January 19, 2023

 

Dear Historical Society Members,

 

We had a very successful meeting last evening with over 40 people in attendance. Many of

these people were first time attendees. We are excited about the plans we have for the new

year and wanted to share these with those of you not in attendance.

 

Several committees were initiated at this meeting. The committee chairperson(s) name and a brief description of the committee’s work can be found below.

 

Please email me at Billhenrich1@gmail.com if you are interested in serving on any of these committees.

 

 

Chesbrough Home Tour

 

Co-Chairs

Deb Mullen

Mark Dutton

 

The Chesbrough Home is the former home of Dr. Phrania Chesbrough, a Willoughby doctor for

over 50 years. The home sits next to the Willoughby Library and was most recently a bank.

The committee will be planning a tour and educational program of the home. (April)

 

 

Frank Lloyd Wright/ Penfield Home

 

Chair

Lori Diemer

 

A tour and educational program will be planned, in cooperation with the City of Willoughby of

this architecturally significant home on River Road.. (May)

 

 

Scavenger Hunt

 

Chair

Judy Artino

 

A scavenger hunt of historically significant items throughout Willoughby will be planned. (June)

 

 

Cemetery Tour

 

Chair

Pat Lewis

 

A tour and talk at the graves of several Willoughby dignitaries will be planned. (September)

 

 

Garrett Morgan Light Restoration and Plaque

 

Co-Chairs

Rick DeVan

Bill Henrich

 

The memorial traffic light for Garrett Morgan at the corner of Vine and Erie streets is in need of

repair. A plaque with the story of this trial of the first traffic light will be made and a re-

dedication ceremony will be planned (November)

 

 

Wreaths Across America

 

Chair

Bill Henrich

 

Wreaths are laid at the graves of veterans in cemeteries across the country on December 17th

each year. The committee will work collaboratively with several other groups to plan, sell, lay

wreaths and dispose of them later in the new year. (December)

 

 

Historic Plaques

 

Co-Chairs

Maureen Gregory

Pat Lewis

 

The group will work with the City of Willoughby in writing brief histories of several historical

buildings in the downtown area to be made into plaques which will be displayed on these

buildings.

 

 

Publications/Newsletter

 

Chair

Greg Patt

 

A quarterly newsletter with the latest happenings of the Willoughby Historical Society always includes an article on some aspect of Willoughby History. We are always looking for those that want to research and write articles.

 

 

US Bank Clock Tower Project

 

Chair

Stephen Rae

 

The former Cleveland Trust building, now the US bank in DTW originally had a clock tower. It

was torn down in the late 60’s. The committee will work with the owners of the bank and other

groups to bring back the clock tower.

 

 

Thank you for your interest in Willoughby history!

 

Bill Henrich