For those who discover The Singletary House Museum, their first words are often, “I never knew this was here!” After that initial discovery, people refer to it as “Streetsboro’s hidden gem” according to Pearl Pullman, Vice President of the museum.
The museum is a two-story white house with black shutters that sits peacefully behind Walmart at 975 Singletary Drive near the Ohio Turnpike. The house itself has been part of Streetsboro for nearly 200 years.
It was originally constructed on the northwest corner of the town square in 1828 and became the home of American Civil War veteran Col. John Singletary. Streetsboro historian Mike Kuhstos says, “What makes it significant is that it’s the oldest frame house still standing in Streetsboro.”
The Singletary House Museum has survived a fascinating history. “The Singletary family had the house for almost sixty-eight years. Over the years the house had 9 different owners” says Kuhstos. In 1971, when it appeared the house was set to be destroyed, Streetsboro officials spearheaded a drive to relocate and save the house. After the fundraising efforts were exhausted, it appeared the house was doomed,
Streetsboro High School Mark Defer felt the house was worth saving so he developed a plan. Mark discussed his plan with his parents, Henry and Betty Defer, pitching the idea that his family cover the expenses, take ownership of the house, and relocate it. Mark then took it upon himself to reach out to Streetsboro Mayor Bob French, and before long the house was put on a truck and cautiously moved 1.5 miles up state Route 14 to the Defer farm where it sat on a hill overlooking the highway.
The Defer family made renovations to the house and a short time later, moved in. Henry and Betty Defer owned the house until 1983 when Henry passed away. At that point Mark took ownership and was the last private owner of the nearly century old home.
In 2006, the Defer family agreed to donate the Singletary House (and the nearly 10 acres of land) to the Streetsboro Historical Foundation.
In 2007, when Walmart bought the Defer property, the house again was scheduled to be destroyed. But once again, an effort was made to save it. Walmart donated $60,000 to move the house for a second time, this time to the back of the property where it currently sits as the Singletary House Museum.
In spite of its age and being moved to different locations, part of the original 1828 construction remains. If you go upstairs, you can still see some of the original wooden logs that were used to hold up the roof.
When you visit the museum and enter through the side door you will meet Pullman in the kitchen. As she walks you through the house, you will see artifacts such as an old telephone switchboard, period furniture, an original hand-drawn map of the State of Ohio drawn by local school teacher Rufus Putman in 1804.
Pullman delights in relating in-depth stories about the people and buildings that have been part of the city's history over the decades. She tells of a Christmas tree, donated by resident Roy Pierce on Diagonal Road, that was selected as the White House Christmas Tree by President Richard Nixon. She also tells tales of the Seneca Indians who had their headquarters along the Cuyahoga River and lived and hunted in the area where the current Streetsboro High School is located.
When asked what amazes people most when they come to explore the history of Streetsboro, Pullman says it’s the stories about the house and its role as a station of the underground railroad in the early 1800s.
Meanwhile, the house, built in 1828, is soon set to reach its two-hundredth birthday. “We have another celebration right around the corner,” says Kuhstos.
Listen to the full conversation with Kuhstos: https://streetsborothatsmytown.transistor.fm/
The Singletary House Museum is open to the public the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month from 1pm to 3pm and by appointment by contacting Pullman at pearlp50@yahoo.com. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.