Beginning with George Riker (1889-1896), Fairport Harbor has had 31 Mayors in its history. Some such as Dr. Amy Kaukonen and Niels M. Rasmussen are known in history for other major contributions to our county. Four Mayors were of Finnish descent (first generation), the first of whom was said to be the first woman mayor in Ohio and the U.S. Tim Manross is Fairport's newest Mayor, elected in 2011. While each Mayor has left a footprint on the Village of Fairport, it is Arthur J. Ritari who helped with 'keeping Fairport on the Map' in the modern era.
Fairport's chief executive was born in Fairport in 1904. He graduated from the high school in 1922. Arthur attended Mount Union College and Ohio State University. Graduated from OSU, he was admitted to the Ohio bar in 1930. Ritari served as Village Solicitor from 1932-1940, serving four councils. During the Rendrick administration, his legal advice helped Fairport secure the water plant and street paving projects. He married Ethel Lawrence (daughter of famous Fairport merchant E.E. Lawrence).
It is during his tenure as Mayor of Fairport that two signature village events occurred. Ritari was solely responsible for all the contact work with the heirs of Samuel Huntington, who deeded the Huntington Beach property to Fairport in 1946. Huntington Beach is still under village control today as part of a cooperative lease with Lake Metroparks. Ritari's second signature event involved the local lighthouse and marine museum. The Fairport Harbor Historical Society had saved the iconic lighthouse from the wrecking ball many years earlier. Its volunteers established a non-profit museum on the site and maintained control of the property until 1952. In June 1952, the lighthouse property had been deemed government surplus property. This declaration meant the FHHS could not legally gain title to their lighthouse and museum. Ritari urged immediate action to regain title of the site. His efforts in making the museum a historic venue and the lighthouse a monument gained steam. On May 14, 1953 Ritari was able to get Congress to give the deed to the village. Furthermore this quitclaim deed from the Department of the Interior guaranteed that the FHHS and lighthouse museum would continue in its mission of preserving the history and sentiment of Fairport and the Great Lakes area. For $1.00 per year the FHHS continues to lease Lake County's famous landmark, thanks to the civic mindedness of Fairport's twenty-third mayor.
Showing posts with label Local Lore by Max. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Local Lore by Max. Show all posts
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Monday, September 10, 2012
Pete's Pond, Just-A-Mere, Corrigan's, Rockefeller and Wickliffe's Summer Farms
A small building houses the Wickliffe Board of Education. It was once the stable to the Rockefeller summer farm. Wickliffe City Hall was once the estate of shipping magnate Harry Coulby. Old quarry stone may be found on the trails surrounding Pete's Pond adjacent to Wickliffe High School. These are remnants from gardens that were part of Millionaire's Mile estates. Ridge Road at one time sloped down to Lake Erie and vineyards dotted the landscape. This is part of Wickliffe's early history, a history that began around 1887.
Lake Metroparks entered into a cooperative recently with Wickliffe Schools and is currently undertaking the preservation of Pete's Pond, a local landmark. A man named Pete acquired the pond property in 1947 and by 1951 the pond was a well known entity. Pete's Pond is roughly 19 acres and empties into Gully Brook. It's early history is the backstory today.
Pete's Pond is located on Rockefeller Road. Yes, Rockefeller as in John D, the Standard Oil magnate who once was part of Cleveland's Millionaires Row. John's youngest brother Frank and his wife Helen bought 158 acres of land off Ridge Road circa 1887. They built and named their summer home Lakeland. These homes or summer farms in Lake County were a retreat away from the industrial pollution found in nearby Cleveland. Frank Rockefeller's farm was one of six located in Wickliffe. Known as Millionaire's Mile, other farms on Ridge Road included Corrigan's ( Pine Ridge Country Club site), Coulby Mansion (Wickliffe City Hall) and Just-A-Mere- the Joseph Nutt estate.
That time in history has passed, the Wickliffe summer farms are now memories, lands were sold and subdivided. However a walk through the Pete's Pond property or a drive down Ridge Road may offer you a brief glimpse into another chapter that was Lake County's past.
Lake Metroparks entered into a cooperative recently with Wickliffe Schools and is currently undertaking the preservation of Pete's Pond, a local landmark. A man named Pete acquired the pond property in 1947 and by 1951 the pond was a well known entity. Pete's Pond is roughly 19 acres and empties into Gully Brook. It's early history is the backstory today.
Pete's Pond is located on Rockefeller Road. Yes, Rockefeller as in John D, the Standard Oil magnate who once was part of Cleveland's Millionaires Row. John's youngest brother Frank and his wife Helen bought 158 acres of land off Ridge Road circa 1887. They built and named their summer home Lakeland. These homes or summer farms in Lake County were a retreat away from the industrial pollution found in nearby Cleveland. Frank Rockefeller's farm was one of six located in Wickliffe. Known as Millionaire's Mile, other farms on Ridge Road included Corrigan's ( Pine Ridge Country Club site), Coulby Mansion (Wickliffe City Hall) and Just-A-Mere- the Joseph Nutt estate.
That time in history has passed, the Wickliffe summer farms are now memories, lands were sold and subdivided. However a walk through the Pete's Pond property or a drive down Ridge Road may offer you a brief glimpse into another chapter that was Lake County's past.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
A Bicentennial Moment: More Fairport Harbor Profiles
Today we share the stories of two more members of Fairport Harding High's Hall of Fame. One alum made his mark in the world of business, the other had a role in arguably one of the 20th century's most significant events.
George Daly Jr.
A '58 graduate of Fairport Harding High, George earned his doctorate in the discipline of business. He served as Dean and Professor for the McDonaugh Business School at Georgetown University. His research and publications were used by agencies at the National level. George never forgot his hometown as he donated a computer room to the high school and a children's literature wing at the library.
Henry G. Kuivila
Kuivila graduated from the Fairport Schools in 1935. A year later he was utilizing his educational knowledge at the Diamond Alkali. By 1948 Henry had earned his degree in chemistry from The Ohio State University. A Ph.D. from Harvard came shortly thereafter. A career as a Professor at New Hampshire University and NY University followed. Kuivila's greatest moment may have come when he worked on and contributed to one of the 20th century's defining events - The Manhattan Project.
George Daly Jr.
A '58 graduate of Fairport Harding High, George earned his doctorate in the discipline of business. He served as Dean and Professor for the McDonaugh Business School at Georgetown University. His research and publications were used by agencies at the National level. George never forgot his hometown as he donated a computer room to the high school and a children's literature wing at the library.
Henry G. Kuivila
Kuivila graduated from the Fairport Schools in 1935. A year later he was utilizing his educational knowledge at the Diamond Alkali. By 1948 Henry had earned his degree in chemistry from The Ohio State University. A Ph.D. from Harvard came shortly thereafter. A career as a Professor at New Hampshire University and NY University followed. Kuivila's greatest moment may have come when he worked on and contributed to one of the 20th century's defining events - The Manhattan Project.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
A Bicentennial Moment: Fairport Harbor Profiles
Each city, village or town has its memorable persons. Oftentimes athletics, world events, or singular moments allow some to become larger than life and become legendary in the annals of community history. Fairport Harbor celebrates its bicentennial month of September looking back at some of the local residents who rose to prominence in their chosen professions over the years. Today's entry pays tribute to three hidden gems in village history. All three women were inducted into the Achievement Hall of Fame at Fairport Harding High.
Jesse Owen Hayduk Winter
From the Fairport Class of '36, this inductee began her journalistic career at the age of 16 as a reporter for the Fairport Beacon. Upon her graduation from FHS she was a correspondent for the Painesville Telegraph until its closing. Her career spanned 52 years and her accounts of Lake County events remain as eyewitness testimonies to local history.
Christine (Kapostasy) Jansing
This '74 graduate of the Fairport Harbor schools has a family name well remembered in village annals. Christine carved out her own legacy and continues to do so in her chosen profession. After a 17 year run on local TV as a news reporter, she joined NBC Nightly News in 1998. She has appeared on and contributed segments to the Today Show, Dateline, and MSNBC as well as covering world events. Her reporting has included notable events in the Middle East, Olympics, Space Shuttle Missions, and even 9/11.
