-struck coin or "half-Dollar" was minted, using the ox cart design, by special permission of the U.S. Post Office. (It was copied from a postage stamp-the Minn. Territory Issue of 1948). These coins were sold to most of our merchants who handed them out as change and circulated them as half dollars. They were guaranteed by our local First National Bank and underwritten by our Hundred Dollar Club Sponsors. Thousands of coins were sold and collectors wrote for them from many parts of the United States. They are still being sold to coin collectors.

A local postal cancellation permit was arranged with our local post office and for thirty days they advertised our "Sesqui" with this stamp cancellation and by issuing "First Day Covers."

The Gillilands (Al and his wife), arranged a three-month "build up" series on historical news releases with the Bulletin and Mr. Barnetson arranged publicity with other newspapers and radio stations. The North Summit Times issued a special "Sesqui-Centennial Issue" for us on the week of our celebration.

Mrs. "Bee" Shaw and Bessie Goosman both spent many hours in writing historical features to feed the newspapers "build up." As an advertising stunt, Al Gilliland suggested we invite the Governor of Ohio to a Sesqui Dinner. This captured newspaper front page headlines and was a master stroke of advertising. The Governor declined and we were saved the necessity of actually putting on this dinner.

A brief history was requested of each of our clubs, organizations, churches and businesses. These were published in a small "Who's Who" of Olde Northfield and served for many years as a local directory. This required voluminous letter writing and personal contacts with the dozens of organizations in our four communities. It required proof reading, typing, and organization work. Mrs. Grace Wargo, Mrs. Sturtevent and Mrs. Fetzer accepted most of the responsibility for this task.

There were many other special committees, such as Len Early's "Beard Committee"; George Hoffman's "Log Cabin

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Committee"; and our information booth that stood on the public square at Northfield.

Many of our local merchants sold our gift items, plates, coins, directories, etc.

Mrs. Yarmish loaned her old time bathing suit collection

(circa 1910) and some of these were modeled by "Chuck"

Grimminger, Glenn Beers, Dewitt Whittaker, and Mrs. Ben

Yarmish.

The Welcome Wagon supplied a Prize-a basket of groceries and fruit for the oldest citizen to attend our Pageant. It went to a man over 90 that came with his family all the way from Pennsylvania to attend.

Old time dresses were purchased to be worn by guides, officials, and booth personnel. Sunbonnets were made for us by the ladies from the Lutheran Church-a free gift to us.

Commemorative plates were designed and sold. (They sold out and have been re-ordered twice since, and are still selling).

Police protection was arranged with our auxiliary police staff. One devoted police officer requested his vacation at the time of the "Sesqui" so that he could spend his nights protecting our displays in the High School building,-and without pay!

Insurance was arranged, a stand by doctor and nurses provided, stationery printed, key chains, bracelets, official badges, and tickets were ordered. Old time movies were reviewed and a number selected for a silent screen show. Projection and sound equipment was provided. We furnished the lumber and Jack Addis made us traffic directing signs (free of charge). Ed Chamlis filmed our parade and served as a recording photographer.

Our schools furnished fine bands and excellent music. Mrs. Schoenberg and Mrs. Faulhaber arranged tours including visits to the home of Cyrus Eaton, the Laubinger Greenhouse, "North Woods" estates, the Mike Neid home and Brandywine Falls. Our High School students served as Barkers and bus announcers for the tours, which were oversold every day of our "Sesqui."

Our "Sesqui-Centennial" ended on Saturday, June 22, 1957,

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and even beautiful weather was arranged for us. It was a complete success in every way due to the hundreds of people who pitched in to work with enthusiasm and loyalty. It was a tremendous task to organize, correlate and create all the features of this "Sesqui." Only a few of the many loyal and helpful people who made it a success have been mentioned.

On the final day of over a year's preparations, a lady inquired if there was anything she could do. She was a working woman who had requested time off from her job to give to us and to serve us in any capacity. Of such stuff are our people! When one of our urgently needed specialists failed us 24 hours before show time, we found a man with similar talents who gave us his time. He and his wife had, for weeks, been planning their 5oth wedding anniversary. They scrapped their plans to work for the "Sesqui" and help make it a success. These are the real people who make one proud to live in such a community.

The names of many of the dozens of people who helped unite this community are unknown in the largest, most successful, and most harmonious affair that has ever taken place in our four villages and towns. . . . This was truly a united effort "of the people, by the people, and for the people."

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 1957

2 to 4 P.M. Old Time Movies and local Historical slides.

4 to 5 P.M. Bus tours of points of interest

8 to 10 P.M. Pageant in High School

9:30 to [2 :00 P.M. Square dancing

THURSDAY, JUNE 20

2 to 4 P.M. Concert by Swiss Band and Yodelers

4 to 5 P.M. Bus tours

8 to 10P.M. Pageant

9:30 to 2 :00 P.M. Square dancing

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FRIDAY, JUNE 21

2 to 4 P.M. Band concert

4 to 5 P.M. Bus tours

8 to 10 P.M. Pageant

9:30 to 12 :00 P.M. Square dancing

SATURDAY, JUNE 22

2 to 4 P.M. Parade, contest judging

4 to 5 P.M. Bus tours

8 to 10 P.M. Pageant

9 :30 to 12 :00 P.M. Square dancing

Exhibits and prizes, and noon and evening meals featured rest periods.

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The area which comprised Olde Northfield (now Northfield Village, Northfield Center, Macedonia, and Sagamore Hills), is about twenty-seven square miles. In the middle of the last century the population consisted of only a few dozen families. Today (1971) the population of the area is over 22,000.

During most of its history this area was a farming community producing lumber, potatoes, grain, meat, and dairy products; now only a few farms remain. Among these are: Acadia Farm owned by Cyrus Eaton, Sr.; Longwood Farm in Macedonia owned by Col. William Frew Long; Northwood Farm owned by Charles Paugh; the farm of Curtis Polcen on Route 82, and that of Dr. W. E. Mishler on Valley View Road.

In the years between 1955 and 1970 there was fantastic real estate development in the area. Many hundreds of lovely homes were built; also several complexes of apartment houses. Foremost among the promoters and developers was Wargo Builders, Inc., who in addition to having built hundreds of private homes, have also produced the open-space development known as "Greenwood" on a one thousand acre tract on Route 82 formerly owned by the Marshall Family. This specially zoned development will eventually be a city of 10,000 persons.

Beautiful new homes have been erected around Willow Lake. Other developments include the Beacon Hill area and Shepherd Hills. A large shopping plaza in Northfield Village was built in 1960.

The Sagamore Hills Children's Psychiatric Hospital at 11910 Dunham Road was completed in 196[ at a cost of

$1,700,000. The Hospital is defined "a short term intensive treatment facility offering in-patient and out-patient programs for children with emotional illness. The auditorium of the Hospital is used for the presentation of plays by the Brandy-wine Players, a local group of persons interested in drama.

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The Northfield Library, a branch of the Akron Public Library, has a beautiful new building at Northfield Center. It is well equipped and stocked with books which are used by children and young people as well as by adults. A special room in this building, known as the Flora Fenton Room, is available for meetings of groups and organizations of the community.

The name "Northfield" is known far beyond the borders of its community. Especially it is known for the Northfield Track where harness racing is held daily during the summer months.

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