This excerpt is from a past edition of OhioTraveler
If you are cruising the countryside in scenic Geauga County, there’s a new view to take in.
In Pleasant Hill, Ohio, at Merrit Road and Aquilla you can’t help but notice a most colorful sight, a beautiful new Barn Quilt adding to the popular Geauga Barn Quilt Trail.
The 8ftx8ft quilt square was a gift to this county home from the Geauga County Farm Bureau.
“We felt the county home farm was a part of our county’s agricultural history and that it should be showcased with a quilt,” said Ed Rumburg Geauga County Farm Bureau President.
The pattern is entitled “Laced Star” and was mutually decided on by Rumburg, Karen DiCola, Pleasant Hill Home Administrator; and Reba Dykes who painted the quilt.
The property has been owned by the county since 1839 when the Geauga Commissioners bought the original tract of land, for $2,400 and spent an additional $698 to build the first home. (It was in 1816, that county commissioners were given the authority to build “Poor houses.”) A portion of the original building still stands but is now used for storage. The original farmhouse that was on the property when purchased also still stands and is used as office space.
In the early days, County Homes, known as “Poor Houses”, and later as “Infirmaries”, were working farms with residents helping with daily chores. As times changed, more & more social service programs became available to those in need and County Homes evolved to become either assisted living type homes or nursing homes. Pleasant Hill has chosen to provide assisted living type services.
In the 1880s, the original building began to deteriorate. By 1885, it was approved to build a new, red brick building at the same location. There have been additions, renovations. Pleasant Hill Home is committed to offering a welcoming, homey place to live for Geauga County’s residents.
Ironically the placement of the Barn Quilt makes it very visible to everyone, except the residents of Pleasant Hills Home, but Karen DiCola has already got that covered. She has purchased a smaller Barn Quilt Square also painted by Dykes to beautify their chicken coop so residents can see it as they do chores and stroll the grounds. This one a patriotic red, white and blue to give the roosters reason to stand up and crow!
The county home is located at 13211 Aquilla Rd, or where Merrit ends in Aquilla. To find out more about the Geauga County Barn Quilt Trail, or to get a Barn Quilt on your barn or business, click here.
