|
|
|
Visitors
|
|
|
 |
| Old Courthouse on Medina Square |
The Village of Medina was carved out of the Ohio frontier in 1818 when Elijah Boardman of New Milford, Connecticut set aside 237 acres of his extensive land holding in the Connecticut Western Reserve. Many families from Connecticut soon came to the area, bringing with them traditions in religious, economic and social life. They brought a heritage enriched by close-knit families and a strong community spirit.
In 1835, the village was incorporated as the county seat, and both the city and the county became known as Medina. In the mid-1800’s, two disastrous fires hit the village. The fire of 1848 destroyed the entire business district, but the townspeople failed to budget for the needed firefighting equipment and in 1870, another fire destroyed 45 buildings. The Cleveland newspapers at the time of the fire stated that, “No greater fire has happened in America, taking into account the size of the place and the extent of the damage, than that which has so nearly destroyed Medina”. Despite the second calamitous fire, the town still had not organized a fire department beyond a bucket brigade. In July 1877, after repeated dire warnings, the Council finally authorized the issuance of $3,000 worth of bonds to purchase a fire engine.
 |
| Historic District Shops |
Out of the disastrous fire of 1870, the town literally "rose from the ashes" as the mythical Phoenix. Much of the Medina Square, including the Town Hall and Engine House, was rebuilt under the watchful eye of onetime mayor and banker Harrison Gray Blake who owned the Phoenix Building in the same city block. Buildings like the H. G. Blake’s Phoenix Block and the Town Hall and Engine House are indicative of the resilient spirit of the community and the people who settled in this area of Ohio. In addition, visionary and inventor A. I Root put Medina on the map by becoming the nation’s largest producer of beekeeping supplies and being the first person to write about the Wright Brothers’ flight in his publication “The Gleanings”.
After the fire of 1870, it took ten years to replace the buildings on the Square, thus explaining their common Victorian style. More than 120 years later, that architectural unity and historic flavor of the Town Square make Medina an appealing destination for residents, visitors and tourists. This very character is what makes the Square a recognized Historic District and spurs on the efforts of the dedicated members of the Community Design Committee and the Historic Preservation Board to preserve the city’s historic look and feel.
 |
| New wayfinding signs assist Medina's visitors |
Today, the Historic District of Medina is a nine block area that surrounds Uptown Park and hosts Candlelight Walk, the International Festival, Art in the Park and many other public and private events. For more informatin on the restaurants and stores that are part of the Historic District of Medina visit the Main Street Medina web site.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Main Street's 2010 & 2011 Event Calendar
To translate any text - copy, open window and paste.
The City of Medina was recognized as one of the top 100 most livable small towns in America.
Sandy Davis
Administrative Assistant
Economic Development/Planning
City of Medina
132 North Elmwood Ave.
Medina, Ohio 44256
330-722-0397
sdavis@medinaoh.org
Medina County Convention & Visitor's Bureau
32 Public Square
Medina, Ohio 44256
330-722-5502
800-860-2943
www.visitmedinacounty.com
|
|
|