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Chagrin Falls
Beauty was not the prime consideration of the founders of the Village of Chagrin Falls. They were attracted more by the clear river, with its large and small waterfalls, and the towering timbers of its virgin forests. These represented sources of power for mills, and lumber for buildings .The present serenity of our tree-lined streets, well kept houses and charming shops do not suggest our beginnings as a bustling mill town. Yet our destiny was to evolve from a manufacturing town to a peaceful and friendly residential community.

The early settlers were God-fearing, hard working people looking for greater opportunities for their families, and so they were interested in the lands of the Western Reserve. They came predominantly from New England and England, the last part of their journey by canal boat, wagon, or on foot.

First they built shelter for their families. Then they went about the task of establishing mills and small factories. Soon they began meeting together to worship God according to their personal inclinations in homes, or "over a store", until congregations could be established. The Methodist Church on South Franklin Street dates from those early days (1844). It originally stood across the street from its present location.

The waterfalls along the river were soon harnessed to run a variety of enterprises ranging from saw mills, flour, woolen and paper mills, to a foundry, and factories for making axes and woodenware. In the years after it was incorporated in 1844, the Village had all the hallmarks of a mill town, including muddy streets and saloons. Of the many mills from those busy days, only one, a paper mill exists today.

As mill owners prospered, they replaced their early homes with more impressive ones, often moving their first homes to other lots. The classic brick house of foundry owner J. W. Williams on South Franklin Street replaced an earlier home which was moved to the street behind. Today, architectural variety lends charm to the Village. Much of this is due to the preservation and restoration of its homes. Many of the Village's homes are listed in the Ohio Historical Inventory.

Chagrin Falls has evolved from a manufacturing town, to a center for the surrounding farms (1930), to the prosperous suburban community that it is today. People are still drawn to Chagrin Falls, where history can be felt, the river still makes its eternal trips through town, and the waterfalls exert their age old fascination.