Christin Zalar
A member of the Class of '73, this Fairport Harbor graduate was the main consultant in the 1996 Life Flight Eagle Program at George Washington University. Her contributions revolutionized the field of emergency medicine and transport protocols. A Professor of Emergency Medicines at GWU, her numerous published books and articles are used today by Life Flight and other emergency personnel.
Jesse Owen Hayduk Winter
From the Fairport Class of '36, this inductee began her journalistic career at the age of 16 as a reporter for the Fairport Beacon. Upon her graduation from FHS she was a correspondent for the Painesville Telegraph until its closing. Her career spanned 52 years and her accounts of Lake County events remain as eyewitness testimonies to local history.
Christine (Kapostasy) Jansing
This '74 graduate of the Fairport Harbor schools has a family name well remembered in village annals. Christine carved out her own legacy and continues to do so in her chosen profession. After a 17 year run on local TV as a news reporter, she joined NBC Nightly News in 1998. She has appeared on and contributed segments to the Today Show, Dateline, and MSNBC as well as covering world events. Her reporting has included notable events in the Middle East, Olympics, Space Shuttle Missions, and even 9/11.
Christin Zalar
A member of the Class of '73, this Fairport Harbor graduate was the main consultant in the 1996 Life Flight Eagle Program at George Washington University. Her contributions revolutionized the field of emergency medicine and transport protocols. A Professor of Emergency Medicines at GWU, her numerous published books and articles are used today by Life Flight and other emergency personnel.
Monday, August 27, 2012
As Mentor Celebrates 50 Years - A look back at City Landmarks
The landscape of a community changes over the course of time. Ask my aunt and uncle, both of whom are 90 years plus and Mentor is remembered mostly as a rural town. Their children attended JHS at Center Street, one attended HS at Memorial, another opened Ridge JHS, and two were the first to attend a new HS located on Center Street. I grew up with a Mentor Recreation Park as a summer constant and participated in my high school varsity sports at the Mentor Memorial Stadium site. As my relatives remember their past, I ask you today do you recall these Mentor Landmarks from years ago. Many are still visible as you drive the streets of your hometown.
The Mentor Post Office from 1921-1962 was located at the corner of Mentor Avenue and Hart Street. Some will remember the one at Center Street next to the old village school. Today the post office is located on Tyler Blvd.
St. Mary of the Assumption Church (second of three built) occupied the current PNC bank building at 8537 Mentor Avenue. The present church was constructed in 1964 opposite the 1934 structure. The original church building from 1868 currently is home to Temple Am Shalom ( 7599 South Center Street).
The Gray-Coulton House at 8607 Mentor Avenue was built in 1868. Many businesses have been located there but history tells us it was first a seed store and grocery. Famous names from the past included the R. N. Whitcomb Dry Goods Store and Snell's Grocery ( 1920-1936 and again circa 1961-62).
Mall shopping hit the Mentor landscape and debuted in 1961. Acres of orchards near our family home were sacrificed for the DeBartolo vision. I even remember the mall when it wasn't totally enclosed. Some of the first retailers were Newberry Five & dime, Krogers, Cowell & Hubbard, Higbees,Petries, May Company, Winklemans, Bill's Clothes, Sears, J.C.Penny, Spencer Gifts, Gray Drug and Stanbough-Thompson Harware. These names from the past have been replaced by Kaufmann's, Dillards, Horne's and Macy's over time. Erie Commons came later in the '70s at the expense of Horton's Nursery I believe. Zayre's and Gold Circle anchored the corner early on along with the current Giant Eagle.
2013 marks fifty years for Mentor as a city. Eleven structures in Mentor are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Bargain Fair is long gone. The Mentor Avenue Drive-In where we watched 'The Godfather' is a distant memory. Target arose on the long familiar dealership site of Ed Pike . In 2004 Center Street School not only closed but was sold off just two years later. It doesn't seem like many years, but the Mentor of my youth has been transformed. Yet the many little gems still remain if you just take the time to look.
The Mentor Post Office from 1921-1962 was located at the corner of Mentor Avenue and Hart Street. Some will remember the one at Center Street next to the old village school. Today the post office is located on Tyler Blvd.
St. Mary of the Assumption Church (second of three built) occupied the current PNC bank building at 8537 Mentor Avenue. The present church was constructed in 1964 opposite the 1934 structure. The original church building from 1868 currently is home to Temple Am Shalom ( 7599 South Center Street).
The Gray-Coulton House at 8607 Mentor Avenue was built in 1868. Many businesses have been located there but history tells us it was first a seed store and grocery. Famous names from the past included the R. N. Whitcomb Dry Goods Store and Snell's Grocery ( 1920-1936 and again circa 1961-62).
Mall shopping hit the Mentor landscape and debuted in 1961. Acres of orchards near our family home were sacrificed for the DeBartolo vision. I even remember the mall when it wasn't totally enclosed. Some of the first retailers were Newberry Five & dime, Krogers, Cowell & Hubbard, Higbees,Petries, May Company, Winklemans, Bill's Clothes, Sears, J.C.Penny, Spencer Gifts, Gray Drug and Stanbough-Thompson Harware. These names from the past have been replaced by Kaufmann's, Dillards, Horne's and Macy's over time. Erie Commons came later in the '70s at the expense of Horton's Nursery I believe. Zayre's and Gold Circle anchored the corner early on along with the current Giant Eagle.
2013 marks fifty years for Mentor as a city. Eleven structures in Mentor are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Bargain Fair is long gone. The Mentor Avenue Drive-In where we watched 'The Godfather' is a distant memory. Target arose on the long familiar dealership site of Ed Pike . In 2004 Center Street School not only closed but was sold off just two years later. It doesn't seem like many years, but the Mentor of my youth has been transformed. Yet the many little gems still remain if you just take the time to look.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
A Bicentennial Moment: Program Tonight Celebrates Fairport's Business History
Tonight at 7pm the Bicentennial Year Lecture Series will continue with the fourth of six history lectures. The topic will explore the businesses of Fairport through its 200 years and will take place at the Harding High School Auditorium. FHTC and Bicentennial chairs Mike Scruggs and Pat Spivak will be presenting.
Arthur J. McCrone
Born of pioneering parents in Fairport, Arthur J. McCrone was proprietor of McCrone's Clothing Store. Celebrated as a youth for his prowess as a member of the famous Fairport Baseball Clubs of the era, his belief in the village's future led him to establish one of the earliest business blocks in Fairport. His store became an anchor of this business section of the village for over two decades. McCrone served several terms on Village Council. His civic mindedness led him to serve on the Board of Education and become involved with many community projects.
A. Rogat
A. Rogat was reared in Newark New Jersey and arrived in Fairport in 1921. Aged 23, he immediately established his first business at 328 High Street. Within three years his business prospered and he erected a brick building on the original site The store became known as Rogat's Hardware. Business continued to do well so much so that Rogat enlarged his store once again and in time added a second store to his business block. The second store became Rogat's Furniture Store. Both stores became lasting staples in the Fairport and Lake County business communites.
Friday, August 17, 2012
A Bicentennial Moment: Fairport Businesses Continued...
August 23, 2012 will begin the second slate of historical lectures that are being shared with the public as part of the Fairport Harbor Bicentennial. The fourth of the six programs for the year will highlight the businesses that dotted the Fairport landscape over time. Do you remember Rogats, Colgroves, Lunkas, E.E.Lawrence Marine Supply, or Wolff's Ice & Coal? Do you remember the merchants featured below?
John Guraly
John Guraly was proprietor of Guraly's Restaurant, which at one time was the largest in the county. Born in Hungary, he arrived at the age of 9 in Fairport and went into the restaurant business in 1935. He also took an active role in the village government. He served on council and was instrumental in assisting in the water plant project.
B. H. Synder
B.H. Snyder aided in the growth of Fairport. Manager of Harbor Land Co., he supervised the construction of over 40 homes during Fairport's infancy. These homes were located on Paradise and E. Street. A second building project under his guidance saw 35 more homes added to the village proper. He also owned a retail coke and coal business in his day. Synder also was responsible for the 1933 planting of 1600 maple trees in town. He even found time to commit six years to the local Board of Education.
