The Press of Early Lake County - Part II

Today we continue our look back at Lake County's earliest newspapers.  Newspapers reported history in the making.  The history of the Western Reserve and the history of Lake County are intertwined in the columns of these papers.

                                                    North Ohio Journal

The Journal began in the summer of 1871 and ran for several years.  This four column newspaper was mainly political in scope.  James A. Garfield and other local politicians of the day were the main topics in this county newspaper.

                                   Madison Star, Independent Press, Dairy Gazette

Ferdinand Lee began the Star in Madison in the year 1871.  For the first year the paper thrived.  However tough times in 1872 forced the paper to change names and scope.  Renamed the Independent Press it was again renamed the Dairy Gazette in short order and continued until 1876.  The newspaper moved that year to Jefferson and remained active for some years to come.  Some eighteen months after its departure a new Madison Gazette reappeared.  Alas its tenure was brief and operations were suspended forever.

                                               Willoughby Gazette

The Willoughby Gazette started in October 1868.  J. B. Brown was the first editor.  The Gazette was a four column semi-monthly edition at first.  Its popularity resulted in a format change as it became a weekly.  The Willoughby Gazette continued through 1870 before it too was discontinued.


                                               Amerikan Sanomat

Three businessmen purchased the rights to this Fairport paper, a weekly published in Ashtabula from 1897-1913. Founded in 1924, it was an independent paper with clerical tones. It was a bi-weekly paper of four pages through 1939.  Gabriel and Alma Lipsanen controlled the paper until its end.

                                              Merchant News & Fairport Beacon

Two native sons of Fairport, Neal and Carl Katila launched the newspaper business in 1929.  Run from their printing business, the brothers printed these two local newspapers until February 1959 when the Painesville Telegraph assumed control of their paper.  The Merchant News was notable for its 8x10" format on orange or green cheap stock.

A Bicentennial Moment: A Portal Into Fairport's Past

    Oftentimes little gems of local lore can be just as fascinating as major moments in time.  Today's blog examines some back stories gleaned from historical text or photos about Fairport Harbor.

The First Truck -  Purchased about 1910 or 1912 it was a Chase.  Manufactured in Syracuse, N.Y. it arrived in Painesville and was Lake County's first motorized vehicle. Delivered to Fairport by a factory representative, it was bought by local businessman Matt Tuuri .  Tuuri was the proprietor of the Fairport Bakery and used his truck to travel the roads of Lake, Ashtabula and Geauga Counties.  Said to be the local P.T. Barnum, Tuuri and his bulldog 'Tom' had a team of spirited horses follow his truck in case the mires and ruts ditched his vehicle.

Islands in Grand River - Two islands once stood where the limestone docks are now located.  The western island was called Averill's Island; while the eastern island, which was the larger, was known as Grass Island.  The island further up the river was known as Ram Island and still remains.

Walnut Hill-  The hill on Third Street on which the Village Hall once sat was known for the large number of walnut trees that grew there.  Today the old Village Hall and former Senior Center is home to the Finnish Heritage Museum.  Walnut Trees still may be found throughout the village landscape and stand as tributes to a by-gone Fairport era.

Warehouses - Thirteen warehouses were located on the river front in Fairport's heydey.  Samuel Huntington built the first.  Twice lightkeeper Samuel Butler constructed the second.   The last of the old warehouses was erected in 1846 by Col. J.R. Morse and served the community for 16 years.

Steamboat Race -  June 4, 1901 marked a unique moment in village history.  Schools were closed and local business suspended for the day as the entire population witnessed a lakefront event.  A steamboat race between the Tashmoo of Detroit and the City of Erie, of Cleveland took place.  Over $50,000 was wagered on this Cleveland to Erie race.  The City of Erie won by a mere 45 seconds.

Riverside - Was the name of the Skinner Home.  Located at the corner of Skinner Avenue and St. Clair Street, during the gay-nineties, this estate was the summer resort of the wealthy.  Room and board ran $10 weekly for a single, $15 for a double.  Boating, hunting, walking paths and games of the day were highlights of visitor sojourns.

City of Mentor Prepares to Celebrate 50 years

2012 is the bicentennial year for two area communities.  Fairport Harbor celebrates its 200th year in mid- May, while Chardon will acknowledge its anniversary in late-July.  Following in 2013 is the 50th anniversary of the City of Mentor.  Drive through Mentor and one notices the water tower claims Mentor was settled in 1797 by Charles Parker.  One might even know the name Mentor came from Greek Literature ( as did the city names of Solon, Euclid, and Macedonia).  Mentor Township dates back to 1815.  The year 1855 saw Mentor incorporated as a village.  However, it was December 18, 1963 that saw the City of Mentor come into existence.  Today's blog highlights a few of the events that have shaped Mentor since 1963.  Let's see how many events you recall?

