Kirby Day celebrates inventor

RICHFIELD, Ohio — Join the Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve in celebrating Kirby Day from 12-4 p.m. Aug. 26 at the park.

This free, family-friendly event — held rain or shine — will be at the south end of RHP, with parking at the 3771 Oviatt Road entrance.

Take an “adventure quest” featuring kids’ crafts, games, ice block sledding, marbles and other STEM-related activities. Some of the park’s historic structures will also be open to tour that day. Refreshments will be offered for a donation, and Friends’ merchandise will be available for purchase.

Jim Kirby. Richfield Heritage Preserve, now a 336-acre public park, was once home to well-known inventor Jim Kirby — whose inventions helped improve the lives of women by eliminating some of housework’s drudgery. His multi-level Swiss chalet style home, unique Garfield Hall and the mill he constructed to produce hydroelectric power for his home and workshop still stand on the property.

Kirby was also an expert marbles player, and it is thought by some that this childhood game may have inspired his innovative design for the water wheel of his mill. The Friends are continuing to raise funds to complete the restoration of Kirby’s iconic mill, built in 1922. For further information and any event updates, visit friendsofrhp.org or call 330-6594750.