Newsletters and Archives

Come to the meetings:

The CAHS meets the 4^thTuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Villa at the Lake. It is one-story and handicap accessible.

We have an average of 40-50 members, plus guests, in attendance. Our featured speakers, all from this area, have been most interesting and greatly appreciated. When

they can, members bring used and old items to auction off. Proceeds benefit our society. It’s fun.

Refreshments and social time follow. Everyone has a great time.

Please join us and bring a friend.

Society Notes:

We have several persons to thank at this time.

For cash donations:

Jim and Sandy Dombroski
Marian Kent
Roy Jr. and Dixie Pratt
Paul Whipple
Sharon Wick

For donating the replica freight office signs for the outside of our building:

Jack Mathay

For providing the society with space in their storage building for storage of donated items:

Jim and Sandy Dombroski

For printing our newsletter:

Doug Lewis, City Manager
Pat Beckwith, Assistant

HISTORICAL QUIZ ABOUT CONNEAUT

Bob Blickensderfer

June is the time for tests or exams…. so here is your quiz. We will be going back in time from the 1800’s to the 1930’s or so.

What was the best rail route to Pittsburgh?
Where was the Old Power Station?
Where were the old “show grounds” (1920’s)?
What happened to the Mill Street covered bridge?
Where were our “Twin Bridges”?
Who was “Bears Oil”?
Where was his mother’s grave said to be?
How many octagon structures are in the Conneaut area?
Where was our “Bessemer Depot” located?
Where was our “Airfield” in the 1930’s?
Did any of you ride in the Ford Trimotor?
At the time of the first white settlers in this area, where was the local “Indian Village” located?

(See below for answers.)

Amboy United Methodist Church

History of the Amboy Methodist Church (Continued)

In July of 1953 Rev. and Mrs. Clair Gray and family came to our community. The garage was moved to its present location in preparation for construction of the educational unit. The corner stone for the basement was laid December 28, 1954. Robert Pitzer, contractor, was guided by Mr. Harry Wolcott, chairman, and Mr. L. L. Franklin, inspector. This phase of the educational building was completed and paid for by 1955.

In June, 1955, Rev. and Mrs. Arthur Deutsch accepted leadership of Amboy Church and encouraged the members to support the building fund to realize the completion of the educational unit. Rev. V. E. Turner of the Methodist Board of Missions was employed to conduct the first pledge drive.

In 1959 Rev. and Mrs. Robert Carnes came to Amboy and served faithfully for four years. Construction began on the upper portion of the annex in September 1959 with Rev. Robert Carnes, pastor, and Ross Buie, the building committee chairman. Ribbon cutting ceremony to consecrate the second story unit was held on December 4, 1960 with Dr. Paul Ward and Dr. Harold Kellogg participating. Work was completed on the annex by February 1961 at a cost of $55,000.

During this period, with the guidance of our many faithful pastors, a spiritual growth was also made in the lives of the members. Some of our young men have dedicated their lives to the ministry.

Paul Whipple was encouraged by Rev. Landfear toward his life’s dream. Rev. Whipple is now a full-time pastor in the church of the Master, Akron, Ohio.

Under the influence and encouragement of Rev. Landfear, Robert Britton also accepted the call to preach.

Alonzo Kay Graff, also influenced by the ministries of Rev. Dittman, Rev. Landfear and Rev. Deutsch, began to seriously consider the call to become a pastor. Rev. Graff is now at Hope Wesley in the Cleveland District.

In 1961, Rev. and Mrs. Oakey Grow came to us. During the three years they were with us, a new roof was put on the sanctuary. Solid oak doors were purchased as a memorial gift to Mrs. Landfear. Rev. Grow also encouraged the memorial fund for the purchase of the chimes. They were dedicated in memory of Rev. and Mrs. Jesse Viets, Mrs. Eric E. Ericksen, Richard (Dickey) Kuhn, Mrs. Elizabeth Belnap and Mr. And Mr. Will Gifford. The cabinet for the stereo receiver was made by Mr. Arleigh Congdon.

