January 21st, 2009 (due to weather the 14th date was rescheduled)

Well, the Bicentennial Birthday celebrations began January 6th, 2009 with the historic joint meeting of the Township Trustees and Village of Richfield Council, at Town Hall. The Joint Resolution was signed and is available for view at the Richfield Library display window and on the Historical Society's web site.

The Bicentennial Kickoff Celebration, our major fund raising event took place at Town Hall on Saturday January 24th, 2009 with fun had by all. Those who took part in this historic event enjoyed dancing, having their picture taken with the Time Capsule and ole' fashion visiting with their neighbors and friends.
Our Time Capsule is on the scene at the Village Town Hall and awaits your visit and contribution. It will be traveling to various Richfield events.

Check your Times insert on the upcoming Snowbird Festival. This is a FREE event with snow sledding (bring your own sled), snow painting, snow sculptures and professional ice carving by Aaron Costic, Elegant Ice Creations, performed at 2 pm and 3 pm. A pre carved Eskimo will be available for your personal photo shoot (bring your cameras), along with kids prizes assures a Sunday afternoon of family fun.

Remember the stories of the great 1856 sleigh ride in Richfield where over 6,500 persons and nearly 2,000 horses paraded to Akron? The average sleigh carried 14 persons. Neighbor Carol Wyatt will tell this fascinating story in great detail for all to learn and enjoy.

Well, the Western Reserve Carriage Association will have horses and sleighs at this Rising Valley festival. See the beautiful horses pull their sleighs over the snow-covered road. You may even be able to catch a ride! Carrots welcome!

Watch as the Husky Hobbies Kennel’s of Chagrin Dog Sled Team demonstrates their skills too.   Donations of milkbones will be appreciated.

Neighbor Steve Mehal, who wrote the Richfield Bicentennial Ballad, will be there in person to perform the song for your listening pleasure.

Hot food & drinks, marshmallows to roast on the bonfire, and prizes for the kids, promise to make warm memories. Sunday February 8th, Rising Valley Park, between the hours of 1 – 4 pm.

NOTE: Enter via Newton Road as the Oviatt Rd. gate will be closed for the safety of horse drawn sleighs and their passengers. This is another Richfield Bicentennial historical event!

The First Richfield Baby remains a mystery at this writing, please let us know of our first 2009 resident in order that their savings bond may be presented.
Do you know why so many males in Richfield have ceased shaving? (Hint: Brothers of the Brush)

December 10th, 2008

Well, the Centennial Birthday celebrations are beginning. Join the January 6th Village meeting where proclamations will launch this year.

Our major fund raising event takes place at Town Hall on Saturday January 24th, 7 pm. Tickets are available, $25 each, many places including the Richfield Recreation Center, Richfield Township offices and the Historical Society . . . . . this celebration is not formal, come as you wish and relax with your neighbors and friends. Be a part of Richfield's history, the fun is just beginning.

Its official, Kelly Miller circus will be performing on Saturday, August 1, 2009 – be there early, watch the elephants raise the Big Top! Tickets will be available soon, watch the web.

Later in August local crafters will share their talents during the Community Day week-end…

Remember the First Richfield Baby, Brothers of the Brush and A Day in your Life, Richfield 2009, check www.richfieldohiohistoricalsociety.org EVENTS for details.

Watch for information on our "Porch Story series" dates and locations. There will be story telling on many subjects, John Brown in Richfield, the Richfield Coliseum, Farming in Richfield, Lord Farnman and many more stories….keep watch!

November 12, 2008  - The Bicentennial Commission met Wednesday November 12th at Fellowship Hall, 7 pm. Although our Bicentennial Logo winner, Jim Koscak, was unable to attend as planned, he was awarded his contest winnings of $100 and the check was placed in the mail that evening. Our Richfield Times will feature Richfield's Bicentennial Logo on the January cover.

A Richfield neighbor, Steve Mehal of Brush Road, has composed a Richfield History Ballad for our Bicentennial celebration. Steve planned to sing the ballad in person, however due to delay in his return New York trip, his CD was played for the Commission. The ballad speaks of many historical family names and historical events. Steve will participate in many Bicentennial events and activities, watch for more details in the near future. Steve plans to donate his lyrics to our Historical Society and a CD of this song will be available.

Announcement of the Bicentennial Kick-off Celebration event to be held at Town Hall on Saturday, January 24th at 7 pm; final details are coming together, check the web site for information as it becomes available.
Bill Taylor presented six vases featuring the Bicentennial logo, which were created by Sarah Costic of The Richfield Art Studio. Commission members in attendance cast their vote on two choices. From this vote, the selection will be created at The Richfield Art Studio and becomes a collector vase for sale at various locations in Richfield; final details to be published in the next article and on the MERCHANDISE page of the Historical Society web site.

The Bicentennial Crafts Fair details are well in the process. As part of our Community Day week-end, mark your calendar for August 7th & 8th where crafters will present their offerings between 10:30 to 5 pm both days. Also, our porch story series speakers will be have historical stories to share; there will be an Antique Linen show and more.

