Beaver's Den – October 1971

Beaver House 

The Beaver Park area west of Lorain has been a favorite topic on this blog over the years. 

In its unique, historic setting where Beaver Creek empties into Lake Erie, Beaver Park is one of the few places in Lorain dedicated to nautical pursuits that is not burdened with industrial or civic interests (unlike the mouth of the Black River). It makes Lorain seem like part of Vacationland.

Various blog posts about Beaver Park include: the Beaver Park Boat Club building (1954); the court battle over Beaver Creek (1953); the Beaver Creek Marina (1968); Dr. Roy E. Shaeffer, the man who owned and developed Beaver Park (1969); a Then and Now treatment of a 1907 postcard showing the bridge over Beaver Creek; a 1962 article about Beaver Creek that mentions Hole-in-the-Wall beach; the Beaver Shore Motel; a vintage postcard with an aerial view of Beaver Park; and the Grand Opening of the Driftwood Bar at Beaver House (1957); and the Beaver Park “Killer Crossing.” 

Many of us remember going to Surf Side 6 in the 1970s and early 80s and enjoying its lakefront ambience. 

But before it was Surf Side 6, it was the Beaver House. And that’s the subject of the article below, which appeared in the Journal on October 3, 1971. The Beaver House had just added a new feature: Beaver’s Den, designed to draw customers during the winter months when the bar was normally shuttered.

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Beaver’s Den: New Tavern Has Unusual Decor

By BOB COTLEUR, Staff Writer

A BIG PILLOW before the fireplace gives Mel Shullick and his wife Pam
a chance to show the relaxed atmosphere at the Beaver’s Den.
(Journal Photo by Bob Cutler)

THE BEAVER'S DEN, which opened a few days ago in a section of the seasonally closed Beaver House on Lorain’s west side, offers something new in design - decor.

Operated by Mel Shullick, 35, the Beaver’s Den was completed in 18 days from the time he ripped weathered boards from a 135-year-old barn in Columbia Station. Two boar’s heads mounted over a log-burning fireplace were shot by Shullick, a one-time Lorain policeman, and one of his friends.

Next to the fireplace is a huge pillow, five feet by six, meant for a couple to sit on.

Tables and chairs in deep red motif are staggered on a red - yellow shag rug which covers the floor except at the bar and on the dance floor. The table locations overlook a long window-wall offering an expansive view of Lake Erie.

“We’ve mounted colored lights on top of the building aimed toward the beach and the water’s edge,” Shullick said, “and I think that when the snow and ice blows in this winter we’ll have a fairyland of color there.”

SHULLICK SAID he is considering an ice skating rink in the same area and may construct a snowmobile ramp for customers who come down river in winter.

Beaver’s Den, limited to adults 21 and over, is open Wednesday through Saturday, beginning at 8:30 p.m.  For now, the menu is limited to a home-made roast beef sandwich.

Entertainment currently featured is the “Sight and Sound,” two gals and a guy who’ve just completed a successful engagement at the Brown Derby in Akron. They offer a variety of dance music, from slow and dreamy to contemporary and occasional rock and roll.

Shullick has operated the Beaver House for the past five years. His wife, Pam, designed and decorated the unusual colored-brick planter with its slim vines climbing the barn panels.

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Beaver House became Surf Side 6 around 1977. But by April 1984, the bar was reverting to its former name. That was the subject of an article (below) in the Chronicle-Telegram on April 28, 1984.

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Jazzy reopening set at Beaver House 

By JULIE THORNTON C-T Staff Writer

LORAIN –  Come next Friday, jazz rolls in with the tide at the Beaver House in Beaver Park. The business at 6000 Erie Ave. re-opens after more than a five month closing and remodeling period. It opens with a new name "The Original Beaver House" and with decor reflecting the '40s and '50s music era. A popular spot for boaters in the area since its opening in 1947, its co-managers have redesigned its interior and offer to bring back some of the alumni and "people who grew up here.” 

Until its closing in December, it was "Surf Side 6," a rock-n-roll club for the "younger" crowd, according to co-owner and manager Ora Mae Gibson. Ms. Mae Gibson is part of the family, the Schaffers, who own the land and businesses in the Beaver Park area.

BUT NOW tables have been covered with white table clothes and maroon placemats and the walls have been decorated with old movie posters and pictures. Area jazz entertainers such as the Ray Stone Orchestra, Hank Geer, Tony Carmen and the Oberlin Conservatory are just a few of the performers to be brought in this season, Ms. Mae Gibson said.

The nightspot will offer dinners, specializing in chicken, steak and fish entrees and featuring cheesecakes and fresh rolls, co-manager Jo Rhodes said. A boat salad bar is in the planning stages, Mrs. Rhodes said, which would be a similar but smaller version of the business' boat bar. During boating season in June, the business will open for breakfast and lunch.

Mae Gibson said "The Original Beaver House" will be open year-round, except in October and has available a meeting room for wedding receptions, graduation parties and other gatherings.