South Broadway Street

#209 South Broadway Street: Bradley House, 1871

In 1928 Dr. Will Nichols bought the Samuel H. Bradley house at 60 South Public Square, built in 1856, and moved the house to the south adjacent lot at 209 South Broadway Street.  Since 1978, the house has been renovated into Professional and Law Offices.

Dr. Will A. Nichols Rental Property, (1928-1958)

Dr. Will A. Nichols and Eurie S. Nichols Private Residence, (1958 to 1973)

Eurie Stanbery Nichols Private Residence (1973-1981)

1.  Jeffrey Bramley purchased the house and property from Eurie and Stanberry Nichols in 1981.

Jeffrey Bramley, Attorney, (1979-1988)

P. C. Spink, Attorney, (1988-1991)

Robert Rosenfeld, Attorney, (1991-1994)

Medina County Title Agency, (1991-1995)

Lee Skidmore, Attorney, (1991-1995)

1.  Jeffrey Bramley sold the property to Lee T. Skidmore in 1990.

James F. Ciccolini, Attorney, (1995-2018)

1.  Mary Jo Ciccolini, spouse of James F. Ciccolini purchased the property from Richard J. Marco, etal in 1995.

2.  James F. Ciccolini acquired the property from Mary Jo Ciccolini through certificate transfer in 1999.

Allstate Insurance Company Sales Offices, (1997-2000)

James Roberts Insurance Agency, (1997-2000)

Sunny Herron, Attorney, (1998-2003)

David Gedrock, Attorney, (1998-2008)

Advice Helpline, (2004-2008)

Medina County Title Agency, (2005-2010)

Lee Skidmore, Attorney, (2005-2010)

MDS Builders, Inc. (2007-Present)

Freedom Insurance, (2011-2012)

1.  James F. Ciccolini transferred the property by certificate transfer Andrew Ciccolini in 2013.

Monarca Language Services, (2017-Present)

#210 South Broadway Street: King House,-1833, Sylvester Library,-1907, Medina County District Library,-1933

David King Residence, (1834-1867)

1.  In the early 1800’s Medina looked vastly different than it does today. One glaring difference is the square. Today, 210 South Broadway Street is home to Medina’s beautiful public library. But in the 1800’s, it was home to something very different. It’s a house, in fact. But not just any house, this was a mansion, even by today’s standards.

2.  Built in 1833 by a wealthy merchant named David King, the house was modeled after America’s very own White House. David King was one of the original investors in the Connecticut Land Company, which owned all the land in the Western Reserve. His land investments were in Medina, which is why he came to Medina, already with an extreme amount of wealth. While he lived here, he sold pork and liquor out of the South West corner of the square, which is today home to the popular frozen yogurt establishment, Lemonberry. On top of all of this, he was also, in a way, one of Medina’s first banks, by loaning out money here and there to people who needed it.

Albert R. Whiteside Residence, (1867-1885)

1.  A. R. Whiteside came to Medina Village in 1830 from Pennsylvania and was a Dealer in stationary, wall paper and window shades and his store was located one door east of the Phoenix Block in 1848.

2  A. R. Whiteside assumed the duties of the first Village Fire Warden in 1871 and was responsible for the first cisterns to be dug around the Uptown Park.

John Frizzell Residence, (1885-1895)

Fremont O. Phillips Residence, (1895-1905)

1.  In 1895 the house was purchased by Fremont O. Phillips, a leading citizen in the village.  A self-made man, Phillips started out as a teacher and eventually became a lawyer, mayor of the village, U.S. Congressman and probate judge.

2.  In 1905, Phillips decided to leave the Square — but not necessarily his beautiful, stately home.  His reasons are not known.  Perhaps the Square had gotten too noisy and commercial. At any rate, he sold the prime lot to a local cattle dealer, Franklin Sylvester, who wanted to achieve immortality by building a library for Medina that would bear his name.

3.  Phillips then got busy and moved his entire household — locks stock and mansion. “The back part was cut first and taken onto North Broadway St. where it was turned and headed north.  The main part, 72 feet across, was taken and in the same way it was turned into the street.  Small rollers on railroad track ties were used to move the building.  In five days’ time, it was up and on a new foundation.”

