Solon

About Solon  Country : United States of America State : Ohio County : Cuyahoga Population:22,335  (estimated population - July 2005)  The city of Solon is located 18 miles southeast from Public Square in Cleveland, Ohio.  The story of Solon begins much the same as other places throughout northeast Ohio, as a surveyed but unnamed wilderness parcel in the Connecticut Western Reserve Territory. The first settlers to arrive were a sea captain, Jason Robbins, and merchant, Isaac "Samuel" Bull, who came here from Connecticut in 1820. The township of Solon acquired its name from Isaac’s son, Lorenzo Solon Bull. The immediate area was marshy and it was necessary to clear and drain it before corn and wheat could be planted as staple crops. The arrival of additional settlers prompted the establishment of the first school in Solon in 1822, with seven pupils. By 1850 the population of Solon had grown to over 1,000. By then, cheesemaking had become an important part of the economy of this  area. The coming of the railroads contributed further to Solon's growth. In 1857, the Cleveland-Youngstown section of the Cleveland & Mahoning Railroad opened a route through Solon.  A village grew up around the main crossroads in the township, and it was incorporated as the Village of Solon in 1917. Agricultural activity slowly faded away as commerce and industry became the new engines of the local economy. Today, more than 150 businesses have located in Solon, ranging in size from small shops to industries employing over 1,000. With a steady rise in population, Solon grew to achieve city status in 1961.  Completion of a freeway connection to Cleveland since then has stimulated such a rapid residential expansion that Solon has had to restrain it by adopting zoning restrictions governing minimum lot sizes. The bandstand at Solon that is pictured here was built along the main road at the old village center. It reflects an older, more sedate era in the history of the village and has always been a prominent landmark within the community.   With the rapid growth in recent years and its demands on administration of the city, a new civic center was built. Public entertainment functions once centered at the bandstand are now held at this vastly larger facility. Although the old bandstand stands idle in retirement, it is nonetheless a picturesque reflection of the community spirit that continues here, and remains a beloved historic landmark. More information Crédits Links Pictures and information Vic Cooke pbase Artist Vic Cooke To see it on Google-Earth Lattitude : 41.388  Longitude : -81.438