History of Berea, Ohio, USA

1854 - Berea
Bebea, a manufacturing post-village of Cuyahoga county, Ohio, on the Cleveland and Columbus railroad, 12 miles S. W. from Cleveland.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1892 - BEREA’S BIG BLAZE.
It Starts in a Photograph Gallery and Creates a Panic at the High School Commencement.

What threatened to be a disastrous fire broke out in Sommers’ photograph gallery in Berea about 8:30 o’clock last night. The flames communicated to a row of frame buildings adjoining but the fire was under control before serious damage was done. The high school commencement exercises were being held in Hulet hall adjoining the buildings and the pupils and audience became panic stricken and started in a rush for the doors. Cool and prompt action on the part of the principal and teachers prevented injury to anyone, however. A call for help was sent to this city and three engines were dispatched to the scene, but they got no further than Clark avenue. The entire loss is estimated at $5,000, mainly upon goods. During the progress of the fire thieves entered some of the stores and stole valuable goods. The business portion of the town had a narrow escape from destruction.
Plain Dealer
Cleveland, Ohio
June 4, 1892

1895 - Berea
Berea, a post-village of Cuyahoga co., O., on Rocky River, 13 miles by rail S.W. of Cleveland. Berea is the seat of the Baldwin University (Methodist Episcopal), which was founded in 1856, and of the German Wallace College (Methodist Episcopal), founded in 1862. Berea has 7 churches, a national bank, 2 weekly newspapers, and an extensive quarry of grindstones. Pop. in 1880, 1682; in 1890, 2533.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1916
Berea, a banking post-village of Cuyahoga co., Ohio, on Rocky River and on the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern and other railroads, 13 miles SW. of Cleveland. Berea is the seat of the Baldwin University (Methodist- Episcopal) and of the German Wallace College (Methodist- Episcopal), founded in 1864. It has various manufactures and extensive quarries of the Berea stone used for grind stones. Pop. in 1890, 2533 ; in 1900, 2510.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

1930 - Train Crashes Into School Bus; Nine Little Children, Driver Killed at Crossing. Three Others Are Injured Near Berea, Ohio; Two May Die; Bodies Hurled Along Tracks.
Vehicle Demolished By Impact; Cries of Victims Add to Horror of Scene; Tragedy Fourth of Kind in State in Three Weeks.

CLEVELAND, Ohio, Jan 22. (A.P.) - The worst railroad crossing accident in Ohio in a year today killed nine small children and the driver of the bus in which they were riding, at Sheldon road, near Berea, Ohio, 15 miles from Cleveland. One other child was seriously injured.
Rushing toward Chicago, 45 miles and hour, a New York Central mail train struck the bus squarely in the middle. Wreckage and bodies were strewn along the tracks for 500 feet before the train could be stopped.

The bus driver had halted at the edge of the crossing and waited for a freight train to pass. A moment later he drove into the path of the mail train. There was a grinding of ripping metal and wood, and then the screams of dying and injured children. The identified dead:
DON TAYLOR, driver.
WILLIAM DAVIDSON, 10,
RITA ZELINSKI, 9,
VERNON DAVIDSON, 7,
EVELYN KALTENBACK, 7,
JACOB... Read MORE...

Whether you're a resident or just visiting, here's a list of places to go and things to do in Berea:
Baldwin Wallace University: Start your exploration by visiting the beautiful campus of Baldwin Wallace University. It's a picturesque setting with historic buildings and lovely green spaces. You can also catch a performance at the Conservatory of Music.

Berea Falls: Nature lovers will appreciate a visit to Berea Falls. This serene spot offers hiking trails and a lovely waterfall, making it a great place for a peaceful walk or a picnic.

Coe Lake Park: Coe Lake Park is a delightful place for a leisurely stroll. You can walk around the lake, feed the ducks, or simply relax by the water. The park often hosts events and concerts during the summer months.

Berea Arts Fest: If you're in town during the summer, don't miss the Berea Arts Fest. This annual event features local artists, craftsmen, live music, and delicious food, making it a fun outing for the whole family.

Berea Historical Society: Explore the history of Berea at the Berea Historical Society. The society operates the... Read MORE...