4.  The house arrived in its new location — a dirt road in what was still a rural area — without any damage.  In fact, the family continued to live in it during the move.  The only complaint came from the youngest member of the family, Tom, who claimed that he “lost his marbles.”

5.  The house was then sold to a man named Edward Deibel, who owned it for about 50 years, into the 1960’s.

6.  Unfortunately, come the 1990’s the house was embarrassingly neglected by the man who owned it after Deibel. It had detreated so badly during the time that the entire front of the house almost literally fell off.

7.  Thankfully, Ed Deibel had a grandson who took particular interest in saving this house. After the owner let it almost fall apart, it was put up for auction, and bought by Deibel’s grandson, Jim Gowe, who now owns the house and has restored to its former glory.

8.  Driving on North Broadway, this house is even by today's standards, massive. You cannot even see the house's "L" shape from the street. You probably would not even guess its age, considering that it is an astounding 181 years old. Today, it looks just as good, if not better, than it did when it was brand new, thanks to renovations done by its owner, Jim Gowe.

9.  The Fremont O Phillips House on North Broadway Street as it appears in 2016, 112 years after it's move from Public Square.

National Register of Historic Places – 1982, #82001472,  King-Phillips-Deibel House

Medina Library Location History: 1877-1907

Barnard Block, 105 West Liberty Street, (1877-1878)

1.  A Medina Circulating Library Association was formed.  Members paid dues and then were able to check out books.

Commercial Block, 8 Public Square, (1878-1885)

1.  Miss Meroa Andrews, besides carrying on her jewelry store, stored the library books and acted as Librarian at a salary of $20 a year.

Albro Block, 13 West-side Public Square: (1886-90)

1.  Herbert H. Brainard was elected the first President of the Medina Circulating Library Association in 1878, perhaps because he agreed to store the seventy library books in his jewelry store. 

Smith-Albro Block, 32.5 West Public Square, (1890-1898)

1.  W. H. Albro, Druggist, provided a reading room rent free on the second floor to be used as a library.

Free Church Annex, 103 North Public Square, (1899-1900)

1.  A small building is bought in 1899 by the Library Association to house the library.

2.  F. M Branch purchased the lot and building in 1907 for $1.500.

Barnard Block, 105.5 West Liberty Street, (1900-1907)

1.  Medina Library Association moves to a room rented from Judge Barnard in 1900.

2.  Librarian Miss Eva Johnson reports an average of 27 visits a day in 1905.

3.  1904-The Librarian’s salary increased to $3 a week and the library is to be open from 1:30-5 p.m.

Franklin Sylvester Library, (1905-1907)

1.  Franklin Sylvester gives $10,000 for a public library and asks the trustees to make it a free public library.

2.  Construction began on the new library at 210 South Broadway Street in 1905 and dedication was held on August 30, 1907

Franklin Sylvester Library, (1907-1933)

1.  In 1933 Sylvester Library became a county wide public library and extended borrowing privileges to all of Medina County Residents.

Medina County District Library (1933-1976) 

1.  In 1976 Dr. Mansell’s residence was razed and the size of the library was doubled.

1.  Renovations have taken place in 1958, 1976 and 2008 to improve and enlarge the library facilities.

2.  In 2005 a major expansion project was began and the library was enlarged to its existing size.

3. 2007 was the 100th Anniversary of the Franklin Sylvester/Medina County District Library.

#212-214 South Broadway Street: Damon House-1906, Mansell House-1931

Dr. George J. and Perlea Damon Residence, (1905 -1929)

1.  F. O. Phillips sold part lot 46 to Dr. George J. Damon in 1905

2.  George J. Damon built a two story duplex style house in 1906.

Dr. R. L. and Kathryn Mansell, Renters, (1929-1931)

1   In 1931, George S. Mellert, President of Free Oil Company bought the old George J. Damon property between his home at 218 South Broadway Street and the library and will remodel and improve the property.

Dr.  R. L. and Kathryn Mansell, Residence and Medical Offices, (1932-1976)

1.  In 1932, Dr. R. L. and Kathryn Mansell purchased the house and part lot 46 on Land Contract to 1937.

Dr. R. L. Mansell property was purchased by the Medina County District Library in 1976.

