Ravenna students learn about local architecture, history

A black and white image of an art deco building in Ravenna
"Acme #26, built in 1920, was originally an Art Deco masterpiece. Unfortunately the front of the building was later remodeled." Photo: Portage County Historical Society

Ravenna council members Amy Michael and Christina West hosted Lisa McKenna’s Brown Middle School seventh grade art class Dec. 6 as special guests guided a holiday-themed project.

Ravenna resident Diana Kane, who has lived in two of Ravenna’s oldest homes, and local architect Rick Hawksley, owner of The Hive, presented information about historic architecture.

Students got to construct cardboard replicas of historic homes for a Christmas tree in City Hall and listened to Ravenna Mayor Frank Seman share some of his memories. The council members and mayor also answered students’ questions about city issues and local government, then led the youths in a quick tour of City Hall.

Michael said she got special enjoyment watching the kids sit in council members’ chairs as they pretended to run a meeting.

+ posts

Wendy DiAlesandro is a former Record Publishing Co. reporter and contributing writer for The Portager.