The Observation Deck

I have been going through some photos, prints and slides of images around Lakewood during the holiday season from Lakewood Past. For many that grew up here I hope it is a trip down memory lane, for those new, a little history, which never hurts.

I have slide of the Christmas Tree Bonfire each year that at times were 60' high before and
will post later.


Lakewood Park luminaries back in 2004. They used to light up Lakewood Park
so that families could walk and even drive through for that view of Christmas.
(Please note we had at one time the technology to put lights into tree banches
not just on the trunks!)

How many?





A waterfall of color at every turn!

More coming soon. If you have any, please add them in.

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I will try to find the first pictures I took of the Christmas tree lighting in Lakewood Park.
Enjoy!
Rhonda

I finally found a few!

Hi Jim and Rhonda,

I remember the tree lighting ceremony at Lakewood Park-- I went with my very small children to visit with Santa in the Women's Pavilion, to have hot chocolate, and to ride on hay wagons that were pulled around the park while everyone sang Christmas carols together and looked at the lights. I don't know who the kids were on the haywagons who led the singing (H20?) but it was really fun and memorable, and my almost 11-year- old asks about it every Christmas-- I have to to tell him, "they don't do that anymore."

It was a wonderful experience-- and reminds me of Bedford Falls again, from "It's a Wonderful Life."

After Christmas, when the kids were getting hyperactive inside, we were one of the families that took drives through there, and if we were well-bundled, sometimes stopped to walk among the beautifully lit trees in our boots. It was a a special experience that went on through the whole season.

Does anyone know why the city doesn't do that anymore, or who makes decisions about what kind of holiday decorations and events the city is going to have?

Thanks. Your pictures made me feel nostalgic for those days-- and they weren't that long ago. It would be nice if we could have them back.

Betsy

Betsey,

It is definitely more beautiful in Lakewood Park and more photogenic!
I enjoyed the atmosphere in Lakewood Park when I took these photos.
It really was fun and festive. That is evident by the picture I took of the child making snow angels.
I think that was the last celebration in Lakewood Park.
I took these photos for the first December Lakewood Observer.

I'm glad you have fond memories.....so do I!

Rhonda