Charles K. Pohto
Charles K. Pohto was born in Finland but came to Fairport to make his mark. After a brief career as a pipe-fitter at the Alkali, he returned to the trade of his youth. Applying the apprenticeship knowledge gained as a baker, Pohto opened his bakery business in the 1930's. His Fairport Bakery specialized in Finnish and Swedish baked goods and became famous county-wide. His bakery and grocery businesses were the largest in Lake County for some years. Civic mindedness was another trait of Charles as he served terms on Village Council, volunteered for community needs, and aided in the water plant project.
Arnold Toivonen
Arriving in Fairport at the early age of 5, Arnold Toivonen began a varied career. 'Huddy' as he was known to villagers was a Great Lakes seaman for years. A second career stop saw him work for the Harbor Land Company. His best known job was that of Manager of the Chalifin Haberdashery on High Street. In his spare time, he like many other merchants of the era found time to support community projects.
John Guraly
John Guraly was proprietor of Guraly's Restaurant, which at one time was the largest in the county. Born in Hungary, he arrived at the age of 9 in Fairport and went into the restaurant business in 1935. He also took an active role in the village government. He served on council and was instrumental in assisting in the water plant project.
B. H. Synder
B.H. Snyder aided in the growth of Fairport. Manager of Harbor Land Co., he supervised the construction of over 40 homes during Fairport's infancy. These homes were located on Paradise and E. Street. A second building project under his guidance saw 35 more homes added to the village proper. He also owned a retail coke and coal business in his day. Synder also was responsible for the 1933 planting of 1600 maple trees in town. He even found time to commit six years to the local Board of Education.
Charles K. Pohto
Charles K. Pohto was born in Finland but came to Fairport to make his mark. After a brief career as a pipe-fitter at the Alkali, he returned to the trade of his youth. Applying the apprenticeship knowledge gained as a baker, Pohto opened his bakery business in the 1930's. His Fairport Bakery specialized in Finnish and Swedish baked goods and became famous county-wide. His bakery and grocery businesses were the largest in Lake County for some years. Civic mindedness was another trait of Charles as he served terms on Village Council, volunteered for community needs, and aided in the water plant project.
Arnold Toivonen
Arriving in Fairport at the early age of 5, Arnold Toivonen began a varied career. 'Huddy' as he was known to villagers was a Great Lakes seaman for years. A second career stop saw him work for the Harbor Land Company. His best known job was that of Manager of the Chalifin Haberdashery on High Street. In his spare time, he like many other merchants of the era found time to support community projects.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Lake County Mini Profiles - Painesville's Dr. & Mrs. Rucker
Dr. William J. Rucker was born in Nashville in 1898. Educated at Fisk University, he earned his medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Tennessee and arrived in Cleveland around 1929. It was nine years later that Dr. Rucker and his wife Mildred moved to Painesville, Ohio. For the next 42 years his impact was felt in the community. Mildred left an even longer legacy before her death in 1992. Both became true cornerstones of not only the African-American Community living in Lake County but in the fabric of our entire county history. Here is a brief tribute to Dr. William J. and Mildred Rucker.
Dr. Rucker joined the staff at Lake County Memorial Hospital in 1938. At the time, he was the first African-American physician to serve Lake County. Rucker also entered into private practice which he conducted from his Painesville residence. Also civic minded, Dr. Rucker helped build the St. John Baptist Church in Painesville as well as serving as Chairman of the Deacon Committee. He was also a member in good standing of the Ross Bethel Lodge #105, Starlight Lodge #443, NAACP, and President of the Lake County Garden Club. Dr. Rucker served his adopted community until his passing in June, 1980.
It has been reported that Mildred Rucker (1903-1992) literally touched the lives of every African-American born in Painesville between 1940-1987. Mildred Rucker served as nurse and personal secretary for her husband's private practice beginning in 1944. From their home on W. Jackson Street, She mentored hundreds of children in her lifetime. She took them on field trips and introduced them to life experiences beyond the rural Painesville of the day. Keeping the young busy and engaged in learning / community became a life-long passion. Her passing in 1992 was the end of an era.
Both Dr. and Mrs. Rucker served Painesville and Lake County much like an underground spring. They quietly made the ground above them that much better by their presence. Both of them may be lesser known footnotes in the annals of Lake County history yet they are just another hidden gem worth remembering.
Dr. Rucker joined the staff at Lake County Memorial Hospital in 1938. At the time, he was the first African-American physician to serve Lake County. Rucker also entered into private practice which he conducted from his Painesville residence. Also civic minded, Dr. Rucker helped build the St. John Baptist Church in Painesville as well as serving as Chairman of the Deacon Committee. He was also a member in good standing of the Ross Bethel Lodge #105, Starlight Lodge #443, NAACP, and President of the Lake County Garden Club. Dr. Rucker served his adopted community until his passing in June, 1980.
It has been reported that Mildred Rucker (1903-1992) literally touched the lives of every African-American born in Painesville between 1940-1987. Mildred Rucker served as nurse and personal secretary for her husband's private practice beginning in 1944. From their home on W. Jackson Street, She mentored hundreds of children in her lifetime. She took them on field trips and introduced them to life experiences beyond the rural Painesville of the day. Keeping the young busy and engaged in learning / community became a life-long passion. Her passing in 1992 was the end of an era.
Both Dr. and Mrs. Rucker served Painesville and Lake County much like an underground spring. They quietly made the ground above them that much better by their presence. Both of them may be lesser known footnotes in the annals of Lake County history yet they are just another hidden gem worth remembering.
Friday, August 10, 2012
A Bicentennial Moment: The Village Barbers
Long ago sailors trimmed their own hair. Parents cut their children's hair and ladies wore their hair long. Today we remember the first barbers in Fairport when it was part of the Western Reserve's 'frontier'.
John Walli
John Walli is considered to be one of the first owners of a barber shop in the village. Located on Marine Street he operated it for over 25 years covering parts of the 18th & 19th century.
R. A. Lake
R. A. Lake operated his shop at 323 High Street. Born in Finland in 1893, he sailed to Ontario at the age of 15, learned the trade and became a shopkeeper. Lake applied his trade in Copper Cliff, Sault St. Marie, and Ashtabula before coming to Fairport in 1925. His business interests also included organizing the Orange Crush bottling works while in Ashtabula (1923). R. A. Lake was very civic minded and made many public appearances as a musician and singer. He served as the Fairport School Band Director and choirmaster of the Suomi Church Choir. Both groups became reknown and were award winners.
W. H. Freeman
Freeman's barbershop was located at his home on High Street. Freeman was one of the oldest practitioners of the art in the village. He learned his trade from his uncle, whose shop was in Painesville. Although born in Painesville, Freeman spent his early years as a barber in Columbus and Perry. Fairport became his final stop. Freeman was also noted for his musicial prowess and was a member of the Fairport Band for years.
George Paul
Mr. Paul operated his barber shop at the intersection of Third and Eagle. Paul was a barber since his youth. His shop opened around 1935 and was long considered one of the most modern of its day.
Roy Johnson
In 1936, Fairport's oldest barber from a standpoint of service was Roy Johnson. His shop was located on Third Street. Roy who resides in Painesville, was born in Painesville, and attended Harvey High. He chose to open his business in Fairport and has remained ever since. While known as the village barber, his ability to play many musical instruments led him to second career. His jazz band and Johnson's Orchestra were well accomplished and traveled throughout N. E. Ohio.
C. L. Hall
C. L. Hall operated his shop on High Street next to the Theater. Hall learned the trade as a youth and was a local fixture in the village for much of the mid 1900's.
John Mieroff
Johnny Mieroff operated his barber shop on the Tobias Block on Plum Street. In an article dated 1936, it was reported that his shop has been located in the same spot the longest.
Today's blog mentions only those barbers mentioned in a 1936 book by Saul Olila. Many other barbers have applied their trade in the village before and since. Most notable include Redz, Barber in the Harbor. Those mentioned today are only part of an incomplete listing. Send articles or additional names of barbers to the village historical society for inclusion in upcoming publications.
John Walli
John Walli is considered to be one of the first owners of a barber shop in the village. Located on Marine Street he operated it for over 25 years covering parts of the 18th & 19th century.
