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Founders' Day honors Burton's founding family
(by Joseph Koziol Jr. - June 21, 2012)
Founders' Day honors Burton's founding family
By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR.
Some of Burton Village's oldest residents stood tall Sunday.
They could tell you about some of the village's earliest history such as the first log cabin school, the first electric lights, first county fair in 1823 or the blizzard of 1919.
They could tell you, that is, if they could talk.
But, those residents have populated Burton Square, some for more than 200 years, as sentinels over the village first settled in 1798.
A scavenger hunt, titled "If trees could talk" was part of the village's fifth annual Founders' Day celebration, intended to commemorate the arrival of Burton's founding family on June 20, 1798. Attendees were invited to walk the square and learn about those trees and the history they silently witnessed.
Linda Stone, with the Burton Historic District Association, greeted the crowds that had gathered for the commemoration.
"Burton is a great place to live and work," Mrs. Stone said. "Our history is ingrained in us."
She invited residents to visit the Burton Public Library to see the Burton Memory Project, which contains artifacts from the village's long history and to use the day to appreciate and learn about "our wonderful town."
After Burton's Boy Scout Troop 197 raised the flag, the Burton Elementary fourth-grade winners of an essay contest read their essays. They were asked what would they do with the historic George Ford house on the square. Amanda Morgret thought it would make a great spa. Nathan Iadimarco said it would be fun to own his own museum and collect artifacts so no one would forget the home's and its owner's history.
Mayor Nicholas Fischbach announced that three prominent residents, Charlie Caputo, James Clarke and Dr. William Reed would receive commemorative bricks in the park. Another was provided for the Girl Scouts of America, celebrating their 100th anniversary this year.
He said each of those residents provided to make the town a great place to live. "We are here because we care about our community," he said. "We love our community. When the chips are down, we take care of each other."
Jennell Dahlhausen, village deputy administrative assistant, accepted a historic plaque from the Ohio Historical Society, which will be placed in Welton Cemetery, which notes the historical significance of the cemetery, where some of its earliest residents are laid to rest, including Seabury Ford, Ohio's 20th governor.
She said the community, which is steeped in history and public service, relies on the principles those first founders brought with them.
Ted Prasse, president of the Ohio Historical Society, who presented the plaque, said each historic marker pulls a page out of Ohio history and puts it out front for all to see. The latest marker is the fifth for the village and the 15th in Geauga County, he said. The state has about 1,400, he said.
Diane Valen kicked off the scavenger hunt involving the trees, asking participants to remember everything trees provide, such as lumber for houses and furniture, sometimes food and a place for wildlife to live.
Mr. Fischbach noted that the village was also commemorating Arbor Day as part of the celebration and read a proclamation.
Elmer Bollinger, master of ceremonies for the celebration, called on residents to not only take time to appreciate all that the village has to offer, but also to become an active participant in its future. He called on residents to get involved in their community. "You'll be so glad you did," he said.
The trees, which residents were drawn to, also told a story of being active participants besides just silent witnesses to history. Each told of the benefits it provided. A 30-inch diameter Norway maple told of providing $217 worth of benefits each year. It absorbs 3,753 gallons of storm-water runoff, raises property values by $55, conserves 166 kilowatt hours of electricity by serving to cool and help heat buildings and absorbs 1,439 pounds of atmospheric carbon.
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