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

Keystone Guest House

Lakeside Heritage Trail

— Lakeside Chautauqua 150 Years 1873 - 2023 —

Keystone Guest House Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Doda, July 24, 2025

1. Keystone Guest House Marker

Inscription. Aptly named since 1888, Lakeside guests are close to all the action.

Erected 2023 by Lakeside Heritage Society. (Marker Number 12.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1888.

Location. 41° 32.676′ N, 82° 45.054′ W. Marker is in Lakeside, Ohio, in Ottawa County. It is at the intersection of Maple Avenue and West 2nd Street, on the right when traveling south on Maple Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 202 Maple Ave, 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: The Carroll Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Lakeside Fire Department (within shouting distance of this marker); The First Methodist Church in Lakeside (1875) (within shouting distance of this marker); Methodist Episcopal Chapel (within shouting distance of this marker); The Brick Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Carrie Barge Cottage (within shouting distance of this marker); Hotel Lakeside (within shouting distance of this marker); Administration Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lakeside.

Also see . . .

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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. 12. Keystone Guest House. Then
Mary Stout purchased the land from the Lakeside Company in 1877 and built Keystone Cottage sometime around 1880. The Keystone can clearly be seen anchoring the corner of Maple Ave. and W. 2nd St. in the 1884 Hare Co. map of Lakeside. In 1887, Hattie Stout acquired Keystone and started accepting guests in 1888.

Mary Yoder purchased

Photographed by Craig Doda, August 7, 2025

2. Keystone Guest House Marker

Keystone in 1899 and is credited with making significant improvements to the guesthouse. A Lakeside 1915 advertisement noted its advantageous location as “one block from the boat landing and three blocks from the electric (Interurban Railway) station.” In later years, as Mary’s health failed, Mrs. J.L Balleit (who also operated another boardinghouse called the Slack House) took over the day-to-day management.

In 1933, The Yoder family sold Keystone to Mrs. and Mr. Gerard Philabaum. Mr. Philabaum worked for the local L&M Railroad Company, while Mrs. Philabaum ran Keystone. Contemporary ads boasted of hot running water, 2 toilets, 2 lavatories, 1 tub and a screened porch. The Philabaums owned and operated the guesthouse until 1982, when it was passed on to their grandson, Bill Swain. Mr. Swain enclosed the second floor porch and changed the individual rooms into two-room apartment units and shared bathrooms. Apartment rentals were advertised at $42 during the week and $49 for weekend stays.

Now
In 2000, Mrs. Elaine Loeffert Cottrell bought Keystone from Mr. Swain. Mrs. and Mr. Cottrell have maintained the charm and character of the Gothic Victorian style building, while bringing accommodations into the 21st century. Inside, original wood flooring and the Victorian fireplace still remain, but the 4 apartments have been reconfigured into suites, each with full

Photographed by Craig Doda, August 7, 2025

3. Keystone Guest House Marker

kitchens and private baths. Wi-Fi and central air-conditioning have also been added. The first floor porch, now enclosed, still serves as a gathering place for guests and friends.

With the many changes that have happened throughout Lakeside since 1883, Elaine and David Cottrell are proud that the Keystone Guest House has retained both its name and its commitment to providing quality housing to generations of Lakeside guests for over 130 years. (Submitted on August 11, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.)

3. Keystone Guest House. While maintaining the antique integrity, the Keystone Guest House offers contemporary conveniences to assure a pleasant stay regardless of the season. We have four cozy, comfortable suites to choose from. Besides a bedroom, each suite has a private, full kitchen, sitting area and private bath with shower. Wireless Internet is also provided at no additional charge. Each suite includes one parking space on the north side of the Guest House. (Submitted on August 11, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.)

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 64 times since then and 12 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.