Remarkable Lake County -- 2nd Annual Dual Lighthouses Tour this week

Two of our county's best kept secrets are approximately .8 miles apart on the banks of the Grand River.  One historical structure was built in 1825 and shone for 100 years, the other arrived via steamer in 1921, was commissioned in 1925, became a private residence just two years ago and celebrates its 89th birthday this coming weekend.  The brief history of each historical structure follows.

The Grandon Lighthouse on the Grand River  ( Fairport Lighthouse)  1825-1925

The Great Lakes were traversed by the aborigines for a long period prior to the arrival of the Europeans.  Native America tribes dotted the coastlines of Lake Erie for many centuries.  It is indeed somewhat remarkable that Lake Erie was the last of the five to come under the rule of the white man.  Grandon (1812) located midway between Cleveland and Ashtabula was once the gateway to the Western Reseerve.  Grandon's importance to Great Lakes shipping increased in 1803 when the new state of Ohio was formed from land relinquished by Connecticut and Virginia.  The opening of the Erie Canal in 1825 doubled its importance as a refueling and commercial hub.  Grandon's lighthouse era was at hand.

Jonathan Goldsmith, noted architect and Hiram Wood were awarded the contract in 1825 for a lighthouse to be located on the east bank of the Grand River.  The original brick tower was 30' high with 3' thick supporting walls at the base.  A two story keeper's dwelling was included.  A 1871 award by Congress totaling $30,000 provided for a replacement build.  That lighthouse, keeper dwelling and third-order fresnel lens remained in service thru 1925. The tower and dwelling were the first to be saved from the wrecking ball in the U.S.  Both were also part of the first maritime museum to be on a lighthouse reservation in the country.  Since 1945 the site has been maintained by volunteers of the Fairport Harbor Historical Society as a marine museum.  The lens, lifesaving car, USLSS / USCG artifacts and much more are on display to the public.  Additionally, Fairport histories of the UGRR, Civil War, Mormon Migration and its place in the 19-20th c. Industrial Era are shared.

Visit - www.fairportharborlighthouse.org


The Fairport West Breakwater Lighthouse  1925-

The Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Light was finished in June 1925.  It is situated at the mouth of the Grand River and was constructed as a replacement to the original Grandon / Fairport Harbor Lighthouse.  In June 1917, Congress appropriated $42,000 for the construction of a new breakwater combination light and fog signal station.  The outbreak of WWI delayed the construction for several years.  During that time the citizens of Fairport rallied to save their lighthouse from the funding monies allocated for its destruction.  On June 21, 1921 the steamer Wotan arrived in Fairport with the prefabricated iron frame, steel studding, floor beams, rafters, roof plating, cornices and such.  Constructed in Buffalo, NY as were two other Lake Erie lighthouses of the era, the 147 mile journey was phase one of the project.  Interior masonry and lantern room finish work took another four years to complete.  On June 9, 1925 the West Breakwater Lighthouse was illuminated for the first time.  The lighthouse station was maintained by the nearby USCG Station Fairport crew until 2012 when it was sold to a private owner.  The 42' dwelling is now a private residence while the third story lantern room remains an active navigational aid and is still under federal / USCG possession.

Visit - www.fairportharborwestlighthouse.com

A private showing of both lighthouses is scheduled for June 6, 2014...information may be found on the Fairport Harbor Lighthouse and Marine Museum website.  Deadline for sign-up will be 5pm this Wednesday.  You may call the museum at 440-354-4825 on Wednesday from 1-5pm too.

Remarkable Lake County --- Hometown Personalities-opoly

Ohio's smallest county is home to many important historical personalities.  Many are well known to our citizens, others remain little known or unnoticed.  See how many county personalities you know from the clues provided.  You will identify the hometown of the personality provided.


#1.  Frenchy the Pirate, WWII ace Donald Blakeslee, Jonathon Goldsmith, Amy Kaukonen and Niles Rasmussen all contributed to the the history of Grandon now known as...

#2.  Civil War personality Eliza Wilcox, architect Charles Heard and Dr. Storm Rosa all hail from this town.  Each played an important role in its history.

#3.  James S. Rutherford, driver for Elliott Ness and Ann Cook Whitman, secretary to Dwight D. Eisenhower called this Lake County town home.

