by Diana J. Cathan, secretary Middlefield Historical Society
There’s plenty to do in the Middlefield area during the warm summer months. A few
suggestions:
– Bike (or hike) the Maple Highland Trail, passing through downtown Middlefield.
– Play the fast-growing sport of pickleball.
– Splash (and cool off) in the water park.
– Hike trails at Swine Creek Reservation.
– Play summer sports, or cheer from the stands.
– Picnic at Bob Giardina Lake (with playground).
– Explore back roads dotted with small Amish shops.
– Enjoy lunch or dinner at Middlefield’s numerous restaurants.
Maybe you crave a relaxing treat after a long day at work, or a cool treat to follow a meal?
Whatever your favorite summer activity, top it off with ice cream, that favorite summer treat!
Visit The Depot for hand-scooped ice cream cones, sundaes, or other ice cream treats, including
milkshakes and malts, served from an authentic 1920s-era soda fountain, the type found years ago in
old-fashioned drugstores. Volunteers customize your favorite treats from more than a dozen
delectable flavors and a variety of toppings. You’re sure to find a favorite, or you can request a small
taste of something new.
The Depot also serves as a museum of railroad memorabilia, denoting the building’s past as
the actual railroad depot for Middlefield, although now standing a bit south from its original location.
Built in 1910, it replaced the original 1874 depot, which had burned down. Enjoy ice cream while
browsing the artifacts, or step onto the front porch or back deck to catch a cool breeze.
The Depot is open seasonally from June 1 through Aug. 31, excluding July 4th. Planned
hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Wednesday and
Saturday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. although hours may vary
due to volunteer availability, especially on Saturday. (We’re always looking for more volunteers! Our
volunteers say they have fun!) Hours will be posted on the message at 440-632-0400, or call during
posted hours to check if The Depot is open that day.
Profits from The Depot go to Middlefield Historical Society, a non-profit organization receiving
no government funding. The society, dedicated to preservation of the area’s history, owns the
complex including the caboose, Depot and Century Inn, plus Middlefield’s time capsule and an official
Ohio historical marker.
Find The Depot on SR 608 south of SR 87. Look to the east for the caboose in front of
the depot building. The new ICE CREAM sign (featuring an old-time steam engine) points the way.
Many thanks to Depot volunteers Mark Longrich and Betsy Roll who collaborated on designing and
constructing the sign!
By the way, The Depot serves the best ice cream in Middlefield! Try it to see if you agree!
