The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is mounting an effort to identify and restore the state’s remaining fire lookout towers, according to this story in the Canton Repository. Three towers have already been returned to service, each at least 60 feet in height.

Residents in New Philadelphia took to the streets in protest this week in opposition to plans by Walgreen’s to erect a new drugstore in the Franklin Square area of the city. This coverage by the Dover-New Philadelphia Times Reporter includes a photo of protestors carrying signs reading, “Walgreens to Destroy This Neighborhood.”

The Harrison Coal and Reclamation Historical Park issued a press release this week highlighting their continuing efforts to purchase the Silver Spade, a unique remnant of Ohio’s mining history (pictured at right).

Working weight: 14,000,000 pounds
Height: 220 feet
Reach: A radius of 195 feet
Bucket capacity: 105 cubic yards, which can hold 158 tons of rock

This Week Newspapers in Columbus recently profiled the imminent return of the beloved Lazarus Building downtown, highlighting the “green” nature of the renovation. The project emphasizes innovative energy saving techniques, and uses as many natural resources as possible – including a newly-installed three-story atrium.

Photo Credit: The Silver Spade, Harrison County/Harrison Coal and Reclamation Historical Park Press Release

If you are interested in acquiring a piece of Ohio history, consider one of the following three available properties.

Have you ever wanted to own an original Carnegie Library? One is for sale this Fall in Conneaut, and the community is hoping it is purchased by someone with an eye for history. After the local public library moved to a new facility in 1998, the building has undergone some renovation, according to this article in the Ashtabula Star-Beacon. This one, as realtors say, “won’t last long.”

Or, if a library is not to your taste, how about a vacated Ohio National Guard Armory? One is coming up for sale in Port Clinton, to be sold at an “absolute auction” on October 21. The auction website includes exterior photos, and also reviews dates when the Armory will be open for public inspection; a bid information packet is available by submitting an online form. The upcoming sale is discussed in this article in the Farmer’s Advance.

If a more “traditional” residence is your style, the Leffler-Giles House in Marion may just be what you need. An amazing brick Italianate in an extraordinary setting, just down the block from the public library and the Harding Home and Museum, and within walking distance of the new Middle School, the house is one of the treasures in that community. Click here for more information (click on “Gannon Fund Properties”).

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Ohio's Most Endangered Historic Sites is a list of historic properties in peril. Each listed property represents not only a significant piece of Ohio history that deserves to be recognized and celebrated, but each site also exemplifies challenges which face historic resources across the state. Being placed on this important list does not guarantee protection, but is designed to increase awareness and to focus attention on significant properties.

2006 marks the 14th anniversary of Ohio's Most Endangered Historic Sites. During that time, sites included in the list have been featured in regional, statewide and local media, and inclusion on the list has been cited in grant requests and highlighted in public forums. Listing has also directly led to the saving of significant resources.

Nominated sites can include individual buildings, groups of buildings, neighborhoods or downtowns, archeological resources, farmsteads and rural vistas, and bridges and roads. Additional emphasis is placed on nominations that come from individuals, groups or organizations in the community or area in which the historic resource is located. Nominations are then reviewed by a panel of statewide preservation interests, which in years past has included representatives from Preservation Ohio, HeritageOhio/Downtown Ohio and the Ohio Historic Preservation Office.

Click here to access both a nomination form and to review past Ohio's Most Endangered Lists. To be considered, nominations must be received by November 10, 2006.

In several of Ohio’s smaller communities, historic resources are saved and celebrated by a cadre of local preservation organizations. In each of the following towns, all under 15,000 in population, groups of committed citizens have realized outstanding success. Their work strongly reflects the words of Margaret Mead:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”

Circleville – The Roundtown Conservancy

According to their website, “The Roundtown Conservancy was established for the express purpose of helping to protect, promote and enhance the intrinsic value of our rural landscapes and our architectural heritage by fostering good planning practices.”

The largest ongoing project for the Conservancy is the Crites Octagon House, which was included on the 2004 List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites. The house, which was threatened by commercial development, was relocated and now sits on a new foundation. Click on the recently-posted August newsletter for a list of additional activities.

Bucyrus – The Bucyrus Preservation Society

Of the many projects for this group, the largest is the restoration and expansion of 1892 T&OC Railroad Depot east of downtown. Now in its fifth year of the effort, the Society has raised almost $300,000. Plans for the station include a welcoming and activity center and interactive industrial museum. A smaller railroad station in another part of the city has also been moved to the T&OC site.

The Society’s website was designed by students in the Bucyrus High School media class.

Hillsboro – Highland Community Preservation Group

According to the HCPG website, the organization, “…established in March 2004, is a group of concerned Highland County citizens interested in and willing to work toward the restoration and preservation of the finest treasures in Highland County. Our group is compromised of school teachers, managers of local businesses, real estate agents, architects, local business owners and more.”

HCPG’s major project is Bell’s Opera House, and their website includes extensive history and photos of that amazing place – although its long-term goal is to serve as a center for preservation work throughout Highland County.

Oberlin – Oberlin Heritage Center

One of the most active and successful small-town preservation organizations in Ohio, the Oberlin Heritage Center combines a historical society with a local preservation organization. The group maintains three historic buildings, including a schoolhouse and two period residences. The OHC website profiles a schedule of outstanding programming and events, including workshops, presentations and tours. The Center recently completed the first phase of its “Endowment for History Education,” which raised $400,000 to support ongoing efforts in educational outreach.

Click here to visit the OHC online.

Perrysburg – Historic Perrysburg

The website of Historic Perrysburg includes a look at local historic architecture (don’t miss the “House of the Month”), essays on local history and a profile of the 29-year old organization, and also features the new Arcadia Publishing book on Perrysburg.

Click here for an amazing list of accomplishments achieved by the organization in that period of time.

Photo Credit: Highland County Courthouse, Hillsboro/sethgaines/Creative Commons License