Geneva in Ashtabula County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Shady Beach
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel
1. Shady Beach Marker
Top caption
Like many GOTL businesses, Shady Beach used postcards and brochures for advertising (above). Below, Durwood Bowers is out in front, pipe in mouth, for this group photo of the staff and guests.
Lower Right caption
A tennis court was added in the 1920s
Lower Left caption
Right; Shady Beach Annex, still standing, provided beach access for guests.
Like many GOTL businesses, Shady Beach used postcards and brochures for advertising (above). Below, Durwood Bowers is out in front, pipe in mouth, for this group photo of the staff and guests.
Lower Right caption
A tennis court was added in the 1920s
Lower Left caption
Right; Shady Beach Annex, still standing, provided beach access for guests.
Hotel Shady Beach was built in 1896 by Warren and Ida Avis Putnam Spencer. Ida was the daughter of George C. and Mary "Polly” Temple Putnam, who owned the Fitch house and Grand View Farm to the west.Arthur B. Bowers and his wife, Fannie, were the next owners. Their son and daughter-in-law, Durwood and Helen Bowers, were the last to operate it.
The hotel operated on the American plan, which provided room and meals. "Our garden supplies our table,” declared a 1922 newspaper ad. The ad also announced completion of “one of the finest tennis courts at the lake.” Every room had hot and cold running water as early as the 1920s. A week at Shady Beach (ca. 1950s) cost $57 under the American plan, or $28 for the room only.
The village purchased the Shady Beach property on the south side of Lake Road for a recreation park in 1975. The Shady Beach Annex, across the street, is a privately owned residence.
Erected by Sponsored by Betty and Duane Feher.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.
Location.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Popcorn Ball (a few steps from this marker); Gas Stations (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Pergola Gardens (about 700 feet away); Pera's Kiddieland (about 800 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. Shady Beach 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 122 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 21, 2021, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