A Richfield neighbor, Steve Schmidt, presented his plans to feature Richfield's transportation and trucking industries where a semi-trailer containing historical Richfield memorabilia will be on a traveling display during the month of August. Plan to visit his "traveling museum" and learn the significant past role transportation and trucking have played; and learn their role in today's Richfield history.

Watch for the Historical Society's Bicentennial historic coffee table book reflecting Richfield's 200 years and will include Bicentennial events including the October 10th Time Capsule burial. Pre-sales information will be available early January.

Things continue to progress toward 2009 with current scheduled events and activities posted on the Richfield Historical Society web site, www.richfieldohiohistoricalsociety.org.

For the latest on our Time Capsule, "First Richfield Baby born in 2009", "Days of our Lives – Richfield 2009", and  "Brothers of the Brush" beard growing contest special activities, check the ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE page of our web site.

The commission operates under the Richfield Historical Society, a 501c3 nonprofit corporation.

October 8, 2008 - The Bicentennial Commission met Wednesday October 8th at Fellowship Hall, 7 pm. Things are progressing toward 2009 with current scheduled events and activities posted on the Richfield Historical Society web site, www.richfieldohiohistoricalsociety.org . Announcement of the future celebration of our "First Richfield Baby born in 2009", Days of our Lives – Richfield 2009, as well as continued from past Sesquicentennial celebrations "Brothers of the Brush" beard growing contest.

The Richfield Bicentennial Commission announces our Logo winner, Jim Koscak of North Royalton and Scriptype employee. Congratulations Jim!

Village Mayor Mike Lyons and Service Director Melanie Tibbs have agreed to co-chair Richfield's Time Capsule and during 2009 the capsule will travel to celebration sites for all to have their opportunity to sign the capsule.
The commission operates under the Richfield Historical Society, a 501c3 non profit corporation.

September 10th, 2008. Celebrations are shaping up starting with governing official proclamations on January 6th, a Snowbird festival in February, August 7-9 at our Richfield Green- 303 and 176 plans starting Friday, August 7th  in the morning a craft fair including a kid crafts area with early American crafts, buggy rides and transportation between the Green and Richfield Woods, the evening parade and Family movies with popcorn shown on the side of the Historical Society Building.

Ralph Waszak has volunteered to head up our "Brothers of the Brush" beard growing contest and is establishing the contest rules to be announced at our next meeting. Sorry girls  "Will all good men come join the fun!" Our thanks to Jim Smith Sr. who has volunteered to become our Chief Bicentennial photographer however; more volunteer photographers are needed. Giving Richfield a jump on our time capsule experiences, Northfield Township, Trustee Paul Buescher, spoke to the Commission sharing Northfields time capsule experience as they celebrated in 2007. Several artists have entered our Logo contest competing for the $100 award; it's not too late to submit your entry!
 
August 13th, 2008 meeting. Becky Sheryak shared the commission’s mission statement was given out at both the Richfield Historical Society Community Day booth and she drove her village cart pulled by Miss Carrie at Screen Door Art how held at the Farnam Manor property.  

Paul Swan said no Community Group or Church group has been in contact regarding the bicentennial.
 
Bill Taylor is in the process of drafting the letter for Businesses and discussions centered on what to ask of businesses.
   
Juanita Taylor discussed the Kelly Circus where several people had attended the Circus with positive feedback given. Juanita reported the Town Trust will execute the contract with Kelly Circus, giving the profits to the bicentennial commission less 20%.
              
Jack Braun and Jan Nagel passed out the Bicentennial book outline and Jack gave prices for specific number of pages. He desires the book be first class, not in the format of our Sesquicentennial book.
 
Jack Braun also reported on the Richfield Bicentennial Logo and contest – passing out the contest entry form, shared meeting with Richfield Times regarding contest publication, etc.
 
Our July 2nd, 2008 meeting. We need volunteer photographers! As the intent of the Bicentennial Commission is for each month of 2009 to have a different “theme” or focus several, non professional, helpful individuals who would document the activities are needed.  Arrangements are also underway to create a special Bicentennial book depicting Richfield’s glorious 200-year history, and there is discussion about designing a one-of-a-kind Richfield historical calendar for 2009. Your photos would become a part of this historical documentation. With several photographers your volunteer time could be as little or as much as you choose.

Some proposed ideas include filling and burying a time capsule, historical storytelling and reenactments at various locations, cemetery “walks and talks”, an old-fashioned one-ring circus under the “big top” and a Calico Ball, reminiscent of the one held during the Civil War, volunteers are needed for these activities.  

Don't forget our local artist logo contest for all ages.

Individuals, businesses, churches, clubs, organizations, schools, etc. are encouraged to share their plans for participation by contacting secretary@richfieldohiohistoricalsociety.org so they can be listed on the Society’s website.    We need to hear from you now!

Our next meeting will be August 13th Fellowship Hall 6 PM. Please visit our Booth at the August 10, 2008 Richfield Community Day as information and volunteer forms will be available!

