Sheri Seroka

Sheri Seroka always felt an unspoken connection to the large white house on Stoney Ridge Road. This historic Greek Revival home, originally built in 1825 for Avon's first settlers, Wilbur and Priscilla Cahoon, was more than just a landmark; it was a piece of the town's history. When the city purchased the house from its most recent owner, Jean Fischer, Mayor Bryan Jensen asked Seroka for her help in protecting and restoring this vital piece of Avon’s heritage.

Her passion for history, design, and her hometown drove her to embark on a meticulous restoration project. “I love history, I love design, and I love Avon,” Seroka said, underscoring why she dedicated herself to reviving the house to its mid-1800s glory.

Seroka's restoration efforts were supported by two invaluable resources. Jean Fischer, who had lovingly maintained the house since the 1960s, provided crucial historical insights. Additionally, Donna Kelly-Sprinkle at the Avon Library guided Seroka to resources detailing 19th-century lifestyles. Armed with this knowledge, Seroka set about transforming the house back to its original state.

Community support played a pivotal role in the restoration. Seroka reached out to Lorain County residents for donations of period-appropriate furniture and household items. “Everything was donated by the generous community,” she noted. The donated pieces, many of which had been stored away in barns or basements for years, “needed a lot of love”, Seroka said.   So, she lovingly cleaned and restored items. A vintage Singer sewing machine and a Bissell sweeper were painstakingly cleaned, while furniture received a rejuvenating treatment of Murphy's Oil Soap and mineral oil.  She recalled seeing for the first time a huge quilt chest and commented,   “I could not make out any detail on it or even see what color it was.”

Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, Seroka’s dedication never wavered. She continued working on the restoration from home, often traveling long distances to collect items and ensure authenticity. Her efforts culminated in a home that not only reflects the life of an 1800s farm family but also tells a story through every meticulously restored artifact.

Highlights of the restoration include the original organ from Holy Trinity Church, which survived a tornado in the early 1900s, and a striking stone fireplace in the kitchen, above which hangs a Civil War-era muzzleloading rifle. Each room of the house is furnished with period-appropriate items that bring the past to life for visitors.

Today, the Cahoon House stands as a testament to Seroka’s dedication and the town’s rich history. Mayor Jensen praised Seroka’s exceptional work, noting that the Cahoon House has become a symbol of Avon’s origins and growth. “Sheri’s commitment to the restoration of the Cahoon House surpassed my high expectations,” Jensen said. “Her meticulous attention to detail and deep respect for the home’s history were nothing short of remarkable. The city of Avon is grateful to Sheri for her contributions to preserving and celebrating our city’s history.”

Seroka continues to share her passion for the Cahoon House through private tours while managing her roles as a business development consultant for the city and co-owner of Wild Iris, a home décor store with her daughter, Ashley. Thanks to her tireless efforts, the Cahoon House remains a shining example of Avon’s heritage, where residents and visitors alike can connect with the past and appreciate the enduring beauty of this historical landmark.