Birth of the Park Idea
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
| | National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior | |
The years following World War II brought suburban growth to the edge of the Cuyahoga Valley, and by 1960 development threatened the valley's pastoral character. The valley needed a champion, and John F. Seiberling stepped to the forefront.
Seiberling started by fighting individual projects, first in the role of a citizen dedicated to community concerns and then as a member of a regional planning commission. Seeking an alternative that would prevent development forever, he began to advocate a bigger plan the creation of a Cuyahoga Valley park. He believed that people who live in an urban environment need open space to maintain their relationship with the earth.
Born in 1918, Seiberling grew up on the edge of the valley at
Stan Hywet Hall. Automobile trips, family picnics, and visits to
picturesque farms all fostered his appreciation for the valley. He
also had a role model in his grandfather, who founded the
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and helped establish the
Akron Metropolitan Park District.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1960.
Location. 41° 12.233′ N, 81° 34.967′
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Regionally, this marker is in Greater Cleveland and in the Western Reserve. It is also in the American Midwest. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: John F. Seiberling (here, next to this marker); Rallying Support for the Park Idea (here, next to this marker); Ralph Regula: Creating a Legacy (here, next to this marker); Expanding the Vision (here, next to this marker); Building a National Park (here, next to this marker); Everett Covered Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Cuyahoga Valley National Park (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Growing up in Everett (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Everett.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 18, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 2, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 239 times since then and 3 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 18, 2022, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 2, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
