Lakewood in Cuyahoga County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Lakewood Park

By J. J. Prats, June 21, 2019
1. Lakewood Park Marker, side one
Inscription. Lakewood Park. . The changing use of this land, now Lakewood Park, reflects the development of Lakewood, Ohio from a small agricultural community to a thriving modern suburb. Early settler John Honam''s property stretched north from Detroit Avenue to Lake Erie, between Belie and Cook Avenues. His 1834 home restored by the Lakewood Historical Society and now serves as the Oldest Stone House Museum. Later, the property was the site of the lavish Robert Russell Rhodes estate, “The Hickories.” As the population grew. so did the need for civic amenities. In 1919, the City of Lakewood purchased the estate, using the land for Lakewood Park and the mansion as a hospital annex during the Flu Epidemic and then as City Hall until 1959. Only one piece of “The Hickories” remains; the original stone wall engraved with the estate name. . . Robert Russell Rhodes built his summer cottage, “The Hickories,” in 1881. Over the years, he expanded the home, eventually making Lakewood his year-round residence. “The Hickories” was one of many large estates lining Lake Avenue. The City of Lakewood converted the mansion into government offices in 1919, housing 47 employees by the 1950s. For instance, the original family sitting room was converted into the Engineering Department. “The Hickories” was torn down in 1959. . This historical marker was erected in 2011 by Lakewood Historical Society and The Ohio Historical Society. It is in Lakewood in Cuyahoga County Ohio
The changing use of this land, now Lakewood Park, reflects the
development of Lakewood, Ohio from a small agricultural community
to a thriving modern suburb. Early settler John Honam''s property
stretched north from Detroit Avenue to Lake Erie, between Belie and
Cook Avenues.
His 1834 home
restored by the Lakewood
Historical Society and now serves as the Oldest Stone House Museum.
Later, the property was the site of the lavish Robert Russell Rhodes
estate, “The Hickories.” As the population grew. so did the need for
civic amenities. In 1919, the City of Lakewood purchased the estate,
using the land for Lakewood Park and the mansion as a
hospital annex
during the Flu Epidemic and then as City Hall until 1959. Only one
piece of “The Hickories” remains; the original stone wall engraved
with the estate name.
Robert Russell Rhodes built his summer cottage, “The
Hickories,” in 1881. Over the years, he expanded the
home, eventually making Lakewood his year-round
residence. “The Hickories” was one of
many large estates
lining Lake Avenue. The City of Lakewood converted
the 
By J. J. Prats, June 21, 2019
2. Lakewood Park Marker, side two
mansion into government offices in 1919, housing
47 employees by the 1950s. For instance, the original
family sitting room was converted into the Engineering
Department. “The Hickories” was torn down in 1959.
Erected 2011 by Lakewood Historical Society and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 102-18.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list.
Location. 41° 29.61′ N, 81° 47.791′ W. Marker is in Lakewood, Ohio, in Cuyahoga County. Marker is at the intersection of Belle Avenue and Lake Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Belle Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 14532 Lake Ave, Lakewood OH 44107, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Oldest Stone House (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dr. Jared Potter Kirtland (approx. 0.7 miles away); Alexander Winton Homestead (approx. 0.9 miles away); Nicholson Homestead (approx. 0.9 miles away); The National Carbon Company / GrafTech International (approx. 
By J. J. Prats, June 21, 2019
3. Lakewood Park and Marker
1.7 miles away); Detroit Avenue Bridge (approx. 2 miles away); Cowan Pottery (approx. 2.3 miles away); Rockport Cemetery of Pioneer Days (approx. 3.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lakewood.
Also see . . . Lakewood Park Web Page. This 31 acre lakefront park offers: the Foster swimming pool, a children’s wading pool, Flexcourt tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, a skate park, Kids Cove Playground, free concerts at the bandstand, brick lakefront promenade, picnic areas, softball fields and the Old Stone House Museum. (Submitted on July 18, 2019.)

By J. J. Prats, June 21, 2019
4. “The Hickories” Gatepost and Wall

By J. J. Prats, June 21, 2019
5. “The Hickories” Gatepost

By J. J. Prats, June 21, 2019
6. Lakewood Park Bandshell
Credits. This page was last revised on July 18, 2019. It was originally submitted on July 18, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 95 times since then and 2 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 18, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.