Mariemont Preservation Foundation
KEY ACTIVITIES AND LIST OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS
SINCE INCORPORATION IN 1980
1981
An organizational meeting was held 5-28-81. Original Board of Trustees included: Clarence Erickson (then Mariemont Mayor), President; Jim Cunningham, Vice President; Alison Rink, Secretary; Paul Prevey, Treasurer; Hope Kain (Fjord), Carolyn Schwenkmeyer, Ed Steinau, Warren Harding and Millard Rogers.
The need for a Master Plan for the Village was first addressed. KZF Consultants provided a procedural outline.
1. Establish Goals & Objectives through a series of workshops;
2. Prepare a guide plan setting forth strategy for achieving objectives; and
3. Prepare implementation tools.
1982
1. Millard Rogers presented a draft of "A Master Plan for the Village of Mariemont" 2-25-82 with more specific recommendations 6-22-82.
2. Gift and installation of two antique lamps in front of Municipal Building (1981-1982).
3. A public presentation of noted early woman photographer, Nancy Ford Cones' photographs at the Parish Center.
4. Planted four locust trees and grilles in the Village Square and solicited funds from Central Trust and Star Bank for two trees.
5. Street light preservation project, begun 1982; In Spring 1985 Council agreed to restore cast-iron lampposts throughout the Village. Secured financial support from Emery Memorial.
1983
6. Instrumental in the planting of new shrubbery at the Town Square.
7. Installation of the new fountain and pool.
8. The "Mariemont Cardinal" painting by noted wildlife artist John Ruthven was commissioned to generate funds for MPF.
9. Developed the Historic District Ordinance proposal for Village Council enactment that established Architectural Review Board.
10. Establishment of an on-going program for membership, a $500 Life Membership and an Endowment Fund.
11. Provided a bus shelter at Miami and Rembold.
12. Copper lights for the front of the Municipal Building were presented to the Village.
1984
13. Published "Walking Tour of Mariemont" Booklet on Village.
14. Initiated a 2-year program with Miami University Architectural Department, initiated in1984 with Prof. Robert Doran and continued with Terry Brown. Students produced 50 panels of all renderings of present structures and additional renderings of possible development of our green areas and plans for renovation we might acquire.
1985
15. Establishment of MPF Archives and Museum as resource center in the Dale Park Community Education Center, including the collecting of maps, plans, blueprints, photographs and historical information, and established an oral history program.
16. Obtained grant from Reakirt Foundation for equipment and furniture.
17. Coordinated activities between the Village government and the Thomas J. Emery Memorial to restore the original street lights in the Village.
18. MPF membership had grown to 232 households and business.
1986
19. Publication of a Newsletter to MPF Members.
20. Established the Ohio Historical Marker presented in April 1986 and placed on town square.
21. The position of Executive Secretary was created and the Archives Room was opened to public from 9:00 to noon on Saturdays.
22. Articles on Mariemont begun in monthly Town Crier.
23. Organized two annual social events in Spring and December.
1987
24. Contracted and provided funds for Terry Brown to establish color guidelines to be used by the Architectural Review Board in assisting the Historic District Ordinance.
25. A History Panel was created in connection with the Cincinnati Bicentennial Commission and erected at Old Town Center.
26. Organized lecture by local architect, Terry Brown.
27. Acquired Nancy Ford Cones photographs of Mariemont.
1988
28. Provided grant for archives intern, Wright State University, to set up archival procedures for MPF collection.
29. Sponsored lecture by noted New York architect Robert Stern on "Anglo-American Suburb".
30. Offer of assistance to Village Council re Maintenance Department relocation, and sought support from MPF membership.
31. Developed a plan for a Madisonville Site commemorative park.
32. Produced "Special Mariemont" video tape with Kiwanis Club support.
1989
33. Initiated long-range plan of Village by Village Council.
34. Purchase of English-style bench for Village, installed at Plainville Road-Wooster Pike intersection.
35. "Special Mariemont" series of articles were written for the Town Crier and later combined in the Town Crier's 50th Anniversary commemorative issue.
