Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor

Since 2004

Tag: Loveland Post Office

  • [VIDEO] William Cobb Way – Current Affairs meets Black History

    [VIDEO] William Cobb Way – Current Affairs meets Black History

    This photo of William (Bill) Cobb is prominently displayed at the Loveland Museum Center

    David Miller

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – When Jim Grethel found out that a new street would be created due to a roundabout being installed along Loveland Madeira Road he appeared at the January 28 council meeting and asked that it be named “William Cobb Way”. A unanimous vote of the Council approved Grethel’s suggestion to pay tribute to the life of the remarkable  “Uncle Bill” as he was known.

    In the LOVELAND MAGAZINE VIDEO below you can watch Grethel making his case.

    William (Bill) Cobb was a prominent Black businessman and community leader. It would be difficult to gauge what made Mr. Cobb more legendary: the general store he operated where the Loveland Post Office is now located, or his generosity and philanthropy. The quite famous general store, which William and his wife Mary operated for more than 50 years, was demolished when the current post office was built.

    Cobb was born in 1891 and arrived in Loveland in 1856. He passed away in 1967.

    Mr. William Cobb (driving) in a photo in front of Cobbs Store. (Photo from the collection of the Loveland Museum Center)
    The famous, and to many older Loveland residents the familiar, cooking stove from Cobbs Store. (The stove is prominently displayed at the Loveland Museum Center)
    Archived photo by David Miller

    Until July 4, 2021, a tall Norway spruce stood at the exit of the Loveland Post Office to honor Mr. Cobb. The Loveland Christmas Tree was lit annually with lights until it began losing it’s needles. The tree was the victim of ants, canker disease, and finally a chainsaw. The tree became known as Loveland’s Christmas Tree but to many older residents, it was always “Mr. Cobb’s Tree”. There was a plaque at the base of the tree, however, it was lost when the tree was cut down.

    From the archives of the Loveland Museum Center

    [pdf-embedder url=”https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Ordinance-approving-the-naming-of-roadway-as-William-Cobb-Way.pdf” title=”Ordinance approving the naming of roadway as William Cobb Way”]

    On July 4, 2021, as I was driving past the post office I saw Mr. Cobb’s Tree was laying on the ground. I turned around, went back to watch the arborist, and took some photos.

    Symmes Township resident Brian Griffin was doing the chainsawing, chipping, and grinding. I asked Brian if he would cut off a slice near the base so I could keep it for history’s sake. I had never met Mr. Cobb that I can remember, however, I have known for decades that his history and legacy are Loveland’s history and legacy.

    Brian was very generous with his conversation, skill, and his time.

    I plan to continue sanding the top, apply several coats of penetrating oil, and eventually attach a brass plate to remember and commemorate Mr. Cobb. I plan to keep it here at the Loveland Magazine office where when I die it will torment my wife,  children, and business partner Cassie Mattia wondering what to do with it!

    Griffin said the tree was probably dying from a canker disease caused by fungi that infect branches or the main stem of trees. He said not many spruce trees in our area will escape the infection and might soon be all gone.

    I thank Jim Grethel for all of the research he did and his initiative in honoring Mr. Cobb. Also, Loveland Museum Center Director Jenny Shives for her hospitality in finding their archived photos

     

  • Celebrate Love This Friday at the 2022 Valentine’s Breakfast!

    Celebrate Love This Friday at the 2022 Valentine’s Breakfast!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – What better way to celebrate love than by attending the annual Valentine’s Day breakfast this Friday! This honorary event will pay homage to the “Sweetheart of Ohio” and the community’s most loved individuals!

    On Friday, February 11th from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance (LMRCA) will be hosting the 2022 Valentine’s Day breakfast at the Oasis Conference Center. While enjoying a beautiful hot breakfast the LMRCA will be presenting to you the 2022 Valentine Lady, the Valentine Card Designer, the Poetry Contest Winners, and the Valentino Coloring Contest Winner. In addition to all the heartfelt fun, there will also be special entertainment! The cost for the event is $30. Platinum Chamber Members will be able to enjoy the Valentine’s Day breakfast for free. Sign up for the 2022 Valentine’s Day breakfast here.

    Jeannie Shumaker, the 2022 Valentine Lady, and Valentine’s Day Card designer Nancy Sullivan.

    Be sure to purchase your 2022 Valentine’s Day Cards designed by Nancy Sullivan from the LMRCA Office (113 Karl Brown Way 2nd floor), your favorite Valentine Lady, or any of the following local businesses:

    Valentine’s Day Cards are $1.50 each or you can purchase 4 for $5.

