About Streetsboro

Long before settlers moved into the area known as the Connecticut Western Reserve, Seneca Indians traversed the area. They used an Old Portage Trail, which crossed the southwest corner of what became a township, to travel from Lake Erie to the Ohio River basin. Inhabitants of the township speak to imagine what the country looked like in the early years, as Christian Cackler, stated in his “Recollections of an Old Settler” book. “He speaks of "three tribes of Indians that inhabited this section of the country-the Seneca's, the Tawny's, and the Chapeway's."  The founder of Streetsboro, from which bares his name, TITUS STREET, traced his ancestors back several generations to England. Born in 1758 in Wallingford, Connecticut, Street engaged in the mercantile business in New Haven, Ct, and was considered ambitious and successful. In 1798, Street received a deed for land in the township from the Connecticut Land Company. Streetsborough (as it was originally called) received its name from Street which held the original deed to the 15,279 acres that made up the township.

Streetsboro was one of the last townships in Portage County to be settled and organized (other than Garrettsville.) In 1800, the area was a part of Hudson township; in 1806 became a portion of Aurora, until 1821, when Aurora cut loose, and Mantua took the area under its wing.

Street proceeded to 'sit on' his Ohio lands until finally in 1821, he commissioned extensive surveying of the land by agents Ralph Cowles and Lemuel Punderson dividing the area into lots of 100-acres tracts which were sold at $2.00-$6.00 per acre. The main roads were planned at this time and Streetsboro was established, as original settler, Stephen Myers Jr. constructs a cabin establishing the very first settlement.

Street himself actually never visited the area or stepped foot into Streetsboro. He passed away in 1842 and is buried in Grove Street Cemetery in New Haven, Ct.

By 1825, the first framed house was erected on the NW end of the township by settler, Daniel Johnson. Titus Street had donated 840 acres of his land for a turnpike (RT 14) from Cleveland to Wellsville. The turnpike was completed within 2 years by 1827 and followed much the main route.  That turnpike is now known as State Route 14. Street also donated additional land for a town square and small cemetery. Street gave an acre of ground at each corner of the roads for a public square and very large stone was placed in the center of the square to designate the exact center of the township. This stone is believed to be buried directly at the center of Route 14/Route 43.  He also donated two acres a short distance South of the center for a burial ground and gave $60 to have it and the public square cleared off.

THE SINGLETARY HOUSE: The Oldest framed home known as the Singletary House is still standing and is located on Singletary Drive. Construction on the home began in 1826 and was completed in 1828, by owner Col. John C. Singletary Sr. Originally located on the Northwest corner of town square, the home has had a variety of identities, including a tavern, a stagecoach stop along the turnpike, a post office, the township’s first telephone exchange, three different antique shops, and even a stop along the underground railroad as it stood on the square during the Civil War.  Both Singletary and his wife, Harriet passed away in the home and are buried in the old Streetsboro Cemetery on Rt 43. Over the years, several families owned the house including Carlton Closs, who resided there and operated Closs Antiques. In 1971, Closs closed the store and sold the land and home to the Red Barn fast food chain. The two-story home was doomed for demolition, until resident, Mark Defer talked his father, Henry, into purchasing the city's oldest home for $1.00. The house was relocated to a hilltop overlooking the Old Defer Farm just off Route 14, until 2006, when it was relocated again to accommodate a new shopping development. The fate was still undecided until Walmart stores donated funds to the Streetsboro Heritage Foundation, to offset expenses putting the historic Singletary House back on a foundation. The Singletary House is now located behind Tire Source and Walmart and is the home of the Streetsboro Heritage Foundation Museum.

FIRST SCHOOL: The year of 1826 was very busy, as the first school in Streetsboro Township was built at Johnson's Corners (Daniel Johnson) near the intersection of old State Route 14 and Aurora-Hudson Road. The slab school house was in the Northwest Corner of the township, with only eight children in attendance. Five were that of Johnson and three were siblings of teacher, Clarinda Case, at which time at age 18, she became the first school teacher of Streetsboro.

