"One in a MILL-ion Centennial Celebration"

The Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve (Friends) are holding a “One in a MILL-ion Centennial Celebration” on Sunday, October 16, 2022, from 2:30-7:30 p.m., in The Lodge at Richfield Heritage Preserve (4374 Broadview Road--Richfield). Its purpose is to honor the legacy of well-known inventor James Kirby---who held over 150 patents and resided on the property in the early 1900s---to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the mill he built there to generate electricity for his home and workshop, and to raise funds to help complete restoration of the mill. In 1937, James Kirby sold his property--- including the mill---to the Cleveland Girl Scout Council, which converted the land into Camp Julia Crowell. For the next 70 years, the mill was a craft studio, history museum, gathering place and inspiration for young women. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Kirby’s Mill is a beloved fixture in Richfield Heritage Preserve. The tailgate-themed, adults-only festivity will include Northcoast Americana band Hey Mavis, dinner catered by the renowned Hofbrauhaus, an open bar, Mill tours, and a live auction. Attire is casual. Event sponsorships are available. Visit https://www.friendsofrhp.org/sponsor-one-in-a-mill-ion-celebration.html for detailed information. Seating is limited. Tickets are $100 each and may be purchased, beginning September 6, through the Friends website friendsofrhp.org. Thom and Lisa Mandel are the event honorary chairs. Thom is CEO of Akron’s Rubber City Radio Group and serves on the board of trustees for the Ohio Association of Broadcasters. The Mandels were honored by several Akron area institutions for their dedication, leadership, and generosity to the community at the 2015 “Paradise Under the Stars” event hosted by the Jewish Akron Organization. They are also long-time advocates and have served as board chairs of United Way. In 2018, United Way named its Akron headquarters the Thomas and Lisa Mandel Community Center after receiving a significant gift from the Thomas and Lisa Mandel Fund of the Morton and Barbara Mandel Family Foundation. Lisa also volunteers for many other not-for-profit organizations including Bath Volunteers for Service and WITAN. We are thrilled to have them involved with our October 16 celebration and thank them for their dedication to our efforts. A very important role of this event is to raise additional funds for the iconic Mill’s restoration. More than $200,000 has already been spent on the rehabilitation---including a new roof and windows as well as reconstruction of the water wheel and concrete repair of the water wheel pit and supports---but an estimated $300,000 is still needed to complete the effort. Our vision for the working Mill includes family gatherings, school field trips, university research projects, community leadership programs, and so much more---all devoted to utilizing the rich history of Kirby’s Mill and helping to make Richfield Heritage Preserve a top education and popular tourist destination. According to Corey Ringle, Friends president, "We have had some wonderfully successful fundraisers in the past thanks to the community and the park's supporters! We are excited for this next step in fundraising and restoring Kirby's Mill to inspire young people and future solution finders!" When asked about the event, RJRD board chair Anita Gantner remarked that “Friends of RHP have an unparalleled commitment to and love for our park. Their work on, and dedication to, the Kirby’s Mill project is just the latest demonstration of that commitment. Please join us in our efforts to turn the Mill into an educational and multi-cultural destination.” The Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve is a nonprofit advocacy group partnering with the Richfield Joint Recreation District to preserve, protect, enhance, and promote Richfield Heritage Preserve, formerly Crowell Hilaka.

Date and Time: October 16, 2022 - October 16, 2022

Location: , 4374 Broadview Road, Richfield, OH

Contact Information: View Website