    Get Your Valentine’s Day Cards Stamped by the Valentine Ladies at the Loveland Post Office!

    Once you grab your Valentine’s Day Cards stop by the Loveland Post office anytime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. beginning on January 31st to get your cards officially stamped by the Loveland Valentine Ladies! Stamping will be available until February 12th.

    If you have any additional questions about the 2022 Valentine’s Day breakfast contact the LMRCA at 513-686-1544.

    Valentine’s Day Card designer Nancy Sullivan

    For more local event updates stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With ME, Cassie Mattia!

  • Celebrate Love at the 2022 Valentine’s Day Breakfast!

    Celebrate Love at the 2022 Valentine’s Day Breakfast!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – What better way to celebrate love than by attending the annual Valentine’s Day breakfast! This honorary event will pay homage to the “Sweetheart of Ohio” and the community’s most loved individuals!

    On Friday, February 11th from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance (LMRCA) will be hosting the 2022 Valentine’s Day breakfast at the Oasis Conference Center. While enjoying a beautiful hot breakfast the LMRCA will be presenting to you the 2022 Valentine Lady, the Valentine Card Designer, the Poetry Contest Winners, and the Valentino Coloring Contest Winner. In addition to all the heartfelt fun, there will also be special entertainment! The cost for the event is $30. Platinum Chamber Members will be able to enjoy the Valentine’s Day breakfast for free. Sign up for the 2022 Valentine’s Day breakfast here.

    Jeannie Shumaker, the 2022 Valentine Lady, and Valentine’s Day Card designer Nancy Sullivan.

    Be sure to purchase your 2022 Valentine’s Day Cards designed by Nancy Sullivan from the LMRCA Office (113 Karl Brown Way 2nd floor), your favorite Valentine Lady, or any of the following local businesses:

    Valentine’s Day Cards are $1.50 each or you can purchase 4 for $5.

    Get Your Valentine’s Day Cards Stamped by the Valentine Ladies at the Loveland Post Office!

    Once you grab your Valentine’s Day Cards stop by the Loveland Post office anytime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. beginning on January 31st to get your cards officially stamped by the Loveland Valentine Ladies! Stamping will be available until February 12th.

    If you have any additional questions about the 2022 Valentine’s Day breakfast contact the LMRCA at 513-686-1544.

    Valentine’s Day Card designer Nancy Sullivan

    For more local event updates stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With ME, Cassie Mattia!

  • What’s With All the Mulch at the Post Office?

    What’s With All the Mulch at the Post Office?

    by Cindy Kessler

    We’re laying the groundwork for pollinator gardens!  Next spring these mulched areas will be planted with native flower seedlings that will benefit pollinators and beautify the community. 

    In 2017, the U.S. Postal Service recognized the beauty and importance of pollinators with their Protect Pollinators stamps. Now, with the help of volunteers, the Loveland Post Office is putting that concept into action by turning swaths of grass, with their constant need for mowing, into flower gardens and reforested meadow areas. 

    Natural areas provide many benefits over mowed grass. The Loveland Post Office will see lower labor and fuel costs, while also reducing their carbon footprint. The gardens will provide food and habitat for pollinators (to whom we owe our very existence). And the community gets to enjoy the beauty of colorful flowers every time they drive past the Post Office. Now that’s an all-round Win-Win!


    Small pollinator gardens provide much-needed habitat islands.

    Did you know that insects pollinate 80% of the world’s plants, including 90 different food crops?  One out of every 3 or 4 bites of food we eat is pollinated by an assortment of bees, beetles, moths, wasps, and butterflies. WOW — These small creatures, so often taken for granted, are vitally important to human survival!  Unfortunately, many pollinators are threatened for a variety of reasons: habitat loss, fragmented habitat (with huge gaps between habitat ‘islands’), non-native plants that fail to serve pollinator needs, and (worst of all) the use of pesticides and herbicides on our lawns and landscapes. Pollinators need our help, and the Loveland Post Office is stepping up-to-the-plate.  

    What about those “Naturalized Area” signs you see?  They identify areas where young trees and shrubs will be planted this fall. Initially, those areas will resemble meadows, but once the plants mature they will become a natural woodland. Trees are crucial for pollinator survival because they bloom so early in the spring, long before summer flowers ‘break bud’. Have you ever noticed reddish clusters on the bare branches of a maple tree in early spring? Those are tiny flowers that are buzzing with bees — if only you could get close enough to see them. 

    Small pollinator gardens provide much-needed habitat islands.