Our June 4th, 2008 meeting covered several areas of interest. An Artist’s Committee at present consisting of Kittie Lyons and Jack Braun, formed to organize the Bicentennial Logo Contest. Look for contest rules and entry form soon to be finalized and placed on the Bicentennial page at www.richfieldohiohistoricalsociety.org.

A calendar of monthly event themes was discussed such as January the kickoff proclamation by governmental officials and monthly themes such as Veterans, Churches of Richfield, Transportation, Cemetery Walks and talks, 19th century settlers and 20th century settlers to name a few proposed themes.

Do you have an idea?

This year in the tent at Community Days we are planning a booth where the latest bicentennial information will be available, be sure and visit.
Also, word of our forthcoming celebrations will be spread by personal contact; Businesses of the area will soon be contacted by Bill Taylor, Churches and Community groups by Paul Swan, Schools and Educational Institutions by Karen Smik. Look for more complete information; plan your participation activities so you are ready to share your activities when contacted.

Come join us next month, 6 pm, July 2nd, 2008 at Fellowship Hall.

The second Richfield Bicentennial meeting was held on May 7th, 2008 at 6 pm at Fellowship Hall, where a formal Richfield Bicentennial Commission was formed.    Those in attendance, after lively discussions, became the "Commission", and a structure formed, initial tasks were identified and members left the meeting with active assignments.

To assure systematic outreach for community group participation and a system of organization, Becky Sheryak was assigned the Chairmanship responsibilities and the following individuals are to perform direct contact as follows: Mayor Lyons-Government, Karen Smik –Schools, Paul Swan-Community Groups and Churches, and Bill Taylor-Businesses. Meeting participants volunteered to work with one of these leaders so that each category of community neighbors will be contacted in the near future.

A Mission Statement was decided which is as follows: In the spirit of building community pride and unity, this commission is given the task to educate the citizens and visitors of Richfield Ohio about our 200 year history, coordinate bicentennial celebrations, and encourage community involvement among citizens, civic organization, corporations and public agencies.

A brief discussion of a possible Bicentennial Logo which would represent our year of celebration questions were generated. Shall we have a contest to create Richfield's Bicentennial Logo? Some contest rules might be local artists only, one application/submission per artist, maximum 3-color for printing purposes to name the basic rules. Watch for more information or contact a commission member to share your opinion and thoughts.

Here are our worthy friends and neighbors who currently make up the Commission: Nancy Hartman, Myrtle Haslem (who served on Richfield's Sequential 50 years ago), Susan Loughry, Scott Luther, Mayor Mike Lyons, Gene and Luella Mortimer, Jan Nagel, Liz Reed, Karen Smik, Becky Sheryak, Dorothy Smith, Paul and Michal Swan, Bill Taylor, Jan Weber, George Zietlow. Any questions should be directed to them and the Richfield Historical Society has an area dedicated to Richfield's Bicentennial including a calendar of planned events…there are several events listed and the list continues to grow daily.

Let's all ask ourselves, "Why am I living in Richfield?" or "Why did my Company choose Richfield to conduct its business?"   Truly take a minute and actively ponder your reason. Is your family part of the original pioneer families? Did you select Richfield to make your home and raise your family because of its location, environment, or for what reason?

Over the next months and during 2009, watch for educational programs and activities on the rich history of Richfield. Did you know that shortly after the first settlers made their homes in Richfield, there was no summer during the year of 1816? Multiple spring frosts destroyed crops, and a blizzard during July made life even more difficult for early settlers….is this fact or legend? 

Again, all interested parties should come to Fellowship Hall at 6 pm on the first Wednesday of the month. The meeting will be stimulating and brief. The Richfield Historical Society's web site, www.richfieldohiohistoricalsociety.org has a calendar devoted to 2009 Bicentennial events and activities updated daily.

The first Richfield Bicentennial organizational planning meeting was held April 2nd, 2008 at 6 pm at Fellowship Hall. A group of around 25 residents were in attendance and so many wonderful ideas were shared everyone became enthusiastic, looking forward to fun activities throughout 2009, all 12 months. The group felt it important to continue planning so the first Wednesday of each remaining month of 2008 all interested parties should come to Fellowship Hall at 6 pm.  The meeting will be stimulating and brief. 

Fun ideas, proposed activities, commemorative items and even discussions of a "Time Capsule" were "brainstormed." Perhaps men of the community would participate in a beard growing contest, around the fireside storytelling of local history, women dressing in long dresses such as the pioneers wore, historic walks visiting local sites, even cemetery walks (at Halloween?) Come share your ideas, join in our planning process and help make next year a year of local celebration and shared history.

It is a goal that business leaders may plan a day or event to celebrate local history, our churches will share their rich history and plan an event, our residents will participate and local organizations share their history too. By participating we all become part of local history.

The Richfield Historical Society's website, www.richfieldohiohistoricalsociety.org has a calendar devoted 2009 events and activities and it already has been updated with community dates for 2009.
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