R. A. Lake
R. A. Lake operated his shop at 323 High Street. Born in Finland in 1893, he sailed to Ontario at the age of 15, learned the trade and became a shopkeeper. Lake applied his trade in Copper Cliff, Sault St. Marie, and Ashtabula before coming to Fairport in 1925. His business interests also included organizing the Orange Crush bottling works while in Ashtabula (1923). R. A. Lake was very civic minded and made many public appearances as a musician and singer. He served as the Fairport School Band Director and choirmaster of the Suomi Church Choir. Both groups became reknown and were award winners.
W. H. Freeman
Freeman's barbershop was located at his home on High Street. Freeman was one of the oldest practitioners of the art in the village. He learned his trade from his uncle, whose shop was in Painesville. Although born in Painesville, Freeman spent his early years as a barber in Columbus and Perry. Fairport became his final stop. Freeman was also noted for his musicial prowess and was a member of the Fairport Band for years.
George Paul
Mr. Paul operated his barber shop at the intersection of Third and Eagle. Paul was a barber since his youth. His shop opened around 1935 and was long considered one of the most modern of its day.
Roy Johnson
In 1936, Fairport's oldest barber from a standpoint of service was Roy Johnson. His shop was located on Third Street. Roy who resides in Painesville, was born in Painesville, and attended Harvey High. He chose to open his business in Fairport and has remained ever since. While known as the village barber, his ability to play many musical instruments led him to second career. His jazz band and Johnson's Orchestra were well accomplished and traveled throughout N. E. Ohio.
C. L. Hall
C. L. Hall operated his shop on High Street next to the Theater. Hall learned the trade as a youth and was a local fixture in the village for much of the mid 1900's.
John Mieroff
Johnny Mieroff operated his barber shop on the Tobias Block on Plum Street. In an article dated 1936, it was reported that his shop has been located in the same spot the longest.
Today's blog mentions only those barbers mentioned in a 1936 book by Saul Olila. Many other barbers have applied their trade in the village before and since. Most notable include Redz, Barber in the Harbor. Those mentioned today are only part of an incomplete listing. Send articles or additional names of barbers to the village historical society for inclusion in upcoming publications.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Eyewitness to History - Our Continuing Resource Lake Erie
Often overlooked in the recording of early history is the natural resource itself. Situated at 42.2 degrees North, 81.2 degrees West it is a body of water named after an Erie tribe who lived along its southern border. For over two years we have highlighted the work accomplished by our pioneers. We have noted their building accomplishments, celebrated their business acumen, and learned of their legacies in Lake County history. While they are important, it is the one resource that has remained a constant. As time marched on, our greatest eyewitness to history- is and will always be Lake Erie. Lake Erie in its current form is less than 4000 years old. Its basin began in the Pleistocene Ice Age. Three glaciers advanced here. The sand ridges left behind became the trails for the Native Americans and pioneers who in time followed.
Lake Erie is the fourth largest Great Lake when it comes to surface area. It is the smallest when compared to water volume. Lake Erie is the tenth largest body of water globally. Lake Erie has a mean depth of 62', the shallowest of all the Great Lakes. Its maximum width is 57.1 miles but Canada is a mere 34 miles away in our part of the lake. The fish known as bass, perch, trout, walleye, steelhead and more call the lake their home. Lake retention time is only 2.6 years. Water arrives to our lake via the Detroit River. Then it gets to Buffalo and careens over Niagara Falls.
Historically Lake Erie spans centuries. The Erie Indians settled on the shores around 1250 and remained until their demise in 1654. Louis Jolliett is considered to be the first explorer to find Lake Erie around the year 1669. Etienne Brule (1615) and LaSalle (circa 1660) also lay claim as the earliest visitors to our lake. 1809 saw Colonel Talbot establish a trail alongside the lake. The War of 1812 was fought in a corner of our Lake Erie near Put-in-Bay, Ohio. Joseph Smith landed in Fairport in 1831 and established Mormon roots in nearby Kirtland. Balloonist John Steiner of Philadelphia spent a day in 1857 floating above the lake. Lake Erie commercial fishing topped 4 billion dollars in revenues in past years. Nearly 1400 shipwrecks are attributed to Erie waters and 270 wrecks are confirmed. The Griffith Disaster is clearly remembered in nearby Willowick. The nineteenth century fishing boom made Madison, Fairport, and Ashtabula key ports. As fishing declined and manufacturing grew, the lake became a 20th century haven for untreated sewage. The Diamond Alkali overlooked the bluffs of Lake Erie from 1912-1976 and made our county a major contributor to the chemical corridor that spanned 100 miles from Toledo to NY. The years 1919-1933 were remembered in history as the Prohibition Era. Alcohol crossed Lake Erie in large volumes in the day. Lake Shore Resorts that had early beginnings after the Civil War permeated the Lake County / Lake Erie bluffs landscape thru 1979.
Lake Erie folklore recalls a Monster and a Mirage Effect. The Mirage Effect reportedly allows one to see the Canadian shoreline from our county. The Monster remains known today in hockey circles.
Lake Erie is the fourth largest Great Lake when it comes to surface area. It is the smallest when compared to water volume. Lake Erie is the tenth largest body of water globally. Lake Erie has a mean depth of 62', the shallowest of all the Great Lakes. Its maximum width is 57.1 miles but Canada is a mere 34 miles away in our part of the lake. The fish known as bass, perch, trout, walleye, steelhead and more call the lake their home. Lake retention time is only 2.6 years. Water arrives to our lake via the Detroit River. Then it gets to Buffalo and careens over Niagara Falls.
Historically Lake Erie spans centuries. The Erie Indians settled on the shores around 1250 and remained until their demise in 1654. Louis Jolliett is considered to be the first explorer to find Lake Erie around the year 1669. Etienne Brule (1615) and LaSalle (circa 1660) also lay claim as the earliest visitors to our lake. 1809 saw Colonel Talbot establish a trail alongside the lake. The War of 1812 was fought in a corner of our Lake Erie near Put-in-Bay, Ohio. Joseph Smith landed in Fairport in 1831 and established Mormon roots in nearby Kirtland. Balloonist John Steiner of Philadelphia spent a day in 1857 floating above the lake. Lake Erie commercial fishing topped 4 billion dollars in revenues in past years. Nearly 1400 shipwrecks are attributed to Erie waters and 270 wrecks are confirmed. The Griffith Disaster is clearly remembered in nearby Willowick. The nineteenth century fishing boom made Madison, Fairport, and Ashtabula key ports. As fishing declined and manufacturing grew, the lake became a 20th century haven for untreated sewage. The Diamond Alkali overlooked the bluffs of Lake Erie from 1912-1976 and made our county a major contributor to the chemical corridor that spanned 100 miles from Toledo to NY. The years 1919-1933 were remembered in history as the Prohibition Era. Alcohol crossed Lake Erie in large volumes in the day. Lake Shore Resorts that had early beginnings after the Civil War permeated the Lake County / Lake Erie bluffs landscape thru 1979.
Lake Erie folklore recalls a Monster and a Mirage Effect. The Mirage Effect reportedly allows one to see the Canadian shoreline from our county. The Monster remains known today in hockey circles.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
A Bicentennial Moment: E.E.Lawrence & Morris Toubman - Fairport Merchants
E.E. Lawrence Sr.
Fairport Marine Supply House circa 1890
Edward E. Lawrence Sr. was one of Fairport's leading businessmen and citizens. Born in Finland, he arrived in Fairport in 1890. He became engaged in the meat business and quickly built a large local trade store. In short time he added a marine supply company to his assets. The store was located on Water Street and was the first and largest on the Great Lakes of its kind. The 'company store' as it became known was the lifeblood of the foremen and dock superintendents who served as stockholders. Lawrence's store supplied the ships that plied Fairport with cargoes of iron ore. Villagers also knew his store as the local grocery. In the early years E.E. Lawrence was even known to wield a pick and shovel during the winter months to keep his company alive. In time, he built the largest business block in Fairport.
Lawrence found time to serve the village as a member of the local board of education for 17 years. He was a township trustee for nearly 50 years, the longest term in recorded history. E.E. also served as President of the Lake County Savings and Loan Company, Vice-President of the County Board of Health, and president for many professional and civic minded concerns, i.e., butcher's association, waterway commission, local chamber of commerce, board of trade et al.