In 1964 Rev. and Mrs. Ronald Huff and family won the hearts of members and friends in Amboy Church and community. Rev. Huff was a student pastor working on his B. A. degree at Kent and served faithfully until he was transferred to Shalersville in order to further his education at Kent. During his pastorate we renovated the sanctuary and put aluminum siding on the church and parsonage.

In 1964 the Loyal Bereans gave a liberal amount toward the purchase of new green carpeting. In 1966 they purchased a communion table and cloths. The recently formed Amity Class purchased altar and pulpit scarves.

The final payment on the educational building was made July 27, 1966. The total cost was $65,000. We were deeply honored to dedicate this building as well as all work and memorials of the past years to the glory of God. New hymnals were purchased, many as memorials to friends and relatives, through donations of the congregation. At this time a new incinerator was purchased and a new gas furnace was installed for the sanctuary.

*We are indebted to Mrs. Geraldine Hawkins for compiling this historical data, 1966.

Rev. Lawrence Haddaway and his wife came in 1967 and he was relieved of his duties October 1, 1967. The much loved Rev. and Mrs. Ray Seals, a retired pastor from Ashtabula, came to us as a supply pastor on Sundays for the remainder of the year.

In May, 1968 a new kitchen in the parsonage was installed at a cost of $4,800 including many other improvements. The congregation responded as usual toward this expense.

On July 1, 1968 we were honored to have Rev. and Mrs. Harvey McPheron assigned to us. The Loyal Bereans planted shrubs in front of the sanctuary. This class also had the pew cushions recovered at a cost of $861.

On July 1, 1970, Rev. and Mrs. Lawrence Hastie were assigned to us and lovingly served us faithfully for five years. Rev. Hastie desired to study at the church so one of the primary rooms was used for this purpose. This has proved a great asset to our church and to the needs of our pastors. The Youth Fellowship presented an automatic turntable for the chimes and contributions were made for two speakers. The Women’s Society earned money on the annual bazaar and turkey dinner and Christmas cookie sale toward the purchase of a new mimeograph. At this time the church budget was raised along with the pastor’s salary.

In September, 1971, we owe our appreciation to Louis and David Johnson for installing a public address system to make it possible for those in charge of the supervised nursery to listen to the worship service.

In October, 1971, the church presented remembrance plaques to two members for their faithful and dedicated service. Mrs. Hazel Whipple, organist for 43 years, and Mrs. Elsie Hammond, choir director for 20 years, in honor of their retirement.

In November, 1971, the church conducted an honorary service and tureen for the oldest members of our church. Miss Pearl Southard was presented a plaque for being the oldest member with 58 years of service. Mrs. Bessie Baird and Mrs. Fern Groff were awarded certificates for each having 57 years service.

On September 24, 1974 a dinner was held in honor of Mrs. Hazel Hollister, Mrs. Dorothy Philly and Mr. Hubert Kuhn for fifty-year membership. They were each presented a certificate for their continued service.

Rev. Hastie was called to fill a vacancy at Wildere United Methodist, Cortland, Ohio. The conference was unable to supply us with a pastor at this time. The Rev. Noah Oxley from the Lakeview United Methodist Church, formerly the United Brethren, agreed to fill in as our leader. The work of the church continued to function, as usual, with his faithful service and beautiful music.

On October 1, 1975 Amboy Church was greatly blessed to have Rev. and Mrs. Clair Hess as our pastor and wife. Rev. Hess has done much to further the work of the Kingdom of God. Special services and programs were planned under his leadership. At Christmas time an annual white gift offering was encouraged by Rev. Hess with money used to help those of our community who are in need. A campaign for aiding in world relief was presented. The Joash Chest was revived; an offering to be taken once a month to be used for repairs on the church and parsonage. Bible study on Wednesday night was held along with study programs on Sunday evening. A successful Lay-Witness Mission was carried out November 19, 20 and 21, 1975.