36. Began educational program for 4th Grade Students in Mariemont.
1990
37. Grant to Village of Mariemont for financial support for landscaping at Bell Tower.
38. Sponsored presentation by Professor and architect, Bruce Goetzman, on "Architectural Preservation".
1991
39. Sponsored lecture by University of Washington Professor John Hancock on "John Nolen and Mariemont".
40. A survey of MPF members indicated the top two concerns were beautification and long-range planning.
1992
41. Sponsored lecture by Indiana Chief Justice Randall Shepard on "Building Better Cities".
42. Renovation of Isabella Hopkins Park with Mariemont Garden Club and Kiwanis.
43. A series of mobile Mariemont history displays was begun.
44. Concerns about the possible widening of Wooster Pike were sent to Council and to the County Commissioner.
45. The first of two annual Holiday Party silent auctions was started.
1993
46. Grant for assisting in restoration of Concourse. Rededication May 1994.
47. Organized lectured by Walter Langsam, Jr., University of Cincinnati, on "Architects of Mariemont".
48. A new resident "Welcome" package program was initiated.
49. Isabella Hopkins Park enhancements were achieved.
50. MPF participated in the first annual History Fair sponsored by the Cincinnati Historical Society.
1994
51. Inserted MPF Newsletter into Town Crier for distribution to all Mariemont residents.
52. Funded OAHSM summer intern through Ohio Historical Society, to prepare comprehensive annotated bibliography on Madisonville Site.
53. MPF participated again in the Cincinnati Historical Society History Fair.
54. MPF revised and distributed to all households the Village's Mariemont Guide to Property Owners & Residents.
55. John Ruthven commissioned to produce limited edition print of the "Cupolas of Mariemont". Began Cupola restoration program.
56. Assisted in Boathouse restoration with grant and helped sponsor Halloween event, also again in 1995.
57. Created permanent and temporary displays at MPF Archives Room.
1995
58. Sponsored Spring lecture by Dr. Wes Cowan, Curator, Cincinnati Natural History Museum, on the "Madisonville Site".
59. Grant to Mariemont City Schools for repair and painting of the Dale Park School Cupola.
60. Grant to Village of Mariemont for restoration of the Maintenance Barn cupola.
61. Organized a walking Garden Tour of Mariemont.
62. Organized a gala dinner for Tall Stacks event.
63. Obtained grant from Reakirt Foundation for computerization of MPF operations.
64. Prepared an inventory of Thomas J. Emery Memorial records.
65. Co-sponsored Kindervelt #54 Historic House Tour
66. Sponsored “A Taste of Mariemont” event at the Concourse.
67. Assisted in Boathouse restoration with grant and helped sponsor Halloween event.
1996
68. Participated in the creation of the Mariemont Community Center & Historic Preservation Initiative (MCCHPI) to seek funding and premises for a Mariemont Community Center.
69. Organized a “Behind the Scenes” tour of the Cincinnati Natural History Museum featuring artifacts from the Madisonville Site.
70. Organized brunch and lecture by Mariemont Strand architect Dennis Malone and tour of the Strand.
71. Honored Village Employees at the annual “A Taste of Mariemont” event.
72. Organized a catered dinner and tour of the Emery’s Peterloon estate.
73. Hosted a dinner for MPF Life Members and Trustees.
74. Thomas J. Emery Memorial deeded the former CG&E Transformer Building to MPF.
75. Began Capital Fund project to raise money for MPF Building renovation.
76. Renovation of the MPF Building was initiated.
77. Co-sponsored and made a donation to the Halloween Event for restoration of the Boathouse.
1997
78. Sponsored a Gala Opening of the new Mariemont Theater
79. Started commemorative brick sales for Brick Walkway at the new MPF Building
80. Organized a Spring Brunch and Lecture by Gary Goldman of Mariemont Theater Ltd.
81. Organized a second Garden Tour of Mariemont
82. Completed the Capital Fund Campaign raising over $94,000
83. Grand Opening Ceremony and Dedication of the MPF Building
84. Presented historical review of Mariemont for the Mariemont Cub Scouts.
85. Assisted with tour of visiting school teachers from Seoul, South Korea
86. Undertook solicitations to advertisers for the Mariemont Directory.
87. Membership reached record 370 households and businesses
88. Compiled for the Village a list of Historic District property owners
89. Acquired significant Madisonville Site artifact collection from Mr. & Mrs. Kent.
1998
90. Purchased free-standing glass exhibit case with $1000 grant from Kiwanis for Madisonville Site artifacts.
91. Received “Preservation Award” from Cincinnati Preservation Association for renovation of CG&E Transformer Building.
92. Presentations to 2nd and 3rd Graders from Mariemont Elementary School on the Madisonville Site and Mariemont History
93. Display on “Neighboring Communities” at venues within the community.
94. Hosted Spring brunch and lecture by Walter Langsam on “Great Houses of the Queen City”.
95. MPF awarded $75,000 planning grant from Thomas J. Emery Memorial for the 75th Anniversary Commemorative & Renewal Project to fund 3 projects: Dogwood Park (Madisonville Site, Boathouse renovation and Trails), Floral Plantings in Village, and Exterior Lighting Project.