Morris Toubman - 'The Big Store'
Morris Toubman was proprietor of 'The Big Store'. Born in Sweden, he arrived from Finland in his youth and at the turn of the 20th century opened a clothing store on High Street. A business visionary, he believed in the future growth of Fairport. Like E.E. Lawrence, Toubman built the largest business block on the corner of High Street and Fourth. His daughter Ruth became his assistant and was charged with managing the women's department of his store. His tenure as local businessman spanned the transition of Fairport as a raucous ship's era port town to the modern times of Lake County's commercial growth.
Toubman was yet another resident with strong civic mindedness. He served numerous terms on the Fairport Board of Education as well as being a member of many county / civic organizations. Toubman's passing in June 1946 was noted in the village's sesqui-centennial a month later. His name like that of Lawrence remains permanently etched into the fabric of Fairport's early history.
Fairport Marine Supply House circa 1890
Edward E. Lawrence Sr. was one of Fairport's leading businessmen and citizens. Born in Finland, he arrived in Fairport in 1890. He became engaged in the meat business and quickly built a large local trade store. In short time he added a marine supply company to his assets. The store was located on Water Street and was the first and largest on the Great Lakes of its kind. The 'company store' as it became known was the lifeblood of the foremen and dock superintendents who served as stockholders. Lawrence's store supplied the ships that plied Fairport with cargoes of iron ore. Villagers also knew his store as the local grocery. In the early years E.E. Lawrence was even known to wield a pick and shovel during the winter months to keep his company alive. In time, he built the largest business block in Fairport.
Lawrence found time to serve the village as a member of the local board of education for 17 years. He was a township trustee for nearly 50 years, the longest term in recorded history. E.E. also served as President of the Lake County Savings and Loan Company, Vice-President of the County Board of Health, and president for many professional and civic minded concerns, i.e., butcher's association, waterway commission, local chamber of commerce, board of trade et al.
Morris Toubman - 'The Big Store'
Morris Toubman was proprietor of 'The Big Store'. Born in Sweden, he arrived from Finland in his youth and at the turn of the 20th century opened a clothing store on High Street. A business visionary, he believed in the future growth of Fairport. Like E.E. Lawrence, Toubman built the largest business block on the corner of High Street and Fourth. His daughter Ruth became his assistant and was charged with managing the women's department of his store. His tenure as local businessman spanned the transition of Fairport as a raucous ship's era port town to the modern times of Lake County's commercial growth.
Toubman was yet another resident with strong civic mindedness. He served numerous terms on the Fairport Board of Education as well as being a member of many county / civic organizations. Toubman's passing in June 1946 was noted in the village's sesqui-centennial a month later. His name like that of Lawrence remains permanently etched into the fabric of Fairport's early history.
Friday, July 27, 2012
A Bicentennial Moment: More Portals into Fairport's Past
Our look into the many personalities of Fairport's early history continues today with three more sketches. Matt Killinen Jr., August Wolff, and F. Oscar Hill were three early business pioneers whose contributions to Fairport's business history are still remembered today.
Matt Killinen Jr.
Matt Killinen resided on Fifth Street. An early businessman( late 19th-early 20th c.), he operated the Fairport Bottling Works. working with sons, Killinen's enterprise sold soda to most of northeastern Ohio at that time. Killinen and his wife were also members of the local Finnish Temperance Society. Politically he was an advocate of the Republican Party and helped spearhead many efforts toward establishing Fairport as a progressive community. The Village of Fairport dedicated a monument to Killinen's legacy. It sits on the lighthouse hill in the village.
August Wolff
August Wolff, proprietor of Wolff's Ice & Coal Company, was born in Fairport in 1892. He was the son of the one time Mayor of Fairport. Known as 'Gus', he was one of the village's most versatile personalities. Without the benefit of formal lessons, Gus mastered 22 musical instruments and led the community orchestra for over a decade. His weekly concerts in the Village Park were well attended.
As mentioned earlier, he took over his father's Coal & Ice Company at the age of 16. He was also part of the family grocery store, Grand River House and local post office which were located on Water Street. Gus also served 20 years on the village fire department, 16 as chief. Gus and his horse were well documented in community FD annals.
F. Oscar Hill
F. Oscar Hill was the proprietor of Hill's Hardware Store. A native son of Fairport, he was engaged early in his career as a building contractor. His business employed a large group of carpenters, masons, and such. Together they built many of the early residences in Fairport and Lake County. Oscar opened his Hardware Store in 1928. Located on Sixth Street, the hardware and tin shop was a fixture in the community for decades. His store and many of the residences he built remain today as tribute to his pioneer abilities.
Matt Killinen Jr.
Matt Killinen resided on Fifth Street. An early businessman( late 19th-early 20th c.), he operated the Fairport Bottling Works. working with sons, Killinen's enterprise sold soda to most of northeastern Ohio at that time. Killinen and his wife were also members of the local Finnish Temperance Society. Politically he was an advocate of the Republican Party and helped spearhead many efforts toward establishing Fairport as a progressive community. The Village of Fairport dedicated a monument to Killinen's legacy. It sits on the lighthouse hill in the village.
August Wolff
August Wolff, proprietor of Wolff's Ice & Coal Company, was born in Fairport in 1892. He was the son of the one time Mayor of Fairport. Known as 'Gus', he was one of the village's most versatile personalities. Without the benefit of formal lessons, Gus mastered 22 musical instruments and led the community orchestra for over a decade. His weekly concerts in the Village Park were well attended.
As mentioned earlier, he took over his father's Coal & Ice Company at the age of 16. He was also part of the family grocery store, Grand River House and local post office which were located on Water Street. Gus also served 20 years on the village fire department, 16 as chief. Gus and his horse were well documented in community FD annals.
F. Oscar Hill
F. Oscar Hill was the proprietor of Hill's Hardware Store. A native son of Fairport, he was engaged early in his career as a building contractor. His business employed a large group of carpenters, masons, and such. Together they built many of the early residences in Fairport and Lake County. Oscar opened his Hardware Store in 1928. Located on Sixth Street, the hardware and tin shop was a fixture in the community for decades. His store and many of the residences he built remain today as tribute to his pioneer abilities.
Monday, July 23, 2012
The Press of Early Lake County - Part I
Newspapers, magazines, and print media have witnessed a large decline in circulation in recent years. Facebook, Twitter, QR codes and other forms of social media have enjoyed a 'big bang-like' explosion onto the scene since 2005. While these new forms of social media are propelling the current generations foward in our information age, we look back today to the early genesis of the information age in Lake County's history - the local newspaper.
The Painesville Telegraph
The Telegraph was founded on July 16, 1822 by Eber D. Howe. It was the first newspaper in Painesville and one of the first in the Western Reserve. Prior to the Telegraph, which ended its run in 1976, three papers existed. The most well known of the three was the Cleveland Register (1817). The Tramp of Fame / Western Reserve Chronicle (1812) and Cleveland Herald (1819) were the other area newspapers. Howe's Telegraph had an initial subscription list of 150 people. The first issue was a four column paper that contained five ads. Howe took on James H. Paine as a partner in 1828. Howe and Paine remained active in the newspaper business for several more years before divesting themselves of the Telegraph to newer editors.
Painesville Republican
Horace Steele Sr. founded the 'Republican' on November 21, 1836. Steele came to Lake County via Vermont and Buffalo. His six column newspaper was Democratic in sentiment. Within four years he had a subsription list of over 800 county residents. J. F. Scofield bought the paper and enjoyed one last year of success before the ' Republican' was discontinued.
Grant River Record
The newspaper opened for business on December 11, 1852. J. F. Scofield, former owner of the Painesville Republican, was the sole proprietor. It was a seven column newspaper and enjoyed brief success before it was sold to a Pittsburgh, Pa. group.
Painesville Advertiser
Introduced as a monthly paper in June 1855, the Advertiser became a weekly paper by September of that same year. In 1859 it consolidated with the Cleveland Press. A year later this new paper merged with the Telegraph. 1868 saw a brief revival of the Advertiser before it passed into the annals of county history.
