AVON, Ohio – Two hundred years ago, Wilbur Cahoon first set foot upon a swampy forest along Lake Erie and decided that, with some work, it would be a fine place to raise a family. On that day, Sept. 14, 1814, Avon was born.
This year, the city of Avon will celebrate the 200th anniversary of its birth with a series of small and large celebrations leading up to the actual anniversary date.
“Wilbur Cahoon was our first settler, along with his four sons,” said local historian Taylor “Jack” Smith. “He owned land on what is now Stoney Ridge Road and started out building a lean-to covered with the canvas from his wagon. It was not until 1825 that he built a fine house, made from wood sawed from trees he felled.”
Cahoon came west following an old Indian trail that eventually became Detroit Road.
“The Erie Indians were gone by then, massacred by the Iroquois Indians who wanted to keep this area as their seasonal winter hunting grounds,” Smith said. “The area north of what is now Detroit Road was pretty inhospitable, lots of swamps and mosquitoes, but Cahoon made it home.”
Cahoon was followed by many other families over the years as the rugged pioneers carved the countryside into a community which has grown and thrived.
Over the next few months, The Plain Dealer will feature stories about the history of Avon leading up to the September anniversary.
“Avon is a growing city, but we still have that hometown feeling,” said Avon Parks and Recreation Director Diane Corrao. “We want to keep that feeling going this year with these events that will recognize our history.”
On Sunday, Sept. 14, a family day party is planned at one of the local parks, the exact location to be announced later in the year.http://www.avongardenclub.webs.com/
Some of the events have already taken place, including lectures on local history by Smith at the Lorain Public Library System's Avon branch, 37485 Harvest Dr. His talks have proven so popular that the library hopes Smith will repeat the lecture in the summer.
Another Smith, Jim Smith from the Lorain County Historical Society, gave the first lecture of the series and will speak on “Who Was Who in Avon” at 7 p.m., March 18, at the library, discussing the city's famous families throughout history. Reservations are required and can be made at the library the Avon Branch Library at 440-934-4743 or at
St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church in Avon is selling “Avon-opoly” games, featuring local businesses and organizations in the style of the famous board game, to raise funds for the church and celebrate the bicentennial. The games will be sold for $25 and can be bought at stmaryavon.org/avonopoly.
Other 2014 Bicentennial events include:
April 1-13: "Spring Into Avon" as the Avon historical display will be featured at the Old Town Hall of 1871 at the corner of Detroit Road and Stoney Ridge Road. The building, which serves as the headquarters of the Avon Historical Society, will be open and feature the display during other events of the year. Contact the society at 440-934-6106 for more information.
April 12: The Easter Bunny Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt is promoted by the French Creek Development Association to raise money to pay for flowering baskets that adorn Detroit Road.
May 18: The Avon Garden Club will host “An Afternoon Delight,” a bicentennial tea at 2 p.m. May 18 at the historic Avon Isle, 37080 Detroit Road, featuring a speech on history of tea by Catherine Holloway, a Midwest leading authority in etiquette.
“We would like ladies to don their finest bonnets, gloves and parasols and enjoy tea, tea sandwiches, scones and deserts,” chairperson Cynthia Murnyack-Czarnecki said. “It's a very social event for women, though in other countries it is for men as well.”
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by contacting Murnyack-Czarnecki at 440-937-0037.
June 13-15: The 11th Annual Avon Heritage Duck Tape Festival will be held at Veterans Memorial Parkway off Detroit Road near Moon Road featuring a parade with more than 25 floats made entirely of duct tape.http://lorain.lib.oh.us/locations-hours/avon-branch
June 27: “Read Around Town,” stories read for children and families presented by the library will be held at Avon Isle. On other dates, the program will be presented at Old Town Hall, the Miller Preserve and the Avon Village School. Call the library at 1-440-934-4743 for exact times and further information.
June 22: Antique engine and equipment display at Aunt Teak & Uncle Junque show at the Avon Isle, coordinated by resident Mike Stockard.
Sept. 5–7: Old Town Hall Avon history display open during “Fall into Avon”
Sept. 14: Happy Birthday Avon. The city is planning a “family picnic” at a local park to be announced later.
Dec. 5–7: Old Town Hall Avon history display open during Candlelite Walk weekend at the French Creek historic area, including Detroit Road.