Architects of Mariemont: George de Gersdorff
By Matthew Ayer
Part one of a three-part series on the Thomas J. Emery Memorial Building (Parish Center).
are characterized by bold, classical elements based on symmetry and proportions of Roman and Greek classicism but also combined with French and Italian Renaissance and Baroque influences.
George de Gersdorff is credited with the architectural design of Harvard Stadium, starting from a site plan by renowned city planner Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., and a sketch from Lewis Johnson of the college’s with rickety wooden bleachers. The new arena arches, capped with a concrete-roofed parapet.
Mariemont ‘Parish Center,’ April 2013. Photo by Marc Warva.
Last Chance to Get Your Fresh Fir Tree for the Holidays!
Be a part of a charming Village tradition and start making special holiday season memories for your home with a fresh-cut fir tree while supporting Mariemont Boy Scout Troop 149’s primary fundraiser. The scout’s tree lot, located at the Mariemont Municipal Building at 6907 Wooster Pike, is open daily November 29 to midDecember (or until they run out of trees!)
Learn more about the tree sales, including hours and events, at Troop 149’s Facebook page: Facebook.com/Scout ChristmasTree or on their website www.troop149.com/ tree-sales.
Hours and Location
Mariemont Municipal Building, 6907 Wooster Pike
Black Friday: Noon – 8 p.m.
Weeknights: 5 – 8 p.m.
Saturdays: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sundays: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
H O H O H O F r o m R e e d & R o e !
❄ Over 375 Homes Sold in Mariemont
❄ #1 in Mariemont for the 13th Year in a Row
❄ Reed & Roe Average Days on Market in Mariemont for 2024 is 1 Day and Mariemont Average is 8 Days
❄ Reed & Roe Average Price per SQ FT in Mariemont for 2024 is $397 and Mariemont Average is $355
SHELLEY MILLER REED 513-476-8266
SHELLEY.REED@CBREALTY.COM
23-YEAR MARIEMONT RESIDENT #1 AGENT IN MARIEMONT SINCE 2012
AMY ROE 513-379-5445
AMY.ROE@CBREALTY.COM 13 YEAR TERRACE PARK RESIDENT #1 AGENT IN TERRACE PARK
Mariemont Boy Scout Troop 149 gathering outside the Thomas J. Emery Memorial Recreation Building (current day home of Mariemont Church), circa 1941. Photo courtesy of Mariemont Preservation Foundation.
The
Club
THANK YOU for your support! Funding for production of the Town Crier comes solely from our advertisers and your contributions. Individuals contributing throughout the publishing year will have their names included in each remaining issue. Your contribution can be mailed to: Mariemont Town Crier c/o Matt Weinland, 3914 Miami Rd. #207 Mariemont, Ohio, 45227
Brenda & Paul Allen
Anonymous
Denise & Marianne Beausejour
Ed & Karen Berkich
David Davis
Sam & Nancy Duran
Garden Club of Mariemont
Jim, John & Helen Gray
Judith Kagrise
Julie
Northrop
Kit & Jack Overbeck
Jan
Timothy Riker
Thank You for Supporting The Town Crier!
Staff
Publisher / Editor
Suzy Weinland mariemonttowncrier@gmail.com
Advertising Manager Matt Weinland mariemonttowncrier@gmail.com
Production Designer Zachary Weinland mariemonttowncrier@gmail.com
Editorial Assistant / Distribution Manager Margaret Jevic amjevic@gmail.com
Contributors Matthew Ayer matt@ayerquality.com
Kim Beach kimbeach13@gmail.com
Aileen Beatty aileen.beatty@gmail.com
Peter McBride pete0948@gmail.com
Carol Sanger csanger1@me.com
Photographer Steve Spooner me@mariemontstuff.com
Junior Couriers
J ames L epa
L aura Q ueen
m ichae L L epa a L exis c L ark
ivia
ark
Janet & William Sarran
Wendy & Gary Tomczak
Suzy & Matt Weinland
Women's Art Club of Cincinnati Foundation
L evi L aws O n
s am r O use
c L ara v aughan
L inc OL n w ickham
J ane L aws O n w i LL Q ueen
m ac c L ark
e L i c hing
c O dy c hing
Z ach m aier
February deadline: The deadline for the next Town Crier is January 10, 2024 All camera-ready ads and articles must be submitted by 5p.m. to MariemontTownCrier@ gmail.com. Articles should be sent via email in Microsoft® Word, with photos sent as .jpg files of at least 350KB.
Payment and advertising contracts should be submitted to: Matt Weinland, 3914 Miami Rd. #207, Mariemont, Ohio, 45227
The Mariemont Town Crier, LLC, "The Voice of the Village of Mariemont," is published monthly from Sept. through Dec. and Feb. through May as a service to residents and organizations of the Village of Mariemont.
EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS: Press releases, photographs and event calendars are welcomed. Please contact Suzy Weinland at MariemontTownCrier@gmail.com to discuss article ideas. All submissions are due by the 10th of the month prior to publication. The editorial staff reserves the right to select and edit articles for both content and space. Photos sent as .jpg files via email are preferred, but originals also will be accepted and returned upon request. Signed letters to the editor are accepted and will be published as space allows. The Town Crier reserves the right to edit letters for length. Letters to the Editor reflect the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Town Crier Staff.