96. “Neighboring Communities”display at Mariemont Branch Library and PNC Bank..
97. Organized community-wide event – “A Taste of Mariemont”.
98. Distributed Welcome Baskets
99. Created special display for Ohio Archives Week on “Celebrating Women in History”
100. Instigated the replacement of news racks with racks of appropriate historic design.
101. Thomas J. Emery Memorial approves $200,000 matching grant for implementation of the 75th Anniversary Commemorative & Renewal Project.
1999
102. Solicitations to private foundations and community-wide fundraiser to raise matching funds for 75th Anniversary Commemorative & Renewal Project
103. Published booklet on “The History of Mariemont’s Madisonville Site” by Fred Rutherford
104. Printed first Annual Report
105. Organized Spring Brunch and lecture by Jack Blosser (Fort Ancient Museum) on “Fort Ancient in Mariemont - A Chronoglogy”.
106. Mariemont highlighted on two local TV Channels. Channel 9 in their “Hometown Series” and Channel 19 in their “Century in Cincinnati Series”
107. “Women in Mariemont’s History” display exhibited in Mariemont schools during “Women’s History Month”
108. Organized “Green Up” day in Mariemont
109. Implementation of MPF Docent Program as part of 75th Anniversary Project
110. Mariemont featured on ABC News Program by Peter Jennings “Something is Missing”
111. Employed part-time Archival Assistant
112. Established new Historic Properties Committee to assure preservation of historic structures.
113. Organized community-wide Taste of Mariemont.
114. Village Council supports reprinting of Warren Parks’ “The Mariemont Story” and publication of new history book by G. Carlton Hill. Jr. with a contribution of $8, 500.
115. MPF solely takes on publication and sale of 2000-2001 Mariemont Directory.
116. Implementation of 75th Anniversary Commemorative & Renewal Project.
2000
117. Published Mariemont history book “A Dream Come True” by G. Carlton Hill. Jr.
118. Revised and reprinted “Tour of Mariemont” booklet
119. Organized the Resthaven Barn Gala to generate interest in this historic structure.
120. Organized Brunch and Book Signing by G. Carlton Hill, Jr. author of “A Dream Come True”
121. Honored founding Trustees at annual holiday party.
122. First presentation of the “Mary M. Emery” Award for distinguished service.
123. Held Book Signing by Millard Rogers, Jr., author of “Rich in Good Works. Mary M. Emery of Cincinnati”.
124. Docent presentations to Mariemont Elementary 2nd ,3rd and 4th Grades on Madisonville Site, Pioneers and Mariemont History and Government.
125. Received 2000 Griffin Yeatman Award for Historical Acheivement in recognition of the 75th Anniversary Project.
126. Received Thomas J. Emery Memorial Historic Properties Grant
127. Received Thomas J. Emery Memorial grant for repairs and renovation to Mariemont Church.
128. Welcomed Class of 1945 and Class of 1950 reunions to MPF Building.
2001
129. Installed burglar alarm at MPF Building.
130. Organized Brunch and Book signing by Millard F. Rogers, Jr., author of “John Nolen and Mariemont”
131. Held dedication of John Nolen Pavilion and Boathouse, as part of the 75th Anniversary Project.
132. Organized and sponsored the annual “Taste of Mariemont”
133. Developed informative brochure for endowment and planned giving
134. Received $7,500 gift from the John J. and Mary R. Schiff Foundation
135. Awarded $3,000 Ohio Humanities Grant for accessioning program
136. Met with representatives from the National Park Service to pursue National Historic Landmark status.
137. Docent presentations to Mariemont Elementary students on Madisonville Site, Pioneers, and Mariemont History and Government, and expansion of education program to include Terrace Park and Fairfax Elementary Schools.
138. Received “Historic Preservation Award” from the Cincinnati Preservation Association for renovation and rehabilitation of the Mariemont Boathouse.
139. Arranged Historic Holiday House Tour on Sheldon Close
140. Publication of booklet “Traveling Early Trails and Roads in Greater Cincinnati and Southwest Ohio” by Terry McConville.
141. Preparation for publication and sale of 2002-2003 Mariemont Directory.
2002
142. Purchased new computer and museum collection software.
143. Received $16,300 grant from Dornette Foundation for Concourse restoration, landscaping at Resthaven Barn and floral plantings.