The Mentor Timeline since 1963-

• 1965    The new Mentor High School opens
• 1966    Perkins opens on Rt. 615, one of only two eating establishments in the vicinity
• 1969    Tyler Blvd. opens
• Population is 39,000
• 1971    Caterpillar, a 1 million square foot plant opens up
• 1971    Old Mentor Foundation forms - 102 historic buildings and Old Council Hall saved
• 1973    Cleveland Museum of Natural History dedicates 619 acres of Mentor Marsh
• 1980   Mentor acquires Wildwood Estate ( John Oliver summer home) on Little Mountain Rd. and Mentor Recreation Park( former Garfield family member site) on Mentor Ave.
• Population now exceeds 42,000
• 1982    Reynolds Road underpass opens
• 1986    Center Street Mill is razed
• 1993    Mentor Schools Fine Arts Bldg. opens
• 1996    City acquires Mentor Lagoons
• 2004   Heisley Road overpass completed
• 2005   City purchases Black Brook Golf Course
• 2008   Population exceeds 53,000 - largest in Lake County

Coming blogs will highlight some of Mentor's early history.  Until then, if you would like to learn more about Mentor's history these books may be found in the public library, local historical societies or about town.

The First 200 Years - 1997 release date

History of Mentor Headlands and Vicinity - 1952 release date

By the Buckeye - 1984 release date

Mentor - A Retrospective  - 1988 release date

Roses to Retail by Barbara Snell Davis - 2010 release date

A Bicentennial Moment : A Brief Look at the Early History of Fairport Harbor

Located thirty miles east of Cleveland on the shores of Lake Erie is Fairport Harbor, Ohio.  Fairport's past is rich in history and local lore.  However today Fairport Harbor may be one of Ohio's best kept secrets.  Situated on the mouth of the Grand River,  Fairport is home to two local lighthouses, a magnificently groomed Metroparks beach, local cultural organizations, boating access to Lake Erie and to a village community celebrating 200 hundred years steeped in early American history / lore.  The early history of Grandon (1812), renamed Fairport (1836), designated Fairport Harbor (1959) is the story of the Western Reserve.  Each Thursday in 2012, this blog will feature a bicentennial moment from the Village of Fairport Harbor.  As the Bicentennial Year unfolds, I welcome your help and article contributions.  If you have any Fairport Harbor books, documents, family histories, photos, etc. that you would like to donate to the Fairport Harbor Historical Society archives / library please call 440-354-4825 or stop by some Tuesday afternoon with your contributions.  I look foward to sharing your history, and Fairport's history with your fellow community residents as well as the visitors to the Fairport Harbor Lighthouse and Marine Museum.


Latitude 41degrees 45' 28" and Longitude 81 degrees 16' 40" - The Early Years...

The early history of Fairport is the history of the Western Reserve.  The area known today as Fairport Harbor is adjacent to the Grand River and is situated on the southern shores of Lake Erie.  This area became an important port of call for immigrants, for commerce to the Upper Great Lakes Region, and as a haven from volatile storms that dotted Lake Erie. 
The earliest archeological evidence found in Fairport were the Erie Indians (Cat Indians).  A partial 1937 dig confirmed their presence from around 1650-1654.  It is believed their sudden end came at the hands of the Iroquois.  The next mention of people in this area came in 1760.  Major Robert Rogers and his group were thought to have taken haven at the mouth of the Grand River during a severe storm. 
A deed of cession in 1786 saw Connecticut give up lands granted in a charter from King Charles II.  The land became known as the Western Reserve and included what was to become Grandon (1812), renamed Fairport (1836), designated Fairport Harbor (1959).  Historical accounts of Geauga and Lake Counties referenced pioneer families as early as 1798.  Samuel Fowler was deeded 3246 acres that year.  John Walworth purchased 2000 acres in Painesville in 1799.  This property was sold to Samuel Huntington.  In January 1801, Samuel Fowler deeded to Abraham Skinner and Eleazer Paine twenty-five percent of his land holdings.  While their homes were not in Fairport proper, it did lead the way to the first home being built in Fairport just two years later.  Joseph Rider built the first home in Fairport in 1803.
May 16, 1812 saw the original village of Grandon laid out by Captain Abraham Skinner, Samuel Huntington and others on land deeded by Samuel Fowler in 1798.  Grandon became a thriving port of call.  Commerce grew, a lighthouse was added in 1825, immigrants soon followed, and early American history continued to unfold in this corner of the soon-to-be Lake County.  Grandon changed its name to Fairport in 1836 and a new era in history unfolded. 

