A Busy Day on the Vermilion Lagoons [circa 1938]
UNVEILED July 9, 2020
SPONSORS Peter & Dana Corogin
SITE 5463 Liberty Avenue, The Norton Building
ARTIST Mike Sekletar & Brian Goodwin
In the early 20th century, the low-lying area between Linwood Park and the Vermilion River, known as the Vermilion Lagoons, was transformed from a swamp into a residential community with houses, waterways, a fine beach with a beach pavilion, and a yacht club with docks for boat owners. The land, owned by the Linwood Park Association and Mr. Patrick Smith, was sold to Mr. Lou Wells, the owner of the LA Wells Construction Company in 1928. After considerable planning the dredging began and before 1929 had passed, the beach pavilion was built, and the bulkhead around the end of Anchor Way constructed
With three houses built on the land, Mr. WeIls felt ready to promote the sale of the lots and the unique lifestyle offered by the Vermilion Lagoons:
From the real estate sales book, “A Summer Home in the Harbor of Happiness” (The Wells Realty Company, Cleveland, OH 1931) comes this description of the development:
“Here is a summer colony with a bathing beach of 120,000 square feet on the shore of Lake Erie with a beautiful park and recreation building offering special features for children…. A summer home with a snug harbor in the Vermilion Lagoons brings to your family the opportunity for outdoor life, boating, swimming, fishing, tennis, and golf at nearby clubs.”
Today the Vermilion Lagoons boasts 160 charming Cape Cod style houses, each with its own boat dock. It is also home to the Vermilion Yacht Club founded in 1933. Those who would like to view the Vermilion Lagoons via boat can ride the Mystic Belle, which provides tours during the summer months.
LEARN MORE
Public Art Vermilion's Postcard Project
History of the Vermilion Lagoons
History of Vermilion Lagoons and Vermilion Yacht Club
Mystic Belle [Unfortunately, during COVID-19 the Mystic Belle is not running in 2020)