Granger Historical Society

One of the treasures of Medina County is located at 1261 Granger Road in Granger Township.  The Granger Historical Society maintains the Thompson-Work Museum and the Aldrich B. Underwood Library.

The original Western Reserve-style house was built in the early 1840’s by Dr. Hill who practiced medicine in the small front room.  The Thompson family purchased the farm in 1908 and enlarged the house.  The house was later owned by daughter, Helen M. Thompson, a 1922 graduate of Granger School, who donated it to the Granger Township with the intent of it being used as a museum.  She maintained life-use of the home until her death in 1989.

Miss Thompson had a strong interest in history and the preservation of early American ideals.  Her varied interests and hobbies are evident in the collections on display.  Of special interest is her doll collection.  There are examples of early coverlets, quilts, antique furniture, clocks and examples of items used in the life of our early pioneers.

Aldrich B. Underwood, a 1906 graduate of Granger School and a descendent of Granger’s earliest pioneers, graduated from Oberlin College and became a Medina County Prosecutor in 1916 prior to entering the army.  In later years, he became a Judge in Summit County.  In 1972, he made a generous monetary donation to construct the Society’s library building and to house a collection of books, farming and kitchen items, and the excellent Indian artifact collection.  Also displayed are the composite pictures of the graduating classes of Granger School dating 1901 through 1952 along with school memorabilia.  Highland Local School annuals are also maintained.  There are displays of early carpenter and blacksmith tools, GAR, World War I and II memorabilia.  Genealogy records are available to varying degree for the early residents of the township.

The library is open the first Saturday of the month April through October.  Both the library and the house is open by appointment through the year.  For more information and to schedule an appointment, contact Bob Hummel at 330.239.2380.

Article and photos provided by Granger Historical Society

Brown Bag Concerts

Do you enjoy great music? St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Medina opens its doors to everyone monthly, September through November and again February through May for wonderful

musical  concerts.  Concerts are held in the Sanctuary at 317 East Liberty Street, Medina, Ohio 44256.  Concerts are at 12noon the third Tuesday of the month.  There is no cost for the noon concerts but a free-will donation is

accepted.

The next concert is November 15, 2011 and will feature MacKaren, a Celtic duet playing the

hammered dulcimer and the Celtic harp.  The

concerts are brown bag (bring your own lunch) so you can enjoy the music while eating lunch.  For those that may prefer, the ladies of St. Paul’s Parish will provide a box lunch for $5.00 with a reservation.  Reservations for a box lunch are due 24 hours in advance and can be made by calling 330.725.4131.

Mark your calendars for a wonderful lunch while enjoying the spectacular sounds of MacKaren on November 15, 2011. St. Paul’s also provides several Friday evening concerts with the next one being held Friday, November 4, 2011.  There is an admission charge for the Friday evening concerts of $10.00 per person.  November 4th will feature the music of the Baldwin Wallace Alumni Brass. Concert time is 7pm.

Spotlight Showcase

The 7th Annual Spotlight Showcase, a Medina County Arts Council fundraiser is set for Friday, November 18, 2011 and will again bring delightful performances by featured and experienced Medina County performing artists to Broadway Hall and the Delorre and Lily Jean Haddad stage.  Talented Medina County residents will contribute their talent to help raise funds for the Arts Council’s grant program and projects.  The grant program supports both county arts organizations and special arts projects within our communities and has averaged between $3,000 and $4,000 each year.

The November 18th program will feature dancing, vocalists, instrumental groups and other entertainment on the special weekend of Candlelight Walk in Medina.  Once again we will move our directing team around the county with Allen White of Brunswick as Director this year.

The “Showcase” will feature 18 or more different acts and will be held again on the Delorre and Lily Jean Haddad Stage in Broadway Hall in the County Administration Building at 144 North Broadway in Medina at 8pm, Friday the 18th of November.  Tickets will be $14.00 for adults and $7.00 for ages 12 and under.  Be sure to get your tickets early; seating is limited.  Additional information will be available on blog at MedinaArtBuzz.blogspot.com.

“Wish Upon a Star” Bridal Showcase

When you wish upon a star . . . Dreams come true at the Galaxy!  That’s right, Sunday, November 6, 2011 from 1pm to 5pm, the “Wish Upon a Star” Bridal Showcase will take place at the Galaxy Restaurant & Banquet Center located at 201 Park Centre Drive in Wadsworth.  Pay $10 at the door or $5 by pre-registering online at www.galaxyrestaurant.com (click events tab).

