PAINESVILLE, OH, February 17, 2022 – The Lake County Board of Commissioners has proclaimed February as “James A. Garfield” month in Lake County. “It is an honor to dedicate this month to the life and legacy of James A. Garfield. We are proud to recognize Lake County as his home for several years until his untimely death,” said Commissioner John Hamercheck.
As the last of the log cabin presidents, James A. Garfield was born in Cuyahoga County in 1831 and made Ohio his home for all but his college years. In 1876, while serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, he and his wife Lucretia purchased their farm in Mentor, referred to as Lawnfield, named for the many reporters camped out on the lawns around the house. Shortly thereafter, Garfield began to expand their home to accommodate their five children who they taught how to farm. During a three-year period, the home was enlarged from nine rooms to 20, a porch was added onto the front, and the interior was refurbished.
“The life of James Garfield was tragically cut short, but beyond impactful. From humble beginnings, President Garfield attacked political corruption and changed the United States and the entire world in his roles as Minister, Professor, State Senator, Congressman, General, and President. That is why his fellow Lake Countians admire President Garfield to this day,” said Commissioner John Plecnik. Please click here to view the entire press release. Please click here to view the resolution.
