Geneva in Ashtabula County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Popcorn Ball

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel

1. The Popcorn Ball Marker

Center caption
Those who remember the Popcorn Ball recall its exterior as stucco over some type of wooden frame. It also was called the "snowball." The photograph below places it to the west of the building that houses the Visitor's Bureau today. The identities of the people in the photo and dates of the images were not recorded.

Right caption
BICYCLES were a popular mode of transportation on The Strip and at least two businesses offered rentals. The Popcorn Ball rented bicycles for Shupp & Shupp, located behind the ball. The Lomas Original Bicycle Shop had a long run. F.W. Lomas owned it, but Roy Lockhart leased the business, which had nearly 100 bicycles to rent.

Inscription. The Popcorn Ball was one of the most novel structures to grace The Strip. Community directories from the 1930s place the snack shop on the south side of Route 531, between Golf and Spencer.

Owner William O'Neil sold popcorn, soda, candy and other snacks from this orb, which "old-timers” recall as being made from stucco on a wood frame. No one recalls when the ball disappeared or what became of it.

The precedent for selling popcorn and peanuts to vacationers was set decades earlier. In 1914 John Michel moved a portable house from a timber lot in Lake Co. to the entrance of Buckeye Beach. Charles Myers, the village constable, leased the building and sold popcorn, peanuts and refreshments there (photo of Buckeye Beach at right).

Erected by Ashtabula County Civic Development Corporation, Geneva-on-the-Lake, Sponsored by Adventure Zone Family Fun Center.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1914.

Location. 41° 51.591′ N, 80° 57.326′ W. Marker is in Geneva, Ohio, in Ashtabula County. Marker can be reached from Lake Road East (Ohio Route 531) 0.1 miles west of Jolly Drive. Located in Geneva-On-The-Lake. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5540 Lake Rd E, Geneva OH 44041, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least

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8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Shady Beach (a few steps from this marker); Gas Stations (within shouting distance of this marker); Pergola Gardens (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Pera's Kiddieland (about 700 feet away); The New Inn (approx. 0.2 miles away); Pier Ballroom (approx. 0.2 miles away); Miniature Golf (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ransom E. Olds-Birthplace (approx. 3.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Geneva.

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel

2. The Popcorn Ball Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2021, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 158 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 21, 2021, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.