David M Giunta is from Elyria, OH. This is a city found in the Greater Cleveland area. It is also Lorain County’s county seat. The city is found in the northeast of the state, along the forks of the Black River. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, it is home to some 54,533 individuals. The city was named after Heman Ely, its founder.
A Brief History
David Giunta still sees Elyria as home. The village was founded by Heman Ely in 1817, who built a sawmill, gristmill, dam, and log house on the banks of the Black River. As European-American settlers came to the area, Ely built more houses. In 1852, Ely died by his town of Elyria had three grocery stores, five churches, a newspaper, three flour mills, and a population exceeding 1,500 people. Artemis Beebe, a horse rider, was left responsible for the postal delivery service, which he did along the Black River.
By the late 19th century, some 8,000 people lived in Elyria. The Elyria Memorial Hospital was constructed in 1908. Since then, it has become a regional healthcare system with numerous awards. Retail businesses and manufacturing plants were also developed.
Midway Mall opened in August 1967. This changed the economy of the city, causing too much competition. Due to industrial restructuring, many businesses and their jobs left the area. Poverty started to rise significantly. During the 70s and 80s, many communities were affected by three major closings of car plants. After this, the entire area started to be called “the Rustbelt”. A small revival happened in the 1990s, however, when new housing and roads were constructed. It became a bedroom community for Cleveland, where much of the work is it.
Unfortunately, times continue to be rough for Elyria. 3M, Riddell, and Bendix all closed its doors, moving elsewhere. In March 2016, Issue 6 was passed by voters, which increased income tax in the city. In so doing, internet, parks, and police could continue to be paid for. Meanwhile, State Route 57 was reconstructed and new hotels have been built to encourage new economy. Additionally, renovations are taking place on the Lorian County Courthouse, hoping to draw more attention to this beautiful building.
Elyria celebrates its 200 year anniversary in 2017. To celebrate this, and to aim to make the city more attractive once again, developments are taking place to attract restaurants and small businesses to downtown area. So far, it seems the city is in the grips of a revival and hope atmosphere, seeing their city effectively being rebuilt to its former glory.
Giunta didn’t spend most of his life in Elyria. However, for him, it will always be home. It was here that he grew up and here where the fondest memories he has of his father and mother will once again coma alive. He wants to make sure that he can be involved in regeneration of the area, thereby ensuring it continues to be a wonderful place to raise a family.