Lakeside in Ottawa County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Bell Tower

Lakeside Heritage Trail

— Lakeside Chautauqua 150 Years 1873 - 2023 —

Bell Tower Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Doda, August 7, 2025

1. Bell Tower Marker

Inscription. During the early years of Lakeside, bells rang to announce morning prayers, community events and curfew.

Erected 2023 by Lakeside Heritage Society. (Marker Number 9.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Historic Bells series list.

Location. 41° 32.771′ N, 82° 44.937′ W. Marker is in Lakeside, Ohio, in Ottawa County. It is at the intersection of Kenton Row and Lake Front Drive, on the left when traveling north on Kenton Row. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 103 Kenton Row, Lakeside Marblehead OH 43440, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Lake Erie Shore

and in the Toledo Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: This Bell (a few steps from this marker); Lakefront Bandstand (within shouting distance of this marker); Donald & Coralen Bettinger Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Lake/Central Park (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Donald & Coralen Bettinger Park (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bettinger Park Basketball Courts (about

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

400 feet away); Lakeside Pavilion (about 400 feet away); Tower and Cross (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lakeside.

Also see . . .
1. Welcome to the Lakeside Heritage Trail. One hundred and fifty years ago, the founders of Lakeside stood on the shores of Lake Erie envisioning a place for the faithful to gather in community. Since then, millions of people have been beckoned to this beautiful, peaceful sanctuary to deepen their connection to Lakeside’s timeless mission…

To enrich the quality of life for all people, to foster traditional Christian values, and to nurture relationships through opportunities for renewal and growth – spiritually, intellectually, culturally and physically – while preserving Lakeside’s heritage.

With the new year, we welcome Lakeside’s 150th Anniversary – a time to honor the past, celebrate the present and look to the future. This exciting Sesquicentennial Celebration connects us to the mission through enriching religious life programs, educational lectures, cultural arts performances and recreational activities. (Submitted on August 11, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.)

2. 9. Bell Tower. Then
The Lakeside bell tower had three bells. The bell on display is one of

Photographed by Craig Doda, August 7, 2025

2. Bell Tower Marker

those. The bells were made by McShane Bell Foundry, Henry McShane Company in Baltimore, Maryland. The bells rang for prayers, events and curfew from 1884 to 1914. Initially, a windmill atop the tower pumped water to community tanks on Fourth Street.

The lower levels at various times had an ice cream shop, candy store, pharmacy, art gallery and a beach bath house. The second level had a viewing platform. From here couples strolled the lakefront path, known as “Lover’s Lane”. The tower fell into disrepair and was razed in 1922.

Now
The Bell Tower is long gone. “Lover’s Lane” has since become known as Ohio’s Most Beautiful Mile, where individuals, couples, families and friends can still be seen enjoying the lakefront and park activities. The tower bell reminds us of that which binds us and brings us together as a community. (Submitted on August 11, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.)

Photographed by Craig Doda, August 7, 2025

3. Bell Tower Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 80 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 11, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.