INSERTS: As a public service to the non-profit organizations of Mariemont, the Town Crier accepts inserts for a flat fee of $75, due at the time of delivery (check made out to Mariemont Town Crier). Inserts must be pre-approved and scheduled with the editor, printed and separated into stacks of 50, and delivered to Margaret Jevic, 6951 Nolen Circle by the 20th of the month prior to publication. Please contact Margaret ahead of delivery at 513-687-3224. Inserts and ads of a political nature are not accepted.
ADS: All camera-ready ads must be submitted by 5 p.m. on the 10th of the month prior to publication to Matt Weinland at MariemontTownCrier@gmail.com. Payment and advertising contracts should be delivered to Matt Weinland, 3914 Miami Rd. #207, Mariemont, Ohio, 45227, and must be received prior to publication. The Mariemont Town Crier, LLC. 2018 (c)
Park Service designated it a National Historic Landmark (NHL).
Practicing in New York, de Gersdorff designed elegant townhomes on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. A quick search found one – a beautifully renovated sixbedroom currently valued at over $10 million. He also designed a new home in Manhattan’s Upper West Side for the Three Arts Club, the nation’s first residential club for women artists (more specifically the three arts of music, drama and the fine arts). This eight-story building included an auditorium, rooftop painting studio and modest living quarters for female artists. This building is now being converted for senior living and has recently been nominated for state and national historic register status.
style. However, Livingood seems to have made a “fourth quarter substitution” to select de Gersdorff, reputedly a Harvard classmate.
Constructed in 1929-1930, the Recreation Hall was the last major construction project of the Mariemont Company before it dissolved.
De Gersdorff’s design is characterized as “Italian Renaissance Revival” style by author, historian and Cincinnati Art Museum curator Millard Rogers in the nomination he prepared for our Village’s NHL status. A 1930 article in the Mariemont Messenger (predecessor of the Town Crier) described the influence of the Lombard Romanesque style, developed in northern Italy and parts of France in the 10th and 11th centuries.
tower resembles the campanile (bell tower) on countless Italian churches. Above the clock an open porch is decorated on each side with two pillars and three arches.
As for the Mariemont project, Charles Livingood had indicated that a Cincinnati firm would be designing the recreation building. He had instructed Richard Dana, when designing his Chestnut Street group, to consider the relationship with Jallade’s Norman Revival church and the large recreation building, likely to be in colonial
Viewing this Mariemont landmark, not a copy of any other building, not what Charles Livingood had in mind, but an original from the Beaux-Arts trained mind of George B. de Gersdorff, you will note features that include:
Clock Tower: A dominant and now iconic feature of Mariemont, the seven-story clock
Romanesque Arches: Consistent in form with the arches at tower’s top, seven arches greet the visitor between six highly polished marble pillars with ornate capitals at the entrance to the building’s arcade. These seven arches are also repeated on each side at the top of the tower in decorative blind arcades,
Support Our Junior Couriers!
The Mariemont Town Crier is proud to present news and information about the activites, people, organizations, and schools that make Mariemont great.
Our wonderful staff is mostly volunteer, however our young couriers do receive a small stipend for their hard work sorting, stuffing inserts, and delivering your monthly issue.
Donations to the Crier Club go towards that stipend and help ensure our couriers get the Mariemont Town Crier to your doorstep eight times a year. Crier Club members are featured prominently for their support at the beginning of every issue for one year after their donation.
To join the club and support our couriers, send your donation to:
Mariemont Town Crier
3914 Miami Rd. #207
Mariemont, OH 45227
George de Gersdorff (from front page)
Architect George B. de Gersdorff
Front view of the Mariemont ‘Recreation Hall,’ circa 1930
Harvard Stadium, Cambridge, Mass., designed by de Gersdorff.
a common decorative motif inset into facades from the 11th century called “Lombard bands.” Five of these Lombard bands also add a decorative detail above the clock. Another band provides an arch directly above twin arched windows midway up the tower. Add in a few different sets of window designs and you will see that more than 40 Roman arches grace the building’s front side.
Textures and Colors: De Gersdorff beautifully and subtly harmonizes the earth tones and the textures of the building’s materials of construction. The variegated, red-toned terra cotta tiles are original, with pieces replaced periodically – manufactured still today from local clay at Ludowici Tile in New Lexington, Ohio. Red brick is the primary material of the façade, but artfully changes to stone and stucco in adjoining sections of the building. Brick quoins decorate the stucco sections’ edges and gables. Bedford limestone forms the arches at the arcade, keystones on brick arches of windows, and lintels throughout the building. A beautiful pair of wrought iron lantern stands frame the stairway to the front plaza. The main entrance features three pairs of massive oak doors in a honey-colored stain. Facing Plainville, doors at the south and north end feature Roman arches with a terra cotta canopy.
Semi-circular towers harken fortifications from a bygone age, as they protrude on the front side of the building and on the south side (i.e., facing the elementary school), surmounted with an open porch.
Village
Masonry: Otto Kadon and son Karl were the region’s finest stone masons. They completed the stonework for the church, carillon, boathouse, concourse, hospital, Short Group (Oak Street), McKenzie Group (Beech/ Murray), and the Recreation Hall. They exquisitely implemented de Gersdorff’s vision, as seen in the stonework, down to the very last detail. The building’s brick was manufactured at Mitchell Brick Company, which operated in Delhi, Ohio until 1950. The more you look, the more ornamental subtleties you will discover in the expert craftsmanship of the stone and brick masons.
On the building’s east side, a terrace overlooking the stadium area was never completed. A pedestrian tunnel was built into the building’s south end to ensure safe passage for kids crossing Plainville Road. Its entrance (now filled with concrete) can be seen from a storage room on the building’s rear side.
