Cross-Tipped Churches - Dave’s Midwestern Ohio Memories

A Series of Guest Blogs by an out-of-state Fish Report reader originally from this area about fond memories of growing up in Midwestern Ohio during the 50’s & 60’s

Cross-Tipped Churches

My Aunt Liz recently passed away at age 84 and her obituary included a reference to her ancestors who were Ohio church architects. Turns out her great-great grandfather, Anton DeCurtins, designed 7 churches included in the Ohio Scenic Byway designated as the Land of the Cross-Tipped Churches. And his sons and grandson were the architects for 5 more after Anton retired. All 12 churches are listed at this link and have been named to the National Register of Historic Places including Aunt Liz’s birth parish, Holy Trinity Church in Coldwater pictured above.

Ohio Scenic Byway - Land of the Crossed-Tipped Churches

Putting two & two together, it’s really no surprise Aunt Liz was descended from such talented ancestors. She attended the University of Dayton where she received a degree in fine arts. Aunt Liz was a gifted pianist, teaching piano lessons as a teenager and young adult to help pay for college. Upon graduation, she began her career as an interior decorator in Cincinnati.

Later, after getting married to my Uncle Gene and moving to Highland Park, Illinois, she started a small art design business creating public art on commission, most notably outdoor banners for the city of Highland Park, the Ravinia Music Festival and a suspended sculpture for Chicago’s Water Tower Landmark museum.

I recall as a young boy in the ’50’s attending their wedding at Holy Trinity Church. This wedding photo was taken in front of the church.

The wedding ceremony was held in the morning, followed by a luncheon at a local restaurant and then everyone adjourned to Liz’s parents home for the afternoon reception (weddings in those days were held between the dairy farmers' morning and evening milkings). To the best of my recollection, pictured below is their family house where the reception was held, which clearly shows the architectural flair of her parents. I recall the home had a koi pond in the back and needless to say, we kids found the gold fish fascinating. My Mother was really upset at me for getting my suit and shoes all wet from splashing around the pond.

Liz and Gene had two children, so she naturally channeled her many talents to her children’s schools while serving the community in a variety of ways, including as president of the PTA, president of Tri-Con Child Care Center, a day-care center that served underprivileged children; president of Family Service Center of Lake County, IL., an interfaith social service agency; and as an active volunteer at a Waukegan soup kitchen.

In 1980, we had the opportunity to visited Liz and Gene at their beautiful log home in Highland Park, IL This photo clearly shows the log siding and the majestic white grand piano Liz would play so masterfully for us.

A celebration of Aunt Liz’s life will be held this Saturday at Coldwater’s Holy Trinity Church. Interment will be at nearby St. Elizabeth Catholic Cemetery in Coldwater. Aunt Liz, rest in peace and thanks for the memories!