METHODIST CHURCH: The famous Old Streetsboro Methodist Church was constructed in 1851 by James Clark near the square. The church was built with hand-hewed framing timbers cut locally and foundation stone quarried at Twinsburg, then hauled by Ox teams to the center of town. Originally a Baptist church, the congregation presented the building to the Methodists as the Baptist discontinued services. The Methodists, grateful for the generous offer, remodeled, dug out a three-room basement and rededicated the church in 1899. During this time, the church also served the Presbyterians and Methodists as they held Sunday school services on alternate Sundays. In 1920, an agreement was reached that the Presbyterians would merge with the Methodists and become one Streetsboro Methodist Church. The bell, cast by E. Force, New York in 1935 originally hung in the Twinsburg Academy from whence it was brought to the church Edifice. Many years later, the steeple was destroyed by a tornado in 1956. The Methodist congregation voted in 1959 to purchase land on SR. 43, just south of the square. The new church was completed in 1965 and in 1973, the old Western Reserve style church building, was relocated to the Hale Farm & Village Homestead in Bath, Ohio.

FARMING/DAIRYING: Becoming the primary dairy industry on local farms, by the mid-1890's, the Streetsboro Creamery Company is established and opens a factory shipping large portions of its milk to Cleveland and surrounding areas. Along with the dairy industry, cheese factories were established throughout the area with five factories operating by 1885. A main purchaser of Streetsboro's dairy was the Feeder Dam Factory, located just over the Shalersville border and owned by C. R. Doolittle. Many of the cheeses produced in the area were shipped to surrounding states including New York.

In 1922, local residents celebrated Streetsboro’s 100-year Centennial anniversary with a celebration Labor Day weekend. In addition to a parade of floats and cake, a large community-wide photo was taken on the Square that can be viewed at several locations including Streetsboro City Hall and The Streetsboro Heritage Foundation.

1940’s: Streetsboro Fire Department is organized: As the farming community continued grow and thrive, the residents attended a very special town meeting which took place on May 7, 1949. Following the meeting, the need for fire and emergency protection was realized by a group of interested citizens and the Streetsboro Fire Department is soon organized. A small lot, located at the South West corner of the square is purchased from the Elmer Stewart farm. Blocks are purchased from the Dave Danner Blocks Works and people in the township begin to donate trees. The wood is cut to down to size and hauled by the firemen to the Brewster Mill where they are cut into lumber. The construction of the building begins with members of the volunteer firemen and friends. Windows, paint, shingles and other items are donated by many business men of Streetsboro and surrounding towns and the original fire station building is completed in December 1949.  The land and building are turned over in its entirety to the township trustees in July 1951. In November 1993, a new Fire Station is constructed when an addition is added to the City Hall Building (formerly Wise School.) The new building includes truck bays and offices on Route 43, just north of Streetsboro Public Square. The original fire station building is razed not long after the new building is opened.  In 2019, voters approved a 20-year, mill levy to fund a $5.43 million project on Route 43, behind the current fire station. Nearly a year after ground breaks on the project, a New Fire Station is completed and dedicated on April 17, 2021. A few weeks later, on May 20, 2021 the fire fighters and staff began to run the first shift in the new building.

POP’S TRUCK STOP: What would eventually become a local famous spot for many, Pop’s Truck Stop was located just West of Public Square. Originally built in the early 1920's as a Sunoco Fuel Station, Pop's was established in 1948 by Irving "Pop's" & Estelle Fortnoff. It became one of Streetsboro's best-known landmarks, operating 24 hours a day, year-round, except for Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. In addition to serving hot meals, there were "yards" of glass display cases filled with everything imaginable, from billfolds, shaving supplies, lighters, car deodorizers, handkerchiefs, books and even handguns could be purchased. The building was to be razed to make way for what was proposed to be an "ultra new Pop's”, however the business closed in 1980. Many locals were saddened with the news having such a large following as the building was razed sometime later.

