The article ran on the front page of the Journal on March 9, 1968 and reports about a generous “mystery donor” and the plan to replace the landmark building with a new recreation/community center.
The article included a rare photo of the West Shore Club.
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Mystery Donor Planning to BuildSheffield Lake Recreation Center
By BETSY WATSON
Staff Correspondent
Last night, city officials revealed that an anonymous donor has come forward to build a recreation center for the city on the site of the present West Shore Club property.
The gift proposal was made public after Lorain Attorney William E. Wickens, who represents the mysterious benefactor, met with Mayor Jack Miller, Councilmen William Serian, Thomas Jordan, Santino Cambria and Law Director Dale Barnard.
PAUL STOCKERT, vice president of the club trustees, said today he would hesitate to estimate the cost of the recreation center because "the property lends itself to so many possibilities.”
Ten days ago, council passed legislation to purchase the West Shore Club for $7,500 and authorized Mayor Miller to see that the club trustees immediately received [illegible] in “earnest money” as a binder for the purchase agreement.
The scene of clam bakes, political rallies and social events, the club, located at 4575 E. Lake Road, has been a city landmark for 35 years. Fronting some 400 feet along Lake Road, the property is also 400 feet in depth and stretches 500 feet along the Lake Erie Shoreline.
“I am very grateful to Attorney Wickens and whoever he represents,” commented Mayor Miller, as he joyfully made the announcement. “The city will do everything possible to expedite the signing of the final papers on the property.
MILLER HOPES to see a recreation area on the site which will have something for people of all ages.
City Attorney Barnard already had met with Elyria Attorney H. McConnell Sadler, who represents the West Shore Club Trustees, and reports that title clearance is under way. Barnard says it will probably take about three months to gain clear title of the property.
Council President Don Smith said, “We are grateful to this unnamed donor for his generosity in helping to fulfill the dreams of many people in Sheffield Lake. I feel sure that this project will get the enthusiastic backing of our council and the people.”
Equally pleased with this “dream-come-true” development are the West Shore Club trustees, the representatives of the 360 property owners of the West Shore Allotment, who hold joint ownership of the site. Only last week, Trustee Secretary David Alston urged council to see that the club continue as a recreation area for the city. He is glad to see somebody else follow through on the trustees’ action for a community center.
COMMENTING on the donors’ action Alston said, “My feelings are that it fits the bill exactly as I described it to council. This community needs a place for civic groups to hold meetings and for our youth to meet and have some activities. It fits the bill and I’m happy.”
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Today the former West Shore Club property is home to the Joyce E. Hanks Sheffield Lake Community Center.
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