The History and Future of Benham’s Grove

Benham’s Grove sits on land that was originally part of a 50-acre farm owned by Aaron Nutt, one of Centerville’s founders. In 1813, Nutt transferred the property to his son. More than a century later, in 1943, Lawson Allen sold a 10-acre portion of the land that would become Benham’s Grove.

In 1844, prominent Centerville merchant Joseph A. Benham acquired the property at auction. Around 1885, he built the current farmhouse, a modest but refined example of Victorian-era architecture. Reflecting the rural character of the area, the home features functional design elements with understated elegance.

Over the decades, the property changed hands several times and was used for various small farming operations, including poultry farming. In 1937, Edward Schmieding, a sales manager with NCR Corporation, purchased the farm. The Schmiedings and their heirs, the Gerber family, made the property their home for 54 years, using it as a place for family celebrations and business entertaining.

The Barn and the Cottage both predate the Schmiedings’ ownership. The Cottage began as a chicken coop and was later converted by the family into an outdoor shelter and picnic space. Centerville limestone—some of it sourced from a small quarry on the site, now a pond—can still be seen on the property.

In 1991, the City of Centerville purchased the 8.6-acre property from the Gerber family with a commitment to preserve its history and create a space for the community to gather. Named in honor of Joseph Benham, the site was transformed into Benham’s Grove, a charming venue that has since hosted thousands of events, from weddings and reunions to concerts and civic meetings.

Looking Ahead

Now, more than three decades after the City’s original investment, Benham’s Grove is undergoing an era of renewal. The historic Gerber House and surrounding campus are being carefully renovated to preserve their legacy while enhancing functionality. At the heart of this transformation is the newly constructed event center designed to host year-round gatherings with modern amenities in a timeless setting.

This next chapter ensures that Benham’s Grove will continue to serve as Centerville’s gathering place for generations to come, honoring the past while creating space for future memories.