A new memorial Hammond organ was presented at a cost of $3650; dedication was November 23, 1975.

The walls in most of the educational unit needed painting; this work was done by Rev. Hess and a few faithful members.

A Bicentennial Festival and Homecoming was held June, 1976 in a two-day celebration. The New Outlook class, a group of young adults, was successfully formed and is working diligently to help support the church. They sponsored a Lenten Ham Supper. The Youth Fellowship held a yard sale May 21, 1977. A church picnic was held June 15. Programs and contests were held in the Sunday School to help increase the attendance.

A new piano was presented by Mrs. Helen Dunlap as a memorial, and was dedicated on September 24, 1978.

In April, 1978, plans were underway to remodel and redecorate the sanctuary. All preliminary work was donated by Rev. Hess, his wife, Iris, and many faithful members and friends. The work was completed in August, with the altar being changed from the north side to the west end of the sanctuary. The purchase of new carpeting, pulpit, altar rail, lectern, altar pews, church pews, a cathedral style drapery, and a large wooden cross were all made possible by generous donations and memorial gifts of the congregation. Presentation was held September 23 and 24, 1978. We were deeply honored to dedicate the new sanctuary and all the donated work, gifts, and memorials to the glory of God.

In 1980, a Senior Citizen Group, “The Happy Oldsters” was organized with fifty-two members.

In 1980, The Amboy United Methodist Nursery School was started under the leadership of Alice Colson, and the support of the Amboy membership. At this time a private phone was installed in the church and parsonage. Ramona Portzer was appointed part time secretary, also.

In July, 1982, Rev. Hess and his wife accepted a charge in Savannah, Ohio. Membership at this time, due to increased evangelism, had reached 267.

On July 4, 1982, Rev. Laura Zieske came to us as the first woman pastor in Amboy. She won the hearts of the entire congregation with her beautiful music and singing.

The parsonage underwent renovation that summer with the cooperative effort of the congregation, and Rev. Laura. We had new carpeting, new ceilings, wallpaper and cement steps for the back porch.

August 1, 1983, two new circulating fans were installed in the sanctuary. Cost of the fans was absorbed by the memorial fund.

*This portion of historical data was compiled by Mrs. Edna Literati, for the celebration of the 160^th anniversary of a Methodist Society in Amboy on September 11, 1983.

“A Methodist class was formed in the east part of town in the early ‘20’s, one in what is now Amboy in 1823…”

HELP NEEDED!!

SPEAKERS: Do you know of any interesting person who would speak at one of our meetings?

ARTICLES: We are always looking for articles of interest from our members.

If you can help with any of the above, please contact one of the officers or steering committee members.

Conneaut Township Park

Conneaut Township Park was created in 1926 by a vote of the people of Conneaut Township (no longer in existence) and the city of Conneaut. Between 1927 and 1932, approximately 50 acres of property was purchased at a total cost of about $61,000. During the last 75 years, the land has been developed with a caretaker’s house, roads, storm and sewer lines, a bathhouse, picnic pavilions, restrooms, tennis courts and basketball courts. Recently a bocce court was added. In addition to the summer recreational activities of swimming, volleyball, soccer and baseball, the park is also used in winter for sled riding and occasionally ice-skating.

The recreational aspects sometimes overshadow the impact of the park as a tourist destination, a part of the social fabric of Conneaut, and a builder of bridges between economic, community and service organizations. Over the years, the park board has continued to make capital improvements while maintaining the park as a place of great beauty and serenity.

A survey of the license plates on any given summer weekend will attest to the fact that the park is utilized not only by Ashtabula countians, but also by those from surrounding counties and states. Family reunions, class reunions and school groups meet in the picnic area and pavilions. Families, friends and citizens meet to socialize, fish off the breakwall or sit in the sun.

