Cultural Overview
This is a test page for a new website. The organization is expected to be operating by Spring, 2008.
More information will be added in the coming months.
The Culture of the Western Reserve is comprised of many sources, and continues to evolve.
Originally, the primary cultural influence was that of New England. The Yankees of Connecticut, along with settlers from Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, and surrounding areas, were the first to populate the area. They brought their way of life with them, creating the New England influence seen here.
Later in the 1800s, other migration to the area included European immigrants. (We will have more to say on this at a later date.)
One of the defining aspects of Western Reserve Culture - in the Eastern 1/3 of the Reserve - is Amish Culture. In Ohio, the Amish first settled in the area of Holmes County, Ohio. In 1886, Samuel Weaver and family from Holmes County moved to Geauga County in search of more open land. In 1887, other families joined from Holmes County, Pennsylvania and Indiana. While the Amish influence in Geauga, Trumbull and Ashtabula Counties is relatively new (a mere 100 years), the Amish culture adds an element to the Western Reserve setting it apart from most other areas in the United States and the world.
It is part of the objective of The Western Reserve Heritage Association to study and preserve local history and culture, including supporting and protecting the Amish way of life.
Please click on the Culture Tab to see the drop-down menu of options. If you would like to contribute text or photos to this website, please contact us.