144. Installed fire alarm at MPF Building
145. Assembled photographic exhibit of over 70 photographs for display at Mariemont Library and PNC Bank.
146. Docent presentations to Mariemont, Terrace Park and Fairfax Elementary schools.
147. Docent presentation to Mariemont Cub Scouts on the Madisonville Site
148. Establishment of the A.Gladys and Jean Bennett Fund and restoration of the historic Bennett House.
149. Organized and sponsored the annual Taste of Mariemont
150. Organized a Garden Tour of Mariemont
151. Arranged Historic Holiday House Tour on Albert Place, including the Bennett House
2003
152. Completed the MPF Historic Materials Accessioning Program for the OHC Grant.
153. Docent presentation and photographic display at Mariemont Library on “The Origins of Mariemont”
154. Continuation of docent in-school education program.
155. Docents conducted two bus tours of Mariemont for Glen Este high school students and continuing education students from Mt. St. Joseph College.
156. Assisted with Mariemont Boy Scout Troop 149 American Heritage merit badge requirements.
157. Organized a Spring Brunch with speaker Tom Allman on “The Quest for Community - Is Mariemont A National Exemplar?”
158. Honored Mariemont High School teacher Larry Goetz for production of video “Mariemont – The Ancient Story”, produced in conjunction with Trustee Jane McDonald.
159. Began series of monthly articles for publication in “The Town Crier”
160. Organized a walking tour and scavenger hunt for visiting German high school students.
161. Organized and sponsored the annual Taste of Mariemont
162. Provided advice to local historical societies on setting up and organizing new archives.
163. Conducted seminar for UC Dept of Urban Planning students
164. Arranged for public tour of the renovated Bennett House.
165. Arranged Historic Holiday House Tour on Denny Place
166. Preparation and publication of the 2004-2005 Mariemont Directory
2004
167. Organized Spring Brunch with speaker Beth Sullebarger on “The Challenges of Preserving the Past”.
168. Organized a walking tour and scavenger hunt for visiting French and German high school students
169. Hosted visit from Chinese town planners at MPF Building.
170. Produced set of Mariemont postcards with historic scenes
171. Publication of book “Pioneers of the Lower Little Miami Valley” by Terry McConville and Fred Rutherford.
172. Developed a “Collections Policy” for archival acquisitions
173. Hosted an “Open House” at MPF Building
174. Organized and sponsored the annual Taste of Mariemont on Labor Day weekend
175. Distributed village-wide survey on the future of Resthaven Barn and collated data.
176. Created special display for the 75th Anniversary of The Carillon
177. Provided docent speaker on “The Bells are Still Ringing” at the Mariemont Branch Library
178. Docent presentations to elementary school students on Madisonville Site, Pioneers, and Mariemont History and Government.
2005
179. Hosted annual Spring Brunch with speakers Terry McConville and Fred Rutherford on “Pioneers of the Lower Little Miami Valley”
180. Began preparation of application to NPS for National Historic Landmark Status.
181. Honored Executive Secretary Janet Setchell for her years of dedicated service to MPF.
182. Hosted “Membership Reception” with coffee & desserts at the Parish Center
183. Provided funding for Exec. Secretary & Archivist Janet Setchell and Archival Assistant Linda Bartlett to attend PastPerfect training session for upgraded software.
184. Participated in “The Grand Strand Day” with other local organizations
185. Created new investment account.
186. Produced set of three commemorative plates depicting Mariemont historic buildings.
187. Conducted Endowment Campaign to MPF Members and MHS Alumnae.
188. Received $25,000 from Dornette Foundation for Endowment Fund
189. Received $18,000 grant from the Robert H. Reakirt Foundation for restoration of Boathouse
190. Submitted nomination for History Outreach Award to the Ohio Association of Historical Societies & Museums for Trustee Terry McConville and former Trustee Fred Rutherford’s publication “Pioneers of the Lower Little Miami Valley” which received a Commendation Award.
191. Organized and sponsored the annual Taste of Mariemont on Labor Day weekend.
192. Docent presentations to elementary school students on Madisonville Site, Pioneers, and Mariemont History and Government.
