The Observation Deck

Since I am not from Lakewood (or even Ohio), can any of you share some of your favorite holiday memories from living in Lakewood?

Where did you shop?
Where did you go sledding?
Where was your favorite Santa?
What was downtown Lakewood like when you grew up?
What was Madison Avenue like at Christmas?

What tradition would you like to bring back?

Since I am from Indiana....it will all be new to me!

My dad always took us to First Federal to start our Christmas Fund which we saved for all year. With our life's savings we would get dressed up and go to Public Square to go shopping and look at the animated windows and lights. ( Think Christmas Story ) Higbee's had the Twigbee shop where children could shop and spend their First Fed. savings! Christmas Eve.was always special because our church did a beautiful service and all the kids got hard candy. As we got older we were allowed to attend the candlelight service...breathtaking. Lakewood streets were always lit up with tinsel wreaths and pretty srorefronts. Geiger's was always a must as well as Carson's. We ALWAYS had a white Christmas back then too. ( Not really, but it seemed that way )

My youngest now thinks Santa lives at Lakewood Hospital and you make all your wishes for Christmas on-line or through a catalogue....Gary, there is a story here!

As an adult who moved away from here for a time, there was nothing like coming home for the holidays.

My Lakewood holiday memories are -

Caroling in my neighborhood - around Graber, Rio - the west end.
Singing in choir at St. James.
Ice skating at Winterhurst.
Christmas parties at school and in the neighborhood.

There were lights along Detroit Ave. in the downtown area.

I didn't really do anything else in Lakewood, we went into downtown Cleveland for shopping. Always dressed up in our best, right down to the rabbit fur hat and muff. Taking the streetcar down there with my mom, aunt and grandma. Seeing Santa at Higbees. Looking at the beautiful windows at Higbees and May Co. Lunch at Miller Cafeteria or the restaraunt in Higbees. That was always good because lunch came in a cardboard stove and my hot chocolate came in a silver teapot. We used to send the packages home in a cab. Can you even imagine doing that today?

The rest of the holiday was at my grandma's on W. 42nd off Lorain. I was the first grandchild and neice all the way around so it was a Christmas extravaganza at Grandmas house.

That was the good memories.

My earliest memories were in 5th grade, when I wore my itchy, red vest in choir at McKinley. One of my closest friends, who I stood next to while singing, passed out on stage and we just kept singing.

More recent favorite memories include wrapping the burning monkey tradition. Lots of sizzle on a cold, winter night in Lakewood.

...as I always hope for...This year's memories.

Hopefully each year gets better than the last.

Corey

Where did you shop? - Wings Hobby Shop / Hixson's
Where did you go sledding? Sharkeys Hill
What was downtown Lakewood like when you grew up? Really nice filled with little
shops that catered to Lakewood needs
What was Madison Avenue like at Christmas? No where near as nice as now!

What tradition would you like to bring back? Christmas Tree Bonfire, and driving
and walking through the beautiful colored lights that decorated Lakewood Park.

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