BEDFORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM NEWSLETTER Issue #

Bedford Historical Society and Museum

Newsletter

Summer 2018

Type Tagline Here In This Issue our new Director. In addition, Message from the Debbie Grubb was appointed as Curator after serving for President Upcoming Events many years as our Archivist. by Betsy Squire The size and strength of the  Flea Market Summer has finely arrived, and museum staff has grown with the museum staff have been hard the addition of support Bedford Commons at work getting ready for a busy volunteers like; Dot August 11 summer season! So be sure to Schwende, Andy Morilak, and 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM come see the new displays in Paula St. John. In spite of this, progress and enjoy our our Treasurer, Reggie Taussig, summertime festivals. has recently resigned from  Weekend of the her position. We are pleased to announce that Pooka we have received a grant through The Board owes a great debt Bedford Commons the State Capital Bill for $100,000. of gratitude to Reggie for her September 7, 8, and 9 This money will help us continue extraordinary contributions renovations and repairs to and hard work during a Community Hall in the Old Church challenging period of  Reverse Raffle transition at the museum. We on the Square. “Fly Me to the Moon” wish her well and continued 2017 was a year of change and success as she explores new La Casa Bella challenges for the Bedford avenues of interests. In the September 29 Historical Society. In October, interim, we welcome Barb 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM after an extensive search, the Tapocsi as our new Treasurer Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Elmer Schulz as See you at the museum!

BEDFORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM NEWSLETTER | Issue # 2

Rungs from the gigantic individual who… shapes period interpretation of domestic the course of history. The other and industrial aspects of life in the Director’s Chair has its basis in the genius of the early Western Reserve. Paula by Elmer Schulz revealer – man or woman who maintained and catalogued the uncovers something universal in collections at Hale Farm, managed If you are a dreamer, come in. If the world that has been here and monetary and gifts-in-kind, and you are a dreamer, a wisher, a that [mankind has] known. This even substituted, when liar, a hop-er, a pray-er, a magic person’s greatness is not so much necessary, at interpretive stations bean buyer… If you’re a in themselves as in what they such as early industrial salt glaze pretender, come sit by my fire for unveil… to reveal the universal is pottery production, glass-blowing, we have some flax-golden tales to the highest kind of greatness in cheese-making, yule log spin. Come in! Come in! any realm.” ceremony, and maple sugaring. This is not just an invitation. It is So, if you appreciate history, love When Paula is not at the Bedford your invitation! It is a solicitation reading, enjoy research and take Historical Society, she volunteers that is the handiwork of Shel pleasure in being with the public at the Bedford Garden Club, Silverstein. A poem entitled, and having thought-provoking Cleveland Metro-Parks, and Invitation from his book, Where and stimulating conversations, MetroHealth Medical Center. She the Sidewalk Ends. then maybe being an interpreter- lives in Bedford with her husband, It is an enticement to you to educator is for you. Jack St. John and their four fluffy become an interpreter-docent. An cats. Paula and Jack enjoy So here is your invitation, an active and involved member of camping, Plein Aire painting, opportunity to inspire and our Volunteer Corps. But be opera, and traveling to mountains provoke our audiences. Come on forewarned, it is not for the and oceans. in. Be a part of something great, fainthearted. It is challenging the BHS Volunteer Corp. work, but it is also rewarding Upcoming Events work. But like all work that is A Celebration of the Arts: worthwhile and meaningful, it BHS Welcomes requires effort. Paula St. John Weekend of the Pooka A Call to Artists and Artisans! A good interpreter needs Paula joins our team as an perception, flexibility, and a vivid education specialist. Besides The Bedford Historical Society imagination. It requires hours of serving as our Thursday afternoon cordially invites you to exhibit and hard work, pouring over letters, receptionist, Paula will lead our sell your work at the 9th Annual A diaries, newspaper articles, first- educational and research Celebration of The Arts: Weekend hand accounts, and scholarly projects. Although she has been of the Pooka, September 8, 9, and works. But the thrill of creating on sabbatical to care for elderly 10 on the Commons in historic understanding by providing an family members, Paula has an downtown Bedford. In addition to avenue of access to the past and extensive background in teaching the art show, this multi-arts making meaningful connections and museum education. She festival features live music and to the present is a magical taught art in Cleveland entertainment, food trucks and experience for both interpreter Metropolitan School District for vendors, an Artisan Village, a and visitor alike as history comes 20+ years. Additionally, she Children's Village, and much alive. worked at Hale Farm and Village more. For more information and the Western Reserve contact 440-000-0000 or call 440- Harry Emerson Fosdick wrote, Historical Society where she 232-0796 or email us at www. “There are two kinds of greatness. researched, wrote, hired and BedfordOhioHistory.org . One lies in the greatness of the trained staff in the costumed BEDFORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM NEWSLETTER | Issue # 3

