A local historian took residents back into Ravenna’s history, through the ups and downs of the city’s first 100 years.
Wayne Enders discussed the founding of Quaker Oats, the loss of 10 townships to form Summit County and three public hangings.
History buffs packed into Portage County Historical Society’s library to hear Enders’ presentation called “Ravenna’s Milestone Events.” Ravenna’s first century, he said, included such milestones as the establishment of Portage County, and Ravenna as the county seat, the construction of the original Portage County Courthouse, which was replaced in the 1950s, and the loss of lives to the War of 1812 and the Civil War.
Enders, who is president emeritus of the historical society, said during the Jan. 27 event that Ravenna was founded 225 years ago, in 1799. The historical society is in the planning stages of a celebration of the city’s anniversary.
Humble beginnings
Portage County was a hardwood forest when settlers first came to the area. People traveling through faced swamps and rough terrain as they traveled, Enders said.