Take a ride on a 14 passenger Luxury Shuttle to the  Holiday Inn Express & Suites next door and tour the newly renovated hotel and honeymoon suite! Let the Galaxy assist you with great ideas for wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners.  Plus bridal gowns, flowers, invitations, photography, health and beauty; such as, hair, nails, massages, travel, DJ services, cakes, invitations, video services; over 25 vendors.  Activities will include a photo booth, music, fashion show and more! Prize giveaways are scheduled throughout the duration of the event. Sample wedding cakes and enjoy great food prepared by Chef Angus O’Hara!

For more information contact David Cavalier, Banquet Director at 330.495.6715, dcavalier@galaxyrestaurant.com or call 330.334.3663 (press 2 for banquets). 

Conrad & Dowdell Productions, Medina, Ohio

Medina Flea Market of Collectables

The Medina Flea Market of Collectables was started in 1977.  It is normally held on the third Sunday of the month but does vary.  The items at the monthly market are constantly changing and people arrive early for best selections.  It is always interesting to look at old post cards; a picture of places or things from our youth, old gas stations, restaurants and vacation locations help connect us to our past.  Pottery, Depression glass and Fenton glass are all represented at this Market; furniture, old coins, silver and gold coins, comic books, toys, old tools, gas memorabilia or old sea chests. The selection changes every month, but again, the fun is in the ‘chase’!

Stop by November 20, 2011 from 6am until 3pm.  The Market is held at the Community Center at the Fairgrounds, 735 West Lafayette Road, Medina and there is an admission charge.  For more information, call 330.948.4400 or visit www.conraddowdell.com.

Medina Gun Show

The Medina Gun Show was started in 1978.  Are you a collector? Are you a knife collector? Do you want a custom knife? The military collector will find patches, pins, parts of uniforms, surplus, bayonets and military firearms. Items from the Civil War, World War I & II, Korea and Vietnam are also here. Are you looking for parts and ammo for your collection? Are you a hunter? You will find a wide selection of brands and parts for everything you own.

The Medina Gun Show is November 12th and 13th at the Community Center at the Fairgrounds, 735 West Lafayette Road, Medina; Saturday, 9am to 5pm and Sunday, 9am until 3pm; there is an admission charge.  For information, call 330.948.4400 or visit www.conraddowdell.com.

Article provided by www.conraddowdell.com

Medina County is kicking off the Holiday Season with the following events in November

Wadsworth’s 2011 Candlelight Walk

Wadsworth’s Candlelight Walk will be held the evening of Friday, November 18, 2011 from 6pm until 9pm.  This year there will be many exciting activities happening throughout the downtown candle lighted area.  The family-oriented activities will certainly provide a night of entertainment and fun!  Make sure relatives and friends are informed of this exciting event!  Stroll along the main streets of Wadsworth and enjoy fine shopping, horse and carriage rides, horse drawn wagon rides, live entertainment, live animals, an elf workshop, hot chocolate, cider, and yes, Santa Claus!  Listen to the glorious sound of music which will permeate the town!

A ‘The Legend of Santa’s Rain Deer’ will be presented near the Gazebo.  Some lucky children will be given the first gifts of Christmas during this production.

Purchase a $1.00 Christmas button per person at Carolyn’s Cupboard or Three Roses Boutique now to avoid the lines that night!

This WILL be a night for all to enjoy!

Wadsworth’s Jingle Bell Jaunt and Holiday Parade will complete the holiday weekend on Saturday morning, November 19, 2011.  The Jingle Bell Jaunt starts at 9am and the Parade begins at 11am.  After the Parade, join Santa for lunch.  For small fee of $3.00 per person, you and your family can enjoy a wonderful lunch and make memories to last a kids lifetime.  Lunch will be held at the Central Intermediate School.

Article provided by Downtown Wadsworth

Candlelight Walk Medina’s Historic Public Square

Kick start the holidays with this legendary Medina tradition!  Over 1,350 candle-lit luminaries will highlight the nine block historic district for the 27th Medina Candlelight Walk, sponsored by Root Candles.  Take your family picture in front of the glowing holiday tree in the Gazebo, enjoy amazing window displays by local merchants, visit with Santa, and so much more!

