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OHIO'S HIDDEN TREASURETM,

RICHFIELD HERITAGE PRESERVE

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​formerly Camp Crowell Hilaka, is 336 acres of winding streams, lakes, and forests that had been  closed off from the public for over 75 years. It had been farmed by the pioneer Oviatt family and then became the estate of inventor Jim Kirby.  During the 1920s Kirby constructed a patented lake, a mill to generate electric power, a house air-conditioned with spring water, and a dance hall built on springs. Upstream, the Neal family built their fairy tale houses and operated a thriving fruit farm. The land was purchased by the Cleveland Girl Scouts in 1937 and enclosed for the protection of the girls. In 2015, the property was purchased by the citizens of Richfield. It is being transformed into a park for public enjoyment.​
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Richfield Heritage Preserve is now listed on the National Registry of Historic Places 
​as the Crowell Hilaka Historic District.  
Richfield Heritage Preserve is open to the public every day, dawn to dusk.
No admission charge.
​  The main entrance is at 4374 Broadview Rd, just south of the Richfield Giant Eagle.

The Preserve is administered by the Park Board: Richfield Joint Recreation District (RJRD)

   Friends of Crowell Hilaka (aka FoCH. pronounced "folk") is a 501c3 nonprofit advocacy group.  Our mission is to partner with the Richfield Joint Recreation District to preserve, protect, enhance, and promote Richfield Heritage Preserve, formerly Crowell Hilaka.  more... 

       Click HERE for NEW Kirby's Mill video by Ethan Horacek 

             
                                
Our Projects
Kirby's Mill restoration
Historic House Stabilization
Native Species Restoration / Invasive Species Removal 
Outreach, Education, Friendly Presence, Fundraising
Trash & Latrine Logistics

Friends of Crowell Hilaka works with the governing board of the park (RJRD) to identify the areas where we can provide the greatest assistance.  Projects may change from year to year depending on the needs of the the park and the RJRD.  

NOTICE
The lovely Lake Jinelle has been drained TEMPORARILY so that the dam can be repaired. More...
This video was produced by SkyCam.photography for the 2014 campaign.  
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WAYS TO HELP

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Volunteer 

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The Mill Write  

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            2020
    limited edition
   FoCH ornaments,
​   4th in the series

This year's ornament features the Oviatt House. Known to many simply as the "Julia Crowell camp managers' house", it has a storied past -from its construction in 1836 to its connection with the underground railroad. Hand-painted by artist Garlen Oviatt whose ancestors built the house. 
A few prior years' ornaments are still available. 
​left- 2017 Mill SOLD OUT
center- 2018 Cook's Cabin
right- 2019 Snowy Mill

Ornaments sell for $10.00, including tax. 

Kirby's Mill refrigerator magnet
​$5.00, including tax.

All proceeds go toward the restoration of Kirby's Mill.
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To purchase these or additional items,
​send a check to
FoCH, c/o Sandy Norris
3991 Humphrey Rd.
Richfield,OH 44286-9541

Include $5 shipping per order
​Specify which items you are purchasing and include your phone number and email so we can contact you with any questions.  

If you have questions, contact Sandy Norris 330-715-0404
​ssnorris@aol.com

The Property Map - Directions

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Original content on the FoCH website is the property of FoCH. It cannot be used without permission. Permission can usually be obtained by contacting lynndragonwing@gmail.com and agreeing to attribute www.friendsofcrowellhilaka.org as the source.

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