Flea Market The theme this year is Fly Me to fashioned skills or trades, like to Be an American Picker! the Moon. Information regarding write, direct, or perform historic cost, meal choice, entertainment, theater, or have experience The Annual Flea Market will be basket silent auction, and raffle raising money, we invite you to held on Saturday, August 11 from tickets will be make known join the BHS Volunteer Corps. 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, on the shortly. Hours are flexible to suit your Bedford Commons. If you have schedule. Guilds and clubs are items to donate to the Historical Please join us for an out of this welcome to show off and Society table, please bring them world experience, filled with high showcase their skills during open to the Town Hall Museum during spirits and an opportunity to help hours. open hours. All proceeds from support the Historical Society. For this table benefit the Society. If more information contact 440- Louise Novak, BHS Volunteer you are interested in reserving a 232-0796 or www.BedfordOhio Coordinator, is compiling a list of space, contact Chris Sweet 440- History.org. individuals interested in carrying 439-7470 or call 440-232-0796 or out various tasks within the email us at www.BedfordOhio Mystery History Run museum complex, including the st History.org. 1 Annual Road Rally! Train Depot, Dunham House, and Town Hall Museum. Whether Reverse Raffle Fundraiser New for this year! Come join a fun your interest is gardening, filled, family friendly event! The cleaning, data entry, community It Is Out of This World! petrol-powered event begins on out-reach, education, program Our biggest fundraising event of the Commons, Saturday, October development, theatre, or general the year is set for Saturday, 13 at 9:00 AM and runs until 1:00 maintenance, we have something September 29 at 6:00 PM. The PM. Participants will explore local to suit your interest and skill level. Reverse Raffle will be held at La township historic places, Please contact Louise at 440-439- Casa Bella, 26383 Broadway in gathering clues and answering 6150 or novak.louise@ gmail.com Oakwood Village. historical questions for a chance or call 440-232-0796. to speak to to earn prizes! Lunch at Bedford our staff about possible Falls Café is included in opportunities. registration. For more information contact Rich Novak, 440-439- 6150 or rich52chief@yahoo. com 7470 or call 440-232-0796 or email us at www.BedfordOhio History.org . Charitable Giving AmazonSmile Volunteers Welcome Educators, Craft Persons, Do you shop on Amazon.com? If so, consider shopping through Amazon Artisans & Fundraisers Smile and designating the Bedford

Please consider volunteering your Historical Society as your charity of choice. We will receive a small time to the Bedford Historical percentage of your purchases! Society. Presently, we have a great need for Fund-raisers, Youth Group Service Crafters, Artisans, and Educators. So, if you get pleasure from Hours Available

working with the public, giving Do you know of any high school tours, demonstrating old- students that need service hours BEDFORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM NEWSLETTER | Issue # 4

for the current school year? We Preserve Bedford History As this work continues, we are have several projects that could looking for individual supporters use a few dedicated students! The Old Church on the Square in willing to help us repair the Eagle Projects can also be downtown Bedford has provided stained-glass transom on the arranged. Call 440-232-0796. to the communities of Bedford, north side of the church. speak to our staff about volunteer Bedford Heights, Oakwood Village Currently the window has been opportunities. and Walton Hills with a venue for shored up by the Cleveland music, art, lectures, worship and Restoration Society. This is a Membership entertainment for 122 years. It is temporary fix until we can begin Join or Renew Today our goal that this stately structure work to repair the stained-glass will continue to do so for future interface. A large contribution Please consider becoming a generations. today can help us kick off the member of the Bedford Historical project. Society. Annual memberships The Bedford Historical Society has begin at $10 for Individuals, $20 started the second phase of a Plan a Legacy Gift for Families, $25 for Contributing, capital campaign with the help of and $150 for Life members. another $100,000 grant to restore Plan a legacy Memberships are tax deductible and repair the foundation, gift or make a to the extent allowed by law. improve plumbing and electricity memorial gift Simply fill out and detach the throughout the building, enhance to our Endow- form in this newsletter and mail it the building’s use by making it ment Fund. to Bedford Historical Society, PO ADA accessible, and renovate the The fund Box 46282, Bedford, OH 44146 community room to enhance and continues to grow steadily with expand usage for activities such as your continued support. For those individuals that have banquets, expositions, education Donations are tax deductible and renewed their annual member- forums, lyceums, public meetings, can be made any time during the ship, thank you for your theatre productions, musical year either by mailing it to us at continued support! We could not performances, dance recitals, art our mailing address or by going carry on our community engage- exhibits, cinematic presentations, online to the Cleveland ment, collections, and program- and much more. Foundation website www. ming without you. clevelandfoundation.org

