Lisbon will open doors to historical village sites

LISBON -- Nine historical buildings in town will be open for public tours Sept. 8 as part of an Ohio Open Doors event sponsored by the state Historical Society in conjunction with the Lisbon Historical Society and the local Chamber of Commerce's Lisbon Landmark Foundation.

The idea behind the free tours are to showcase some of the historical buildings in town that have either been restored or are in the process of being renovated. More than 200 communities across the state are participating the Ohio Open Doors event that day, but Lisbon is the only one in Columbiana County.

The local homes and buildings participating in the tour include the Columbiana County Courthouse (built in 1871), the Old Stone Tavern (1805), the Courthouse Inn (1802), the residence of Stevie and Kim Halverstadt (1808), the former Nace drug store on North Market Street (1808), the Erie Railroad Station and the Lisbon Presbyterian Church.

The buildings will be open from 2-6 p.m. Sept. 8 and those interested in the self-guided tour can start at the gazebo in downtown Lisbon, where they can pick up a map. All of the buildings are located within walking distance of the gazebo and there will be someone at each stop to explain the history and renovation efforts behind the particular building.

Gene Krotky of the Lisbon Historical Society said the purpose of the program s "show people what is possible to do in bringing a building back" and in doing so spark an interest in others to acquire and restore some of the historical homes and commercial buildings in town.

"We think Lisbon is unique and that it's history is unique and worth preserving," she said.

Stevie Halverstadt of the Landmark Foundation is glad they were able to be part of Open Doors event. "Lisbon is full of amazing buildings given our history. The village was noted in the early 1800s for the magnificent stone walls in front of its buildings" and the use of local woodwork in its construction.

Landmark member Peter Wilson, who also serves on village council, says preserving and promoting Lisbon's history and historical buildings is a key component of their downtown revitalization efforts.

"We are one of the oldest village in the state, with an amazing architecture and history. If we can capitalize on that we can have a vibrant historical downtown that will generate jobs, which means more tax revenue and better public services," he said.

tgiambroni@mojonews.com