0:General History

0:1 East Rockport: Early Residents
0:2 Rockport: 1820-1860
0:3 Hamlet of Lakewood
0:4 Americanization of Foreign Population
0:5 Post Office and Schools
0:6 Rockport: Early Parks
0:7 East Rockport and Rocky River: The Hamlet
0:8 Booming Granger City
0:9 Rockport: Lakewood Escaped "Arlington"
0:10 Rockport: The First Attempts to Incorporate Lakewood's Site
0:11 Rockport: Who Were the Forefathers of Lakewood Hamlet?
0:12 Mars E. Wager Writes of Lakewood's History
0:13 Annexation: School Board Considers Proposal
0:14 Annexation I
0:15 Annexation: Cleveland Civic League Seeks Support of Legislators-Elect
0:16 Anti-Annexation: (Knirk Lines Up Ruralities Against Annexation)
 0:17 Annexation: Anti-Annexation League (Starts Fight in Columbus)
0:18 Annexation: Opposed by Cleveland Women
0:19 Annexation: City-County Merger (Defended by Stinchcomb)
0:20 Annexation: Suburban Civic League (Name Changed to County Anti-Annexation League)
0:21 Remove the Eyesore from the Lawn of 125 - Year Old House
0:22 Houses (Old): Nicholson House
0:23 Annexation: Anti-Annexation League (Meets to Make Final Plans)
0:24 Annexation: Favored by Cleveland Chamber of Commerce
0:25 Suburban Civic League (Ready to Fight Cleveland League)
0:26 Suburban Residents Invited to Cleveland Chamber of Commerce Meeting
0:27 Mayor Cook Opposes Annexation
0:28 Consolidation with Cleveland (Lakewood Will Fight Merger)
0:29 Annexation: Suburban Civic League to be Organized
0:30 Annexation: Opposition by Suburban Civic League
0:31 Annexation: Council Approves Leagues Plans
0:32 Annexation: Suburban Civic League (Mayors Draft Report)
0:33 Annexation: Suburban Civic League
0:34 Annexation: Suburban Civic League (Ready by January 10)
0:35 City of Lakewood: Organization, Growth
0:36 City of Lakewood: Organizations, First Officers
0:37 Lakewood Village: Incorporation
0:38 City of Lakewood I
0:39 City of Lakewood II
0:40 Lakewood Hamlet: History Commencing April, 1892
0:41 Lakewood Hamlet: Incorporation
0:42 Lakewood Hamlet: Laws and Legislation
0:43 Lakewood Hamlet: Metes and Bounds
0:44 Lakewood Hamlet: Selecting a Name
0:45 Lakewood Hamlet: Organization I
0:46 Lakewood Hamlet: Organization II
0:47: Lakewood Hamlet: Organization III
0:48 Lakewood Hamlet: Social and Business Life
0:49 Lakewood Village: Organization
0:50 Lakewood Village: Organization, First Officers
0:51 Lakewood Village: Official Family
0:52 Annexation II
0:53 Annexation: Agitation For
0:54 Annexation: Opposed by Ex-Councilman
0:55 Rockport Township: Granger City

0:1
EAST ROCKPORT: EARLY RESIDENTS
EARLY DAYS OF LAKEWOOD- D.A.R. Pg.52-57

After the Civil War many interesting men and women came to East Rockport, contributing much to the growing settlement. It was still a country community, however, with many beautiful farms, and was rapidly becoming a center for raising of berries, grapes, cherries, plums, peaches, pears, and apples.

EDWIN RUTHEN ANDREWS at the age of 17, volunteered for service in the Civil War from the state of Wisconsin. Soon after war, soon after the war he came to East Rockport, where he married Jeanie V. Harron, the niece of Mrs. French and the adopted daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Collins French. Mr. Andrews was a partner of Mr. Collins French in the successful raising of fruits and fancy grapes.  In the days of the dummy train, small armies of pickers used to come from Cleveland to pick all kinds of fruit on Mr. Andrews' farm. According to published statistics, Detroit Avenue farmers at one time sent $50,000 worth of fruit to Cleveland markets alone. Dr. Kirtland budded many of the choice cherry trees on the Andrews' farm from stock, which he had developed. He also budded a tree which bore part fruit part beautiful rose - like blossoms. Mrs. Andrews was a great favorite of his, and he gave her many rare plants from all over the world. At the death of Mr. and Mrs. French, Mrs. Andrews inherited their estate. The homestead still stands just west of the Masonic temple and Mrs. Andrews lived there the rest of her life. Mr. Andrews died at the age of thirty - nine years. Jay C. Andrews was the oldest so of Edwin and Jennie Andrews. He lived his entire life in Lakewood. He remembered the tight rope walker across Rocky River Valley and the brass band that used to lure the crowd to the spot. He could talk for hours on the early days of East Rockport. Frank Andrews, the second son, was an authority on plant and bird life. He had a remarkable collection of eggs of native's birds. George Andrews the third son, is a builder and the youngest son Edwin Jr., is an attorney. The widow of Jay Andrews still is an attorney. The widow of Jay C. Andrews still lives in the same home.

SAMUEL JORAM JESSOP of Connecticut and his wife, Mary miner of New York, came to East Rockport in 1867, building their home on Hilliard Road exactly in the middle of what is now Mars Avenue. The house now stands across the street from the original location. Mr. Jessop had a fine position in Cleveland as the superintendent of a nail factory, but had to give it up when his health failed. He died soon after, and his wife and three sons had to struggle for existence. Mr. Jessop had a great - uncle who was credited with having originated the name of "Uncle Sam" for our country.

ANDREW FARMER came to East Rockport in 1867 as Farm manager for Dr. Kirtland. He had some colored blood, but was always a freeman. His wife was a descendant of Pocahontas, and her Indian name was "Bouchee". The white blood dominated in the father, but all three children had the decided characteristics of the Indian, especially the features and the coloring. Mrs., Farmer had been a Virginian slave, but was later freed. The son, John Farmer, served in the Civil War. Life was difficult for the two daughters, Sarah and Susan, after their brother died. They lived for years on Winchester Avenue.

FRED A. BYER and his wife, Julia Koch, came from Germany to East Rockport in 1868, and rented the McCreary farm. They had several children. Mr. Byer told of flights of wild pigeons, so great that at times the sky was dark with them. Flying in a northerly direction, the flock extended east and west as far as the eye could see. They flew so high it was difficult to shoot them, but they always seem to dip down as they reached a valley, so the hunters stood on the banks of the river or a lake knocking them down with poles. The farmers had many pigeon - pot pies. Mr. William Hague of Pleasant Valley Road recalls that his father told of the great flocks roosting in his woods at night. Naturalist claims they are now extinct.

WILLIAM RANNEY was one of the sons of Cleveland's pioneer shoe merchant, S. Ranney. All the settlers traded at the S. Ranney store on Superior Street. For his son, William, Mr. Ranney bought twenty - five acres of land now crossed by Winchester Avenue. William Ranney married Nellie Winchester, one of the handsomest and wittiest young women of the time. When the estate was divided into lots, Mrs. Ranney gave the name of her father to the street that bordered the property.

ALEXANDER ALLEN came to East Rockport in 1875. He was one the two men chosen to select a name for the hamlet when the city of Lakewood was named.

THOMAS HENRY with his wife, Matilda Hopkins, came to east Rockport in 1876, buying "Ingleside Cottage Tavern" which they remodeled. When the tavern was opened, Mr. Henry named it the Hopkins Tavern, as a tribute to his wife's family Their son, Thomas was a councilman for many years.

RICHARD EDWARDS spent nearly all of his youth in East Rockport with his grandfather, Dr. Fry. In 1818, he was graduated from Harvard with special honors in physics. Previous to his departure to New York in 1887, he was court reporter for the Cleveland Plain Dealer for a year, and then was with a local office of the Associated Press. He spent fourteen years in New York in newspaper work, first as court reporter, then as assistant city editor of the New York Sun. Two of his sons, Louis Durant Edwards and Mellville R. Edwards, reside in Lakewood. Mr. Edwards has written many articles about pioneer Lakewood families which have been printed in local papers.

BYRON C. HARRIS and his brother, BROM, came to East Rockport in 1883, building homes on the opposite corners of the Lake and Nicholson Avenues. Emily Chidget Harris, the first wife of Byron, was the founder of the Cleveland Dorcas Society and a member of the "Immortal Nine", the sanitary commission organized during the Civil War for the relief of the soldiers at the front. In recognition of this service, there is a bronze bas-relief on the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Cleveland's Public Square.

WILLIAM B. PUDNEY was an attorney for the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad. His wife was one the first teachers in East Rockport.

CLAYTON L. TYLER was born in Ohio and married Ella Poe, daughter of Adam Poe, who settled in Brooklyn in 1842. Mr. and Mrs. Tyler came to East Rockport just a few years before the hamlet of Lakewood was formed. Their farm was formerly the Captain John Spalding place at Detroit and Alameda Avenues. Mr. Tyler immediately became interested in the business, civic, and social life of the community and was second mayor of the new hamlet of Lakewood. Under his supervision many improvement were made, including a water system, sewer, electric lights, and a better boulevard system. Clayton W. Tyler is the only son of Clayton L. and Ellen Poe Tyler. He was born in Lakewood where he has spent his entire life. He recalls not only the events of his own youth, but tales told to him by old settlers. He was elected third mayor of the City of Lakewood. His two sisters, Miss Estelle Tyler and Mrs. Harry Barr, are also residents of Lakewood. He has always endorsed and encouraged every movement of for the betterment of the city.