Beginning Friday, November 18th, the festivities kick off with the lighting of over 1,350 luminaries throughout the district, followed by the lighting of the holiday tree with Mayor Dennis Hanwell at 7pm.  Then, tour the shops as they unveil their holiday window displays.  Santa comes to town on Saturday, November 19th in the Holiday Parade of Lights (parade begins at the High School at 5:30pm and arrives at the Square around 6:15pm), and will take up residence at Santa’s House on the Square for photographs with children and families.  Sunday’s activities include live entertainment, carriage rides and more old-fashioned fun for the whole family.  Shop the Medina County Holiday Farmer’s market at Root Candles on Saturday and Sunday, ride Lolly the Trolley around the district, feast on kettle corn and candied nuts, and start your holiday shopping locally in the many great stores here in Medina.

Article provided by Main Street Medina

Shop Local for the Holidays

Saturday, November 26, 2011 is ‘Shop OHIO’.  If you do not like the fast pace shopping of Black Friday or you want to enjoy shopping on the Square, come out to the uptown historic district for a relaxing old-fashion family fun day of holiday shopping.  Locally run small town businesses will be open from 9am to 1pm (some store hours vary) for your shopping pleasure.   Sport your Scarlet and Gray for some pre-game shopping.  Special Buckeye deals in the morning, and holiday shopping festivities all day long.  Enjoy a wonderful lunch in the middle of your shopping day or following with a great dinner at one the area restaurants.

The local businesses will have all their windows decorated for the holiday.  The Medina County Historical Society will be open for tours known as “Deck the Halls” from 1pm to 6pm, tickets are $5.00 at the door.  Bring the family to window shop while you find that special something.  Before you leave, enjoy the wonderful holiday lights and the tree lit in the Gazebo on Medina’s Historic Public Square.  Come out, relax and enjoy the day!

“Deck the Halls” at the John Smart Home

The Medina County Historical Society along with Giant Eagle and Summa Health Systems will again be ablaze with holiday decorations at the John Smart Home.  Stop in to tour the home and see the permanent collection and the wonderfully decorated rooms for the holidays.  Rooms will have holiday wreaths, swags and tablescapes to highlight the home for the holidays.  Make sure you get to the home early as the holiday wreaths, swags and tablescapes will be available for purchase and raffle.  That way you can purchase your favorite one before someone else does.

The John Smart Home will be open for tours November 19th and 20th from 2pm to 8pm, Candlelight Walk weekend; November 26th and 27th from 1pm to 6pm; December 4th from 1pm to 6pm and December 11th from 1pm to 6pm.

Tickets are $5.00 and can be purchase at the door or at the following locations:  Interior Design Studio, Gerspacher Real Estate and the Medina County Visitors Bureau’s office.  The home is not handicap accessible.  Groups will be by appointment only. Call 330.607.8811 for details.

Christmas Around the World

Start your Holiday celebrations with Christmas in the Colonies’ Christmas Around the World – a celebration of fine crafts.  You will be amazed in the expertly crafted gifts and holiday decorations.  The kids will delight in a trip to Santa’s Wonderland where they can enjoy a visit with Santa, face painting and ornament making.  Musical groups and performers will be performing at two stages throughout the weekend.

Come to the Community Center at the Fairgrounds on Friday, November 25 from 10am to 3pm, Saturday, November 26 from 10am to 3pm and Sunday, November 27 from 10am to 3pm to experience Christmas Around the World.  Admission is $5 for ages 13 and up, $4 for seniors ages 60 and up, $2 for ages 6-12 and ages 5 and under is free.

All new this year – there will be a special night for private shopping with wine, cheese and entertainment to benefit Hospice of Medina County.  The event will be held Friday, November 25 from 5pm to 8pm and is open to ticket holders only.  Advance sale tickets for $25 can be purchased by contacting christmasinthecolonies@gmail.com or calling 330.421.5745.

Each of the 100 craft exhibitors have been specifically selected for their fine craftsmanship. Santa Claus, Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman will be visiting with children in Santa’s Wonderland.  The International Café will feature a delicious selection of soups, salads and sandwiches.  For more information, visit www.christmasinthecolonies.com.

Article provided by Creative Keepsakes