The next Bicentennial Moment will appear on Thursday, January 19, 2012.  Follow the history of Fairport Harbor each and every Thursday.  From the well known, to the hidden gems and nuggets, I will travel the timeline of Fairport Harbor and share her stories.

Local Lore Celebrates 100 - Part Two

Here is a little post 100 blog quiz to test your recall.  Do you remember these 'Local Lore' tid-bits?

1.  Lake County's oldest dwelling, a stone house built on Pierson's Knob in 1841 was once known as the Vineyard House.  Today it is the home of ...

a.  Holden Arboretum  b.  Herb Society of America   c.  Lake Front Lodge   d.  Old Stone Schoolhouse

2.  This little known 1843 relic used during the Civil War may be found on the hill near this famous lighthouse in Fairport Harbor...

a.  H. B. Treat  burial marker   b.  foremast of the U.S. Michigan  c.  underground railroad tunnel entrance  d. Francis USLSS metallic covered lifesaving car

3.  Harry Kelsey Devereau of Wickliffe was the inspiration for the 'drummer boy' in the famous painting "Spirit of '76".  What Perry resident was the model for the 'fifer' in that iconic artwork?

a.  Daniel Beard  b.  Hugh Mosher  c.  Henrik Paine  d. Samuel Butler

4.  Uncle Dan ( Daniel Carter Beard) was celebrated for many things.  Which one was not a Beard contribution...

a.  Boy Scout of America patch  b. Indian Guides founder    c.  Camp Fire Girls founder  d.  Boy Scouts of America co-founder

5.  His original home is located near Big Creek Valley.  He was a noted abolitionist.  He founded the Cleveland Herald.  In 1822 he moved to our county and founded the Painesville Telegraph (1822-1976).  His name was...

a.  Jack Casement  b. Eber Howe  c.  Samuel Huntington  d.  Charles Parker

6.  'Coulallenby' was the name of this Czar of the Great Lakes ( Harry Coulby) estate located in Wickliffe.  What business venture made Harry a member of Millionaire's Row?

a.  Interurban railroad line  b.  Interlake Steamship Company  c.  Cleveland Cliffs Steamship Company    d.  C. P. & A railroad line

7.  In 1802 it was known as Wilson's Corners.  Today Lake County residents know this area as...

a.  Madison Township  b.  Concord Township   c. Timberlake  d.  Waite Hill Township

8.  This medical college located in downtown Willoughby from 1834-47 eventually gave birth to three famous institutions.  Which one is not an offshoot of this union?

a.  Lake Erie College  b.  Andrews-Osborne Academy  c.  CWRU  d. The Ohio State University

9.  Painesville was first named after this famous General?

a.  General Garfield   b.  General Champion   c.  General Richmond   d.  General Skinner

10.  Arabian Horses, Locust Farms, and a Well-Bred Shed are associated with the history of this Lake County park property that celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2010.  Name it...

a.  Holden Arboretum  b. Lake Farmpark  c. Penitentiary Glen  d.  Erie Shores

11.  Originally known as the Lakeshore Blvd. Estates this organization was responsible for the naming of all streets in what is now known as Timberlake.  Name the organization...

a.  Willoughbeach Association  b.  Hiawatha Club   c.  Willowick Rotary Club   d.  Lake County Toastmasters Club

12.  Willowick has been an eyewitness to history.  Which event is not associated with the city's history?

a.  Nike-Hercules site  b.  Interlake Steamship dock site  c.  Tinkerbelle   d.  G. P. Griffith disaster

13.  Which statement is not true as it relates to Lake County history?

a.  The first Mardi Gras was held in 1939 in Fairport

b.  Mentor was named for a character in Roman history

c.  Painesville Beach State Park (1953) was the original name of what is today known as Headlands State Park (1967)

d.  Four U. S. Presidents have at one time or another given speeches in Lake County.

