Oct 01

This story is about the 30-year-long process of developing Birchwood Hills.

In 1964, developer Alex Seigler & Son, who built “Southgate,” came to Twinsburg with plans to build a 30-store shopping center between Routes 82 and 14. Their plan included 150 apartments, 100 new homes, a service station, a 100-room motel, a 50-room medical office building, and a 100-seat restaurant. Construction was to start in 1965.
1974/1975 Phase 1 of Birchwood Hills began with homes built on Ashdale and a short section of Birchwood and White Oak Drive.
In 1976, the City’s Sewer Treatment Plant had become too small for its needs. During the summer rainy season, the amount of water entering the plant exceeded its maximum capacity of 7 million gallons, causing the untreated water to flow directly into Tinkers Creek.
City Council President Anthony Perici proposed a six-month ban on all home construction until the Council could have engineers assess the problems. Mayor Edmund Thirkel suggested that Council finda compromise, but on July 27th the Council voted 5 to 2 in favor of the building Ban.
Within a month of passing the Ban, six builders filed lawsuits against the City, and Ryan Homes sued for damages. The Ban also stopped 40 existing homes in Twinsburg Heights from connecting to the sewers after decades of waiting.
By the end of September, the Judge ruled against the City. In an executive session, the City Council decided not to appeal the Court ruling. The court declared Twinsburg’s building ban unlawful. The newspaper articles implied that the Mayor’s dispute with the City Council caused Twinsburg Mayor Edmund Thirkel to resign days before the Judge ruled against the City. The City Council agreed not to appeal the verdict.

In 1973, the City Council widened Twin Hills Drive to four lanes, significantly alleviating traffic congestion on Church Street and the Square. The demand for Condominiums for seniors and empty nesters coincided with a changing local real estate market. The Birchwood developers dropped the zoning fight for apartment buildings to develop a series of 130 condominiums. The condominiums offered a new form of housing that promised more ownership and private space for residents, aligning with the broader trends in real estate development during that period.

In 1983, a few days before Christmas, McDonald’s opened its restaurant at the corner of Twin Hills Drive and Rt 82. By 1993, the developer and City Council zoning problems were resolved, and the Burridge Place Condominiums entered the Twinsburg housing market.

Sep 01

Unique Border

The area straddling the Twinsburg and Hudson border presents a unique case of urban planning and jurisdictional complexity. This housing development, accessible only through Twinsburg via Stow or Ravenna Roads. Residents navigating this area experience a seamless transition between locales, yet they are subject to the differing property tax rates and school districts of Twinsburg and Hudson.  Such developments raise interesting questions about community identity, governance, and the allocation of municipal services. It underscores the ongoing efforts to provide quality housing while navigating the complexities of local governance and community planning. 

Aug 01

Engine 444 of the TP&R Railroad

The story of Locomotive 444 of the TP&R railroad is a heartwarming tale of community spirit and ingenuity. Crafted from the remnants of a bygone era, this charming train was not just a means of entertainment but a symbol of unity and support for the local police force in Twinsburg. The collaborative effort of the police officers and townspeople, embodies the essence of civic duty and resourcefulness. The train’s journey from a creative fundraising idea to a beloved local attraction 70 years ago highlights the power of community-driven initiatives. Over the years, Locomotive 444 not only provided joyous memories to its passengers but also contributed significantly to the safety and well-being of the community by funding essential police training and equipment. Its legacy continues to be celebrated by those who remember the joy of riding her in their youth, a testament to the lasting impact of small-town solidarity.

Jul 01

Alma Roach Mercer

Ninety years ago, the small town of Twinsburg, Ohio, was filled with excitement and pride as one of their own, a 10th grader named Alma Roach, became the 1933 National Spelling Bee Champion. This remarkable achievement was celebrated by the town’s 1,241 residents, marking a significant moment in Twinsburg’s history. Alma Roach, sponsored by the Akron Beacon Journal, won the competition in by correctly spelling the word “torsion,” showcasing not only her spelling prowess but also the educational strengths of her community. Her victory was a testament to the dedication and hard work of the students and teachers in Twinsburg, and it remains a proud part of the town’s heritage to this day. The story of Alma Roach earned her a memorable journey to Washington D.C., where she had the honor of meeting newly elected President Franklin Roosevelt. Her victory was celebrated by her hometown of Twinsburg, Ohio, with the local school principal and pastor preparing a warm welcome upon her return. Alma’s legacy continued to be recognized years later, as she received commendations from the Ohio Senate and Governor George White. Her journey through the spelling bee circuit, her subsequent life in California, and her return to Twinsburg after the Korean War, reflect the rich tapestry of experiences that followed her early success. Alma’s story, punctuated by her humble reaction to her victory, remains an inspiring example of how academic achievements can lead to extraordinary opportunities and recognition. Her dedication and hard work continue to resonate, illustrating the impact that such accomplishments can have on an individual’s life and community.

Jun 06

The First Twins in Twinsburg

  • May 1817 – Thirty-seven-year-old Elisha Loomis came from New Haven, Connecticut, to settle in Millsville. Mr. Loomis, the former Captain of the ship “Oneida.” He was a picturesque character that sailed around the World twice; He has once held prisoner aboard a Spanish man-of-war on the coast of Peru. He escaped through a port hole and swam 3 miles through the shark-infested waters to the shore. Capt. Loomis became Captain of the settlement’s first Military Company on a trip on the Oneida to the Sandwich Islands (the name Capt. James Cook gave the Hawaiian Islands). The Oneida returned to Connecticut with Henry Obadiah and Thomas Happo. Both were educated at the Cornwall Mission School. Their education at the Mission School sparked local support to send missionaries to the Hawaiian Islands. 
  • Later that year, Elisha’s newly widowed twin sister, Lucretia Loomis-Cowles, arrived by horse and wagon with her 11-year-old twins, Elisha Loomis and Caroline Jerusha.  The 37-year-old Loomis twins and 11-year-old Cowles twins were the first known twins in Millsville, later renamed Twinsburg. In 1827, Caroline married a twin from Aurora, Justice T. Herrick (twin of Augustus T.) In 1834 Justice and Caroline move to Twinsburg. They had a farm in the south part of town and a Sawmill. The Herrick twins from Aurora were two of sixteen children. Their youngest brother, Johnathan Herrick, also came to Twinsburg and is better known for the Stone House he built on Darrow Road in 1843 where he lived for 60 years. The Herrick House was later disassembled and restored at Hale Farm.
  • The lumber for the first wood-framed buildings in Twinsburg came from the Loomis Sawmill. The Alling family Barn and House were built between the spring and fall of 1818.
  • April 1819 – The residents of Millsville petitioned the commissioners of Portage County to organize a township. The commissioners issued a proclamation, and the first election occurred. Although women couldn’t vote, the men voted to elect a Town Clerk. Justice of the Peace was appointed by the court.

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