North Ridgeville – Town of Ridges, Then and Now

Courtesy North Ridgeville Historical Society, northridgevillehistoricalsociety.com

Earlier this year the North Ridgeville Historical Society posed the question: what are the original streets named for ridges here in town. The answer is…There are five original streets named for ridges: Center Ridge; Sugar Ridge; Chestnut Ridge; Butternut Ridge; Stoney Ridge

The following week they posed the next question: what do you think led to the streets being named this way? This led the Historical Society, once a week, to post history of North Ridgeville in “North Ridgeville-Town of Ridges, Then and Now.” The North Ridgeville Review would like to share their stories….

North Ridgeville City Hall’s Past?

Last week we asked a question about the City Hall building. Many of you knew that this was originally the Ridgeville Grange Hall and here’s a little about the story of the grange:

The Grange was organized in 1867 as the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry to advocate for and educate farmers and their families, share information and enrich the social lives of their members. The movement spread across the country and Grange members became the driving force behind some of the most progressive legislation in the United States. They were the first national organization to require their leadership be shared with women, who were given full voice and vote. They helped reform railroad regulations, helped African Americans organize farms following the Civil War, helped pass bills supporting the improvement of transportation and waterways, offered community service programs and supported improving farmers rights and strengthening property rights.

Our local Grange was one of nineteen in Lorain County. It was formed in 1898, but the idea didn’t take hold right away and it disbanded shortly after. In 1918 the idea was revived and Grange #2155 was chartered with 110 members. By 1920 there were 564 members and the group won a banner for having the largest membership in the State of Ohio. In 1921 the group purchased three acres of land on Avon Belden and in 1927 the building was erected. Many of you might remember attending a wedding, family reunion or function at the Grange Hall. Kindergarten classes were held there at one time as well. As the city grew, and farms became housing developments, membership dwindled and the Grange here disbanded in 1971. In 1975 the City purchased the property and adapted the building for use as City Council Chambers and offices- later adding City Hall and the Police Department onto the rear of the building.

Starting next week we will explore the backstory of some of our roads. The “Ridge” streets aren’t the only roads that have a story to tell!

Case Road’s History

Today we’re going to explore some of the history of Case Road. Case Road is one of the most scenic streets here in town- creeks, hills, deep lots and beautiful homes. Early residents appreciated the creeks and rich soil here and in 1874 there were about 25 houses on Case Rd. -today there are 134! Many of the streets in North Ridgeville are named for early settlers and Case Road is no exception. We believe it was named for Hezekiah Case who was a large landowner in the early 1800s.

Hezekiah Case was born in Litchfield, Connecticut in 1775 and traveled to our area sometime between 1815 and 1822. He purchased 134 acres in lots #42 and #43 and his sons also owned land in the same area-some in Avon and some in Ridgeville. Not much is known about him or his life. He and his wife, Huldah, had 12 children and he died in 1834 at the age of 58. Following his death many of his family continued to move west, settling in Iowa.

One of the original one-room schoolhouses was on Case Road and it is still in existence today as a private residence. Case Road was also home to Mathias Nuhn, who was a member of the G.A.R. -having served in the Civil War. One of the early families was the Fitts family, and some of their descendants still live on Case Rd.

If you live in the area of Meadow Lakes or Avalon, you might be living on some of the land of Hezekiah Case. You can determine this by looking at your permanent parcel number. Lorain County parcel numbers are divided as such: the first two numbers identify the township you are living in. (North Ridgeville is #07.) The next two numbers identify the tract you are located in, and the following three numbers are your original lot number. The next three are parcel block number and the final three are your individual parcel number. SO, if your 5th-7th numbers are 042 or 043 you might be living on some of the land owned by Hezekiah Case!

Next week we explore the story behind another street in our area.

To be continued in next month’s North Ridgeville Review.