Berea Tower stands as a silent sentinel in the small city of Berea, Ohio, a place with a rich tapestry of history woven through its streets and buildings. Established in 1836, Berea was founded by European settlers originally from Connecticut. These settlers, led by Abram Hickox, ventured into what was then a swampy, heavily forested area of Ohio. Hickox, dissuaded by the challenging terrain, initially settled in Cleveland but his nephew, Jared Hickox, eventually established the first homestead in the area, paving the way for the town’s growth.
The name ‘Berea’ was chosen through a coin flip by the founders of a utopian Christian community, with Henry Sheldon proposing the name, inspired by the biblical Berea. This community aimed to create an ideal Christian society but soon dissolved due to financial disputes. However, Berea continued to grow and became known for its quarrying industry, particularly after John Baldwin began producing grindstones from local sandstone in the 1840s.
Baldwin’s influence in Berea extended beyond industry; he was instrumental in the establishment of Baldwin Wallace University, a prominent institution in the city. The university, which began as Baldwin Institute in 1845, merged with German Wallace College in 1913, forming Baldwin-Wallace College. This institution played a significant role in Berea’s development, contributing to its educational and cultural landscape.
Another notable figure in Berea’s history is Gloria Jean Watkins, better known by her pen name bell hooks. She was a distinguished professor at Berea College in Kentucky, not Ohio, but her work and influence resonate with the intellectual and cultural pursuits that Berea, Ohio, also values.
Today, Berea is known for its historical landmarks and educational institutions, including the Berea Tower, which serves as a point of interest for those exploring the city’s rich past. The tower, along with the city’s continuing evolution, tells the story of a community that has grown from its humble beginnings to a vibrant part of the Cleveland metropolitan area.
