Spring Hill Historic Home
Spring Hill Historic Home stands as a beautifully preserved window into pioneer life and social reform in early 19th-century Ohio. Built in 1821 by Quaker settlers Thomas and Charity Rotch, this Federal-style brick home is not only an architectural treasure but also a powerful historical site that played a significant role in the Underground Railroad, helping countless enslaved people on their journey to freedom.
Why It's Special
Spring Hill's exceptional historical significance stems from its authentic preservation and compelling human stories. As one of Northeast Ohio's most intact examples of early 19th-century architecture, the home remains largely as it was when the Rotch family lived there, with original floors, woodwork, and family possessions. Beyond its architectural value, Spring Hill's documented role as an Underground Railroad station makes it a place where visitors can connect with the moral courage of those who risked everything to fight against slavery. The home's peaceful rural setting, complete with nature trails and gardens, provides a tranquil backdrop for contemplating this pivotal chapter in American history.
Historical Significance
The Rotch Family Legacy
- Thomas and Charity Rotch, wealthy Quaker settlers from New England
- Established Kendal, one of Ohio's earliest planned communities based on Quaker principles
- Created the region's first merino sheep farm, revolutionizing local agriculture
- Known for progressive views on equality, education, and abolition
- Their adopted daughter Arvine Wales Hodge and her family maintained the home for generations
Underground Railroad Connection
Spring Hill's role in the fight against slavery is well-documented:
- Authenticated Underground Railroad station with hidden spaces
- Part of the National Park Service's Network to Freedom
- Estimated to have sheltered over 40 freedom seekers
- Connected to other regional Underground Railroad sites
- The Rotches' detailed journals provide rare first-person accounts of assistance efforts
Visitor Experience
House Tour Highlights
The guided tour takes visitors through the home's original rooms:
- Formal Parlor: Features original Federal-style furnishings and family portraits
- Family Dining Room: Set with period china and household items
- Kitchen: Authentic 1820s cooking implements and food preparation areas
- Bedchambers: Outfitted with handmade quilts and period furniture
- Hidden Spaces: Areas that may have sheltered freedom seekers
- Library: Housing Thomas Rotch's extensive book collection
Grounds and Outbuildings
The property's 20 acres include:
- 1.5-mile nature trail through meadows and woodlands
- Historic gardens with period-appropriate plantings
- Original spring that gave the property its name
- Reconstructed summer kitchen
- Historic barn foundation
- Picnic area available for visitors
Educational Programs
Spring Hill offers extensive educational opportunities:
- School Tours: Curriculum-based programs for grades K-12
- Pioneer Life Workshops: Hands-on activities showcasing 19th-century skills
- Underground Railroad Programs: Age-appropriate lessons on slavery and resistance
- Summer History Camps: Immersive experiences for children
- Teacher Resources: Lesson plans and classroom materials available
- Scout Programs: Merit badge and patch activities
Special Events
Throughout the year, Spring Hill hosts a variety of engaging events:
- Spring Hill Folk Festival: Annual celebration with music, crafts, and demonstrations
- Lantern Tours: Evening tours in October focusing on the site's Underground Railroad history
- Old-Fashioned Christmas: Holiday decorations and traditions of the 1800s
- History Hikes: Guided nature walks highlighting the property's natural history
- Afternoon Teas: Victorian-style refreshments and social history presentations
- Hearth Cooking Demonstrations: Traditional food preparation using historical methods
Plan Your Visit
Tour Information
- Guided tours last approximately 60-75 minutes
- Tours begin on the hour with the last tour starting at 3pm
- Reservations recommended for groups of 8 or more
- Special themed tours offered seasonally (check website)
Best Times to Visit
- Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for touring
- October features special Lantern Tours focusing on Underground Railroad history
- December showcases traditional 19th-century Christmas decorations
- Summer months include additional children's activities and demonstrations
Tips for Visitors
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking through the house and grounds
- Allow at least 2 hours to tour the home and explore the property
- Combine with a visit to nearby Massillon Museum for a full day of history
- Check the events calendar for special activities during your visit
- The gift shop offers unique locally made items and historical reproductions
Nearby Attractions
While in the area, consider visiting:
- Massillon Museum (15-minute drive)
- Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail (10-minute drive)
- Downtown Massillon Historic District (15-minute drive)
- Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake (20-minute drive)
- Wilderness Center nature preserve (25-minute drive)
Getting There
Spring Hill Historic Home is located on the northeast side of Massillon. From downtown Massillon, take Erie Street N to Walnut Road NE, then turn right onto Spring Hill Lane NE. The property entrance is marked with signs. Free parking is available in the designated lot, with overflow parking available for special events.
Preservation Efforts
Spring Hill is operated by the Spring Hill Historic Home, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the property and sharing its stories. After remaining in the Wales family (descendants of the Rotches) for 150 years, the home was established as a museum in 1973. Ongoing preservation efforts follow strict historical guidelines to maintain the home's authentic appearance and structural integrity. The organization relies on admission fees, donations, memberships, and volunteer support to continue its mission of education and preservation.
