geneva-on-the-lake

geneva-on-the-lake retains its retro charm to the delight of all those who remember it from the 50's & 60's.  located on the shores of lake erie, about an hour's drive east of cleveland, it was one of ohio's first lakeside resorts.  


according to my (google) sources," the fun started in 1869 when the first carnival park, "sturgeon point" was built.  midwest inventors and businessmen john d. rockefeller, henry ford, and harvey firstone, chose the spot to spend camping weekends.  gradually tents gave way to cabins and cottages, but the site still retains its humble, accessible appeal."

today it is still fun to stroll the 1/2 mile stretch of arcades, shops, lemonade stands, and miniature golf.  slide onto a stool at eddie's grill and order a hot dog, fries, and a root beer from teens wearing paper hats.  antique stores house carnival signs, some original, some reproductions, unique arcade pieces and various other interesting articles.  at the end of the "strip" there is a working ferris wheel and steps leading to the rocky little beach area (the "no swimming" sign seems to be a remnant of days gone by too).

i hope that the future generations can maintain this wonderful piece of history and not give in to more modern "resorts."  the area will lose a lot of its charm should that happen.