Newton Falls – It has been claimed that Newton Falls has it all. That is untrue. Newton Falls has it all, and plans for more! The one-of-a-kind zip-code, the unique businesses, the beautiful falls, the covered bridge, the historical Community Center. If you are unfamiliar with the latter, you are not alone.
The Newton Falls Community Center was finished in 1941, and dedicated in January 1942, by the United Service Organizations (USO.) The USO has maintained a long and proud history of serving the men and women who serve our country. The Community Center was part of that. It was a gathering place, a social destination, a place for volunteers to organize, it even bunked troops. It was the ‘Home away from home’ for the soldiers. It soon became a place to also serve the defense workers of the nearby Ravenna Arsenal and their families. It was even the first USO to be open 24 hours, to accommodate the third shift at the Arsenal. It was one of 201 government-built facilities like this in the World War II era. Now, only 5 Type A buildings, and only 15 total buildings are left in the country, and this is the only one left in Ohio. It is registered as a historical site in the Trumbull County Historical Society, and has also been named a Federal Landmark with the National Register of Historic Places. After the war, the building was sold to the Village of Newton Falls, and continued to serve as a venue for weddings, events, graduations, camps, etc. Many local residents have happy memories centering there. Unfortunately, this beautiful, historic building has been closed for since 2015. But, perhaps, not for long.
Meet Ron Stoner. He is a man with a vision. As a life-long resident of the Falls, he remembers the glory days of the building. The gleam in his eye reflects the happy times he spent there. He fondly described the interior and the features therein. A theater, an industrial kitchen, craftmanship common in the 40s yet rare today. All he could do is describe them because the building is off-limits to almost everyone, even including this reporter. The HA plan is to change that.
Ron volunteers with Heritage Accord (HA). Heritage Accord is a 501C3 nonprofit all volunteer organization, dedicated to renovating this beautiful building to its former glory. Pulling from his history of managing truck stops and hotels, Ron does marketing, fund raisings, and basically anything that needs to be done. The HA has a 5-member board and is headed by Connie Smith-Talcott. As president, she draws from her many years of administrative and management experience. There is also Rose Guerrieri, completing the very important task of grant-writing. She is a retired research librarian. “We are so very fortunate to have her on the board; she is relentless,” says Talcott. Steve Simpson is the secretary- treasurer. Douglas Fuller is a retired architect specialized in historic preservation. Dr. Everard Smith, PhD, has a doctorate in history. Since he is from Wilmington NC, he has been gracious to share his 10 years of research on a similar building.
Heritage Accord, is currently in process of raising money for the restoration of this city gem. They obtained a 5-year lease from the village in March of 2020. The goal is to renovate it to the 1942 beauty, then when workable have a management company lease it for future events. To do this, the Heritage Accord will need all manner of volunteers, with diverse skills. They are using a similar Type A building in North Carolina as a model. Built in the same year, with much the same plan, the North Carolina USO building is now a performing arts venue, The Hannah Block Community Center. You can visit their website, https://wilmingtoncommunityarts.org to see the potential for our Community Center.
This historical landmark is at 52 East Quarry Street, right next to the city park. There is a lovely pond right next to it with plenty of fish. There are picnic tables spotted around the well-maintained grounds. It is a worthy spot to spend some time, despite not even being able to enter. If you drive by, you will be able to see the new sign. “It’s a start for being more visible,” says Stoner. Do drive by, give it a peek. Then you, too, will be hooked.
Lovely as it is, it still needs major repairs and updates. Unfortunately, that costs money. HA had donation booths at some of the downtown festivals sponsored by the Newton Falls Area Commerce Association. If you stop by many of the interesting stores on Main Street, you will be able to purchase a commemorative mug or Christmas Tree Ornament, and 100% of the proceeds go to the Center. They had many events planned, but 2020 and COVID had a different idea. Now, they are renewing their efforts to raise the needed money. An interesting idea has been floated; close the Covered Bridge for an evening and have a catered event there. They are planning a Duck Drop in August, to be held at Faces Lounge. Of course, Rose has been furiously writing grants. Heritage Accord has produced a Public Service Announcement about the building, and their work and plans. Consider visiting https://f.io/0DG5TyPT for a step back into history, and a step forward into the future of the Center.
The building now may be opening up soon. It will be open for HA events, on a limited basis. Then, when renovations are completed, it will be open to the public. The 80-year anniversary of this building is coming up in January of 2022, so events are being planned for that important milestone. Visit and Like Heritage Accord on Facebook for more information and event notification.
If you would like to be a part of this drive, please consider volunteering, donating or both. If you would like to volunteer, please send them an email, heritageaccord@gmail.com. You can also stop by their booth during the Independence Day Festivities, which are coming up soon.
Deposits can be made at any Huntington Bank. Just imagine, if everyone donated the change from their checks, how quickly it could add up!
Also, you can mail a check payable to:
Heritage Accord,
PO Box 82
Newton Falls, OH 44444.
PayPal: Heritage Accord Inc.
Donations can be made in honor or memory of someone.
Don’t forget to drop into one of the Main Street businesses to pick up a mug and an ornament. Perhaps, completing your Christmas list for 2021?
