Wayne County Historical Society, Buckeye Book Fair partner for free Oct. 11 program

The Wayne County Historical Society and Buckeye Book Fair are teaming together to present a free program Oct. 11 at 1 p.m. at the Wayne County Historical Society schoolhouse, located on the Wayne County Historical Society campus at 546 E. Bowman St. in Wooster.

The program will feature Stephen D. Hambley, who will present "The Pioneer Route and Electric Railways of Northeast Ohio."

Starting in the 1890s, a revolution in transportation — interurbans — emerged from Ohio’s largest cities and extended throughout the surrounding countryside within a decade.

These systems of interconnecting electric railways were made possible by a favorable political and business culture and a growing population. As electricity became more familiar, it became a popular replacement for steam. The ability to get milk, eggs and other products to market within hours instead of days brought prosperity to rural areas, like Medina County. People could get to Cleveland or Columbus for work or school.

On weekends when the interurbans were not used for freight, people could take the family to Puritas Park, Euclid Beach, Luna Park or Chippewa Lake Park.

Hambley has been an elected official for over 30 years, serving as a county commissioner, Brunswick City Council member and as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives. He earned a PhD in history from the University of Akron and was awarded a Martin Scholarship.

For over 20 years, he taught history, political science and urban studies at various colleges in northeast Ohio. He is the author of "Historic Tales of Medina County, Ohio," published by History Press.

For questions call Penny Gasbarre at 330-845-3069 or email pennygasbarre@gmail.com.