Mystery Photo Details Sought

In an effort to promote homecoming parade, Folger home's historic designation, and local history, the Avon Lake Landmark Preservation Society is looking for information on several photos. 

Avon Lake Homecoming is the weekend of Sept. 27. 

Pam Hoffmann, president of the Avon Lake Landmark Preservations Society, is hoping Patch readers can help.

"What was going on?," she wants to know. "The old firehouse was not yet built."

City engineer Joe Reitz was able to provide some information. 
 
"The cars are late 1930s vintage," Reitz said. "The newest car I see in the picture is a 1939 Chevrolet. The date on the plans for the original firehouse are dated 1945 so this picture is likely 5 or 6 years before the station was built."

Reitz said an interesting feature about the picture is that the railroads at the time built these vehicles to promote train travel and they would come into the communities for parades and events. 

Hoffman took a look at the photo on Assistant Library Director and historian Gerry Vogel's large monitor. Vogel organized and authored Images of America: Avon Lake.
 
"When I looked at the photo on Gerry Vogel's large monitor I thought the house may have been a victory garden (WWII)," Hoffman said. "That's just a guess. It could be just different landscaping. The second photo is to reminds us that Folger Home was an early American Legion meeting place.

Vogel said the photos are on page 115 of his book.

The first photo, he said, was of the American Legion Parade in 1939.
The caption on the first photo reads: "Formed in 1928, American Legion Post No. 211 made their home at Park Hall until they purchased the former Walker School in 1932. Here, a parade brings a rather unusual vehicle into Park Hall’s entrance."

The second photo depicts the War Memorial, Veterans Park, late 1940s.
"Erected by the American Legion in Avon Lake Park, this honor roll lists area residents who served in World War II," the caption reads. 

Both photos are courtesy of John Early.

Do you have any additional information on these photos?