#213-215 South Broadway Street: Steinle House-1918, House House-1940

Christian K. Steinle Residence, (1918-1938)

1.  C. K. Steinle purchased part lot 38 from Jeffrey S. Pierce in 1918.

Arvinne House Residence and Rental Property, (1940-1959)

1.  Mrs. Arvinne House bought the property from Christian Steinle estate in 1940.

Arvinne House Residence and Rental Property, (1940-1959)

Helen M. Effinger and Hazel Effinger Renters, (1940-1959)

1.  In 1959 the Arvinna House house was raised to provide a private parking lot for Medina County Gazette and Nichols Dentistry customers.

#217-219 South Broadway Street: Ault-1904, Ferguson House-1914, Beck House-1917, Shaw House-1943

Seth Ault Property, (1904-1914)

1.  Seth Ault purchased the part lot 38 from George D. Billings in 1904)

2.  The Seth Ault estate heirs sold the property to Eunice Ferguson in 1914.

Eunice Ferguson Residence, (1914-1917)

1.  Eunice Ferguson sold the property to Winnie Beck in 1917.

John Beck and Winnie Residence, (1917-1929)

1.  In 1917, John Beck bought the property, a duplex house at #217-219 South Broadway Street.

2.  John Beck was a music teacher and had a studio in his home; was an organist in the Methodist Church and in the Princess Theater for many years.

John and Winnie Rental Property, (1929-1941)

Lloyd Fisher, renter, (1929-1931)

1.  Lloyd Fisher will have his Insurance office in the piano studio in 1929.

F. R. W. Behrens, renter, (1931-1932)

Reverent and Mrs. Vernon S. Goodale renters, (1932-1935)

Elizabeth Whipple and Harriet Reynolds, renters, (1936-1939)

Alice L and Paul Raymond Ashley, renters, (1935-1937)

1.  John Beck’s daughter Alice L. and Paul Raymond Ashley married and moved here in 1935.

Mrs. R.R. Strong, renter, (1937-1940)

Dr. H. P. H. and Effa Robinson Residence, (1941-1943)

1.  John and Winnie Beck sold the property to Dr. and Effa Robinson in 1941.

O. R. Bowsher, renter, (1939-1943)

1.  The seven room rental house with four bedrooms, a slate roof and garage was sold by owner, Dr. H. P. H. Robinson to Carrie and Ray A. Shaw for $4,000 in 1943.

Carrie and Ray A Shaw, Residence, (1943-1952)

1.  Dr. H. P. H. and Effa Roberson sold the property to Carrie and Ray A. Shaw in 1943

Kathryn Mansell Rental Property, (1950-1969)

1.  Carrie and Ray A Shaw sold the property to Kathryn Mansell in 1950

George and Stella Pandur, renters (1952-1969)

1.  The Mansell properties were raised to provide an expansion to the private parking lot to the north for Uptown Merchant use in 1969.

#218 South Broadway Street: Branch House-1910,Mellert House-1916

George J. and Perela Damon, Rental Property, (1890-1910)

1.  In 1890, George J. Damon purchased part lot 48 from John W. Frezzell

Fred M. and Rena Branch Residence, (1910-1916)

George S. and Edith I. Mellert Residence, (1916-1967)

1.  The fine residence two doors south of the library was purchased by George S. Mellert for $3,400 in 1916, from Realtor Frank Branch

2.  Edith I. and George Silvan Mellert, President of Mellert-Weidner Company garage was destroyed by $20,000 fire, including 7 trucks and automobiles in 1922. Garage was located at rear of George Mellert’s home at 218 S. Broadway.

3.  In 1922, Mellert-Weidner Company new fireproof garage 58’x 90’ was built by them with Omar L Shaw as Superintendent of Construction.

Raymond and Madeline Mellert, Vacant, (1967-1969)

1.  In 1967, Raymond and Madeline Mellert heirs to the George S. Mellert estate acquired the property by certificate transfer.

2.  In 1969, Raymond Mellert sold the property to Dr. R. L. Mansell.

3.  The Mansell property was purchased by the Medina County District Library in 1969.

#224 South Broadway Street: Disciple Church-1877, First Christian Church-1924



First Christian Church of Medina or Disciple Church, (1877-2003)

Evangelist Thomas D. Gavin, (1877-1878)

1.  Organized in 1877 by Evangelist Thomas D. Garvin, incorporated in 1878, the congregation met for three years in the Union Hail, Phoenix Hail, and Court House and in the Congregational and Baptist Churches.