CAPTAIN EDWARD DAY and his family were noted for their fine hospitality. They were located on Hilliard Road about 1880.

WILLIAM BAILEY and his wife came to Oberlin from Massachusetts. After the death of his wife Julia Wood and moved to East Rockport. He bought seven acres of land on the north side of Detroit Avenue opposite the present Elbur Avenue. There were eight children: Julia A. Beck, Gertrude Southern, Florence A. Goddard, Bertha L. Bailey, E. H. Bailey, Vera J. Bailey, G. Bailey, and Carl H. Bailey who married Lucille Canfield.

MAURICE WELFARE who was born in London, came to this country as a manager of a famous actor, Richard Mansfield. In 1876, he became manager of the Cleveland Opera House. He started the publication of the Lakewood Courier. His wife Mattie Smith, son of Harry G. Welfare, and daughter Alice Welfare Cotabish (Mrs. J. R.) still reside in Lakewood.

DR. JOHN C. HOBSON was the true type of family doctor, always kindly, always ready to serve the people of Lakewood. This he did for forty years, yet found the time to help in the promotion of civic affairs. He was especially interested in the schools, and served on the old school board for many years. Two of his daughters still residing in the old home are connected with the public schools.

DR. SOOK was a colleague of Dr. Hobson. One of his daughters married Herbert Kennedy, former principal of Lakewood High School, and another married Frank Musrush, former writing supervisor in the Lakewood Public Schools.

HENRY BRUGGAIR was the first druggist in Lakewood. For many years he owned the only drug store between Highland Avenue and Rocky River.

ALEXANDER WINTON, pioneer automobile manufacturer, and the first to sell an automobile resided on Lake Avenue for many years.

GEORGE H. BROWN was the secretary - treasurer of the Winton Automobile Company. (His daughter, Mrs. Earle Hobson, is a member of the Lakewood Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.)

JAMES W. CHRISTFORD was the architect under whose supervision the Lakewood Masonic Temple, the Church of Ascension and St. Peter's Episcopal Church were erected.

THE NEWELL BROTHERS built and sold houses and by this means brought many new families to Lakewood.

JOHN A. MASTICK was the first undertaker.

JAMES GORMSEN built the first lodge hall in Lakewood.

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0:2
ROCKPORT: 1820 - 1860
CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER SEPT. 3, 1940

It is impossible for me to name all the noted pioneer families of early Rockport or to detail the history and adventures of each of its 25-mile-square sections. Of the many settlers and their descendants, each deserves a niche in history for Rockport Township is interwoven with Cleveland's Story.

Among those early settlers were Thomas Hird, who married Hope Lord, daughter of Richard Lord, an extensive land owner; Benjamin Coutant; Isaac Warren - Warren Road was named for him; Elijah Herrington, Edmund Hathaway, Richard G. McCreary, Price French, Jeremiah Gleason, Osborne Case, the Rev. Charles Calkins, Obidiah Munn, William Southern and Mars Wagar.

Most of them settled along Detroit Road near the lake from 1820 to 1840. Dr. J. P. Kirtland arrived in 1837. Gov. Rueben Woods moved west of Rocky River in 1830. His was the first place west of Granger City on the lake where for many summers Mrs. Mary Rice Wood, his wife, showed her beautiful garden. In the 20 years following 1840, the Halls, the Phelps brothers, Steven and Walter; William B. Smith, Gardner Oakes, old time fiddler; Palmer Worthen, Mark Tegardine and James T. Newman, a Swedenborgian, took up on East Rockport's stretching flat lands.

In 1860, George B. Merwin, who married Loretta Woods, left his Prospect Avenue home for Gov. Wood's place. Datus Kelley had become a resident and owner of Kelley's Island a decade before and in 1855 Merwin bought his farm west of the Wood home and built a residence long known as "Lakeside." In 1848, Philander Winchester settled east of the river and married Eliza, daughter of Rev. Charles Calkins. Both families were from New England and strong abolitionists. Later, Winchester was a conductor of the underground railway and helped Lewis Clark to escape. This noted quadroon was the original of George Harris in Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin." But the other day I received a note from Winchester's granddaughter, Annette Fitch Nelson, who is broadcasting from Ashtabula, O.

Rocky River's post office in 1852 was moved a mile south. Herman Barnum ran it for a year when Benjamin Phinney, a neighboring storekeeper, succeeded him. On August 17, 1853, came the announcement that Wright's Tavern had been sold to Jacob Henry Silverthorn. Born in Pennsylvania in 1827, he lived at Sandusky and Willoughby. His hotel, Silverthorn's Tavern, was as famous as was that of Wright.

The year 1848 found continuous demands for plank roads throughout northern Ohio. There were repeated complaints of mud, deep bogs and general dangerous conditions for travelers. The Rockport Plank Road Co. was incorporated with George B. Merwin, president and M. L. Whitman, secretary, on March 20, 1848. Demands for plank roads were followed by complaints against dilapidated bridges. On November 22, two stagecoaches capsized on the 21- year - old bridge in Rocky River. Travel was advised to follow the beach and try fording the river's mouth. The structure spanning the gorge was considered unsafe. On Jan. 4, 1849. "This bridge is pronounced unsafe by the county commissioners" was nailed at either end.

Two years later, the end of January saw a new bridge completed under the supervision of Capt. N. M. Stannard. It was of wood, 492 feet long, 42 feet above the water line and its approach were made easy by the new plank road. Many plank roads were finished or well under way in the township that year. Of two-inch planks across one side of the road, thousands of which were sawed by Orville Hotchkiss in Rockport from logs cut in nearby forests, by 1852 the entire post road was planked for 188 miles from Cleveland to Detroit.

John Honam, Stephen Hutchin and Manley Woodbury arrived about that time while James Colohan for some time had dwelt close to the river near deserted Granger City. Gen. J. J. Elwell lived on the north side of Detroit Road in the fifties and near the river dwelt Ahab and Tom Jenks. One was a poet and historian, his brother a woodsman and hunter. From their cabin doors they heard the whistle of the first Big Four Train in 1851.

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0:3
THE HAMLET OF LAKEWOOD
CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER; SEPT. 30, 1940

THIS IS THE SECOND OF TWO ARTICLES ON THE HISTORY OF LAKEWOOD AS A HAMLET.

History says that the first election in the hamlet of Lakewood was held on July 11, 1889. I. E. Canfield, William Maile and Noble Hotchkiss were chosen trustees. Their first official meeting was held on Aug. 31 at the home of Hotchkiss, after they were sworn in by Gen. J. J. Elwell. Canfield was elected president of the board, and practically first mayor of Lakewood. Ezra Nicholson was made clerk; his bond was fixed at $5,000. Charles Townsend was appointed first marshal and gave bond in the sum of $50. Hotchkiss was made road supervisor.

The same evening the trustees passed for ordinances. One regulated the speed of horses and vehicles to eight miles per hour, the others forbid the abuse of dumb animals, regulated saloons, and assessed a tax of $1,000 for general purposes.

There were fights and much rowdyism among visitors to Rocky River bent on a day of old time pleasure, men had driven wagons to the hamlet and carted away whole loads of fruit, and at the next trustees' meeting a week later 11 special police were sworn in.

No salaries were paid these officers but each was requested to pay 50 cents for his badge. No regular meeting was set for the trustees; a third one was held in mid-winter, and the next was called by the president on April 22, 1890. At this it was decided to build a lockup to take the place of the old jail near the "Dummy" terminal. The river was a popular fishing place and many lawless acts required a jail sentence.

The same night Francis M. Wagar was appointed marshall and road supervisor, to fill the vacancies caused by resignations. After serving two months Wagar resigned and on June 30, 1891, John Billington was appointed marshal; his term of office was set for one year. August 2, a sweeping ordinance was enacted against gambling and petty crimes. Its provision that an informer would be entitled to half the fines, savored of old New England "Blue Laws" and the hamlet law was never enforced. Later two steel cages were installed in Frank Penny's barn, for a jail.

The only notable change of officials until 1892 was Charles Shopp's appointment as road supervisor. That year Ira E. Canfield's three-year term as president expired. Born in Chardon, he moved to old Rockport in 1864 and bought 25-acre tract at the eastern end of the post office village. A lake engineer for many seasons, he retired from Lakewood civic work in 1892 and became president of its school board.

He was succeeded on the hamlet board of trustees by Clayton L. Tyler, who was president from then on to 1897. In 1893 Cleveland's railway company secured a 25- year franchise to build a line on Detroit Street through the hamlet from Highland Avenue to Rocky River. The railway was constructed as far as Belle Avenue that year. One fare was charged to the avenue. Completed the next summer, another, fare was required to the river.

Some of Lakewood's new officials during Tyler's terms were William F. Closse, L. Johnson, C. Worthing, C. A. Willard, William Prutton, with N. B. Dare as engineer. In 1896 a municipal light plant was proposed. John French was a leader in bringing the proposal to a successful conclusion. The plant was built and did good service for several years, when it was purchased by the Illuminating Co.