#4.  Cole Porter, Joan Crawford, Gene Tunney and Gloria Swanson visited this estate located on the corner of Little Mountain and Hart.  The estate belonged to Leonard C. Hanna and is part of...

#5  Dr. William Rucker and his wife Mildred were the cornerstones to the African-American community for decades in this city.

#6.  Abram Garfield built this summer home in 1908 for machine tool magnate John G. Oliver.  Known today as Wildwood it is located in this city.

#7.  Revolutionary War heroes Captain Abraham Skinner and Col. Eleazer Paine bought tract 4 and formed this 1806-1809 town.  Name it

#8.  Dr. Storm Rosa joined the faculty at this medical college in 1843 in Chagrin, today known as...

#9.  The Frank White Farm and William Jones home were two early names in this city's beginnings.

#10.  George Henry Hooper lent his 'cooper' talents to Rockefeller's Standard Oil Company and became famous overnight.  He spent his entire adult life in this township.

answers:  10.  madison twp.  9. wickliffe  8. willoughby  7.  new market  6.  mentor  5.  painesville      4.  kirtland hills   3.  perry  2.  painesville  1. fairport harbor

Remarkable Lake County - Lake Metroparks-opoly (Part II)

The previous entry detailed the start of Lake County's crown jewel - its Metroparks system.  What began in 1958 as an attempt to set aside and preserve land / natural resources for future generations has blossomed into a county-wide conservancy that remains vibrant to this day.  Nearly three million visitors total embrace the opportunities each park property offers.  Today we challenge you to a brief trivia contest of various Lake Metroparks sites history.

Name the Park Property:

1.  Located on Dock Road, this creek property featured a 19th c. shipbuilding history, UGRR terminus, and early pioneer industry - sawmill and iron ore.

2.  The namesake purchased this 390 acre site in 1949.  Sandstone from its Quarry Pond provided building materials to many county landmarks including the Kirtland Temple (1831).  A ski center is also located on its grounds today.

3.  The Eber Howe home is situated on this park property.  Eber Howe was the founder of the Painesville Telegraph (1822-1976) and a noted county abolitionist and UGRR conductor.

4.  This  'Pond'  occupies 19 acres and was constructed between 1947-1951.  Pete was well known in Wickliffe lore.

5.  The 'Gorge' and 'Horse Barn' from the summer home of Maude Dolittle- teacher to the Halle Family children are key points of local history on this park site.

6.  Bald Eagles, Merlin, and smallmouth salamander are some of the rare finds of this 600 acre site located in nearby Perry.  Lake snowshoe hikes were possible this past winter.  An observation tower is planned for 2014.

7.  John Burroughs founded a club of naturalists in 1916.  By 1925, the Burroughs Club had made this site known around many conservancy circles on a grand scale.

8.  Samuel Huntington, the third Governor of Ohio and noted Ohio Justice once called this property his home.  In 1953 it was deeded over to the village and by 1990 was managed by the park system.

9.  This country estate mansion of Spanish Motif was once part of Millionaire's Row in Wickliffe.

10.  Located in Leroy Twp. this park property features a 360 million year old Chagrin Shale Cliff.

Issue 3 - Preserve Lake Metroparks is a renewal levy on May 6th that guarantees access to our park system for future generations.

Answers-
1.  Arcola Creek  2. Chapin Forest Reservation  3. Big Creek at Liberty Hollow  4. Pete's Pond  5.  Penitentiary Glen Reservation  6.  Lake Erie Bluffs  7. Gully Brook  8. Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park  9.  Pine Ridge Golf Course  10. Hell Hollow

Remarkable Lake County: History of Lake Metroparks Part I

The year was 1958.  Citizens of Ohio's smallest county met and began a groundswell movement to set aside land for future parks.  Conservation and preservation of county natural resources became the founding principles of this movement.  Using the legal authority found in Chapter 1545 of the Ohio Revised Code, Lake Metroparks was formed.  Like many other park systems throughout the United States, the Metroparks uses a presiding Probate Judge format. Current Judge Mark Bartolotta appoints a three-member board of citizens to govern the county park system.  None are compensated and they in turn appoint an Executive Director who functions as the CEO for the entire park district.  Current park commissioners are Gretchen Skok DiSanto, Dennis E. Eckart and Frank J. Polivka.  Paul Palagyi is the 2014 Executive Director.

