Town of the Week

Medina, Ohio
July 8, 2000

Head over to Medina, Ohio; just listen in.

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This Ohio town and county share the name of an Arabian city, representing the burial site of the great Islamic prophet, Mohammed. First called Mecca, the roots of Medina are in New England. This land was once part of a larger area of Connecticut, called the western reserve territory.

Back in the early 1800s, a 25-mile square township was surveyed. Elijah Boardman laid out this town, donating more than 2 acres for a central public square. The town square with its Victorian-styled gazebo is still the town's centerpiece and chief photo opportunity.

The town is located just 20 miles from Cleveland and 30 from Akron. Agriculture has been the backbone of Medina County, and still is one of its biggest industries. A large Industrial Park was laid out in 1952, and more than 120 industries have located facilities there. The town of 25 thousand has seen tremendous residential growth towards the metro areas north and east of Medina.

Medina County is the location of the unique occurrence March 15th when the turkey buzzards return to their summer home nearby at Whipps' Ledges near Hinkley. Worth a visit are the Medina County Historical Society Museum, and the a J. Root Homestead. One of the unique restorations in Medina is the downtown building that houses the town hall and engine house. A commission is working on turning the firehouse into a museum, celebrating the rebirth of the city after two disastrous fires which leveled the business district last century. The 155th Annual Medina County Fair starts up July 31st, and is another good reason to visit this Town of The Week, Medina, Ohio.