In 1898 a move was started to cut through Clifton Boulevard, and it was graded through farms, vineyards and truck gardens. Clifton Park had now many curving drives and streets, Scenic Park was a popular recreation place south of Detroit Street with its two-fifths-mile bicycle track. A steel bridge had been constructed across the river at the same level and place as the present Rocky River Bridge. For a long time the old wooden structure 300 feet up the river had been another place to cross.

The post office department established free service and a sewer system was an improvement of the hamlet. Otto C. Berchtold, Jacob H. Tegardine and Joseph J. Rowe were successive presidents, N. W. Hird, Samuel B. McGee, Henry D. Howe, W. R. Wilbur, Lewis Smith, Alex McCauley, Prof. Henry W. Elliott, J.C. Hoffman, N.C. Cotabish, ALex Horn, L.R. Smith and Harry Culp were new officials or appointed on commissions as the years rolled on.

May 4, 1903, the hamlet of 2,500 inhabitants, after 14 years of existence without any regular city hall, organized into the Village of Lakewood.

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0:4
AMERICANIZATION OF FOREIGN POPULATION
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LAKEWOOD PRESS MARCH 7,1918 Pg.1

The regular monthly meeting of the Chamber of Commerce was held in its large hall on Tuesday evening last and every available chair was occupied. President Brewster presided and spoke of the wonderful success of the membership drive and reported the 1,000 membership mark was nearing its goal.

* * *

Judge Vickery addressed the Chamber on a matter that he had been requested to bring before the Chamber and which is of vital interest to every citizen of Lakewood and should have the encouragement and cooperation of every right thinking man and woman in the community. Judge Vickery then read the following communication:

Lakewood, Ohio, March 4, 1918

Judge Willis Vickery, Engineers' Building, Cleveland, Ohio.

Dear Sir:

We believe that the people of Lakewood, as a whole, should be interested in any movement that tends to make good citizens, so we are asking you to present this letter to the Chamber of Commerce as a means of reaching as large a number of people as possible in the interest of our foreign district.

Many people know little or nothing of the district lying in the southeast corner of the city, whose population is almost entirely foreign-born. Few know that there are 5,000 of them within a radius of half a square mile. Naturally, living in so small a section populated by their own people, the process of Americanization goes on slowly or not at all.

It is hard to reach the older ones but much can be done through and for the children. The public schools are doing wonderful work but they can not do it all.

Let us tell you a very little of what has been done. Two years ago this month at a meeting of the District Committee of the Associated Charities, Lakewood branch, a plea was made for the girls of this district. There seemed to be no place for them to spend their evenings except in the dance halls or on the streets. A small committee of three women and two men, with Mr. John H. Brown as chairman, was appointed to see what would be done for these girls.

This was out of the Associated Charities' line of work so they could not finance it and the committee undertook to raise the necessary money by private subscriptions. We managed to get it by much hard work. Through the good offices of Mr. Lynch, the Board of Education kindly gave us the use of a basement room in Harrison school, with heat, lights and janitor service. We hired a piano as we knew music was essential.

At first our idea was solely a club for girls over sixteen, one evening a week. This club met on Thursday evenings from 7 to 9 and sewed, making simple undergarments for themselves. The last half hour of the evening was devoted to games and music.

Almost at once the demand for a club for girls under sixteen became so insistent that we gave them Monday evenings on the same lines as the older girl's club.

We three women carried on the work in these two clubs for ten weeks until the school building closed for the summer.

In the fall of 1916, we collected more money and board of education gave us the upper floor of a house on the school grounds, the lower floor being used for school purposes. We bought a piano (second - hand), table and curtains, chairs being loaned by the school. Miss Ingham sent us books from the Library for circulation and once a month one of her assistants came to tell the girls stories.

We felt that we were much too inexperienced in the work to direct it for the winter so we hired a trained worker to help us.

The Girls clubs were carried on much as they had been in the spring.

A club for boys over fourteen was organized under the leadership of Mr. Bask. Later, owing to Mr. Bask's illness, Mr. Dixon had charge. This club had a membership of thirty-five. Nothing was attempted except to provide clean amusements such as our American boys have in their homes. Music, games, books, magazines and little talks about current topics.

This year the Board of Education helped out by giving us the services of a domestic science teacher, who has a flourishing class.

Miss Gross has been hired as general supervisor for the clubs.

Nothing has been done for the boys because we could not find a leader.

Owing to the resignation of one member and the death of Mr. Brown, the burden has fallen upon three.

We feel that this is very necessary work and should go on and grow. It is natural for this work to center around the school and we feel sure that the Board of Education will cooperate with us as far as possible. We believe that Harrison School should be open at least four nights a week for activities of various kinds, under proper supervision. There should be community singing, talks on current events should be arranged for the different clubs; the cooking class should be enlarged and other activities should be planned.

All this is more than three people can do, so we are asking you to help. This is a suggestion. Will you appoint a committee to meet with us and talk over the ways and means of carrying on this work next year.

It seems that this is quite within the province of the Chamber for these boys and girls will soon be men and women, and if we give them a start along the right road now they will become better citizens for a better "Lakewood", which is, we believe, the aim of the Chamber of Commerce.

Thanking you for your kindness in listening to us, we beg to remain,

Respectfully yours,

Edith M. Peck,
Vera J. Bailey,
Rachel D. Foyer.

A resolution was then unanimously carried to appoint a committee of three from the Chamber to cooperate with the women carrying on this grand and noble work and assist them in every possible manner.

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POST OFFICE AND SCHOOLS
STORY OF LAKEWOOD- E. G. LINDSTROM Pg. 37-39

Community consciousness first expressed itself in the request for a separate post office for the people living between Brooklyn Township (now Cleveland's West Side) and Rocky River.

Since 1827 a post office serving the whole of Rockport Township had been located either at the mouth of Rocky River or a mile and a half above over "Hog Back Hill", depending upon the location of the stage coach route. At various times the post office was run by a Mr. Goodwin, believed to have been the very first postmaster, by tavern keeper Rufus Wright, By B.F. Phinney, a storekeeper, and last by the manager of the old Cliff House, located on the east side of the river at the bridge approach.

The exact date on which the post-office department decided to create a new postal district has been lost. However, Lucius Dean fitted out some mailboxes in his store near Warren and Detroit Roads, and was named the first postmaster. In order to distinguish it from the rest of Rockport, the new district was designated East Rockport.

It was only a step farther for the citizens of East Rockport to knit themselves closer together by creating their own schools. On January 13, 1871, an election was announced for January 28, two weeks later, for the purpose of joining subdistricts 6, 8 and 10 (located in East Rockport) into one separate school district.

"Those in favor of said separate school district should vote "School", and those opposed should vote "No School", read the instructions to electors. The counting of ballots did not take very long. In the language of the clerk: "Twenty-seven ballots were cast and on counting, all said ballots were found to be found for "School".

There were only three members on the first board of education. It was elected March 2, 1871, and its members were Alfred Elwell, Richard Foy and C.G. Calkins.

East Rockport parents earnestly desired their children to have enough learning, but were equally determined they should not get too much. Probably they feared the children would get fancy notions in their heads. Among the rules promulgated by the board at one of its first meetings was this:

"Resolved, that in addition to Reading, Spelling and Writing, no scholar shall be required to study more than two of the following studies: viz., Geography, Arithmetic and Grammar."

There were three one-room schools. East School, located on the site of Garfield School at Detroit and Grace Avenue, was taught by Miss Juliette Comstock; Middle School, located on Warren Road where the Board of Education stands, was taught by Miss E.C. Preston; and West School, now the site of McKinley School on West Clifton Boulevard, was taught by Miss Bessie Brown.

The number of pupils was reported to have been 215, which seems like a good many for only three teachers in three one-room buildings. Especially since the teachers were paid only $35 a month.

At the end of the school year of 1879, on May 8 to be exact, the board of education with the typical pioneer frugality, voted to replace Middle School with a two-room brick building. Between then and June 5, something happened (possibly a school census) which changed their minds. The board of education voted to make it a four-room school and hire a superintendent at the magnificent salary of $900 a year.

The building was built that summer and opened for classes in the fall with its name changed to East Rockport Central School.

The first superintendent was S.H. Harriman, and in addition, he was required to teach the upper grades.

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ROCKPORT: EARLY PARKS
PECULIARITIES OF AMERICAN CITIES. 1866 P.153

There are a number of parks and gardens in the suburbs of Cleveland, one of the most extensive having been a donation to the city by Mr. Wade, one of her millionaires. The favorite drive, however, next to the avenue, is across the Cuyahoga and seven miles westward to Rocky River, which flows into the lake through a narrow gorge between perpendicular cliffs which project themselves boldly into the lake. Here a park has been laid out, and all that art can do has done to the natural beauties of the place. From this point a distant view of the city may be obtained, its spires pointing to the sky out of the billow of green. To the west is Black River Point, with its rocky promontories, and on the north stretches out an unbroken expanse of water with here and there the long black trail of a steamer floating in the air, its wake like a white line upon the water; or white specks of sails dotting the horizon. The coast between Cleveland and Rocky River is high and precipitous, the emerging streams rushing into the lake by means of rapids and waterfalls. On this inhospitable coast, which affords no landing for even a small boat, more than one frail bark came to grief in the early days of the white man's possession of the land, and nearly all its living freight a watery grave.

