On the way to Lake Erie my sisters and I were surprised to find Lyme Village on route 4. We looked to the side of the road and saw a cluster of log cabins and got pretty excited. We pulled in to see what we could see. Lyme Village at 5001 St Rt 4 is just outside Bellevue Ohio. It's a non profit strictly run by volunteers re-created village. (poster shows scenes from the village)
In the center of the village is a 2nd Empire Victoria Home (shown in the center of the above poster) built between 1880-1882. This mansion belonged to John Wright. There are barns, log houses, a Detteram Log Church, an 1836 Greek Rivival style house, and even a one room school house. I purchased a few items at the darling gift shop.
I love these single tea pots that include a cup.
*my finger is showing where the pot sits on top of the cup.The buildings all predict life in The Firelands from 1800 to early 1900's. You can take guided tour to learn what life was like for our early settlers. The tours cost $8.00 and run from 11 am to 4 pm Tuesday through Sat; and special summer Sunday hours from 12-4. There are many special events throughout the year such as Native American Days, Pioneer Days, Victorian Dinners during the Christmas Holidays and more.
I noticed this quote, "Preserving Yesterday for Tomorrow" found it to be very meaningful, and think it fits many of our countries treasures.
The Greek Rivival house belonged to John Seymour and was an important stop along the underground railroad for many escaped slaves as they made they way to Canada to freedom. The one room school house was built in the 1860's and was still being used until 1935 in Oxford township in Erie County Ohio. The school house was moved to the village in 1991.
Many of the buildings were dismantled and moved from other areas in the state to this village in order to preserve them.
Sadly our time was short and we were traveling on what we later learned was the edge of a tornado; so we did not get to take the tour. Though I do intend on returning when I'll be able to spend time and take the tour. I suggest you all put this on your list of things to do with the family. Something here for everyone.
And for fun, look carefully when you exist. The kids will enjoy this LARGE ceramic dog in the yard across the street.
