Poland Historical Society plans informational sessions

Staff report

POLAND

Poland Historical Society’s first program of the new year in January was a presentation by Ginny and Steve Meloy about the Inn at the Green in Poland Village. Steve told about the history of the inn, which was built by the Arrell family as a home in 1876. Ginny talked about their renovation and operation of the home as a bed-and-breakfast venture.

The society plans to have informational presentations about Poland throughout the year, except during the summer months, following their regular meetings, which take place the third Tuesday of each month.

The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at The Little Red Schoolhouse, 4515 Center Road (Route 224 and Struthers Road intersection) in Poland Township.

Mark Covell will discuss one of Poland’s funding families, the Lee family. The Lees began their history in Poland with their move to the Western Reserve in 1802. He will talk about B.F. Lee’s lifelong passion to bring an institution of higher learning to his hometown. His inspiration led to the founding of Lee’s Academy in 1855, on the site where Covell now serves as principal of Poland Middle School. The presentation will include information about early education in Poland.

Other programs planned are: March 17 on Poland Woods with Elinor Zedaker; April 21 on “The Changes in Education and Poland Schools” by Barbara Stacy and Larry Bartos; and May 19, a tour of Poland Woods with Jack Shipsky.

The Historical Society also has a traveling display that will rotate to various businesses in Poland to give the public a glimpse at what’s available at the schoolhouse. The display is currently at the Poland Walgreens. Its next stop will be at Talmer Bank in Poland.