My Town Monday: Good Things Come in Small Packages
I’m pleased to join Travis Erwin again in his My Town Monday venture. This is a great opportunity to look at things and places in a new way, and to find out what makes everyone’s town special.
The Village of Peninsula, population 602, has a rich and interesting history. Located in the Cuyahoga Valley, a 22-mile river valley nestled between Cleveland and Akron, Peninsula was carved out of the wilderness. It sat on the edge of a forest that was so dense that the native people called it the Black Forest. The land was rich, wildlife plentiful, and the crooked river they called the Cuyahoga was full of fish and other aquatic life.
The first settler in what is now known as Peninsula was New Englander Alonzo Dee. He settled in the Village in 1818. Later, in 1824, Hermon Bronson arrived, and in 1837, he requested that the village be surveyed. It was then officially known as Peninsula. Why Peninsula? There was a large bend in the Cuyahoga River that enclosed nearly 20 acres of land forming a peninsula.
Today, this little Village is home to art galleries and studios, places to eat and to stay. It is still an incredible place to visit. You can take a walking tour of the historical buildings , take a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, or explore an amazing variety of resources in an incredibly beautiful place.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll introduce you to some of the people and places that make my town special. The Village of Peninsula, built by the hands and hearts of generations; gently resisting change since 1837.
April 6th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
This is wonderful. I love the banking building and its story the most. (From the walking tour link.)
Terrie
April 7th, 2008 at 4:12 am
I’ve never lived anywhere with such a small population. So, I’m looking forward to your posts!
April 7th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Your town seems like the ind of quaint little place everyone wished they could live in, but usually only get to vacation at.
April 7th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Sounds like a nice weekend getaway from Detroit.
April 7th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
The Chamber of Commerce will love you, Debra!
April 7th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
It sounds like a wonderful place. Thanks for sharing.
April 8th, 2008 at 5:21 am
It sounds like a beautiful region, especially the black forest part. I hope it’s still partly intact!
April 8th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Sounds like a lovely spot. Looking forward to more posts.
April 9th, 2008 at 5:37 am
What a neat idea — introducing us to your little town. I really like this.