Lake Metroparks is comprised of portions of two state designated wild and scenic rivers, various watersheds and open space as well as many tributaries.   An agricultural based park, an environmental learning center, a lake based beach property, golf courses, ski center, wildlife trails and outdoor recreational properties highlight their holdings.  Nearly three million visitors avail themselves to the unique park system which is found in NE Ohio's best kept secret - Lake County!

Issue 3 - Preserve Lake County Metroparks is up for vote May 6th.  This renewal levy is not a tax increase, rather it serves to guarantee that the vision from 1958 continues for the next generation of county residents.

Current Park Locations:
Arcola Creek Park - Madison
Beaty Landing - Painesville
Baker Road Park - Leroy Twp.
Chapin Forest Reservation - Kirtland
Chagrin River Park - Willoughby
Concord Woods Nature Park - concord Twp.
Environmental Learning Center - Concord Twp.
Erie Shores - Madison
Fairport Harbor Lake Front Park - Fairport Harbor
Farmpark - Kirtland
Gully Brook Park - Willoughby Hills
Grand River Landing - Fairport Harbor
Girdled Road Reservation - Concord Twp.
Greenway Corridor - Painesville Twp.
Hell Hollow - Leroy Twp.
Hidden Lake - Leroy Twp.
Hogback Ridge - Madison Twp.
Hidden Valley Park - Madison Twp.
Helen Hazen Wyman Park - Painesville
Indian Point Park - Leroy Twp.
Lake Erie Bluffs - Perry
Big Creek at Liberty Hollow - Concord Twp.
Lakefront Lodge - Willowick
Lakeshore Reservation - North Perry
Mason's Landing Park - Perry Twp.
Parsons Gardens - Willoughby
Penitentiary Glen Reservation - Kirtland
Pete's Pond - Wickliffe
Pine Ridge - Wickliffe
Painesville Twp. Park - Painesville Twp.
Pleasant Valley Park - Willoughby Hills
River Road Park - Madison Twp.
Riverview Park - Madison Twp.
Children's Schoolhouse - Kirtland Hills
Veterans Park - Mentor

Remarkable Lake County - Notable Homes & Landmarks

Ohio's smallest county with the most history officially began on March 6, 1840.  Eighteen municipalities, five townships and some other entities comprise our current county.  Some municipalities like Mentor, Willoughby, Painesville, Madison, Perry and Wickliffe are well traveled.  Others communities such as Grand River, Timberlake, Waite Hill and LeRoy are not as well known or common by-ways.  Today I challenge our readers to match the municipality, city or township with one of its historical landmarks.  Do you know their histories?  All have been featured in Local Lore by Max over the years.

1.  Dr. John Mathews' House                                  a.  located on Little Mountain Road in  Kirtland Hills
2.  Uri Seeley House                                               b.  Civil War General and RR contractor lived at 436 Casement in Painesville
3.  Claud Foster House                                           c.  Inventor lived at 30333 Lake Shore Blvd residence in Willowick
4.  Harry Coulby Mansion                                      d.  noted abolitionist resided at 969 RiversideDrive in Painesville
5.  Edward W. Moore Estate                                   e.  Eleanore Roosevelt visited this Kirtland home now part of a college campus
6.  Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Estate                              f.  built in 1825 by J. Goldsmith, home to 14 keepers in its 100 year history
7.  Lake Shore & Michigan Southern RR Depot   g.  shipping magnate and Wickliffe Mayor lived this 28730 Ridge Road address
8.  Lake Shore & Michigan Southern RR Depot / Freight
                                                                               h.  located on Railroad Street in Painesville, it began in 1893 and was in use thru'71
9.  Grand River Lighthouse at Grandon               
                                                                               i.  8445 Station Street in Mentor
10.  Casement House                                             j.  built in 1829 on North State St., it was moved to 309 W. Washington St. on  the                                                                                                                               Lake Erie College campus
                                                                              


key:  1. J   2. D   3. C   4. G   5. E   6. A   7. H   8. I   9. F   10. B

Here is Ohio's Lake County, 2014 edition - A Perfect Fit for Your Ideal Bookshelf

