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Architect seeks to save Lane Homestead

Old blacksmith shop is where library donor learned his trade.

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12:11 AM Monday, February 6, 2012

By Richard O Jones

Staff Writer

A local architect is trying to drum up some enthusiasm to save a regional landmark.

Larry Pyle, from Urban Vision and Design in Hamilton’s Lindenwald neighborhood, met last week with representatives from the Cincinnati Preservation Association and Citizens for Historic and Preservation Services, a Butler County organization that advocates saving historic buildings, at the Lane Homestead on Miles Road near U.S. 127, just north of Mount Healthy, to examine an old blacksmith’s shop on the property.

The limestone structure, built in 1815, is significant to the people of Hamilton and Butler counties because it is where Clark Lane learned the blacksmithing trade that would lead him to become a prominent industrialist and benefactor as the man who gave the city a library.

“In his autobiography, he recalls working the billows for his father when he was 6 or 8 years old,” Pyle said.

But without some immediate attention, the roof of the building in Springfield Twp. could collapse at any time, adding some urgency to the project that Pyle has been pursuing for several years.

“The building is in trouble,” said Hamilton contractor Robert J. Saurber. “I’m concerned about the sag in the roof. It’s evident there are roof joists that have buckled. If we get a heavy snow, there may not be anything left but a hole. Time is definitely of the essence.”

“I think anybody interested in local history would want to see this restored,” said CHAPS board member Howard Dirksen. “CHAPS isn’t really set up to handle things outside of Butler County, but we are interested in preservation and have consulted on projects outside of the county.”

The Clark Lane connection is but one point of historical interest, however. There is evidence that the Lane home was a stop on the Underground Railroad that helped slaves to freedom prior to the Civil War, and Obed Hussey, inventor of the mechanical reaper, used the Lane farm to test his invention, using the blacksmith shop to forge parts.

The property also includes a farmhouse built in the 1850s and a barn built in the 1940s that was once used as the Linden Barn Playhouse. Hamilton County’s only covered bridge is also nearby.

While there are many interested stakeholders in saving the historical structures, Pyle said it’s been difficult to find an organization to step in and see it through.

The Lane Libraries would like to see the property restored, but such projects lie outside the libraries’ mission, according to spokeswoman Carrie Mancuso.

“We certainly support the idea of preservation and we have soft spot in our hearts for Clark Lane, but unfortunately that’s not why we’re here,” she said. “We have helped the effort by providing them information to help them along, but for the library to provide money would be an inappropriate use of our funds.”

The owner of the property died recently, Pyle said, and the heirs to the estate “are not insensitive to the historic issues,” but had plans to develop the property that did not include saving the buildings.

“The executor is open (to saving them), but needs to see other parties interested in seeing these buildings preserved,” Pyle said.

The executor of the estate could not be reached for comment.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2188 or rjones@coxohio.com.

Lane Homestead

Built in 1815, it is where Clark Lane learned the blacksmithing trade. Lane’s success in this trade allowed him to fund the city’s library.

There is evidence the home was a stop on the Underground Railroad.

Obed Hussey, inventor of the mechanical reaper, used the Lane farm to test his invention.

A barn built in the 1940s was once used as the Linden Barn Playhouse.

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