
Willoughby Historical Society
30 Public Square
Willoughby, OH 44094
440-942-3200
Located in the Willoughby Public Library

Special Events and Projects
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