[ back ]
Village prepares to mark Founders' Day
(by Joseph Koziol Jr. - June 11, 2009)
Village prepares to mark Founders' Day
By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR.
Burton has come a long way since Thomas Umberfield trekked through wilderness to establish the first settlement in what would become Geauga County.
That first settlement on June 21, 1798, will serve as a fitting storyline for Burton Village's recognition of its history when its celebrates Founders' Day on June 20.
Mr. Umberfield and his family settled in a log cabin near what is now Spring Street. That first family was followed by others looking to make a new life. By 1809, the village's population had grown to 237.
And, while the village has grown, it has, more than most, kept alive the rich traditions of its New England heritage.
In honor of its rich history, the Founders' Day celebration will commemorate three of its most cherished emblems.
Ohio historic markers will be set in place to honor Burton Congregational Church, Burton Public Library and Burton's historic district. The historic district was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 in recognition of its preserved New England character.
In addition, a Civil War cannon that has been part of the village green for the past 130 years will receive a special marker to be unveiled by a representative of Atwood Mauck American Legion Post 459.
The public is invited to join in the celebration that will begin at 3 p.m. at the gazebo at the north end of the village park. The ceremony will include the unveiling of the markers by the Rev. Harry Buch, of Burton Congregational Church, library director Holly Lynn Manning and Burton Mayor Thomas Blair Sr.
The reading of a winning essay by third-grader Jack Squire also will be part of the program. The essay was chosen as the best among third-graders who were asked to write why Burton's history is important.
"There are a lot of places from long ago that you can learn from," Jack wrote. "Some are Century Village, Fowler's Mill and the courthouse."
Founders' Day, Jack said, is important to remember for the people who built Geauga County from that wilderness.
"It is important to remember people and places from the past to learn about and celebrate," he said. "We have some cool places to visit. We celebrate many things. There are a lot of important people from our past."
Burton Village Councilwoman Linda Swaney said that Kenneth Kleve, a member of the legion post, took the time to trace the history of the Civil War cannon.
Ms. Swaney worked with Jacqueline Samuel to have Mr. Kleve's research condensed onto a bronze plaque that will be displayed permanently on the cannon.
Burton merchants purchased the 10-pound, Parrott cannon in 1877 from the U.S. War Department. It is said to have been fired at Lookout Mountain, Tenn., during the Civil War. It also was used to commemorate some of the nation's history, including being fired at the inauguration of Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th president, in March 1877.
In 1880, the cannon was fired in celebration of James A. Garfield's nomination for the presidency. Mr. Garfield won the presidency and the cannon was fired again in 1931 to mark the 100th anniversary of his birth.
The cannon's dedication will be to honor the valor and bravery of all veterans.
The historical markers program is administered by the Ohio Historical Society and enables Ohioans to commemorate and celebrate local history and to learn more about their region. Designed to be permanent and highly visible, the markers are large cast-aluminum signs that tell stories about local history. In 2008, the village received its first historical marker, describing its founding.
The Burton Historic District Association initiated the Burton Ohio Historic Marker program and will host its second Founders' Day. The markers are funded by the organizations whose buildings are recognized by local donors.
The association consists of a group of interested local residents whose work supports the association's mission, which includes promoting the history of Burton Village, preserving its historical architecture and artifacts while ensuring that future development is consistent with the area's Western Reserve character. Membership is open to anyone interested.
[ back ]