Membership Form Detach & Mail To: Bedford Historical Society PO Box 46282, Bedford, OH 44146

__ Individual $10 __ Family $20 __ Contributing $25 __ Junior $5

__ Life $150 (per person)

Name: ______

Address: ______

Phone: ______Email: ______

Thank you for your support. Donations to the Bedford Historical Society are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law BEDFORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM NEWSLETTER | Issue # 5

These funds help us to continue Magyar, Eva Labuski, Iris Dawson, A special thank you to Dot our mission of collecting, June Martin, and Rich and Chris Schwende, BHS Executive preserving and interpreting the Novak who conducted museum Secretary, for her tireless efforts history of Bedford, Bedford tours throughout the day. in making the evening’s Township and portions of the arrangements, including Western Reserve. BHS Annual Meeting & invitations and program. Dinner Museum Store Snips Volunteers of the Year Saints Preserve Us! Joyce Maruna and Helen & Come in and check out the BHS The Bedford Historical Society Museum Store. Jewelry, T-shirts, Steve Batko Annual Meeting and Dinner was glassware have all been held on Thursday May 3. Joyce Maruna, Helen Batko, and discounted to make room for new Members and guests enjoyed her husband Steve Batko were merchandise. good food, good company, and an honored as Volunteers of the Year interesting program. in May at the Bedford Historical Museum News Society’s Annual Meeting and Open House a Success Betsy Squire, BHS Board Dinner. Joyce has helped the President, provided an update on Historical Society in many roles The Spring Open House on Sunday the Society’s activities and the over the years. She has served as April 13 was a hit. All floors of the annual report was distributed to archivist, docent, and trustee. Town Hall Museum were open to everyone in attendance. Joyce has been in the museum for visitors. our many events and programs, Later on, Joyce Maruna and Helen both during regular hours and for During the event Betsy Squire and Steve Batko were honored as special events. Prior to joining hosted a contingent of guests BHS Volunteers of the Year for the museum staff as archivist, from the Hudson Heritage their dedicated service to the Joyce was employed by the Association. The Bedford Garden society. Afterward, Mike Follin Cuyahoga County Public Library. Club was also on hand to reveal from the Ohio Historical Society Joyce’s knowledge and recently installed art pieces enthralled and entertained the enthusiasm for Bedford history designed by local Bedford High assembly with his first-person has made her a popular museum School students that adorn the program “Saints Preserve Us” - guide, always providing an fence of the new memorial The Irish in America. interesting tour for our visitors. In garden located at the east end of recent years Joyce has served on the Town Hall Museum. the Board of Trustees, bringing Terry Blair, role-playing Hezekiah her knowledge and experience to Dunham, regaled visitors at the the oversight of our Society and Dunham House. Betsy Squire Museum. made plain simple quilting Helen and Steve have been techniques, while Helen Pratt regular volunteers in the museum demonstrated chair caning. for many years. Helen’s Light refreshments and beverages organizational skills have been were served by Louise Novak, utilized in our photograph, Joyce Maruna, and Carol schools, and genealogy Pennington. Thank you to all our collections. Helen also developed Volunteer Corp docents; Alma indexes for Life in Bedford: 1813 - and Jim Rhine, Judy and Jim 1970 by Ned Hubbell and Images of America: Bedford and Bedford BEDFORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM NEWSLETTER | Issue # 6

