Take a trip back in time in the newest addition to Arcadia Publishing’s popular Images of America series: Silver Lake Park. Through more than 200 rare images, local author Mary L. McClure brings Silver Lake Park back to life. “I hope that this book will make more area residents aware of what a special place Silver Lake Park was,” explains McClure. While the village of Silver Lake is now residential, Silver Lake Park once drew thousands of visitors to enjoy the thrilling attractions that once occupied the area, including: roller coasters, live animal exhibits, water slides, and what is believed to have been the first public aquarium in the state of Ohio.
During its existence from 1876-1917, Silver Lake Park was one of Ohio’s best loved amusement parks and earned the title of “the Coney Island of the West.” The park continues to impact residents today as villagers discover relics of this beloved park in their back yards. “For example, in the back yard of one home are remains of the park’s bear pits. Steel rails from the park’s miniature railroad can still be found in the back yards of several other homes,” states McClure.
In ten chapters, McClure shares highlights of the park’s heyday including images of summer dances at the pavilion, days spent boating and swimming in the lake, the exotic menagerie, photo booths, and camping adventures. Silver Lake Park is a fascinating pictorial history that offers a comprehensive view of what was once the most popular Victorian-era park in Northeast Ohio.
UPCOMING AUTHOR BOOK SIGNING EVENTS
When: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9th, 2014 starting at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Cuyahoga Falls Library
2015 3rd Street, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
For more information call 330-928-2117
When: SUNDAY, APRIL 13th, 2014 from 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: Cuyahoga Falls Historical Society Museum
2083 Cook St, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
For more information call 330-929-1528
When: SATURDAY, APRIL 19th, 2014 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: The Learned Owl Bookshop
204 North Main Street, Hudson, OH 44236
When: SATURDAY, APRIL 26th, 2014 starting at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Oakwood Cemetery Chapel in Cuyahoga Falls
For more information call 330-971-8446
When: MONDAY, APRIL 28th, 2014 starting at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Stow Safety Center for Stow Historical Society
3800Darrow Road, Stow, OH 44224
For more information call 330-689-2852