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Cleveland Metroparks finally agreed to let our professional team start the restoration work on Henry Church Rock. Seeing them clear away the overgrowth and reveal those carvings again is a dream come true for my family and everyone who cherished this history. We will be keeping a close eye on …

September 29, 2022

Save Henry Church Rock

Save Henry Church Rock

🏆 Won — 389 supporters Verified

Final supporters

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Karen a.
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Ruth M.
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Danielle S.
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Someone
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Lisa G.
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Karen S.
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Lynne S.
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Marlies G.
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Joy W.
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Ellen T.
+379 more
WC
Started by William Church 4 years, 2 months ago

Please sign this petition to SAVE Henry Church Rock. PLEASE DO NOT DONATE NOW. This massive and magnificent sculpture, on the banks of the Chagrin River in Ohio, has deteriorated to a point where action must be taken NOW, so this work of art isn’t lost forever. Henry Church, Jr. carved the sculpture in 1885, on land now owned by Cleveland Metroparks. Henry was a self-taught artist who became one of the great folk artists in American history. His works, in various media, are featured in museums and private collections around the country.

Once called Squaw Rock, and now Henry Church Rock, it was a visual way of portraying his anger at the way Native Americans had been treated. More than 135 years later, it has become an iconic piece of culture and an acclaimed work of art. Moss, lichen and weeds have overtaken the sculpture due to a lack of maintenance by Cleveland Metroparks.

A simple cleaning of the Rock and trimming of plants that prevent sunlight from reaching the Rock is all that is currently needed. We need Metroparks to allow these basic actions. They know we will cover the cost by raising funds and that labor will be provided by professional conservators we will pay. Your signature, along with others, will show Cleveland MetroParks the growing support for the urgent need to SAVE Henry Church Rock.

Updates

Reached 250 supporters

July 28, 2022

July 25, 2022

Seeing one hundred people recognize the importance of this carving means the world to me. I grew up visiting this rock and the thought of losing these carvings to neglect is heartbreaking. Let's keep this momentum going until the park officials acknowledge the urgency of the situation.

Reached 100 supporters

July 25, 2022

July 24, 2022

Seeing the count climb toward one hundred signatures reminds me how much this sculpture still means to our community. We need just a few more people to join in so I can show the Metroparks officials that this history is worth saving.

90 Comments

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Marlies Gibson
3 years ago Featured

I remember visiting this when I was a young girl, late 69’s early 70’s. I’m sorry to say that I did not appreciate the detail that has been lost. This is worth saving!

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Johanna Hamm
4 years ago Featured

Such an important part of our history in this region. The Metroparks were culturally sensitive enough to change the name, I expect they they have the foresight and will step up to do what's necessary to save it.

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Christine Wallis
4 years ago Featured

Cleveland Metroparks...Allow conscientious citizens to maintain the Henry Church Rock. What do you have to lose? WE have much to lose.

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Janice Cook Swanson
4 years ago Featured

CFHS ‘76, born and raised in Chagrin Hiked many times over to “ Squaw Rock” Please allow this iconic landmark to be saved!

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Edie Johnson
4 years ago Featured

Please MetroParks, save and preserve this historic and popular landmark! It's been years since I have seen it, and I am appalled at it deterioration. I now live in NH, and have never seen anything like this in NE. It is so unique!

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Kathryn Church Frisoli
4 years ago Featured

Our relative, Henry Church, Jr., created this sculpture, & it continues to be an important landmark to our family & many others. Please preserve it!

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Cathy Skipper Strzempka
4 years ago

My parents lived on Solon Rd near the park entrance and we grew up hiking here all the time, I'm very sad to see what's happened to it over the years!

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Mary jefferson
4 years ago

It should be saved for our history..our children and grandchildren please save this monument of history Mr church deserves it