The Thomas J. Emery Memorial Recreation Building was dedicated with much fanfare at a ceremony on May 17,
1930. George de Gersdorff designed a unique building by skillfully combining classical styles. He patterned symmetrical and repeating forms into a balanced yet asymmetrical structure. Similarly, he mixed a variety of materials in a beautiful, artistic manner. The structure’s bones of steel, reinforced concrete, brick, and stone were built to last hundreds of years. He demonstrated contentment and humility as shown in his reply to the Mariemont Messenger. Thank you, Mary Emery, for this amazing gift.
The next installment in this series features the building’s interior and activities over the years.
photographs courtesy of Mariemont Preservation Foundation.
Historical
Junior League National Convention gathers among the seven Romanesque arches, on the front porch outside the Mariemont Recreation Hall, July 1931.
Back (east-facing) view from the elementary school field, April 2013. Photo by Marc Warva.
Letter from de Gersdorff in the Mariemont Messenger, May 1930.
Photos by Steve Spooner
Congratulations to Coach Mike Haney and the MHS Lady Warriors soccer team who were crowned CHL champs in October! The team (pictured below) had a regular season record of 12-1-2 (W-L-T). They won three games in the playoffs and were undefeated in the CHL, with victories against everyone except for a tie with Madeira. And to top it off, the final game marked Coach Mike Haney’s 300th career victory!
Mariemont Elementary School held its annual Halloween Parade indoors this year due to inclement weather. But that didn’t stop the students from donning their favorite costumes and having a fun time!
Top left: Fifth graders Catherine Keller (cowgirl) and Anna Ross (red M&M).
Top right: Second graders Max Marzullo (ICEE) and Luke Murphy (chicken).
Right: Second graders Emma Wellinghoff (princess), Nora Lepa (“A lot going on…”), Vivi June Miller (alien), Finn Moore (dinosaur), and Isabella Chandler (basketball player).
Schools
Fall Snapshot
Come out and enjoy fall's final act with our golden
Ginkgos on Plainville Rd.
Community
The Season to Celebrate Wintertime
By Pete McBride
Astronomy may seem like a weird way to preface an article on winter-time festivals and traditions around the world. However, “the Sun; our Sun; a Sun” has figured prominently in many theologies, religions, cults, customs, practices, and belief systems throughout human history in relation to wintertime celebrations – especially those related to what we now call the Winter (or hibernal) Solstice.
This event occurs every (solar) year when either of the Earth’s poles reaches its maximum degree of tilt away from the Sun during Earth’s orbit. Although this extremity lasts only a moment, “Solstice” refers to the entire day of its occurrence, that day being astronomically the day of the year with the fewest hours of daylight (i.e. the shortest day and the longest night).
In 2024, in the northern hemisphere, Winter Solstice (considered the first day of winter) will be Saturday, December 21 at 4:21 a.m. EST.
From prehistory, across many cultures – especially those that venerate “sun gods” – this cosmic event has spurred festivals and rites that symbolize the death and the rebirth of the “dying sun” or “sun god” and
the sense of new beginnings that such a solar resurrection has prompted.
The timing of this solar phenomenon has been associated with many cultural practices around the world, prompting feelings of solemnity and joy. It has led to such things as the positioning of ancient monuments like Stonehenge, the timing of planting cycles, and traditions like a new year with feasting, house-cleanings, fresh starts, and birthing.
Just a few festivals, rites, customs, beliefs, traditions, and cultural practices celebrating Winter Solstice and the start of winter include:
Saturnalia
This ancient Roman festival honoring Saturn, god of abundance and agriculture, was held December 17 of the Julian calendar as early as 133 BCE; it was later extended seven days to December 23.
Varying by location, the period celebrated a figure called the “Lord of Misrule” with feasting, partying, and drunkenness.
Christmas
Although little is left to be said about this holiday, the Roman Church began formally celebrating the birth of Jesus on December 25 in 336 CE.
Emperor Constantine chose the date to undermine pagan celebrations such as Saturnalia and Sol Invictus (“rebirth of the unconquered Sun”).
Some early Christians did not celebrate Jesus’s birth (or did so only in early spring) and the December date was not widely accepted in the eastern half of Roman Christianity, which celebrated the same on January 6, only becoming a major Christian festival in the 9th century CE.
Pope Gregory XIII fixed the date of December 25 when the Gregorian calendar was introduced in 1582.
Community
Hanukkah (Chanukah)
The Jewish Festival of Rededication/ “Festival of Lights” is an eight-day holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple (the Second Temple in Jerusalem), which began about 2nd century BCE at the time of the Maccabean Revolt led by Judah Macabea against Greek oppression under King Antiochus IV.
This best known of Jewish holidays, with gift-giving and decorating (but with no relation to Christmas), celebrates when, according to Jewish scripture, the temple custodians ran out of the holy oil used to light the sacred menorah, but a miracle kept the menorah candles lit for eight full days.
This year Hanukkah begins the evening of December 25, 2024, ending the evening of January 2, 2025.
Kwanzaa
Created in the 1960s by activist Dr. Maulena Kanenga to celebrate and reaffirm pan-African heritage, Kwanzaa is celebrated December 26 to January 1, and was named from a Swahili phrase meaning “first fruits”linking it to ancient African harvest festivals.
