For Immediate Release
November 6, 2001
 

      COLUMBUS  ----State Sen. Randy Gardner today announced that a verbal
"agreement in spirit" has been reached between St. Joseph's Church and the
citizens committee striving to preserve a home that was an integral part of
the Underground Railroad network 150 years ago.

     Gardner, chairman of the citizens group, said the mutual goal is to
preserve the house and relocate it to another site near the current
property.  Independently, the citizens group and a committee representing
St. Joseph's Church met Tuesday morning and agreed that the "process for
preserving the house" would move forward.

     "As a former history teacher, I am especially pleased that this
challenge facing the Sylvania community can be resolved fairly," Gardner
said.  "We can respect the rights of the property owner while reaching the
goal of preserving a very important part of Sylvania's, Ohio's and America's
history."

     Gardner said a resolution adopted by Sylvania City Council Monday night
was helpful in bringing both sides together.  The resolution included moving
the house as an option in resolving concerns.

      "We must continue to work together to acquire needed funds in a timely
manner to complete this project," Gardner said.  "Clearly, the mutual goals
are achievable."