Historic Public Schools of Cincinnati

A Tour of Hilliard Theater

Lakewood has been known by many epithets, but probably its most recognizable is “The City of Beautiful Homes”, and it is that name that the Lakewood Historical Society showcases each year at the biennial House Tour.

At each House Tour, the Lakewood Historical Society tries to feature a variety of homes and buildings in Lakewood that are distinctive and representative of the accolades that the city has won from publications such as “Old House Magazine” who named it the best place to buy old homes.

This year there will be eight structures featured including the Hilliard Theatre that sits on Lakewood's West End.

Built in 1927, the Hilliard Theatre was heralded as “a theatre dedicated to wholesome entertainment-worthy of the community of which it is a part.” At the time, it was one of the premier theatre structures in the Cleveland area and has an array of distinguished elements including an arcade that gave both Madison and Hilliard Avenues access to the theatre.

Sensational Cincinnati: Lively museums, dining lead cultural revival of the 'Queen City'

The last decades have tainted the "Queen City" with racial unrest (following the 2001 police shooting of an unarmed black man) and a reputation for intolerance (following the unsuccessful prosecution of the Contemporary Arts Center and director Dennis Barrie on charges of "pandering obscenity" for a 1990 Robert Mapplethorpe exhibit).

But the last few years have seen a cultural revival in Cincinnati, which sits regally at the southwestern end of the state on the Ohio River. A visitor will find world-class museums, a vibrant night life and dining scene, and a rich look at Ohio history.

Less than a four-hour drive from Cleveland, Cincinnati is as different as a place in the same state can be, with a warmer climate, more leisurely Southern pace, strong German heritage, hilly geography and a lovely river location.

I wanted to go on a road trip. So, one fine, warm, sunny day in July, three of us drove down to Toledo to photograph. Although Toledo is only roughly an hour from my house, I had never been there and didn't know what it offered. A friend who had been there many times to photograph assured me that it had a lot to offer - with none of the crowds that we're used to in Ann Arbor. So, away we went!

We traveled light, with our cameras around our necks and film in our pockets, and spent the afternoon walking the streets and stopping to photograph wherever we saw something cool - which was just every block or two. Our first stop was at the old Park Hotel, which is no longer in use. From there we continued on to the old train station, and a dozen other stops.

I recommend a trip to anyone who hasn't been there, and is interested in a wonderful photographic adventure.

The concept is the same with the Quilt Barn Trail -- the latest tour to hit Gallia County. It's allowing families to share their family designs and personal stories with the world.

It's a slice of Americana -- rolling hills along a countryside with a quaint gathering featuring singing and celebrating family history. It's the dedication of the fourth quilt square along Gallia County's new Quilt Barn Trail.

This square, titled Century of Progress, is posted on a barn that belongs to Vic and Mary Niday. It is an appropriate choice, since this working farm is more than a century old and has remained in the same family.

The Gallia County Quilt Barn Trail will eventually include 15 different locations.

Just like the OWU campus, downtown Delaware also underwent its share of changes over the summer.

Perhaps the biggest news is that after 62 years in business, the historic Brown Jug Restaurant closed in July. Taking its place at 13 W. William St. is Hoggy’s Restaurant and Catering, a central Ohio barbecue chain that boasts OWU alumnus Ken Smith ’77 as one of its founders.

Hoggy’s opened August 20, offering applewood-smoked pork, beef, ribs, and chicken along with salads, fish, soups, steaks, and desserts. General manager Desiree Lajoie describes the cuisine as “southern-inspired with a Hoggy’s twist.”

Just around the corner from Hoggy’s, another new restaurant is preparing to open its doors. The 12 South Deli is moving into 12 S. Sandusky St. and expects to make its debut in late September.

Greater Loveland Historical Society Homes Tour

• Reservations, by calling 513-683-5692, are suggested.
• Cost is $15.00 per person.
• Car pools are encouraged as parking is sometimes limited; it will be a self guided tour.
• Maps will be provided
• All six historic homes will be with in the 45140 area.
• Payment ahead is suggested, proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Cabin fund.

The house, known as Oldfields, has also become the focal point of a debate about the value of historic homes to a community, and what, if any, responsibility comes with owning such a home.

Matt and Barbara Abrams, the owners, have secured a demolition permit for the house, which has prompted a small group of residents to petition the couple to stop their plans and set off a fierce letter-writing campaign in the local media.

The two sides are set to meet today with First Selectman Ralph Eno to try to come to an agreement.

Ashtabula County covered bridge will be nation's longest

Ashtabula County is set to dedicate the nation's longest covered bridge on Tuesday. (Take that, New Hampshire and Vermont.) The intricate wooden span stretches 613 feet, like a lumber yard pieced together above the flowing floor of the Ashtabula River valley.

Workers spent two years prepping the site and connecting beefy boards of Southern yellow pine to replace a deteriorated steel bridge along State Road. The record-breaker cost a few splinters less than $8 million, a bill shouldered by federal, state and local tax dollars.

The result is . . . well, simply massive. "It's going to grab some attention," promised Tim Martin, the county's engineer.

Officials expect covered-bridge fans from across the United States to find their way to Ohio's northeast corner to view the green monster. Parking areas are planned near both ends of the structure.