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EAST ROCKPORT AND ROCKY RIVER: THE HAMLET
CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER SEPT. 10, 1940

What was East Rockport and the clustering homes, lake hotels and picnic grounds called Rocky River that stretched from old Highland Road along the lake to the river gorge? Once those names were familiar to Cleveland residents - picnickers and those seeking a country holiday. If those centers had any local government or were ever organized as hamlets or villages with their own town halls and officials, all records have disappeared.

But they had boundaries. Crossing the township lines at Detroit Road, at present Highland Avenue N.W., you were in East Rockport. Continuing a mile - and -a - half and you found a post  office and homes opposite an ancient cemetery. Onward a half- mile a lane led northward to the lake where Hiram Barrett was to open Summit Avenue. That was the western limit of East Rockport. Many regarded its territory as reaching south on Warren Road and extending to William Sixt's Sherman House on Lorain Avenue.

Rocky River was another so-called village. Starting at Summit Avenue, it extended two and one - half miles on Detroit road down its turning descent to the bridge. This distinct hamlet with its homes flanking the road comprised almost the exact Section 23. Its boundary followed the section - a straight line meeting the river at the second bend, its western side following the deep winding cut to the mouth. Records show each place adopted the name of its early post office and that the only government from 1819 to 1889 was that of a trustee township. Both bordered on the north along the lakeshore from Highland Avenue to Rocky River. Corporations of similar names were formed in other locations in recent times.

In 1860, East Rockport found a new settler, George Thorne of England. A Civil War veteran, his descendants have lived within the old bounds of the center to the present day. During the next five years, others came:

John Mullay, who bought near Hilliard Road in 1861; Joseph Howe, who came the same year and for many years served as East Rockport's postmaster; Captain John Spalding, who arrived from England a year later to build a home on Detroit Road; Dr. Richard Fry, born near Cooperstown, N. Y., a teacher in Cleveland's old Academy on St. Clair Street, who settled there in 1863, and Daniel Webb, Enoch Haines and Ira E. Canfield, newcomers in 1865. The first two were Englishmen, the former bought land on Warren Road near by the latter, a horticulturist. Canfield, first "mayor" of any civil organization of the community, became president of trustees.

Rockport Township long had been famous for its wheat crops and grain growers on its spreading farms in many sections won top honors for its exhibitions at the state and county fairs. The lake region almost to the river was known for its garden products, berries, fruits, vineyards and many new varieties of cherries developed by Dr. J. P. Kirtland, "The Cherry King." An industrial development to bring fame to the township was brick and tile making. Underlaying shale formations in many sections were covered with clay strata making a moist soil requiring drainage. That clay proved excellent for manufacturing purposes.

Rocky River on the west claimed the first brick and tile yard. Many a Clevelander will recall the original yard of William A. Maile at the northwest corner of Summit Avenue and Detroit Road. Marking the eastern line of the burg, you knew when you passed it that you were within Rocky River. The Maile's House was near the road but brick kiln and tile sheds were on the western side of his extensive acres stretching to the lake. Resuming the making of pressed brick, his yard was landmark for a score of years. Its location was between the present Cranford and Brockley Avenues. His son, Christopher, afterwards established a yard at Warren and Hilliard Roads.

In 1830, John P. Spenser built a pioneer home in the forest of a far southwestern section of the township. There his family resided for many years. 1874, his sons, John W. and E. J. Spenser, started a brickyard about the center of Section 6 on the north side of Lorain Road. In five years the concern was making 200,000 tile and 100,000 bricks annually.

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BOOMING GRANGER CITY
CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER  AUGUST 21, 1940

Granger City was a boom town 200 feet eastward from the mouth of Rocky River. Starting at about the first corduroy bridge it ran to the lake cliffs. Three-quarters of a mile in length, 1,600 feet wide, with 21 blocks and a boulevard, its tiny park projected to the gorge's edge near Rocky River Bridge.

Joseph Larwell came from Wooster in 1815 to purchase the "mill lot" and land on the west bluff near the spot. With Gideon Granger, John Bever and Calvin Pease, he platted the city in 1816. It boomed: Preachers, lawyers, doctors, storekeepers - all bought lots in the midget blocks as much as $60. It was a drama rivaling that of any gold-rush town.

Charles Miles built the first cabin near the site of the Patchen House. John Dowling, George Reynolds and Capt. Foster followed his lead. Joseph Sizer and Henry Clark became residents. The latter opened a tavern. John James came on from Boston to buy out Miles and open a store and tavern, settling on the Gov. Wood farm the next westward lake front tract to Granger City. Henry Canfield built a pretentious store long known as "Canfield's Old Store." Erastus and Charles Johnson, and Ashael Porter, Eleazern Waterman and Rufus Wright lived there. The place boomed to 150 inhabitants. Then a pall fell upon the town. Merchants, lawyers, bakers, barbers and candlestick makers vanished. Business was abandoned. It struggled feebly until the close of 1818 when the last home was deserted.

The coming of Rufus Wright in 1816 sounded a note in history of Rocky River that reverberated for 100 years. He built the famous Wright Tavern, known Far and wide as the principal hotel of that district with an unrivaled view of the lake. Soldier of the war of 1812, Wright came from Stillwater N. Y., to pay Gideon Granger $300 for three-quarters of an acre of land south of Granger City. His frame tavern for years was a center of business and social life.

Rockport was formed as a civil township in February, 1819, and the first election was held in the tavern the first Monday in April. Nineteen votes were cast. Charles Miles was chairman and Ashael Porter and Datus Kelley election judges. Trustees, clerk, poor overseers, fence-viewers and a lister, were chosen. Since the township records for the first 12 years were lost much of the early history is uncertain; but it is known that in 1819 the name East Rockport was selected for a settlement some distance east of the river and a government post-office was established about its center. A mile and one-half west of the township's eastern line on the north side of Detroit Road, it slowly became the nucleus of rural homes, farms and fruit orchards. East Rockport post office was in the general store of Lucius Dean and Horace Dean was the first postmaster.

In the fall of 1820, Chester Dean and Datus Kelley, township trustees, advertised for bids on a substantial bridge across the mouth of Rocky River to close Nov. 1. This wooden structure, not far above the waterline south of the present concrete structure, was completed in 1821.

Tradition has it that Tavern Keeper Wright was a generous contributor. Travelers from east and west patronized the crossing, stopping at the tavern. Emigrants, wagon bound westward, took this route and families were accommodated with floor space for sleeping and fires for cooking. There were breakdowns overturns, balking and backdowns in descending or climbing the steep, rutty approaches and at the tavern bar, many sought the courage to make the crossing or celebrated a safe negotiation.

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ROCKPORT: LAKEWOOD ESCAPED "ARLINGTON"
CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER SEPT. 27, 1940.

Agitation on the incorporation of the two post-office centers known as East Rockport and Rocky River, reaching from Highland Avenue ( W. 117) to the rocky gorge, was continued in the "80's". In 1870 an attempt was made to organize the territory as a hamlet.

An assembly of delegates and residents of the region, at the Murch House, nearly resulted in clash. Some were from Brooklyn Township as it was proposed to include a strip of their domain in the new formation. They objected so strenuously that the meeting adjourned with the result that no Rockport corporation was formed.

Fifteen years later the proposition to organize the two western centers revived. As a first step it was agreed to call the new hamlet "Arlington". When the Post office Department was notified, it at once replied that there was already such a town in Ohio, and asked the selection of another name.

Ezra Nicholson and A. B. Allen were appointed to canvass the subject. On Sept. 7, 1885, a petition with 109 signers were presented to the county commissioners, desiring them to incorporate the territory into a hamlet called Lakewood. This name was adhered to through official discussions, and afterward in changes to village and city. Thus, the city of Lakewood escaped the name "Arlington."

Remonstrances were presented to the commissioners and obstacles placed in the way of organizing the hamlet.  Three times they postponed hearings of the petition, at length on Dec. 19, 1885, they ordered that the area be incorporated as the hamlet of Lakewood.

An old directory shows that many new residents besides those already noted, lived in the region covered by the grant. Among them Thomas R. Hird, G. H. Stearns, W. D. Pudney, Charles Townsend, Alex Harter, Frank Hafley, W. L. Lippert, J. Swinglen, J. F. Hobson, R. H. Fruppe, Bernard Farrell, I. D. Norris, Byron Harris, M. Y. Thompson, C. H. Henry, A. W. Farmer, John Farrow, E. Day, S.S. Hitchens, G. Morgan, and Marcus Hanna. The names of Lee, Wanger, Gruingh, Armstrong, Ehort, Sloat, Cook, Sturart, Coburn, Southack, Nutting, Benjamin, Oviatt, Callahan, Keiner, Murphy, Alborn, Potter, Phillips, Nast Cannon, Zuler, Eggert and Ami Beckley are also found, all old and new residents, many with families.

As the boundaries defined for the hamlet of Lakewood continued practically the same through hamlet, village and city for years, they may as well be described. Beginning at the foot of Highland Avenue at the lake, its eastern line followed the road westward to Johnson Street, and along that to Warren Road, and traveled this to the east line of section 18. Dropped south on this to Martin Hemming's property, it struck due west and hit the center of Rocky River at the beginning of its second big loop. Its western border followed the river to the lake.

With its north boundary the lake, the corporation was about three and one - half miles long from Highland Avenue to Rocky River, and from the shore to its extreme south edge was a little over two miles. The newly created municipality contained about 450 citizens and claimed over 1,000 inhabitants.

