Bicentennial Honoree
“As a testimonial of his affection for Ravenna, where he has spent his entire professional life, and wishing to compliment its expression in substantial form, Judge Reed presented the city with the gift of the handsome public library on East Main Street, dedicated several years ago under the direction of Dr. Thomas C. Mendenhall. The building, for the erection of which Judge Reed donated $25,000 and for which he challenged the community to raise an equal sum, is one of the architectural gems of the city and a monument to the fine community spirit of its donor.” (Record, July 3, 1928.) Judge Reed gave unstintingly of his time, talent and money for the upbuilding and uplifting of the community. He and his brother built the Reed Opera House, which attracted high class talent from all over the country. This widely known theater gave Ravenna prestige and distinction for many years. At the age of 14, Cornelius became the first rural mail carrier in Portage County to deliver mail from the railroad. The job paid the unheard of sum of $20 per year to a teenager and formed the basis for his ambitions, reliability and service to the community in later years.