In 1964 longtime Mentorite Jack Daniels along with Janice and Barbara Cooper edited a local history book titled 'Here is Lake County'.  Their book became one of the definitive sources for all things Lake County as it applied to past his-her stories.  Chapters in the book shared the stories of such notable men at work such as J.W. Penfield of Willoughby, inventor A.E. Vrooman of Madison and Painesville, and Jesse Storrs of Painesville Township whose nursery acumen led to our county's nursery heights in the mid- 1900's.  Daniels detailed the 1840 beginnings of the Lake County Fair and Fairgrounds when it was located on Bank Street in Painesville.  The Millionaire Social Clubs on Little Mountain Road and Native American roots of Willoughby, Eastlake, and Fairport are documented. The Civil War impact on Lake County and the resources of Lake Erie and its shoreline all found their way into this most complete history book.  The stories of the people who tamed the Western Reserve wilderness, overcame tragedy or made an impact on the industrial-agricultural-social legacies that permeate our 174 year plus story are once again ready for the newest generation of readers.

'Here is Ohio's Lake County - a historical journey...Then, Now and Into the 21st Century is the title of the newest edition of Lake County, Ohio history.  Updated, detailed with new research, and including photos from the LCHS collection, this 2014 release is an engaging narrative that shares the story of Ohio's smallest county with the most history.

Copies of this 2014 release ($25.99) are now available for purchase at the Lake County Historical Society located at 415 Riverside Drive in Painesville.  For more information call 440-639-2945 or visit www.LakeHistory.org

Lake County Mini-Profiles -- Laura Mae Corrigan the Anomalous

Known as the "Dollar Queen", "American Angel", or "Queen of Malaprops" Laura Mae Corrigan's life story was certainly one of the Gilded Ages and Lake County's better ones.  Her story needs two back stories before we move foward in her place in 20th c. history.  First, Laura Mae Whitlock was born in Wisconsin and had societal aspirations from a young age.  Her early career as a waitress, clerk, and telephone operator provided no clue to her infamous and seemingly anomalous ways.  Second, her chance meeting with Capt. James Corrigan, the inventor of process manufacturing techniques for mineral and machine oils whose career path intersected John D. Rockefeller in Cleveland and later in Wickliffe, resulted in the rest of her story.

1907 was the pivotal year in the Laura Mae Corrigan story.  Miss Whitlock secured a position as a societal reporter for a Chicago newspaper that year.  An event allows her to meet Capt. Corrigan, now a widower as a result of a 1900 yachting tragedy.  Whitlock soon marries a Duncan R. MacMartin, a socialite and their marriage grants her access to her dream - that of social / high society entry.  A second meeting in 1913 at a party with Jimmy Corrigan, the playboy successor to Capt. James Corrigan's fortunes leads to mistress rumblings and divorce proceedings.  She marries Jimmy in 1916 and her ambitions spiral from there.  Thought of as a 'fortune hunter' by some and shunned by Cleveland's society members, Laura endures a rocky beginning.  However by 1925 Laura Mae Corrigan wrangles control of the Corrigan steel industry assets from Price McKinney, sells the 400 acre Corrigan estate 'Nagirroc' in Wickliffe and flees to NYC. 

Now in real Downton Abbey fashion, Corrigan aligns herself as a party planner for Alice Keppel, the former mistress of King Edward VII.  British social parties ensued.  Her star and fame are on the rise.  Playboy Jimmy dies of a heart attack in 1928 and four women are left to inherit the fortunes of the Corrigan steel business now desired by Cleveland Cliffs.  Three armored trucks deliver the funds that will guarantee her $800K annually henceforth.  Corrigan maintains her European socialite status with Britain's decaying aristocracy thru the start of WWII.  Novel parties, costumed social gatherings and absurd acts continue to mark the Corrigan gatherings.  While in Paris at the onset of German occupation, Laura Mae remains behind and allies with the French refugees in Vichy.  Using her enormous wealth to feed and support French partisans, Laura Mae continues on this path thru 1942.  Despite having her wealth frozen by the US government, she sells her jewelry and personal effects to support the cause.  In a unique twist of history, the items in her personal collection are sold to Herman Goering of the Nazi Party, hence the US intervention.  Laura Mae continued on this path of resistance assistance thru 1942 before all fortunes were exhausted.

She returned to America, never reclaiming her past social standings or glory.  Before her death, she donated $5K annually to the Cleveland Fund -gave $25K to the Cleveland Museum of Art to purchase great works by Cezanne and others- and absorbed the purchase and feeding costs for 14 animals to the Cleveland Zoo.  She passed of cancer in 1948.  Mrs. Laura M. Corrigan was laid to rest at Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland.