CH celebrates Preservation Month in May

Front porches, prevalent throughout Cleveland Heights, are the focus of a May 12 talk.

May is National Preservation Month. In Cleveland Heights, as in communities across the country, this month celebrates our rich architectural and natural history. Since 2002, the City of Cleveland Heights and its partners have observed Preservation Month with lectures and tours, and this year holds special significance as Heights Libraries celebrates its centennial.

Preservation Month programs provide residents with the opportunity to learn the nuts-and-bolts of porches; the history of our library, city and school buildings; and explore Cleveland Heights’s neighborhoods and natural features.

CH Preservation Month 2016 co-sponsors are the Cleveland Heights Historical Society, the Cleveland Heights Landmark Commission and Heights Libraries.

Wednesday, May 4, 7 p.m., Looking Back, Looking Forward: Coventry Village Through the Decades

In this program, part of the library’s Cedar-Coventry Author Series, Marian Morton (author) and Bob Brown (photographer and city planner) will explore the evolving character and potential of Coventry Village. [Coventry Village Library, 1925 Coventry Road]

Thursday, May 12, 7 p.m., Porches: History, Design and Construction

Whether your porch is Victorian or Colonial Revival, it takes a beating in our Northeast Ohio climate. Colin Compton and Margaret Lann, of the Cleveland Restoration Society, will look at common construction and deterioration issues, and propose methods for repair and replacement of lost details. Additionally, they’ll discuss the evolution of the American porch, from humble masonry stoops to fully furnished verandahs. [Lee Road Library, 2345 Lee Road]

Saturday, May 14, 10 a.m., Mayfield Heights Historic District Walking Tour

Chuck Owen and Mark Souther will lead a walking tour around the latest Cleveland Heights district to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, and is home to the city’s oldest school, church and house. [Reservations are required for this tour. To register, call 216-291-4878 after May 1. The tour starts at the Coventry Arch in front of the Coventry Village Library, and will take place rain or shine.]

Wednesday, May 18, 7 p.m., History of Cleveland Heights and University Heights Libraries, Schools and Civic Buildings

Early civic leaders saw the need to build public facilities that would serve our communities and last for generations. Celebrate the Heights Libraries’ centennial by attending this presentation by Amia Wheatley, Eric Silverman and Kara Hamley O’Donnell. It will feature historic photos that illustrate the history of Heights libraries, schools and other important public buildings. [Lee Road Library]

Saturday, May 21, 10 a.m., Cleveland Heights Rocks & Waters 2016: Nine Mile Creek

Roy Larick, Korbi Roberts and Jim Miller will lead a hike along the course of Quilliams Creek to where it joins Nine Mile Creek. Participants will learn local geology, ecology and history, and discuss how best to conserve this unique bluestone landscape. [Reservations are required for this tour, which is co-sponsored by Noble Neighbors. To register, call 216-291-4878 after May 1. The tour starts at Oxford Elementary School, 939 Quilliams Road, and will take place rain or shine.]

Kara Hamley O'Donnell

Kara Hamley O'Donnell works at the Cleveland Heights Department of Planning and Development as the city's historic preservation planner.

Read More on Heights History
Volume 9, Issue 5, Posted 9:21 AM, 04.26.2016