It's probably getting harder to find area residents who remember this iconic Lorain restaurant (although the building is still there today and host to Papasitos and Beer Mexican Grill). But those lucky enough to eat at the Castle in its heyday no doubt have happy memories of special occasions celebrated with a fine dinner in a unique, medieval environment.
And part of that setting was the decor. An article and accompanying photo from the June 12, 1962 Journal (below) explains how one local artist, Wilhelm O. Kuhn of Avon Lake, provided most of the paintings for its walls.
As noted n the article, "Walter P. Blondyn, owner of Castle-on-the-Lake, 2532 W. Erie Ave., pleasantly surprised Kuhn by purchasing more than 25 oil paintings, virtually the entire collection Kuhn had been featuring in his one-man show, which ended Monday night at the Castle.
""This has never happened to me," said Kuhn shortly after Blondyn presented him with a check. "It's something artists only dream about."
"Blondyn, who purchased the castle in November, 1960, said he became so fascinated with the art by Kuhn that he made a decision Monday afternoon to purchase all of [the] paintings which large crowds had been admiring.
"I plan to hang most of the paintings in the Castle," said Blondyn."
It was a pretty nice gesture by Blondyn. I wonder where those paintings are today?
Here's a sample of Kuhn's work, found online.
Elsewhere on that same Journal page: a look at the S.S. Aquarama, scheduled to take some Lorainites on a scenic cruise of Lake Erie; a courageous rescue of a drowning victim by a Lorain man; an listing of the July draft call totals for Lorain, Erie and Huron counties; announcement of the upcoming Lorain High School commencement exercises; and some great advice in the "...By George!" column.
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The Castle has been the subject of many posts, including this post that features its Grand Opening in 1941.
I remember my mother went to The Castle one time and Dr. Sam Sheppard was there.You know the infamous neurosurgeon from Bay Village who was charged with the murder of his wife and then later released.I don't know if it was a publicity tour or if he was there as a patron but my mother had him autograph a copy of his autobiography that he wrote after he was released from prison.I still have it now.
ReplyDeleteA cool book to own!
ReplyDeleteI find the listing of the bands at Cedar Point (left-most column about halfway down) interesting. Many swing orchestras: Woody Herman, Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Les Brown (I wonder if it was his "Malted Milk Band" or his "Band of Renown").
What fun that would've been!
The proposed weed ordinance would have a slightly different meaning today.
ReplyDeleteLaughing.
ReplyDeleteRight now, you are the funniest person on the Internet!
Thanks for the great comments, everyone. I burst out laughing at the 'weed' comment. And thanks for sharing the Dr. Sam Sheppard story; that whole saga is something that Northeast Ohio will never forget.
ReplyDeleteI did a post on him (and his house on Lake Road in Bay Village) here:
https://danielebrady.blogspot.com/search/label/Dr.%20Sam%20Sheppard
Today is flag day everybody.
ReplyDelete