Reverend James H. Garvin, (1878-1884)

1.  The old framed Disciple Church which stood on the site of the present church was built and dedicated in 1880 at a cost of $3,500 without indebtedness on the current lot. It was at the time the best church building in town until the Congregational Church built a larger and costlier one 1883. The lot was purchased at a price of $500, while the pews, which are still being used, were carved by hand by Ira and Floyd Bennett.

2.  Dillon P. Clark was the Medina architect of The Disciple's meeting house in 1880. And it was frescoed by Mr. Kimmer of Cleveland.

3.  The building was dedicated with great ceremony by T. D. Garvin, of Columbus, the founder of Wilmington College in Ohio. An Interesting incident connected with the dedication was recalled when a beam bearing the name of James A. Garfield, who was 20th president of the United States in 1881 was found when the building was torn down in 1923. Garfield a Disciple minister before entering politics was invited to attend the dedication but, was unable to attend because of the press of business in Washington. However, at about this time he did pass through Medina by train, and his proximity must have prompted one of the workmen to inscribe his name upon the piece of timber.

Reverend Brighton Newton Tanner, (1903-1908)

 1.  The Disciple Church has a new metal ceiling by Oatman Brothers Hardware and varnished woodwork and seats with painted walls in 1904.

Reverend Vernon S. Goodale. (1915-1920)

1.  Rev. Vernon S. Goodale baptized children in a building called the “Mengus Temple” that sat just south of the Disciple Church on South Broadway Street near where Garfield School was built in 1911.

Reverend W. R. Moffatt, (1920-1924)

1.  In 1923, the old church was moved to 570 South Court Street and a brick structure was erected for $30,000 in the cruciform, colonial style exterior and dedicated in 1924.

2.  Architect Paul Tresler Cahill of Fulton, Taylor and Cahill of Cleveland designed the red brick church with a slate roof and sandstone trim.

Reverend Harry Beard, (1949-1957) and Reverend Ray Bosh, (1957-1960)

1.  In 1957, a new educational wing with class rooms and offices was added, bringing the building to the current size.

2.  In 1957 the Church constitution was adopted and the name was changed from the Disciple Church to the First Christian Church of Medina.

Reverend Harold E. Simmons, (1960-1967)

1.  During the Disciple's early history, settled pastorates were unusual, for ministers seldom stayed more than a year or two in one church. Nineteen ministers served the church from 1877 to 1937, but only five ministers in the following 3 years to 1967

2.  In 2003, a new much larger church was built at 4797 Sharon-Copley Road in Montville Township to serve a growing congregation.

Medina County Performing Arts Foundation, (2002-2009)

Project Learn, (2004-2009)

Crosspointe Community Church, (2007-2010)

Fountain of Grace Church (2010-2013)

Medina Bible Church, (2017-Present)

Evolve Academy of Medina City Schools, (2017-Present)

#225 South Broadway Street: Bagley House 1917

Leslie and Ella Ritz Swift Residence, (1917-1937)

1.  New seven room house built by Clarence Bair and Frank Water in 1917.

Dudley H. and Iola Jane Bagley, Private Residence, (1938-1992)

1.  The Berry house was separated from the Swift and Bagley house by a paved concrete alley with easements for use by both residences and the businesses in the building behind them on S. Court St. just north of the Methodist Church now occupied by Castle Noel.

2.  Dudley Bagley at one time owned the Hatch Dairy during WWII, but sold it to Henry Abell of Elm Farm Dairy and then worked for Elm Farm for many years

3.  Hatch Dairy moved office here in 1948. They will no longer do their own processing.

4.  Dudley H. and Iola J. Bagley sold the property to Kenneth G and Pamela O. Whitehill in 1993.

5.  Dudley and Iola Bagley sold the residence to become an antique store and moved to Malloy Court after they both retired.

Whitehill House Antiques, Kenneth G. and Pamela O. Whitehill, props. (1992-1994)

Ralph Jocke and Patricia Walker, Attorney’s, (1994-2018)

 1.  In 1994, Ralph Jocke and Patricia Walker purchased the property.

#225 combined with #231 in 2004.

#229 South Broadway Street: Graves House-1914, Neumeyer House-1925, Berry House- 1945



Judge John Graves, Lot 39, (1885-1914)

1.  Judge Graves purchased the lot 39 from Aaron Pardee in 1885.

Judge John Graves Residence, (1914-1917)

1.  Judge John Thurman Graves built a new house in 1914 for $2,500, 

2.  In 1916, lived alone, took meals at White Front Restaurant.

3.  Judge Graves returned from dinner and sat down at the fireplace in his hat and coat.  He had a heart attack; parts of his body were charred and the chair would have combusted soon. He died in 1922.

4.  John Graves came to Medina in 1846. He attended S.G.  Barnard’s Normal School and was a teacher at age 18, Civil War veteran; admitted to bar in1871; Solicitor in 1894.

William E. Griesinger Rental Property, (1917-1921)

1.  W. E. Griesinger purchased the property from Judge Graves in 1917.

Lewis E. Ball Residence and Rental Property,( 1921-1925)

1.  L. E. Ball purchased the property from W. E. Griesinger in 1921.

Bertha Neumeyer Rental Property, (1925-1945)

1.  Bertha Neumeyer purchased the property from Lewis E. Ball in 1925.

Frank Kvarda, renter, (1937-1938)

Ila Williams, renter, (1938-1940)

B. L. and Delpha M. Berry, (1940-1985)

1.   B. L. and Delpha Berry purchased the property from Bertha Neumeyer in 1945)

Boyd L. and Jackie Berry, Helen M. and Thurston, Private Residence, (1945-1997)

1.  Berry father and two son’s families shared the residence from 1940 to 1985.

2.  Boyd and Thurston Berry acquired the property in 1979 from B. L. and Delpha Berry reserved for life use.

Vacant, (1998-1998)

Gina Sisler, (1999-2000)

Ralph E. Jocke, (2001-2018)

Matthew Sweeney, (2004-2011)

#229 was combined with #225 and #231 in 2012.

#231 South Broadway Street: Winters House 1917, Weidner House 1920, Claggett House,-1938



Charles Winters Residence, (1917-1920)

1.  Charles Winters built the house in 1917.

2.  Charles Winters sold the property to T. J. Weidner in 1920.

X. L. Hess, renter, (1933-1935)

V.G. Kirby, renter, (1935-1937)

1.  V.G. Kirby moved into the Weidner home vacated by the Hess family in 1935.

Howard E. and Mary Claggett Private Residence, (1938-1986)

1.  Howard E. and Mary Claggett purchased the property from T. J. Weidner in 1938.

2.  Howard was a teacher and the Principal of Medina High School and also wrote a weekly column for the Medina County Gazette called by his initials “By H.E.C.”.

 3. Mary Claggett taught elementary school in Medina for many years.

 Harry E. and Gladys Van Horsten Rental, (1986-1989)

 1.  Harry E. Van Horsten purchased the Howard E. Claggett property as executor of the estate in 1986.

 Ralph E. Jocke and Patricia Walker, (1989-2018)

 1.  Harry E. Van Horsten sold the property to Ralph E. and Patricia Walker in 1989.

Christopher J, Collier, Attorney. (1991-1993)

Edmond Bowers, Attorney, (1991-1995)

Prudence Spink. Attorney, (1991-1998)

Ralph E. Joke, Attorney, (1991-2017)

Patricia A. Walker, Attorney, (1991-2017)

Ian S. Haberman, Attorney, (1994-1995)

Michael Pophal, Attorney, (1995-1999)

David R. Porcio, Attorney, (1997-1999)

Daniel Wasil, (2000-2015)

Christopher Parmelee, (2000-2017)

Nancy Reeves, (2001-2017)

Amanda Dillon, Attorney, (2003-2008)

Patricia Kramer, Attorney, (2003-2008)

Marcella Louke, (2006-2008)

Robert Maag Jr. Attorney, (2006-2017)

Walker and Jocke, Patricia Walker and Ralph E. Jocke, Attorney's, (2000-2018)

#234-250 South Broadway Street: Garfield and Lincoln Bldgs.



Medina Village Schools, (1854–1871)

Center Union School

North east corner of South Broadway Street and East Smith Road, J. McCormick, Principal, Miss Ellen Warner, Assistant.

East Primary School

South east corner of Harmony (East Alley) between East Liberty Street and East Washington Street, Miss Hattie Loring, Teacher.

1.  W. H. Sipher was born in 1859 and attended the East Primary school in 1866.

2.  In 1872, Dillon Clark will convert the East schoolhouse into a fine new home.

3.  In 1874, East Primary school bought by Chamberlain and converted into a cottage for L.F. Fassett.

Center Primary School

North west corner of South Broadway Street and East Smith Road, Miss Anna Sweet, Teacher.

1.  Previous to the erection of Lincoln school in 1871, the high school and some intermediate grades were housed in Center Primary School, what is now the Stuart Hamilton residence.

2.  In 1895, the old Center Primary School house at corner of South Broadway and East Smith was moved up the street and turned into a residence by George W.  Rickard, George W. Rickard died at his home in 1921.

South Primary School

South side of East Lafayette Road (Harrisville Road), between South Court Street and South Broadway Street, Miss Reliance Babcock, Teacher.

1.  The only buildings on the east side of South Court to Wadsworth Road were a schoolhouse and the Methodist Church and Dan Ainsworth’s pasture. D.A. lived in S. B. Woodward house on west side of South Court Street and had a livery stable and stage route in the 1860s.

North Intermediate School

South side of North Street between North Broadway Street and North Court Street, Miss A. Blakeslee, Teacher.

Normal School

North side of Lafayette Road (Harrisville Road) between South Court Street and South Broadway Street, S. G. Barnard, Principal.

1.  In 1854, the school house where Caswell and Gunkleman wagon shop now stands was a remodeled Methodist Church with pews as seats and was directly across street from the present site of the South Primary school.

2.  In 1871, the old Center Union School building was moved to become the new Norman School Boarding Hall.

Lincoln High School Building, (1871-1924)

1.  Medina Gazette Editorial-1870:  "There is no place in the state of Ohio of the same population where the taxes are as low as in the village of Medina. We have a population of from 1,500 to 2,000 people, who are among the best people in Ohio. Our corporation taxes for the past year have been only one mill on the dollar. Where is there a parallel to this in the state of Ohio? It is true that by reason of three bridges that the corporation had to build, the taxes were not quite sufficient to meet all the expenses, but the debt of the village on the first Monday in March, 1870, was only $155.74. Who, with these facts before them, will say, that the people of this village can't build a school house worth $20,000. The taxable Property on the duplicate for the village is about 3,350,000, and under the new assessment will be $500,000."

2.  Dr. S. J. Smith and Mrs. L. Bingham sold lots for $1080 to Board of Education opposite centralized school for a new High School in 1871. F. J. Wheatly bought the old schoolhouse.

3.  A new 2 story, brick High School was built by John Rounds Company for $14,000 with 61 windows, $20,000 of iron and a tin roof built by Sanders and Sturgis in 1871. Bricks were made at the Samuel Hale brick works 4 miles west on Smith Road.

4.  The schoolhouse bell was an old bell from the Medina County Court House.

5.  The Medina School Board bought the E. B. Spritzer property just east of the of the High School and barn in 1910 for future athletic field.

Lincoln Grade School Building, (1924-1949)

School Superintendents: W. R. Comings, (1874-1882), S. H. Herriman, (1882-1886), Judge J. B. Kennan, (1886-1908), C. C. Carlton, (1908-1912), W. S. Edmunds, (1912-1917), W. E. Conkle, (1917-1914)

1.  High School age students were transferred to the new High School on North Broadway Street in 1924 and Lincoln School became a grade school only.

2.  In 1949, Lincoln Grade School was demolished to make way for a new building to be attached to the present Garfield Grade School at a cost of $550,000 to provide for an expanded Elementary School facility.

Garfield Grade School Building, (1912-1950)

1.  Garfield School was built in 1911 with concrete foundation and brick walls. Excavation by W.J. Anderson, contractor E. E. Bope, Frank Gruninger architect and U. S. Rowe is construction foreman.  The new Garfield Grade School opened in 1912.

1.  The Medina County Historical Society must leave the Garfield building because the room is needed for a school library in 1942.