    This pollinator garden project is a unique collaboration between the Post Office, community volunteers, and Loveland High School Transition Program students. Community volunteers are currently prepping the garden beds by spreading a thick layer of mulch over cardboard, to eliminate the grass without using herbicides. Seeds are being gathered from locally grown, native flowers, to ensure those seeds are pesticide-free. (Did you know commercially available seeds are often coated with pesticides that can make their way into the nectar which can sicken, or even kill, pollinators?) The high school students will grow the flowers from the seeds being collected now, and the flower seedlings will be planted at the Post Office next spring. This terrific partnership is a wonderful example of Loveland’s abundant community spirit!    

    Small pollinator gardens provide much-needed habitat islands.

    The Post Office gardens and naturalized areas will provide a much-needed pollinator habitat, but to survive and thrive pollinators require many such ‘habitat islands’ scattered widely across a community. So, why not create your own pollinator garden?  Whether large or small, every garden has a huge impact on the well-being of our pollinators. Just be sure to buy native plants that are organically grown, avoid the use of pesticides and herbicides, and include a few old logs, or attractive pieces of driftwood, for nesting purposes (yes, bees need nesting places, too). 

    If you have any questions, comments, or want to get involved, send an email to Cindy Kessler at ckessler@fuse.net.

    Happy (Pollinator) Gardening!

  • Ants and Canker disease fell Cobb Christmas Tree

    Ants and Canker disease fell Cobb Christmas Tree

    Loveland, Ohio – The Norway spruce that stood for so long at the exit of the Loveland Post Office was removed on the morning of July 4 by Symmes resident Brian Griffin, a certified Arborist who owns Griffin Tree Care. Griffin noticed the poor condition of the tree and knew it was dangerous and probably being eaten from the inside/out by ants, so he talked to the Postmaster. 

    Griffin said the tree was probably dying from a Canker disease caused by fungi that infect branches or the main stem of trees. He said not many spruce trees in our area will escape the infection and might soon be all gone.

    William (Bill) Cobb, a Black businessman owned a quite famous general store that was demolished when the current post office was built. The post office used to be at the corner of West Loveland Avenue and Loveland Maderia Road; the building now housing The Quilter’s Studio of Loveland & QSL Workshop.

    City Hall added Christmas lights to the tree and added a plaque in honor of Cobb. The tree became known as “Loveland’s Christmas Tree” but to many older residents, it was always Mr. Cobb’s Tree.

  • [Video] Cindy Wilmes on her way to mail the Valentine card she was honored for designing

    [Video] Cindy Wilmes on her way to mail the Valentine card she was honored for designing

    Loveland, Ohio – Loveland resident Cindy Wilmes was the winner of this year’s Valentine Card design contest sponsored by the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance. She recorded this video as she traveled to the Loveland Post Office to mail it to a sweetheart.

  • Loveland Magazine TV Introduces Debbie Murray and Lilly Hummer to the “Sweetheart of Ohio”

    Loveland Magazine TV Introduces Debbie Murray and Lilly Hummer to the “Sweetheart of Ohio”

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – With the end of January quickly approaching Loveland is preparing for one of the city’s most celebrated holidays, Valentine’s Day! For those who haven’t experienced the magic of Valentine’s Day in Loveland, you may be wondering why it is one of the most celebrated holidays. Well, other than the city itself being called “Love-land” it is also referenced to as the “Sweetheart of Ohio,” and for a VERY good reason! This year two very special “Sweethearts,” Debbie Murray and Lilly Hummer, were selected to join the historic Loveland Valentine’s Program. Of course, Loveland Magazine wanted to pay tribute by providing our readers with some Loveland Valentine history and an exclusive on-camera interview with Debbie and Lilly!

    This year two very special “Sweethearts,” Debbie Murray and Lilly Hummer, were selected to join the historic Loveland Valentine’s Program.

    The Loveland Valentine’s Program began in 1972 and quickly became a nationally-known cachet stamping and postmark program. Once the program was up and running the community of Loveland decided to broaden the program’s horizons adding more fun and exciting ways to spread love throughout the city. This included the addition of two very prestigious competitions, the selection of Loveland’s annual Valentine Lady and Loveland’s Valentine Card Design Contest.

    So what is a Valentine Lady? A Loveland Valentine Lady can be defined as “a woman who has distinguished themselves in the community, at local schools, and/or with family endeavors.” This lovely lady once selected is the ambassador for the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance’s Valentine program meaning she will spread both love and generosity by visiting area businesses, nursing homes, and schools. The Valentine Lady is chosen by the Loveland community and then picked by the LMR Chamber committee. In 1982 Loveland’s first Valentine Lady, Doris Pfiester was selected. Below is the list of Loveland’s past Valentine Ladies!

