Sugarcreek citizens enjoy nostalgic final party on Maple Street

Close to one century ago, the Belden Brick Co. put one brick in front of the other to create Maple Street, an iconic street in Sugarcreek lined with maple trees that even today hearkens back to yesteryear with some serious Andy Griffith in Mayberry vibes.

However, because of maintenance and repair issues, the village decided it was time to pave Maple Street, prompting many of the families living there, as well as many Sugarcreek natives, to create a farewell of sorts for the nostalgic street.

That Maple Street block party took place Sunday, June 1 from 3-5:30 p.m. in a gathering dubbed the Brick Road Bash.

The famed brick road that was built in 1929 has many fans, having created a certain nostalgic and beautiful look over many generations, and the idea of the bash was to invite people to come back to celebrate one final time.

It was a chance for those who have traveled that road over the years to experience the distinctive sound, a unique rumble as tires roll along the patterned brick street.

Resident Brit Prather, who helped organize the bash, said it was a neat time of fellowship, the kind of thing where neighbors come out and visit with one another.

“We had kids running around making bubbles, and people were standing around chatting, and it created this feeling of freedom and the start of summer where everyone is relaxed and having fun together,” Prather said. “We’re all kind of happy to be here reminiscing, enjoying this shared experience that kind of ties us together.”

The event featured live music from Josh Compton and a fundraiser for Alpine Hills Museum, but mostly, it was simply a time to reminisce about the old days when things like brick streets somehow seemed to beckon people to share their lives as a community.

The ties between Sugarcreek and Maple Street are strong because Belden Brick has supplied millions of bricks that dot houses throughout the village. And then there is this road that has stood the test of time, but time marches on, and even though the many residents feel heartbroken about the brick road finally succumbing to time, they are very understanding.

Resident Larry Miller and his wife Carol moved onto Maple Street in 1983 and have been there ever since. He said Maple Street’s uniqueness and quiet presence has made it a special place to live.

“When people ask where we live, we say, ‘Maple Street,’ and they say, ‘Where’s that?’ We tell them it’s the brick street, and they know right away what we’re talking about,” Miller said. “That defines our street. It has a certain character that every other paved street doesn’t have, and when you hear the cars pass by, it has a very different sound. We’re a little sad because it’s the end of an era.”

Miller said they understand the reasons behind the change and said they have taken a lot of photos.

Larry Compton is a longtime Sugarcreek resident and said Maple Street is a big part of the village’s history.

“I was talking to Reno Stevanus, and he said his grandpa helped lay the bricks for the street,” Compton said. “The ties to Belden Brick are important because the brick company has been such an integral part of Sugarcreek for so long. Anyone who has ever driven on Maple Street and bounced around on it probably won’t forget that feeling.”

Becky Detwiler, Alpine Hills Museum curator, had a table set up and was offering snacks and water for a donation as part of the museum’s effort to continue its fundraising to build a new elevator.

She said local businesses have been very gracious in their giving, and several recent gifts have helped the donations rise to close to $200,000. The project is estimated to cost $250,000 and may be a little higher since that estimate is now two years old, but Detwiler is excited to see the donation number growing.

“Our community support has been so uplifting,” Detwiler said. “I’m feeling good that we are going to reach our goal this year.”

She said while this fundraiser was a small one, it wasn’t as much about the fundraiser as it was being a part of something unique and special to the village and its citizens.

With contractor W.E. Quicksall’s construction set to begin June 9, this really was almost the last chance to say goodbye to this old-fashioned road. Maple Street will be closed for 130 days for construction, and it is expected many of the bricks will be available for anyone who would like to take a couple as souvenirs, memories of the old days.