What was the town like in the early '90s? The "Dummy" railroad was long a thing of the past. When they were building the Nickel Plate Railroad in 1881, the through railroad absorbed the right of way of the suburban road. It followed the route until it came to where the "Dummy" swept into a curve to its river terminal, and then continuing its own straight route, crossed Rocky River on a high, spindly bridge. On the western side was a station called River Bank. The Murch House that stood on the site of the ancient first cemetery where Daniel Miner and a few of the earliest pioneers were buried, was removed. The little police station nearby, beside the "Dummy" track, which received its first prisoner July 28, 1873, was gone. The Lake Shore House and John Knoll's Beach Grove Hotel still stood on the eastern cliffs among the trees of Clifton Park, with its winding drives. A straight avenue called Vista Street, was the last toward the river. It ran from the lake south to Railroad Street, which had taken the place of the ending of Rocky River Railroad tracks. Lake Avenue followed the shore east from the park. The name of the post-office on Detroit Street was changed to Lakewood. At the eastern end of Lakewood, a block after you entered the hamlet was Cove Station on the Nickel Plate where for years suburbanites arrived and left.

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ROCKPORT: THE FIRST ATTEMPTS TO INCORPORATE LAKEWOOD'S SITE
CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER SEPTEMBER 24, 1940.

In the 10 years before the centennial year of 1876 all territory leading to and near Rocky River's mouth held a warm spot in the heart of Clevelanders. There are those who still cling to memories of days spent in its groves, its deep gorge and its unrivaled view of Lake Erie.

The river region had become one of parks, hotels, picnic grounds, and many a family party, Sunday school, military company, county and city gatherings spent a day there in recreation. The city's clubs and social sets gave balls at its hotels. Sleigh rides and parties were fashionable in the winter. Labor and fraternal organization held annual conventions there and each year papers gave their newsboys a grand day's outing at one of its parks. Sunday came to be a gala day, many driving out Detroit Road in rigs and carriages to return late at night. There were collisions and upsets and the morning after usually found one or two wrecked buggies in the ditch.

Residents of the West Side and far out the road owning large tracts about the river mouth saw increasing crowds visiting the scenic resort. Hotels were built and new recreation grounds were opened along the high ledges. Many suburbanites erected homes through the villages eastward and on the roads west of the river.

The Rocky River Railroad was chartered Feb. 20, 1867. Dan P. Rhodes, Elias Sims, and Ezra Nicholson were its principal promoters. Known as the "dummy" line, it started about 25 yards west of old Waverly Avenue on Bridge Street, crossing Detroit, its route was surveyed to a hotel on the east bank of the river, a distance slightly over five miles. Equipped with miniature steam locomotive, passenger and freight cars, it was expected to make the trip to the river in 15 minutes. Connecting with the horse cars at its eastern end, it planned trains until the last city car at night. Population of East Rockport and Rocky River postoffice villages doubled. Allotments were laid out. Berry pickers came by hundreds in the season.

In 1867, Silverton sold his hotel to the Patchen Family. It became known as the Patchen House and by midsummer of 1868, the Rocky River Railroad was running with two new shinning locomotives, the Rockport and Brooklyn. On Dec. 24, 1868, the Cliff House was dedicated with L. S. Philips as proprietor. That evening at 8, 150 Cleveland people boarded a fast passenger train on the "dummy" line at its Bridge Street depot and made the run to the new hotel with the speed of a modern limited. Supper was served at midnight, and there was dancing far into the morning hours. Clifton Park of 230 acres was laid out on the cliffs east of the river and the old Erastus Tisdale estate of 65 acres on the west bank was converted into picnic grounds and grove.

In 1870, the first attempt to incorporate Rocky River and East Rockport was made. It was the first effort to organize these post-office centers in the fifty years of Rockport township government. It was proposed to incorporate all the broad lake shore strip from Cleveland extending a few hundred feet beyond Gordon Avenue to Rocky River. The southern line was to run east and west 50 rods south of Madison Avenue.

This territory comprised the present City of Lakewood. It included a wide cut of Brooklyn township, north along the shore. Agitation culminated in a meeting of delegates at the Cliff House, on Dec. 29, 1870. Seventy-five leading men crowded the third floor ball room. J. A. Harris was chosen chairman and W. E. Clark, secretary.

Brooklyn's delegation were mad clear through at the plan to tack to them on to Rockport. J. E. Elwell read the law. So violent did the discussion become that a motion was carried obliging the Brooklynites to march into another room and hold their own conventions.

The other delegates were afraid to pass a deciding vote. After collecting a large sum to push the incorporation, they named Jan. 12, 1871, for the second meeting. The Brooklyn men indulged in lurid discussions and adjourned until Jan. 3, 1871. The latter contingent stole a march on the Rockport crowd, for on Jan. 5, 1871 the County Commissioners granted them permission to separately incorporate all the territory in the dispute from the city limits to Highland Avenue, the Rockport Township line.

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ROCKPORT: WHO WERE THE FOREFATHERS OF LAKEWOOD HAMLET?
PLAIN DEALER Sept. 11, 1940

Following the first attempts to incorporate, 19 long years elapsed before the indefinite center called East Rockport and the Rocky River Township section became organized under a civil form of government. The territory embraced land from Rockport Township line (now W. 117th Street) to Rocky River. Both centers were named from post-offices. So far as can be learned, after the first township trustee assumed office in 1819, each continued for 70 years without becoming municipalities.

While the two burgs still were a stretch of country homes, I remember driving through there, turning on what must have been Warren Road, and continuing southwest through farms and woodlands. Suddenly I reached old Rockport Driving Park that years ago stood at the northeast corner of Lorain Avenue and Riverside Drive. Its high-board fence, grand stand top and ticket windows were desolate, indeed, that late fall day, while the last leaves rustled in the nearby woods. Now that busy corner is occupied with business blocks: where once was the race track are streets and homes, but it retains the name of Kamms Corners.

Driving through East Rockport and Rocky River in the late '70's you passed Highland Avenue, to come to a toll house on the north side of the road. A quarter mile farther west was Dr. Richard Fry's home, with its 27 acres stretching to the lake. Henry Beach's fruit and vegetable farm was followed by Dr. Scott's, the Hunter, Allen and Kinney homes, and George Saal's Melrose House. Between that and the school lived the Whitehalls and Marshalls. From the schoolhouse, the Nicholson tract, one third mile wide, crossed Detroit Road from the lake to Madison Avenue. The farm extended more than a mile, and through its north half center ran what is still Nicholson Avenue. John Kidney built a residence at its west corner on Detroit Road, and a fortnight ago I received a letter from his grandson, George E. Kidney of Ravenna, Oh.

Mrs. William Bradford was the first resident on Nicholson Avenue. J. A. Harris, prominent in local affairs, built a home facing the lake. A long stretch beyond the avenue for some years after his death stood Dr. Jared P. Kirtland's quaint stone home. Beyond Lewis Nicholson's greenhouse and nursery of 90 acres: the J.T. Robinson place and Postmaster Joseph Howe's home, was East Rockport's postoffice and general store. Clustered about were the Orville Hotchkiss sawmill, the Tegardines and the New Jerusalem Church. On the other side, of the road was Krieger's hotel, the Grant House. Within view was the school, the Baptist Church and Good Templars Hall on Warren Road. The homes of Collins French and W. H. Hayes ended East Rockport at the corner of Summit Avenue.

Rocky River commenced there. On the north side of Detroit Road were Hall's great fruit farm; and the Webb, Calkins, Atwell and Keyser families. The school house stood on an unnamed roadway running north. The Southern, Phelps and McMartin homes reached to George F· Krause's residence and picnic grounds there the road started downhill to the bridge. Behind all this from Highland Avenue to the Murch house at the river raced "the dummy", its track averaging 300 feet north of Detroit Road. Reaching the hotel, the engines backed 700 feet east to the depot yard with its turntable and carshed.

Through the two villages from the Highland Tollgate westward on the road's south side were the Coutants, Newmans, DeForests and W. S. Ranney of Cleveland shoe firm. The Marshalls, Cadys and Elliots came west and beyond Nicholson's were the Calkins, John Albert French, Raymond, Pease and Marvin Homes. Further west were Emery Brown, C.W. Ranney and the Mullally 40, half of it in Rocky River.

Within the burg came Israel Wagar's large allotment and home, with the Poland, Defriese, Woodbury and Colohan places completing the distance to Scenic Park at the first river bend. Short Elm Street led from the Murch house to Winding River Road there lived the Bower and Clampitt families. Opposite was John N. Knoll's home whose romantic Beach Grove and hotel were near the shore. The Lake View House had been built not far away. Both were in Clifton Park on the highlands overlooking the lake east of the river's mouth.

