How does the average person get involved in preserving history? If you talk to local architect and history enthusiast Doug Fuller, you are asked by a friend. His friend, Joyce, who is head of Heritage Ohio, asked him to look at the old USO building in Newton Falls. That was all it took – reel him in because he was hooked!
Doug is a retired architect. He had a firm in Kent for about 40 years. Although he grew up in Massachusetts, he obtained his Architecture Degree from Kent State. While studying, he also enjoyed playing hockey in his spare time. He met his future wife at the Kent State Ice Arena. He has since become a treasure for the Kent Community. He has led historical walks about town, and is pleasantly surprised at how popular they have become. So, for this professional architect and amateur historian to be asked to oversee the renovation of the Newton Falls Community Center, it was a match made in, well, Kent.
Fuller cares about history, and he says “buildings tell about history.” Many in the area are familiar with the Community Center, some may remember an event there, but have we listened to the history it can tell us? It was built in 1941, as part of the United Services Organization (USO). It was the first USO facility to be built specifically to serve both our military and the civilian defense workers. At that time, the United States was nearing its involvement in World War II. President Roosevelt saw the need for one organization to serve the military men and women, keep their morale up, and keep them connected. To this end he united multiple charitable organizations to form the United Service Organization. Seventy years later, the USO continues to serve the military and their families.
The Newton Falls USO is one of many built at the time, but one of few left. Located at 52 Quarry Street, even the property transfer has a unique story. In November of 1941, the Council of the Village of Newton Falls authorized the sale of this lot, and advertised it for 5 weeks in the local paper, inviting bidding. The USO offered a bid of $1.00. Being the highest bid, the deal was done. The building was constructed in 90 days, for a cost of just under $68,000. Talk about a good deal.
Mr. Fuller explains how the building was so efficiently built, in terms of both time and money. It is in the style known as ‘International.’ The plans were specific, but left much up to the local contractors. If one type of building material was abundant in the specific area, then that was used. The buildings also somewhat varied according to surroundings. Within the International Style of Buildings, commonalities include open interior spaces, and walls which are easily reconfigured. Functionality was stressed in this style, making the building cost-effective and easy to build quickly. A necessity for wartime!
Shortly after it opened, the Newton Falls USO facility became a hub for defense workers from the nearby munitions production facility. Perhaps you have driven by seemingly miles of fence on Route 5? What is now Camp Garfield, nee Camp Ravenna, a training area for the National Guard, was once a major munitions plant for World War II. The Ravenna Arsenal produced more materials for the war effort that any other plant in the United States. If the USO building does indeed tell about history, then this one is a proud history!
Following World War II, the military men and women came home, the Arsenal ramped down, and the munitions workers were no longer needed. Nor was the USO building. It stood empty for a while. In 1946, local residents raised money for its purchase. They made yearly payments of $1,000 for ten years to the Federal Works Agency. In June of 1956, the United States of America transferred it to the Village of Newton Falls. It was then called the Community Center.
Our Community Center is one of only four buildings of this type, Type A, left today. It is the only one left in Ohio. As a matter of fact, much of the original furniture from the USO is still there! It became a center for the residents for weddings, parties, family reunions, and activities for all. Do you have a favorite memory of the Community Center, perhaps you would like to share? Contact ethelwupperman@weeklyvillager.com.
Unfortunately, in December of 2015, the Community Center closed, due to budgetary concerns. It is still closed, but perhaps not for long!
Architect and History Buff Fuller is a member of Heritage Accord, (HA.) HA is an all-volunteer organization, tax-exempt and registered with the Ohio Secretary of State. Comprised of professionals of various fields, they are diligently working to ‘restore and preserve the Newton Falls Community Center in order to honor its historic original use as a United Service Organization and maintain its structural integrity.’ Theirs is a task worth doing, yet it is an expensive one! Plans are being made to restore the center to its original form, yet with upgraded electric, plumbing and HVAC. Rather than just patching it together to reopen, they intend to return the center to its original form, but better, and set it up for future generations.
While Doug is making architectural decisions, Rose Guerrieri is busy finding grants. Rose is critical in the process of fundraising for the Community Center. In her career, she was the director of the library at Kent State University (Trumbull) for 11 years. She has taught classes on grant writing, and managed a large database for grant writing. Mrs. Guerrieri is instrumental in finding opportunities to fund this worthy project. But Rose can’t do it alone. Along with Heritage Accord, Rose needs you help. Don’t worry, it can be fun!
Volunteering is one of the many ways to help. An informational meeting was held on August 4th, updating the public regarding progress, and seeking volunteers. It was well attended. HA needs people to run booths at upcoming festivals in Newton Falls. It is an easy way to make an impact: sell a Duck, share information, perhaps sell a commemorative mug. Volunteers are also needed for clean-up of interior and exterior of the building, the reunion tour, anniversary dinner and others. Do you have mad computer skills? HA can use your help! Retired and looking for something to do? HA can give you that! Special talent? Yep, they can use it! Drop them an email, they will get right back to you, heritageaccord@gmail.com.
Of course, donations are always welcome. Huntington Bank has an account set up. Perhaps you can deposit the change or odd dollars of your paycheck? Just let the teller know to deposit it for the Heritage Accord. If you are old-school, you can send a check to
Heritage Accord
PO Box 82
Newton Falls, OH 44444.
Or, you can use PayPal at
PayPal: Heritage Accord Inc.
However, if you want to have some fun while donating you can buy a rubber duck, then participate in the Pluck a Duck! No, autocorrect isn’t keeping this article G-rated, it’s an event coming up. HA is selling rubber ducks for the event. They will be visible at events around town with them. The Pluck A Duck Event is scheduled for August 28, from 11 to 2. It will be held in the pond right outside of the Community Center. They will be released into the pond, and a volunteer will either kayak or snorkel their way out to “pluck” one from the water! The prize is…money!
So, like Doug Fuller-Architect and Historian, if you are interested in preserving our history, the Heritage Accord is asking for your participation. You, too, could become hooked!
