OBERLIN - The Wilson Bruce Evans Home Historical Society has a lot to celebrate this year.
Not only has it received $1.3 million in grants for rehabilitation of the historic home, but it is also the 200th birthday of the man himself, Wilson Bruce Evans.
"We are celebrating the restoring of this beautiful home, the fact that it has been named a National Landmark, and the things we still want to do, like the immersive grounds park," said Carol Lasser, director of the Wilson Bruce Evans Home Historical Society.
The African-American Wilson Bruce Evans was born a free man in 1824 in North Carolina, moving to Oberlin with his wife and opening a cabinet-making shop with his brother. A strong supporter of the abolitionists, he took part in the famous Oberlin-Wellington Rescue, an incident that has given rise to Oberlin's reputation as "the town that started the Civil War."
The home he lived in on Mill Street, since renamed Vine Street, is now the Wilson Bruce Evans Home Historical Society.
Restoration of the front porch of the home was completed in early summer, but work on the grounds is far from complete.
"It has been our dream to rehabilitate this 175-year old home," Lasser said. "Now, we know we can do it. We are in the planning phases of the immersive park and are working with a landscaping group out of Cleveland. We are really excited about what we'll be able to do so from daylight to dawn, 365 days a year, people will be able to view the site and see the long struggle for racial justice laid out before them."
The celebration begins at 11 a.m. Sept. 14 with the annual meeting, which will include remarks from Oberlin's state representative and senator. A book presentation will be made to the Oberlin Schools and three community members will be honored for their work toward racial justice. And, of course, there will be cake.
"This is a time for us to think about where we have been and where we are going, along with some celebration," Lasser said. "The community has been so involved and have been so excited for the Evans House. This is really a community project and we are thrilled with the outpouring of support over the years."
Lasser hopes the project will be a boost to the city's already storied reputation.
"Our hope is that Oberlin will become the premiere Black Heritage Tourism destination in our region," she said.
Contact Christina Jolliffe at ctnews@chroniclet.com.