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Chagrin Falls

  • Where/Who Is It?

    Based on our popular “Where Is It Wednesday?” posts on Facebook, this presentation by historian Scott Hageman took place on October 22, 2026..

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  • Chagrin Falls Park’s History

    Chagrin Falls Park is a neighborhood in Bainbridge Township, just beyond the eastern border of the Village of Chagrin Falls. For much of its history, the neighborhood was predominantly Black. Today, it is a more racially diverse community. The story of Chagrin Falls Park is part of the larger history of Chagrin Falls and the…

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  • Chagrin Falls Park Community Center

    The Beginning of the Community Center By the end of the 1940s, Chagrin Falls Park residents increasingly recognized the need for organized activities, especially recreation for children in the Park. Women in the community began raising money to hire someone to provide summer programming. They received contributions from employers for whom they worked in large…

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  • Explore the Chagrin History Center Campus

    Campus Buildings & Grounds The Chagrin History Center Educational Campus is one of the most significant historic sites in the Chagrin area. The campus consists of three historic structures that help preserve and interpret the rich history of the village and surrounding Chagrin Valley communities: the George Ober House, the Washington Gates House (currently a…

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  • Mission Patrons

    The Chagrin History Center is grateful to the individuals, families, and organizations whose generous support helps preserve and share the history of our community. Patrons make it possible for us to care for our collections, preserve historic photographs and artifacts, create exhibits and educational programs, and continue telling the stories that connect Chagrin Falls to…

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  • John Wesley Williams & Family

    The Williams Family Arrival in Chagrin Falls The Williams family was among the most influential industrial and civic families in the early history of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Reverend Benajah Williams, his wife Jerusha Smith Williams, and their sons arrived in the village from New York in 1840. One of their sons, L.D. Williams, had settled…

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  • George H. Ober

    The Growth of Ober Manufacturing in Chagrin Falls George H. Ober was born in May 1838 in South Newbury, Ohio and died in December 1903. He became one of the most influential inventors and manufacturers in the early history of Chagrin Falls through his work with the Ober Manufacturing Company and his innovative wood-turning machinery.…

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  • John S. Bullard

    Inventor, Businessman, and Early Leader in Chagrin Falls John S. Bullard was born in Medina County in 1823 and became one of the most respected early citizens of Chagrin Falls. He died on January 23, 1914, at nearly 91 years of age after suffering from a cold. Early Life and Family Background John S. Bullard…

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