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MARS E. WAGAR WRITES OF LAKEWOOD'S HISTORY
(Written for Lakewood Courier - Dec, 1923)
E.G. LINSTROM'S UNPUBLISHED MATERIAL

"I herewith transfer this short article for your history. I have hesitated about writing too much personal history. I close my eyes and think of East Rockport, now Lakewood, as I first knew it about the end of our tragic civil war, when the old sorghum mill back of Howe's grocery store made sweet sugar from native cane raised by farmers thereabouts to avoid the high price of 15 cents a pound for Louisiana sugar, and about the old tavern kept by Bennett (or Black Joe), as we called him. I remember seeing in the early morning, old man Scoville in his red woolen shirt coming two miles away down Warren Road to meet his old crony, thin, active old man Hird, (descendant of an English lord), at Bennett's Tavern ostensibly for a morning dram, but as I now see it, only for dear friendship and exchange of fraternal gossip. It was recorded in Grandfather's Diary of 1827, that whiskey was only 25 cents a gallon and it would have been less trouble and expense to have swallowed a good silent dose at home. But no! It was the human touch they were after. I remember, too, how I was pall bearer for Henry Howe about 1868, one of my youthful playmates, who was buried in this same old graveyard, and how I suddenly was shocked when I learned we all of us must some time die. Well, my dear friend, I have lived long enough to see I have outlived most of my early playmates except a very few and these I treasure immensely.

"In regard to the so-called Lakewood Cemetery, located near Detroit Avenue and St. Charles Avenue, and now owned by the heirs of Francis H. Wagar, I submit the following:

"Grandfather, Mars Wagar, after whom I was named, came to the Western Reserve in 1818 from Lansingburg on the Hudson. He was a Latin and Greek scholar! A writer, too, in mathematics and a surveyor, but as a pioneer in the woods of the Western Reserve he had small chance to exercise his talent in that direction. He evidently made the best of his ability under the circumstances for I notice in his Diary of 1826, he one day went to the village with an oxcart of peaches which he disposed of at a shilling a bushel.

"Grandfather first settled in what is now Avon, but through the friendship of James Nicholson, he was induced to sell his holdings there and purchase in Lakewood. He purchased a tract of land in 1820 in the center of Lakewood at a price of seven dollars per acre. This tract included the cemetery which my father, Francis H. Wagar, the youngest son of Mars Wagar, purchased from his three brothers and two sisters about 1850. For a time, Grandfather lived in a big log cabin under a large elm tree which still flourishes in the so-called cemetery, but removed later to a stone house near the present corner of Warren Road and Detroit Avenue, which house was built of thin brown sandstone from a nearby stone quarry on part of the farm located where now the Nickel Plate Railway crosses Cook Avenue. This house, much to my regret, was torn down in 1884 to make way for the modern structure still standing on the same place.

"The first burial in the so-called cemetery was in the year of 1828, a Mrs. Brewster.

"I once made a copy of all the names and dates of the silent sleepers in the cemetery, but seam unable to find the same at present. "

"Father always called this the "burying ground". No one ever received a deed for any grave and Mars Wager or his son, Francis H. Wager, or his heirs have continuously maintained possession of this land and paid taxes thereon over 100 years.

"My earliest recollection of East Rockport, as then called, dates from the historic time of Abraham Lincoln's death. On that fateful day in April, 1865, I tolled from morning until night the bell in the village schoolhouse opposite our farm. Our farm being practically the center of Lakewood, was also the center or all public activities. In the schoolhouse on the west side of Warren Road were held town meetings, public debates, and itinerant lectures. A village store was opposite the graveyard, now near the corner of Belle Avenue and Detroit Avenue, kept by Horace Dean in early years and later by an Englishman named Joseph Howe. He now rests beside his wife in this same "burying ground", over whose bodies now stands the only monument still remaining. I have a letter from Chloe Howe, the only and youngest child still alive and wife of U. B. Walker, formerly a banker in this city, who now resides In California, which gives me the right to remove the monument and whatever remains of the parents to any place I choose. The heirs of Francis H. Wager have purchased several lots in Lakewood Cemetery, Rocky River, in which to place any remains of the former residents of Lakewood and mark the same to the best of their ability.

"In the early days it was the custom or our family to receive two or three dollars or five dollars for the trouble of digging graves and attending the ceremonies and often where money was scant the service was rendered for nothing. I have often helped to dig the graves with our hired man, Ahab Jenks, whose favorite saying was, "we are all born but not buried yet". I have often helped to lower a coffin into a new made grave with the aid of the long reins from harnesses taken from our barn.

"Now in those early days this graveyard was actually located on a steep hill, and there was a deep valley separating this hill from an opposite hill on which was a tavern kept by a man named Bennett, and down these hills the school children used to find great pleasure in sliding when the snowfall was sufficient. "I am reminded in this connection of an early story about a convivial party at this same tavern. A discussion of ghosts arose and upon one of the guests boldly declaring there were no ghosts, it was determined to put him to the acid test. It was determined to frighten him by having one of the party take the part of a ghost, covering himself with a white sheet and hiding in the graveyard until midnight and waylay, if possible, the unbeliever in ghosts. It all happened as agreed upon, and when our doubting, convivial friend sought his home at midnight he was surprised to hear a tell white figure, as he passed the graveyard, come toward him in the hazy moonlight with majestic stride and uttering deep moaning. Our convivialist, seeing the ghost approach, called out "who are you?", to which the ghost replied, "I am the devil and I am after you". Whereupon said convivialist slipped down into the bottom of the dry brook and filled his pockets with a few good sized stones, one of which he launched at the approaching ghost and with such good aim that he laid him low with a deep cut on the side or his head. Having seen the hoax had been serious, the ghost's boon companions hurried him to the barroom of the tavern and summoned a surgeon, who said upon arriving, "I suppose there is some deviltry in all this, and my fee must be paid, which is fifty cents before I sew up this man's head." The money was paid and the ghost relieved.

"I am free to say that although the school children in my young days saw ghosts walking in the graveyard, it never frightened me; in fact, I grew to love the place and often passed through marking the quaint epitaphs on the tombstones and feeling sorrowful for my young playmates, who were already sleeping quietly there.

"I think there have been no burials for a generation or so in this place and since many years, friends of the people buried here have been quietly removing their remains to other cemeteries.

"The heirs of the original owner of the graveyard would like to learn of anyone is interested in the removal of any person's remains known to them and the same will be gladly attended to.

"Personally I have a strange sentiment about this place, for Grandfather, before his remains were removed to Lakeview Cemetery, rested beneath the great elm eighty years or more. Sometimes I think of the story in Ovid's Metempsychosis, describing the man who broke off a branch of the tree and the branch said, "don't do that, for you hurt me". I feel certain the material part of Grandfather helped to construct this great tree and the waving branches and the bright leaves in the summer seem to beckon me to this long resting place."

Mars E. Wager

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ANNEXATION: SCHOOL BOARD CONSIDERS PROPOSAL
LAKEWOOD COURIER - April 13, 1933 Pg. 1

The Lakewood school board this week referred to Superintendent of Schools Julius E. Warren a request from Council President Morris Phillips asking the board's thoughts on the suggestion that the portion of Cleveland to the south of the city be annexed.

A committee of the council now is studying the possibilities of such a move. Phillips, in his letter to the board, pointed out that since the schools would be affected, the board's opinion would be valuable.

George Grill, assistant superintendent of schools told the board, annexation of the territory might mean the building of an annex at Hayes school and considerable shifting or students at other schools.

Grill said the high school would present a problem as it is already overcrowded. It was estimated that 2,600 students would be enrolled in the school next semester and about 2,800 the following semester.

The special council committee appointed by Phillips now is conferring with property owners in the Cleveland section on possible procedure to bring about annexation.

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ANNEXATION
NEWSPAPER CLIPPING, 1932 (LIBRARY FILE)

The Lakewood council, at a special meeting, Thursday afternoon, October 29, adopted an ordinance to annex two parcels of real estate in Rocky River to Lakewood.

One is part of the Metropolitan Park and removes all contact of Rocky River with the city of Cleveland, and if approved by the County Commissioners, will pave the way for the Public Utilities Commission to grant a certificate of necessity and convenience for a bus line from Rocky River through South Lakewood to Cleveland.

The other is the Lakewood sewage disposal plant in Rocky River valley, The Rocky River council has already indicated its concurrence in this proceeding.

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ANNEXATION: CLEVELAND CIVIC LEAGUE SEEKS SUPPORT OF LEGISLATORS-ELECT
THE LAKEWOOD PRESS - Dec, 26, 1919 Page 1

     In addition to the camouflaged association that the Cleveland Civic League proposes to organize its support of city-county governments among the larger counties of the state, the league has sent out directly to the members-elect of the general assembly a circular under the signature of the league secretary. It is stated this resolution will be fathered by Senator William Agnew of Cleveland.

Among the reasons urged for legislative action on behalf of a city-county
merger act are these:

    1 - The high cost of government requires calm and fair consideration as we approach the reconstruction problems of the war. Taxes will be heavy for years. Nation, state and city will go deeply into the taxpayers pocket.

    2 - The unprecedented demand for city and county improvements is bound to continue.

    3 - We must make governmental units as economical as possible so as to get a dollar's worth of service for every dollar we spend.

    Following is a copy of the letter sent out by the Civic League to the members-elect.

    "Several years' study of one feature of this problem has convinced us that a good deal can be done to scale down the high cost of government in those counties in the state which are thickly populated by co-ordinating the duties of duplicating public offices.

   "At the last session of the legislature a resolution to amend our constitution so that this economy may be made possible was passed by the senate. In brief it provided that the more populous counties of the state, if the people of the state ratified the amendment, might submit to the voters of the county the question of reorganizing the numerous units of the government under which they live into one unified system.

    A favorable vote on this proposition in Cuyahoga or Hamilton county would mean, simply, that certain cities, villages, school districts, townships, etc., elected to reorganize their government administration in the interests of economy and efficiency.