* Becky Falin was the author of the 1996 sketch that provided the genealogical research used in this blog.
The Painesville Telegraph
The Telegraph was founded on July 16, 1822 by Eber D. Howe. It was the first newspaper in Painesville and one of the first in the Western Reserve. Prior to the Telegraph, which ended its run in 1976, three papers existed. The most well known of the three was the Cleveland Register (1817). The Tramp of Fame / Western Reserve Chronicle (1812) and Cleveland Herald (1819) were the other area newspapers. Howe's Telegraph had an initial subscription list of 150 people. The first issue was a four column paper that contained five ads. Howe took on James H. Paine as a partner in 1828. Howe and Paine remained active in the newspaper business for several more years before divesting themselves of the Telegraph to newer editors.
Painesville Republican
Horace Steele Sr. founded the 'Republican' on November 21, 1836. Steele came to Lake County via Vermont and Buffalo. His six column newspaper was Democratic in sentiment. Within four years he had a subsription list of over 800 county residents. J. F. Scofield bought the paper and enjoyed one last year of success before the ' Republican' was discontinued.
Grant River Record
The newspaper opened for business on December 11, 1852. J. F. Scofield, former owner of the Painesville Republican, was the sole proprietor. It was a seven column newspaper and enjoyed brief success before it was sold to a Pittsburgh, Pa. group.
Painesville Advertiser
Introduced as a monthly paper in June 1855, the Advertiser became a weekly paper by September of that same year. In 1859 it consolidated with the Cleveland Press. A year later this new paper merged with the Telegraph. 1868 saw a brief revival of the Advertiser before it passed into the annals of county history.
* Becky Falin was the author of the 1996 sketch that provided the genealogical research used in this blog.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
A Bicentennial Moment: Mini Sketches of Early Fairport Business Personalities
Mrs. Elma Taittonen
Elma was one of the small number of women businesswomen in Fairport's early history. She left her native Finland and came to America at the age of 10. Her early fondness for cooking and baking served her well. In time she became proprietor of Taittonen's Restaurant in Fairport.
Herman Dilgren
Born in Finland in 1891, he arrived in Fairport just a year later. This Fairporter's career was varied and community service oriented. Herman started his working career with Coles Nursery at the age of 16. While engaged in that trade, he also operated a bicycle repair shop on High Street, repairing motorcycles and bikes. Later years saw him join the employ of the Diamond Alkali as a steam fitter. Some years down the road saw Herman become associated with the Harbor Land Company. His final efforts in the community saw him serve on the local water board and as President of the Board of Public Affairs.
Melvin S. Colgrove
Melvin S. Colgrove was born in Ashtabula, educated in Painesville, and a graduate of the University of Buffalo. An interest in pharmacy while working for Davet Drug Store in Painesville in 1905 led him to his future vocation. Brief pharmacy related stops in NYC, Toronto, Wooster, and Cleveland followed. Colgrove opened his own store in Fairport and it became his final home. Besides being the area's leading druggist for 18 consecutive years, Melvin found time to serve his adopted community well.
He was a member of the village council during the era of the first street paving. Alongwith other council members ( Rasmussen, Markko, Locotosh, Bailey, Parrish, and Wargo), Melvin oversaw all the streets being paved in just over a year. His interest in civic affairs led him to sponsor most of the men's and women's basketball teams. These teams successes are well documented in Lake County and N.E. Ohio basketball history.
Elma was one of the small number of women businesswomen in Fairport's early history. She left her native Finland and came to America at the age of 10. Her early fondness for cooking and baking served her well. In time she became proprietor of Taittonen's Restaurant in Fairport.
Herman Dilgren
Born in Finland in 1891, he arrived in Fairport just a year later. This Fairporter's career was varied and community service oriented. Herman started his working career with Coles Nursery at the age of 16. While engaged in that trade, he also operated a bicycle repair shop on High Street, repairing motorcycles and bikes. Later years saw him join the employ of the Diamond Alkali as a steam fitter. Some years down the road saw Herman become associated with the Harbor Land Company. His final efforts in the community saw him serve on the local water board and as President of the Board of Public Affairs.
Melvin S. Colgrove
Melvin S. Colgrove was born in Ashtabula, educated in Painesville, and a graduate of the University of Buffalo. An interest in pharmacy while working for Davet Drug Store in Painesville in 1905 led him to his future vocation. Brief pharmacy related stops in NYC, Toronto, Wooster, and Cleveland followed. Colgrove opened his own store in Fairport and it became his final home. Besides being the area's leading druggist for 18 consecutive years, Melvin found time to serve his adopted community well.
He was a member of the village council during the era of the first street paving. Alongwith other council members ( Rasmussen, Markko, Locotosh, Bailey, Parrish, and Wargo), Melvin oversaw all the streets being paved in just over a year. His interest in civic affairs led him to sponsor most of the men's and women's basketball teams. These teams successes are well documented in Lake County and N.E. Ohio basketball history.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
'The Big Party' - Chardon at 200
Bicentennials don't happen very often. Yet in 2012 two communities are celebrating just such an event. One in Lake County has been well documented. The other in Geauga County kicks off a major event in just over a week. Chardon, Ohio founded in 1812 by early pioneer Capt. Edward Paine Jr will host its 'Big Party' July 27, 28, 29. The weekend includes an Ecumenical Gathering on Thursday. Friday the 27th kicks-off the celebration with a band concert in the Park. Saturday the 28th will feature opening activities, also in the Park, as well as an Ox Roast. Sunday the 29th will feature Activities on the Square from 1-6pm. A parade is scheduled for 3pm and Fireworks at Dusk conclude this gala event, 200 years in the making.
Chardon - A Brief History
1795-1848 saw the era of the early pioneers. Traveling the Western Reserve and part of the Connecticut Land Company sojourns into Ohio, Capt. Edward Paine Jr. built his log cabin and founded what became known as Chardon. Serving in various governmental capacities, Paine helped establish the initial footprint of the city that is still seen today. The Girdled Road projects of the later 1800's helped assure Chardon a key role in N.E. Ohio history. Chardon experienced its most rapid growth from 1808-1848 and modeled itself after the New England town format. Chardon Square today still maintains this architectural style. A Great Fire in July 1868 destroyed much of the early footprint but a rebuild from 1868-1870 restored much of the original look and feel to the town. An emphasis on education and continued growth continued throughout the 20th century and Chardon continues to celebrate its contributions, past and present each day.
Chardon invites you to its 'Big Party' next week. Remember 200 year old birthday parties don't occur very often. Come and witness a unique piece of history. Need more information, e-mail your request to chardonat200@gmail.com or visit their website www.chardonat200.com
Chardon - A Brief History
1795-1848 saw the era of the early pioneers. Traveling the Western Reserve and part of the Connecticut Land Company sojourns into Ohio, Capt. Edward Paine Jr. built his log cabin and founded what became known as Chardon. Serving in various governmental capacities, Paine helped establish the initial footprint of the city that is still seen today. The Girdled Road projects of the later 1800's helped assure Chardon a key role in N.E. Ohio history. Chardon experienced its most rapid growth from 1808-1848 and modeled itself after the New England town format. Chardon Square today still maintains this architectural style. A Great Fire in July 1868 destroyed much of the early footprint but a rebuild from 1868-1870 restored much of the original look and feel to the town. An emphasis on education and continued growth continued throughout the 20th century and Chardon continues to celebrate its contributions, past and present each day.
Chardon invites you to its 'Big Party' next week. Remember 200 year old birthday parties don't occur very often. Come and witness a unique piece of history. Need more information, e-mail your request to chardonat200@gmail.com or visit their website www.chardonat200.com
Thursday, July 12, 2012
A Bicentennial Moment: Do You Remember These Businesses?
Fairport's Bicentennial Year has passed the midway point. Community programs have featured the village's early history, schools & athletes, and the annual 'Mardi Gras' celebration. To date a Party in the Park, Lighthouse Lantern Launch, Ecumenical Concert, and Boat Parade have added to this historical celebration. As the second half of 2012 unfolds three programs will inform the community about other signature moments in their history. Today we ask the question " Do You Remember These Fairport Businesses?" August's program will recall many of these merchants. Until then do you recall -
The North Star Dairy Co.