1950’s: Major growth, referred to as the “Housing Boom” occurred in Streetsboro with the opening of the Ohio Turnpike on October 1, 1955.  With Interchange Exit 13 (now known as Exit 187) initially being the only exit in Portage County, this introduced many travelers to the area. By 1957, with the growth of the automobile industry, Streetsboro experienced a population explosion. With the quick proximity to the Akron and Cleveland areas, along with direct access to Interstate 80 (Ohio Turnpike), Interstate 480 and State Routes 14, 43 and 303, the location was ideal for many. The rapid growth created an immediate boom of manufacturing, distribution, along with commercial and residential developments that had never been seen before.

FIRST SHOPPING CENTER: Construction of the first shopping center, known as The Streetsboro Plaza began in 1957 (opened in 1958) with the original businesses being Streetsboro Lanes Bowling Alley, Thompson's Drug Store and Portage National Bank. An addition to the plaza is soon added as an A & P Grocery Store, El-Cee store, Ben Franklin and Sparkle Market arrive in Streetsboro.

STREETSBORO POLICE DEPARTMENT: The Streetsboro Police date back to 1880’s when the township police constable was obligated in carrying out nasty tasks like running poor people out of town. There was no real semblance of a police department until the 1950’s, when resident, Glenn Marsh was named by the township trustees in 1952 to serve as chief constable.  During his 14-years, the township acquired the first police cruiser and began operating as a department. Marsh resigned in 1966 when he moved from the community. At that time, there were three part-time members including Roger Parent who was elevated to the chief’s post after serving as sergeant. Parent, along with his wife, Joan, set up police headquarters in their home on Page Rd. For several years all the department’s radio equipment, files, records and equipment were housed in the Parent home. Joan began serving as police dispatcher and was established as a top-notch dispatcher and policewoman. When Streetsboro became a village, Parent transitioned police headquarters from his home to rooms above the original fire station. Eventually the village purchased a small farmhouse from the Straight family and headquarters were moved to a small 100-year-old farmhouse on State Route 303. After eight years, Chief Parent announced in 1970 that he was resigning from his role in Streetsboro. The remaining men, Sgt. James Brown, Sgt. Fred Meyer, Ptl. Jeffrey MacAdam and PU. Bruce Krepp along newcomers Ptl. Del Stewart and Archie Jones remained with the department. In 1971, village council approved the hiring of Lowell F. Justice as the new Chief of Police. The department continued operations from the old farmhouse until 1998 when current city council approved the construction of a new police department built nearby which was dedicated in November 1998.

1960’s: STREETSBORO POST OFFICE: The Kent Post Office expands announcing a branch to be located in the heart of Streetsboro. Construction begins and the Streetsboro Post Office is officially dedicated in the Streetsboro Plaza on Sept 5, 1961.

FROM TOWNSHIP to VILLAGE to CITY and the HISTORY OF OUR LEADERS: The early leadership of Streetsboro was that of just three township trustees. During the May 1968 primary election, voters agreed to restructure the Township which becomes a Village. It wasn’t until January 1968 when the Village elected Lowell Spencer (Jan. 1968-Dec. 1969) as the First Village Mayor. Local resident, Robert French succeeded Spencer as Village Mayor (Jan 1970-Dec 1971).Just a few years later on Jan 14, 1971, the Village of Streetsboro, becomes the City of Streetsboro consisting of 25 square miles.

French continues to serve as he is re-elected as the First Mayor of the City of Streetsboro. Serving from Jan 1972-Dec 1975, city responsibilities go to Paul Meighen as he is elected serving from Jan 1976-Aug 1978, until he chose to resign. Councilman, Robert White served the next 3 months as Interim Mayor from Aug 1978-Nov 1978 at which time Victor Pavlick was elected. Pavlick held the mayoral office from Nov 1978 until he tragically passed away from an illness while in office in July 1983. Councilman, Richard Grove was named Interim Mayor from July 1983-Nov 1983. David Pavlick, (son of Victor Pavlick), is then elected and served as Streetsboro Mayor (Dec 1983-Nov 1987). Many mayors followed in the years to come including Silas “Sy” Thompson (Nov 1987-Nov 1991), Streetsboro’s first Female Mayor, Sally Henzel who served 2 terms (Nov 1991-Nov 1999), Joseph Collica (Nov 1999-Nov 2003) and Mark Pavlick (son of Victor and brother of David) (Nov 2003-Dec 2007). In December 2007, Thomas Wagner was elected as the first Full-Time Mayor, however only served 18 months (Dec 2007-May 2009) and soon resigned, leaving the vacancy to Interim Mayor, Arthur Scott (May 2009-Nov 2009). Scott served the remainder of Wagner’s term being elected (Nov 2009-Dec 2011). In Nov 2011, Streetsboro elected our second full-time mayor, as Glenn Broska, longtime resident and former Fire Captain of the Streetsboro Fire Department is elected. Broska is currently serving his fourth term as mayor (Dec 2011-present). Though the housing boom increased population, Streetsboro was primarily still known to be a farming community until the early 1970’s. From Township to Village to City, Streetsboro was fast moving to be the Gateway to Progress.