    "Here is a practical example of the way it would works out in Cuyahoga County, for instance:

    "Substituted for one county, three cities, twenty-seven villages, sixteen townships, forty-five school districts, one city-county.

"The bill for wages alone in this county runs as follows:

	1915		1917
County		$711,567	$726,172
3 cities		3,040,536	2,934,890
27 Villages		99,795	242,750
16 Townships		22,598	26,220
45 school districts		3,662,178	4,209,910
totals		$7,536,674	$8,139,942

    "It is self-evident from the mere duplication of functions and the conflict in administrative authorities, that such a condition can result only in great waste of time, energy and money in the performance of public duties. A conservative  estimate would put this loss wages alone at $500,000 annually.

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ANTI-ANNEXATION: (KNIRK LINES UP RURALITIES AGAINST ANNEXATION)
THE LAKEWOOD PRESS - Mar. 6, 1919 Page 1

County Surveyor Stinchcomb debated the annexation topic before the suburban citizens of Parma, and he met an opponent worthy of his steel.

Carl F. Knirk of Lakewood was his opponent. Mr. Knirk is vice president of the league recently organized by the rural representatives of the county to fight the county-city merger amendment to the state constitution. He represents the Pomona Grange in this organization and spent two days last week at Columbus, interesting rural legislators and arousing the state grange to action against the measure. He is confident the annexationists will find no supporters in the rural districts.

In this debate, Mr. Knirk emphasized, in particular, the need for direct local government in the various communities of this county. He said that the local government now supplied by men who have immediate interests in the local communities and who understand the local problems, gives the cheapest and most efficient form of government than can be supplied to any community. The men in offices in any small community are invariably men of high caliber and they are only available for such offices because of their local interest and their pride in their home community. These men understand the needs of the neighbors and are therefore in sympathy with the community remands. The pay given these men is so small that it would not compensate for even one man supplied from a large community organization for the purpose of looking after the interests of any outlying district. Furthermore, the men who might be supplied from a centralized government would in many cases be out of harmony with the community, which they are sent to serve.

In answer to the claim that the crime and health conditions of the county can best be taken care of by having a centralized government in charge of the health and police force of the entire county, Mr. Knirk calls attention to the fact that the recent crime wave which finally reached a point where the state had to take a hand in the situation, and not centered in the small communities, where everybody knows who the police force are. In fact, today nearly all of the crimes worth a narration in the daily papers are committed, not in East Cleveland, Lakewood, Strongsville or Berea, but in the city of Cleveland, where the police force is already under one centralized government. If one is to judge from the conditions as they now exist, the difficulty in handling the crime situation increases as the size of the governmental unit increases. It would therefore seem that it would be folly to increase the burdens and responsibilities of the central police force by giving it more citizens to protect and a larger territory to cover.

In connection with contagious diseases, it may be pointed out that the city of Cleveland, during the recent flu epidemic, did not in any way show that it was in a better position to handle this epidemic than were the surrounding communities. The claim made by the pro-annexationists that in other states, large cities are making the form of government under a county merger plan, simply emphasizes the fact that the larger a city becomes, the more difficult it is for such a city to maintain itself and its institutions, and still stay within the tax limits. The very fact that large cities throughout the country are attempting to bring about such centralized governments under county merger plans, is proof that what we need is not large governmental units, but smaller units, which can maintain themselves and still stay within the tax limits fixed by law.

In answer to the statement that the smaller villages and farm communities and the cities and villages immediately adjoining Cleveland, could not maintain themselves if the citizens were excluded from the Cleveland markets and the opportunities which Cleveland affords, Mr. Knirk contends that if this should be accomplished, the very exclusion of these people would absolutely paralyze practically all of the industries in Cleveland. The industries in Cleveland did not make the men who are referred to when our opponents wish to exclude us from Cleveland, but, on the other hand, the brains and ability of these men made possible the development of the industries in the city of Cleveland. The industries of Cleveland are a result and not a cause.

Any local community like Parma must consider the effect of annexation to a larger community like Cleveland, both on its tax rate and on its indebtedness. Parma today has a tax rate of 91 cents, whereas it is likely that Cleveland will have a tax rate of something like $2.55 in the next year. If Parma wishes to assess itself on this high rate of $2.55, its entire indebtedness would be removed in one year and a substantial balance would be left in the treasury. But, on the contrary, if Parma should be joined to Cleveland and be made to carry indebtedness in proportion to its present valuation as compared with that of Cleveland, it would require forty years for Parma, to pay off its indebtedness at a rate of $2.55.

The contention that the uniform government would provide for local districts having administrating and self-governing purposes is not guaranteed by the provisions of the Agnew joint resolution. This resolution says in part: "It may provide by charter in place thereof, a unified government over the entire county, which charter shall provide for the establishment of such local districts or boroughs for administrative and self-governing purposes, or for assessment and taxation purposes or both, as it may deem convenient and equitable." It will be noted that all the force or the force part of this statement is annulled in the last clause, which says: "As it may deem convenient and equitable." There is also no assurance that the new form of government would find it either convenient or equitable to provide local districts for such self-governing and self-administrative purposes.

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0:17 ANNEXATION: ANTI-ANNEXATION LEAGUE (STARTS FIGHT IN COLUMBUS)
THE LAKEWOOD PRESS - Feb. 20, 1919 Page 1

Representatives of the new county league, organized in the court house recently by all forty units outside the city of Cleveland to fight annexation are on the job in these days. These representatives, who were authorized to appear before the Legislature, as the result of the luncheon meeting of the executive committee, held at the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce rooms, A. L. Bishop, Nelson J. Brewer, and Carl Knirk went to Columbus last week. They interviewed members of the legislative committee, before which the city-county merger bills will be considered they discussed the situation with representatives of the State Grange and the Farm Bureau, which organization keep men constantly on guard at Columbus, while the Legislature is in session.

The Agnew constitutional amendment has made no progress in the Legislature, but the time is approaching when. the supporters and opponents of the measure will meet face to face before the committees and their champions will be prepared to carry the fight on the floor of the two houses.  Assurances obtained by the anti-annexationist delegation are said to have been most encouraging, It is expected that the entire influence of the rural members will be found solidly lined up against the proposed measure, while its chief support will come from the legislators of Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo.

Another meeting of the executive committee is scheduled to be held Friday noon and at that time, the legislative delegates will make their formal report. Other business of importance will come before the committee Friday noon. An active publicity committee will be named, which will take charge of the anti-annexation propaganda to be sent out throughout the state.

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0:18
ANNEXATION: OPPOSED BY CLEVELAND WOMEN
THE LAKEWOOD PRESS - Feb. 20,1919 Page 1

By a rising vote, several hundred Cleveland men and women voted Monday night, almost unanimously, against the proposed constitutional amendment of Senator William Agnew to merge the city and county governments.

The American constitution did not assure perfect liberty nor has the goal of freedom yet been reached, Attorney Florence Allen told several hundred Cleveland men and  women last night in the first lecture of the citizenship course of the Cleveland Federation of Women's Clubs in Hotel Statler ball room.

"Fifty years ago women who assembled for any purpose other than worship were looked upon as unsexed," Miss Allen said: "In Germany, Austria and France it was a crime for women to hold a meeting.

"Women have been sitting in the gallery, Only recently are we getting in on the ground floor."

"There were slackers in the war, but there are more slackers in peace,"  Miss Allen said. "The men and women who refuse to study their city's problems are shirking service just as truly as those who refused to fight."

She advocated sending a committee of the federation to city council meetings after women get the vote, predicting "there would be many things councilmen wouldn't say or dare to do if they knew women with power to vote were present.

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0:19
ANNEXATION: CITY-COUNTY MERGER (DEFENDED BY STINCHCOMB)
THE LAKEWOOD PRESS - FEB. 20, 1919 Page 1

W. A. Stinchcomb, county surveyor, was the speaker at the weekly meeting of the Cleveland Real Estate Board Wednesday noon at Hotel Winton. He discussed "The Advantages of a Consolidated County Government."

He said there are over ninety separate taxing subdivisions in Cuyahoga county, including Cleveland, the smaller cities of Lakewood, East Cleveland, and Newburg, and thirty villages, fourteen townships and a number of school districts. A proposed amendment to the constitution of Ohio has been introduced in the legislature and action will be sought within the next few days.

The proposed amendment allows any county in the state to reorganize its form of government and to consolidate the various governing units and substitute a single unified agency to act for the whole county on matters of general importance, thus fitting the government to the public need.

The amendment purposes to establish equitable taxing districts so that outlying communities will pay only in proportion to the benefits received. Provision also is made that purely local questions of the rural sections of the county shall be handled by those directly concerned. The amendment sets up machinery for putting it into force and guarantees a representative charter commission by providing that no more than nine members of the fifteen shall be resident of any present subdivision in the county.

Among the advantages proposed are the unified and harmonious development of the metropolitan community; provisions for adequate planning for physical improvements; economy through cutting down of overhead charges; a shortened ballot; fixed government expense; a more representative county legislative body; extension of public services to the suburbs and unified police protection.

What we think of Mr. Stinchcomb's gold brick proposition will be found in our editorial columns. We give him herewith full benefit of his argument, printing the summary in full.

