America 250 Medina highlights transportation history throughout April

America 250 Medina will recognize the community’s contributions to transportation history throughout April.

While not a large metropolis, seaport or tourist destination, Medina has a long history of supporting transportation.

Electric railways began in large cities and traveled outward. The first April America 250 program will explore the history of the interurban and its impact on Northeast Ohio and Medina. On April 11 at 1 p.m. at the Medina Library, Medina County Commissioner and historian Stephen Hambley will present “The Pioneer Route and Electric Railways of Northeast Ohio.”

Medina’s love of the American automobile is evident, as historic maps reveal there was once a car dealership or gas station at nearly every intersection. That interest continues when Cars & Coffee returns April 19 from 8 a.m. to noon. Attendees can grab coffee or breakfast while viewing more than 150 show cars on the square and in overflow parking lots.

Horse-drawn vehicles were a primary mode of transportation in Medina’s early years, and visitors can see one up close at the Touch-a-Truck event April 25 at the Medina Rec Center. A sensory-friendly hour will be held from 9-10 a.m. Along with a variety of motorized vehicles, the America 250 Committee and sponsor Huntington Bank will offer free rides in the Old Phoenix Stagecoach from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Additionally, the video “The Sky’s the Limit,” which highlights Medina men who took to the skies, including Bruce Hallock, personal pilot to President Lyndon B. Johnson, is currently available for viewing at medinaoh.org.