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

L&M Railroad Station

Lakeside Heritage Trail

— Lakeside Chautauqua 150 Years 1873 - 2023 —

L&M Railroad Station Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Doda, August 7, 2025

1. L&M Railroad Station Marker

Inscription. During most of Lakeside's first half century, the L&M Railroad was a major way for visitors to reach Lakeside.

Erected 2023 by Lakeside Heritage Society. (Marker Number 28.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars.

Location. 41° 32.362′ N, 82° 44.929′ W. Marker is in Lakeside, Ohio, in Ottawa County. It is at the intersection of Central Avenue and East 7th Street, on the right when traveling south on Central Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 748 Central 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: Stone School House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lakeside (about 600 feet away); Barss Chapel In The Woods (about 600 feet away); Epworth Lodge (about 600 feet away); Chapel In The Woods (about 700 feet away); Linga Longa (about 700 feet away); German Auditorium (approx. 0.2 miles away); South Gate And Pillars (approx. 0.2 miles 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

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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. 28. L&M Railroad Station. Then
The Lakeside & Marblehead (L&M) Railroad and the Lakeside Station (Depot) were built in 1886. The railroad opened for business on January 17, 1887, for the purpose of moving limestone and passengers between the Danbury connection to the main line of the Lake Shore and Michigan-Southern Railroad and the quarries at Marblehead, Ohio. This distance covered approximately 7 miles.

The trains on this line consisted of a steam engine and one or more coaches. There were usually

Photographed by Craig Doda, August 7, 2025

2. L&M Railroad Station Marker

four trains each day, year round. Two of the trains went eastbound to Marblehead and two went westbound to Danbury where passengers could make connections for Cleveland, Sandusky, Port Clinton and Toledo. During much of Lakeside’s first half-century, the L&M Railroad was the major way for visitors to reach Lakeside and the only connection during winter and inclement weather.

The L&M Railroad lost much of its revenue to the Toledo, Port Clinton & Lakeside Railway, an electric interurban line built in 1905. It ran from Toledo to Marblehead and later Bay Point via 5th St. L&M passenger service was discontinued in February 1930.

The Lakeside Printing Office that stood at the northwest corner of 5th and Walnut was destroyed by the 1929 “Big Fire.” Within a week, the printing office opened for operation at the depot and became the home for the Peninsular Printing Company for the next 55 years.

Lakeside Association purchased the former depot from its owners, The Standard Slagg Company for $25,000 in 1985. However, the building was left unattended with no plan or funds for using or repairing the building.

In 1991, a dedicated group of volunteers began stabilizing, painting and improving the structure. The tracks were removed in 1994, except alongside the station. The Train Station saw its first public use since 1930, when the Lakeside Heritage Society

Photographed by Craig Doda, August 7, 2025

3. L&M Railroad Station Marker

used the grounds for its annual Labor Day auction in 1999.

In October, 2002, work began on a $400,000 project to renovate the structure including replacing the concrete foundation, restoring eaves, new siding and adding outdoor lighting. Lakeside leaders at that time said they envisioned a place for conferences, picnics, farmer’s markets and wedding receptions.

Now
The Train Station is used for an ever widening variety of activities including meetings, special meals, picnics, receptions, seminars, crafts and religious services. This would not be possible if it weren’t for the dedicated volunteers and leaders who envisioned this depot to not only be a glimpse of the past, but an important part of Lakeside today and in the future. (Submitted on August 11, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 94 times since then and 29 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.