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0:20
ANNEXATION: SUBURBAN CIVIC LEAGUE (NAME CHANGED TO COUNTY ANTI-ANNEXATION LEAGUE)
THE LAKEWOOD PRESS - Jan. 16, 1919 Page 1

Representatives from the suburban communities met at the Hotel Statler last Friday to complete the organization of the Suburban Civic League, Lakewood, Euclid, East Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, Shaker Heights and Bratenahl and other outlying territory were well represented. From Lakewood came Mayor B. M. Cook, Law Director Robert G, Curren, City Engineer E. A. Fisher, H. E, Gresham. Chairman of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce committee on annexation; Captain Walter E. Pagan and Samuel Walter Burrill of the Lakewood Press. City Manager Carl Osborn of East Cleveland, Mayor Frank Cain of Cleveland Heights, Mayor W. H. Van Aken of Shaker Heights, C. A. Neff, law director of Bratenahl all brought members of their official staff. O. S. Upp of North Olmsted was present to speak for the county granges.

There was an enthusiasm and unanimity of sentiment in favor of forming the league to fight annexation, without waiting longer for developments on behalf of Lakewood. Law Director Curren, Mayor Cook and Captain Pagan spoke strongly.

This list of members of the executive board was selected, as the basic foundation of the league: H. S. Gresham, Lakewood; Frederick H. Ayer, East Cleveland, A. J. Throckmorton, Cleveland Heights, W. J. Van Aken, Shaker Heights; C. A. Neff, Bratenahl; Alvord L, Bishop, Euclid. It is proposed that a seventh member shall be added to
represent the small communities at large.

Members of this executive committee met on Tuesday afternoon to consider the question of electing officers and to start operations. At this meeting, details of the organization were practically completed. The only permanent officer selected was Samuel Burrill of the Lakewood Press, who was chosen secretary of the league. A nominating committee, consisting of Messrs, Bishop, Throckmorton and Gresham was named to present the name of a president, vice president and treasurer, It is expected the president to be selected will be a prominent East End resident, who is not a member of the board. The vice president and treasurer will probably be taken from the executive board. Ultimately the members of the board will report a group of advisory committees, not less than five members from each of the municipalities represented.

A finance committee was appointed, consisting of Messrs. Neff, Ayer and Gresham. Secretary Burrill was directed to get in touch with the managers of the state grange with a view of enlisting grange support of the league opposition to annexation.

It was decided to change the name of the organization from the Suburban Civic League to the Cuyahoga County Anti-Annexation League. This change was made in order to emphasize in the most forcible manner the purpose and scope of the league.

It is expected that as soon as the executive committee completes its organization, another luncheon meeting will be called next week of all league members at another luncheon at the Hotel Statler.

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0:21
REMOVE THE EYESORE FROM THE LAWN OF 125 - YEAR OLD HOUSE
LAKEWOOD POST 11-25-60 (clipping with photo)

The 125 - year-old house at 13335 Detroit is once again being admired as a beautiful example of New England architecture. A large sewer sign which partially hid it from view, has just been removed by the present owner, Earl W. Schreiner, who conceded to a request from the Lakewood Historical Society through the persuasion of Margaret Manor Butler, author of "The Lakewood Story" and curator of the Stone House in Lakewood Park.

Ten years ago before Mr. Schreiner purchased the house, when there were threats of its destruction to make room for a business building, Mrs. Butler started a movement to preserve the house for posterity by appeals to the Council, the Board of Education, and civic-minded organizations. After months of conferences and presentations of its worthiness from the U.S. Department of the Interior and local architects headed by Wallace Teare, the venture failed when Council said they would purchase the property if the Board of Education would maintain it. The latter felt it was not in a position to do so.

The Nicholson House, oldest frame residence in Lakewood, built by James Nicholson in 1835 has been one of the landmarks of which the community has been proud. Four generations lived in the house until 1948 when Mrs. Ezra Nicholson died. Many of James Nicholson's possessions are now housed in Lakewood's only museum, the Stone House in Lakewood Park.

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0:22
HOUSES (OLD):  NICHOLSON HOUSE
EARLY DAYS OF LAKEWOOD -- D. A. R. Pg. 73-74

The oldest house in Lakewood is the old Nicholson homestead on Detroit Avenue at the head of Nicholson Avenue. James Nicholson was the first permanent resident of the hamlet. About twenty-five years after arriving, he built his third house, which is the one now standing.

Grace Nicholson Thompson, a granddaughter of James Nicholson, says, "I am sure that ours is the oldest frame house between the Cuyahoga and Rocky Rivers. I was told about the people who came to make measurements to build along similar lines. With the exception of the kitchen, a one-story room at the south, the structure covered the same area as it does today. What in my day served as the dining room, thirty-three feet in length, was originally grandfather's woodshed. After mother died aid I was married and gone, father, better to accommodate brother Louis and his wife had the roof in part of the house raised to make a larger room and a bath. The old homestead is just about one hundred years old. As was customary in those days, the family moved into the home long before it was finished.

"The Nicholson house-raising was a gala event. Hired help was unobtainable, so neighbors and friends were invited to assist in setting up the frame. On the day appointed, entire families came from miles around, the men to do the work, and the women to serve the meals. Quantities of food had been prepared and picnic tables set up.

"Timbers had been cut for months, all selected from trees nearby. The site on which the house was built was surrounded by a chestnut grove. At this place in years past, Indians had come and camped.

"Ezra Nicholson was two years old at the time of the house-raising. He did not remember the events, but he distinctly remembered doing his first bit of carpentry at three years of age on the fluted pillars, which stood at each side of the front door. He hacked them with a drawshave, so that one pillar had to be moved and a new one substituted; the other, not so badly damaged, was turned around to present a perfect front.

"The house originally had a large room upstairs for the loom where spinning and weaving were done. Later descendants for years used the blue and white checked blankets, which Betsy Nicholson spun there, using wool from her own sheep.

"Once when a traveling photographer stopped there, the family sat for their daguerreotypes in the loom room, because of the good light. Ezra used to tell of the incident and say how weary he became from the long posing to get the picture to take on the copper plate.

"In 1820, a grandfather's clock with the ornamental inverted tree at the top of its frame and a sunrise picture in front of the pendulum, was bought for one hundred bushels of wheat. It was still running and keeping excellent time in 1930."

The homestead is now one of the oldest buildings in Cuyahoga County, if not the oldest. Louis Nicholson's son, Ezra Karlton, is the fourth generation to have lived in this home.

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0:23
ANNEXATION: ANTI- ANNEXATION LEAGUE (MEETS TO MAKE FINAL PLANS)
THE LAKEWOOD PRESS - Jan. 23, 1919 Page 1

Members of the executive committee of the Cuyahoga County Anti-Annexation League met Tuesday afternoon to consider further plans for the completion of an organization to fight the county-city merger legislation at Columbus. C. A. Neff of Bratenahl presided and Samuel Potter Burrill of Lakewood acted as secretary. Other representatives of the executive committee present were: Frederick B. Ayer, East Cleveland; A. J. Throckmorton, Cleveland Heights; W. J. Van Aken, Shaker Heights; Alvord L. Bishop, Euclid.

Mr. Bishop urged strongly there should be a broadening of the league immediately in order to bring in all the smaller communities of the county. He told of the Rural Anti-Annexation League, which had been formed the week previous at Euclid, of which he had been elected secretary. He suggested that a joint meeting be called to be held Saturday afternoon of all interested parties; in effect, he proposed a combination of the two leagues. It was finally decided to send out invitations to a general meeting of suburban representatives to he held Saturday afternoon. Mr. Burrill was instructed to join in the invitation with Mr. Bishop.

Later it was decided to call together the members of the County Anti-Annexation League to discuss the situation on Friday, prior to the general meeting on Saturday. Invitations were sent out accordingly to the representatives of Lakewood, East Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, Bratenahl and Shaker Heights, to meet Friday noon for luncheon at the Hotel Statler. These invitations were signed by Mr. Neff as chairman and by Mr. Burrill as secretary of the executive committee.

Definite plans for organization for the legislative campaign to be conducted at Columbus will be considered at both sessions. There is every indication that the anti-annexationists will be ready to start an aggressive fight this week and to make arrangements for the sending of representatives to Columbus to look after legislation.

No sentiment in favor of annexation has been developed in any of the suburban communities. Despite the strenuous efforts of the promoters of annexation legislation, no progress can be seen in that direction. Rather, the arbitrary manner in which the outside communities have been ignored and the roughshod methods of coercion that have been attempted have aroused a general feeling of resentment and a determination to fight to the finish.

At a meeting of the East Cleveland Chamber of Commerce held last Thursday night, it was voted to oppose the county-city merger plan, despite the vigorous efforts of Mr. E. A. Merkel, president of the annexation committee of the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce, who is also the president of the County Consolidation Association.

Members of the Cuyahoga County Farm Bureau, who met Monday in the assembly room of the old court house, condemned the proposed merger roundly. Similar action has been taken by numerous other farmer and grange organizations inside and outside the county.

Members of the Lakewood Retail Merchants' Board on Tuesday night listened to arguments against annexation presented by Captain Walter E. Pagan, of the Lakewood Press. It was agreed that all the businessmen of the city should protest against the proposed merger, Members of the Rocky River village council adopted emphatic resolutions on Tuesday night opposing annexation.

The proposed legislation has not yet been introduced in the legislature at Columbus, so the exact form of the measure is in some doubt. The most definite information on this point was contained in the