It all began in 2010 when a former student and athlete, now managing editor of this newspaper asked me to write a weekly blog. At that time only one other blogger - Joe the Coupon Guy was a regular. Being newly retired I agreed and figured it would last a year or so. Here it is approaching 2014 and I am still learning about our county. I recently returned from a trip to Italy and was most impressed at the the co-mingling of past and present. It was all around and quite obvious to decipher. Lake County offers quite the same experiences if you just look around you. Some historic sites are quite obvious. Other local histories are recalled at the historical societies in Fairport Harbor, Willoughby, Perry, Eastlake, Wickliffe, Madison and such. Some require deeper layers of exploration. Here are just a few of our county's hidden gems -- the names and places from our past. Do you remember these stories?
August 22, 2013 - featured Painesville's Bobby Manchester
From hillside fireworks to burlesque, Bobby brought major league entertainment to Lake County in the early 1900's. His Utopia Theater in the heart of downtown Painesville was a key part of the city's history.
September 5, 2013 - introduced the 'Painesville Hoods'
When the Civil War finally reached into our county, twenty two women answered the call. Their contributions are part of a little known moment in history
August 26, 2013 - chronicled the short history of 'The Shore Club'
Located on Fairport-Nursery Road, this development examined the lifestyles of some of our counties leading citizens.
December 10, 2012 - recalled the story of Kirtland Hills' Leonard C. Hanna
His story dates back to 1492 and his estate remains a notable landmark in the county streetscape.
March 25, 2013 - tells the story of a solitary tombstone on Hart Road
Levi Smith's life spans the beginnings of the Mormon Migration and is part of a witch's grave legend from long ago.
June 20, 2013 - biographied Dr. Storm Rosa
His contributions to the county and the medical field stand alone in the annals of time.
January 28, February 7, June 24, 2013 examined three separate parts of County Aviation History
Willoughby's Cook Cleland Airport, Painesville's Casement airport, and Pheasant run Airport in Leroy Twp. are but three lost airfields from our past. These urban ghosts are examined as well as several other local airports.
Like a good book, these histories are worth a second reading. As I continue my journey into the history of Ohio's smallest county, I will share more of the little known tid-bits and hidden gems that are all around us.
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