Did I Really Do This

Samuel Hannaford Connection

This is why I love history. I was researching Spring Grove Cemtery for our bicycle trip there on Wednesday. I was intrigued by the information that Samuel Hannaford, architect of Music Hall, City Hall, and the Observatory at Mt. Lookout, designed the chapel at the historic cemetery. We love the Observatory, and have toured that multiple times. Inspired, I then went further on the internet and researched the architect. He was most prolific, and near the end of the list of grand buildings that he inspired, was a Middletown connection. Hannaford not only designed the Sorg Mansion and Sorg Opera House, but also the First United Methodist Church. Who would have guessed? But look at the following photos. The chapel at Spring Grove was built in 1880, our church in 1890.