In Over-the-Rhine, my roots go back a century. My great-great-uncle Henry Schmidt, like so many other German immigrants, started my family’s Cincinnati story there in the late 1800s (and was soon joined by my grandfather and great-uncle). He soon became a successful masonry contractor, with enough money to build his own house in what is now Norwood. He and his wife were childless, so they sent word back to the village of Klosterholte, Germany for their niece—my grandmother, Elizabeth Schmidt—to come care for them in their old age. Elizabeth married and had three children—one of whom was my father.

As I grew up in Cincinnati, my first memories of Over-the-Rhine were in the 1970s. I remember the decay and beauty, the boarded-up facades and the rich smells of Findlay Market. For me, the neighborhood embodied the most authentic strains of Cincinnati culture, from old-world traditions and architecture to African-American sounds and tastes. When I realized that Over-the-Rhine was on its deathbed, playing out a final act of stoic hospitality, it left me with feelings of melancholy and loss.

Over-the-Rhine hit rock bottom sometime in the past decade. Maybe it was during the riots of 2001, accented by issues of race and class. Or the continuing depopulation that left it with fewer than 7,000 people at last count. Or its designation as one of the 11-most endangered places in the country by The National Historic Trust for Preservation.

But have you walked Over-the-Rhine’s streets lately? There’s a buzz, an energy: improved safety and security, renovated Italianate facades, new construction, new people, and new businesses. There is a widespread optimism and intent that I have never sensed before.

That is precisely why my co-producer, Steve Dorst, and I are making this documentary film—to chronicle a hopeful, forward-looking story of a revitalizing Over-the-Rhine. By following a number of business and social entrepreneurs who are breathing new life into the community, we’ll reveal the tides of change. Some are daring to do the unprecedented, while others are looking back to Over-the-

Rhine’s distinctive roots to find a way forward. Surrounding them is a colorful cast of longtime residents, as well as members of the political, religious, social, and arts communities whose engagement is crucial for the neighborhood’s success.

Most of all, Over-the-Rhine’s journey is an American story, and I believe it will resonate on a national scale. Our production partners share this vision: CET, Cincinnati’s PBS affiliate, has teamed up with us. The California-based Catticus Corporation has signed on to support a national distribution plan and enable the film’s nonprofit status. During its 26-year history, Catticus Corporation has sponsored more than two-dozen projects with cumulative budgets of more than $9,000,000.

Rebirth of Over-the-Rhine will show how a broad spectrum of Cincinnati’s citizens is uniting to create a new Over-the-Rhine. Thank you for your support as we document this exciting transformation.

Sincerely,
Joe Brinker
Co-producer, Rebirth of Over-the-Rhine
joebrinker@yahoo.com

(From left) Co-producers Joe Brinker and Steve Dorst after a 4-way and a coney at Skyline Chili on 10th & Vine. Cincinnati, OH.
-- April, 2007.