CH celebrates 16th annual preservation month

The site of the long-gone Glen Allen Estate, owned by Elisabeth Severance Allen, is a feature of the May 12 walking tour (reservations required).

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The Cleveland Heights Landmark Commission, Cleveland Heights Historical Society and Heights Libraries are collaborating again this May to present a series of programs to celebrate National Preservation Month here in the Heights.

Spanning the month of May, a series of tours and lectures will explore the ways in which preservation is important to this community, and will delve into its history. Programs will explore parks, a secret stream, Cleveland Heights’ connection to the Shakers and Shaker Heights, and will celebrate Cain Park's 80th birthday with a behind-the-scenes tour.

A description of programs is listed below. [Note that reservations are required for the May 12 and June 2 tours.]

Tuesday, May 1, 7 p.m., Cleveland Heights’ Emerald Necklace: Parks, Property, and Politics

Speaker: Marian Morton 

For more than a century, our parks have been important players in the city’s economic and political life. Initially intended to enhance the property values of an ambitious young suburb, our parks also sometimes enhanced the political reputations of its elected officials. Most often places that promoted political unity and harmony, our parks have sometimes done the opposite. [Heights Libraries Lee Road Branch, 2345 Lee Road.]

Wednesday, May 9, 7 p.m., From the Shakers to Shaker Heights Park: The Curious History of Why A Part of Cleveland Heights Once Called Itself ’The Real Shaker Heights’

Speaker: Virginia Dawson

Learn about the history of North Union, the sale of the Shaker property, and the role of the Van Sweringen brothers in developing the old Shaker property located along both sides of Doan Brook. [Heights Libraries Lee Road Branch, 2345 Lee Road.]

Saturday, May 12, 10 a.m. to noon, Cleveland Heights Rocks and Waters Tour 2018: Shaw Brook Gulch

Tour guides: Roy Larick, Korbi Roberts and Kara Hamley O'Donnell

Do you know Shaw Brook, the city's secret stream? Explore its sandstone gulch—once the Glen Allen estate's landscape centerpiece—and learn about the long-gone home of Elisabeth Severance Allen, John L. Severance’s sister. It’s beauty where least expected.

Reservations are required for this tour, which will take place rain or shine. Space is limited, and this tour always fills up. To register, call 216-291-4878 after May 1. [Registered participants will meet at Lutheran High East parking lot, 1400 Yellowstone Road.]

Monday, May 21, 7 p.m., Why Preservation?

Speaker: Margaret Lann, Cleveland Restoration Society

What are the important architectural features on an older house? What should be repaired rather than replaced? This program looks at the importance of taking a preservation approach in our homes and neighborhoods. It also highlights some common preservation blunders. [Heights Libraries Lee Road Branch, 2345 Lee Road.]

Saturday, June 2, 10 a.m. to noon, Cain Park Behind the Scenes tour

Tour guides: Kara Hamley O’Donnell and Ksenia Roshchakovsky, city of Cleveland Heights staff

As we celebrate Cain Park’s 80th anniversary, learn about Cain Park’s rich history, its evolution and its importance as the heart of Cleveland Heights’ arts community. You’ll get to see areas of the park usually inaccessible to the public, including the scene and costume shops, Evans Amphitheater backstage and dressing rooms, and work on the set and lights for the 2018 musical in the Alma Theater.

Reservations are required for this tour, which will take place rain or shine. To register, call 216-291-4878 after May 1. [Registered participants will meet at the top of the Cain Park sledding hill, on Taylor Road near Superior Road.]