LAKEWOOD HISTORICAL SOCIETY

One of Lakewood's greatest assets is its heritage and community history. The Lakewood Public Library and the Lakewood Historical Society are pleased to present this series.


Early Detroit Avenue Thursday, March 5 7:00 p.m. Main Library Auditorium		Take a visual journey down Detroit Avenue from W. 117th to Rocky River with Mazie Adams, Director of the Lakewood Historical Society. This presentation shows early homes and businesses from the 19th century to 1940. Glimpse the early farms, large homes, and growing business district along the Old Plank Toll Road.

NEWLY SCHEDULED... Ohio History and Land Records Wednesday, March 18 7:00 p.m. Women’s Club Pavilion in Lakewood Park		Why land records? Why indeed! Land records are often the earliest and most continuous documents of life in America and in the Connecticut Western Reserve (comprising part or all of 14 counties in northeast Ohio). Land records like deeds, transfer documents tax duplicates and surveys can identify neighbors, establish ownership, explain land usage and more. John E. Dailey, P.S. explores the fascinating history of the settling of Ohio using land records as a guide. He will also share how land records provide valuable information to family genealogists.

House History Thursday, April 2 7:00 p.m. Main Library Auditorium		Ever wondered about the history of your home? House history expert Mary Gagen will walk you through the steps of researching the history of your home and the people who lived there. Using her research for her own home as a guide, she’ll describe the various resources and research locations you can use to create your own house history. Original maps and city directories will be available.

Cowan Pottery Thursday, April 23 7:00 p.m. Main Library Auditorium		Learn about the fascinating history of Cleveland’s own American Art Pottery and see real examples up close. R. Guy Cowan founded Cleveland’s most famous pottery studio right here in Lakewood with some of the greatest pottery artists of the 10s and 20s, including Viktor Schreckengost. Carol Jacobs, curator of the Cowan Pottery Museum will walk us through the studio’s history. Then, as a special treat, Nadine Bluemel’s Grant Elementary 2nd/3rd grade Discovery class will share their own documentary that they made themselves with help from the Lakewood Historical Society.

MORE LOCAL HISTORY The Templar Motor Car Company Drive down memory lane with Lakewood’s only car manufacturing company. Templar owner and aficionado, Dave Buehler recounts the history of the “superfine small car” and shares his pictures of the cars and the factory. He’ll also clue us in to the future of the company and what it could mean for Lakewood. Thursday, April 30 at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium

Lakewood’s Landmark Program Wednesday, May 20 7:00 p.m. Main Library Auditorium		Learn about the City of Lakewood's new program for designating historic buildings and historic districts from Richard Sicha, chair of the Lakewood Heritage Advisory Board, and Dru Siley, City of Lakewood Planning and Development Department. The 2009 City of Lakewood Heritage Advisory Board Preservation Awards will also be featured.

Trolley Tour of Lakewood Sunday, June 28 1:00 p.m. Meeting at the Oldest Stone House Parking Lot		Explore the fascinating history and beautiful architecture of Lakewood on a Lolly the Trolley ride guided by Lakewood Historical Society Executive Director Mazie Adams. Tour starts at the Oldest Stone House Museum parking lot and includes a stop at the historic Nicholson House for light refreshments. Tickets are just $15. Reservations are required. Call (216) 221-7343 for more information.

Vintage Base Ball: The Western Reserve Challenge Sunday, July 12 1:00 p.m. Oldest Stone House Field		The Akron Black Stockings, the Forest City Ball Club and the Cleveland Blues Base Ball Club play the game the way it was meant to be played—with free popcorn and old school rules.

For more information on Lakewood history, see Lakewood Legacy - a guide to online historical material.