MEDIA CONTACTS:
BOB ROTATORI - 216-635-3263, rrr@clevelandmetroparks.com -or-
MARJORIE THOMAS - 216-635-3204, met@clevelandmetroparks.com
The brainchild of the Cleveland Natural Science Club, Look About Lodge in Cleveland Metroparks South Chagrin Reservation was one of the first nature education facilities in the country.
In 1936, the club, which was made up of teachers who loved nature and wanted to share it with the public, presented plans for a large log clubhouse (inspired by Old Faithful Lodge in Yellowstone National Park) to the Cleveland Metropolitan Park Board and obtained permission to use property on Miles Road between SOM Center and Chagrin River roads. The Board applied to the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and received labor assistance to build the structure. By June 1938, the building was complete at a final cost of $26,000.
Look About Lodge is made of materials with rich history behind them, such as the chestnut wood that the WPA harvested from Loudonville, Ohio during the era's chestnut blight. In addition, Cleveland Natural Science Club members collected rocks from around the world and fitted them into the upstairs fireplace masonry. Each rock is labeled, and there is an identification key about each one. The building also features immense stairs that are actually halved chestnut logs, a beautiful maple floor, and delicate sconce lights made of copper and iron.
In January 1993, the club turned over responsibility of Look About Lodge to Cleveland Metroparks, although it still holds its monthly meetings at the building. The Park District Outdoor Education division operates the building and uses it for a variety of activities, including teacher workshops, concerts, nature hikes, all-day nature workshops, a speaker series, and school programs.
Visitors are invited to join in Look About Lodge's 75th anniversary at the following programs in April and May:
Look About Lodge: Look, Taste and Hear History
Sunday, April 28 � noon - 4 p.m.
Look About Lodge � South Chagrin Reservation
Celebrate 75 years of Look About Lodge! Drop in when Look About Lodge between noon an 4 p.m. and sample some history. There will be tastes of foods that came on the scene in the 1930s, sounds of old radio shows and a scavenger hunt in search of spring.
Come for Dinner 1930s Style
Sunday, April 28 � 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Look About Lodge � South Chagrin Reservation
Celebrate the 75th anniversary of Look About Lodge with a dinner party. Come for a full meal savoring popular foods of the 1930s. Whether you experienced the 1930s first-hand or want to visit the decade for the first time, adults are invited on this delectable journey. Registration and a $15 fee are required by April 24. Register at clevelandmetroparks.com.
The Big Year: Birds and Wildflowers
Saturday, May 11 � 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Jackson Field parking lot � South Chagrin Reservation
When Look About Lodge opened in 1938, a popular activity was keeping lists of what was seen when hiking. Join in creating a nature list for the 75th anniversary of the lodge during this year-long series. This month highlights the birds and wildflowers of South Chagrin Reservation. Jackson Field is located off Jackson Road in South Chagrin Reservation, north of Miles Road in Moreland Hills.
Games on the Lawn: Croquet
Sunday, May 12 � 1 - 3 p.m.
Look About Lodge � South Chagrin Reservation
Stop by Look About Lodge and be challenged to a game of croquet, a popular game in 1938. Beginners and experts welcome.
Look About Lodge is located at 37374 Miles Road in South Chagrin Reservation, between SOM Center Road/Route 91 and Chagrin River Road in Bentleyville.
For more information, call 440-247-7075.
Discover local history and celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Look About Lodge in Cleveland Metroparks - part of your life, naturally.
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