Answer Key:  As my former students will remember and attest - all the answers are 'B'

Lost Stories: Yesterday and Today - Lake East Hospital

On a recent drive into Painesville, I passed the remnants of a city historical cornerstone.  Like the YMCA marker nearby, the recently demolished Harvey High School, and the old Post Office building I frequented in the square, it is a story soon to be lost to local lore and past history.  Dr. John H. Mathews came to Painesville in 1814.  Considered to be the first physician in Lake and Geauga Counties, his residence at 309 North State Street was the earliest known public hospital facility of the era.  Today the relocated residence stands on the northern end of the Lake Erie College Campus and is open to visitors.  The Lake Hospital System has origins dating back to 1834-1847 as part of the Willoughby Medical College.  However it is 1902 that officially is recognized as the start of the first public based hospital system in Lake County.  The New Connecticut Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution sponsored and began work on this project in 1902 and by July, 1904 Lake East Hospital opened its doors.  It was located at the Stephen Mathews Residence on Washington Street. Fiscal concerns were an immediate issue and by 1924 the Lake County Commissioners assumed control of the ever expanding hospital.  Horse drawn ambulances were the norm and patients were carried upstairs in stretchers before the installation of an elevator.  Progress continued, improvements were made, and additions were built.  1961 saw the expansion and creation of a Lake West Hospital in Willoughby.  Finally in 1985, both hospitals became part of the newly titled Lake Health System.  Lake East may be nearly gone as of this writing, a victim to progress and new downtown plans. In its place,  Tri Point Hospital (Concord Twp) stands as Lake County's newest and most modern hospital.  Lake East Hospital, the birthplace of my wife, and its ER wing, the place of many of my athletic mishap visits are now just two lost stories in the history of Lake County's first hospital.

Community Landmarks: A tribute to The Morley Public Library et al.

Did You Know:

• A subscription only library existed in Mentor in 1819.  The public library began in 1903. It was located on Center and Nowlen Streets.
• A reading room in Fairport existed as early as 1895.  Anne of Green Gables and Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm were two of the collection's six books.  The Fairport Public Library began in 1922.
• Willoughby-Eastlake had two book stations as early as 1900, one in Eastlake, the other in Willowick.
• A public library came to Wickliffe in 1936.  Kirtland began its public library in 1937.
• Kindle began in 2007
• Nook began in 2009
• iPad began in 2010
• Borders in Mentor closed as of April 2011.
• In May 2011, Amazon reported that for the first time ever, they sold more Kindle e-books than print books.

It is that last fact that really caught my eye.  "App's", Facebook, Twitter, and Android are all recent technologies less than a decade old on average.  Social Media has exploded onto the scene.  This year's senior class might be the last group ever to even remember a time before computers or the internet. I browsed history once, sorted in order by publication date, author's name, or a Dewey decimal number.  As a child, I acquired my Funk and Wagnall's encyclopedia set one volume at a time each week my mother went shopping at Fazio's.  A dictionary was a gift in my senior year.  I used it often throughout my Hiram College years.  As a Euclid school teacher, I remembered our library (school and community) as the one place where equality existed, gender, social class and age mattered not, possibilities were limitless, and 'free' was the operative word.  Librarians were people you knew by name.  The building itself was a community cornerstone. The Euclid Public Library had an annex at Central JHS into the mid 80's. In my later years of teaching, encyclopedias were online only.  Computers usurped collection spaces.  School librarians much like the school nurses replaced by an aide.  Some elementary libraries were even closed. That Amazon fact still resonates in my mind.  A library by definition is a building or room containing collections of books...  As newer technologies prevail, free television programming effectively ended two years ago, landlines for phone communication decreased, and free radio programming dwindled.  The library, once the social media place of all generations, is adapting and embracing change.  It is my hope that the community library continues to be the one constant in the annals of history the binds the past (books) with the future (e-books).  LP's gave way to CD's in the early 80's.  Typewriters and ditto machines ran their course by the 90's.  Will books become museum pieces only? Will hard cover books only become collectables or an endangered item??  In today's blog, let's pay tribute to the history that is our community libraries.

                                        The Morley Public Library
                                        184 Phelps Street
                                        Painesville, Ohio

The early origins of the Morley Public Library can be traced back to the local Woman's Christian Temperance Union.  As early as 1878, a reading room and library existed.  The first librarian Mary Dean died in 1898.  Friends of Mary pushed her dream, which was a free public library.  Groups donated books.  The Village of Painesville provided tax refunds.  Businessman Jesse Healy Morley bought the land and erected the library building. Named for his parents, the Morley Public Library opened in 1899.  Julia Erwin served as the first librarian.  Additions came in 1937, 1978 and again recently.  From 1957-2009, a bookmobile service was offered. Its collection includes a community obituary index from the News-Herald and Painesville Telegraph dating back to 1822.  Last year 342,870 visitors stopped in.  Including books, CD's, DVD's and publications, over 689,694 items were circulated.  On your next trip to a library, pause and reflect as you enter. Your visit is a part of the living history, the ties that bind days past with the present and future.