Farming was once the main occupation for most valley residents. Across the road is the Gleason House, built in the 1850s. Edmond Gleason owned and operated a sawmill and quarry in the area. While this was a farm, he likely leased it out to someone else who worked the land.

Preserving the rural landscape is part of Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s enabling legislation. The park does this by working with its partner Countryside to manage the Countryside Initiative. This innovative program leases historic farm properties such as this one to farmers practicing sustainable agriculture. Today this property is operated as Canal Corners Farm.