Every year, approximately 2000 people, including also 1600 cyclists, staff members and volunteers from the Allegheny District Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in Pittsburgh arrive at Township Park as the final destination of the two-day M.S. 150 Bike Tour.

The park is used annually as the site of the Fourth of July fireworks show in Conneaut and for a D-Day reenactment in September. It has inspired partnerships as the Conneaut Rotary Club used Civic Development Corporation New Initiatives money to build a boardwalk to the water’s edge for wheelchairs and baby strollers. Additional boardwalks have been added across the beach areas.

Last year the roadways were repaved and a drainage system added to the grassy bluff area.

This spring the commissioners added an inner ceiling to the upper pavilion to prevent barn swallows from nesting there.

Car shows (every Thursday evening), softball tournaments, high school band concerts, and the park’s playground equipment all attract lots of visitors and residents. People come for a variety of reasons, but the biggest draw continues to be the same as our forefathers envisioned years ago …the lake and those breathtaking sunsets.

The board of park commissioners, the residents of Conneaut, and the people of Ashtabula County are indeed fortunate to have inherited this “pearl on the lake” for our county necklace.

Plan to visit the park soon to enjoy it yourself.

Answers to historical quiz on Page 1:

Best route – Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroads (P. &L.E.R.R.)
The Old Power Station was at the food of Old Main Street and under the trolley bridge.
The “old show grounds” were located in the flats.
Mill Street covered bridge was destroyed by a tornado.
The “Twin Bridges” were down at Old Farnham on Old Route 7.
“Bears Oil” was a Massasauga Indian leader.
His mother’s grave was said to be located near Ed Wharton’s property.
There are two octagon houses and one barn.
“Bessemer Depot” was located at the foot of old Liberty Street.
In the 1930’s, the “Airfield” was located near today’s Lake Erie Correctional Institution.
One rider was quiz author “Blick” who rode it in the 1930’s and is now 85.
The “Indian Village”, when white settlers came to this area, was on Woodworth Road. There is a natural spring and the area was well located above the flood plain.

CAHS OFFICERS FOR 2006

President – Edwin Wharton

Vice President – Rosemary Bennett

Secretary – Sue Howard

Treasurer – Robert Blickensderfer

Steering Committee Members

Jerry Gee Nancy Lamb

Arnold Howard Joan Barnett

William Greer Bertha Pratt

Clarence Rhea John Colver

Norman Gross Delmas Bennett

Andy Pochatko

CITY OF CONNEAUT

Did you know that the city of Conneaut has its own website? Just go to www.conneaut.net for lots of information about our city. The following is a brief overview from the site:

“The City of Conneaut with a population of 12,485, is located in the north eastern most section of Ohio and has 27 square miles within its corporate city limits. The City, since 1992 has operated under a Council/Manager form of government. It is a mixture of urban areas and rural farmland. The City has over seven miles of shoreline along beautiful Lake Erie, with beaches, boating facilities and a healthy summer tourist trade. Transportation services Conneaut via Interstate 90 which basically dissects the City, along with an International shipping port and three railroads. Major industries within the City include Venture Transportation, (automotive parts), General Aluminum (automotive parts), and CW Ohio (Windows and pillars.) The City has an active and historic central business district along with a harbor business district.

“Conneaut owns and operates its own water and wastewater treatment plants and systems. Other City departments include: Police, Fire (full time and part time paid), Parks, Litter and Recycling, Public Works, Finance (includes income tax collection), Recreation, Housing and Zoning, Law and Municipal Court. The city employs 110 full-time employees and approximately 100 part-time (including part-time paid firefighters.)