E.E.Lawrence & Co.
A&P Store - John Lintala, Prop.
Rogat Hardware Company
Guraly's Restaurant Inc.
Lyric Lake & Park Theaters
Isalay's Dairy Store - Roy Hersman, Mgr.
Bread & Butter Food Shop - John Laitenen, Prop.
Ray's Paint & Wallpaper Store - M/M Ray Toivonen
Ameen's Confectionary - George Ameen, Prop.
Suomi Beverage Co. - John Juhola
Colgrove's Drug Store - M.S. Colgrove, Prop.
Paul's Barber Shop - George Paul, Prop.
The Fashion Shop - Mary Turbok
J.V. Sirola Tailor
Kamenar MobilGas Station
Potti Bros. Funeral Home
Oscar Ruusten Jewelers
Parkway Service Station - M/M Nyle Schuster
Ben Franklin Store
Beacon Market
Kitty & Jigg's Cafe
Kanyuh's Tavern
Ann's Food Store - Ann Goblowsky, Prop.
Buckeye Dairy Co. - M.E. Liimakka Family
Fairport Beacon Neal Printing
Blue Room Beauty Salon - Helen and Betty Sabo
Gottwig's Restaurant - M/M Ed Gottwig
Redz' Barber Shop
Coleman Photo Service
Stropkey Stores - Mrs. Steve Stropkey, Sr., Prop.
Newcomb's Service Station
Tschuor Electric and Hardware
Gulfair Service Center - Thomas Millonzi, Prop.
Toubmans The Big Store
Michael Paul's Barber Shop
A.J. Simon Store
Mulqueeny Bros. Funeral Home
Kapel Winery
Hill's Hardware - F. Oscar Hill, Prop.
Mackey's Self Service - M/M Ben Mackey
J.A. Kortesmaki
Fairport Furniture Company
John G. Resetar
Johnny & Myrt's Sweet Shop - M/M John Kolesar
Hilberg's Market - John Hilberg, Prop.
Ed's Bakery
Bell's Restaurant
Rasmussen Deli
A.J. McCrone Co.
M. Kangas
Vendeley's Restaurant
Michael's Restaurant - Michael Wayner, Prop.
Butterfield's Billiards
Fairport Restaurant
Thall's Shoe Store
Mack's Cafe
Lunka's Cafe - M/M Tony Lunka
Allan R. Pohto, D.D.S.
Lake Barber Shop - R.A. Lake, Prop.
This is a thoroughly incomplete list of businesses. Those mentioned reflect only a small portion gleaned from photo compilations and local history books about Fairport Harbor.
The North Star Dairy Co.
E.E.Lawrence & Co.
A&P Store - John Lintala, Prop.
Rogat Hardware Company
Guraly's Restaurant Inc.
Lyric Lake & Park Theaters
Isalay's Dairy Store - Roy Hersman, Mgr.
Bread & Butter Food Shop - John Laitenen, Prop.
Ray's Paint & Wallpaper Store - M/M Ray Toivonen
Ameen's Confectionary - George Ameen, Prop.
Suomi Beverage Co. - John Juhola
Colgrove's Drug Store - M.S. Colgrove, Prop.
Paul's Barber Shop - George Paul, Prop.
The Fashion Shop - Mary Turbok
J.V. Sirola Tailor
Kamenar MobilGas Station
Potti Bros. Funeral Home
Oscar Ruusten Jewelers
Parkway Service Station - M/M Nyle Schuster
Ben Franklin Store
Beacon Market
Kitty & Jigg's Cafe
Kanyuh's Tavern
Ann's Food Store - Ann Goblowsky, Prop.
Buckeye Dairy Co. - M.E. Liimakka Family
Fairport Beacon Neal Printing
Blue Room Beauty Salon - Helen and Betty Sabo
Gottwig's Restaurant - M/M Ed Gottwig
Redz' Barber Shop
Coleman Photo Service
Stropkey Stores - Mrs. Steve Stropkey, Sr., Prop.
Newcomb's Service Station
Tschuor Electric and Hardware
Gulfair Service Center - Thomas Millonzi, Prop.
Toubmans The Big Store
Michael Paul's Barber Shop
A.J. Simon Store
Mulqueeny Bros. Funeral Home
Kapel Winery
Hill's Hardware - F. Oscar Hill, Prop.
Mackey's Self Service - M/M Ben Mackey
J.A. Kortesmaki
Fairport Furniture Company
John G. Resetar
Johnny & Myrt's Sweet Shop - M/M John Kolesar
Hilberg's Market - John Hilberg, Prop.
Ed's Bakery
Bell's Restaurant
Rasmussen Deli
A.J. McCrone Co.
M. Kangas
Vendeley's Restaurant
Michael's Restaurant - Michael Wayner, Prop.
Butterfield's Billiards
Fairport Restaurant
Thall's Shoe Store
Mack's Cafe
Lunka's Cafe - M/M Tony Lunka
Allan R. Pohto, D.D.S.
Lake Barber Shop - R.A. Lake, Prop.
This is a thoroughly incomplete list of businesses. Those mentioned reflect only a small portion gleaned from photo compilations and local history books about Fairport Harbor.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Aviation History Continues At Lost Nation Airport This Weekend
Mention Hopkins Airport or Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland and most county residents will recognize their names. Mention Casement Airport in Painesville, Concord Airpark , and Lost Nation Airport in Willoughby and county residents may not have heard of these names. Yet all three sites in Lake County are part of our aviation history. In fact, Lost Nation Airport, founded in December, 1937 sits just three miles from downtown Willoughby and only 16 miles from downtown Cleveland. Situated on 420 acres, Lost Nation Airport has two runways and averages 123 flights daily, 55% of which are local. Over 73 planes are housed at the airport. This weekend another 25 plus aircraft will call the Willoughby Airport home as the 'Gathering of Eagles XVI' visit. The public is invited to attend this event from 10am-4pm each day.
The Gathering of Eagles XVI has its origins in the early 1980's. Brig. General Paul Tibbets accepted an invitation in 1982 to share his experiences at the Maxwell AFB in Alabama. From these humble beginnings this gathering grew and spread across our country. Celebrating the Golden Age of Flying, the public can inspect historic aircraft, witness flight demonstrations, and arrange a flight on a B-25 or T-6 Trainer plane. Aircraft scheduled to appear include the B-25, T-28, CJ6-A, T-51,C-47, WACO, Fouge Jet, OV-10, and Stearman. Proceeds from the Gathering of Eagles XVI will be used to restore the Superfortress 'Doc' Boeing B-29 Project. A complete schedule of weekend aviation events is available in many Willoughby venues or at the Downtown Welcome Center.
For more information visit - www.usam.us or www.lakevisit.com Volunteer opportunities are possible by calling 440-290-8364 or 440-944-3518. YouTube has 'Gathering' videos posted.
The Gathering of Eagles XVI has its origins in the early 1980's. Brig. General Paul Tibbets accepted an invitation in 1982 to share his experiences at the Maxwell AFB in Alabama. From these humble beginnings this gathering grew and spread across our country. Celebrating the Golden Age of Flying, the public can inspect historic aircraft, witness flight demonstrations, and arrange a flight on a B-25 or T-6 Trainer plane. Aircraft scheduled to appear include the B-25, T-28, CJ6-A, T-51,C-47, WACO, Fouge Jet, OV-10, and Stearman. Proceeds from the Gathering of Eagles XVI will be used to restore the Superfortress 'Doc' Boeing B-29 Project. A complete schedule of weekend aviation events is available in many Willoughby venues or at the Downtown Welcome Center.
