Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Lewis House in Avon

The Lewis House circa 1936

The Lorain Journal often featured old houses in its pages back in the 1940s and 50s, providing the history of a landmark that its readers might find interesting.

The Lewis House in Avon was one of those landmarks. As noted in the article below that ran in the paper back on June 14, 1940, "On a knoll shadowed by huge pines stands the "Lewis House," one-story stone building which in 1941 will celebrate its one hundredth birthday.

"From all the old and interesting buildings in Avon this one was chosen by the National Advisory committee of the historic buildings survey as "possessing exceptional historic and architectural interest worthy of most careful preservation for the benefit of future generations."

"Now reposing in the Library of Congress in Washington, D. C., is a record of its present appearance and condition. 

"Howard and George Lewis, brothers and sole inhabitants of the old homestead, are proud of its reputation and cherish a certificate from the department of the interior signed by Harold Ickes marking their home as one of great historic value."

The house was built around 1843 with sandstone from the Amherst quarries. It was originally located on Center Road. 
In the summer of 2002, it was moved to a new location in the Olde Avon Village shopping district by the shopping center's owner, Ron Larson. He explained his philosophy in an article written by Chrissy Kadleck for Cleveland Magazine in April 2004. ""We create a sanctuary here for old buildings," says Larson, who lives in Avon Lake with his family. "It's my project and I'm totally absorbed in it. I'm married to it."
Since its relocation to Olde Avon Village, the Lewis House has been the home of Details, an upscale gift shop.

3 comments:

  1. Although previously living in Avon for over 35 years, I wasn’t familiar with much of the history and stories of its landmarks. I enjoyed this post and that of Avon Isle. I’m also appreciative of Ron Larson’s preservations, especially since some of the other old century homes on Detroit Road have recently disappeared. Avon was a charming little burg when we lived there as newlyweds. It’s hard to believe there were only 2 traffic lights on my daily trip into Lorain for work. Acres of wild wisteria - and a rhubarb stand, where Avon Commons now stands. Oh - and the corner gas station where I’d say, “fill ‘er up please.”

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  2. Thank you for posting this article and highlighting this important structure. Old house features are a great interest of mine. Sadly it isn’t on its original location, but at least it’s preserved…

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