Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Hiram, Ohio!

Whoever said 'good things come in small packages' was on the money with this week's Hidden Gem.

You can pinpoint Hiram Village at that section of Portage County where Rte 82 and Rte 700 meet.

Only 0.9 square miles, but it packs a punch! This small parcel of land contributes so much to the richness of northeast Ohio every single day. The home to Hiram College, which serves up an excellent liberal arts education to thousands of students from all over the world every year. These students, in turn, head back out into their various communities and make a noticeable difference in society.

Most of you may know Hiram's most famous resident, James A. Garfield. Garfield met his wife, Hiram native Lucretia Rudolph, while living in the area. Garfield taught at the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute (later to become Hiram College) and a short time later became the president of Hiram College. That was, of course, before he became President of the United States of America in 1881.

Hiram College maintains its small college charm while stepping into the 21st century. Over the last 15 years, Hiram has constructed a state-of-the-art Science Center, Library, amazing Sports and Recreation Complex, the Hiram Inn, as well as renovating various other buildings and dorms on campus. There is a completely new dorm in the works as well. Much of the recent success and growth of Hiram College over the last five years can be attributed to President Tom Chema.

Chema has been a positive, driving force in any project he has been involved with, including the mastermind and development of the entire Gateway Project including Progressive Field and Q Arena.

There is yet another very exciting venture currently in the works in Hiram, Ohio. A new and improved Play Park is being built behind the Hiram Municipal Building across from the Police and Fire Departments, just adjacent to the Hiram Historical Society House.

This Play Park, which will be called the Joan and Elmer Jagow Play Park, was conceived with the vision of giving the community children a safe, fun place to grow up and play together.

Elmer Jagow was one of the most loved and respected Hiram College Presidents. His term ran from 1966 all the way to 1985. He amazed everyone by his knack for knowing every student, every faculty member, everyone by face and name. He never once turned a student away who wanted to speak with him.

One way you can assist in building this Play Park is by purchasing a commemorative brick. Bricks must be purchased by April 28th in order to be in place for the July 4th dedication celebration. Anyone interested in 'paving the way to a child's dream' can visit hiram4th.com and click on Jagow Play Park Section.

I hope you have enjoyed hearing about my latest Hidden Gem as much as I enjoyed imparting this information! If I've peaked your curiosity at all, please take the relaxing ride and see for yourself how wonderful this week's Hidden Gem really is!

(Artist rendering courtesy: Hiram Historical Society and Gametime.com)

(Hiram College Library)