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 June:
Look About Lodge 75th Anniversary
Sunday, June 2 � noon - 4 p.m.
Look About Lodge � South Chagrin Reservation
Celebrate 75 years of nature appreciation at Look about Lodge. Throughout the day visitors will enjoy music, food samples, games and more. Learn the history of this beautiful log cabin and how the Lodge is still a place of discovery today. Bring a light-colored t-shirt for silk screening with our 75th Anniversary logo.
Living History: John Muir
Saturday, June 15 � 7:30 p.m.
Look About Lodge � South Chagrin Reservation
Travel back in time to meet the famous Naturalist John Muir as he recalls some of his more memorable hands-on experiences with nature. This will be a most enjoyable presentation by John Kolar, Naturalist from West Woods Nature Center.
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 - Discover, Enjoy, Protect!
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