By Carole Drabek
At first blush, this sounds like a flippant question, right? Almost rude, even confrontational. I posit, not always:
This query must be considered by every business, service provider, and non-profit as it relates to the people it desires to serve. If not, fledgling efforts for success may be doomed. Understandably, most people are reluctant to part with hard-earned resources without just cause.
This is my effort to interest you in the plight of the South Newbury Union Chapel, a 165-year-old historic building in Newbury, Ohio. First, I’ll begin with a more recent quote:
“The struggle for the right to vote is not over, it’s an on-going struggle. There will always be some people in power who hope to frustrate and prevent others from voting. The Battle does not stop there, but includes emancipation, property rights, and other freedoms on which the United States is built. It’s important to preserve this symbol (The Chapel) and keep the memories of the past alive to have a good and free future for our sons and daughters.” (Ginn, William D., from Cleveland.com; on-line publication, 10/11/2012; 12:17PM)
I’m reminded of a similar philosophical perspective credited to Winston Churchill and others: Those who fail to remember the past are doomed to repeat it.
The Chapel’s history is rich and compelling. The nature of activities hosted there spanned a wide variety of purpose over many years. The very issue of its 1858 construction was rooted in community controversy regarding Free Speech. The telling of that story is too long for this writing; it will have to wait until another day. In its early years it was known by many as the Free Speech Chapel. Sometime later, it’s Trustees began to call it the South Newbury Union Chapel
By the mid-1800’s, women were beginning to revolt against the accepted attire of the times. Long dresses, tight corsets and sleeves, and heavy decorative ornamentation were difficult and occasionally dangerous for women. A letter to the Geauga Democrat (9/16/1868) recalled an 1851 picnic in Newbury attended by an estimated 300-500 ladies, many wearing a “Bloomer Costume”. By the 1870‘s Northern Ohio Health and Dress Reform Association meetings were held in the Chapel.
The Suffragette movement was gaining traction in the mid-1800’s. At the Chapel polling location, nine women cast votes in the 1872 national election, which were destroyed as illegitimate. However, returning in the Spring of 1873, their votes were accepted and counted in the local election. Thought to be one of the earliest in the Country, the South Newbury Woman’s Suffrage Political Club was formalized in January 1874 with the signing of their Constitution. Meetings were held at the Chapel, which also served as a gathering place for lectures and other events drawing national and local suffragettes.
By the mid-1800‘s, American alcohol consumption had become a growing concern, threatening the stability and productivity of businesses, families, and society at large. Interest in the need for moderation was growing. Community organizational efforts had begun. (Paste Magazine. Vorel, Jim, Aug. 10, 2018). In the mid to late 1800’s, the Chapel was home to an active Chapter of the Order of Good Templars, and the Sons of Temperance.
There are many more examples of its early use such as: a day of mourning for the assassination of President Lincoln, an early lending library, and an early Ohio Kindergarten. During WWII air-raid warden meetings, and gatherings to knit socks and mittens for troops were held there.
Later, the Chapel hosted elementary school class visits to learn about the iconic building’s history, a Girl Scout Troop campout to immerse the Scouts in the history of the Chapel, a Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment, a book club meeting, a funeral service, and so much more …
The South Newbury Chapel is currently in need of repair and closed to public access. Restoration/preservation costs will be considerable. Any donation you might offer is appreciated. Thank you for your consideration., Please respond to: The South Newbury Union Chapel, P.O. Box 34, Newbury, Ohio 44065, National Register of Historic Buildings 2012, Ohio History Marker 200, southnewburyunionchapel.org. The SNUC is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Ohio Corporation
