Lakewood Through The Generations

Lakewood is known for its diversity, not simply of races or backgrounds, but also of ages. In general, “Lakewoodites” seem proud of their city and quick to get involved, but I decided to interview two women of very different ages to compare the way they see our city. I hoped to find that the reasons we love Lakewood today are truly part of the city’s identity and more than the result of a passing trend or influence. Mrs. Carolyn Seelbach, who has lived in Lakewood for ninety years, and Miss Emilia Oravetz, who has lived in Lakewood for sixteen years, both have strong opinions about the city and have been heavily involved throughout their lives. Both interviews left me proud to live in a town with strengths so clear that they are appreciated by both young and old.

My two interviews revealed that Lakewood is, and always has been, particularly suited to family life, traditions, and holidays. Mrs. Seelbach shared that she hosts Thanksgiving every year for her extended family – including grand and great-grandchildren – at her gracious 1930s home. She sends handwritten invitations instructing family members to arrive in “Grandma’s dress code”: a suit and a tie. Miss Oravetz especially enjoys a Lakewood Fourth of July. Her protocol for several years has been to march in the parade and later enjoy fireworks and a performance by The Lakewood Project in the park. The old trees and homes with front porches contribute to the old-fashioned feel of a Lakewood Independence Day.

Our citizens often praise Lakewood’s plethora of organizations and activities, and this, too, appears to be a lasting positive influence. Mrs. Seelbach and Miss Oravetz demonstrated that Lakewood citizens of all ages want the best for the city. Mrs. Seelbach is a long-time Lakewood Hospital volunteer. How does she feel about its transformations? “You can’t volunteer in a facility for sixty years and not have some feeling about it,” she said, although she assured me she sees the progressions toward health and wellness as a real positive. Miss Oravetz regularly volunteers at Bloom Lakewood, an assisted living home on Marlowe Avenue. She was also heavily involved with a local YMCA “Adventure Guides” program for almost a decade and participates in clubs at Lakewood High School.

Lakewood citizens are also proud of the school system, and both women validated this pride as they expressed satisfaction, which is exceptional since the two have an age difference of seventy-four years. “Yeah, I complain about homework sometimes, but it’s still awesome that we get all the opportunities we do at Lakewood High School for free,” says Emilia, who is especially enjoying a horticulture class at the high school’s own greenhouse this year. Mrs. Seelbach remembers walking a mile every day to Taft Elementary School and returning home for lunch in the middle of the day. While this is no longer an option, she also appreciates the facilities and teachers of today’s schools.

Several suburbs of Cleveland are primarily residential, with very little character and few restaurants or unique destinations. However, Lakewood is, and has always been, both a comfortable place to make a home and to explore as a city. Mrs. Seelbach shared stories of her childhood home, a converted barn home on her grandfather’s estate on Edgewater. While his stately house no longer exists, the property extended all the way from Lake Avenue to Lake Erie. Now a resident of Clifton Park, she also remembers skating on the lagoon when it froze properly, sledding down “Stouffer’s Hill,” and lifeguarding at Clifton Beach as a teenager. She recently experienced the Lakewood Art Festival for the first time and although it was a “beastly hot day,” came home impressed. Miss Oravetz, who also lives in a historic home, enjoys working at Taco Tontos, attending H2O’s annual “Bike for Bands,” window shopping on Detroit Avenue, and spending time in both the Metroparks and Lakewood Park. She especially enjoys the Solstice Steps, recommending them as an ideal place to take a date.

When asked whether they ever see themselves leaving Lakewood, Mrs. Seelbach answered, saying, “Not by my choice, at least!” She is satisfied and proud of Lakewood’s good schools, wonderful services, including respectable police and firemen, and “homey atmosphere and friendliness.” Miss Oravetz expressed interest in experiencing other cities, although she is grateful to have had a city like Lakewood in which to grow up, especially because, even without a license, she is able to access all the city has to offer. However, she would consider moving back to settle down, because, of course, Lakewood is the best place to raise a family! These two ladies evidenced that Lakewood has a strong, favorable backbone founded generations ago that will last for generations to come. It caters to every inhabitant, from teenagers to senior citizens, and its history, cozy atmosphere, and vibrant food and arts community will be something to enjoy for years to come.