Snow, Russ and Holland, Houses
Why it's listed
Two farmhouses face each other across Snowville Road in Brecksville, about 600 feet apart, at the western edge of the Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area. The Russ Snow House, a two-story brick home in a transitional Federal-Greek Revival style, was built in 1844 and occupied the following year. The Holland Snow House, a wood frame L-shaped house, was completed for Holland Snow's family in 1864. Barns, a smokehouse, a chicken coop and a relocated log cabin remain on the grounds. Russ Snow arrived from Maine in 1835, laid out the road, served as a township trustee and helped form local schools. Later family members included farmers, trustees and Dr. Minabel Snow, a Cleveland physician and social reformer. The brick house is one of only three built in the Cuyahoga Valley before 1850, and the two properties together show how a pioneer farming family lived and worked. Cleveland architect Abram Garfield renovated the brick house in 1928.
Significance in brief: The houses are tied to one of Brecksville's pioneer families, whose members were active in civic, political, social and humanitarian causes. Together with their outbuildings they illustrate the town's farming heritage. The Russ Snow House is also architecturally notable as one of only three brick houses in the Cuyahoga Valley built before 1850.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 82001873, listed September 28, 1982. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 12911 and 13114 Snowville Rd., Brecksville |
|---|---|
| County | Cuyahoga County |
| Listed | September 28, 1982 |
| Reference number | 82001873 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1800-1899 |
| Architectural style | Transitional Federal-Greek Revival (Russ Snow House); modest wood frame L-plan house (Holland Snow House) |
| Areas of significance | Agriculture, Architecture, Social History |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Both houses are occupied private residences. Farm operations ceased about 1960. The Russ Snow House was remodeled in 1928 and its interior is in excellent condition. |
| Acreage | 3 |
| Within district | Valley Railway Historic District |
| Coordinates | 41.28313, -81.59392 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 82001873.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikidata Q137641941
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.