Not a religious celebration, per se, Kwanzaa is based on Karenga’s “seven principles”: unity, self-determination, collective work/responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith and is celebrated by millions worldwide in Africa, America, and the Caribbean.
Several US presidents (Obama, Clinton, G.W. Bush) have wished constituents a “Happy Kwanzaa.” The U.S. Postal Service has issued Kwanzaa stamps since 1977.
Diwali
Wintertime and Winter Solstice festivals and traditions were never limited to the Western hemisphere. Deepavali (meaning “a garland or row of lights”) is a 2500-year-old Hindu festival, celebrating the annual victory of light over darkness and is one of India’s (and the Indian diaspora’s) most celebrated holidays. It is not just for adherents of Hinduism, but also celebrated within Jainism and Sikhism - a billion people worldwide.
“Over 80 Years of Service”
Following the Hindu Lunar Calendar, Diwali was celebrated at the end of India’s harvest season for approximately five days. This year, it began on November 10, 2024.
In Hindu and related cultures in southern Asia, Diwali marked the return of Lord Rama, avatar of the god Vishnu, from 14 years of exile and the killing of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna, another manifestation of Vishnu, a god who preserves and protects the universe.
Diwali is traditionally celebrated on the night of a new moon when the goddess Lakshmi visits newly cleaned and well-lit houses painted in colorful, intricate designs (rangoli).
Gifts of books and pens are given to children to cultivate their “thirst for knowledge.”
The 2024 Democratic Party candidate for U.S. president, Kamala Harris (who is of Asian-Indian Christian descent), referenced Diwali publicly in 2021, encouraging others to “Remember to honor the light within one another” – a customary Diwalian cultural hope and sentiment.
In conclusion, given both the nearly worldwide history of wintertime festivals and celebrations - and on account of this writer’s own background in teaching historyhere are a few additional winter celebrations
and customs that readers might want to research.
• Winter Solstice / “Dangzhi”: What shortage may have prompted feasting?
• Three Kings Day: What is a “theophany”?
• Los Posadas: Why did Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem from Nazareth?
• St. Lucia Day: Why is Lucy of Syracuse venerated as a saint?
• Yule: Which folklorist “brother” wrote “Deutscheshe Mythologie” in 1835?
• Lunar New Year: Why do dates vary year-to-year?
Several reliable sources (but not always with identical dates, spellings, facts, and attributions) were liberally and appreciatively used to research this article. Please forgive any unintentional inaccuracies, inconsistencies, misrepresentations. Corrections are gratefully received.
Happy Holidays! … and to all a good night.
Sources: space.com; judaism101@jew. faq.org; britannica.com; goodhousekeeping. com; npr.org; wikipedia.org; Times of India; hinduamerica.org; livemint.org; Quora; monroenews.com; mg.co.uk; christianhistory. org; ABC11; USA Today; Washington Post; YouTube.com; African Center at University of Pennsylvania; study.com
Historic Streetlights Painted, LED Conversion in Progress
By Randy York
In Fall 2023, the Mariemont Centennial Committee conducted an “Adopt a Streetlight” campaign to restore and update our historic streetlights.
This summer, the Village contracted Static All Pro to strip and electrostatically paint the streetlights and provide a longer lasting clean finish. The updated color used is “Mariemont Green,” and all 109 streetlights have been painted.
The first 20 historic Mariemont streetlights have now been converted with LED bulbs. These lights are near the Old Town
Center on Elm, Chestnut, Maple, and Beech Streets. The globes have also been replaced with updated material that will resist fading and yellowing. The conversion also includes replacing the photocells for more consistent operation.
The replacement of the obsolete mercury vapor lamps will result in 60 percent energy savings, approximately $3,000 annually, for the Village. The new lights will also provide higher and more focused light output that is four times greater than the old mercury vapor lights. The beam angles can be adjusted to change the light distribution. The lights are directed down and are dark sky compliant to
reduce light pollution, and the photocells can be adjusted for when the lamps go on and off. Finally, the LED bulbs have a five-year warranty, reducing overall replacement and maintenance costs.
Thank you to the following residents and organizations who contributed to the “Adopt a Streetlight” campaign: Ronald Rice, Shannon Gilmore, Barbara Hepp, Mia Williams, Paul & Katie Mace, Charlie & Gretchen Thomas, Erica Noble, Ronn & Amanda Ross, Cindy Chalfonte, Ed & Karen Berkich, Jack Brown, Rocky & Carrie Ellis, Chris Laird, Jack Brown, Jordon Gaietto, Richard Ford, David Waters, Sandy & Terry Donovan, Jeff & Lori Miller,
Heather & Dave Rogers, Judith Kagrise , Bill & Karen Herkamp, Suzy & Matt Weinland –Town Crier, and Mariemont Kiwanis.
Special appreciation and thanks to the Centennial Historic Streetlight Committee members Julie Lockhart, Bill DeCamp, and Greg Long. This committee organized and executed the campaign, which netted $14,000 in incremental funding for the Village and managed the initial painting of the streetlights. This committee also determined the projected annual savings to the Village with the conversion from mercury vapor lights to LED and investigated a variety of LED and globe solutions. The committee arranged for several LED options to be installed around the Old Town Square, organized a meeting with the Architectural Review Board, and received a certificate of appropriateness for two of the LED options.
Mike Evanchyk with the Maintenance Department, under the direction of Bill DeCamp of Bulbs Depot, is installing the LED lights and replacement globes and photocells. It is projected that 45 of the historic streetlights will be retrofitted with LED bulbs this year, 45 additional streetlights in 2025, and the remainder in 2026.
