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Solon history revisited with two books
(by Sue Reid - September 09, 2009)
Solon history revisited with two books
By SUE REID
Changes in Solon in recent years have prompted requests for a piece of the city's past.
Solon Historical Society President Robert Shimits said there has been great demand among residents for two books, which give both a pictorial and written overview of the city over many years.
"The Pictorial History of Solon, Ohio," first published in 1992, and "Pioneers With Webbed Feet," published in 1970, will be updated and reissued, just in time for the holidays, Mr. Shimits said.
"What I'm hoping is that a lot of interest can be generated in Solon's history with the release of these books," he said. "We've had a lot of requests for them, from teachers, students and visitors to the city."
To offset the large initial cost involved with re-printing the books, the historical society is seeking both corporate and family sponsors. Those wishing more information can contact Mr. Shimits at (440) 248-3586.
"Our goal is to not necessarily make a profit, but we have such a huge request for the books, we want to make sure they are sent out and available," he said.
"The Pictorial History of Solon, Ohio," which dates back to 1900, includes a collection of vintage photographs up to 1991. Photos featured include the old Solon Cash Store on Bainbridge Road, the Trimple Grocery, also on Bainbridge Road, as well as photos of the old City Hall, which is now the Solon Center for the Arts. Mr. Shimits said that many photos are taken on Bainbridge Road, which back in history, also was known as "main street."
There are also old family photos in the book, Mr. Shimits said, as well as reunion photos and those of the Solon Chicken Farm on Bainbridge Road.
"Pioneers With Webbed Feet," published to celebrate the city's sesquicentennial and written by Nelson Bard, who is deceased, is considered the official written history of Solon up to 1970. Mr. Bard's wife, Melanie, gave permission for the reprinting, Mr. Shimits said.
The book, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year, tells of the city's early history and how Solon was carved up with the Western Reserve after the War of 1812, Mr. Shimits said. "All of this area was owned by the Connecticut Land Co.," he said.
Mr. Shimits said the historical society is extremely excited to be re-printing these books.
"A lot of people will be interested," he said. Books must be pre-ordered, he said. "It would make a great holiday gift for out-of-state friends and family from Solon," Mr. Shimits said.
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