1970’s: The City of Streetsboro celebrates the SESQUICENTENNIAL 150th anniversary celebration in 1972, as the Sesquicentennial committee create a series of unique events. Fred Waage (Sesquicentennial Chairman) discussed a muzzle loading rifle shooting event that was staged by a group dressed in early 18th century time period attire, with an estimated 100+ Charcoal Burners from a 1-600-mile radius camped on the City property to take part in the shoot.  The Streetsboro Plaza shopping center was patrolled by Lions Club members garbed as Keystone Cops. They arrested “for fun” anyone who wasn't dressed in old-fashioned costumes, as well as men without beards and women who wore cosmetics. Violators were brought before a "kangaroo court" and socked with fines up to .25 cents. Instead of the traditional beauty contest; the Junior Mothers Club held a Ms. Streetsboro competition open to women of the community. Girls under 18 entered by writing a 250-word essay describing the person who best represented their idea of womanhood. For the men, there was a beard growing contest judged in three categories, longest, most unusual and most original. Other highlights of the celebration included: a water fight among Streetsboro, Hudson and Aurora fire departments at the plaza, a parade from the High School to Wise Elementary School and a 3,000-slice birthday cake was served at the plaza before the Welcome Wagon Square dance began. As part of the celebration, a 3-foot large concrete-looking cylinder time capsule was filled with period items and records and buried on the NW corner of public square as Mayor Robert French and Sesquicentennial Committee President Fred Waage presided over the burial. A small hand-written “treasure map” looking document was drawn up with the intent that the time capsule would be unearthed during the Bicentennial celebration in 2022.

STREETSBORO LIBRARY: In 1972, Streetsboro’s first library takes shape as two ranch homes located on RT 43 are donated by an oil company to the Streetsboro Library Trust Group. An oil company wanted to remove the houses from a potential site of a gas station, so the two houses were moved to a lot on State Route 43, where they were transformed into the Streetsboro Branch of the Portage County District Library. After struggling for four years to secure funds to complete, Streetsboro’s first public library opened on April 3, 1976 near Wise Elementary School with 7,500 pieces of library materials. In 1987, plans were laid out and construction began on a new 6,000 square-foot library on Kirby Lane near the school campus. The skylighted building was to replace the deteriorating Streetsboro branch on RT 43. Construction is welcomed with more than $200,000 donated by Franklin township residents, Roy and Lucille Pierce. Their donations enabled library officials to receive $197,228 in matching grant funds a federal grant and The Pierce Library in Streetsboro officially opens Nov 1, 1988.

SHADY LAKE AMUSEMENT PARK: In 1978, a small amusement park known as Shady Lake opened on RT 14 just east of the turnpike. Thought to be ideal for the locals along with travelers visiting the nearby parks in Aurora, The Humphrey family owned and operated the park having owned the Euclid Beach Park years earlier. There were no entrance or parking fees, as guests could visit and purchase individual ride tickets. Rides at this park consisted of all the kiddie land rides from Euclid Beach including the Flying Scooters, Antique Autos, a Ferris Wheel, Tilt-A-Whirl and Sleepy Hollow Railroad. Also relocated to Shady Lake were many of the old Euclid Beach green park benches, fencing, and some of the old signage. Adjacent to the amusement park a building was erected where The Humphrey Company continued to produce their famous popcorn, popcorn balls, and candy kisses that were available for purchase at the park and local retailers. Sadly, park operations were closed in 1982 as the owners decided to concentrate on the popcorn business. Many of the rides from Shady Lake were relocated to the small amusement park, “Old Indiana Fun Park” near Thorntown Indiana. The tall brick gate arch structure, resembling the one at Euclid Beach Park, remained standing until 2004 when it was razed to make room for development. Today, the land along Route 14 is home to Shady Lake Apartments, an Aldi’s grocery store and future home to Chick-Fil-A restaurant.