LED streetlight conversion on Chestnut Street
What’s Happening at the Mariemont Branch Library
December 2024
Youth
Movers & Shakers — Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m.
You and your child will shake it together! Sing, dance, and enjoy music, movement, and fun. Ages 1-4.
Library Babies — Thursdays at 9:30 a.m.
Fun for you and your baby with songs, rhymes, stories, and movement. Ages birth to 18 months.
Toddler Storytime — Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
Encourage emerging language skills with books, rhymes, music and fun. Ages 18–36 months.
KinderBridge Storytime — Thursdays from 2-3 p.m.
Get ready for kindergarten with stories, songs, and hands-on activities. Recommended for ages 4-6 years.
CSI Science: Presented by Hamilton Co. 4-H — Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 4-5 p.m.
You will learn the science of crime scene investigation. Each activity explores a different sleuthing skill like fingerprint identification, analyzing evidence, and developing critical thinking and inquiry skills. For Ages 8+. Registration required.
Legos @ the Library — Saturday, Dec. 14 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Show us what you can build and connect with other LEGO enthusiasts.
Stem Discovery Day — Wednesday, Dec. 11 from 4-5:30 p.m.
We offer a variety of hands-on STEM activities designed to inspire and educate. Drop in any time between 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Recommended for grades K-8.
Pokémon Trading Card Game Club — Saturday, Dec. 21 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Learn to play the Pokémon Trading Card Game, challenge other trainers, trade cards, and make new friends. Bring your own cards or play with one of our decks. Ages 7-15.
Adults
Which Craft: Knitting and Crocheting Group — Saturday, Dec. 7 and Dec. 21 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Bring the knitting or crocheting project you're working on to the library and work with others.
DIY Pinecone Craft — Monday, Dec. 9 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Make your own small pinecone wreath to bring home! All supplies will be provided. Registration required.
Mystery Book Club — Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m.
Join us to discuss A House Divided by Sulari Gentill. Copies available on the Hoopla app.
Book Club — No December Meeting Book Club resumes on January 27.
Library hours are 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Mariemont Branch Library, 3810 Pocahontas Ave. 513-369-4467
The library will close early at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31 for New Year’s Eve.
Pease Doors Opens in Mariemont’s Industrial Complex
By Marcy Lewis
The Village of Mariemont is pleased to welcome Pease Doors into the Mariemont industrial complex. The Pease family has a history in the building products industry spanning over three generations. Brothers David and Fletcher Pease are the latest generation to renew the family legacy with a fresh take on the door business.
In the mid-1900s, the Pease Company offered one of the first mail-order catalogs for building products where consumers and contractors alike could purchase building materials or even an entire “home in a box.” David and Fletcher’s grandfather worked in that company before spinning out his own door manufacturing business, Pease
Industries. Their grandfather invented and patented the insulated steel door, which was manufactured in Fairfield and sold all over the United States. In 2000, Pease Industries was sold to Pella.
Brothers David and Fletcher Pease had often discussed going into business together. They were particularly interested in the directto-consumer nature of the Pease Company, combined with the door expertise and relationships their grandfather solidified with his door manufacturing business. David and Fletcher’s parents had long operated a small retail website servicing the doors made by their grandfather. When the brothers returned home to Cincinnati during the pandemic in 2020, they saw an opportunity to expand this business into a company offering parts for
all door brands and entire replacement door systems, shipped to homeowners by FedEx.
It was “now or never” the brothers decided. David recalls, “we thought, hey, no one has really built a direct-to-consumer door business with quality products, experts available by call or text, supported by modern logistics and technology – why not us?”
At first, Pease Doors operated out of David and Fletcher’s parents’ home. David packed the orders with his father in the garage and Fletcher answered phone calls from his bedroom. Many customers remembered purchasing parts and receiving advice from Lisa Pease, David and Fletcher’s mother, who passed away during the pandemic.
Luxury your way, every day.
The only thing better than a Porsche? The whole fleet. With our Porsche Drive subscription, rent any Porsche you desire for the day, week, month, or more. It’s luxury with no limitations.
513.271.3200 4113 Plainville Road Cincinnati, OH 45227
As Pease Doors expanded its product offering and advertising, they hired employees and added fulfillment space. By 2021, they were operating primarily out of a warehouse in Fairfax and coworking space in downtown Cincinnati for their customer service team.
The continued rapid growth of Pease Doors exposed the need for a large hybrid warehouse, office, and showroom space to consolidate operations and allow for further expansion. In 2023, the Pease brothers approached Village officials with the desire to lease roughly fifty thousand square feet of space in the vacant warehouse at 5801 Mariemont Avenue. The Village explored how it could facilitate the process.
Mariemont Mayor Bill Brown and Economic Development Committee chair Marcy Lewis worked with the consulting group Envision Group LLC to secure a $100,000 CEDAP grant to be used for adding a customer showroom and manufacturing facilities. “Upon first meeting David and
Village
Fletcher, I was taken with their enthusiasm and youthful energy,” said Mayor Brown. “I knew Pease Doors would be a great fit
for Mariemont’s industrial park. It’s been a real pleasure to work with them and we wholeheartedly welcome Pease Doors to our business community.”
“We are very grateful for the Village support through the entire process, and the grant will help propel our business to the next level,” Fletcher remarked. The renovations are expected to take place in 2025.
Pease Doors now employs nearly twenty full- and part-time associates. They anticipate 2024 sales of nearly $10M, an increase of more than 50% over the previous year. David commented, “Our parents got married down the street at Mariemont Chapel – we feel Mariemont is the perfect home for us to grow our family business and one day hand the legacy down to the next generation.”
Visit www.peasedoors.com to find out more about their offerings. You can also email them at info@peasedoors.com or text or call 513-871-8907.
David and Fletcher Pease stand outside their new building, located in the Mariemont Industrial Complex.
Community
Celebrate the Holidays with the Mariemont Chamber of Commerce
By Kim Beach
Holiday Meeting: Please join the Chamber for a holiday gathering on Monday, December 16th from 5:30-7 p.m. in the Tudor Room at the National Exemplar. Everyone is welcome! If you are a new business in the area, we would love to meet you! Enjoy appetizers and your first drink at no charge.
Congratulations to our newest officers:
President
Jackie Barnes (top right)
Owner of Jackie Barnes Design
Vice-President
Delta Crabtree (bottom right) Realtor, Comey & Shepherd Realtors
Village Valentines: Mark your calendar for Saturday February 8th when the Mariemont Area Chamber of Commerce presents Village Valentines. Village Valentines is a family-friendly scavenger hunt for 100 beautiful glass keepsake hearts. These glass hearts will be placed in the Mariemont and Columbia Township areas for residents to find and keep. Area businesses will have “Village Valentine” specials, sales and giveaways that day. If you are a business and would like more information, please contact Kim Beach at mariemontareachamber@gmail.com or call 513-252-4262.
If you would like information about the Mariemont Area Chamber of Commerce, please visit our website: www. mariemontchamber.com. Application to join is at the bottom of the home page.
Fairfax Community Activities in December
The Village of Fairfax has some fun December activities in store. You can get all the times, location and details on the Village of Fairfax Facebook page.
12/2 – Chess and Board Game Night
12/3 – Village Craft Connection: make your own perfume class
12/7 – Elementary 'Rec Arts' kids art class
12/8 – Light Up Fairfax event and craft fair
12/9 – Fairfax Creative: Ornament dipping
12/14 – Free Movie Night in the Rec Center
12/17 – Book Club
12/18 – Free Financial Workshop with Fifth Third Bank
And every Tuesday morning is the Preschool Playgroup (closed in conjunction with school district calendar).
By Kim Beach
Walsh Asset Management Celebrates 25 Years
Walsh Asset Management is celebrating its 25th anniversary this month. Owned by Mariemont resident Tom Walsh, it has been located in the Mariemont Center Building at 3914 Miami Road since 2011.
At Walsh Asset Management, Tom provides investment management, retirement planning and business retirement plans to its many clients.
“It has been quite the journey, and 25 years have gone by quickly,” said Tom. “This business is very personal to me, and I like to
“Mariemont Square has been the perfect location, and I know many residents check out the TV in our window for market updates every day, and for sporting events in the evenings and on weekends.”
A lifelong Cincinnati resident, Tom grew up in Mt. Lookout and resides in Mariemont with his wife Holly and dog Bizzy. They have called Mariemont home since 2004.
Congratulations to Walsh Asset Management on 25 years!
More information on Walsh Asset
DAR Supports Toys for Tots Program
Thank you to Staff Sergeant Gregory Roberts, center, for stopping by and picking up our donations!
By Sarah Hartkemeier
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Mariemont Chapter completed their Day of Service Project by collecting toys, books, games, and educational materials for the Hamilton County U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots.
The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November, and December each year. They distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted so these toys will stay in Hamilton County.
The Toys for Tots Foundation was created by the U.S. Marine Corps and provides support in accordance with a Memorandum of Understanding with the Commander of the Marine Forces Reserve, who directs the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. The Foundation has supported Toys for Tots since 1991.
The Mariemont DAR Chapter chose this program for their Day of Service Project as a way to honor this branch of service.
If you wish to support this program, please visit www.toysfortots.org, email cincinnati.oh@toysfortots.org, or call the office at 513-221-2370.
Ferris House Receives Special Plaque
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Mariemont Chapter invited the public to celebrate with them as they dedicated an America 250! plaque to the Ferris House Museum on Saturday, November 16 (top right). State and local DAR members attended while the Mariemont Preservation Foundation received a special award for their service toward preserving American history.
For more on this special achievement, see “DAR Presents Plaque to Ferris House Museum” on page 20 of the November 2024 Mariemont Town Crier. (Digital issue at https://issuu.com/mariemonttc/docs/ mtc_2024_11_vol49_issue03.)
The American 250! plaque at the Ferris House Museum is the 5th dedication in the State of Ohio.
Community
L-R: DAR Mariemont Chapter Regent Mary Jo Holohan; Mariemont Preservation Foundation President Biff Black; MPF Historian Janet Setchell; MPF Secretary Cindy Chalfonte; DAR Mariemont Chapter Historian Sarah Hartkemeier; MPF Vice President Doug Zemke. (Photo credit: Steve Spooner)
Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center
Happy Holidays from The Barn
Editor’s Note: In the November issue, we incorrectly printed The Barn director’s name as Christine Moore. We apologize for the misprint and welcome hearing more from Barn Director Christine Parker in future issues.
Congrats!
The Woman’s Art Club of Cincinnati proudly announced the names of the three scholarship recipients at its November meeting. Along with the added support from the Queen City Art Club, the WACC offered a total of $2k, which they will split between the students’ junior and senior years. The winners are Dahlia Baer, Sophia Watson, and Victoria (Tori) Orbegozo.