2.  Garfield School provided educational facilities for 5th through 7th grade students for many years.

Garfield Elementary School Building, (1951-Present)

3.  In 2017 present enrollment is 370 students from Kindergarten through 5th grade.

Miss Ella Canavan (1878-1964)

Her dedication to teaching and encouraging literacy is a legacy that lives on in Medina today.

1.  Ella Canavan was born in 1878, presumably in Medina. She attended local school and was educated at Oberlin College until 1899, and then began teaching in 1900.

2.  “Miss Ella” was unconditionally loved and respected in Medina and remains to this day, long after her death, an integral part of education in Medina.

3.  “Miss Ella” was a friendly face to every student who walked the halls of the Lincoln Building and eventually of Garfield Elementary School. The echo of her ringing bell rang merrily across the playground to signal the start of class.

4.  Her first "school" was at Ben Water’s house in Medina, and it was this school that established the private kindergarten system in the area, her first class having an enrollment of 30 children.

5.  Miss Ella was the definition of passionate about teaching. She even taught for five years without pay before kindergarten was a part of the school district.

6.  In 1905, kindergarten became part of the Medina City School District, and Miss Ella’s classes were moved to the Lincoln Building on South Broadway Street.

7.  Because of crowded conditions, the Lincoln Building also serving all twelve grades at the time, “Miss Ella” moved her classes to the Odd Fellows building on Public Square, where she remained until the kindergarten was removed to the old Garfield School building in 1916, where Miss Ella would remain for the rest of her career.

“Miss Ella” leading her kindergarten class in the 1928 Dedication Day parade on East Liberty Street

8.  She resigned in 1945 after 45 years of distinguished service in Medina.

9.  On October 9th, 1960, the citizens of Medina gathered in celebration of the beloved Miss Ella Canavan, and the brand new school building that was about to be named after her. She already received a congratulatory letter from President Eisenhower in recognition of her 45 years of teaching, so this great honor was the icing on the cake for Miss Ella.

10.  Ella Canavan Elementary school was dedicated in her honor, and she passed away shortly after on May 4,   1964.

Miss Ella' Medina County Gazette Editorial
May 4 1964

Most communities have their beloved citizens, citizens who have given the fullest measure of them-selves to others and thereby have won universal respect amid affection. But we doubt if any community ever has held a single person in as high esteem as Medina has held Miss Ella Canavan, who died last Saturday at 84 years of age,

"Miss Ella" wan a special sort of a person to between 1000 and 4000 men and women who started their schooling under her during the 45 years she taught kindergarten here, for she was the embodiment of patience understanding and kindness — qualities which quickly cemented a strong bond of affection and trust between pupil and teacher. And the bond was a lasting one.

"Miss Ella’s" rare combination of qualities invariably left a deep imprint on the young minds in her care, her influence having taken on extra strength and meaning, instead of waning, as the years brought to those developing minds a greater appreciation of the verities. Furthermore, "Miss Ella's" genuine interest in her "children" was unending, their progress through the grades to graduation and their life confrontation after their studies were ended having held her attention to the last.

Having Inns served in training the young for 40 years both as a kindergarten teacher and principal, "Ms. Ella” entered well-deserved retirement in 1945. But her departure from the classroom did not make people forget and when a new elementary school was opened in the southwest sector of the city in 1960, it was named after her in recognition of her accomplishments while she was still alive to accept the honor. It was a fine autumn day nearly four years ago when the school was dedicated to her. "Miss Ella." in the presence of many of her former pupils, accepted the tribute in her typically modest way and with a courageous show of physical strength which clocked the failing health which had befallen her. It was typical of her.

A new school had been dedicated to her, which was only a natural sequence. For in the words of Rev. Fr. Robert E. Murphy, who conducted last rites for "Miss Ella" in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church Tuesday morning. "Her's was a dedicated life ... to teaching, besides the A, B. C.*s, the virtue*.

"She ‘has placed herself in the archives of this town forever," Fr. Murphy went on to say, "through her simple life, kindness and love, because of her efforts." her priest went on to say, "Almighty God must be pleased with her."

