SHPA Series: Space for Place

http://blogs.nationaltrust.org/preservationnation/?p=8411

The Cozad-Bates House: a Journey to Freedom

by Guest Writer on February 12th, 2010

Written by Kerry Adams

Constructed in three phases between 1853 and 1872, the Italianate Style Cozad-Bates House continues to present a commanding presence along busy Mayfield Road in Cleveland’s University Circle neighborhood. Previously owned by University Hospitals, the building had been chopped into 18 apartments and then left vacant for many years. Without the benefit of local landmark status or any preservation protections, the house seemed destined for a very uncertain future as development began to encroach upon the area.

The rescue and renaissance of the Cozad-Bates House was long an ambition of the Cleveland Landmarks Commission and the Cleveland Restoration Society, a Local Partner of the National Trust, but the effort really picked up steam in 2003 through the heroic efforts of 73-year old Joan Southgate, who raised the profile of the property’s potential involvement in the Underground Railroad (UGRR) during the 1850s. Scholarly research provided insight that not only was Cleveland a hotbed of UGRR activity, but nearby neighbors Horatio and Cyrus Ford were safe house operators. Since the Cozad family were also known abolitionists, it appeared very probable that the original portion of the home may too have harbored slaves on their way to freedom in Canada.

To raise awareness about the importance of the Cozad-Bates House and Cleveland’s UGRR activity, Ms. Southgate, a social worker and activist, walked 519 miles along the trail blazed by slaves from Southern Ohio to Southeastern Canada. She founded the non-profit, Restore Cleveland Hope, carefully crafting the name to include the UGRR’s historic code name for Cleveland – “Hope.” Her mission evolved into classes and workshops which involved participants in UGRR safe-house re-enactments. Joan chronicled her journey in the book, In Their Path.

The tide continued to turn in 2004, with the support of late United States Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, former Cleveland Mayor Jane Campbell, and various city and county officials who urged University Hospitals to maintain the house and expansive lawn as a monument to Cleveland’s Underground Railroad legacy.

In April 2006, University Hospitals finally transferred ownership of the property to University Circle Incorporated, a community development corporation that has worked in partnership with Restore Cleveland Hope and the Cleveland Restoration Society to restore the building as an Underground Railroad learning center. Over the past three years, the Cozad-Bates House has become a Local Cleveland Landmark and the exterior has been secured. A recent grant from the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission will fund complete roof replacement and restoration of the house’s signature cupola. On-going fundraising by Southgate and UCI will pave the way for a historic structure report and feasibility study.

Kerry Adams is a Senior Historic Preservation Specialist at the Cleveland Restoration Society

As forwarded by M. Ogle