Place

What is place?

Place is defined as a particular area or point on Earth that has particular characteristics or meaning. [1]

The meaning of Ridgeville Center

Since the city was founded, Ridgeville Center has played a large role in the history of the city. There's been many changes to this location to account for the growth of the population. It was once home to a variety of shops, churches, schools, hotels and the Town Hall that is still there today. [4] The street just South of the intersection, is where the police department, city park, and current town hall are located. That street is also home to the city's annual Corn Festival. The town hall was the location for entertainments, elections, and serves as the Lorain County draft board for WWII. [4] Currently, the location is one of the most travelled intersections in the city and no longer is home to the shops or events that used to take place there. The meaning of Ridgeville Center has changed a lot since the beginning of the city and will change more as the population grows.

Picture 1: Original location of Ridge Tool in the early 1920s. Now known as Rigid Tools, a major tool company in the United States.

Picture 2: A look into the past. This photo was taken when people gathered for a speech from the postmaster.

Picture 3: A view of the intersection looking Eastbound.

All photos from the North Ridgeville Historical Society

1890s map of Ridgeville Center from the North Ridgeville Historical Society

2021 map of Ridgeville Center from the City of North Ridgeville's website