LAMBERTVILLE - Two Bedford Township women have begun a campaign to get the former summer homestead of poet, hymn writer, and author Ina Duley Ogdon designated as a historic site.

Trudy Urbani, a retired school teacher and local historian, and Melissa Archibald believe that the former home of Mrs. Ogdon would serve as the ideal location for a township historical museum.

Mrs. Ogdon and her husband, James, used the now-vacant house at 6829 Summerfield Rd. as a summer home from 1920 to 1950.

Mrs. Ogdon, who died in 1965 at age 92, wrote some 3,000 hymns as well as several books. Her most famous composition, "Brighten the Corner Where You Are," was made popular by revivalist Billy Sunday.

Many of her works were penned in the home, which includes a rustic log cabin, and two of her books - A Keepsake From the Old House and The Old House - were titled after it.

"We want to save it and restore the cabin so that it can be open to the public," Mrs. Urbani said. "We do need a museum."

An online petition was started by Mrs. Archibald of Temperance to seek signatures and support to preserve the former residence of the writer.

Mrs. Archibald at one time lived near the Ogdon place and offered to buy the property about four years ago. She said more than 200 signatures have been placed online at www.freewebs.com/marchi and a paper petition that Mrs. Urbani is circulating.

The home, which was reportedly built in 1830, remained under the ownership of the Ogdons until 1950 when they sold it to the McDonald family.

Mr. Ogdon died in 1949 and Mrs. Ogdon maintained homes in West Toledo until her death.

Harley Barnette, who was the last owner of the residence and member of the McDonald family, died Aug. 15.

Mrs. Urbani has been interested in local history for several years.

She is the past president of the Historical Society of Bedford and a local history author.

She first learned about Mrs. Ogdon in 1996, when she talked to Mr. Barnette, and she researched the home and life of Mrs. Ogdon for an article she wrote in 2005.

"He was also fascinated about her history. He had all her books," she said, adding that Mr. Barnette provided her with numerous reference materials that she used in the magazine article.

Mr. Barnette took Mrs. Urbani on a tour of the house in 2003.

Mrs. Urbani and Mrs. Archibald gave a presentation to the elected township board last month and asked for their support in purchasing the home if it were to be put on the market.

Mrs. Urbani said the township government's involvement would be instrumental in seeking state and federal grants to preserve the structure.

First Published September 3, 2008, 2:43 p.m.