During the 1980’s and 90’s, Streetsboro continues to see a major increase in traffic with neighboring Geauga Lake and Sea World in Aurora, Streetsboro becomes a main thoroughfare for Portage County, listed as the busiest intersection in Portage County. Many chain restaurants and businesses continued to gravitate to the area as the housing and commercial industry thrive. On May 25, 1986, a National Public fundraising event, HANDS ACROSS AMERICA comes to Streetsboro. Participants formed a human chain through the center of Streetsboro’s public square along a path across the continental United States. The line stretched from New York City's Battery Park to Los Angeles, CA.

MARKET SQUARE DRIVE construction is complete. A bypass road connecting Rt 43, RT 14 and extending to RT 303 opened in 1994, welcoming Portage County’s first Walmart department store along with Market Square Plaza.

As Streetsboro enters the millennium so does the wrecking ball. Local farmland in 2001 continues to be sold to developers as the city welcomes the STREETSBORO CROSSINGS PLAZA with Lowes, Target and Tops Supermarket (eventually Giant Eagle) along with the new Walmart shopping complex just east of the turnpike.

As the new Fire Station is welcomed in 2021, the former Fire Station building and City Hall (formerly Wise School) is razed to make room for the new City Center project. The initial infrastructure plans are laid out and groundwork takes place for the future splash pad and city center complex.

The City of Streetsboro welcomes 2022 as a very special year to celebrate our 200-year anniversary. A year long series of events are planned to celebrate the BICENTENNIAL 200th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION. The year kicked off with the Bicentennial-Mother’s Day Pancake Breakfast at the Fire Station where Bicentennial Souvenir merchandise was introduced. On August 4th, the 1972 Time Capsule “Unearthing” ceremony took place at public square which was to be opened during the Birthday Bash in mid-August. During the weekend of August 20-21st, the 2-day Bicentennial celebration takes place city park. Highlights of the weekend include live animal shows, cannon firings from civil war reenactors, a chainsaw carving artist, monster trucks performing, a petting zoo and fireworks closing out the evening. The 1972 “50-year” time capsule ceremony was exciting when the capsule was opened on the main stage, along with thousands attending a weekend of live music. On September 17th, the city residents gathered for a Bicentennial 5k Run, a Community Cookout and “The Big Picture” event recreating the community-wide photo of 1922. The day was closed out with the burial of a new time capsule which will be unearthed for the 250th Anniversary in 2072. The Bicentennial year was closed out on October 1st at City Park, as the Portage County Brewfest partnered up with Streetsboro’s Bicentennial Vintage Baseball game as the Ohio Village Muffins dressed in 1800’s baseball gear to take on Streetsboro’s own residents in a vintage baseball played by the Rules of 1860. Guests enjoyed an early fall day of classic baseball, craft beers along with music from the barber shop quartet.

Dedication of the long-anticipated COMMUNITY CENTER took place March 21, 2024 on Kirby Lane in Streetsboro City Park. The multi-use facility houses the Parks & Recreation offices, Streetsboro Senior Center along with rentable space for various community events.

Streetsboro’s newest attraction, a community SPLASH PAD opened Memorial Day weekend, May 31, 2025 at the newly developed city center on RT 43 near the fire station.

From the beginning, throughout our 200-year history, Streetsboro government offices have been located at a variety of locations. From old farmhouses, former school buildings, rented space in office buildings and even at individual resident’s homes during the early years, none of which were built exclusively to house our city offices. On January 26, 2026, the long-anticipated CITY HALL complex opened at the new city center welcoming the new home to our city offices and council chambers. This building welcomed a milestone of the community’s future.