Program Description
Event Details
When Gideon Granger arrived in the area that would become Jefferson in 1803, he found an inhospitable land of dense forest, harsh winters, and sultry, humid summers. Even the most basic supplies were a day’s journey away. However, the former US postmaster general saw the potential in this land that he named for the president he had served, Thomas Jefferson.
The city would later become the center of the US abolitionist movement in the pre–Civil War years as well as the seat of Ashtabula County government when the county was formed in 1808. Nearby Rock Creek, organized in 1819, never grew as big as its neighbor. However, the village is home to a Civil War cemetery, a picturesque creekside park, and one of Ohio’s most talented chainsaw artists. Roaming Shores, a lakeside residential community with hundreds of homes, was created in 1966–1967 when the Rock Creek dam was constructed, forming the largest private-access lake in Ohio.
"Around Jefferson" tells the story of Ashtabula's county seat and the surrounding communities from the days of Gideon Granger to the present--the people, the structures, the church communities...and the impact that Jefferson has had on Northeast Ohio, the United States, and the world.
About Sandy
Sandy Mitchell Pavick has lived in northeast Ohio for more than 25 years. She is a full-time writer and is the author of four previous titles for Arcadia Publishing, including "Historic Churches of Ashtabula County", published in 2024. For this book, Pavick has amassed images, many of which have never been published, from dozens of private archives as well as from Jefferson area libraries, museums, and historical societies. Sandy lives back in the woods, in Harpersfield Township with her husband, Steve, rescue Chow and two cats. She is currently at work on her sixth book.
Sandy Mitchell Pavick
Sr Warden, Christ Episcopal Church, Geneva, Ohio
*Author of “Cleveland’s Little Italy”, “Cleveland’s Slavic Village”, “Historic Churches of Ashtabula County” and
"Images of America: Painesville"
*Coming May 18, 2026: "Jefferson, Rock Creek and Roaming Shores"
*Coming in 2027: "Images of America: Clarion, PA"
Things to Know
Author Talk Disclaimer
The views expressed by presenters are their own and their appearance in a program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Ashtabula County District Library.
Walk-Ins Welcome
Walk-ins are welcome when space is available.