    Debbie Murray was announced on December 12th at Loveland’s legendary spot, The Works, as the 34th Valentine Lady! Murray has resided in Loveland since 1985 and is a highly decorated woman in all that she does for the community. Loveland’s 2018 Valentine Lady, Kay Bolin, when asked about Debbie Murray being selected as the 2020 Valentine Lady, had nothing but kind words to say about Murray!

    Debbie is indeed one of the nicest, most down to earth individuals you could ever meet.

    “I met Debbie Murray in 2018 when I was at that year’s, Loveland Valentine Lady celebration. As we all know, part of the Valentine Lady’s responsibility is to go around to the local schools, which is when I met Debbie as she was a teacher at Tender Years,” Bolin explained, “I have been fortunate to spend more time with Debbie since she has been selected. CeeCee Collins asked me to read one of the many nomination letters that the chamber received nominating Debbie for the 2020 Valentine Lady at the recent Valentine Lady kickoff event. I was honored and felt so fortunate to share this nomination letter to the community. Debbie is indeed one of the nicest, most down to earth individuals you could ever meet and what she has contributed to the Loveland community is wonderful. Deb is the definition of love and kindness! I am looking forward to personally getting to know Debbie better as well as seeing her continued contribution to our community. Debbie, we welcome you to our Valentine Lady Sisterhood!,” Bolin said.

    Lilly Hummer, a freshman Lacrosse player from Loveland High School, was recognized as Loveland’s Valentine’s Day card design winner.

    Check out the video of Debbie Murray being surprised at The Works with her 2020 Valentine Lady honor!

    Watch as Debbie Murray crowned 2020 Loveland Valentine Lady

    I’m sure everyone can agree that Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be what it is without a great Valentine’s Day card! The LMR Chamber realized this during the early stages of the Valentine’s Day Program so they decided to incorporate a Valentine’s Day Card Design Contest! The design contest is open to anyone in the Loveland community and the only stipulations are that the artwork must reflect or incorporate the theme: “Love is…..” and must also include (or provide space for) the phrase, “There is nothing in this world so sweet as love.” Allowing anyone in the Loveland community to participate in the design contest makes the contest itself both creative and diverse! There have been many great design winner’s in the past, one of them being Loveland Magazine’s very own David Miller.

    2020 marks one of the most creatively diverse card designs to date. Lilly Hummer, a freshman Lacrosse player from Loveland High School, was recognized as Loveland’s Valentine’s Day card design winner, on January 11th at the Valentine Kick-off at the Loveland Kroger’s.

    Lilly Hummer, a freshman Lacrosse player from Loveland High School, was recognized as Loveland’s Valentine’s Day card design winner

    Hummer will receive design credit on the back of the 2020 Valentine’s Day cards, local recognition, media recognition and two complimentary invitations to the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance Annual Valentine Breakfast on February 14, 2020. Click on the link to learn how you can join the community at the annual Valentine breakfast: http://business.lovelandchamber.org/events/details/2020-valentine-s-day-breakfast-event-6785.

    Some of the local businesses you can purchase Hummer’s Valentine card design at are the LMRCA office, the “stamping table” at the Loveland Post Office, Loveland Kroger, Loveland Sweets, Busy Bee Boutique, Lemon & Limes Boutique, the Valentine Ladies, and the Loveland Union Savings Bank Branch.

    Now that we have shared a little Loveland Valentine Program history and informally introduced the 2020 Valentine Lady and Valentine Card Design winner LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV would like to formally introduce to you, Mrs. Debbie Murray and Miss Lilly Hummer! Click below to view the exclusive on-camera interview with these two lovely ladies!

  • Loveland Valentine ladies will be at the Loveland Post Office stamping your Valentine’s starting Monday

    Loveland Valentine ladies will be at the Loveland Post Office stamping your Valentine’s starting Monday

    Loveland, Ohio – Beginning Monday, Feb 3rd from 10 AM until 4 PM, the Loveland Valentine Ladies will be at the Loveland Post Office stamping your Valentine’s with a special cache stamp as well selling the 2020 Valentine card, by designer, Lilly Hummer.

    Lilly Hummer on the left is a Loveland High School student who designed this year’s, Valentine Card.

    The last day to get your cards stamped will be Thursday, Feb 13 at 4 PM.