The little town time forgot. Just between borders South of Geneva (Harpersfield) and Madison is a little town called Unionville, Ohio. It is only 4 small square miles but has a lot of big history. From the historic Old Tavern to the Unionville United Church that was established in 1834. They even have their own post office that I used to send off some mail this morning....
If you ever want to go back in time this is the town to do it in. Some time in May (dates vary from year to year) they have Flea Market day, Unionville host over 200 vendors and more than 5000 visitors. If your looking for an antique and it isn't here you probably ain't going to find it anywhere.
And if you are looking to live in a historic town then this is the one for you. Every year they have a few homes going up for sale. Most are in the historic registry and there are more some that are not. But when you go to Unionville it is like walking in a town that time has forgotten.
Below is some photos and discriptions of a few of the historic buildings I hope you enjoyed this trip back in time .....
If you are looking to buy, sell or rent in the Geneva area give me a call.....peace zane
Unionville is an unincorporated community on the line between northwestern Harpersfield Township in Ashtabula County and eastern Madison Township in Lake County in the U.S. state of Ohio. Although it is unincorporated, it has a post office, with the ZIP code of 44088. It lies along State Route 84.
Historic Pioneer Community Settled in 1798
The Unionville community is rich in history. At one time, Unionville
had a population more than double that of Cleveland. Many of the
homes originally built in the early 1800's are still occupied today. A
stroll through the neighborhood will reveal many Century Home
plaques.
The Old Tavern in Unionville was a stagecoach stop on the
Underground Railroad for hundreds of runaway slaves traveling to
Canada. They would enter the tunnels in the area of the cemetery,
and travel to the larger cellar tunnel under the Old Tavern. There
the slaves would be fed and allowed to rest until a wagon came to
take them to the Madison Docks to board boats bound for Canada
and freedom.
The Unionville United Church was established in 1834 by members
of the Harper family and the other pioneers who settled Unionville.
Though Congregational in nature, it was run for a time by
Presbyterians until the Civil War. The church now shares a minister
with the Geneva United Church, with services in Unionville every
Sunday Morning at 9:30. The congregation is a close knit group,
made up of both residents and non-residents. Anyone wishing to
worship is always welcomed by the friendly congregation.The Unionville United Church has been in continuous use since its inception.
Unionville is unique because of its location in two counties,
Lake and Ashtabula. The community is split down the
middle by County Line Road. It was assigned a zip code of
44088, and has been a mail stop on the Buffalo to
Cleveland stagecoach run since the settlement in 1798.
The first post office was established in 1823, with Abraham
Tappen serving as the Postmaster. Many residents
continue to acquire their mail through the post office
rather than on a delivery route. The antique brass post
boxes, still in use up until recently, can be viewed at the
Community Center.
The Red Button and The Green Door antique shops are
owned and operated by Tony Barski, a long time
Unionville resident. He offers many unique items,
including an extensive collection of Coca-Cola
memorabilia. Mr. Barski's home, just up the street is one
of the original Unionville homes.
Jerry's Unionville Garage is an important landmark in the
community. While it doesn't quite date back as far as the
1800's, the exceptional personal service Jerry Barmess
offers is unique and necessary to Unionville. Notice the
sign sometimes says "Unionville" and sometimes says
"Onionville". This is a reference to the large onion farms
in the area during the 1900's.
Other local businesses include the Warner Concord Farms
Bed and Breakfast, Temple-Inland Paperboard and Packaging Company,
Western Reserve Pole Barns, Basic Machine, and
Phillips and Sons Welding and Fabricating.
info from Unionville's website....
Looks and sounds like a great place to call home.
Pat thanks for stopping by It is the kids go to Madison schools or Geneva schools both really great. and a great town for a family to live in....
I discovered that little town 10 years ago on a drive from MN back to Chicago - what a great place
Good post, I love to discover and explore old towns that time has forgotten. So much history lies just under the surface. I'm intrigued by the story of the tavern as a way station on the underground railroad. Also love old filling stations. I like the idea of owning one on some backroad with a bunch of old cars resting behind the building. Maybe that will be my retirement....and my wife's nightmare!
Hi Ed thanks for stopping....it is a neat little town
Mike...I could probably write 10-20 post on the Old Tavern... down in the basement are tunnels and hidden rooms it is very neat lots of history...I'm with you on the filling station I have the cars if you find the station...LOL... I figured you would like this post thanks for stopping by......peace zane
Zane - Isn't it neat getting out there and finding the little gems like this. I have rediscovered so many little places over the last couple of years that have literally been nearly in my own backyard, but overlooked! I see so much more now than I ever did before. . .Albeit much of it is through a camera lens.
Zane
Thanks for sharing the histortic information about unionville Ohio sounds like a great place to live.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig