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Zorn captures Poland’s history
Photo
Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .Robert Zorn (left) signs Boardman's Joan E. Balas' book at his book signing April 24. Balas attended Struthers High School with Zorn and looks forward to reading his book.
By SHAIYLA HAKEEM
Historic Poland has been captured through photos and sketches ranging back to the founding of the township in Arcadia’s new publication “Poland.”
Robert Zorn, Poland school superintendent, is the author of this history book. It focuses on the heritage and the future of Poland Township in a pictorial format.
“Other communities nearby had such pictorial history books done by Arcadia and I thought Poland should have one, too,” Zorn said.
The book took one year to compile and officially went on sale April 12. Zorn participated in a book signing for the new publication at Barnes & Noble in Boardman April 24.
“The book signing went great. I enjoyed it and I enjoyed meeting all the people,” he said.
Several Poland and non-Poland residents stopped by to purchase an autographed copy of his book. Joan E. Balas, of Boardman, said her and Zorn graduated from Struthers High School together. Though she does not reside in Poland, she understands the rich history of Poland and the Western Reserve area.
“I don’t live in Poland, but my kids grew up in Poland. It’s a nice little town,” she said.
The book features photos and historical information ranging from the late 1700s to present-day Poland. It explores colonial heritage homes that still remain and delves into the life of the late President William McKinley who is a native of Poland.
Poland resident Dale Dixon said he has seen photographic history books on Struthers, but none on Poland. He bought a copy of Zorn’s book.
“I live in Poland so it’s nice to see that this came about,” Dixon said.
Zorn is donating all royalties from the book sale to the Poland Historical Society. The society will use the money to maintain its historic little red schoolhouse.
Zorn has written three other history books on Poland Township, but none grasped its history from a pictorial standpoint. In total, he has written 12 books and hasn’t written on any other cities or townships other than Poland. “Poland is full of unique history,” Zorn said. “I wanted all those old rare photos not to be lost and this way people can get to see them who otherwise would never see Poland’s old history.”