#237 South Broadway Street, Codding House-1916, Kolvereid House-1939, Claggett House-1952



Andrew J. Chase Whole Lot 40, (1871-1872)

Ida M. Hauck, Part Lot 40, (1872-1915)

1.  Ida M. Hauck, heir to the estate of Ernest Hauck sold part lot 40 to George Codding in 1915.

George Codding Residence, (1916-1938)

1.  In 1916, George Codding built a house on part lot 40.

2.  George Codding is crossing tender at Northern Ohio Railroad on S. Court Street in 1920.

3.  Women’s KKK meets at Lionne Codding’s house from 1927 to 1929.

Kristian J. and Bernice Kolvereid Residence and Rental House, (1939-1951)

H. G. and Mary Claggett Rental House, (1952-1971)

1.  In 1971, the United Methodist Church purchased the property and raised the house for a church parking lot

Methodist Church Parking Lot (1971-Present)

#243 South Broadway Street, Hauck House 1904



Andrew J. Chase, Lot 40, (1871-1872)

Ernest G. Hauck, Lot 40, (1872-1904)

Katherine and Ernest G. Hauck Residence, (1904-1916)

1.  Katherine and Ernest G. Hauck built their new residence and tailor shop in 1904.

Ida Hauck Residence and Rental, (1916-1959)

1.  Daughter Ida Hauck inherited the property in 1916,

2.  Ida Hauck died in 1959 and the estate sold the property to the United Methodist Church

Methodist Church Parking Lot (1959-Present)

1.  In 1959, the United Methodist Church purchased the property and raised the house for a church parking lot.

#257 South Broadway Street: Village School Bldg.-1833, Rickard House-1896, Hamilton House-1921, Nichols Bldg.-1963

Directory of County Lands, Lot 40, (1818-1819)

James Freese, Lot 40, (1819-1821)

Rufus Ferris, Lot 40, (1821-1833)

1.  In 1933 Rufus Ferris sold the lot 40 to the Medina Village School District No. 1.

Medina Village School District No. 1 Building, (1833-1872)

F. J. Wheatley Building, Lot 40, (1872-1895)

1.  F. J. Wheatley sold the old school building to George W. Rickard in 1895.

George W. Rickard Residence, (1896-1921)

1.  The old central schoolhouse at corner of Broadway and Smith was moved up the street and turned into a residence by George W. Rickard in 1895.

2.  Daughter Edna Rickard Hamilton acquired the property on the death of her father George W. Rickard in 1921

Edna and Stuart M. Hamilton Residence, (1921-1958)

1.  In 1958, Dr. Stanberry Nichols purchased the Hamilton property from the administrator of the Edna and Stuart Hamilton estate

2.  The Hamilton house was raised in preparing for the new Nichols Dentistry building in 1962.

Nichols Dentistry Office, Dr. Stanberry Nichols, Prop. (1963-1966)

1.  Dr. Nichols moved here from 56 South Public Square in 1963 and built a new, modern Dentistry facility.

Nichols Dentistry Office, Dr. Stanberry Nichols and Dr. William Nichols, Props. (1966-1995)            

Nichols Dentistry Office, Dr. William Nichols, Prop. (1995-2017)        

Nichols Dentistry Office, Dr. William A. Nichols and Dr. Jennie Nichols, Props. (2003-2018)                

1.  A family dentistry that has served Medina clients in and around Public Square for over 135 years.

Dr.Abner, (1882-1921); Dr.Will, (1900-1968); Dr. Floyd Elmer, (1914-1918); Dr. Stanberry, (1936-1995); Dr. Will A., (1966-2018) and Dr. Jennie, (2003-2018)

 - A Medina family memory that seems appropriate right now: my grandfather Floyd Nichols died in the influenza pandemic of 1918. He was 29, had a toddler (my dad Elmer) and an infant daughter, and had joined the dentistry practice of his father Abner and brother Will just a few years before. The article comes from the Medina Gazette of October 25, 1918. My grandmother Adaline told me that he had been out selling war bonds and came home with a cold. He died a week later.

He played baseball and tennis, and there is a story of him riding a single-gear bike to Cleveland with Will.

The young and strong were especially vulnerable to the "second wave" of the flu virus.

South Broadway Street at E. Smith Road looking North to East Washington Street

For continuation of South Broadway Street click on

south Town Southeast District-in Quick Street Finder index