193. Designed, developed and hosted MPF website.
194. Welcomed MHS 1950 Class Reunion visitors
195. Began preparation and publication of the 2006-2007 Mariemont Directory.
196. Sold Bennett Lot for $152,000 to be added to Endowment Fund.
197. Met with UC Dept of Urban Planning students for seminar and tour of Mariemont
198. Lighting of the Cupola on the Mariemont Elementary School building.
199. Honored MPF Charter Member Clarence Erickson with presentation of “Mary Emery Award”.
2006
200. Conducted new Docent Training Sessions
201. Docent presentations to elementary school students on Madisonville Site, Pioneers, and Mariemont History and Government.
202. Published, sold and distributed 2006-2007 Mariemont Directory
203. Planning and design of historic plaques for historic properties.
204. Hosted Spring Brunch Lecture with speaker Jim Verdin from the Verdin Bell Co.
205. Produced pamphlet to publicize and promote MPF
206. Began planning and preparation of “Special Mariemont” DVD
207. Began planning and preparation of “Coffee table book”
208. Created special “Mariemont Veterans Display” for Memorial Day and display at Mariemont Branch Library
209. Organized and sponsored the annual Taste of Mariemont, a community-wide event.
210. Docents gave Town Planning lectures for college students from University of Kentucky and Northern Kentucky University.
211. Conducted Town Planning seminar for UC students from the Department of Urban Planning.
212. Continued with application for National Landmark Status.
213. Assisted the Woman’s Art Club of Cincinnati in acquiring historic Resthaven Barn.
214. Presented Certificates of Appreciation to four individuals for their efforts in the construction of the John Nolen Pavilion at the Madisonville Site.
2007
215. Achievement of National Historic Landmark Status
216. Assisted in grant applications for WACC for Resthaven Barn renovation
217. Held MPF Open House for members and public
218. Reprinted 100 copies of “Pioneers of the Lower Little Miami Valley” by Terry McConville & Fred Rutherford.
219. Conducted Walking Tour of Historic District for visiting students from Clark Montessori
220. Created a display on “Women in Mariemont History” for Women’s History month for display at Open House and at Mariemont Branch Library.
221. Sought estimates from conservators for cleaning and repairing Family statuary.
222. MPF representative attended OHS Regional Meeting at Price Hill Historical Society.
223. Began preparation for 2008-2009 edition of the Mariemont Directory
224. Organized and sponsored the annual Taste of Mariemont
225. Presentation on Mary Emery and Mariemont to “Red Hat Society” luncheon
226. Purchase of new portable display panels
227. Conducted Town Planning seminar for UC students from the Department of Urban Planning
228. Docent presentations to elementary school students on Madisonville Site, Pioneers, Mariemont History and Government
229. Celebrated the re-opening of the newly renovated Boathouse with Family Fun Fest
230. Recipient of $2500 grant from Ohio Humanities Council to employ part-time archivist to catalog John Nolen and Mary Emery materials
231. Honored Larry Goetz and Louise Schomberg with the Mary Emery Award at MPF Holiday Party.
232. Previewed new DVD on Mariemont.
2008
233. Published, distributed and sold the 2008-2009 Mariemont Directory
234. Published first “Mariemont Messenger” newsletter as MPF annual report to the Village.
235. Conducted MPF Open House with members of regional historical societies in attendance.
236. Created new display on Mary Emery for exhibit at MPF Open House and Mariemont Branch Library
237. Conducted bus tours of Mariemont for group from Carmel Indiana and National Convention of Architect Historians.
238. Organized the annual Taste of Mariemont
239. MPF Docents conduct “Mariemont History”, “Mariemont Government” and “Madisonville Site” presentations to Mariemont Elementary school students, and also Fairfax and terrace Park.
240. Conducted bus tour and tour of the Church for Senior Citizen group from Otterbein Retirement Community
241. Held second Halloween Fun Fest at the Boathouse.
242. Final version of Mariemont DVD on sale
243. Prepared MPF Vision Plan for the Village of Mariemont to help guide future Village Development and Redevelopment
2009
244. Held MPF Open House “Cocktails and Collectibles” at WACC Resthaven Barn.
245. Began monthly MPF page in Town crier entitled “Mariemont Messenger”.
246. Developed a Vision Plan Survey and gave presentations to various groups and organizations in Mariemont to generate feedback.
247. Submitted successful nominations for the WACC restoration of the Resthaven Barn to Heritage Ohio “2008 Success Stories” Award and to the Hamilton County Recorder’s Office for the 2008 Griffin Yeatman Award for historic preservation..
248. Hosted the Eastern Area Chamber of Commerce June meeting.
249. Received original framed architects’ sketches and drawings from Mayor and council to be cared for by MPF.
July 2009