Glendale - Past and Present

In 1851 the Village of Glendale began as the idea of two local entrapenauers, George Crawford and Henery Clark who envisioned an idylic country community with railroad access to Mill Creek valley industries and downtown Cincinnati as well as points north. They formed the Glendale Association of thirty prominent citizens and adopted a town plan that was designed around the existing topography instead of a grid. Building started immediately and Glendale incorporated as a village in 1855.

Abolotionist sentiments were strong in the area that was to become Glendale. In 1842 a local preacher, John VanZant, was arrested and convicted for his efforts to aid escaping slaves. Legend has it that many homes in Glendale were used to harbor escaping slaves but only a little hard evidence remains. In 1863 Morgan's Raiders drove through Glendale under cover of darkness, regrouped on the east side and continued on their raid after breaking into the railroad depot and telegraphing false information to Union troops.

Glendale's unique street plan and architectural heritage is chronicled in books published from 1869 to today. Once a country suburb of Cincinnati reached only by rail, the Village is now situated in the bustling Millcreek Valley, near major industrial, financial, and shopping centers. Stimulated by the aesthetic qualities of the Village, its residents have not settled for the mediocre. Parks, public services, and schools are maintained to the highest standards. The Princeton City School District serving Glendale has national distinction for its advanced curriculum and comprehensive programs. The grade, middle, and high schools are within walking distance of the Village center. A choice of housing, new or historic, modest or stately, with apartments and condominiums included, accommodates those having a variety of needs and interests. A unique rapport and mutual respect, evident at social gatherings here, exists between residents of all ages and background, adding greatly to the friendly, informal mood of the village. Indeed, a sense of concern, belonging, and pride in the community grows with one's length of residence.

Maintaining the National Historic Landmark District

Since unsuitably styled new construction or inappropriate alteration of existing structures will jeopardize the District's National Register listing and National Historic Landmark designation, the GHP works to keep residents informed of their duty to respect this historical village. However, this designation offers many benefits to local homeowners. Significant houses and buildings within and adjacent to the Historic District boundaries, in addition to having access to special tax benefits for their owners in some cases, are protected from such things as unwanted highway projects. These significant properties are also eligible for restoration and repair grants. Glendale's National Historic Landmark status implies continuing community awareness of this special architectural environment. The Village council supports the work of Glendale Heritage Preservation in instructing newcomers that preservation is a responsibility to their neighbors and to the future.