Historic Creston is the theme of this sign with touches
of the future also being reflected on it.
Kathleen (Kate) Murray Slater’s book “Creston
Past Almost Forgotten” was used as an inspiration and reference
guide in the development of the sign.
Rails, Roads and Trails have been paramount
in the development of our wonderful village.
In the 1860’s the arrival of rail lines and
trains placed Creston on the map. The silhouette of a train on top
of the sign reflects this recognition. The logos of the Erie, Wheeling
and Lake Erie Railway Company and the B&O reflect the lines that
have passed and are still passing through Creston today.
The Cleveland Southwestern Interurban Line played
a vital part in our historical past, 1903 – 1931. The design
of the trolley reflects the name of CRESTON and INTERURBAN with dates
1903-1931. The future can be viewed by the silhouette of characters
reflecting from the interurban windows. The left window represents
the “Safe Routes to Schools” with children walking to
school safely. The right window symbolizes the “County Line
Rails to Trails” which is now an active part of our village.
The next large development was the improvement of
our roadways, now called State Route 3. The early names were Wooster
Pike and “The Three C Highway”, which was the first important
auto route that connected Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati. This
is a from “In Search of…. The Three-C Highway” By
Michael G. Buettner.
The sign reflects the emblem of the Three C Highway
which passes through Creston from Cleveland to Columbus then Cincinnati.
Our Village has had many names in the
past before being incorporated in 1899.
-Seville Station 1860
-Pike Station 1881
-Creston July 5, 1881
-In 1881 Creston was established and this is what is symbolized
on the sign.
As stated, Rails, Roads and Trails and Walkways have
played and are continually playing an important part in Creston’s
past and future.
The Romich Foundation generously provided a grant
to purchase “Welcome to Historic Creston” signs for the
north and south approaches to the village on Ohio 3. Technical support
for the sign design was also provided by the Romich Foundation.
Sign design by Barry Romich, Lyle Kalina and Harry
Stebbins who was our local Train and railroad consultant.
We also want to acknowledge the following:
- Thanks to Crossroads Assembly Church
and the Romich Family for allowing the signs to be placed on their
properties.
- A special thanks to the Village
of Creston for their support on this project.
- Thanks to the maintenance staff
in the installation of these signs.
- Jim Jeffers Family for permission
to trim trees on the property line.
- Wheeling and Lake Erie Rail Road
Company for permission to use their logo.
- CXS Rail Road Company for permission
to use the B&O logo.
- David Eugene McIlvaine for the
use of model train cars in part on which the train silhouette was
based.
- Fought Signs of Wooster, Ohio for
their professional craftsmanship and guidance through this project.
Thank You,
Lyle Kalina
12/31/2012