Moment in Time Revisited

John Ryder (shown in this 1939 re-election campaign flyer) has the distinction of at the time serving the longest term as mayor of Grandview Heights. He lived with his family at 1130 Westwood (lower left) and was a two-term councilman prior to his election in 1918. His tenure as mayor was at a very formative time during the City’s history, ending with his retirement in 1940. He was instrumental in establishing the City fire department, overseeing the construction of the municipal building, and shepherding the expansion of city services to the rapidly developing eastern quadrant of the city. Perhaps he gained the most "notoriety" as Grand Marshall of the annual Field Day parades. Mayor Ryder was famous for participating in the parade each year on his horse. In 1916 he led the parade dressed as a fairy godmother, and in 1921 he wore a ballerina tutu and tights as he rode his horse (shown in the 1921 cartoon).

NOTE: Originally submitted to ThisWeek News for publication May 16, 2006