Showcase is Back
Showcase of Arts returns to The Barn on December 7-8. Forty local artists and artisans participate in this curated exhibition and sale with a wide variety of handmade fine art and fine craft items. Girl Scouts wreaths, mosaics, pottery, glass, knits, baked goods, jewelry, metal sculpture, paintings, and more will fill The Barn and serve as a venue for holiday shopping. Artists will each donate to an hourly raffle to help support programs and operations at The Barn. Event hours are Saturday, December 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m and Sunday, December 8 from noon to 5 p.m.
Artist Jessie Boone of Evanston, “Beauty Takes a Break,” 5 x 7 oil on panel
Feel the Sting
The Barn presents a new initiative this winter, called the Pollinators Project, just in time to get us excited about the upcoming growing season. From February 18 through March 4, 2025, the gallery will host a juried exhibition of art created by local artists that
is inspired by native bees, the beauty of flowers, and the fanciful flight of butterflies. Art meets planting for pollinators during these unique events.
Jennifer Smith, an employee of Wimberg Landscaping, will be presenting a discussion on “Great Garden Destinations.” Ms. Smith, a Hyde Park resident, is planning additional well-known garden experts to speak. Please look for more details as they unfold, in your regional news outlets or at artatthebarn.org
Discussions will include topics about planting for pollinators, the importance of native bees, and other great garden destinations to inspire your new pollinator garden from engaging well-known garden experts. Attendees will have a chance to shop the garden-inspired marketplace, which promises to provide opportunities to purchase local honey, home goods featuring nature-based designs, yard art, and more.
Mariemont residents and friends are welcome to get involved while the Pollinators Project evolves into a garden club and into a future pollinator garden in The Barn’s front yard.
To get started, The Barn is collecting used gardening books to sell at a fundraiser at the events. Dust off that old gem and drop it by The Barn office during the week or leave it in the box just inside the gallery.
Mark Your Calendars
The Woman’s Art Club Signature Show presents its annual show on February 2, 2025, from 2-5 p.m.
Schools
Mariemont School Foundation Kicks Off Annual Fund Drive
By Tracie Wichman MSF President
On behalf of the Mariemont School Foundation (MSF), I invite you to participate in our Annual Fund Drive. Due to the generosity of families like yours the Mariemont School District maintains its history of excellence.
What is the Mariemont School Foundation?
MSF is a group of committed residents who realize the District’s public funding is insufficient to support many important educational initiatives and extra-curricular programming. We are thrilled with the passage of the recent levy in favor of Mariemont Schools; however, it reminds us how challenging it is to provide important “extras” – extracurricular activities, experiential learning, and opportunities for all of the students in the District. MSF funds initiatives that we believe are important and should not be “extra,” including resources for student mental health by increasing the availability of school counselors for our District’s students.
MSF also provides substantial financial support for other activities, including:
• Warriors Beyond programming at all our campuses
• World language instruction and the Explorations program in our elementary schools
• Friday Expeditions programming for junior high students
• Master classes and our Intersessions for the high school
• Life and Leadership Series focusing on issues of wellness, college readiness, and careers
• Scholarships and Special Funds to support individual student needs and travel-based programs, including Camp Kern (elementary), the Washington DC trip (junior high) and the Global Leaders Summit (high school).
These initiatives impact every student in the District, and the Board hopes to continue to expand the offerings so that every child who is educated through the District has access to both the resources they need and extra offerings that enhance their educational journeys.
How Can You Help?
Our efforts require resources, including the generous contributions of our District families who are in a position to give. Every
gift enhances the educational experience the District is able to offer to its students. Thus, we invite you to GIVE to the MSF’s Annual Fund Drive.
Donations can be made via our website at https://www.mariemontschoolfoundation. org/annual-fund-drive or you can mail a check to MSF at 2 Warrior Way, Cincinnati, OH 45227.
Thank you for your support!
The Mariemont School Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization whose mission is to support the long-term success of our students and community through initiatives that preserve, enhance and sustain educational excellence.
MPD Creates Special Persons Registry
In a collaborative effort to support the diverse needs of our Village and introduce our atypical residents to First Responders, the Mariemont Police Department has created a Special Persons Registry and added a Special Person Form to the Village of Mariemont’s website under the Police Department tab.
If you are a parent or caregiver of a resident who would not be able to effectively communicate identity, address or phone number if lost or missing due to a disability or disease, please consider filling out a Special Person Form annually and returning to the MPD at 6907 Wooster Pike. Feel free to include additional information and/or photos pertinent to the special person.
Please find the Special Person Form at the bottom of the MPD page at https:// mariemont.org/download/scan0033.pdf Questions? Please contact Lieutenant Nichols Pittsley at npittsley@mariemont.org
Village Calendar & Reminders
Luminaria & Village Tree Lighting: December 7th, 5:30-8 p.m.
Village Village News
Save The Date!
There will be a public open house to discuss the Miami Road/Murray Avenue intersection improvements on Wednesday, January 8 from 6:308 p.m. in the Mariemont Elementary Cafeteria.
Please bring suggestions and ideas for improvements. A traffic engineer’s report with some of the facts and figures is posted at www.mariemont.org
Council Meeting: The only Council meeting in December is scheduled for December 16th. It will begin immediately following the Budget Meeting, which begins at 5:30 p.m.
Holiday Office Closures: Offices will be closed on 12/25/2024 and 1/1/2025.