For more information visit - www.usam.us or www.lakevisit.com Volunteer opportunities are possible by calling 440-290-8364 or 440-944-3518. YouTube has 'Gathering' videos posted.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
A Bicentennial Moment: Meet the Parades - Mardi Gras Celebrations Continue in Fairport Harbore
Each year the town of Fairport Harbor and guests from around the region gather in the small village (approx. 3000 residents) for the annual tradition of Mardi Gras. The first Mardi Gras was held July 4, 1939 and was an outgrowth of the Street Carnivals that began in 1925 and the Water Carnivals that followed begining in 1934. A 1938 Street Party to celebrate the paving of Chestnut Street alluded to the Mardi Gras. A community movement convinced Mayor John O. Rendrick to make this intitial celebration into an annual event. On April 22, 1941 the Mardi Gras was formally incorporated and charged with promoting the welfare of the villagers. Proceeds from the event were to be used to award local scholarships and help underwrite civic causes. The Mardi Gras became an overnight sensation as over 10,000 visitors came to this July 4th weekend event. Seventy-one years later the tradition continues. This year's Mardi Gras kicked off on the Fourth and will culminate with a Fireworks extravaganza at dusk on July 8th. Carnival rides, musical performances, parades, food and fun for all highlight each of the five days. Unique to the 2012 Mardi Gras and in association with the Village Bicentennial is the return of the Fairport Harbor Boat Parade.
July 5th - Mardi Gras Parade - The parade starts at 7pm and will follow its traditional course throughout the village. Grab your blanket and/or lawn chair and find your spot early as the parade attracts an average of 15,000 visitors in some years. Local and County Fire Department Trucks muster for the event. The Fairport Harbor Historical Society will trailer and demonstrate its restored foghorn on the 5th. Lake Metroparks will enter their horse drawn wagon once again. Floats from all over the community and county will be on the streets for what promises to be a two hour 'Slice of Americana.'
July 7th - Boat Parade - The Boat Parade returns after a long absence in this Fairport's Bicentennnial Year. An early staple of the Mardi Gras event, the parade will begin at 6pm from a staging area on the east end of Fairport's Huntington Beach. The boat parade already in excess of 20 vessels will head west along the beach and enter the Grand River channel and head down to Pickle Bill's in Grand River. The boat parade will be led by the USCG and ODNR vessels. The FHYC, GRSC, WRYC, LCMP, and other boating organizations will be entered into the parade too. Boaters desiring to join in this Mardi Gras revivial may do so by contacting boat parade co-chair John Ollila at 4400-346-5613.
The 2012 Mardi Gras - Fun for All! Also worth noting for this coming weekend are the 5K run being held at 9am on July 7th and a party in the park from noon-5pm. Don't forget...join us for the parades July 5th at 7pm and July 7th at 6pm!
July 5th - Mardi Gras Parade - The parade starts at 7pm and will follow its traditional course throughout the village. Grab your blanket and/or lawn chair and find your spot early as the parade attracts an average of 15,000 visitors in some years. Local and County Fire Department Trucks muster for the event. The Fairport Harbor Historical Society will trailer and demonstrate its restored foghorn on the 5th. Lake Metroparks will enter their horse drawn wagon once again. Floats from all over the community and county will be on the streets for what promises to be a two hour 'Slice of Americana.'
July 7th - Boat Parade - The Boat Parade returns after a long absence in this Fairport's Bicentennnial Year. An early staple of the Mardi Gras event, the parade will begin at 6pm from a staging area on the east end of Fairport's Huntington Beach. The boat parade already in excess of 20 vessels will head west along the beach and enter the Grand River channel and head down to Pickle Bill's in Grand River. The boat parade will be led by the USCG and ODNR vessels. The FHYC, GRSC, WRYC, LCMP, and other boating organizations will be entered into the parade too. Boaters desiring to join in this Mardi Gras revivial may do so by contacting boat parade co-chair John Ollila at 4400-346-5613.
The 2012 Mardi Gras - Fun for All! Also worth noting for this coming weekend are the 5K run being held at 9am on July 7th and a party in the park from noon-5pm. Don't forget...join us for the parades July 5th at 7pm and July 7th at 6pm!
Monday, July 2, 2012
20th Century Presidential Home To Host Unique July Programs
Eight of our Fourty-Four Presidents hail from Ohio. Five were Officers/Generals in the Civil War. One was the last to be born in a log cabin. He hailed from Moreland Hills and served as college president at what is today known as Hiram College. In 1876 this Congressman purchased a small farm in Mentor. Too small to house his five kids, wife and mother he had additions built from the onset. His home 'Lawnfield' was ready by 1880. In a twist of fate, he attended the Chicago National Convention to nominate fellow Ohioan John Sherman for President. Thirty-six ballots later he was the Presidential Candidate. This Presidential Candidate's 'front porch' became famous as he campaigned on it to thousands of visitors. This U.S. President, from Mentor was assasinated only months after his election. James A. Garfield is this 20th U.S. President. His home is a National Historic Site. Located on Mentor Avenue it is open to the public. In addition to viewing Garfield's home and trappings, 'Lawnfield' hosts several unique events each year. Two are coming up in the next weeks. Both will be held at Garfield's last private residence.
July 7th - A Naturalization Ceremony will be held at 10am. This uniquely American Ceremony will be hosted by the League of Women Voters, Citizenship & Immigration Services (Homeland Security), and the U.S. District Court of Northern, Ohio. A Behind the Scenes Private Tour of the Garfield Farm will follow at 11am. The public is invited to both events.
July 14th - A Civil War Encampment will be on the grounds from 11am-4pm. Displays, demonstrations, re-enactors, and vendors will be on hand. A Mini-Militia Drill for children will be offered at 1pm. Both programs are part of Civil War Ohio's 150th Anniversary.
July 7th - A Naturalization Ceremony will be held at 10am. This uniquely American Ceremony will be hosted by the League of Women Voters, Citizenship & Immigration Services (Homeland Security), and the U.S. District Court of Northern, Ohio. A Behind the Scenes Private Tour of the Garfield Farm will follow at 11am. The public is invited to both events.
July 14th - A Civil War Encampment will be on the grounds from 11am-4pm. Displays, demonstrations, re-enactors, and vendors will be on hand. A Mini-Militia Drill for children will be offered at 1pm. Both programs are part of Civil War Ohio's 150th Anniversary.
Monday, June 25, 2012
The City of Mentor's 'Gramma G'
'Gramma G' was Mentor's first and only woman mayor. She lived in a red house behind the mansion in a park that now bears her name. Her neighbors the Boltons, Kings, and Kreugers all recall as youngsters 'Gramma G'. Born in 1899 Eleanor Borton was wed to President Garfield's grandson Rudolph H. For a four year period from 1952-1956, she served as Mentor's mayor. In that time, Madam Mayor's vision set into motion the changes that transformed a small village into the county's biggest 1960's Gold Rush.
These 1950's accomplishments included teaming up with local businessman Ray Dawson to get Governor O'Neill to relocate the new Route 2 to free up 1000 acres of land for a Tyler Blvd. Industrial Park. Her diligence in ending a gambling operation at the Old Newell Estate brought the residents what was originally known as Mentor Rec Park on Mentor Avenue. This granddaughter-in-law also brought Ohio Water Service to the residents of Mentor. Eleanor supplemented her $75 a month mayoral salary by finishing antiques. It is even said that she painted the entire inside of the Old village Hall herself.
In time, Eleanor's vision led to the successful retail development along Mentor Avenue and North Center Street. The 65 acre Mentor Recreation Park was renamed as a tribute to Eleanor in 1980. While 'Gramma G' did not reside in Mentor in her later years, her passing in 1994 was an unofficial end to Mentor's only Woman Mayor and Gold Rush champion.
Originally posted June 25, 2012
These 1950's accomplishments included teaming up with local businessman Ray Dawson to get Governor O'Neill to relocate the new Route 2 to free up 1000 acres of land for a Tyler Blvd. Industrial Park. Her diligence in ending a gambling operation at the Old Newell Estate brought the residents what was originally known as Mentor Rec Park on Mentor Avenue. This granddaughter-in-law also brought Ohio Water Service to the residents of Mentor. Eleanor supplemented her $75 a month mayoral salary by finishing antiques. It is even said that she painted the entire inside of the Old village Hall herself.
In time, Eleanor's vision led to the successful retail development along Mentor Avenue and North Center Street. The 65 acre Mentor Recreation Park was renamed as a tribute to Eleanor in 1980. While 'Gramma G' did not reside in Mentor in her later years, her passing in 1994 was an unofficial end to Mentor's only Woman Mayor and Gold Rush champion.
Originally posted June 25, 2012
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