YOUR FAVORITE BUILDING IN LAKEWOOD

[Rhonda loje]

I need some help.

I would like to hear from those of you that have lived in Lakewood all of your life. What is your favorite building or place and why?

And those of you that have moved to Lakewood during the course of your life. What is your favorite building or place and why?

I have a project that I am working on and I need your input.

Thanks all!

Rhonda Loje

[Rhonda loje]

Just to clarify this is not for the Lakewood Historical Society. This is a survey for an upcoming charity event that has nothing to do with LHS.

Thanks for your help!

Rhonda Loje

[Suzanne Metelko]

Rhonda, I'm about to have a new favorite public place - the new library. Growing up in Lakewood cannot help but include memories of story time, summer reading group with your friends, meeting in the reference section (pre computers) to work on school projects after school with friends, picking out a stack of books for summer vacation. There is an atmosphere, an aroma, a feeling of ahhhh when you walk through the door. It's exciting to anticipate the effect this new building will have on future generations of library patrons.

As for a personal place - my front porch. Bob and I practically live there. Our neighbors know we're home, because we're on the porch. Our family gathers there to enjoy the weather (all four seasons), read a book, or watch tv. But even more fun is watching the neighborhood go by. Arthur is a great street and we have wonderful neighbors. Drop by and visit - everyone else does and we enjoy our company! Steve Davis can show you the way!

Suzanne

[Lynn Farris]

We are talking buildings and not homes right?

I'm fascinated by St. James Catholic Church. I have never been inside it -but the outside is amazing. I love the almost middle eastern mosaics in shades of blue and purple that are outside it. My son has been in it and says it is beautiful inside as well. I'm going to figure out one day - how to visit it.

The other buildings I like are the Masonic Temple. It is a perfect example of Greek architecture. I really enjoy the way they have made windows where the metopes would historically have gone. It may be the best example of Greek architecture with Doric Order in our city. http://www.cmhpf.org/kids/dictionary/Cl ... rders.html

I also really like the old Christian Science Church across from the library. I think the company did a good job fixing it up.

I also like what Donato's did with the old BP station at Detroit and West Clifton.

[Bryan Schwegler]

I have to say the library. Growing up almost right across the street on Arthur, I have so many memories. Summer book clubs, going there to escape the summer heat. Spending hours roaming the shelves during the book sales just to find that one old book I wanted to read.

Of course during the school year I remember doing all my research there for reports and I remember using the typewriters every so often.

I even remember using the parking lot to ride my bike around in and play games when it was closed on Sundays.

The library was, and still is, an amazing resource.

[Rhonda loje]

Thank you all for your responses!

Since my quest is to take some architectural pictures of buildings, events or places in Lakewood for the Charity Event at the Library..you have all given me some great ideas...but besides the Library..what else comes up in your memory.

Lakewood Park? Railroad track? Birdtown? 4th of July Parade?

Please share your memories.

Thank you..It will a be for a good cause..Art in the Library.

Rhonda

[Mike Deneen]

In terms of architecture and history, Lakewood's churches are a great choice. The evolution of the city is mirrored by the construction of its churches. Lakewood's churches are a great untold story that I'd love to see more in the Observer.

As for places, how about the dog park....it's always a fun and social place.
The skate park is another newer place that I'm sure has some great photo potential.

If you're looking for the "symbol" of Lakewood, it has to be the gold coast condos. People in downtown Cleveland or riding on the shoreway see those buildings and instantly know "there's Lakewood".

[Suzanne Metelko]

Ice skating at Lakewood Park. Swimming at Lakewood Park. Lakewood Days at Lakewood Park. The Lakewood High School Marching Band gathering at Kenneth and Lake for the parade (try and capture the sound).

[Mark Crnolatas]

The entrance to Lakewood Civic Auditorium. The old building in LHS. Agree on the churches. The storefronts converted to homes in Birdtown. Each one has a story to it, which my mother could tell for hours, if I could type that much. Maybe I can get her to tell the stories on tape.

Madison Park, and the pool there. Some areas of "down the valley", where I found, or lost, or, well never mind that, but they are breathtakingly scenic.

Memories: The LHS band trip to Toronto, Canada. High point was the trumpet section standing in our underwear, with faces painted holding tree branches like spears on the Queen's Highway I believe it was called.

Jr. High memories, Harding. Mr. Rice and our talks we had about everything. Playing with the band and orchestra. More so, playing with a freak jazz band with talent that would rival any bunch of studio musicians of any age, at the time.
All animals on that band. We coudn't drive but we could do some awesome playing as a jazz band.

The rehearsals for the LHS marching band when it was 90 degrees.

The performances of the LHS band at the competitions where we always outdid everyone else there.

The orchestra backing the plays at LHS.

Having my first business in Winton Place, the salon there.

For more memories: The LHS band '66, '67, '68.

Enough for right this minute

Mark Allan Crnolatas

[Jim O'Bryan]

Rhonda

I am partial to the Lakewood Observer World Headquarters, and the wonderful history that has followed that since construction.

I was told first modern elevator in Lakewood. Woolworth's, Rozi, a furniture store, and the same elevator!


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