Township by Janet Caldwell. She The new corridor will serve as an 2019 Exhibit Planned has also used her handcrafting orientation area for museum skills to make items for the visitors. The display will make use Set Designers & Museum Store and the beautiful of a large wall mural that will Carpenters Sought crocheted afghan for the incorporate a timeline of Bedford Strawberry Festival raffle. Helen Township incorporating text, As the World War I Anniversary has been greatly aided by Steve, archival material, photographs, closes out this year, the staff is who has helped in many ways. and artifacts. The effect will earnestly making plans for a new Steve assisted in the cataloging of provide tourists with a sense of alternating exhibit on the third topics in the photographic place. The hallway will act as a floor of the Town Hall Museum. collection. With his Navy conduit to help pre-view exhibits Our goal will be to use various background, Steve works with the and collections pieces throughout sensory elements to create obituary index, researching the museum and give patrons a ambiance and temper much like military backgrounds to greater understanding of the theater staging manipulates acknowledge those that served. history that is Bedford and why it atmosphere and sets the tone Together Helen and Steve have is important. through lighting, sound, and been a great asset to our visual effects. museum. In this endeavor the Society is grateful to Reggie Taussig for their The staff is therefore seeking the assistance of carpenters and set Timeline Hall Project contribution of $15,000 to make- over this valuable exhibition designers with a creative bend to Thank you to Reggie Taussig space. The Taussig funds paid for create six or seven vignettes and Gojira Fine Chemicals the entire construction phase of based upon archival material.

the project, including new Please contact us at electrical work, wall framing, www.Bedford OhioHistory.org or drywall, woodwork, and painting. call 440-232-0796. to speak to New LED lighting, signage, and one of our staff about possible door hardware are also being opportunities. considered to help complete the work with the remaining funds Domestic Discoveries available. A Taste from a Children’s The Society wishes Cookbook also to thank Gojira by Amy Schulz

If you have visited Fine Chemicals for No matter our age, we all have the Town Hall their corporate one thing in common. Each of us Museum recently, donation to cover the began our lives as a child and you will have cost of a 55” Sharp some of us remain children at noticed that the Smart Roku Television heart. Children view their worlds main hallway and wall mount. The with wide-eyed enthusiasm, full linking the first- monitor will allow the of hope, dreams and wishes. The floor museum museum to play children of the past were no complex to the historic films, docu- different. A visit to the 2nd floor lobby annex has mentaries, archival of Bedford’s Town Hall Museum been renovated to footage, slide-show will bring museum guests up close make room for a new exhibit presentations, and much more in to belongings of the children of space. the vestibule. yesteryear. These belongings BEDFORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM NEWSLETTER | Issue # 7

should provoke thought as to how start their cooking adventures in for school lunches. No need to childhood days were spent. It's chapter one with preparations for grow tired of the same old things! more than just showing modern Christmas and they travel through visitors that things were different the year learning through the One of the most interesting - it's allowing them to peer many adventures that give them chapters is entitled "What My beyond the "things" to the life the opportunity to prepare foods. Children Love to Eat When They that was being led. A display of School luncheons, an abundant Go for a Picnic." It is divided into clothing can bring thoughts of strawberry season, birth-day three sections: “At a Bonfire how it would feel to wear parties, fairs, camping, Halloween Picnic” (where the bacon is different fabrics and fashions. A and Thanks-giving are just some broiled on sharpened sticks and china doll can make us wonder of the fun times these happy potatoes and corn on the cob are what the little girl was like who children have together. roasted in the ashes); At a Hay- held her dolly in her arms and ride Picnic (where a freezer of ice pretended to be her Mama. A Also published in 1915 is a cream was tied under the wagon baby's cup and bowl make us delightful book entitled What My wonder not only what a baby ate Children Love to Eat by Elizabeth but how it was prepared. Colson. Mrs. Colson’s chapters introduce the reader to menus To help answer some of our she served in each season of the questions, we can turn to the year. Things like Bird’s Nests to array of books that were welcome warm spring days, Slip published for children. Not just and Go Down and Blueberry storybooks - although those can Slump in the summer months, be fascinating. Children's Pumpkin Pudding and Scotch literature was meant to guide and Broth as the leaves turn color and teach. One focus that is both fun Alphabet Soup and Maple Sugar and enlightening to study are the Sandwiches when the winter children's cookbooks that started winds blow. She follows these to appear in the 1870s. In these chapters with descriptions of books young readers were what her children need when they exposed to a variety of foods, are recuperating from illness and tools and cooking methods. their appetites needed tempting as well as “Lunches my Children Many of these books are available Take to School.” Menu #4 of this now in reprint or online as eBooks chapter includes a hardboiled egg, as a surprise for the children; and and they make fun and fascinating Graham bread and butter, a jar of "When Mother Plans our Picnic." reading. Several were written in stewed peaches, Pixie Rocks and Mother reminds us that "after all, story form where the children nuts. The lunch would perhaps the kind of picnic that you can would learn how to plan parties have been carried in a small have often is the best. A few of and events that included food basket or lunch tin. In the days the people that you like very while the “receipts” and before Tupperware, glass jars much, a box of lunch, and a directions are scattered through would have been saved to carry raincoat is all you really need." the narrative. The Fun of Cooking those items, like the peaches, that She teaches that it is important to published in 1915 by Caroline needed to be in a container. only take the amount of food you French Benton is one such book. Sandwiches and other small items need for the number of people Her characters, Jack, Mildred and were wrapped in waxed paper. In you have so as not to have to Brownie Blair, are siblings who total there are 10 different menus carry excess food to and from BEDFORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM NEWSLETTER | Issue # 8

