Elizabeth Hitchcock

Elizabeth G. Hitchcock Bobbie was an active supporter of local history, specializing in Western Reserve architect Johnathon Goldsmith about whom she published a book in 1979. She died at Breckenridge Village in Willoughby at the age of 94. Mrs. Hitchcock moved to the area as a new bride in 1942 and adopted the Western Reserve as her own. As it was the war years, her first job was with the USO in downtown Cleveland. Like so many war brides, when daughter Bunny was born, husband Peter was serving in the infantry in Italy. As a graduate of Skidmore College , she quickly became active in the American Association of University Women but it was the raising of her three children that took all of her time until later when she became keenly interested in the local area's history. Known all her life as Bobbie, nicknamed by her father as a baby girl, she was an avid researcher who took it upon herself to research the area's oldest homes in Geauga and Lake County for the Century Home Plaques. She was a regular visitor to both the Lake and Geauga County Recorder's offices looking up deeds and transfers going back to the very founding of the Western Reserve. Mrs. Hitchcock was an active supporter of numerous Lake and Geauga County organizations including her 30+ years of service to the Lake County Historical Society of which she was a past president. Bobbie was often at the headquarters helping research or just as likely pulling weeds and sometimes even mowing the lawn. There was not a job she would not take on. Mrs. Hitchcock was also a founder of The Old Mentor Foundation which restored the old Mentor Council Hall at which President James A. Garfield used to preach. Bobbie honestly believed you are condemned to repeat history if you do not know it. Research and writing played an important part in Mrs. Hitchcock's life. She wrote numerous articles on the area's history for The News-Herald, The Painesville Telegraph and at one time was editor and principle author of the Lake County Historical Society's quarterly report. She also gave historical and often hysterical presentations on The History of the Little Mountain Club which was near the Hitchcock home on Little Mountain. An avid gardener all her life, for those who ever drove on Mentor Road, Mrs. Hitchcock was often on the bank next to her home planting daylilies, weeding or just enjoying life. In the winter, she also made quite a sight driving her 4-wheel drive truck complete with snow plow. After the passing of her beloved husband of 51 years, Mrs. Hitchcock joined the Breckenridge Village community where she enjoyed bringing her love of local history to new found friends. Bobbie continued to be a member of the St. Hubert's Chapel congregation appreciating the visits of Rev. Dan Schoonmaker while at Breckenridge's Nason Center. Bobbie is survived by two of her three children; sons P. Sterling Hitchcock Alice of Chardon Township and Christopher P. Hitchcock Martha of South Russell. Her husband Peter and daughter Bunny predeceased her. She leaves a legacy of thirteen grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren at last count Family services were held in Lake View Cemetery. The family prefers that those who wish may make contributions in her name to The Holden Arboretum-The Bobbie Hitchcock Daylilly Garden, 9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland, OH 44094.


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