Renovations in Municipal Building: The Native American Cultural & Education Center is temporarily closed to the public through early 2025, while the administration office is being renovated and using that space.
Council Representatives
Mayor Bill Brown mayor@mariemont.org
Rob Bartlett rbartlett@mariemont.org
Susan Brownknight sbrownknight@mariemont.org
Matthew Ayer mayer@mariemont.org
Marcy Lewis mlewis@mariemont.org
Robert Van Stone rvanstone@mariemont.org
Randy York ryork@mariemont.org
Leaf Collection: The week of Thanksgiving and the week before Luminaria, leaf pick-up will be light as the department prepares for Luminaria and the tree lighting. Leaves will be collected by the Village through December 30. After that, leaves must be in brown paper yard waste bags or a can marked “Yard Waste” and placed at the curb after 6 p.m. the day before your RUMPKE trash pickup. Village leaf collection instructions:
• Rake/blow leaves to the front of your lawn near the curb. NO STICKS OR OTHER DEBRIS. This slows down collection as crews must stop to pick out sticks/debris that can damage leaf vacs.
• NO LEAVES IN THE STREET – this creates a safety issue for our employees and for parking. Let your lawn company know to keep leaves OUT OF THE STREET.
• PARK CARS IN YOUR DRIVEWAY during the day. Collection will go faster if cars are parked in driveways and if ONLY LEAVES are in the piles on the curb.
Thank you for your cooperation!
Community Village Worship Services
Village Church of Mariemont villagechurchofmariemont.org facebook.com/VCMChurch
Mariemont Memorial Chapel Offices at 3920 Oak Street
Todd Keyes, Pastor
Jamie Keyes, Children’s Ministries
Remember that Christ is the reason for the season! We invite you to worship with us on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in the Mariemont Memorial Stone Chapel. We also livestream all our services at www.facebook.com/ VCMChurch
We are a small church with a big heart. We strive to be a Christ-centered caring community, providing relevent teaching from the Bible and authentic relationships In today’s fast-paced world, we offer a place to slow down, connect, and build lasting friendships.
Our Kidz Connection program is a fun way for children (Nursery to 5th Grade) to learn about the birth of Jesus at Christmas time during our Sunday morning worship services from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
December Sunday Series: The Advent of Christmas. This Advent season we will focus on the HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE of Jesus at Christmas.
Sunday, December 22nd we will perform a Nativity play during our 9:30 a.m. service. See our website for more information.
VCM Christmas Eve Service will begin at 4 p.m. Step back in time for a celebration of Christmas with carols by candlelight surrounded by the old-world elegance of the Memorial Chapel.
Holiday Canned Food Drive: We will be collecting dry / canned goods in the entryway of the Chapel on Sunday mornings during the holiday season and distributing them to families in need.
Christmas Giving Tree: This tree will be in the Chapel entryway on Sundays and during Luminaria night. Take an ornament from the tree and give a gift to needy families and children. Be a blessing to others this Christmas!
For more information about these and other events or to learn more about our church, visit our website at www. villagechurchofmariemont.org or contact Pastor Todd Keyes at pastortoddkeyes@gmail. com.
Mariemont Church
mariemontchurch.org
facebook.com/MariemontChurch
The Clocktower Building at 3908 Plainville Rd. 513-271-4376
Jamie Moore, Lead Pastor Paul Rasmussen, Worship Pastor Katie Smith, Kingdom Kids Director Renee Brownfield, Preschool Director Mike Brownfield, Director of Operations Nancy Clausen, Office Manager/Communications
Join Mariemont Church on December 7 after the Luminaria Tree Lighting for our annual Party on the Porch! Enjoy free yummy treats, family photo opportunities with the winter sleigh, activities for kids, hot chocolate, and live music — all free!
Sunday Morning Services take place at 9 and 11 a.m. Livestream services at our website, www.mariemontchurch.org.
Current Sunday Series: “...With Him”: Living life with Jesus daily.
Kingdom Kids Sunday School takes place for infants (nursery) through grade 5 during both Sunday morning services at 9 and 11 a.m. Contact Katie at katie@ mariemontchurch.org for more information.
Next Chapter Youth Group for Junior High and High School (Grades 6-12) meets
Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. Contact Katie at katie@mariemontchurch.org for more information.
Women’s Ministry: Worship, prayer, connection and community. Grow closer to God and in relationship with other women at Mariemont Church. JOY in the Morning Bible Study starts September 17 and meets Tuesdays from 9:15-11:30 a.m. Evening JOY Bible Study starts September 16 and meets 1st/3rd Mondays of the month from 7-8:30 p.m.
Weekly Worship, Prayer, and Meditation Opportunities: Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10-11 a.m. in the Clocktower Building Auditorium. Join us for worship, prayer, and ministry time. All are welcome! Come for a few minutes or stay the whole time.
Men’s Friday Morning Bible Study: Starting at 6:30 a.m. every Friday.
Small Groups are available for adults including 20s-30s and seniors.
Mariemont Church Pre-School is in Session! To learn more, contact Renee Brownfield at preschool@mariemontchurch. org.
For more information about events at Mariemont Church or to learn more, visit www.mariemontchurch.org or contact Nancy Clausen at nancy@mariemontchurch. org
6755 highland avenue cincinnati, ohio 45236 (513) 791-3282
www.osterwisch.com
Ohio License: 17474, 14921, 45775 Kentucky License: CE65145, HM02565, M6962