your picnic site. Each person was Obituaries or maybe one of several exhibit to have two paper cups and the vignettes located on the second cups were to be fashioned the day Leo R. Sirna, age 84, of Walton floor. before the picnic. Alas, no Hills. Beloved husband of Beverly instructions on how to do this. (nee Spoto) for 62 years; loving Each backer will give their time to father of Craig (Anne Marie), champion their space, regularly And what children's book would Michael (Connie), Lorie and cleaning and maintaining their be complete without menus for Kathleen (Dennis) Bergansky; portion of the museum under the birthday parties? Three party dearest grandfather of Anthony, supervision and direction of our venues are outlined - one for any Kristen, Kaitlyn, Amanda (Craig) Curator. Supporters will be time of the year, one for summer Brun, Joseph (Samantha), provided with cleaning materials and one for winter; a total of Nicholas, Michael, and Dennis and and collection care instruction on eight different menus. Both Samantha Bergansky; great how to properly care for items birthday cake and individual grandfather of Abiana and Ilaria; under their attention. birthday cakes are listed as well as brother of Mary Romito, Sam If interested, please call 440-232- a variety of ways to serve ice (deceased) and Steve (deceased); 0796 or email us at www. cream, sherbets and custards. uncle and great uncle of many. Bedford Ohio History.org . Spun sugar nests, marshmallow Owner and operator of Sirna's mice and lollypop ladies were Cafe in Bedford. The family 2019 Programming sure to delight the little guests. suggests, if you would like to remember Leo in a special way, Schedule is in the For those of you who would enjoy please send contributions to the Works a taste of the past from your own Bedford Historical Society or the kitchen, try your hand at the San Leone Society of Cleveland, Volunteers Sought! “Pixie Rocks” mentioned above in 1160 Haverston Rd., Lyndhurst, The Education Department is the school lunch menu. Note that OH 44124. no mixing directions or baking currently planning special events, information is given. This is the Announcing A New fundraisers, and a new series of norm for period cookery books. programming offerings for the Mix the ingredients as you would Hands-on Program new year. If you are a creative a modern cookie recipe, drop on a Museum Pride! individual who enjoys planning or greased baking sheet and bake at executing novel experiences for For Families and Businesses various audiences, come check us 325-350 degrees until lightly browned on the bottom. Note The Bedford Historical Society is out. Mrs. Colson’s comment on offering up a unique new hands- Without giving to much away, the “Pixieland.” on occasion to work directly with staff is working on a new speaker the collection and gain a greater PIXIE ROCKS - 1/2 cup butter, 1 series, a ghost walk in the appreciation of Bedford history graveyard, a geek celebration, an teaspoon baking powder, 1 cup through an intimate experience sugar, 1/2 teaspoonful ground Elmer Flick Day and much more. If with our artifacts and exhibit interested, please call 440-232- ginger, 2 cups flour, ½ milk. Drop spaces. from a teaspoon on buttered tins 0796 or email us at www. and bake. The rocks in that little Individuals, couples, families, and Bedford Ohio History.org . place where the Pixies live are local businesses or corporations quite soft - but many things are are encouraged to select an different there. exhibit case, space, or room to sponsor. For example, the Elmer Flick display, or the Lincoln Room,