Geneva in Ashtabula County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Pergola Gardens
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, June 21, 2021
1. Pergola Gardens Marker
Top caption
The Pergola was a relatively short-lived dance hall, skating rink and restaurant. It faced competition from The Casio and The Pier, both of which were larger. It stood to the west of Green Lantern Drive, and according to fire maps, was gone by 1938.
Middle Left caption
The Bird Cage started in this former "Specerian Hall" at GOTL.
Lower caption
Pergola Gardens' owners, desperate for business during The Great Depression, sponsored small dance marathons that offered a cash prize to the couple that could stay on the dance floor for the longest period. A Youngstown promoter, Jack Aspin, set up a large tent next to the Gardens in May 1933 and launched a dance marathon that went until July 4.
The Pergola was a relatively short-lived dance hall, skating rink and restaurant. It faced competition from The Casio and The Pier, both of which were larger. It stood to the west of Green Lantern Drive, and according to fire maps, was gone by 1938.
Middle Left caption
The Bird Cage started in this former "Specerian Hall" at GOTL.
Lower caption
Pergola Gardens' owners, desperate for business during The Great Depression, sponsored small dance marathons that offered a cash prize to the couple that could stay on the dance floor for the longest period. A Youngstown promoter, Jack Aspin, set up a large tent next to the Gardens in May 1933 and launched a dance marathon that went until July 4.
the short-lived Pergola Gardens and Green Lantern Restaurant stood at this location in the early 1920s. It was directly across from The New Inn and helped form the nucleus of the "New Lake Road" business district, or "Strip."
Originally known as The Bird Cate, the building had a cage-like pergola over its dance floor. "Trellises, vines, birds and soft light effects, with alternate dreamy waltzes and lively one-steps to jazz music - these are the combinations which are drawing the people from all along this mile of the shore," stated a July 1919 newspaper article.
Jack Dunn of Cleveland, a World War I veteran, transformed an old Spencerian Hall into a "veritable sylvan bower" when he created The Bird Cage. It was packed with dancers and spectators every night except Sunday; dancing was forbidden on "The Sabbath."
The Green Lantern Restaurant stood next to The Bird Cage, later named Pergola Gardens. Both were gone by the 1930s.
In Memory of Elaine McCartney
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1919.
Location. 41° 51.603′ N, 80° 57.182′ W. Marker is in Geneva, Ohio, in Ashtabula County. Marker can be reached
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Pera's Kiddieland (within shouting distance of this marker); The New Inn (within shouting distance of this marker); Pier Ballroom (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Miniature Golf (about 300 feet away); Gas Stations (about 400 feet away); The Popcorn Ball (about 700 feet away); Shady Beach (about 700 feet 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, June 21, 2021
2. Pergola Gardens Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 22, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2021, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 97 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 21, 2021, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
