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

South Gate And Pillars

Lakeside Heritage Trail

— Lakeside Chautauqua 150 Years 1873 - 2023 —

South Gate And Pillars Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Doda, August 7, 2025

1. South Gate And Pillars Marker

Inscription. For many years, this was the main entry for cars. The stone pillars on Seventh Street marked an early parking lot.

Erected 2023 by Lakeside Heritage Society. (Marker Number 31.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Roads & Vehicles.

Location. 41° 32.298′ N, 82° 45.082′ W. Marker is in Lakeside, Ohio, in Ottawa County. It is at the intersection of Maple Avenue and Walnut Avenue, on the right when traveling east on Maple Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 723 Oak 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: Chapel In The Woods (within shouting distance of this marker); Lakeside (within shouting distance of this marker); Barss Chapel In The Woods (within shouting distance of this marker); Lafarge Marblehead Quarry (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Stone School House (about 600 feet away); L&M Railroad Station (approx. 0.2 miles away); Linga Longa (approx. 0.2 miles away); Epworth Lodge (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

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. 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. 31. South Gate and Pillars. Then
The early years of Lakeside saw nearly all visitors coming by steamship and entering through the gate on the dock. In the late 1880s, visitors also started to arrive on the newly constructed railways provided by the Lakeside & Marblehead Railroad or the Toledo, Port Clinton and Lakeside Electric Interurban Railway. Early wagon and carriage visitors could enter through a south gate located

Photographed by Craig Doda, August 7, 2025

2. South Gate And Pillars Marker

at Maple and Seventh streets.

After 1900, auto travel became more common. A new, more permanent gate for autos was opened at the Maple and 7th location in 1920 to handle the increasing traffic. The vehicles soon began causing congestion and safety concerns on Lakeside’s narrow roads. Six years later, General Manager A.L. Hoover had a parking lot created west of the South Gate, with an entry marked by four stone pillars. The plan was to have all cars park there so the town could return to its former pedestrian ways. However, the parking plan was voluntary and the lot found few takers. In a few years, the lot disappeared except for the stone pillars that remain at Sycamore and 7th.

In 1930, Lakeside’s south fence was moved about 1,000 feet to the south. A new gatehouse was built and stone columns with an arch marked the new entrance at Port Clinton Highway (Route 163). By the mid-1930s, passenger travel by steamboat and railway had ended, and roadways became the only way guests could enter Lakeside.

In 1961, a new Main Gate with four lanes was constructed at 5th St. The old south “main” gate and entry were closed. However, in the decades that followed and visitor traffic continued to grow, so did traffic headaches. At peak times, there was a long line of cars that stretched out onto Route 163. In 2005 Lakeside’s Board of Directors decided to reestablish

Photographed by Craig Doda, August 7, 2025

3. South Gate And Pillars Marker

a South Gate. On June 23, 2006 a new gate house, visitor center and parking lot greeted arriving guests.

Now
Guests who make on-line reservations or have will-call tickets can pick them up at the Visitor’s Center. Guests who purchase tickets upon arrival obtain them either at the Visitor’s Center or the 5th St. Gate. Guests who have tickets can enter at any gate, including ones at the east and west ends of 2nd St. The 5th St. Gate remains the only entrance open twenty-four hours a day.

Things change and others remain the same. The parking issues that faced Mr. Hoover 100 years ago still perplex Lakeside today. Car travel continues to grow, as does the popularity of SUVs, large trucks and golf carts. Lakeside’s Board of Directors continue to pursue solutions that accommodate parking and the safety of all. (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 91 times since then and 7 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.