“The City has benefited from strong local manufacturers, a number of which have expanded in the last 5 years creating over 600 new jobs. New housing starts over the past 3 years have increased dramatically. In addition, the City actively sought and is the site of a new Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correctional Institution, which created over 280 new full-time jobs. The commercial districts remain stable with enhanced development of the historic downtown a top priority. Conneaut maintains a quality of life that provides a unique mixture of recreation, beautiful tree lined neighborhoods, employment opportunities, shopping and social activities nestled along the south shore of Lake Erie, easily accessible to Cleveland, Ohio and Erie, Pennsylvania.”

Upcoming Society Events:

In addition to our regular meetings we have the following special events planned:

DAY TRIP TO KINSMAN, OHIO
The Kinsman Historical Society has invited our group to tour the Thomas Swift/Olive Kinsman home, built in the 1830’s. We will also tour the Congregational-Presbyterian Church where we will have our lunch.

This trip is scheduled August 15 and there will be more details and a sign-up sheet at our June meeting.

CAHS ANNUAL PICNIC
This year our annual picnic will be held in the upper pavilion at Conneaut Township Park on Tuesday, August 22 at 5:00 p.m. Take a dish to share.

We hope to have another good turnout.

Volunteers Needed for Museum

Now that our museum is open to the public each weekend (Friday-Saturday-Sunday) from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m., we need volunteers to greet our visitors. We hope to have two volunteers for each time period. Please contact Sue Howard or Ed Wharton if you can help.

Speaking of the museum, approximately 170 persons visited during the opening weekend of the museum on May 27 through 29. Volunteers from the society manned the museum in two and four hour shifts. We heard many good comments from our visitors.

BUSINESS CARDS

Taken from the 1871 Conneaut Citizen Newspaper

D. M. PATTERSON, Conneaut, O., manufacturer of Italian and American marble monuments, headstones, etc. All work done in the latest style of the art and satisfaction guaranteed. Prices as low or lower than can be had elsewhere.

DR. E. D. MERRIAM, Office next door east of Key’s Grocery Store on Main St. Residence on Harbor St.

Miscellaneous

We have begun placing items into our new storage area donated by Jim and Sandy Dombroski and welcome your donations for both the depot museum and for the octagon house.

Garage Sale/Donations/Souvenir Sales

Our annual garage sale was held at the depot on June 2 and 3, 2006. This year we made $422.46 from it. Since we plan to have a sale each year, please keep us in mind as you clean and decide to get rid of articles from your home. Remember that we accept gently used articles but no clothing.

The museum has been open for two weekends so far. On Memorial Day weekend, we made $218 in donations and sale of souvenir items. Last weekend we made $116.

These funds are necessary to the upkeep and opening of new sections of the depot museum and later for the octagon house.

CONNEAUT AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

747 Buffalo Street

Conneaut, Ohio 44030

We always welcome new members. Ask your friends and neighbors to join us.

Membership Application and/or Renewal

Name_____________________________________________________________________________

Address__________________________________________________________________________

City______________________________ State ________________ Zip___________________

New____ Renewal____

Individual$10____ Couple$15 ____Family$20 ____ Patron$50 ____

Other: Donation ___________

Membership is from January 1 to December 31.

Send application and check/money order to:

Conneaut Area Historical Society
c/o Robert Blickensderfer
235 Fifield Ave.
Conneaut, Oh 44030

Or Sue Howard
402 S. Amboy Rd.
Conneaut, OH 44030

Some things to ponder this summer:

Why do people say they slept like a baby when babies wake up every two hours?

Who was the first person to look at a cow and say, “I think I’ll squeeze these dangly things here and drink whatever comes out?

Summer, enjoy it!!!!!

HELP NEEDED!!

CAHS ANNUAL PICNIC This year our annual picnic will be held in the upper pavilion at Conneaut Township Park on Tuesday, August 22 at 5:00 p.m. Take a dish to share.

Volunteers Needed for Museum

Membership Application and/or Renewal

CAHS ANNUAL PICNIC
This year our annual picnic will be held in the upper pavilion at Conneaut Township Park on Tuesday, August 22 at 5:00 p.m. Take a dish to share.